Radnor Hills founder William Watkins becomes the new High Sheriff of Powys

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

William Watkins, founder of Radnor Hills, has been appointed High Sheriff of Powys, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who held the same position nearly 70 years ago.

Watkins was formally sworn in during a ceremony at the Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne on April 10, marking the start of his one-year term in one of the UK’s oldest secular roles.

His grandfather, Jack Watkins MBE, served as High Sheriff of Radnorshire in 1956.

Describing the appointment as “a great honour and responsibility,” Watkins reflected on the family legacy attached to the role.

He said: “I was very fond of my grandfather so when I was asked to become High Sheriff 70 years on from him doing the very same role I didn’t think twice about it.

“They had a different set of challenges in his day, but they certainly had as many challenges.”

The position of High Sheriff, which dates back more than 1,000 years, involves supporting the judiciary, emergency services and voluntary organisations.

The declaration ceremony was attended by members of the judiciary, local officials, community leaders and charity representatives, alongside Watkins’ family and colleagues.

Watkins said he intends to use the role to highlight community efforts across Powys and draw attention to the challenges facing rural industries, particularly agriculture.

He said: “This role is all about Powys, a county that I love.

“I’m looking forward to using this position to shine a light on the amazing work being done across the county, particularly by volunteers, but also those in the emergency services, the judiciary, the public sector, nursing and farming, which so often goes unnoticed.

“My predecessors in the role have all told me that as well as what you think you know about the county, you will see it through a whole new lens.”

A key focus of his tenure will be raising awareness of mental health in farming communities. Watkins has selected The DPJ Foundation as his chosen charity.

He said: “My chosen charity is the brilliant Welsh mental health farming charity, The DPJ Foundation, which supports those in agriculture with mental health issues.

“I come from a farming background, and my company is based in a very rural community, so I understand how lonely a job farming can be. Farmers are facing ever increasing pressures with changes in agricultural support and rising costs.

“It’s a very tough environment which makes it so important for us to keep an eye out for the mental health of our farming community.”