A LOW-KEY and socially distanced ceremony to swear in the new High Sheriff of Powys took place recently.

Peter R James, of Llanwrtyd Wells, has taken up the role and was sworn into office by undersheriff Philip Evans, Justice of the Peace for Breconshire Ingrid Gallagher and the outgoing High Sheriff Rhian Duggan at a ceremony on the balcony of the Drovers Rest.

The declaration should have been held at Christ College Brecon but it had to be cancelled because of the current pandemic guidelines.

Mr James said: “This was disappointing for all concerned particularly for Christ College who had given their time and effort in planning what should have been a celebratory event for all concerned.”

The role of the High Sheriff dates back over a thousand years and has changed over time.

Today the role includes acting as a returning officer for elections, supporting the Crown and Judiciary and working with the emergency services as well asthe voluntary sector.

Mr James said: “I have lived in Llanwrtyd Wells for over fifty years and have worked within the community in many ways supporting and working with many local charities such as the Rotary in Builth Wells and as judge to the young chef of the year awards.

“I have worked within the community as a retained firefighter, as a town councillor, six years of which was in the capacity of mayor, and local organisations and committees.

“I am a local businessman and have run The Drovers Rest Restaurant for thirty-one years and have worked in hospitality for forty-nine years being a spokesperson for tourism and business in the area.

“I was awarded the MBE in 2006 for services to the catering industry and to the Community of Powys.

“I was awarded the silver Kite award of merit by Powys County Council in 2017 also for services to the Community.”

He added: “In my new role, throughout the year, I will be supporting four charities which are close to my heart.

“These are Credu Carers in Powys, the DPJ foundation which supports metal health issues in rural communities, especially males in agriculture, the Dolwen Field project which is being developed for recreation and relaxation for all abilities and ages within Llanwrtyd and its outlying communities and finally the LGBT Community in rural mid Wales.

“It gives me great pleasure to be appointed to this esteemed position and I look forward to travelling the length and breadth of Powys, when Covid rules allow, to meet, face to face, those who, I know, have given, during this past year, and continue to give so much to their communities.”