Mount Stuart Primary School in Cardiff Bay were very lucky and privileged to have a visit from the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, Sharon Dixon, last week. Sharon had the kind permission of Janet Davies, High Sheriff of South Glamorgan to undertake this visit as the school is not in Mid Glamorgan.The visit was organised between two Bridgend Soroptimists – Donna Brocklehust, Assistant Head Teacher at Mount Stuart Primary, and Sharon Dixon, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan for 2025-2026.
As Sharon says, “I was delighted to meet an incredibly smart and interested group of young people and able to share my story and my heritage. The children asked lots of interesting questions, especially about my love of hats. Thank you for the invitation Donna.”Donna says, “Sharon talked to the children about the role of High Sheriff and how she was honoured to take up that role. Our school assembly usually last 20 minutes but 45 minutes later Sharon had the children in the palms of her hands! Thank you from all the staff and children for an inspiring talk and answering all their questions – a lot about hats!! You are welcome back anytime!”
Sharon explained that this has been one of the highlights of her time so far as High Sheriff. The school is well known to Sharon, who herself grew up in Cardiff and is also known to many for the giant mural of Betty Campbell MBE on the front of the school. The mural was unveiled in February 2023 to commemorate Wales’ first black headteacher and to celebrate the enormous contribution she made to education in Wales and the wider world.[Mrs Campbell held the role of headteacher at Mount Stuart Primary School from 1965 until 1999 and dedicated her life to the school. She was a pioneer in multi-cultural education, diversity and a founder of Black History Month, putting the teaching of black history and culture on the school’s curriculum.]
Sharon concluded by saying, “I loved that both you, Donna, and Shubnam Aziz (senior leader in the school with responsibility for the curriculum) came up to me afterwards and said – “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it!” What a lovely phrase that is. I am so proud of my heritage and was honored to be a role model and a cheerleader for all the children.”
Donna Brocklehurst