he new Mayor of Neath Port Talbot says he is looking forward to serving the community, seeing the role as a culmination of a lifetime of connection to the area.
Cllr Alan Lockyer, who has recently served as Deputy Mayor, has now officially taken up the main role following a ceremony at The Orangery, Margam Park.
The Mayor has thanked outgoing Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Wayne and Carol Carpenter, praising their exemplary service and expressing gratitude for their long friendship.
Although born in England (Romsey, Hampshire), incoming Mayor Cllr Alan Lockyer strongly considers himself Welsh, having lived in Neath from the age of 5.
Much like the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Lockyer has a passion for music – which began after learning the French horn. This has led to him performing with youth orchestras and touring internationally, including in Vienna, Norway, and Paris.
The Mayor has enjoyed a career largely in music education, during which he worked as a teacher, lecturer, composer, and examiner. Over the years he’s helped establish music courses, recording facilities, and opportunities for young musicians, while also continuing to perform and conduct.
The new Mayor is also the Founder of Neath Youth Wind Band and has contributed to major music initiatives throughout Wales.
The Mayor and Mayoress have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
What is this their chosen charity?
The Mayor and Mayoress have chosen to support the charity Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), which they say is the only charity dedicated to helping adults and children from anywhere in the UK affected by Retinoblastoma – a rare form of eye cancer which typically affects children under the age of 6.
Reflecting on the last year in the role, outgoing Mayor, Cllr Wayne Carpenter said:
“As we get older, time seems to go faster. Well, when you’re Mayor time really does fly. There’s an old saying – time flies most when you’re enjoying yourself. This past year has been amazing. Mayoress, Carol and I consider it an incredible honour to have served the council and residents of Neath Port Talbot.
“We’ve met some incredibly well-known celebrities and personalities – just last week I was with the King and Queen – yet the most impactful moments have been when we’ve been able to thank the unsung heroes of Neath Port Talbot who give their own time to make a real difference to their community.
“We are currently living in a hostile world, and so we’ve appreciated being able to show the kinder, caring face of public service. I wish my dear friend, Cllr Alan Lockyer all the best and a successful, healthy year in the role.”
