Local man to become Lord Lieutenant for Berkshire

Mr Puxley has been vice Lord Lieutenant since 2010, and was this week named as Mrs Bayliss’ successor in a royal announcement.
Lord Lieutenants are appointed by the Queen, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, to be a formal representative of the crown in their specified county.
Mr Puxley will have several duties, including planning schedules for official royal visits to Berkshire and presenting honours and awards on behalf of the Queen.
He is no stranger to the West Berkshire community, having previously held the titles of High Sheriff of Berkshire, President of the Royal County of Berkshire Show, chairman of the Anglo-American Community Relations Committee for West Berkshire and Honorary Commander of RAF Welford.
He is also well known for his links with many local charities and voluntary organisations, including the Community Foundation, the Police Rehabilitation Trust and the Country Land and Business Association.
And, of course, he is head of one of the district’s most well-established families, and owner of the picturesque Welford Park, a private estate which is temporarily opened to the public each year for its glorious display of snowdrops for which the park is renowned.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News this week, he said the appointment came somewhat as a surprise as, at aged 66, he would only be able to serve for nine years, as Lord Lieutenants retiring on their 75th birthday.
“It was a surprise because they like somebody to be doing it for 10 years,” he said. “I will only do it for not quite nine years.
“It’s a great honour...I’m thrilled.
“I would like to thank Mary Bayliss for all the wonderful work that she has done and wish her all the best for the future.”
Mrs Bayliss, a Justice of the Peace, became Lord Lieutenant in April 2008, following the retirement of Sir Phillip Wroughton.
Like My Puxley, she had also served as the High Sheriff of Berkshire.