ILM Award Ceremony

Back in full robes and chain this morning at the Dylan Thomas Centre to present level 5 certificates for the Institute of Leadership and Management on behalf of the University of Wales Trinity St David.

For once I was not the main speaker, instead they had invites Alex Mills (pictured) who was a candidate on The Apprentice to share his life story and to present certificates as well.

All the students had completed this full-time course in their own time at weekends and in the evenings, many while holding down a job at the same time. It will hold them in good stead in the work place and in many cases has already enabled them to get alternative employment or promotion.

Tony Blake Annual Volunteer Awards

It was a privilege this evening to attend Penlan Social Club where I was asked to present a cup and a cheque for £100 to the winners of the Tony Blake Annual Volunteer Awards.

Tony Blake, who died recently, was well loved in the local community for his work with the Preseli Penlan Football Club, which he ran for 47 years. Accordingly the local councillors felt it appropriate that these awards were named after him.

This year the award was shared by Pete Harrison and John Davies, who are both veterans and suffering from PTSD, but who became friends when they started volunteering at the Blaenymaes Drop-in Centre.

They quickly made an impact, taking it upon themselves to clear the very overgrown garden in order that it could be used better by the drop-in centre and the people that visit there. The garden now has planters to grow vegetables for the community, a renovated pergola providing a quiet area for people to sit and chat or just reflect and very soon, will have a workshop built for additional projects.

They have also used the opportunity to set up their own Men's Shed group. Their work with the Men's Shed has not only had a direct impact on the drop-in centre, but also on the various men that attend. They have demonstrated that they are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health, in particular being so open in sharing their own personal life stories and encouraging other men to speak up. Pete recorded a very personal story on video, which has not only been shown locally but also internationally.

They have successfully applied for an 'Awards for All' grant, which is providing £10,000 to start a group which they are calling Chatterbox. Chatterbox will be based in a local gym providing an opportunity for people to have s safe place to discuss their mental health and train together.

It was a pleasure to be able to present the award to such worthy winners.

Lord Mayor's Column - 26th February 2020

I represented the council at the funeral of former Swansea Council cabinet member for education, John Miles at Llanelli crematorium yesterday. As well as serving the community as council ward member in Pontarddulais, John was a big champion of Welsh medium education and helped promote the opening of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwynderw in West Cross. He was also involved in the opening of the new St Thomas Primary school - one of the first schools in the area to also include community facilities, an innovative approach at the time.

On Friday I will be at Penlan Social Club to present trophies to the winners of the Tony Blake Award. The award was set up to remember the contribution that Tony had made to the community following his passing - particularly for his work with the Preseli Penlan Football Club, which he ran for 47 years - and encourage others to do similar things.

The award is open to anyone living or working in Penderry ward with the trophy awarded to a different person every year, giving local volunteers the recognition they deserve.

On Saturday I will be joining Alex Mills - a former contestant on Lord Alan Sugar’s TV programme ‘The Apprentice’ - at the Dylan Thomas Centre to celebrate the success of UWTSD students’ achievements in leadership and management.

Most students who have achieved this ILM certification are mature students, and their effort is all the more impressive considering the majority are also working full time and supporting their families, studying over evenings and weekends.

Later on Saturday, the Deputy Lord Mayor will be attending the Gwalia Singers’ ‘March into March’ concert at All Saints Church in Oystermouth. The concert, also featuring Swansea Rock Choir is in aid of Hafan-y-Môr Children’s Therapy Centre Support Group based in Singleton Hospital.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 1 March 2020

Peace Mala Cheese and Wine Evening

This evening we opened up the Mansion House so that the Peace Mala charity could use it for a fundraising cheese and wine evening.

As their website explains, Peace Mala is a multi-award winning project for peace that Pam Evans began in 2001 whilst working as Head of the Department of Religious Studies in Coedcae School, Llanelli, Wales, UK.

When 9/11 happened, the world changed forever. The terrible events of September the 11th, 2001 brought with it an aftermath of fear and confusion. The rise in Islamaphobia in the world was to be expected, as a response to the attack. What was more shocking was the rise in fundamentalism, racism and prejudice that we are still faced with today.

Pam’s immediate concern was for the minority of Muslim and Asian pupils in her school who suffered bullying in the aftermath of 9/11. She realised that something educational needed to be done. The vision and concept of the Peace Mala was her response to the bullying.

The charity has a number of accredited schools in the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas, Manchester and is about to initiate one in Florida later this year.

We had a very enjoyable evening with musical entertainment around the piano and hopefully Peace Mala raised a tidy sum for their causes.

Lord Mayor's Column - 19th February 2020

The high winds and heavy rain we experienced at the weekend definitely left their mark. While some parts of Swansea have seen damage and flooding, the rest of the country has suffered some truly devastating consequences.

Despite this, the council have had teams out dealing with the aftermath of the storm, and our staff have worked tirelessly to make our communities secure and to help residents during their time of need.

Together with the emergency services, government agencies, and others, staff worked tirelessly through both recent storms to keep us safe and to deal with any damage. Amongst others they dealt with fallen trees and fencing, flooding, debris, blocked drains, fallen streetlights, doors ripped off and traffic signals blown off posts.

I know too, carers were out ensuring the vulnerable and those in need are looked after. I am grateful to everyone who braved the conditions to look out for friends, relatives and neighbours. It is at times like these, that a real sense of community and kindness emerges and we work together for a common good. Thank you to all involved.

My civic event this week focusses on this kindness and treating others as you would wish them to treat you. Peace Mala has this as their golden rule and encourages positive relationships in our communities.

Peace Mala are raising funds tomorrow evening at the Mansion House to continue their work, not just in Swansea, but across the whole UK. As a result of their engagement with schools and local groups, the important message, that community cohesion, citizenship, and preventing bullying and prejudice helps create a better world, is being heard across many generations and cultures.

These key messages can apply to each and every one of us in all circumstances - kindness and compassion go a long way.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 23rd February 2020

Positively empowering Swansea Event - encouraging independent living

This morning I was at the Liberty Stadium where I had been asked to open a conference on independent living. 

The event was organised by the Swansea Association of Independent Living which is run by disabled people for disabled people. They are committed to removing barriers that prevent disabled people from living full and independent lives.

I was able to stay for the first session which was delivered by Swansea Football Club's Access Officer, and was fascinated at the huge amount of work that is being put into the club to improve access to the games and to improve the enjoyment of each event for people with disabilities.

This does not just include ramps and lifts for the physically disabled but also a portable changing room facility and a sensory room for those with ASD. 

There were a number of stalls there as well from local organisations such as the RNIB, some of whom I was able to talk to, though time did not permit a full tour.

Lord Mayor's Column - 12th February 2020

Citizenship ceremonies are one of the monthly highlights in my calendar, and yesterday’s ceremony was no exception. I am always delighted to offer a warm welcome to those who have chosen to make Swansea their home. We have so much to offer – a great sense of community, our friendliness, a great landscape, and a changing and emerging cityscape. It is no wonder new citizens are choosing to live and work here.

Yesterday’s ceremony was also the last one of the current Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan’s term of office. He retires at the weekend. Byron Lewis, has served as the Queen‘s representative for the past twelve years with great distinction, commitment and panache. He and his wife Hilary will be a hard act to follow.

Taking over the reins, is Mrs Louise Fleet JP, who held the role as High Sheriff of West Glamorgan in 2017/2018. Louise is a very worthy successor and I very much look forward to working with her over the next few months.

Frances Matthews, private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant also attended the citizenship ceremony yesterday and it was her last ceremony. Frances has served two Lord Lieutenants and is retiring from duty, so it was my pleasure to wish her well and thank her for her service to the county.

Today, I am opening a conference at the Liberty Stadium aimed at promoting what Swansea has to offer residents with physical and sensory disabilities. In the face of an aging population, positively empowering people to live independently in their own home for as long as they are able, becomes increasingly important.

I am looking forward to hearing about the work that is taking place across the City on this initiative and how we can better improve our services.

Citizenship Ceremony

This month's citizenship ceremony was rather special as it was the last one before the Lord Lieutenant retires on Friday. D. Byron Lewis was therefore in attendance for one last time, with his wife Hilary, both to welcome the 22 new citizens to Swansea but also to thank the registration staff for all their work.

Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Hilary Lewis, Lord Mayor and High Sheriff

Byron was also accompanied by his longstanding secretary, Frances Matthews who has supported him over the past 12 years, as well as his predecessor. She is also retiring from the role. It was appropriate therefore that I was able to present her with flowers to thank her for her service.

Frances Matthews, Lord Lieutenant, Hilary Lewis, Liz Jarvis from the registrar's office, Lord Mayor and High Sheriff

The Registrar's staff also presented flowers to Frances and Hilary and a small present to the Lord Lieutenant. 

After the ceremony we posed for photographs with the various new citizens and their family and friends, adding to the occasion for them and the memento they were able to take from it.

Lunch for the outgoing Lord Lieutenant

Lunch implies a somewhat casual, easy-going affair, however this afternoon's event in the Margam Orangery was much more formal, involving most if not all of the twenty-odd Deputy Lieutenants, most of the High Sheriffs who have served with the current Lord Lieutenant, Byron Lewis and a number of other distinguished guests, including both Mayors, the Chief Constable and the Chief Fire Officer. 

Byron's family were also present to hear the many tributes to the work he has undertaken in this role over the last twelve years and a number of presentations were made to him and Hilary.

As is the way with these things we now await for an announcement as to who will be the new Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan in tomorrow's London Gazette.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 16th February 2020

Bishopston Primary School Concert - 70th Anniversary

Yet another anniversary this evening when I attended a special celebratory concert at All Saints Church, Oystermouth for Bishopston Primary School's 70th birthday.

The concert was compered by Jonathan Lycett, who also accompanied the various artists on the piano. We heard the Swansea Bay Singleton Singers and some fabulous solos from former Bishopston pupils, Maddy and Megan Forwood, the oldest of which is now studying at Exeter University. Her sister is taking A-Levels at Gower College Swansea.

The main event of course, was the Bishopston Primary School choir - varying in age from 7 to 11, they were outstanding. The finale involved two songs delivered by the combined choirs and fully deserved the standing ovation they got.

The church was packed with parents, past pupils, governors and many others, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

Dinner to mark the retirement of HM Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan

Last night we hosted a very special dinner in the Mansion House to mark the retirement of HM Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Byron Lewis.

All Lord Lieutenants have to retire on their 75th birthday, so Byron will finish on 14th February. His successor will be announced in the London Gazette on Monday but will not take up post until the beginning of March.

As well as myself, the Lady Mayoress and the Council Leader, the dinner involved previous Lord Mayors and their guests, who had served with Byron over the last 12 years.

Lord Lieutenants were first appointed in 1540 by Henry VIII to take over the military duties of the Sheriff. They retained responsibility for raising local militias until the middle of the nineteenth century, when that role was taken over by the state. From that time the role became more ceremonial, representing the monarch locally amongst many other duties. It is the ultimate voluntary role.

Byron has served in the role with great distinction, grace and commitment. He will be a difficult act to follow.

Launch Ceremony of Institute for Innovative Materials Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT)

This morning I joined the First Minister, the Honorary Indian Counsel for Wales, the Director of the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, the Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council and the Deputy Leader of Swansea Council at the Bay Campus for the launch of Swansea University's Institute for Innovative Materials Processing and Numerical Technologies or IMPACT.

The First Minister unveiled the plaque and afterwards we had a short tour of the facility, meeting some of the partners who are working with the University on this initiative. This included a local company who are manufacturing easily deployable air quality monitoring equipment, some of which will be installed on the 50mph stretch of the M4 to see if the reduced speed limit really is reducing pollution.

I also got to play with a remote control wireless robot and had a go at the virtual reality racing car pictured above on the left. I only managed to crash it once.

An audience with students at Gower College Swansea

This afternoon I was at Gower College Swansea in Tycoch to fulfil a question and answer time with independent living students about the role of the Lord Mayor.

We spent a very enjoyable half an hour in which I outlined the basics of the role, talked about the chain and answered questions about being Lord Mayor, about Swansea and the council.

The questions did not all covered my responsibilities but I did my best to answer them anyway. They ranged from: 'Why is there so much fly tipping?' to 'How heavy is your chain?'

Visit by Mannheim Students

Following our visit to Mannheim in December, I was delighted to be able to welcome some of the students we met to Swansea this morning. These students are employed by ABB Stotz-Kontakt, who are based in Heidelberg, and who send their apprentices to Swansea as part of their training, to gain work experience and improve on their English.

I enjoyed showing them the council chamber and the Brangwyn Hall, before having tea and coffee and inviting them to sign the visitors' book in the Lord Mayor's Parlour. Most of these students will be joining us in the Mansion House in March so we can repay some of the fabulous hospitality shown to us when we were in Germany.

Lord Mayor's Column - 5th February 2020

Yesterday saw the second royal visit to Swansea of my civic year when I greeted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Mumbles Lifeboat Station. Lifeboat operations in Mumbles have been looked after by the RNLI since 1863 and today the station is one of the busiest in Wales. Their Royal Highnesses boarded the lifeboat and spoke to crew members about day-to-day life as part of a team, which provides 24-hour rescue services to those facing difficulties at sea.

The visit follows on from HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH Duchess of Cornwall’s trip to the Patti Pavilion and Morriston Tabernacle back in July, in celebration of Swansea’s 50th anniversary as a city.

This morning, I hosted a group of students from our twin city Mannheim. Student exchanges such as these happen frequently and are a wonderful way of fostering friendships and understanding between different cultures. Swansea has been twinned with Mannheim since 1957 and I made my own visit to the German city just before Christmas.

This afternoon I will be at Gower College’s Tycoch campus for an audience with their Independent Living Skills students. In partnership with the council’s social services department, the college provides tailored courses for students with learning difficulties, specialist education needs and/or behavioural requirements.

Tomorrow, I will be celebrating the official launch of another educational establishment – Swansea University’s brand new Institute of Innovative materials, processing and numerical technologies (IMPACT). Students in the £35 million state-of-the-art engineering research institute at the university’s bay campus aim to work closely with industry partners in developing new pioneering technology.

From a brand new educational establishment, to a celebration of Bishopston Primary School’s 70th anniversary on Saturday, as I join pupils, teachers and parents for the school’s anniversary concert at All Saints Church in Oystermouth.

Royal Visit by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

A big crowd of residents and school children braved the cold and blustery weather today to stand on Mumbles Pier to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The visit was timed to coincide with the last few weeks of the Lord Lieutenant's tenure before he retires on 14th February. The itinerary included a visit to the RNLI Mumbles Lifeboat Station, Joe's Ice Cream Parlour and then onto Tata Steel in Port Talbot.

The crew were introduced to the royal couple before they presented a 20 years of service award to James Bolter, who is one of the crew members.

The Duke and Duchess then went into the Crew Room, where they were presented with a book about the  history of the Mumbles Lifeboat Station, toys for their children and they signed the visitor book.

By this time the boat was ready to launch and we watched as it headed off around the bay for a practise run and recovery.

Naturally there was quite a big splash as the boat hit the water. We then made our way back along the pier, braving fierce winds as we did so, where the Duke and Duchess chatted to local children and others.

As the royal party made their way to the ice cream parlour, the lifeboat could be seen performing manoeuvres in the bay.

Service to mark the retirement of HM Lord Lieutenant

This afternoon we were at St Mary's Church for a special evensong to mark the retirement of the current Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan.

The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan is Mr D. Byron Lewis who was appointed in May 2008 by Her Majesty The Queen following the retirement of Commodore Sir Robert Hastie who had served as Lord Lieutenant for thirteen years.

The compulsory retirement age for Lord Lieutenants is 75, which means that Byron and his wife, Hilary will step down on his birthday on 14th February. No announcement of his successor has yet been made.

There will be a number of other events to mark this retirement over the next 12 days, including a royal visit and a dinner and a lunch.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 9th February 2020