'Amazing surprise' to be appointed Staffordshire Lord-Lieutenant
Ms Barnes added it was fitting that her first engagement in the role was with the MOD Stafford, as historically Lord-Lieutenants were appointed by Henry VIII to oversee the armed forces in their counties.Since taking up the position, Ms Barnes has also attended graduation ceremonies at Keele University and the University of Staffordshire, which she felt was also fitting given her previous career.She started out as a PE and Maths teacher at Longton High School and Bilbrook Middle School, before working for universities.Her role was "really important" due to the potential for engaging with the community, she told BBC Radio Stoke.
"The King's very passionate about his awards – particularly for voluntary services, and for businesses, for enterprise," she said."It's keeping the royal family in touch with what's going on across our country," she added.She added she had been supported "hugely" by her predecessor Sir Ian, and had met with other Lord-Lieutenants at Windsor Castle to help her prepare for the role.Although "a little daunted", she said she had been warmly welcomed during her first few engagements."What is great is that we recognise how important our Royal Family are, still, to our communities."Ms Barnes added it was also a "huge honour" being Lord-Lieutenant for the county hosting the National Memorial Arboretum.
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