CHESHIRE'S future High Sheriff missed a glittering, high profile ceremony in London in order to attend the funeral of his friend Naomi de Ferranti.
In March John of Gawsworth Court will become the next High Sheriff of one of the country's most prosperous counties.
The nominations took place last week at the Royal Courts of Justice in London where other Sheriffs - such as Penelope Keith for Surrey - attended the smart function.
But the writer and carriage driving champ put his friends first and went to the funeral rather than the swanky London "do".
"It's regrettable that I was unable to be there but sadly I was attending the funeral of Naomi de Ferranti," said John.
"Naturally I explained the situation to the relevant people and they agreed that I must go to the funeral.
"Of course it is a great honour to be nominated for a role that dates back to Saxon times, especially as it is the oldest secular post in the land.
"It was a shame but it was unavoidable because the two events were on the same day."
Naomi de Ferranti died recently after a long battle against cancer.
She was the wife of engineering tycoon Sebastian de Ferranti of Henbury Hall.
The Richards and the de Ferrantis met regularly with other members of Cheshire's aristocracy to compete in carriage driving events - a sport that is very popular amongst county jet setters.
Some of the Royals such as Prince Charles and Prince Philip visit their stately homes to take part in carriage driving races.
John will be officially sworn in as High Sheriff of Cheshire in March 2002.
