Over recent weeks, social media has been awash with photographs of youngsters setting out for nursery for the first time; in some cases, for the first day at school and, of course, those making the transition from juniors to high school. However, some communities across Wales during these days, accustomed to hearing the school bell summon pupils into class, will have experienced a particular poignancy, especially if this is the first September when the schoolyard has remained empty and the school bell silent. Nowhere will this have been more marked than in Mid and West Wales, the vast and beautiful region that I represented in the National Assembly until May.

Summoned by Bells

Over the last couple of weeks, social media has been awash with photographs of youngsters setting out for nursery for the first time, in some cases, for the first day in school and, of course, of those making the transition from juniors to high school. Most mums and dads are intensely proud, whilst maybe also harbouring pangs of anxiety at the sheer pace with which time passes. However, some communities in West Wales during these days, used to hearing the school bell summon pupils into class, will also have experienced a certain poignancy, especially if this is the first September when the schoolyard has remained empty and the school bell silent. Nowhere will this have been more marked than in the Towy Valley.

The weather was perfect for this year's Royal Welsh Show - golden Mid Wales sunshine tempered with a welcome mist of drizzle on the final day, to dampen the Llanelwedd dust. Strong entries in the livestock classes, the wheat futures market firming up, and, due to the combination of a lower sterling rate and the recent end of Ramadan, fat lamb prices stronger than they have been in recent years. No wonder, then, that Brexiteer AMs such as Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies and UKIP supremo Neil Hamilton were bestriding the Showground, talking of unparalleled opportunities, with Welsh farmers unshackled from the unloved clutches of Brussels bureaucracy. I dare say that a few pints of Fosters were downed at the Young People's Village, to celebrate the opportunities of reconnecting with our Commonwealth cousins.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the electors of this Mid & West Region for the immense privilege of serving them, as Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member over the past five years.

One of the Richest Experiences

It has been one of the richest experiences of my life to date to work across this vast and beautiful Region - and to try to do something to enhance the quality of life of its citizens. In my work in the National Assembly, both as Chair of the Petitions Committee, as a Member of the Environment & Sustainability Committee and latterly the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee, I have endeavoured to represent the interests of ordinary people and defend their rights, and to be an advocate for our Environment and hard pressed rural communities. In the Chamber of the Senedd, in debates and in holding Welsh Government Ministers to account, I have done my utmost to speak up for those without a voice. Finally, in dealing with casework, and supported by an excellent team in Newtown, Carmarthen and Cardiff, I have tried at all times to assist those who needed my help.

The Farmers' Union of Wales' early and consistent stance on the forthcoming In/Out EU Referendum has been praised by a Mid and West Wales Assembly Member. William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Mid and West Wales and a member of Brecon and Radnor FUW described the Union's approach as 'courageous and commendable.'

Dear Barry,

At Full Council in February, you won considerable respect when, unlike many members of your Cabinet, you voted in favour of a Welsh Liberal Democrat motion, proposed by my fellow County Councillors Gemma Bowker and John Morris, to give members of the public a right to speak ahead of council meetings. I was delighted that our motion passed, with your support, and we look forward to that right to speak being enshrined in the way that Powys County Council does business in the future. In many quarters, it is seen as an advance for openness and transparency.

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for the Environment, has pledged his support for WWF's Earth Hour campaign 2016 - the global celebration of our brilliant planet.

Every year, millions of people across the planet show their love for our planet and their commitment to protecting it by taking part in WWF's Earth Hour.

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Mid & West Wales, has highlighted the urgent need to tackle the severe shortage of affordable housing in rural communities. Existing planning guidance has the potential to achieve real progress in the delivery of affordable housing in rural Wales, but has so far not been fully utilised.