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Michaelmas meeting of Chief Pleas 2001

For the first time in Sark's history, a woman has been appointed to the key role of  Connétable (Constable). The appointee is Mrs Jo Birch who has held the post of Vingtenier for the past year. She has taken over from the retiring Constable Peter Cole. Sarkee Simon Adams has been appointed to her former role and unless anything unexpected happens, is likely  to be appointed Constable next Michaelmas in accordance with tradition.

The Senechal's Court has responsibility for electing the historic role of Constable, a position which carries many varied duties. These include not surprisingly enforcing the law and peace of the island.  He/she also has the important role of tax collector.

Each year Chief Pleas at its Michaelmas sitting, sets the rate of tax for the coming year and interestingly the tax on property and capital  is still based on the equivalent of a quarter of wheat. This year's rate is £2 per quarter.

A Michaelmas to Michaelmas year was an old but very important English agricultural tradition as this was traditionally the time when farmer had the money to pay annual rents.  This has mostly been preserved in Sark to this day.

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