#lordmayorofswansea — Public Fediverse posts
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SWANSEA: Schoolfriends reunited as Cllr Penny Matthews becomes Lord Mayor — 60 years after they sat in the same classroom
Swansea councillor Penny Matthews has been inaugurated as the city’s new Lord Mayor at a ceremony held at the Guildhall this morning — with her old schoolfriend Cllr Susan Jones taking up the role of Deputy Lord Mayor on the same day.
The pair were in the same class at Swansea Secondary Technical School for Girls as teenagers — the building that now houses Gower College Swansea’s Llwyn y Bryn Campus — making their joint elevation to the city’s top civic roles all the more remarkable.
Cllr Penny Matthews in her Lord Mayor’s robes following her inauguration at Swansea Guildhall on 15 May 2026. (Image: Swansea Council / supplied)Cllr Matthews, who has represented Llansamlet ward since 2007, said she was hugely honoured by the appointment.
“It is a huge honour to be serving the communities of Swansea as their Lord Mayor in the coming year,” she said. “I am really looking forward to getting out and about among the people of this fantastic city, as well as representing Swansea to visitors as our communities’ civic ambassador at a very exciting time.”
She added that the coincidence of her and Cllr Jones being honoured together in the same year was almost too good to believe.
“It’s uncanny that Cllr Jones and I should be honoured in such a way in the same year since we’ve known each other for so long and studied together all those years ago,” she said.
The inauguration programme from the ceremony at Swansea Guildhall on 15 May 2026. (Image: Swansea Council / supplied)Cllr Jones represents Gowerton ward on Swansea Council and is also a community councillor in the area.
The chains of office were handed over by outgoing Lord Mayor Cllr Cheryl Philpott, who paid tribute to Cllr Matthews’s contribution as Deputy Lord Mayor during the past year — before Cllr Matthews in turn thanked her predecessor for her “energy and commitment” during her time in office.
Cllr Matthews was born and brought up in Swansea, attending Manselton Primary School before passing the 11-plus and moving on to the technical school for girls. Her first job was a Saturday shift on the makeup counter at Woolworths on Oxford Street, followed by a stint at the Steel Company of Wales in Velindre, and then four years managing the office at DC Francis Coal Merchants.
She later worked as a booking clerk and union representative at the Goods Vehicle Centre on the Strand — and has been a governor at Trallwn Primary School since 1995, supporting the school through committees and events for more than three decades.
Her nominated charity for the year ahead is arthritis research, supporting the St David’s Medical Foundation Charity based at Swansea University.
The new Lord Mayor Cllr Penny Matthews with pupils from a Swansea school choir who performed at the inauguration ceremony. (Image: Swansea Council / supplied)The inauguration ceremony was held in the Council Chamber — part of the Grade 1 listed Guildhall complex in Swansea, which is also home to the Brangwyn Hall. Pupils from Trallwn Primary School — where Cllr Matthews has been a governor since 1995 — performed as a choir, a fitting touch for a Lord Mayor whose connection to the school stretches back more than three decades.
Cllr Matthews said she was grateful for the good wishes she had received ahead of the ceremony.
“I want to say thank-you to everyone for all their good wishes for my year in office,” she said. “The year ahead promises to be a very exciting one.”
Cllr Matthews takes up the role at a time when Swansea is in the midst of significant regeneration — with the Kingsway development winning national awards this week, the former Debenhams building sold, and major investment continuing along the waterfront. Her year as civic ambassador will take place against a backdrop of a city that is changing fast.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
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Previous Lord Mayor stories from Swansea Bay News.Brangwyn Hall stories from Swansea Bay News
#BrangwynHall #CllrPennyMatthews #CllrSusanJones #featured #LordMayorOfSwansea #PennyMatthews #SwanseaCouncil
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City turns out to mark 85 years of the RAF Air Cadets with parade and service at Swansea Minster
Swansea city centre paused shortly after lunchtime as the RAF Air Cadets led a full civic parade from John Chard VC House to Swansea Minster, accompanied by senior civic leaders and representatives from the armed forces community.
The parade stepped off at around 1pm, travelling along Oxford Street and Whitewalls, where the salute was taken by the Lord Mayor of Swansea near the entrance to Swansea Market. Short rolling road closures were put in place to allow the procession to pass safely, with the return journey beginning shortly after 2.30pm.
Inside Swansea Minster, cadets, families and dignitaries gathered for a special anniversary service celebrating 85 years since the formation of the Air Training Corps. The service included prayers, readings and ceremonial elements led by clergy and cadet representatives.
In a statement earlier today, Swansea Council encouraged residents to show their support for the young people taking part, describing the event as a chance to recognise the contribution of the RAF Air Cadets to the city and the wider region.
Members of the public and uniformed personnel gather outside for the civic element of the event. (Image: Swansea Minster) RAF Air Cadets assemble outside NEXT in Swansea city centre before stepping off for the parade. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets stand to attention as clergy lead prayers at the front of the church. (Image: Swansea Minster)Flags and standards fill the aisle during the RAF Air Cadets’ anniversary service. (Image: Swansea Minster) Candle bearers lead part of the ceremony inside Swansea Minster. (Image: Swansea Minster) A young RAF Air Cadet stands at a lectern delivering a reading during the anniversary service at Swansea Minster.
(Image: Swansea Minster)Cadets and clergy gather at the front of the church for the presentation of standards. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets carry ceremonial flags down the aisle as the service begins. (Image: Swansea Minster) Dignitaries join the congregation inside Swansea Minster for the anniversary celebration. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets stand in formation beneath the stained‑glass windows of Swansea Minster during the service. (Image: Swansea Minster) Clergy lead the anniversary service at Swansea Minster as cadets and families look on. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets gather inside Swansea Minster ahead of the 85th anniversary service. (Image: Swansea Minster) A packed Swansea Minster watches the RAF Air Cadets’ formal procession. (Image: Swansea Minster)Swansea Minster later thanked those who attended the service, paying tribute to Reverend Canon Justin Davies for his homily and acknowledging the presence of The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet JP, The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Diana Stroia, and The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Cheryl Philpott.
The Minster also praised the cadets for what it described as a “fabulous service”, with photographs showing the scale of the turnout both inside the church and along the parade route.
The RAF Air Cadets, founded in 1941, provide training, leadership opportunities and aviation‑focused activities for young people across the UK. Today’s event marked one of the largest public celebrations of the anniversary in Swansea.
#ArmedForces #CllrCherylPhilpott #DianaStroia #HighSheriffOfWestGlamorgan #LordLieutenant #LordMayorOfSwansea #LouiseFleetJP #militaryParade #RAFAirCadets #ReverendCanonJustinDavies #Swansea #SwanseaMinster -
Pupils join civic and faith leaders to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in Swansea
The annual commemoration honours the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and in genocides around the world. This year marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz‑Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex.
Students from Bishop Vaughan, YG Penllergaer, YG Penyrheol, YGG Bryntawe, Christchurch Primary, Blaenymaes Primary, Penyrheol Comprehensive, Olchfa and YG Tan‑y‑Lan took part, alongside learners from Gower College Swansea.
Pupils from Penyrheol Comprehensive School taking part in Swansea’s Holocaust Memorial Day event.They were joined by Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, the Lord Mayor of Swansea Cheryl Philpott, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet, and representatives from Swansea’s multi‑faith communities.
Norma Glass MBE, a leading figure in Swansea’s Jewish community, closed the ceremony.
The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Cheryl Philpott, with Canon Phillip Gwynn at the Guildhall ceremony.
(Image: Swansea Council)Khushbu Agrawal, Rocio Cifuentes, Norma Glass MBE, Lord Lieutenant Louise Fleet and Shaz Abedean at the Swansea.com stadium event.
(Image: Swansea Council)Cllr Stewart said the day remained a vital moment of reflection:
#BishopVaughanCatholicSchool #BlaenymaesPrimarySchool #ChristchurchPrimarySchool #CllrCherylPhilpott #CllrRobStewart #GowerCollegeSwansea #holocaustMemorialDay #JewishCommunity #LordLieutenant #LordMayorOfSwansea #LouiseFleetJP #NormaGlassMBE #Olchfa #PenllergaerPrimarySchool #PenyrheolComprehensiveSchool #PenyrheolPrimarySchool #Swansea #YsgolGymraegBryntawe #YsgolTanYLan“January 27 marks the day in 1945 when Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp in Poland, was liberated and the remaining prisoners set free.
“Holocaust Memorial Day has become an occasion of remembrance for all those who have suffered and died due to acts of genocide.
“Today’s theme about bridging generations is about ensuring that we continue to remember, commemorate and commit to preventing genocide for the good of our children and their children.
“As those with direct experience of surviving the reality of genocide pass on, it’s our duty not to forget.
“It is through events such as today and the very moving and thought‑provoking contributions from our schools that we challenge ourselves to stand up against such tyranny.”
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Swansea falls silent for Remembrance Sunday
At the Swansea War Memorial, also known as the Cenotaph, on the promenade beside Mumbles Road, Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Cheryl Philpott joined members of the council, armed forces, veterans and community representatives to lay wreaths in tribute. Services also took place across communities throughout the city and county.
Swansea Council said:
“At 11am today Swansea fell silent in remembrance of those in the armed forces who have died in service of our country, our veterans and those who serve.”
Cllr Philpott reflected on the week of remembrance events across the city, including visits to schools, cadet presentations, and the Poppies at Oystermouth Castle installation. She said:
“Standing beneath the ancient walls, surrounded by a sea of red, I reflected on the courage of those who gave so much and the importance of ensuring their stories live on.”
She added that gatherings such as the Festival of Remembrance at the Brangwyn Hall, the Cenotaph service, and the service at Swansea Minster unite people of all generations “with gratitude for the past and hope for a peaceful future.”
Today’s ceremony at the Cenotaph was marked by solemn reflection, with veterans, serving personnel, civic leaders and members of the public standing together in silence before wreaths were laid.
(All images: Swansea Council / Swansea Minster)
#ArmedForces #Cenotaph #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #MumblesPromenade #MumblesRoad #poppyWreath #RemembranceDay #RemembranceSunday #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMinster #SwanseaWarMemorial #Veterans
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Swansea launches annual Poppy Appeal with city market ceremony
Launch at Swansea Market
The launch took place at Swansea Market, chosen as the venue to bring the appeal into the heart of the city. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Cheryl Philpott, Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart, Cllr Wendy Lewis, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, and representatives from the Royal British Legion.
The Poppy Appeal is the Legion’s UK‑wide campaign to raise funds for veterans and their families. This year’s appeal carries added poignancy as it coincides with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.
“Wear your poppy with pride”
Cllr Philpott said the appeal was a vital opportunity to honour those who had given their lives for freedom:
“So many local people have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years. This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day and the generation which gave us everything and is gradually passing on, deserve our respect and remembrance. I would encourage everyone to give what they can to the appeal and wear their poppy with pride.”
Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart added:
“Our veterans need our support and the Royal British Legion does brilliant work for them and for serving members of the armed forces. We should all give what we can in this year’s Poppy Appeal.”
Community remembrance events
A series of remembrance events will take place across Swansea in the coming weeks, including:
- 25 October – Cross of Peace ceremony at Dan Y Graig Cemetery
- 2 November – Garden of Peace opens outside Morgan’s Hotel
- 8 November – Festival of Remembrance at Brangwyn Hall
- 9 November – Remembrance Sunday: Cenotaph service, city centre parade and Service at Swansea Minster
- 11 November – Poppies to Paddington event at Swansea Railway Station
- 11 November – Armistice Day commemorations at the Cenotaph and National Two Minute Silence
- 11 November – Guildhall illuminated red for Armistice Day
“A symbol of sacrifice”
Phillip Flower, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Swansea, said the poppy remained a powerful emblem:
“The poppy has been the emblem and a rallying‑point for Royal British Legion fundraising for well over a century. It is a reminder of the poppies of Flanders, where so many gave their lives during World War I.”
Poppies will be available at council venues across the city, including libraries, the Guildhall and the Civic Centre.
#ArmisticeDay #Cenotaph #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #RemembranceSunday #RoyalBritishLegion #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #SwanseaPoppyAppeal #VEDay #VJDay