As her term of office as High Sheriff of Dyfed drew to a close, Mrs Penny Drew was able to reflect on a year in which she fulfilled many engagements and travelled thousands of miles

Australian-born Mrs Drew, who has lived permanently in New Moat for 30 years, was the first woman from Pembrokeshire to hold the office of High Sheriff.

During her term of office she was involved in another major 'first'.

Citizenship ceremonies came into operation at the beginning of January 2004, requiring all successful adult applicants for naturalisation or registration as British citizens to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen and pledge their loyalty to the United Kingdom.

Mrs Drew was called upon to attend the memorable first ceremony in Carmarthenshire. She also accompanied the Prince of Wales on his visit to Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

She welcomed the Princess Royal when she opened the new law courts in Haverfordwest, and the Duke of York on his visit to Pembrokeshire in his capacity as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment.

Assize courts judges' visits have become a rarity and a hearing in Carmarthen by Mr Justice Roderick Evans was the only case held in the district for four or five years.

Mrs Drew sat in on the case and afterwards invited Mr Justice Evans to lunch at Trinity College.

She has been actively involved with many charities and good causes and during her year of office opened or attended fetes, bazaars and coffee mornings. She also visited schools to tell the pupils the history of the Shrievalty.

"It has been a privilege to share the lives and learn about the work of so many people," she said.

"I must thank Edryd Lewis, of Clarbeston Road, who drove me to engagements all over the country".