Installation of New High Sheriff of Dyfed

At the Installation Ceremony held on 24 March, Professor Medwin Hughes, DL was confirmed as the new High Sheriff of Dyfed.  The Ceremony, held at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Carmarthen Campus, was presided by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Right Honourable The Lord Thomas of Cwmgïedd.

Professor Hughes, who will take over the role of High Sheriff from Mr James W P Lewis, was appointed to the role by Her Majesty the Queen in March during an historic ceremony at a meeting of the Privy Council held at Buckingham Palace.

The office of High Sheriff is made under a Royal Warrant and is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown itself.

During the Ceremony, attended also by the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Ms Sara Edwards, The Bishop of St David’s The Right Revd Wyn Evans, civic dignitaries and representatives of the judiciary, Mr Richard John Morris and Mr Roland Anthony James Lewis were appointed as the Under-Sheriffs of Dyfed.  The Reverend Dr Ainsley Griffiths, was appointed to the role of the High Sheriff’s Chaplain.

During the Installation Ceremony, the Lord Chief Justice congratulated Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, on his appointment.  In his address, Lord Thomas noted the changing role of the High Sheriff since its inception in Wales in 1284 and outlined the dual aspects justice, comparing the relationship between the system of justice as opposed to law making and its relevance to today’s devolved Wales.  He stated that the office of High Sheriff is important to Wales’s future and the future of its constitution and, although the role has evolved, it plays an important role in the quality of society.

In his declaration Professor Medwin Hughes paid tribute to the Lord Chief Justice for his contribution to Welsh law and in particular his key role in ensuring that justice could be served through the medium of Welsh.  Professor Hughes said “I am honoured to be installed as the High Sheriff of Dyfed and look forward to serving the Shrievalty of Dyfed in a region where the medieval laws of Wales were first brought together by Hywel Dda.

I would like to congratulate the former High Sheriff, Mr James W P Lewis on his tenure of office and look forward to continuing his excellent work and that of my predecessors. In addition, to my formal duties associated with the post, I am keen to support the law enforcement agencies, the emergency services and to encourage more volunteering within the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion”.

Professor Medwin Hughes, has played a significant role over the last 25 years within the county as one of our senior civic leaders.  He is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David which has campuses around the region. Under his leadership the town of Carmarthen and the County achieved university status and the national and international profile of the region has been enhanced greatly.  He has played a significant role in promoting a wide range of community and cultural developments and has been responsible for establishing a number of national initiatives relating to the arts, Welsh language and education.  He has been invited to serve on several national and international commissions.

Note to Editor

http://www.highsheriffs.com/History.htm

Further Information

Further information:  Professor Medwin Hughes, via Eleri Beynon 01267 676790