A DEDICATED fundraiser has been appointed to an historic role for North East Wales dating back Saxon times.
Stephanie Catherall has taken over the independent, non-political Royal role of High Sheriff of Clwyd and pledged to be an ambassador for good causes during a ceremony at St Deiniol’s Church in Hawarden.
The office of High Sheriff has been in existence for more than 1,000 years, where 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.
Mrs Catherall, who lives in Nercwys in Flintshire, said: “In my year of office, I will look forward to meeting and supporting the many people who make such important contributions to our county.
“Above all I would like to be an ambassador for all that is good in the county of Clwyd.”
Mrs Catherall said she would be paying particular attention to certain causes which were close to her heart. These will include Parkinson’s UK which supports those dealing with the progressive neurological condition which Mrs Catherall’s husband David, managing director of TDC Services in Ewloe and Deputy Lieutenant of Clwyd, was diagnosed with 10 years ago.
In her role as High Sheriff, Mrs Catherall will sit on both the Crimebeat and North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) committees and she also pledged to be a champion for the North East Wales Carers Information Service, known as NEWCIS, which Mrs Catherall first became aware of while caring for her late mother.
Additional duties include attending royal visits in the county and support for Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when on Circuit. Supporting the Crown and the judiciary remains a central element of the role and holders of the title are encouraged to give active support and encouragement to the police and the emergency services.
The event was attended by a host of local dignitaries including Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd, Henry Fetherstonhaugh, Lord Barry Jones and his wife Lady Janet, North Wales Police Chief Constable Carl Foulkes, Judge Rhys Rowland, the Bishop of St Asaph, Right Reverend Gregory Cameron and the outgoing High Sheriff of Clwyd, Lady Elizabeth Hanmer.
To contact Mrs Catherall in her role as High Sheriff, email highsheriffclwyd1920@gmail.com.
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