MOVING TRIBUTE: I have been a Newport Councillor for more than thirty years. In that time I have estimated that I have attended around four hundred meetings in the main council chamber. Truth be told, many of them were a battle to keep my eyelids open. But, in that time I was proud to be present to witness three astonishing speeches that brought everyone in the chamber to their feet in an instant standing ovation for the speaker.

The first was when at the end of his Mayoral year the former Caerleon Councillor, the reverend Cyril Summers spoke from the heart about the savage cuts made during his Mayoral year and the effect it had on the people he represented. As a Mayor he had remained totally impartial for a year. The moment he ceased being Mayor he gave an incredible and inspirational speech that I remember to this day. The second was a speech given by a former leader of the Council Aubrey Hames when accepting the freedom of the City. Aubrey was known and respected country wide for his knowledge of local government. When he addressed us he had terminal cancer. We were told that due to the pain he was enduring we should not expect him to speak for more than five minutes. Aubrey stood on his feet and addressed us for more than an hour. The man had the brain of a planet. His love and passion for Newport and its people sent shivers down the spine of everyone lucky enough to be in that chamber at that time. Again it was a privilege to be present. The third happened last week as the outgoing Mayor Councillor David Attwell handed over the Mayoral chains to his former deputy and new Mayor of the City, Councillor David Fouweather. We were all aware that Councillor Attwell has had health problems during his mayoral year. He has battled with a brain tumour. 

Few of us knew how brave he had been. Despite his obvious difficulty Councillor Attwell opened the meeting and began the time honoured process of handing over his robes to the new mayor with courage and dignity. Following the ceremony Councillor Attwell’s wife and outgoing mayoress Carole spoke the words her husband had written to thank everyone who had supported them during their difficult mayoral year. The words she spoke were both moving and beautifully delivered. Many in the packed council chamber were reduced to tears. Many people think that carrying the role of Mayor is one big jolly. Believe me as someone who has been there. it is undoubtedly a great honour but it is also very physically and mentally demanding. The very fact that David and Carole carried out their role despite the huge burden of a serious illness is astonishing. (With huge support from Councillor David Fouweather and his wife Paula). As Carole’s speech came to an emotional end the whole chamber rose to their feet as a mark of respect. No less than they deserved.

ITS THEM AGAIN: The first battalion of fanatical fundraisers lurking at St Andrews Church are at it again. This time instead of a Jumble Sale they are having a Summer Fair. (Which when they described it to me sounded suspiciously like an upmarket Jumble Sale but I was afraid to argue with them). 

One thing is for certain if you go there (and why wouldn’t you?). Expect to leave well fed, loaded up with lots of things you have no need for or no intention of buying, and with a big smile on your face. See you there at 1.30pm on June 24.  (Happy to take up any council issues and problems while I am there.)   

POLICE MATTERS: It appears that some thieves may have been disturbed in the act of stealing lead from the roof of a very well known building in our area. Although they didn’t get away with the metal they have left the buildings owners with a huge repair bill they could do without. Please keep your eyes and ears open and if you see anything suspicious report it.

CHOIR CONCERT: Miss this and weep. St Andrews Church will be hosting a concert by the Gwent Police choir on Saturday June 10 at 7pm. Tickets are a bargain £5 and are available via Peggy Greedy on 282159. This handsome little church is the perfect venue for an intimate performance by this highly respected choir. Tickets will sell very quickly so first come first served. 

LLANWERN STEELWORKS: I had a very good reaction to last week’s article about the building of Llanwern Steelworks. It struck me that so many people of my generation who were children at the time the Queen came to open the plant have such vivid memories of the event. It also stuck home about just how many families were brought to the area by the thousands of jobs created during the construction phase and the subsequent operation of the works. One gentleman has contacted me with a the offer of a loan of fascinating film of the plants construction. I am sure it can be made available to anyone who wants to borrow it.

WETLANDS WONDERLAND: Doesn’t time fly. Incredibly the visitors centre at Newport Wetlands is about to celebrate its tenth birthday. Both my regular readers will recall my pride in being involved in the Newport Wetlands project from the reserves early conception to the opening of the visitor centre. For years I was ranting about how it would attract visitors to Newport from all over the world. Most importantly and proudly I never ceased banging on about how our environment would benefit from youngsters having a better understanding of the problems earlier generation have caused by neglecting our natural treasures. All of this has come true and some. Astonishingly to most people but certainly not to readers of this column. The Wetlands educates and inspires more than 5000 youngsters a year by showing kids nature in the raw as close up and personal as it gets. Those same kids then educate their parents and grandparents about the need to care for our planet and the creatures (including us) who inhabit it. As if all that wasn’t enough, every year more than a hundred thousand visitors come to Newport to look at wildlife. Who would have believed it eh! Anyone who read this column ten years ago for starters.    

Lliswerry and Nash
Allan Morris
07747693429
allan.morris@newport.gov.uk
twitter @liswerryandnash