PETER James, the new High Sheriff of Powys, has certainly been making the most of restrictions easing in Wales since he took office.

The Llanwrtyd Wells resident and businessman, who took over as High Sheriff from Rhian Duggan last month, has been busy in his early weeks, getting out and visiting local businesses in Powys, as well as paying visits to many frontline workers who have kept their communities going during Covid-19.

With lockdown easing, Mr James, an MBE, thought it was a good opportunity to make contact with key workers to show his appreciation and support for all the work they have done during the pandemic.

His first visit was to the spa town of Llandrindod Wells where he met with a variety of business and hospitality representatives, many of whom have been supplying a lifeline with takeaway services for their community. He visited local charity shops, banks, the post office and pharmacies which have maintained a vital medical service throughout and also many local retail businesses.

Moving on, he then visited Llangammarch Wells, Beulah and Llanwrtyd, again meeting with the pharmacy which is part of the Llanwrtyd and Builth Medical Practice, as well as retail and hospitality proprietors who were surprised and felt appreciated by the visit. He will also be visiting Abergwesyn in the near future to meet with the hall committee and local residents.

Peter has been keen to remember the local farming community throughout Powys that have worked continually through the pandemic to ensure that the food chain is sustained both locally and globally. Throughout the next few months Peter hopes to travel the length and breadth of Powys giving his support to local champions.

On Saturday, May 15, the High Sheriff visited Builth Wells to make contact with Sarah Mason and her team who are providing free food for Help the Homeless Wales charity and also supplying hot meals as far afield as Newtown.

He also met with Richard Morgan, the Builth Wells Scout leader, to support his efforts to refurbish the scout hut on Smithfield Road. He then travelled to the vaccination centre at the Royal Welsh Showground to thank them all, both nursing staff and volunteers, for their superb efforts in delivering the vaccination programme across Powys in a such a friendly and professional manner.

The High Sheriff will be contacting all bodies involved in dealing with the pandemic, such as emergency services, hospitals care homes and carers, with a view to meeting representatives in line with social distancing guidelines.

If anyone would like to contact the High Sheriff with a view to a visit, phone 07468 584719 or get in touch with Peter via his ‘Peter James MBE High Sheriff of Powys’ Facebook page.