The role of High Sheriff of Clwyd has been given to Kate Hill-Trevor, becoming one of 55 in Wales and England to be appointed by the new king.

Kate Hill-Trevor who is the custodian of the historic Brynkinalt Estate, which straddles the North Wales/Shropshire border in Chirk, is the new High Sheriff of Clwyd, taking over from Zoe Henderson from Ruthin. 

Mrs Hill-Trevor becomes one of 55 High Sheriffs in England and Wales appointed by His Majesty King Charles III to represent the Sovereign in matters of law and order in their ceremonial county.

The formal Declaration of Office took place at Brynkinalt on Tuesday, April 4 in a legal ceremony conducted by Sarah Noton of Swayne Johnson Solicitors in St Asaph who was also Sworn in as Under Sheriff for the next 12 months.

It was conducted 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.

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.

Mrs Hill-Trevor’s Shrieval duties will be many and varied. Chiefly, 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.

Kate Hill-Trevor 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.

“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.

“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.”

Mrs Hill-Trevor’s tenure as High Sheriff of Clwyd will last 12 months. The role is a voluntary one. High Sheriff’s receive no remuneration, nor do any expenses fall on the public purse.

The High Sheriffs Association supports the work of youth crime prevention charity National Crimebeat. The National Garden Scheme Open Day events at Brynkinalt on Sunday, June 4 and Thursday, September 14 will raise money for Crimebeat North Wales from the sale of afternoon teas. 

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Mrs Hill-Trevor will continue the work of previous High Sheriffs supporting and promoting Crimebeat and visiting the projects that have received or are applying for grants for projects aimed at cutting crime, supporting victims of crime and improving the lives of communities.

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