Chairman's Blog
MAY 2026
Civic Year Begins!
My civic year began with the Annual General Meeting of Carmarthenshire County Council on Wednesday 20th May. At that council meeting I was installed as Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council, and Claire as my consort. Particularly proud to have had my parents in the meeting which made it feel very special.
As you may know only 4 years ago I was Chairman of Llanelli Rural Council and at the end of that year it struck me that there are a very many organisations out there working to make our community better, and I had met but a few. There was alot going on in Llanelli then and this year I have the opportunity to see what is going on county wide and Claire and I are very much looking forward to that.
And yes my tie had a mind of its own in one of the pictures ...
First Event - Done! - Adferiad
I attended an open day at the offices of Adferiad in Carmarthen where I learned about the range of support and services they offer. I'd like to thank Rachel and the team for the very warm welcome I received.
International Childrens Day
As part of International World Childrens Day Claire and I attended an event at the People Speak Up, Arts Health & Wellbeing Hub in Park Street. The event was organised by the Llanelli Multicultural Network and showcased many organisations and what they can offer, and we were also treated to some delightful culinary dishes from around the globe!
A big thank you to Eleanor Shaw (in the picture with us) for allowing the event to be hosted at People Speak Up. As I'm to find out I may be back here ... often...
Mayor of Llandeilo
Third event of the day! a busy one to start the year off. The day was finished in the Plough, Rhosmaen where a civic dinner was being held to celebrate the installation of Cllr Gordon Kilby as Chair of Llandeilo Town Council.
Won a bottle of wine in the raffle too! Happy Days...
Pictured with the newly installed Mayor of Dyffryn Cennen Community Council Cllr Edward Thomas
JUNE 2026
Mayor of Llandovery
Into June we go with our first engagement.
Claire and I were delighted to attend the civic service for Cllr Handel Davies, who was recently installed as Mayor of Llandovery
National Volunteer Week
I was invited to attend and speak at a Volunteer Thank you day organised by CAVS (Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services) at Parc Dewi Sant in Carmarthen. So many organisations throughout the county rely on people volunteering and giving up their precious and valuable time that it is right to recognise them on a day like this.
Dr Phil Kloer - Executive Medical Director and Director of Clinical Strategy was also in attendance.
Llanelli More in Common - Launch Event
A new initiative was being launched in Llanelli. Llanelli More in Common is a local community partnership and network, inspired by the late MP Jo Cox's message that people have "far more in common than that which divides them". The coalition brings together local organisations, charities, and residents to heal divisions and promote inclusion.
Very poignant event and thank you to all who have set this up.
Pictured with Cllr Michelle Donoghue (Chairman or Llanelli Rural Council) and Cllr Louvain Roberts (Chairman of Llanelli Town Council)
Kings Baton Relay - Pentre Awel
A total of 27 baton bearers participated in the King's Baton Relay across six locations yesterday, helping to celebrate the journey as it makes its way to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
With just 32 days to go, the baton travelled across the county by walking, running and cycling, with each baton bearer recognised for their contribution to sport, physical activity, volunteering and their local community.
It was fantastic to see communities come together to support the relay and celebrate the people who help make Carmarthenshire a special place.
I greeted the Kings Baton Relay Team at the new leisure centre Pentre Awel in Llanelli along with many other local organisations and groups.
Royal British Legion - Summer Ball
Claire and I joined the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Mr Jonathan Gravell, Dame Nia Griffith M.P., Llanelli Rural Council Chair Cllr. Michelle Donoghue and Llanelli Town Mayor Cllr. Louvain Roberts at this years Royal British Legion - Summer Ball
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. Events like this remind us that while we come together to honour service, we also come together to enjoy each other’s company and strengthen the bonds within our Armed Forces and veteran community.
Armed Forces Week -
Flag Raising
Always poignant to attend these events. On Claire's and my side of the family we have relatives who have served in the armed forces, particularly the senior service of the Royal Navy.
Supporting Armed Forces Week is a way to recognise and thank the men and women of the Armed Forces, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families for the sacrifices they make in serving the United Kingdom. It also helps strengthen the bond between the military and non military communities, ensuring their dedication, courage, and service are remembered and appreciated.
Pictured with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of dyfed Mr Jonathan Gravell, and the High Sheriff of Dyfed Mr Andrew Phillips.
Young Sports Ambassadors
The Young Sports Ambassadors programme is a nationwide youth leadership initiative—delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and supported by Sport Wales — that empowers students to become role models, promote physical activity, and influence sports participation among their peers.
The programme operates on a tiered progression pathway to build leadership skills at every level of education:
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Bronze Ambassadors: Typically in primary schools (Years 5 and 6), they focus on promoting active play and helping during PE lessons.
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Silver & Gold Ambassadors: Found in secondary schools and colleges, they lead school sports clubs, mentor younger students, and connect schools with local community sports organisations.
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Platinum & National Ambassadors: Older pupils (aged 15+) who represent their region, help guide local policy, and sit on national panel
During my visit I met both a Platinum and Gold ambassador and no way could I pass Swiss Valley school pupils without saying hello and getting a pic in! well done to the 4 pupils pictured on getting their Bronze Awards!
Llanelli Links - Murder Mystery
Links is a unique Llanelli Mental Health Charity, providing support and learning opportunities to those within our community who have or are experiencing mental ill-health. Links aims to help people to build their self confidence and self esteem by offering a range of supportive creative learning opportunities as well as progressive, person-centred personal development plans.
Claire and I were delighted to support the event in the Diplomat Hotel.
We didnt identify who the murderer was but apparently for the first time in this event..nobody did.... so we feel better now ... :)
Llanelli Multicultural Network -
Polish/Ukrainian
Busy day today but we joined Polish and Ukrainian performers first thing in the morning before heading to Pembrey who were celebrating their cultures having made their homes here in Llanelli. We had a warm welcome and thoroughly enjoyed.
It was a little ironic that before going down to Pembrey for Armed Forces Day I met 2 cultures who have known repression. These families were so happy to be in this country and very thankful for what the U.K. is doing to help protect their countries.
We only had a brief time to enjoy some of the performances but both Claire and I wanted to come here and show our support.
National Armed Forces Day
Pembrey Country Park
Having left the Selwyn Samual centre we made a beeline for Pembrey to get there for the official start of Armed Forces Day.
This year Carmarthenshire hosted Wales’ National Armed Forces Day on 27 June on the Archery Field, at Pembrey Country Park.
The opening event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council, Lord Vernon Coaker Minister for Defence in the House of Lords, and other dignatories.
We were treated to a fly past by an RAF A400m Atlas, and a parachute display by the Royal Air Force Falcons.
Claire and I walked around the event and talked to many current and ex servicemen and women, and bumped into my mum and dad, with my father having served in the Royal Navy.
Having met Lord Coacker earlier I was glad to have avoided meeting Lord Vader, although I did bump into a few of his storm troopers! may the force be with you...
I was asked to close the Armed Forces Day and gave a brief speech.
I also subsequently attended the flag lowering ceremony on the Monday after outside Llanelli Town hall to conclude Armed Forces Week.
Llanelli Mayor - Civic Service
St Elli Church
Claire and I were delighted to support Cllr. Louvain Roberts at her civic service at St. Elli Church, Llanelli.
It was a lovely service.
JULY 2026
Johnstown Primary School
Restorative
Along with Carmarthenshire County Council Claire and I congratulate Johnstown Primary School on achieving national recognition as a Registered Restorative Organisation from the Restorative Justice Council (RJC), placing it among just three schools in the UK to currently hold this status.
The recognition reflects the school’s sustained commitment to embedding restorative practice across all aspects of school life, including behaviour support, relationships, inclusion, wellbeing and engagement with families.
The award follows a rigorous assessment process led by the Restorative Justice Council, which evaluated the school’s restorative ethos, policies, staff training and day‑to‑day practice with pupils and families. Registration recognises not only good practice, but consistency, reflection and a long‑term commitment to restorative values.
At Johnstown Primary School, restorative practice underpins how relationships are built, how challenges are addressed, and how the school community works together. The registration process also provided a valuable opportunity for the school to reflect on practice, celebrate strengths and identify priorities for the next stage of its restorative journey.
We attended a special school assembly where the award was presented.
Llandeilo Fawr Music Festival
Renowned broadcaster and wine expert Oz Clarke served as the narrator for a special production of Henry Purcell's King Arthur at the Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music. The performance, delivered by the Armonico Consort, opened the festival at St Teilo's Church.
Claire and I had a very enjoyable evening in the hot weather! joined by Ann Davies M.P.
1st Llanelli Scouts AGM
As the scouting year drew to a close Claire and I joined them at their AGM and BBQ to reflect on the year's activities and to celebrate the young people's achievements with the presentation of chief scouts awards.
We also had a tour of the facilities including the climbing wall, and shooting gallery. Such a committed group of individuals and well done to Rob Davies their Group Lead Volunteer on gaining on his Silver Wolf award! This is a very prestigious award and not many people have them, so very well done indeed.
Burgers were "banging"too.....
Strawberry Tea
Claire and I attended a strawberry tea in aid of the Llanelli Hospital League of friends. Entertainment was privided by Cor Curiad led by Alex Esney. Well done to all who organised it and it was a great success in their new venue of the Selwyn Samuel Centre.
