A BA (Hons) Costume student from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has designed the official court dress for Helena Conibear, DL, newly appointed High Sheriff of Dorset for 2026–27.
Emma Jones, who's in her final year on the course, says, "It was an honour to make the new High Sheriff’s official court dress. Growing up locally it was fascinating to find out more about what the position means for Dorset, and it feels like I’ve been a small part of making history.
“The court dress is based on a traditional morning jacket with elements taking inspiration from the Tudor period as well as being adapted to fit a modern environment. The jacket, made using cotton velvet, is mostly hand sewn with finishing touches including hand-cut steel buttons.
Helena was officially declared High Sheriff in a ceremony held at Coastland College in Weymouth on Friday 20 March, taking on a historic, 1,300-year-old role with a modern mission: championing youth opportunity and tackling the scourge of county lines drug exploitation.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity, and amazing to be part of this ceremony today and see my creation in action,” says Emma.
In addition to her duties, the High Sheriff is expected to play an active role in supporting and promoting the voluntary sector, particularly those involved with crime reduction and social cohesion.
The Talk About Trust Drug Education charity’s theme for the year is youth opportunity, and Helena will focus on the charities and organisations that provide the education, life skills, resilience opportunity and hope that young people need to thrive.
As a personal mission during her year of office, Helena will be walking the County Line of Dorset to raise awareness of drug dealing over county lines.
“The greatest horror of the drugs trade is the exploitation and grooming of children, what we’ve come to name county lines," she explains. "In this county, we have victims as young as eight who are lured with gifts or friendship often by peers, who are victims themselves, before being trapped into delivering or dealing drugs.
“To raise awareness of county lines, I will be walking the 200-mile county line of Dorset over my year in office. I hope to raise £10,000 for the Dorset Shrieval Charity, which gives small grants to small grassroots charities across the county.”
Helena is asking for support in whatever way people can, “walk with me, offer me accommodation, host a reception while I’m in your area, I would love to see some friendly faces along the way!”
