Valedictory Lord Mayor Speech

Distinguished Guests, back in 2002, the Manic Street Preachers launched their greatest hits album, ‘Forever Delayed’.

As I stand here to deliver my valedictory speech as a former Lord Mayor, I know what they meant. It has been a long time coming.

I was far more fortunate than my successors in the impact of the pandemic on my term, effectively losing just two months. The preceding ten months were very full-on.

It was a memorable time, and Angela and I would like to convey our thanks to those who entrusted us with the privilege of serving our city in this way.

In particular, I would like to thank all those who have supported Angela and me over the those 12 months, the Mansion House staff, the secretariat, the drivers, the communications team, and everybody else. We couldn't have done it without them.

And thanks too, to all the community groups, the choirs, the theatre groups, the artists, the societies, and everybody else with whom we interacted.

They are the heart and soul of our city, and it was a pleasure to meet them and play a small part in their activities.

Of course, the defining occasion of my Mayoral year was Swansea’s 50th anniversary celebration of receiving city status.

Hosting 50 events in the Mansion House with local community organisations, to celebrate this anniversary, offered a fascinating insight into the valuable work carried out by volunteers all over the city.

We also enjoyed celebrating the achievements of other sons and daughters of Swansea; awarding the Freedom of the City to Alun Wyn Jones, the 157 (Welsh) Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps and of course Catherine Zeta Jones.

But it was other anniversaries that took place during my term, which underlined how our historical, professional, educational, cultural and civic life is sustained by so many institutions, organisations and groups and, in many cases, by so many dedicated and selfless volunteers.

2019 was the one hundredth anniversary of Singleton Park, Oakleigh House School, Swansea Rotary Club and of Swansea resident, Arthur Whitton Brown’s pioneering flight across the Atlantic.

That year marked the 90th anniversary of Parc Williams in Loughor and the tenth of its friend’s’ group, the 60th anniversary of the reconsecration of St Mary’s Church, the formation of Swansea Philharmonic and the founding of 1st Cwmbwrla Brownies.

Penclawdd Brass Band, the Loughor Life Boat and the DVLA were all established in 1969, whilst Dylan Thomas Theatre and Morriston RFC choir were set-up ten years later and celebrated their fortieth anniversary in 2019.

Talking Hands, a group for children and deaf people was 20 years old that year, and Swansea Historical Society had its tenth birthday.

2020 saw the 125th anniversary of Dunvant Male Voice Choir, the 100th anniversary of my Alma Mater, Swansea University, and of the death of Daniel James Gwyrosydd, one of Swansea’s most famous poets and hymn writers.

It also marked the 70th anniversary of Bishopston Primary School, the 40th year since the establishment of the Swansea Special Festival and the tenth birthday of our very valuable status as a City of Sanctuary.

These events, the societies, institutions, and the people associated with them form part of the rich and diverse tapestry which underpin the communities and history of our city. It underlines what a great place Swansea is to live and work in and what a privilege it was to be the Lord Mayor of this fantastic community.

In my inaugural speech, I praised the diversity of Swansea and drew attention to our long history of receiving refugees and immigrants and integrating these new arrivals into our own distinctive urban identity.

I also drew attention to the strong sense of social justice that runs through every community in this city.

It was on this basis that I chose the three charities, who would benefit from fund raising efforts during my mayoral year. They were Llys Nini, Crisis and Unity in Diversity.

I am delighted to report that during that year, we managed to raise over £30,000 to share between these three charities and would like to thank all those who contributed to that fund for their generosity.

Finally, I need to thank two more individuals. Firstly, my thanks go to Angela, my wife, who steadfastly supported me during my term as Lord Mayor and who was an outstanding Lady Mayoress in her own right. I could not have done it without you.

Secondly, my thanks goes to the Reverend Ian Drew-Jones from St Michael’s Church in Manselton who supported me as Lord Mayor’s chaplain. In recognition of that service, I would like to present him with this medal.

Thank you, once more for the opportunity to serve as Lord Mayor of Swansea.