BARRY'S new mayor has vowed to serve the people of Barry in his civic service.

Mayor of Barry Councillor Steffan Wiliam – who took over from former Barry Mayor Cllr Margaret Wilkinson – held his civic service on September 25.

The service hosted at The Tabernacle Welsh Congregational Chapel on Holton Road, was smaller than usual to ensure social distancing and was conducted in Welsh and English by the Reverend Kevin Davies, with simultaneous translation provided from Welsh into English.

Eluned Henry played the harp throughout the service. Guests were also treated to a violin and vocal solo from two of the mayor’s children; Lleucu and Osian Branson-Wiliam, as well as a reading from his eldest child, Manon Branson-Wiliam.

Barry And District News: Lleucu Branson-Wiliam, Osian Branson-Wiliam, Mrs Nicola Branson (Mayoress), Cllr Steffan Wiliam (Mayor) and Manon Branson-Wiliam

Following on from the service, the Mayor and Civic Party paraded from the Church, across King Square and into the Library Gardens for a reception and an opportunity to visit Art Central to view the Summer of Fun Exhibition and a special Barry inspired multi-media exhibition of the poet Dafydd ap Ffransis-Meilir, who recently died.

Morrisons, on Penny Way in Barry, donated a buffet for the event

OTHER NEWS:

The civic service is the inauguration of Barry’s new Mayor as he takes the vow to serve the people of the town.

The mayor is elected every year from the 22 councillors that serve on Barry Town Council. The term of office starts in May and lasts 12 months.

Barry And District News: Cllr Laura Rochefort (Penarth Deputy Mayor), Cllr Jayne Norman (Vale Mayor), Cllr Margaret Wilkinson (Deputy Barry Mayor), John Voss (Barry Town Mayor's Mace Bearer), Colin Jones (HM Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan), and Cllr David Powell

This year’s Mayor is Steffan Wiliam, who is a councillor for the Baruc ward, which covers the Island, part of the Waterfront, The Knap, Romilly Park, The Garden Suburb and Porthceri Park.The Baruc ward is one of eight wards in Barry.

Those wishing to contact the Mayor, or invite him to an event, can contact Barry Town Council’s Civic Engagement & Events Administrator, Amanda Webb, by e-mailing amandawebb@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk