Chris Peters-Bond

Motorists and passers-by travelling along a main route through Swansea are being welcomed by a brand new floral display.

The colourful display has been planted at the junction of Oystermouth Road and Paxton Street as part of the city’s 50^th birthday celebrations.

Dozens of flowering plants are included in the display to form the current 50^th birthday logo which is being carried on promotional material around the city.

Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration & Tourism, said: “The city is in full swing in terms of celebrations to help mark the 50^th birthday of Swansea being a city.

“Our Parks Team has now added to this by planting a flower bed along one of the main routes through the city.

“I’m sure motorists and those walking by will appreciate the colourful display and join with us in celebrating throughout the summer.”

THE 157 (Welsh) Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corp (RLC) is celebrating being granted the freedom of Swansea with a parade and march in the city centre on July 27.

157 (Welsh) Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corp (RLC) which has always recruited strongly from Swansea will be receive the freedom of the city at a special ceremonial event at the Guildhall in Swansea.

It will then exercise its right to march in the city centre from the Guildhall to a VIP reception at the National Waterfront Museum.

The honorary freedom celebration is all part of celebrations of the 50^th anniversary of Swansea being declared a city and will come just days after Catherine Zeta Jones receives the honour in a ceremony at the Guildhall.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Reservists play an increasingly vital role in the British Army, often taking part in operations around the world. 157 Regiment RLC is the largest Army Reserve regiment in Wales.

“Its job is to move combat supplies great distances to ensure the Army has all it needs to do its job. If it can be loaded onto the back of a truck, they move it.

“Not only do they potentially put their lives at risk, but they also play an important part in promoting a greater understanding of the Army and its work.

“Here in Swansea, we’re enormously proud of our serving and former Armed Forces men and women. Granting Honorary Freedom of the City and County of Swansea to 157 (Welsh) Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corp (RLC) will further show how much the council and communities across the city appreciate everything our Armed Forces do to protect the freedom and democracy that we cherish.”

The Ceremonial Meeting of Swansea Council will take place in the Guildhall Chamber on July 27 at 10am. There will be an Inspection outside the Guildhall at followed by a march from Guildhall to the National Waterfront Museum via St Helen’s Road, West Way, Oxford Street and Princess Way.

157 (Welsh) Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corp (RLC) is the latest of a number of armed services’ units and individuals who have had the honour conferred upon them. These range from World War II general Bernard Montgomery, Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, to the Royal Navy’s ocean survey vessel HMS Scott and HMS Cambria, which was granted freedom of the city last year.

Others to have been granted the honour over the years include former Wales football manager Chris Coleman, former American President Jimmy Carter, the late Lord Callaghan, the late John Charles and Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Tens of thousands of visitors will be heading for Swansea this weekend to see the Red Arrows and a host of other stars of the sky in a brilliant and free two-day event.

For the first time this year there’s a special After Dark show featuring 10 tethered hot air balloon and night-time aerobatics from the Fireflies display team. And lots more.

Getting to the show

We’re making it as easy as possible to get to the Wales Airshow this year but due to the high volume of traffic expected please do plan ahead as there will be traffic delays.

There will be signs in place to direct you to a range of car parks, including two Park and Ride sites. Plus don’t forget that for the safety and security of visitors Oystermouth Road westbound has been closed between West Way and Brynmill Lane. The same section of road eastbound will be closed from Saturday morning. Diversions will be in place.

Armed Forces Day

Every year Armed Forces Day celebrates the contributions made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. This year Armed Forces day falls during the Wales Airshow, so a special celebration is planned on Saturday 6 July from 10.30am. With the joint celebrations of Wales’ largest free event and Armed Forces Day, it’s sure to be a special occasion.

There will be a large display of military stands and ground assets and ‘come and try it’ activities. There will also be a stage with military themed entertainment followed by the flag raising ceremony, accompanied by a piper and bugler. From currently serving troops to Service families, from veterans to cadets, come and show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

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More Information

For more information about Wales Airshow, take a look at http://www.walesnationalairshow.com/

Pupils at a school in Swansea have been learning what life was like for young students 50 years ago.

The youngsters at Townhill Primary were visited by Jeffrey Bowen who attended the school in 1969.

He told them about how girls and boys were taught in separate classes, how all lessons were carried out using a chalk board rather than interactive white boards or computers and how pupils faced physical punishment if they were badly behaved.

The present day youngsters then used what they had learned from his talk to write letters to their counterparts 50 years ago explaining what life was like at Townhill Primary today.

These will now be included in a time capsule that will be locked away until 2069 as part of this year’s celebrations of Swansea’s 50^th anniversary as a city.

Year Four teacher Emma Webb said: “The children were thrilled to see all the artefacts Mr Bowen brought in and to compare life in the school in 1969 to how it is today.

“It’s been extremely valuable for all of our pupils because they are grateful for how school life has changed and what they have today.”

This year has been a special one for Townhill Primary because last term the school received a glowing inspection report from Estyn.

Headteacher Peter Owen said: “We’ve been delighted to be part of the celebrations of the 50^th anniversary of the city and we are thrilled with some of the work that our Year Four children in particular have done.”

Both the sun and the crowds were out as Prince Charles returned to Swansea 50 years to the day that he announced it was to become a city.

The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall were given a warm welcome as they met some of the volunteers, community groups, emergency services and business people who have contributed to the city since that historic occasion.

Hundreds of well-wishers and school pupils were at Victoria Park and cheered the royal couple as they made their way to the Patti Pavilion.

The visit forms part of a packed programme of activities taking place throughout 2019 as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Swansea Council’s Deputy Leader Clive Lloyd said: “It was a privilege to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to Swansea on such an historic day.

“Prince Charles spoke warmly about Swansea and his recollections of his visit 50 years ago.

“We were delighted that so many community organisations who are the lifeblood of Swansea accepted our invitation to attend at the Patti Pavilion and our royal guests were clearly interested in the work that they do.”

Prince Charles and Camilla signed a replica of the City Charter, cut a birthday cake celebrating the 50th anniversary and unveiled plaques commemorating the visit to Swansea and the Patti Pavilion.

They also spoke with a small group of people who were present when he visited Swansea 50 years ago.

Raeesa Miah from St Helen’s Primary School, who won the main prize at this year’s Show Racism The Red Card competition in Wales, presented the Duchess of Cornwall with a posy of flowers.

Among those at Victoria Park were pupils of Bishopston, Terrace Road and Christchurch primary schools.

They waved flags and banners as the Royal couple arrived and strolled down the park’s tree-lined avenue.

Jayne Allchurch, a teacher at Bishopston, said: “It was lovely to celebrate an important part of Swansea’s history in this way.

“Being able to see the Prince and Duchess really brought the Royal family alive for the children.”

Owen Weston, a teacher at Christchurch, said: “We’ve spent a couple of weeks learning about the 50th anniversary of Swansea becoming a city.

“Our school has children from around the world so it’s important they’ve now got a greater understanding about the place they live and its history.

“The pupils were really excited to come here today.

“A lot of them say they’ll never wash their hands again – because they shook Prince Charles’ hand.”

On his arrival at Victoria Park Prince Charles stopped off at the kiosk that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities and learning needs.

Bethan Powell who works at the kiosk said: “Meeting Prince Charles and Camilla was amazing and I can’t wait to tell my family because they were both so nice.

“He asked us about what we were serving today so I told him about the quiche which he said he likes.”

Prince Charles also met with Hanif Miah who set up his restaurant at the Patti Pavilion with business partner Foyaz Miah after training delivered by The Prince’s Trust Cymru which he said helped transform his life.

Mr Miah added: “We talked to him about what we are doing as a business and he was just so engaging it was like talking to one of our friends.

“It was surreal to meet him on such an important day for Swansea.”

A music video has been launched to accompany Swansea songwriter Michael Mullen’s song to celebrate Swansea’s 50^th anniversary as a city.

‘This is our city’ is sung by talented 12 year old Justine Afante who stars in the video alongside community and cultural groups as well as the city’s iconic landscape.

The video will be played on the big screen in Castle Square as well as at major events throughout the city’s anniversary year.

Michael has written a letter of thanks to all those that have helped with the project:

“What an amazing few weeks we have had in Swansea , filming the video for the This Is Our City Swansea anthem celebrating Swansea’s fiftieth year as a city !at fifty celebrations . It’s been an exhausting but truly inspiring and emotional few weeks telling the stories of the real heroes of our city. We are so proud to share this video with you all!

You really are the true heroes of our community and thank you for giving us the honour to make this video about you.

A big thank you to all of those who turned up to the numerous events we filmed at . You gave up your time to support the project and we are incredibly grateful for this.

In fifty years time , your children and families will be so proud to see you being involved in this project .

A huge thank you to Rob Stewart Council Leader, Mo Sykes , David Price Deer and all of the Swansea Council Events team , Chris Peters-Bond at the Communications team and everyone else at Swansea Council , including the councillors who were great sports , and Steve Barnes, Claire Pearson and all of those at The Wave and Swansea Sound for being so supportive of this project.

A huge thanks to local film maker and cameraman Matthew Grimsley for his amazing camera work and editing , often working long hours to get the right shot and for putting up with me sending numerous documents detailing what I want in the video and where.

The incredible voice of soon to be world superstar Justine Afante and stunning vocals and co- choreography of the ridiculously talented Megan Annie Carsley and Rebecca Mullan!

Thanks to the Dancerama Performing Arts school and Dance By Rebecca pupils ,parents and families who gave up their time to perform in the video and followed us across the city as we shot the film and last but not least to all of the wonderful people who took the time out of their lives to dress up and support us at the finale , including Gareth our cameraman who gave up his time for free to film in the centre of Swansea.

We asked lots of private companies for help and either got no reply or they all wanted something in return - but this was never about a business advert - it was about recording those who often go unrecognised or unnoticed but make a huge difference to so many lives.

This project has made us even more aware of who the real heroes and legends of our city are - have pictures on your walls of the lifeboat and fire crews who volunteer long hours to save your lives , religious leaders who came together at the amazing Kardomah cafe to show the people in their community that unity and harmony is alive in the city.

The wonderful elders who gave us such warm welcomes when we discussed the project with members of Swansea central mosque and the Guru Nanan Sikh temple in Llansamlet, the Dance Without Barriers leaders who encourage people with additional needs to experience the joy and health benefits of movement through Dance, Surfability and Whizzkids organisers who allow wheelchair users to feel the air in their hair and water on their skin as they surf.

Local business owners such as Marcus at the Kardomah restaurant , which has been voted in the top 50 cafes in the world and is competing against the huge restaurant chains , the curators of the home of Dylan Thomas , the wonderful Lord and Lady Mayor who wore all of their wonderful attire and were such great sports, the inspiring Cando hub group , the fabulous LBGTQ community, the amazing Talking Hands group choir based in Plasmarl who joined us at the St Helen’s performance of the song , Alyson Pugh at Dance for health, Amina at Fusion who put on a great event in St Helen’s.

Pru Thimbleby who facilitates the wonderful Arts got health programme, Jill Duarte who works tirelessly with our hardworking African community and put on an incredible Windrush event full of people from across the globe who have chosen Swansea as their home, and contribute their skills and love to it daily. We even got to meet the heroic Lenn Lawrence , one of the first Windrush generation to settle here , who in years to come would save our city from being flooded.

These are the people we should be aspiring to be more like. Not instagram stars , not reality stars , not billionaires. It is these people who are the true stars that light up the Swansea sky.

We salute you all! You are all heroes of this city. Be proud of who you are and what you do . We live in a wonderfully diverse, creative, hard working, empathic, exciting city. We just need to talk a bit more and listen a lot more. Don’t be afraid to open your heart to others - the media are wrong. We’ve got a lot of love to give!

Let’s shout how amazing we are from the rooftops , let our hearts beat like a fire with pride , let our hearts sing it like a choir , as we are privileged to be able to say This is our City !!! Here’s to the next fifty years!

Thank you”

Mike and Rebecca Mullan

A Swansea man whose life was turned around by The Prince’s Trust Cymru will meet The Prince of Wales this week

Hanif Miah set up his business after training delivered by The Trust helped transform his life.

Youth charity The Prince’s Trust Cymru helps young people in Wales to develop the confidence and skills they need to realise their ambitions, so that they can live, learn and earn.

Founded by The Prince of Wales in 1976, the charity supports 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed, struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

This Wednesday, 26-year-old Hanif – along with business partner and cousin Foyaz Miah – will speak to The Prince about their business’s aspirations.

Hanif, who lives close to Swansea city centre, said: “I owe so much to The Prince’s Trust that it’ll be wonderful to meet HRH The Prince of Wales.

“I went to The Prince’s Trust about nine years ago when I was at a low point in my life after my Gran died.

“Her death was like a nuclear explosion in the family because it was her who pulled everybody together; it left me without focus and drive and I wasn’t in a good place.

“The Trust was pivotal to turning things around; they trained me in matters such as learning, problem solving, personal development and contributing to the community. They continue to be really supportive today.”

Since his time with The Prince’s Trust Cymru, Hanif has studied at Gower College Swansea and Plymouth University, has worked for HSBC and now works for HM Revenue & Customs.

This year he and Foyaz founded their business, All Seasons Events.

All Seasons Events is based at the Patti Pavilion, an historic Swansea building once owned by world-famous opera singer Dame Adelina Patti (1843-1919).

The business specialises in allowing gatherings of family, friends and teams to celebrate special occasions, taking events from concept to delivery. They offer a dedicated team of events specialists.

Hanif said: “We want to make the Patti Pavilion, one of Swansea’s great historic buildings, a place for the community to come together and enjoy themselves once more.

“Our focus is to provide the best skills, ideas and execution to meet the unique requirements of our clients. Our team aims to get the best out of our clients’ budgets while following their specific guidelines.”

HRH The Prince of Wales is visiting Swansea on Wednesday as he celebrates the 50th anniversary of the announcement of the community’s city status. He will be accompanied by The Duchess of Cornwall.

Apart from the Patti Pavilion, the Royal couple will also visit Victoria Park and residents are welcome to go along. Anybody who wants to pop by should be at the park by no later than 10.30am on Wednesday. They may be subject to a bag check.

Clive Lloyd, the council’s deputy leader, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall 50 years since his investiture and on the 50th anniversary of the announcement that Swansea was to become a city.

“HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have always taken great interest in Swansea and I’m pleased that he will be meeting Hanif Miah and others.”

Hundreds of people from an historic neighbourhood enjoyed a free street party to celebrate 50 years of Swansea - and many more residents from across the city joined them.

Residents of Sandfields got together with friends from across Swansea to help mark half a century of city status.

The party featured live music, other performances, street food and free activities. There was art, poetry, drumming, a pop-up skate park, rides and games.  

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “This community event embodied all that’s good about Sandfields and Swansea - and people from all over the city joined in the fun. There was a real buzz!”

Organise your own street party: www.swansea50.co.uk/organise-a-street-party

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Swansea is counting down the days to the 50th anniversary of its city status by unveiling the official commemorative flag

Just days before the Royal visit to celebrate the announcement of Swansea’s city status 50 years ago, Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Peter Black formally raised the gold and white flag at the Guildhall.

He was accompanied by Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Byron Lewis, High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Sally Goldstone and cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, Cllr Robert Francis-Davies.

Cllr Black said: “July 3 marks the anniversary of the visit by HRH The Prince of Wales to the Guildhall to announce Swansea was to become a city.

“The fact that Prince Charles and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall are returning on the anniversary of that event on Wednesday demonstrates their close affinity with the city over the intervening years. 

“Everyone’s welcome to come along on Wednesday morning to Victoria Park to be part of the celebrations.”

Clive Lloyd, Deputy Leader of Swansea Council, added: “There are many events taking place to celebrate the 50^th anniversary and we are encouraging locals to stage their own celebrations as well.

“It’s been quite a year so far and there’s plenty more to come.”

Anyone who wants to come along to see the Royal visit on Wednesday should be in place at Victoria Park by 10.30am. Visitors may be subject to a bag search.

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Swansea city football fans looking to sport the latest jack army look will be able to purchase the club’s new joma home and away kits from Wednesday, July 3.

The new kits for season 2019-20 will be revealed exclusively on the club’s website and social media channels from 9am and available in the club shop and online.

The release will be exactly 50 years to the day that Swansea as a town was officially granted city status when Prince Charles made the proclamation on the steps of the Guildhall on July 3, 1969, as part of his investiture tour of Wales.

And the Swans will be helping to celebrate the 50 years with special recognition of a key date in Swansea’s history.

There will also be an exciting new range of training wear covering jerseys, polos, hoodies, jackets, shorts, pants and more in white, neon green and midnight blue.

As a taster, we’ve included some images of the training wear.