In a message dated 08/05/2004 17:11:38 GMT Daylight Time, Stanmapstone@aol.com writes: A Sherriff is the principal officer of the Crown in a county. A Mayor is simply the chairman or chairwoman of their council, and are expected to devote much time to ornamental and ceremonial functions. Regards Stan Mapstone . I agree, and would add that in times past - though I'm not sure about today - the Sheriff of Newcastle was usually regarded as a sort of "Mayor in waiting" in that a man who was elected Sheriff one year might normally expect to be made Mayor the next. The name is, of course, derived from "Shire-reeve", which says it all. . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.