When I was first approached and asked if I might consider the roll of Mayor of Abergavenny, I did have to check if there was someone else behind me!  Once I confirmed that there was no one else, I had to ponder over my reply for over half a second !!

I think my first reply was,  I would be honoured

As someone born and bred in Abergavenny, to be asked to be Mayor will be the pinnacle of my 37+ years as a Community Councillor. I originally served as an elected member with Llanfoist Fawr Community Council representing Llanwenarth Citra Ward, and following the Boundary changes, that brought Llanwenarth Citra ward under Abergavenny Town Council,  so for the last 2 years I have served as a Town Councillor, continuing to represent Llanwenarth Citra, sitting the Environment and Policy  & Resources committees.

I also have the roll of championing moving Abergavenny Town towards become a Sight Friendly Destination for those who are visually impaired.  To find small changes, will allow them to negotiate the Town, together, with guidance from my Granddaughter Samiya, who has a visual impairment, we now have links to Sight Cymru, and also Ucan.

Attending the Queens Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022, being recognised for 35+ years’ service as a Community Councillor, was for me, a very special day.

Born in Tudor Street in 1949, my first school at the age of 5 was Llynwnu Infants School, followed by Hereford Road School, and on to Grofield School, At 15 years of age, I started my apprenticeship with Charles Price Builders of Nevill Street as an apprentice Bricklayer, working on site 4 days a week, and attending Pontypool College one day a week.

In 1973 I applied for the position of Building Inspector, to work in Abergavenny, where I stayed for the next 17 years,  ( it’s a strange feeling that the Mayor’s Parlour once used to be my old office! ) and that a past Town Mayor Mr Laurie Parry, who’s name appears of the Roll board, used to be not only my Metal work teacher, but I have lived in his old house for the past 42 years.

At the age of 74, I still work as a Building Inspector 3 days a week, with many projects in and around Abergavenny.

I have also represented Abergavenny at Hockey, from the age of 15, and I still play Grand Masters Hockey for Wales 70, 75s and in 2023, played in Valencia, at the European Cup, taking my total international Caps for Wales to 26.

During Covid, I volunteered at Gateway Church, delivering meals to anyone that needed a meal, and I also supported Nevill Hall Hospital night staff, as a volunteer driver, for 10 weeks.

I am looking forward to the challenges of the year ahead, as the Abergavenny Town Mayor for 2024-25, and with the help of my fellow Councillors, Principal and Deputy Principal Officers, and Community Support and Engagement Officer, we look forward to working for and with all of the  people and communities of Abergavenny.