Declarations in Powys and Worcestershire: 12th April 2019

On 12^th April, I attended two declarations, in Llanfair Caereinion for David Peate and in Worcester for Edward Holloway. There were interesting variations between the two events, although the end results were identical.

In Powys, we assembled in St Mary’s Church, where the declaration was presided over by the Revd Yaqoob Khushi, the new High Sheriff’s chaplain, and the Rt Hon Lord Lloyd Jones, a Justice of the Supreme Court. It was a well-attended service, with David Peate’s daughter playing the harp beautifully before and during the service, when she accompanied the tenor Edryd Williams. I tried to follow the Welsh version of a hymn to the tune of Cwm Rhondda, but I had to rely on volume rather than accuracy as far as joining in was concerned.

In Worcester, the declaration was held in Court No 1 in the Shirehall. Lucy & I were seated, along with other current or former High Sheriffs, in the dock, a unique experience, I hope. Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, and the Revd Anne Potter, Chaplain to the new High Sheriff, Edward Holloway, presided and led the prayers respectively. Again, the event was well attended by civic dignitaries, the Police and other emergency services as well as several former High Sheriffs willing and able to offer helpful advice and the Lord Lieutenant. Edward Holloway and I hope to make some joint visits together in our year as there is some overlap between our two counties.

James Hervey-Bathurst