Cooke & Arkwright

Chartered Surveyor appointed High Sheriff

20/05/03

Historically the High Sheriff was responsible for law and order in the community in the days before the police service, however today the person holding the position is often a leader of the business community in the county.  The newly appointed High Sheriff of Gwent, Selby Milner, of Llanddewi Skirrid near Abergavenny, considers the role a ‘great honour’. 

As well as looking after the area’s judges, acting as electoral returning officer and promoting loyalty to the monarchy, he considers one of the most important areas of his work as that of being a trustee of the Gwent Shrievalty Police Trust. (Shrievalty literally meaning “in the office of High Sheriff”)

The Gwent Shrievalty Police Trust is a charitable body set up with an aim to raise funds for projects that improve the quality of life for all communities in Gwent – especially vulnerable groups such as young people at risk, the elderly and ethnic minorities. This also includes crime prevention, community safety, drugs misuse prevention, school liaison and road safety projects.

An ambitious project named “The Experience” is currently in the process of development. “The Experience” will incorporate a purpose built structure housing a 200 seat theatre and full size street scene on a proposed site at Lower Mills Field, Pontypool. The venue will provide an exciting and stimulating programme for the delivery of personal safety and crime prevention education for both young and old in Gwent.

It is a long way from Mr Milner’s usual role of Chartered Surveyor with Cooke & Arkwright, where he is involved in valuation and consultancy work for clients such as the National Museums and Galleries of Wales; he has broken the mould somewhat in taking up this office. “It is quite a demanding role,” he explains, “but I am fortunate that my employers are being very supportive and have encouraged me to take up the post. I have been given the flexibility I need to ensure that I can fulfil my responsibilities as High Sheriff.”

Cooke & Arkwright has also offered to supply surveying services on a pro bono basis to assist with The Experience project, which will be the first of its kind in Wales. It is hoped that many as 16,000 children a year of different age groups will participate in educational activities at the new centre.

Brian Heal, Head of Gwent Police Community Safety and Project Manager, explained why interactive education has a direct value. “Research indicates the economic, social and personal value of ‘investing’ in the lives of people in a positive and constructive manner,” he said. “This can help avoid the social costs that often result later.”

The Chairman of the Trust, Chief Constable Keith Turner said, “Gwent Police have always identified the benefits of working with young people who are our future generations. These young people are often subjected to high levels of peer pressure and we aim to provide good quality, relevant information which will help them make informed choices. Gwent Police has received invaluable support from the Shrievalty Trust over a number of years which has contributed to the success the force has enjoyed in reducing crime.”

As High Sheriff Mr Milner’s area of jurisdiction extends to cover Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire, an area that is home to more than half a million people. He was inaugurated as Sheriff on April 17th at the Magistrate’s Court at Abergavenny, where he was required to read out a long proclamation in Shakespearean English. On formal occasions High Sheriffs still wear traditional Court Dress comprising black velvet knee breeches and sword.

The sword is one thing he is hoping he will not have to use during his term in office. “Only one High Sheriff has had to wield it so far,” he said, “to protect a judge in court. Hopefully it will remain that way!”

Pictured: Selby Milner in full uniform and inset, artist’s impression of The Experience

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