Colleagues past and present in the magistracy and judiciary gathered at Cardigan Courthouse on Thursday as two magistrates retired after 28 years service each.

Gerwyn Morgan of Beulah and Catherine Ramage of Newcastle Emlyn were appointed on the same day in 1980 to the former Rhydlewis Bench sitting at Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse.

After amalgamation they joined the South Ceredigion Bench in 1984 with Mr. Morgan serving as chairman.

Although Mrs. Ramage was content to serve as a magistrate Mr. Morgan became a member of the former Dyfed Magistrates Courts Committee serving as chairman from 1995 to 1997 and was also a member of numerous other committees.

Leading the tributes Ceredigion Bench Chairman Peter Loxton said "It has been an honour and privilege to sit with you and we all wish you the very best in your retirement."

Other tributes were paid by senior legal adviser Caryl Evans, Magistrates Courts Clerk Stephen Whale, Crown prosecutor Leslie Harbon, Cardigan solicitor John Nicholl and court usher Huw Morgan.

Responding Mr. Morgan said that when he and his colleague started out there were seven benches serving Ceredigion whereas today there is one with courthouses in Cardigan and Aberystwyth only.

Going on to say he understood that plans were being advanced towards a new super courthouse at Aberystwyth he expressed concern over the future of Cardigan Courthouse.

"We as magistrates and a community are concerned over what will happen to Cardigan when Aberystwyth comes on stream.

"It will be a very sad day if Cardigan is left without a courthouse. This is a town steeped in the history of justice in Ceredigion," he said.

Thanking everyone who had helped her through the years Mrs. Ramage said "I have very many happy memories. Hopefully everything will continue as it is today. Carry on the good work."

1:59pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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