Nick Pearce

THEY quite rightly say that the years pass more quickly the older you get.

However, the warp speed with which this last year has passed by is like nothing I have experienced before.

Now in the final few weeks of my term of office as town mayor, I have been reflecting on my time in the role and I feel deeply honoured and very grateful to have been given the opportunity.

I feel grateful to my fellow councillors for demonstrating their confidence in selecting me and to the officers and staff at the town council for their unerring help and support as I carried out my duties. There have been so many events that have in turn surprised, inspired, delighted and humbled me and created memories that I will treasure for the rest of my days.

The people of Llanelli that I have encountered in the role of Mayor have never once failed to demonstrate welcoming courtesy, kindness and good cheer causing me to deepen my love for Llanelli and its people many times over.

So I want to thank all the people who work so hard, often in the background, very often selflessly, to make the lives of others in the town a bit better.

It feels as though a curtain has been pulled back to reveal all the amazing work that goes on in this town and whilst there is much more to do to improve the town and the lives of its people, I know that there will always be willing, helping hands to take on the challenges ahead.

In April of each year, the town council hosts a series of Meet the Mayor sessions. Over three consecutive days, primary school children attend the Council Chamber to meet with the Mayor. It is an opportunity to find out about the concept of democracy, the role of the town council and how that fits in with the other public bodies that look after the town and to ask the mayor questions about his role.

The program has been extended to include secondary schools as well as Sir Gar students who met with the mayor at the end of last year.

Finally, be sure to get along to the Daffodil Fayre taking place on Thursday in the Lliedi Suite, Selwyn Samuel Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

This annual and very successful fundraising event was last held before the pandemic in March 2020 and the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice Committee are delighted to be able to revive this very special occasion. Tickets cost £5 which includes refreshments.

There will also be a raffle and various stalls and entertainment will be provided by the renowned Llanelli Ukulele Players.

See you down there!