News

The Queen has just appointed Company member Dame Janet Trotter as the next Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. She will take up her duties at the end of October, upon the retirement of Sir Henry Elwes. Sir Henry has held the title for the last 18 years and hands over on the day he turns 75 – as is the custom.

Prior to her retirement in 2006, Dame Janet was Director of the county’s higher education college, becoming Vice-Chancellor and Principal when university status was awarded in 2001. Her duties will include planning and conducting all Royal visits, as well as representing the county at scores of events each year.

Dame Janet, who lives in Cheltenham, has chaired Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since January 2002. Last month it was announced she would step down early, ahead of major changes set for the NHS. She was recently made president of Age UK Gloucestershire and is chair of the Foundation for Church Leadership and the Cheltenham child bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish.