The outgoing chairman of Powys Council has recalled meeting kings, princes, prime ministers and the Ambassador of Austria during her 18-month tenure.

At the annual council meeting on Thursday, November 26, Cllr Beverley Baynham handed over the chains of office to Cllr Gwynfor Thomas.

And she recalled an eventful 18 months in the hotseat, which began with her civic service at St Andrew's Church in Presteigne in July 2019.

She recalled starting the OVO Women’s Cycling Race in Powys back in June 2019, and presenting the trophy to the winner Lizzy Deignan.

Other notable events that summer included visiting the the Nepalese Embassy to welcome the Prime Minister of Nepal, K.P Sharma Oli.

She also enjoyed a champagne lunch at Prince Charles’ private residence,  Llwynwermod near Llandovery, where the Prince of Wales presented the Prime Cymru Awards.

A couple of days later she met Prince Charles again, this time in Machynlleth.

Then came the visit of the King of the Zulus, King Goodwill, to Brecon to mark 140 years since the battle of Rorke’s Drift.

Cllr Baynham said: “I realise I must stop going on about all the wonderful things and turn my attention to the serious matters that I’ve had to face.

County Times: PCC civic service at Presteign in July 2019, left chief executive DR Caroline Turner, centre, PCC Chairman Cllr Beverley Baynham and, right PCC Leader Cllr Rosemarie HarrisPCC civic service at Presteign in July 2019, left chief executive DR Caroline Turner, centre, PCC Chairman Cllr Beverley Baynham and, right PCC Leader Cllr Rosemarie Harris

“No one could ever of thought that when I was voted in, I’d still be here until today, due to a pandemic.

“To all those that have been unlucky enough to catch the virus I hope you are now recovering. and I send my thoughts to those that have lost a loved one.”

Cllr Baynham added that chairing meeting can be exhausting be it in the chamber or online.

Cllr Baynham said: “I can honestly say I have relished every one, even the budget meeting.

“Casting votes that didn’t actually need to be cast, due to an error in the counting, we’ve had it all.

"I know on occasion we’ve had some difficult moments, but I have always done what I felt was the right thing to do for Powys.”

Cllr Baynham was also the last Chairman of the Radnorshire committee.

She was nominated for that role in one of her first meetings as a councillor after being elected in 2017.

Cllr E Michael Jones, (Old Radnor – Independent) had put her forward for the initial role, he said: “I’m very pleased to say a few words of thanks for your marvellous efforts during the past 18 months.

“You justified our faith in you, and upheld the traditions of Radnorshire members chairing the council.

“I admired the way you handled the meetings, and treated everyone fairly and justly.”

Legally local authorities are expected to hold an annual meeting in the spring, between March 1 to May 31.

But under the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 that came into force in April all local authorities in Wales have until the end of the year, December 31, to hold their annual meeting.