Lord Mayor's Column - 11th September 2019

Yesterday was the monthly citizenship ceremony at the registrar’s office in the civic centre. It is always an honour to be part of this ceremony and to welcome another group of individuals as UK citizens. As usual I joined the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff in making a speech to welcome the applicants before they swore an oath of allegiance.

Today I’ll be joining the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot for the opening of the September Neath Fair. Recognised as the fourth largest Chartered Street Trading Fair in the UK, this annual event is hugely popular in Neath, and can trace its origin back to the original Charter granted in 1280.

Later I’ll be continuing with another of our 50 civic community events to celebrate the city’s anniversary, when the ‘Friends of Parc William’ join me at the Mansion House. 2019 is a special year for the group, as this Loughor park is also celebrating an anniversary, its 90th. The Friends Group, who play an important role in helping the local authority to develop and improve this key community facility, also celebrate their 10th anniversary this year.

On Thursday it’s off to the Unitarian Church on High Street in the city centre to visit one of my Lord Mayor charities, Unity in Diversity. During their five-year existence the dedicated volunteers with this charity have helped over 500 asylum seekers and refugees with food, support and learning opportunities.

Finally, it is a weekend of music as I head off to the Great Hall in Swansea University’s Bay Campus on Friday for Oakleigh House School’s centenary concert. And then to Singleton Park, which has hosted a huge variety of musical acts this year, when I am pleased to have the opportunity on Saturday to attend the BBC Proms in the Park.