New High Sheriff of Powys installed at Llandrindod ceremony

A new High Sheriff of Powys was installed at a ceremony in Llandrindod Wells recently.

Reg Cawthorne succeeded Tom Jones of Dolanog, Welshpool, at a ceremony at The Bracken Trust premises on Cefnllys Lane.

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Today, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year - eight of these are from Wales.

While the duties of the role have evolved over time, supporting the Crown and the judiciary remain central elements of the role today. In addition, High Sheriffs actively lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and to the voluntary sector. High Sheriffs also assist Community Foundations and local charities working with vulnerable and other people both in endorsing and helping to raise the profile of their valuable work. 

High Sheriffs receive no remuneration and no part of the expense of a High Sheriff’s year falls on the public purse.

Mr Cawthorne said: "It is a huge honour, and one I never ever dreamed of being bestowed on me.

"Following Tom will be a great challenge, as he has been proactive over his term of office in supporting a wide range of individuals and organisations throughout the County. On behalf of all of those, I would like to say a huge thank you to Tom, who has achieved much during his year of office.

"I hope to meet with, and provide my support to, a wide range of individuals and organisations delivering voluntary work throughout the County during my term of office."