Here is your Tuesday update, covering:

• Memorial Service held at Llandaff Cathedral for Cardiff Mayor, Cllr Jane Henshaw
• Community Christmas Events Sponsored by Urban Centric
• Annual Social Services Report Highlights Significant Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges

Memorial Service held at Llandaff Cathedral for Cardiff Mayor, Cllr Jane Henshaw

Earlier today, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at Llandaff Cathedral to honour the life of Councillor Jane Henshaw, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Cardiff.

The service, which commenced at 11am, was a heartfelt tribute to Councillor Henshaw, who passed away peacefully on 21st September 2024.

Cllr Henshaw was known for her unwavering dedication and service to the community, and she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and commitment to public service.

The memorial was officiated by The Very Reverend Dr Jason Bray, Dean of Llandaff, who led the congregation in remembering and celebrating the life and contributions of Councillor Henshaw. 

Among the readings were "The View from the Window" by RS Thomas, read by Rosie White, and a scripture reading from Ecclesiastes 3.1-8, ‘For everything there is a time,' read by Fr Dean Atkins. The congregation remained seated for the anthem ‘In Paradisum' from Fauré's Requiem. Another scripture reading, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, was delivered by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones. A touching ‘Tribute From a Friend' was given by Councillor Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council.

The Reverend Canon Stewart Lisk, Honorary Chaplain to the Lord Mayor, read a scripture passage from John 14.1-7, ‘I go to prepare a place for you.' The congregation was then invited to kneel or sit for the prayers, led by Reverend Canon Dr Jan van der Lely, Canon Chancellor. The hymns included "For the Beauty of the Earth," "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer," and "Lord for the Years."

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Community Christmas Events Sponsored by Urban Centric

The community events to switch on Christmas lights in Rhiwbina, Fairwater, Llandaff and Radyr & Llanishen will take place this year - with thanks to the sponsorship of Urban Centric, a company that specialises in residential building projects in city centre locations.

For many years, the council has been in the position to pay for the road closures and staff to ensure these events can take place safely, but sadly due to cuts to council budgets, we are no longer able to offer this service for free or subsidise the cost.

The financial position was explained to event organisers last year, to give them time to look at alternative funding arrangements.

Due to the cost-of-living crisis, this hasn't been an easy task, so the council has stepped in and found a sponsor, which has agreed to pay the council charge to ensure that these events can go-ahead.

Urban Centric, the sponsor of these events is a development company that specialises in regeneration residential projects in city centre locations, including Cardiff, Birmingham and Exeter.

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Annual Social Services Report Highlights Significant Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges

Cardiff Council's Annual Social Services report 2023/24 has outlined substantial progress across key areas despite facing high demand for services and complex challenges throughout the past year. The report demonstrates the Council's continued commitment to improving the lives of residents, with notable achievements in both Children's and Adult Services.

Among the key highlights is the successful implementation of the Accommodation Strategy within Children's Services, which has improved placement sufficiency. In Adult Services, the continued rollout of the Ageing Well Strategy has delivered positive outcomes for older residents, with an increasing range of community well-being activities on offer.

Despite ongoing demand for services, budgetary pressures and an increasing complexity of needs, the report highlights several other important achievements,

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