Mr Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex
Patron-in-Chief
Mr Blackman became Patron-in-Chief of Raystede in 2023. He first visited Raystede in May 2022 to celebrate Her late Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and our own 70th
anniversary. During his visit, he met staff and volunteers and planted an English Oak tree as part of the celebrations and of the Queen’s Green Canopy – a scheme to plant a million trees in a living and lasting legacy to Her Majesty.
The Lord-Lieutenant says, “I am delighted to join Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare as its Patron-in-Chief, and to support their efforts to alleviate animal cruelty and provide sanctuary to, or rehome a wide range of animals in need. The staff and volunteers have provided a lifeline to vulnerable animals for over 70 years, and I look forward to championing their continued success as Patron-in-Chief.”
Andrew Blackman was appointed Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for East Sussex on 18 August 2021. Andrew Blackman is a former art dealer who has previously served as High Sheriff. He was an Ambassador for the Sussex Community Foundation; a committee member of the Order of St Richard, which recognises the contribution of lay people in the service of the church; a former Chair of the Friends of Hastings Country Park; and a former trustee of the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival. He has also sat on the Board of Appeals for St Michael’s Hospice and the Conquest Hospital. Mr Blackman lives in Fairlight, near Hastings, with his husband Richard Smith.