It has been relinquished following the recent retirement of Bill Crawford.

However, as a mark of recognition to the position and those who fulfilled the role, the Sheriff of NSW Chris Allen has handed over a cap and rank insignia from the Sheriff of NSW to the Bathurst Historical Society.

The presentation was made yesterday by the Officer in Charge of the Bathurst Sheriff’s office Darren Woods.

He said the role of deputy Sheriff in Bathurst can be traced back as far as 1935 with CV Suttor serving until 1959.

Subsequent deputy Sheriffs included AK Gardiner (1959-1979), AG Bedwell (1979-1994) and Bill Crawford (1994-2008).

“This role was an important one as it was a voluntary position and a community service to the people of Bathurst which they should all be proud,” Mr Woods said.

“Mr Crawford’s service to the judiciary was to greet the judge and make him feel welcome and act as an advisor in local knowledge.”

Mr Woods said the Bathurst Court House was opened in 1880, but there are no records of the deputy Sheriff’s early role.

“However, I would imagine that it would have been much the same as Bill’s, although maybe on horseback.”

Curator of the Bathurst Historical Society’s collection Christopher Morgan said the mementos would perpetuate the memory of the role of deputy Sheriff in the city.

“The gifts are another worthy addition to our collection and a reminder of the civic and judicial history of Bathurst,” he said.