Lord Mayor's Column - 16th October 2019

It was an honour once again to be part of the monthly citizenship ceremony at the Civic Centre on Tuesday. This is the final stage in welcoming people from all over the world as citizens of the UK and of Swansea, and underlines the historical diversity of our City.

Today I will be at Hendrefoilan Primary School’s afternoon assembly in a special ‘young meets old’ celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary. Joined by grandparents of the children as well as representatives from the ‘Forget me not’ dementia group, I’ll talk about the history of the Lord Mayor in Swansea, the city’s anniversary and the importance of volunteers in the community.

On Thursday I will travel to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s Dora Stoutzker Hall in the Castle Grounds of Cathays Park in Cardiff for the Swiss Ambassador’s Award Concert. The annual showcase of talented musicians with a classical and contemporary repertoire this year features French saxophonist Valentine Michaud and Lithuanian pianist Akvilé Sileikaité.

Friday see’s the opening ceremony of the West Glamorgan Poppy Appeal at a ceremony in the Civic Centre followed by a memorial Service at De-la-Beche Park in Sketty. This is the start of remembrance activities in 2019, and this year The Royal British Legion is asking communities across Britain to come together, join together and remember together the service and sacrifice, friendship and collaboration of the men and women of Britain, the Commonwealth and Allied nations who fought together 75 years ago.

Later on Friday I will be at St. Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon for Penclawdd Brass Band 46th Annual Concert. It will be conducted by Penclawdd-born, world-renowned composer, Sir Karl Jenkins who is also president of the band. The Swansea icon received freedom of the city of Swansea only last year marking his 75th birthday.