March 26th 2020 was a date that had long been in the diary of incoming Gwent High Sheriff, Tim Russen. It was to be the date of his Declaration Ceremony when the outgoing High Sheriff for 2019-2020, Dame Claire Clancy DCB DL, would hand over the office for the forthcoming 12 months.

A formal ceremony with over 80 guests was planned in the court room of the Shire Hall in Monmouth, a suitable venue for someone with a legal career spanning 40 years, but it was not to be.

The preceding week, normal life in the UK was overtaken by the Covid-19 pandemic. With all public events cancelled, Tim’s rather more hurried swearing in took place with only the Under Sheriff, Mr David Bowen and Mrs Val Willie JP in attendance.

“It was disappointing not to have a more formal ceremony, but a matter of little importance in light of the wave of human and economic upheaval that was about to hit us” says Tim.

A lifelong resident of Gwent, Tim was born and raised in Newport but has spent much of his adult life in the Monmouth area. From a family of lawyers, his legal career has been Monmouthshire-based providing him with a deep understanding of local communities and the county history.

Before becoming High Sheriff, he practised in Monmouth as Senior Partner with Jacklyn Dawson Solicitors in Priory Street and has served as Diocesan Registrar to the Bishop of Monmouth for the past 10 years.

The oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown, and dating back over 1,000 years to Saxon times, the High Sheriff’s duties normally include attendance at royal visits, supporting Her Majesty’s High Court Judges and actively supporting the police and the emergency services.

“A week before my Declaration I had a diary packed with forthcoming events celebrating the communities, emergency services and voluntary organisations of Gwent but this all changed overnight. My year will now be spent supporting and encouraging these same communities as best I can through this most challenging period.”

A key commitment of the High Sheriff during the year is furthering the work of the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund which raises funds to assist local voluntary groups: awards are granted and recognition given to individuals whose quiet commitment and dedication keep these groups alive across the county.

One of the highlights of the High Sheriff’s year is the distribution of awards to local voluntary groups.

It takes place at an occasion named ‘Your Voice Your Choice’ when voluntary groups within Gwent apply for a maximum of £5,000 in each case to support their cause.

Awards totalling £75,000 were given to a diversity of groups in February of this year ranging from a womens’ refuge and Baptist church group to a brass band and nature reserve.

“The commitment of these groups to helping local communities is humbling” says Tim. “And the contribution they make will be needed more than ever through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Tim points out that charities will be especially challenged as they are hit by multiple blows: closure of their shops means they have no income from this source, compounded by a fall in charitable donations from a general public facing more straightened circumstances themselves.

This all takes place at a time when voluntary groups face an exponential increase in demand for their support.

Unable to hold any social fundraising events, as would be the case in normal times, Tim has spent the past few months generating donations for the Gwent High Sheriff’s Big Auction of Promises 2020 which has just gone live online.

All funds from this event will go to support local voluntary groups across the county.

“The immense generosity of donors has been heart-warming. I have been offered almost 50 promises, ranging from fishing tuition to holidays, archaeological expeditions to musical performances. I am hugely grateful to all who made a contribution.”

Tim urges everyone with access to social media to check out his pages on FB - @HSGwent or Twitter - @GwentSheriff where a full catalogue of lots may be found. Alternatively bidders may use the following link to the catalogue:

Tim lives near Trellech in the Wye Valley with his wife, Lesley, two dogs and a small flock of Balwen sheep. He has two grown-up children, both of whom now live and work in London.