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.

Three local organisatons share £30,000 windfall from Lord Mayor's Charity

Three city-based charities have shared in a £30,000 windfall thanks to all those who donated to my charity during my tenure as Lord Mayor.

Every year the Lord Mayor of Swansea has the opportunity to nominate charities which will benefit from fundraising events which take place alongside formal engagements and other activities.

Last year we raised £30,000 which will be shared equally between Swansea-based charities Unity in Diversity, Crisis Skylight South Wales and Llys Nini.

It’s been one of the great privileges to have had the opportunity to serve the people of Swansea as their ambassador and Lord Mayor for 2019/2020.

I want to say a big thank-you to the many people who welcomed me and to all those who have contributed so well to fundraising efforts for three brilliant community charities in Swansea.

Each of them do incredible work and make a real difference every day to the lives they touch. I know the contributions from the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund will be put to excellent use.

Unity in Diversity is a charity which supports refugees and asylum seekers from places like Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan who are settling in Swansea. The charity is staffed entirely by volunteers and stages twice-weekly sessions providing food, support and learning opportunities out of the Unitarian Church in High Street.

The Crisis Skylight South Wales service helps people directly out of homelessness to learn new skills, gain qualifications and improve their health and wellbeing in order to move in to work and accommodation. The dedicated, experienced coaches work with people one-to-one to equip them with the skills they need to find and keep a home.

Llys Nini is one of Swansea best-known charities, offering sanctuary, care and new homes for as part of its work providing animal welfare throughout Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and parts of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff council areas. Llys Nini helps over 2,000 animals each year and rehomes many of those, including my rescue cat, Marshall.

Final Day Message

Later today we were scheduled to hold the Mayor-making ceremony, when I hand over the chains to my successor, Councillor Mark Childs. Unfortunately, that has had to be postponed and instead we will just have a simple signing of the oath, when the new Lord Mayor and his Deputy take on the responsibilities of the office, tucked away in the Mayor's parlour.

It is hoped to stage the pomp and ceremony at a later date, when I can thank everybody more effusively and talk about my Mayoral year, but in the meantime here is my final message as Lord Mayor to be going on with.

Thank you to all those who have supported Angela and me over the last 12 months, the Mansion House staff, the secretariat, the drivers, the communications team, and everybody else. I couldn't have done it without you.

And thank you to all the community groups, the choirs, the theatre groups, the artists, the societies and everybody else with whom we interacted. You are the heart and soul of our city, and it was a pleasure to meet you and play a small part in your activities. 

All of our activities over the past two years are reported on in this blog, so that you can see what a great time we had.

Best wishes to Mark and Marian. I hope that we can lift lockdown soon so that you can also enjoy a full and fulfilling year.

This will not be the last entry here. I will be reporting at some stage on the Lord Mayor's charity and inevitably, will eventually post my speech at the reconvened Mayor-making ceremony. Thank you all once more.

Dylan Thomas 2020 Award Ceremony

My last engagement as Lord Mayor was meant to be in the Great Hall on Swansea University's Bay Campus. Instead, the 2020 Dylan Thomas Prize was awarded virtually, with readings from all the shortlisted writers before the chair of the judging panel, Professor Dai Smith announced the winner.

The videoed ceremony was presented by Port Talbot-born actor, Michael Sheen and featured a reading from each of the six shortlisted works by their authors. The shortlist features writers from all around the world and can be found here.

The ceremony itself is still available to watch here.

The winner of the £30,000 prize was Bryan Washington for his collection of short stories entitled 'Lot'. Having heard him read from the collection, it is one I plan to acquire for myself.

Lord Mayor’s Column - 13 May 2020

This is my last week as Lord Mayor and my final column here, in that capacity.

Although the last two months have been quiet, it has nevertheless been a tumultuous year involving two royal visits, three freedom ceremonies, a great air show, a fantastic Christmas parade and numerous concerts, productions and charity events on top of the many groups we met in the Mansion House, and elsewhere, as part of the city’s 50th celebrations.

Despite the lockdown, I do have one last duty to perform before my successors take office on Friday. On Thursday evening I am attending the awarding of the annual Swansea University International Dylan Thomas Prize through the magic of the internet. This £30,000 Prize is awarded to the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under.

In concluding, I wanted to thank all those who have helped and supported Angela and me throughout this Mayoral year and especially all those who have contributed to my charities – Llys Nini, Unity in Diversity and Crisis. You can still send cheques made out to the Lord Mayor’s Charity to my office at the Guildhall.

Thank you to all the councillors who bestowed this honour on me and supported me throughout the year, to Jo and Kath in the Lord Mayor’s Office and the communications team for organising my diary and providing support and back-up in innumerable other ways, to Karen in the Mansion House and the cooks, cleaners and servers who have done all the work at the many functions there, and to the drivers and mace bearers, who have made it possible to attend so many events.

Finally, my best wishes to my successor, Councillor Mark Childs and his deputy, Councillor Mary Jones. I hope your year is as eventful as ours.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 17 May 2020

This is the last civic engagements post I will be making as Lord Mayor, as I hand over to my successor, Mark Childs on Friday. Hand-over in these circumstances appears to an over-elaborate description as, due to the lockdown, I will not be present. Instead Mark and Mary Jones, his deputy, will just sign the oath of acceptance and take up what duties they are allowed for the time being.

The elaborate Mayor-making ceremony we normally have will have to wait for freer times, when people are able to mix socially once more without fear of catching COVID-19, if that happens at all during the forthcoming mayoral-year.

In the meantime, I do actually have one engagement this week. On Thursday I will be attending a virtual ceremony on International Dylan Thomas Day to watch the awarding of the £30,000 Dylan Thomas Prize for young writers aged 39 or younger. It will be available to view here from 7pm. 2020 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Prize as well as Swansea University’s centenary year.

Lord Mayor's VE Day Message

Today is VE day, the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. It should have been marked by a significant programme of events, but as with so many others we have had to change our approach.

Swansea is very supportive of our armed forces, past and present and I’d like to take a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate price and commemorate this anniversary.

Whilst this is a moment of reflection, when victory in Europe was declared, people celebrated and remembered the fallen.

The streets were full, people were elated and celebrations took place everywhere.

I would encourage you to join in the national moment of reflection and remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May, and pause for a two-minute silence, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on many lives across the world.

And then please undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast’ at 3.00 pm that day, from the safety of your own home by standing up and raising a refreshment and toast “To those who gave so much, we thank you”. (you may want to raise a glass/cuppa to demonstrate)

This National Toast pays tribute to the many millions at home and abroad who gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.

To show your support please take part in celebrations by joining the BBC initiative in making your own VE Day Great British Bunting, and hosting a tea party at home.

You can download everything you need here.

This is our opportunity for us all to remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad and to joyously celebrate as people did 75 years ago, the arrival of peace in Europe.

Lord Mayor’s Column - 6 May 2020

The COVID-19 lockdown has prevented me having any mayoral engagements again, however there is an important event later this week, which I will be participating in virtually.

Friday 8th May is VE day, 75 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. It should have been marked by a significant programme of events, but as with so many others we have had to change our approach.

Swansea is very supportive of our armed forces, past and present, and it is right that we all take a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate price and commemorate this anniversary.

There will be a national moment of reflection and remembrance at 11am on Friday, involving a two-minute silence in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on many lives across the world.

And then at 3pm, we will be participating in the ‘Nation’s Toast’, from the safety of our own home, by standing up and raising a refreshment and toast “To those who gave so much, we thank you”.

Last week I outlined some of the other significant 2019 anniversaries in addition to Swansea’s 50th as a city. There are a few in 2020 as well.

These include Dunvant Male Voice Choir’s 125th birthday, 70 years since Bishopston Primary School was established, 100 years since Swansea University was founded, and the centenary of the death of Daniel James (Gwyrosydd), the poet who wrote Calon Lan.

In a few weeks-time Swansea will also mark ten years as a City of Sanctuary.

It has been a pleasure to celebrate these milestones throughout my 2019/20 mayoral year with the communities and organisations they affect.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 10 May 2020

Due to COVID-19 there are no civic engagements this week.

Lord Mayor's Message to Pride

Lord Mayor’s Column - 29 April 2020

I have been especially fortunate to have celebrated Swansea’s 50th year as a City during my mayoral year.

Every effort has been made to include as many people as possible in the events staged for this anniversary, and thanks must go to those in the Lord Mayor’s office, the Mansion House, the council’s special events team and the communications staff for making it all possible.

However, fifty years of city-status is not the only anniversary we have celebrated. I have noted over twenty notable landmarks that have fallen during my term of office, many of which I have had a role in commemorating.

In 2019 alone, we have marked the hundredth anniversary of the opening of Singleton Park, Oakleigh House School and the founding of Swansea Rotary Club. 2019 was the ninetieth year since Parc Williams in Loughor was established (ten years for its friends’ group) and the sixtieth 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 last year, and Swansea Historical Society had its tenth birthday. And of course, it was one hundred years since Swansea resident, Arthur Whitton Brown became the first person to fly across the Atlantic.

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 is to be the Lord Mayor.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 3 May 2020

Due to COVID-19 there are no civic engagements this week.

Lord Mayor’s Column - 22 April 2020

I am now in my final month as Lord Mayor and it must be said that I did not expect it to end this way.

After a busy ten months encompassing the City’s 50th anniversary celebrations and three freedom of the city celebrations, all events have been cancelled so that we can stay safe from coronavirus.

It has of course, been a privilege to hold the position of Lord Mayor, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have attended concerts in every part of Swansea, hosted fifty community groups at the Mansion House as part of our anniversary celebrations, been part of two royal visits, met Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas and Alun Wyn Jones, visited our twin city of Mannheim and spoken to children from a number of local schools.

I have kept a detailed diary of all my engagements as Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor on-line at http://swanseamayoralmusing.blogspot.com/ in addition to the official social media channels set up for the office.

I wanted, though, to highlight the fantastic team that makes this possible. As I often tell people at events, the real work is carried out by the staff in the Mansion House and the Guildhall. I am just the frontman.

I am still hopeful that we will be able to have a limited Mayor-making ceremony when I can hand over to my successor, and I can thank everybody properly for the brilliant job they have done in supporting me in this role, so this acknowledgement of their work is just a start.

In the meantime, if you would like to support my charities then please send your donation (made out to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund) to my office in the Guildhall. Thank you and stay safe.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 26 April 2020

Due to COVID-19 there are no civic engagements this week.

Lord Mayor's Column - 15th April 2020

The continued threat of COVID-19 means that once more there are no appointments for the Lord Mayor this week. All civic life has taken a back seat to the need to keep people safe, protect the most vulnerable and put in place support mechanisms for those who need it most.

In this context it is only right that I mention the role of the hundreds of individual volunteers or community champions who have come forward to assist in that process. Many of these volunteers are being coordinated by the Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, but there is a much more informal network as well.

Swansea has always been a city of closely-knit communities, but that has become much more prominent over the past few weeks. People have volunteered of their own volition to shop for their neighbours, pick up prescriptions and carry out other tasks for those unable to act for themselves.

The individuals who have been designated as shielded by the Welsh Government have the option of more formal support, but they are still benefiting from the help of those living around them. Others have not been allocated that status, but still require assistance and it is gratifying to see so many stepping up to help.

If there is one positive thing to come out of this crisis it is the way that people and communities have pulled together for each other. With many weeks of lockdown ahead of us that will help sustain us all.

Our gratitude too, goes out to the many unsung heroes working in the health service and in the caring profession, and other frontline workers in shops, the delivery drivers, and everybody who is helping us to get through this terrible time. We owe them all a great deal.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 19 April 2020

Due to COVID-19 there are no civic engagements this week. Happy Easter and stay safe.

Lord Mayor's Column - 8th April 2020

With the Lord Mayor’s diary remaining empty because of the lockdown, and with all councillors focussing on offering support and information to vulnerable constituents, I have been using this column over the last few weeks to highlight the work of my charities.

Two weeks ago, I outlined the work of one of my three charities. Crisis Skylight South Wales who work with homeless people to try and help them acquire the skills needed to maintain accommodation and seek employment.

Last week, I talked about my second charity, an organisation called Unity in Diversity, that runs twice-weekly sessions providing food, support and learning opportunities to asylum seekers and refugees in the Swansea area.

My third charity, Swansea’s RSPCA Branch, was established by animal-loving volunteers in the Swansea and Neath areas nearly 200 years ago. The first animal centre was in Singleton Park and was leased from Swansea Corporation in 1935. It was able to house 31 dogs and 18 cats.

In 1997 the Animal Centre moved to Llys Nini Farm, where the charity provides animal welfare throughout Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and parts of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff council areas. Llys Nini helps over 2,000 animals each year and rehomes many of those, including my two rescue cats.

Many of you will have seen recently that the lockdown has forced Llys Nini to close down all their charity shops and left them struggling for funds to support the hundred-plus animals still at the centre. Any funds they receive directly at the moment will be most welcome.

If you would like to support the work of my charities then please send your donations (made out to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund) to my office in the Guildhall. Thank you and please stay safe.

A message from the Lord Mayor

This is my message to health and care workers as Lord Mayor. It applies too, to all those other frontline workers in shops, delivery drivers, council workers, community volunteers and everybody who is helping us survive this lockdown.

Civic Engagements Week Ending 12 April 2020

Due to COVID-19 there are no civic engagements this week

Lord Mayor's Column - 1 April 2020

The Lord Mayor’s diary remains empty this week and for the foreseeable future because of the restrictions being imposed on all of us to try and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Along with many other people I am working from home, doing what I can to support the efforts of a huge team of dedicated staff in the health service, the council and local care companies to support the vulnerable and keep vital services on track.

Like other councillors, I am also dealing with queries from constituents, and trying to keep them informed of developments.

Last week I outlined the work of one of my three charities. Crisis Skylight South Wales who work with homeless people to try and help them acquire the skills needed to maintain accommodation and seek employment.

Swansea has a long history of integrating refugees from across the world into its own distinctive urban identity. That continues to the present day as we receive and house refugees and asylum seekers fleeing unbearable hardships caused by war, political persecution and climate change amongst many others.

That is why I chose as one of the Lord Mayor’s charities, an organisation called Unity in Diversity, that runs twice-weekly sessions providing food, support and learning opportunities to asylum seekers and refugees in the Swansea area.

They are run entirely by dedicated volunteers and have helped over 500 people of 40+ nationalities and ethnic origins in their 5 years of existence.

My third charity is the RSPA’s Llys Nini, which I will say more about next week.

If you would like to support the work of my charities then please send your donations (made out to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund) to my office in the Guildhall. Thank you and please stay safe.