THE custodian of an historic estate in Chirk has been named the new High Sheriff of Clwyd.

Kate Hill-Trevor, keeper of the Brynkinalt Estate, which straddles the North Wales/Shropshire border in Chirk, took over the role in a formal Declaration of Office on Tuesday, April 4.

She takes over from outgoing High Sheriff, Ms Zoe Henderson from Ruthin.

The role of High Sheriff is to lend active support to the principal pillars of the constitution within the county – the Royal Family, the judiciary, the police and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and church and faith groups.

In addition, Mrs Hill-Trevor pledged to support and highlight the vital work of the county’s voluntary sector.

She said: “As the role of High Sheriff has evolved and adapted to keep its relevance in today’s society, supporting, promoting and encouraging the voluntary sector has become a large part of the position, particularly those charities involved with crime reduction and social cohesion.

“I want to start my shrieval year by talking to and understanding the work of the four county voluntary councils.

“These umbrella organisations provide advice and information to the county’s dynamic voluntary sector, and I hope to visit as many local charities as possible to meet the wonderful people giving their time to make a difference to the lives of those they are helping.”

OTHER NEWS:

Mrs Hill-Trevor continued: “With the majority of Clwyd’s population living in towns and cities, the urban/rural divide becomes ever greater.

“As a dairy and beef farmer myself, I am only too aware of the issues facing farmers and rural communities, and I look forward to helping their voices be heard in an increasingly urban world.

“I also hope to learn more about rural projects across the county providing mental health support and tackling poverty and isolation – it promises to be a busy, challenging and exciting year.”

The new High Sheriffs are the first to be appointed by the new King.

The legal ceremony was conducted by Mrs Sarah Noton of Swayne Johnson Solicitors in St Asaph, and in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant, Henry Fetherstonhaugh OBE FRAgS, the Chief Constable of North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman, Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, His Honour Judge Rhys Rowlands and Bench Chair North Central Wales Bench, David Gaffney JP. Mrs Noton was also sworn in as Under Sheriff for the next 12 months.

In keeping with tradition, two young Voluntary Police Cadets from the Wrexham Unit, 15 year-old Brooke Blake-Haines and Steffan Lea were appointed as High Sheriff Cadets and took an Oath of Service as VCPs to assist Mrs Hill-Trevor in her Shrieval year.

Want to stay up to date with all the latest stories from Oswestry and the surrounding area? Click here to sign up for our morning and daily email newsletters and click on the + for the ‘Morning Briefing’ and the 'Daily Catch-Up'.

The proceedings, steeped in the language and tradition of the ancient office of High Sheriff, included Mrs Hill-Trevor’s solemn Declaration of Office to faithfully serve the Crown, support the judiciary and preserve the King’s rights and all that belongs to the crown in the county.  

To contact Kate Hill-Trevor to request a visit in her capacity as High Sheriff, or to suggest an organisation worthy of support you can do so by emailing: clwyd@highsheriffs.com or by calling the Brynkinalt Estate office on 01691 773425.