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High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Margam, Port Talbot (2026)

25/05/2026

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the 125th anniversary production of We Will Rock You presented by the Swansea Amateur Operatic Society.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and invigorating evening celebrating not only the timeless music of Queen, but also 125 remarkable years of community theatre in Swansea. The energy, enthusiasm and talent shown by the cast, musicians and everyone involved was exceptional, with powerful performances and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the evening.

Productions such as this highlight the importance of local arts organisations in bringing communities together, nurturing talent and providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in theatre and music.

My congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in making this anniversary production such a success.

“We will… we will rock you!”

22/05/2026

On Tuesday it was a privilege to attend a Citizenship Ceremony where 19 people officially became British citizens, a proud and memorable occasion for everyone involved.

The ceremony reflected the rich diversity of our communities and the shared values of respect, belonging and opportunity that unite us all. It was wonderful to see so many families and friends celebrating such an important milestone together.

I was honoured to attend in my role as High Sheriff alongside Jonathan Jones Deputy Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor of Swansea Councillor Penny Matthew’s.Together, we had the pleasure of congratulating our new citizens as they begin this important new chapter in their lives.

A warm welcome and very best wishes to all 19 new citizens for the future. Lord-Lieutenant West Glamorgan Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea

22/05/2026

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of the new Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Councillor Alan Lockyer, alongside his wife Jan, at the beautiful Margam Orangery. It was a very enjoyable occasion and a fitting setting for the formal handover from the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Wayne Carpenter, and his wife Carol.

The event reflected the strong sense of civic pride and public service within Neath Port Talbot, and it was good to see so many people gathered to support the new Mayor as he begins his year of office.

I would like to thank Wayne and Carol for their service and commitment over the past year, and I wish Alan and Jan every success for the year ahead.
Lord-Lieutenant West Glamorgan Mayor of Neath Port Talbot County Borough

15/05/2026

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Swansea Male Voice Choir 80th Anniversary Spring Concert, a wonderful celebration of music, community and togetherness.

Compered by Robert Fairbourne, Chair of Swansea Male Voice Choir, the evening created a warm and welcoming atmosphere and brought performers and audiences of all ages together.

Swansea Male Voice Choir opened the concert with a mixture of traditional and modern songs, showcasing the choir’s musical strength and versatility during this special 80th anniversary year. Their performance reflected the choir’s longstanding contribution to music, culture and community life across Swansea and beyond.

Ynyshir Brass Band brought energy and excitement to the evening with performances that were both powerful and entertaining, while the talented young performers from Ysgol Gymraeg Bryntawe impressed everyone with performances from the full choir alongside soloists, duets and smaller singing groups, proudly supported by their parents and families.

The evening was also attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan and the Lord Mayor of Swansea. As this was the Lord Mayor’s final engagement before the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of Swansea, it was especially fitting that Robert Fairbourne thanked her for her service over the past year and presented a surprise cheque in support of her chosen cancer charity.

A lovely, entertaining and uplifting evening which truly reflected the strength of community, music and shared support for others.
Lord-Lieutenant West Glamorgan Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea

12/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week May 11th-17th

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, one of today’s activities within the Sorted Supported shared programme was the Friendship Circle at the YMCA Neath, which I was pleased to attend today.

I received a very warm welcome from everyone involved. The Friendship Circle provides an important opportunity for people to come together, take part in activities such as art and word games, and most importantly meet, socialise and support one another. Some attendees came independently, while others attended with carers, creating a very inclusive and supportive environment.

I was pleased to volunteer as quizmaster for the afternoon as the usual quizmaster was unavailable today, something I enjoyed and which brought plenty of engagement from the group.

The group is a welcoming place where people can simply drop in, and I immediately felt welcomed myself. It was lovely to see the friendships, encouragement and support that exist within the group.

Police Community Support Officers James and Jess, who were clearly well known to attendees, also visited during the session. It was very positive to see the supportive relationships that have been developed, with the PCSOs taking time to speak with members of the group and join in with activities and conversations.

Today was a strong example of the value of community connection, inclusion and supportive spaces in promoting positive mental wellbeing.
YMCA Neath SortedSupported South Wales Police Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot CVS

12/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week 11th - 17th May 2026

I was pleased to receive the following information from Richenda Leonard, SortedSupported Development Coordinator regarding Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 and the wide range of support, activities and resources being made available across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot through Sorted Supported.

This year’s theme is Action — focusing on the positive steps we can all take to support our own mental health, look out for others, and strengthen wellbeing across our communities.

Across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, local organisations, groups and services are coming together through Sorted Supported to offer a shared programme of free activities, events and resources for individuals, families, staff, volunteers and professionals.

What’s happening during the week?

This year’s programme offers something for everyone, including:

* Mental health, trauma and su***de prevention workshops
* Creative wellbeing sessions
* Nature-based activities focused on resilience and connection
* Community events and open days
* Support for specific groups
* Practical training for professionals and volunteers

👉 Browse the full programme here:
Mental Health Awareness Week Programme 2026 https://www.sortedsupported.org.uk/mental-health-awareness-week-2026/?utm

Sorted Supported — Support All Year Round

Beyond Mental Health Awareness Week, Sorted Supported is a free local mental health and wellbeing directory for Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. It is designed to help community groups, staff, volunteers and professionals quickly find trusted information, support and signposting.

Whether someone needs support with stress and anxiety, loneliness, crisis support, mindfulness tools or local community activities, Sorted Supported can help connect people to the right support at the right time.

SortedSSortedSupportedaSwansea Council for Voluntary ServicePort Talbot CVS

10/05/2026

VE Day Parade and Memorial Service Swansea

Today I attended the 81st VE Day Memorial Service in Swansea, a special and moving occasion of remembrance, reflecting on VE Day and Swansea’s important links to those historic events.

It was an honour to attend alongside the Lord-Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor of Swansea, together with veterans, serving personnel, cadets and members of the public, all coming together to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.

The Lord-Lieutenant delivered a thoughtful address reflecting on the significance of VE Day and the lasting importance of remembrance. Wreaths were also laid during the service in memory of all those who served and sacrificed, creating a poignant moment of reflection. Special thanks to Lynn Martin DL for organising and overseeing such a reflective and sensitively delivered event.

The cadets did themselves proud throughout the service, showing great professionalism, respect and dignity. A special mention to Cadet Sally, who supported me during today’s event and who also carried out an excellent role at my High Sheriff Declaration ceremony. Her confidence, commitment and composure were a real credit to both herself and her organisation.

Lord-Lieutenant West Glamorgan Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea Swansea - Sea Cadets Royal British Legion - City of Swansea Branch

07/05/2026

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the Chai and Chat group in Neath, led by Dr Shadan Roghani, Healthy Diverse Communities Development Officer.

Having recently visited the Port Talbot group, it was wonderful to see again the positive impact these sessions are having within local communities by bringing people together in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.

I received a very warm welcome from everyone present and enjoyed hearing members speak about the importance of the group in reducing isolation, building confidence, and creating lasting friendships and support networks.

What stood out once again was the strong sense of community and the willingness of members to support and encourage one another. These gatherings provide an important opportunity for women from a range of backgrounds and cultures to come together, share experiences, and discuss issues affecting their daily lives and wellbeing.

My thanks to Dr Roghani and everyone involved for their kindness and hospitality, and for the valuable contribution they continue to make within the community.
Neath Port Talbot CVS

07/05/2026

Following my recent appointment as a trustee of the South Wales Police Youth Trust, yesterday, I met with Deb Evans at South Wales Police Headquarters.

I received a very warm welcome and valued the opportunity to learn more about the Trust’s important work supporting young people across South Wales.

The South Wales Police Youth Trust was established in 2009 as a registered charity which provides grants to organisations and projects offering young people an alternative path to being drawn into crime, anti-social behaviour, and substance misuse.

Its aim is to ensure that young people who may already have had some experience of the criminal justice system are given the opportunity to build stronger foundations for the future, helping them make more positive life choices, develop healthier relationships, and improve both their mental and physical wellbeing.

Deb came across as incredibly passionate about the cause and deeply committed to improving opportunities and outcomes for young people. It was inspiring to hear more about the impact of early intervention and the difference local community projects can make in helping young people realise their potential.

I look forward to supporting the work of the Trust in the months ahead and working alongside colleagues who are so clearly committed to making a positive difference in our communities.
South Wales Police Swansea and Neath Port Talbot South Wales Police & Crime Commissioner South Wales Police

05/05/2026

Chai and Chat, Port Talbot ☕

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Chai and Chat group at Port Talbot Library, led by Dr Shadan Roghani, Healthy Diverse Communities Development Officer.

I was given a very warm welcome by everyone present. The group, which meets weekly, provides a safe and inclusive space for local women to come together, share experiences, and support one another.

During my visit, members spoke openly about both the many positives of the group and some of the challenges they face. Members of the group shared with me the value it brings in providing mutual support, building confidence, and creating a strong sense of belonging.

The diversity within the group is a real strength, bringing together women from a range of backgrounds and cultures, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversation around health and wellbeing, community matters, and cultural life.

I would like to thank Shadan and all those involved for their warm welcome and for the valuable contribution they are making to the local community.

For further information on Chai and Chat, please contact Dr Shadan Roghani. [email protected]
Neath Port Talbot CVS

02/05/2026

On Wednesday, I was kindly invited by Melanie James, a trustee with Heartbeat UK and a former High Sheriff, to visit the stand at Swansea Market, where she was speaking with members of the public and sharing details about bleed kits through her work with Heartbeat UK.

At the same time, the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Mrs Cheryl Philpott, was also visiting the stand.

The kits were on display for members of the public to see and understand, and it was a valuable opportunity to hear about the importance of responding quickly to critical bleeding. In those first few moments of an emergency, having the right equipment, and the confidence to use it, can make a vital difference.

It was also also pleasing to hear about the encouraging progress being made to place bleed kits in a range of community locations and services across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, including schools. This is an important step in strengthening community safety and preparedness.

These kits provide immediate, short term interventions for a range of serious bleeding situations, helping to stabilise individuals until professional medical help arrives.

Initiatives like this demonstrate the power of community awareness, partnership working, and practical action in saving lives.

High Sheriff of West Glamorgan

25/05/2026

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