Bedfordshire’s new High Sheriff, Ismail Anilmis, says he wants to use his year in office to encourage kindness, recognise volunteers and support young people across the county.
Ismail, a well-known Bedfordshire businessman and charity supporter, said he felt “very honoured” to be asked to take on the historic role.
“I was very surprised to be asked, because I didn’t think I deserved it,” he told the Bedford Independent.
“I’m not the only one who works with charity or volunteers. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Bedfordshire doing very similar things.”
Young people
Although the office of High Sheriff is more than 1,000 years old, Ismail is clear that his focus will be firmly on modern Bedfordshire.
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He said one of his priorities will be supporting organisations that help young people stay on the right path.
“If I can shine a light on work happening across Bedfordshire and support initiatives that make a real difference to young people, I will consider that a success,” he said.
“The priorities I have are supporting those who work tirelessly to keep communities safe, especially by giving young people the opportunities and guidance they need to stay on the right path.”
Ismail said early intervention is vital, particularly for young people who may feel they have limited choices.
“Some of them, unfortunately, feel they have no choice but to go down the wrong path,” he said. “If I can help get those back to the right path, that’s what I want to do.”
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Crimebeat
During his year as High Sheriff, Anilmis will also support Crimebeat, a charity closely linked to High Sheriffs that funds youth-led projects and initiatives to prevent crime and support young people.
He said the charity is focused on “early intervention”, encouraging young people to come forward with projects that can make a positive difference.
“We support the projects for young people,” he said. “We help raise awareness and money to enable them to do what they want to do.”
He added that other charities and community groups with suitable projects are also welcome to get in touch.
“If there are any projects, some of those charities might have a project for young people; we can help them with funding,” he said.
Bedfordshire life
Ismail, who is originally from Turkey, first came to the UK after studying in France and deciding he wanted to learn English.
He said the British consulate in Paris suggested a college in Luton, where he arrived for what was meant to be a short stay.
Within days of arriving, he met the woman who would become his wife.
“I moved in September, on a Tuesday,” he said. “On the Friday, I went out to a nightclub and that’s when I met my wife.”
After time in Turkey, the couple returned to the UK and settled in Bedfordshire.
“She was born and bred in Sandy,” he said. “Ever since then, Bedfordshire is the place we’ve always been.”
Quiet service
For Ismail, the High Sheriff role is an opportunity not to be celebrated himself, but to recognise others.
He said one of the privileges of the office is being able to thank those who quietly serve their communities, often without seeking attention.
“There are so many people out there doing things,” he said. “They’re not shouting, ‘look what I’m doing’. This is the privilege for me, to be able to say thank you to those people.”
He said that the message applies not only to charities but also to schools, volunteers, emergency services, community groups, and local businesses that give time, expertise, or support.
“It’s not always about money,” he said. “It’s also time, giving time as well.”
Historic role
The High Sheriff is an unpaid, voluntary role, appointed annually, with responsibilities today focused largely on supporting the judiciary, emergency services, and the voluntary sector.
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Ismail said the role has changed dramatically from its origins, when sheriffs held powers around tax collection, law and order and even executions.
“These days, we just go around and say thank you to people who do nice things in the county,” he said.
He will also attend events connected to the courts, emergency services and community organisations, as well as supporting royal visits when required.
But his central message for the year is simple.
“As High Sheriff, I really would like a call for community involvement and encouragement for young people, and recognising our volunteers out there,” he said, “That’s the message I want to give.”
