HAVERFORDWEST’S Mayor Making ceremony on May 21 made history four times over as 37-year-old Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner donned the robes of office alongside Sheriff Dani Thomas-Turner.

As the youngest mayor in the 21st century, and the first mayor of a diverse background in our town’s history, Mayor Randell said his appointment “is a reflection of how far our community has come and the future we are building together – a future based on unity, opportunity, compassion, and community spirit.”

The ceremony was attended by over 100 students from Fenton Primary School and Prendergast School, who provided entertainment in song while The Platter Box Co served up a “fantastic” buffet.

The mayor’s chosen charity of the year is based at Withybush Hospital’s Child Health Department and supports children with additional needs and their families through early intervention. A raffle at the event raised £387 for Snap Specialist Play.

“I will serve every single resident of Haverfordwest with dedication, humility, and pride. My commitment remains the same: to listen, to engage, and to ensure our town continues to grow, thrive, and become ‘the best in the West.’” said Mayor Randell.

The occasion also marked a truly historic and proud moment for the town as Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner officially took office as Sheriff of Haverfordwest for a second consecutive year during the Mayor Making ceremony.

In doing so, Dani made history as the youngest ever female Sheriff to serve Haverfordwest and the first female Sheriff ever to serve back-to-back terms.

Interestingly, there are only 15 town sheriffs left across England and Wales - and only two in Wales: one in Carmarthen, the other in Haverfordwest, so Dani’s achievement is all the more remarkable, a testament to her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people of our town.

“Throughout her service, Dani has represented Haverfordwest with pride, dignity, and heart – always putting community first and championing the very best of our town,” said the mayor.

“Her visit to Lichfield alongside fellow Sheriffs from across England and Wales helped place Haverfordwest firmly on the map within the historic Sheriffs’ Association and showcased the pride and tradition of our county town.

“Yesterday’s ceremony was not just the continuation of a role — it was the continuation of a legacy already being built. Dani is inspiring a new generation of young women and young people to believe that leadership, public service, and making history are all within reach.”

Following the ceremony and luncheon, the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Deputy Mayor Adam Benson-Davies, Mayor’s Crier Gareth Jones, Town Clerk Vanessa Lewis-Camacho accompanied the new mayor to Withybush Hospital to donate the remaining food from the luncheon to NHS staff as a “small gesture of appreciation for the tireless hard work, compassion, and dedication they show every single day to the people of Pembrokeshire and our county town.”

“Haverfordwest is built on kindness, community, and looking after one another – and today was a reminder of exactly that,” added Mayor Randell. “Thank you to all who attended and supported us.”