Llantwit Town Mayor’s Update

August 2019

It is now 3 months since I was elected Town Mayor and I intend to continue the good work of my predecessor David Ellis. It has been a very busy period and I have found it a very interesting and heart-warming experience to meet so many people. I have visited the Dementia Group, Parkinsons Group and Valeplus Group and what excellent work they all do. I intend to visit the Groups whenever I can. I have also attended Civic Services throughout the Vale and it was interesting to see how they are all different. However, it is important that we all support each other to promote all our communities.  Regarding my own Civic Service on the 21st July thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a special day to remember. Thanks to Father Craig Vaughan for conducting the service so well and to Ruth, Dawn, Nia, Frances and Ray at the Town Hall for making all the arrangements so efficiently.  

I have also attended many events over the past 3 months including the Victorian Fayre, CAOS group in Rhoose, CAOS juniors in St Athan, Llantwit Major Dog Show, and Techniquest Cardiff in the Llantwit Major Library to mention a few and what splendid events they were.

Town Council news – I was privileged on behalf of the Town Council to officially open the newly built Sports Pavillion a wonderful facility that the residents of Llantwit Major and the surrounding villages can enjoy.  My thanks to all the groups involved in this project but a special vote of thanks to the Town Clerk, Cllr Dave Foster and Cllr Jeff Evans for all their hard work in bringing this project to fruition.

Myself, Cllr David Ellis and Chris Westoby are in discussions regarding the restoration of the Town’s Fair Trade Status. The Town had originally gained Fair Trade status in 2008 and was the first town in the Vale to achieve this. I will update you on the progress in due course.

The judging of the Llantwit Major Best Kept Garden competition has been completed and the winners will be announced at the Llantwit Major Horticultural Show on the 17th August.

We have overseen refurbishment works to 2 rooms at the rear of the Old School which are now available to rent on a casual basis, so any community groups looking for a reasonable rate room to rent please contact the Town Council office.

The past couple of months have seen several small wedding receptions being held upstairs in the Town Hall.  It is good to see this building being used again for such joyous occasions.

Fund raising for my chosen charities Llantwit Major Stroke Support Group, Llantwit Major Valeplus Group and Woody’s Lodge have already started with a very successful coffee morning on the 29th June which raised £401.50. Thank you to everyone who supported the event. My next fund-raising event will be a Sunday Lunch at the St Athan Golf Club on Sunday 15th September. Tickets are now available for the lunch at the Llantwit Major Town Hall.  Planning ahead, another event for your diaries will be a Murder Mystery evening on the 16th November in Llantonian Hall so please put this in your diary.

Cllr Robert Gant