Achi news desk-
Harry Macklyn Swan, owner and CEO of family business, chemical company Thomas Swan and Co in Consett, is following in the footsteps of his late father Thomas Macklyn Swan, who served as High Sheriff in 2001/2.
The 48-year-old businessman and chemical pioneer, from Gainford, was sworn into office in the largely ceremonial role at Durham Crown Court on Friday (April 5).
Mr Swan takes over from predecessor and former Deputy Sheriff Anne Elliott, who was present at the installation after completing her year in office.
In a ceremony presided over by Judge Christopher Prince, the court’s resident judge for ten years until 2019, the new High Sheriff appointed the Reverend Antony Philip Kirby, of Holmedale Living, as his chaplain, while Helen Dexter, of Barnard Castle law firm Bydd Tilly Bailey and Irvine, continue in the role of Deputy Sheriff.
Judge Prince said his appointment maintains tradition and continuity, as seen in the previous generations of High Sheriffs, a position which has its roots in the Middle Ages.
Looking across the front bench of the court at Mr Swan’s four sons and two step-sons, he said it was a tradition that could continue in the coming decades, in terms of business and leadership, with another member of the Swan family possibly serving, “this greatest county”.
Judge Prince also spoke of the large number expected to be provided by the High Sheriffs for visiting judges to the county in previous centuries, a tradition that no longer needs to be maintained to such a great level of hospitality in modern times.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Swan said his worthy cause of choice for his year of infamy is the County Durham Foundation, with a particular emphasis on local charities that alleviate food poverty, which he said was “unfortunately” , remains a major problem in the county and the wider region.
After graduating from Durham University with a degree in plant sciences in 1998 Mr Swan held scientific affairs and advisory positions for companies in London before joining the family business in 2002 to launch his new carbon nanomaterials business.
For more County Durham news from The Northern Echo, click here
Solicitor Anne Elliott was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of County Durham
Appointment of farmer Robert Harle as the new High Sheriff of Durham
David Gray to be appointed as the new High Sheriff of County Durham
Get unlimited access and stay connected with local news, by clicking here
As the great-grandson of the founder, “Tommy” Swan, he was the fourth generation of the family to work for the company, becoming managing director in April 2006 and owner and CEO of the business on the death of his father, in 2018.
He holds many other positions on national business and innovation bodies, while also serving as a member of Durham Cathedral’s Investment Committee.
Father to Jonty, Bertie, Theo and Otto, he also has stepsons, Ted and another Bertie, to partner Bex Marley, all of whom were present in court for the installation ceremony.
