22/05/25

Outgoing Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones, completed her final role as Mayor at the Council's Annual General Meeting today (Thursday, May 22) when she passed on the chain of office to the city's new Lord Mayor, Cllr Adrian Robson.

Outgoing Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones

Helen stepped into the role of Lord Mayor under extraordinary circumstances, following the untimely passing of her predecessor, Cllr Jane Henshaw, who sadly died in office.

"Jane was a friend as well as a colleague," Helen said. "So stepping into her shoes wasn't easy. But I knew she would want Cardiff to be represented properly and for us to carry on raising funds for Jane's chosen charity, Cardiff Foodbank."

The Cardiff Foodbank runs eight different centres throughout Cardiff. Their warehouse is in Splott, which was Cllr Henshaw's ward. "The volunteers' determination to make sure people get food is awe-inspiring," said Helen.

Taking Splott as just one example of a vibrant community in Cardiff, Helen added that it had been a pleasure to meet The Splott Community Volunteers, founded by Fred and Angela Bullard and Trisha Mardon, which ensures people can have a good breakfast at least once a week; The Sanatan Dharma Mandal Temple which runs day centres providing lunches for their community, and Father Sebastian at Cardiff Oratory who organizes Christmas food parcels for struggling families.

Since becoming Lord Mayor, nearly £14,000 has been raised for Cardiff Foodbank. A smiling Helen admitted that part of that was sponsorship she received for doing the Cardiff Half Marathon.

"You always get asked if you have a story, you'd like the Press to use," she said. "But when you are running, or jeffing (running and walking) in your seventies, you're always a little apprehensive that you mightn't get round. So, I didn't confess to that particular story!"

For practical reasons, Helen hasn't officially run any event as Lord Mayor, but alongside the Cardiff Half she did complete the Liswerry 8 in January and supports Parkrun, usually the Cardiff one beside the Taff. "Anyone, however old, can join a Parkrun and there is always a Party at the Back of people walking. It's a lot of fun and a great way to improve your fitness at any age," she added.

Helen is a Chartered Engineer. She told us: "There were so few women engineers when I received my certificate, it stated ‘Dear Sir'. I'm glad to say things have improved! As an engineer I enjoyed opening the new hi-tech blinds factory at Swanmac in Gwaelod y Garth. It was interesting to learn about their work and to see the modern technology they use."

On Cardiff barrage, she launched Radio Flat Holm, a sculpture designed by Glenn Davidson made entirely out of recycled Jarrah railway sleepers.  "I was in the first cohort of students to be taught a computer language in university in Britain and have witnessed incredible changes in communication. It's very exciting that Cardiff's Flat Holm was chosen for early experiments in the development of wireless technology."

Further reflecting on her year in office, she said: "I have met so many people in Cardiff who work tirelessly to make our world a better place. At the Disability Award ceremony, it was humbling to see youngsters giving their time to help others. Meeting Creigiau Guides - which has set up a Troop based in Craig y Parc so the children with special learning needs could also belong - was inspirational. While learning about the work that the winner Madelaine Watkins of the Nurse of the Year Award does with older people who experience psychosis was also a privilege.

"On the lighter side of life, I enjoyed meeting the Easter Bunny at Llwynfedw Gardens which was a lot of fun. While watching five-year-olds from St Mary the Virgin school decorate the Christmas Tree in the New Bus Interchange Station was truly magical. Their excitement when Father Christmas turned up would supercharge all of us!"

Among the many memorable moments, the Lord Mayor highlighted Matilda, Howardian Primary's production; Llandaff Cathedral's Musical Outreach where Radyr and Brynderi Primary in Helen's ward sang with children from Penrhys; the Civic Service with VE80 commemoration at Radyr and Morganstown; and the honouring of Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke with a Peace Award.

"It was so moving to see so many people including youngsters from the community at the War Memorial for the VE80 commemoration. It was also very special to hear Eva Clarke speak at the Holocaust Memorial event. Two incredibly moving moments," said Helen.

Other standout events included the Memorial Service for the Late Lord Mayor Jane Henshaw; Royal Gun Salutes; greeting the Princess Royal; The Remembrance Service; inter-faith Christmas service; and various flag-raising and fund-raising events. The Lord Mayor also was honoured to meet Ambassadors, and welcome students from Norway and Japan, as well as attending numerous community and church events.

"I'd like too, to thank the Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Michael Michael and his wife, who have been a great support to me," said Helen, adding, "Thank you, Cardiff, for your kindness and love to others. I would love to bottle up all the positivity, love, enthusiasm, kindness, and warmth that I have experienced and give everyone a dose. Our three special Welsh words, Croeso - Welcome; Cwtch - Hug; and Cariad - Love. I urge everyone to hold on to them."

Helen concluded by wishing her successor Cllr Adrian Robson a good and memorable year in office.

Cllr Robson will be supported by his wife and consort, Cllr Jayne Cowan. The couple, who first met in 2001 and married at Cardiff's Council Chamber in 2003, are the first Lord and Lady Mayoress for more than 40 years to both be serving councillors.

Cllr Robson has chosen two charities to fundraise for during his year in office. The Forget-Me-Not Chorus, which was initially established in Rhiwbina, brings the joy of singing to people living with dementia, and those who support them by organising singing sessions for people with all forms of dementia, as well as the families, friends and professional staff looking after them. The Rescue Hotel is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting the dogs at Cardiff Dogs Home and helps to improve the lives of rescue dogs by providing essential care, funding vital resources, and ensuring they have the best possible chance of finding loving forever homes.

Councillor Michael Michael, a Cardiff councillor since 1997, has been re-appointed Deputy Lord Mayor. Cllr Michael's wife Joyce will act as his consort.