Crimebeat North Wales is delighted to welcome our two new High Sheriffs – Rhys Davies, High Sheriff of Gwynedd, and Julie Gillbanks, High Sheriff of Clwyd, who have been appointed to the roles by King Charles III at the beginning of April 2025. Rhys and Julie will serve their respective counties for the next twelve months supporting Crimebeat, the voluntary sector and emergency services and many others during their year in office.
High Sheriff of Clwyd, Julie Gillbanks, is a native of Flintshire, Most of her working life has been spent with children and families marginalised by society, including time as a social worker and manager for various local authorities before moving across to the charity sector, where she remained working for Action for Children, latterly as National Director for Wales, until stepping back in 2024 Christmas 24 before becoming High Sheriff of Clwyd.
Julie told us: “Life has always been busy and fulfilling, I have always loved my work and been committed to improving the lives of abused or vulnerable children.
I believe as High Sheriff I can further these aims and have made a commitment to supporting small local charities and non for-profit organisations, highlighting the amazing work they do to support people across Clwyd, and shining a light on individuals who so selflessly give up their time and energy to help others.”
High Sheriff of Gwynedd, Rhys Davies with his High Sheriff Cadets, Brodie Dixon and Osian Williams.
Crimebeat North Wales is looking forward to working with our new High Sheriffs and we would also take this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to our out-going High Sheriffs – Karen Farrell-Thornley (Clwyd) and Sarah Foskett JP (Gwynedd). They have both contributed so much to Crimebeat and our communities during their year in office raising considerable amounts of money to support our Crimebeat youth fund which will continue to support young people across North Wales.
You can find more our about the role of High Sheriffs here