LORD MAYOR OF CARDIFF 2025/26

Adrian was pleased to represent Cardiff Council at the funeral of former Lord Mayor, Delme Bowen. Delme's year as Lord Mayor in 2011/12 was tremendous fun (we know because Jayne Cowan was his Deputy LM) and raised a lot of money for his charity Cancer Research Wales. Whilst a moving occasion, it was also very interesting to learn about his background at the funeral, especially some of his scientific work, in addition to his political work in Cardiff.

Last Sunday, Adrian and Jayne were pleased to be invited to the Beacon of Peace walk in Cardiff organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association, which set off from the Baitur Raheem Mosque. The event raises money for a wide range of local charities (and this year they have generously included Adrian's two nominated charities in that). Adrian started off the first walk, whilst the Lady Mayoress Jayne Cowan and the newly installed High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Jane John

Adrian attended an incredible Murder Mystery at Cardiff Castle on Friday night, raising funds for his two nominated charities. Jayne was delighted to be in the cast! Everyone really enjoyed it and there was competition between the tables to guess the murderer. Thank you to Jayne for organising the evening, to Anthea who directed the play, the whole cast for all their time (including many rehearsals) and the other volunteers who helped. Also thank you to the Gateway of India,

A busy week, including fundraisers for Adrian's two nominated charities. Wednesday night saw 12 brave "inmates", including the South Wales Police Chief Constable, locked up for a Night in the Cells to raise money. When Adrian arrived at the Police station they were all, strangely, enjoying the experience and they are on course to raise a fantastic £5,000! Thanks to all who took part and to the Police who gave up their time to run the event (Adrian bets it was an unusual exper

Adrian would like to thank all the participants ahead of tomorrow's "Night in the Cells" event, where they will be locked up to raise funds in aid of his two nominated charities. They have all embraced the challenge with such enthusiasm. Today Adrian and Jayne popped into a fundraiser arranged by Iungoworks' Jessica Leigh Jones - The Mystery of West Bute Street! As well as a whodunnit, there was a cake sale, mugshots and a chance to try lock picking!

Wow. Thank you so much to Bereavement Services who nominated the Lord Mayor's Charity as their charity of the year and (thanks to a generous contribution from the ICCM's scheme) have raised an incredible £17,000! It was great to have Bereavement Services staff, the Cabinet Member, representatives from the charities and two dogs(!) at Thornhill Crematorium this morning for the cheque presentation.

Adrian and Jayne were pleased to be at the recent celebrations for the Sri Lankan New Year 2026, held in Sevenoaks Park, Grangetown, Cardiff. As well as trade and community stalls, there were fantastic displays of dancing (and the good weather also helped!)

Adrian and Jayne were guests at the incredible St David's Day Civic Service at St Margaret's Church, Roath today. It was great to see many representatives of Cardiff organisations attend and the Lord Mayor's Own Scouts/Guides carrying the Civic maces/standards. Afterwards it was good to welcome other (Lord) Mayors to the Mansion House, including those who had travelled from Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Neath Port Talbot & Rhondda Cynon Taff. They are gratef

Adrian and Jayne had the great pleasure of listening to the wonderful Côr Bryn Owain Choir last night at Holy Cross Church in Cowbridge, which was arranged and hosted by the very hard-working High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Janet Davies. The evening was held in aid of the South Wales Police Youth Trust. The Chief Constable of South Wales Police was a member of the choir alongside his family. He also spoke about the South Wales Police Youth Trust, which was set up in 2009 as

Adrian and Jayne visited the Shiny Happy Choir this week. The choir, who meet in Fairwater's Sbectrwm Centre, has members with a wide range of disabilities. It was clear how much every member enjoys singing, performing and participating because of how much energy the choir leaders put into ensuring everyone has a great time!

This week, Adrian and Jayne joined the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan – Mrs Morfudd Meredith – for the Lord Lieutenant's Awards held at HMS Cambria. The awards recognised outstanding work by local members of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales, as well as a chance to hear from this year's Lord Lieutenant's cadets, who are clearly enjoying the role this year. A former Lord Lieutenant's cadet also explained his role as a cadet trainer. In particular, it was

Adrian and Jayne had a very interesting evening on Sunday at the Dialogue Society Cardiff's community Iftar event. Held at Radyr's Old Church Rooms, it was good to chat with people from a range of faiths and none. Ahead of the Iftar dinner, Adrian was pleased to be invited to speak to the audience about the importance of talking to each other.

Adrian and Jayne enjoyed an exciting Wales vs Scotland match. This clip was before Scotland got back into the match, but it was a great game despite the end result. Following the match, along with South Wales Police  Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan, it was an honour to be introduced to HRH Princess Anne and Sir Tim who were keen to hear about Adrian's year in office and they also met with a number of rugby related groups. During the day Adrian and Jayne also chatted with Baron

Adrian and Jayne really enjoyed the UniBrass  competition on Saturday at ICCWales , organised this year by the Cardiff University Brass Band team. It's a competition for University brass bands, helping to keep people playing whilst they continue their education. As well as traditional music, there were other awards including most entertaining band, best student conductor & most innovative programme. Before the awards presentation they enjoyed seeing the South Wales Youth Band

Thank you so much to Cardiff and Vale College - Coleg Caerdydd a'r Fro  for the invitation to attend your amazing #apprenticeships  Awards Evening. Adrian and Jayne enjoyed meeting the incredible Principal Sharon James-Evans . They have something exciting planned in the next few months with some of the hospitality students. Will share details when they are available. What an incredible showcase of immensely talented young people. Wonderful entertainment from the music student

Adrian was invited to cut the ribbon at today's opening of Splott Community Volunteers new charity shop. Adrian and Jayne enjoyed chatting to the trustees, volunteers and other people from the local community who were involved in this project. You could easily see how much work has gone into the new shop, which is larger than its predecessor. Congratulations to all involved and they hope the shop will be a great success!

A massive thank you to Cardiff Rugby - Rygbi Caerdydd  for the invitation to the recent #Cardiff  vs #Newport  Match. Cardiff played so well but Newport was victorious on this occasion. Congratulations to them. It was wonderful to meet the Chairman Chris Collins and other members of the Committee. They all made Jayne and Adrian feel so welcome. Adrian presented Cardiff's Bailey Cutts with the 'Man of the Match Award'.

Adrian enjoyed attending the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales conference reception held in the Senedd this week. Archbishop Mark O'Toole's speech was very thoughtful, highlighting the role of the church in Welsh public life. Adrian also enjoyed catching up with other members of Cardiff's interfaith community. The cross-party reception was sponsored by Darren Millar MS and Delyth Jewell MS.

Last month, Adrian and Jayne were delighted to be invited for a tour of Care UK Llys Cyncoed care home in Cardiff and to meet resident Vivien Burgess who had previously invited us to an art exhibition she was staging at the home to raise funds for three charities. Her artwork, painted over many years was sublime - particularly the flowers and other flora she had captured!

Adrian and Jayne thoroughly enjoyed attending the press night of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at New Theatre Cardiff . The performance was excellent and the reviews were brilliant. It was a pleasure to meet Gethin Jones after the show.