High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan 2025-2026

02/04/2026

Yesterday at St Catherine’s Church in Pontypridd I was honoured to Handover the role of High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan to John Charles in the presence of HM Lord Lieutenant Professor Peter Vaughan CBE, QPM, CstJ. A lovely ceremony where we were treated to the choral delights of Cor Meibion Dowlais. The Office of the High Sheriff dates back to Saxon times when High Sheriff’s were responsible for the collection and return of taxes… Whilst the role has evolved over time, supporting the Crown and the judiciary, the police are still very much a part of the role.. supporting the voluntary sector and giving encouragement is a large part of the role . Such a pleasure to handover to John Charles who I have no doubt will serve the County of Mid Glamorgan well. I have spent the past year enjoying every moment of the role and I have done so with immense pride and gratitude. I am also proud to announce that I will now take on the role of Deputy Lieutenant for Mid Glam. I was appointed last year and now I look forward to having time to enjoy and embrace the role fully. Thank you all for your outstanding support the past 12 months!

Congratulations again John..
Enjoy your year as High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. Sharon Dixon over and out!!

31/03/2026

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31/03/2026

Well… it’s finally here… my last day as High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. Great to see the sun shining whilst I spent a wonderful morning with Dowlais Community Centre - run by The Stephens & George Charitable Trust Time with the lovely kids at their Easter Camp. What a special day it is. Many of the children remember me from my visit to their summer camp last July. My son Liam joined me and was equally impressed with all that the Trust does to raise the life chances of the children who attend. It was rather emotional seeing the children again especially Luna aged 7/8 who interviewed me last year. Such bright little girl. Today she was organising the others so that Liam received lots of decorated cookies and homemade birthday cards. Happy birthday sung in English and Welsh. . So lovely. He sends heartfelt thanks. I was also spoiled by the children with their farewell and ‘we will miss you’ cards. Loved the one from “Luna and her crew” Thank you to Emma, Helen and the volunteers for all your hard work and yet another warm welcome. Many thanks for my beautiful flowers. Totally surprised by this gesture but very much appreciated. Please continue to do all the excellent work that you do. You are certainly making a difference. A pleasure to meet one of the newest volunteers and her children. Chrish Vindhy who wrote and illustrated the book ‘Tom and his Trunk’,. Chrish has illustrated lots more books for other authors! So talented. She recently found the community centre on line and with her creative skills offered to volunteer at the Easter Camp. She was helping the children to make such pretty Easter Baskets. The club has a no phone and no computer policy for the children. This
allows the children to socialise and to chat amongst themselves while being creative….Instead of heads in phones which we so often see. This past week has been so emotional. How lucky am I to have been given the huge honour of serving Mid Glamorgan. I do so with immense pride and I am sure that won’t change. Once again my thanks to S&G for the support you give to so many! I am inspired by all the communities I have had the joy of visiting this past year as well as the incredible people I have met along the way. .

30/03/2026

A fantastic day. Thank you for inviting me!

30/03/2026

Today’s visit was to Porthcawl. All Saints Warm Hub run by the lovely Maggie and her team of volunteers. A big thank you for all that you do. Bacon and egg rolls. Broccoli and Stilton Soup, jacket potatoes as well as a selection of cakes. Very nice!! Donations welcome but not a requirement. There were several visitors today and what a friendly and lively bunch. It was a pleasure to chat with so many. Great to meet Diana ( known as Lady Di and the lovely Maureen Hannah and Pam. I even joined in the singalong with Porthcawl U3A Ukelele. This little light of mine, which is a favourite as well as Delilah and more. Several different groups meet, to catch up over a tea coffee and a bite to eat. Today there were a group of cancer survivors, a rambling group, a couple of ladies who have been friends for more than 60 years and a few others. The warm hubs that I have visited are so vital in our communities. Often individuals who are lonely find this is an opportunity to have a natter, socialise and make new friends etc. I spoke with Jackie, a carer who brings several people along. Well done to all involved. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Through the summer months the hub will be open the 2nd Monday of each month from 1 - 4pm. Oops I must not forget to mention the Mayor of Bridgend Cllr Huw David. Less than 48 hours to handover ceremony!!

29/03/2026

Well yesterday was very busy, rather tiring yet most enjoyable. 3 events. All different. All a huge privilege to attend. A morning visit to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service SI Wales South (Soroptimist International) during the afternoon and a visit to the fantastic Maesteg Town Hall last night. A choral festival celebrating Maesteg 200 year anniversary. Listening to the 3 choirs was emotional as I knew it was my last visit as High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. The warmth, the welcome and the friendship I have received from the Maesteg Community has been more than I could have imagined. Richard Lewis, last year’s High Sheriff, who joined us last night, certainly laid the foundations. Thanks Rich! Thank you Cllr Gavin Thomas Mayor of Maesteg and Mayoress Nicole for your company so often over the past year! Last night’s event was compered by the indomitable Tony Mullins whose jokes were… memorable 😂😂.
Ruth Whelan….Thanks for being you . Harmony Ladies Choir, The Maesteg Gleemen and Ysgol Gyfun Llangynwyd choir were all excellent. Foot tapping all evening. I had a wonderful night supported once again by Rayner Rees. Thank you for accompanying me and taking the photos. Maesteg, I wish you well as you continue to celebrate your 200th Anniversary.

29/03/2026

Yesterday afternoon 28th March, I was delighted to attend Soroptimist International Wales South Domestic Abuse Booklet launch. A great deal of hard work and collaboration with partners have gone into this excellent booklet. All clubs on the region were well represented and there have been so many contributions from Welsh Women’s Aid, Citizens Advice Bureau, Thrive and South Wales Police. Judith Morgan, the project lead has worked tirelessly with partners to bring this booklet to fruition which is available in both English and Welsh (thanks to Rhian Williams)

As a Soroptimist I’m proud to be a part of this incredible movement. Our excellent guest speaker was ITVs Ruth Dodsworth who has personally experienced domestic abuse and has been instrumental in helping people talk about what was once seen as embarrassing and shameful. Her story is powerful and emotional but brings hope…. Helping others to recognise and realise what is totally unacceptable behaviour. It’s important to keep talking and sharing in a safe environment. The booklet shares helpful information to support those in need. An excellent Celtic afternoon which aided the launch of this incredible booklet. Well done to all involved. The entertainment was great especially the Welsh story teller Ceri Philips and Porthcawl Ukelele Band. Thank you High Sheriff of West Glam for taking the time to join us at Blancos.

Proud to be a Soroptimist

Digital version also available

https://welshwomensaid.org

29/03/2026

Such an interesting morning yesterday as we celebrated the 30th anniversary of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (Saturday, 28 March), at their headquarters in Llantrisant. This event kicked off a year of anniversary activities and provided an opportunity to reflect on the history and contemplate the future of the Service. There was a superb historical exhibition charting their journey from the past to the present
An opportunity to try taking an ‘emergency call’ with our Control team! Water and rope rescue demonstrations
Opportunities to use a hose or learn fire service knots with the Cadets
ISAR and USAR will showcase their roles and offer young guests the chance to learn safe fire lighting and marshmallow toasting.
Food trucks, live music, and dance performances were also available on site. The weather was kind if a little on the chilly side and I for one was grateful the rain stayed away. Such a warm welcome for myself, Janet Davies High Sheriff of South Glam and Ralph Griffin High Sheriff of Gwent. We were also joined by Mid Glam Deputy Lieutenant Kim Davies. Such a privilege for us High Sheriff’s to be able together as we come to the end of our tenure. It was great fun meeting and learning about Cooper the rescue dog and his handler Chris. A gorgeous dog full of energy and so bright. I was honoured to be asked to plant an apple tree to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Such a privilege. The whole morning was hugely inspiring, especially when learning about the future of South Wales Fire and Rescue. It was a pleasure to meet the Young fire Cadets from Gorsaf Dân Ac Achub Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr / Bridgend Fire and Rescue Station. Thank you Ioan and Max for doing such a good job. My thanks to my attentive host Adam who gave me a tour and explained so much to me. A pleasure to meet and chat again with ‘The Chief’ Fin Monahan who’s been in office for 15 months or so. Always good to learn what potential plans are in place for the future. I have had several visits during the past year with the fire service and I never fail to be impressed by everything they do.. Yesterday staff had the opportunity to bring their friends and family to HQ to experience what goes on. The teams goes over and above every single day. It’s not just about firefighting and road traffic accidents I’ve learned about the visits to schools m, working with young and people and the more compassionate side of supplying breakfast during school holidays. What I have also recently learnt is that many of the fire stations now have a call button outside for anybody fleeing domestic violence. Such a wonderful idea and sadly much needed. My thanks to everyone involved in making yesterday a real success. Thank you so much for my beautiful flowers and for the welcome I’ve received on every visit. Wishing you every success during your 30th anniversary year and beyond!

28/03/2026

Happy Saturday. What an extraordinary day. Busy busy!! Lots of fun during 3 events. This morning with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This afternoon with Soroptimist Wales South followed by an another great evening in Maesteg. Only just home. Promise to post soon!!