A dedicated clerk is retiring from a Powys community council after more than 50 years of service.

Gwyneth Davies is standing down after serving as clerk to Erwood Community Council for the past 53 years.

The first meeting Gwyneth attended of Gwenddwr Community Council was on April 4 1970 at Gwenddwr Village School, when her salary for the first year was just £10.

Gwyneth has had many memorable experiences over the years.

In 1981, Gwyneth had the opportunity to attend the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in Builth Wells in the October to represent the council.

In 1985, thanks to the local county councillor John T. H. Davies at that time, Gwyneth and Margaret Evans, who was clerk to Crickadarn Community Council, were nominated to attend the Queen’s garden party with their families at Buckingham Palace.

In 1986, the councillors made a presentation to Gwyneth at the last meeting of Gwenddwr Community Council. This was the year that Gwenddwr Community Council and Crickadarn Community Council amalgamated to become Erwood Community Council.

In 1987, Goronwy, Gwyneth’s husband, joined as community councillor in Erwood. He himself would serve for 30 years.

Several celebrations took place over the years, including the 1977 Queen’s Silver Jubilee, 2000 Millennium, 2002 Queen’s Golden Jubilee, 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and 2023 King Charles III Coronation. At each event, arrangements were made for Erwood Community Council to give commemorative mugs to all children in the area.

Gwyneth has shown incredible commitment throughout her tenure and has attended every meeting over the 50 years, besides on just two occasions. In 1998, Gwyneth broke her leg, but she still made it to the meetings - in a wheelchair!

There have been many changes over the half century, especially with technology, and this has continuously advanced during the years. All letters and minutes were written by hand before the introduction of manual and electric typewriters, which then progressed to computers and laptops.

Gwyneth was given an award by the Society of Local Council Clerks after 48 years and on her 50th year was presented with a framed long service certificate by the president and chairman of the society. Councillors past and present and partners also held a surprise buffet, where Gwyneth was presented with a beautifully inscribed wooden wall clock.

The Covid pandemic brought new challenges, with meetings taking place over Zoom, when her grandchildren kept Gwyneth up to speed with the latest technology.

Gwyneth says she is very grateful for the help given to her by all the councillors over the years - there are too many to name - and to all her family for their support over the years.

Gwyneth said: “I must say I have enjoyed the time I have been clerk very much and will miss it! I am wishing the new clerk all the very best.

“Thank you to everyone for your support over the years.”