City turns out to mark 85 years of the RAF Air Cadets with parade and service at Swansea Minster

Swansea city centre paused shortly after lunchtime as the RAF Air Cadets led a full civic parade from John Chard VC House to Swansea Minster, accompanied by senior civic leaders and representatives from the armed forces community.

The parade stepped off at around 1pm, travelling along Oxford Street and Whitewalls, where the salute was taken by the Lord Mayor of Swansea near the entrance to Swansea Market. Short rolling road closures were put in place to allow the procession to pass safely, with the return journey beginning shortly after 2.30pm.

Inside Swansea Minster, cadets, families and dignitaries gathered for a special anniversary service celebrating 85 years since the formation of the Air Training Corps. The service included prayers, readings and ceremonial elements led by clergy and cadet representatives.

In a statement earlier today, Swansea Council encouraged residents to show their support for the young people taking part, describing the event as a chance to recognise the contribution of the RAF Air Cadets to the city and the wider region.

Swansea Minster later thanked those who attended the service, paying tribute to Reverend Canon Justin Davies for his homily and acknowledging the presence of The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet JP, The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Diana Stroia, and The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Cheryl Philpott.

The Minster also praised the cadets for what it described as a “fabulous service”, with photographs showing the scale of the turnout both inside the church and along the parade route.

The RAF Air Cadets, founded in 1941, provide training, leadership opportunities and aviation‑focused activities for young people across the UK. Today’s event marked one of the largest public celebrations of the anniversary in Swansea.

Pupils join civic and faith leaders to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in Swansea

The annual commemoration honours the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and in genocides around the world. This year marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz‑Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex.

Students from Bishop Vaughan, YG Penllergaer, YG Penyrheol, YGG Bryntawe, Christchurch Primary, Blaenymaes Primary, Penyrheol Comprehensive, Olchfa and YG Tan‑y‑Lan took part, alongside learners from Gower College Swansea.

They were joined by Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, the Lord Mayor of Swansea Cheryl Philpott, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet, and representatives from Swansea’s multi‑faith communities.

Norma Glass MBE, a leading figure in Swansea’s Jewish community, closed the ceremony.

Cllr Stewart said the day remained a vital moment of reflection:

“January 27 marks the day in 1945 when Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp in Poland, was liberated and the remaining prisoners set free.

“Holocaust Memorial Day has become an occasion of remembrance for all those who have suffered and died due to acts of genocide.

“Today’s theme about bridging generations is about ensuring that we continue to remember, commemorate and commit to preventing genocide for the good of our children and their children.

“As those with direct experience of surviving the reality of genocide pass on, it’s our duty not to forget.

“It is through events such as today and the very moving and thought‑provoking contributions from our schools that we challenge ourselves to stand up against such tyranny.”

Swansea falls silent for Remembrance Sunday

At the Swansea War Memorial, also known as the Cenotaph, on the promenade beside Mumbles Road, Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Cheryl Philpott joined members of the council, armed forces, veterans and community representatives to lay wreaths in tribute. Services also took place across communities throughout the city and county.

Swansea Council said:

“At 11am today Swansea fell silent in remembrance of those in the armed forces who have died in service of our country, our veterans and those who serve.”

Cllr Philpott reflected on the week of remembrance events across the city, including visits to schools, cadet presentations, and the Poppies at Oystermouth Castle installation. She said:

“Standing beneath the ancient walls, surrounded by a sea of red, I reflected on the courage of those who gave so much and the importance of ensuring their stories live on.”

She added that gatherings such as the Festival of Remembrance at the Brangwyn Hall, the Cenotaph service, and the service at Swansea Minster unite people of all generations “with gratitude for the past and hope for a peaceful future.”

Today’s ceremony at the Cenotaph was marked by solemn reflection, with veterans, serving personnel, civic leaders and members of the public standing together in silence before wreaths were laid.

(All images: Swansea Council / Swansea Minster)

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Swansea launches annual Poppy Appeal with city market ceremony

Launch at Swansea Market

The launch took place at Swansea Market, chosen as the venue to bring the appeal into the heart of the city. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Cheryl Philpott, Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart, Cllr Wendy Lewis, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

The Poppy Appeal is the Legion’s UK‑wide campaign to raise funds for veterans and their families. This year’s appeal carries added poignancy as it coincides with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

“Wear your poppy with pride”

Cllr Philpott said the appeal was a vital opportunity to honour those who had given their lives for freedom:

“So many local people have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years. This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day and the generation which gave us everything and is gradually passing on, deserve our respect and remembrance. I would encourage everyone to give what they can to the appeal and wear their poppy with pride.”

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart added:

“Our veterans need our support and the Royal British Legion does brilliant work for them and for serving members of the armed forces. We should all give what we can in this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

Community remembrance events

A series of remembrance events will take place across Swansea in the coming weeks, including:

• 25 October – Cross of Peace ceremony at Dan Y Graig Cemetery
• 2 November – Garden of Peace opens outside Morgan’s Hotel
• 8 November – Festival of Remembrance at Brangwyn Hall
• 9 November – Remembrance Sunday: Cenotaph service, city centre parade and Service at Swansea Minster
• 11 November – Poppies to Paddington event at Swansea Railway Station
• 11 November – Armistice Day commemorations at the Cenotaph and National Two Minute Silence
• 11 November – Guildhall illuminated red for Armistice Day

“A symbol of sacrifice”

Phillip Flower, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Swansea, said the poppy remained a powerful emblem:

“The poppy has been the emblem and a rallying‑point for Royal British Legion fundraising for well over a century. It is a reminder of the poppies of Flanders, where so many gave their lives during World War I.”

Poppies will be available at council venues across the city, including libraries, the Guildhall and the Civic Centre.

#ArmisticeDay #Cenotaph #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #RemembranceSunday #RoyalBritishLegion #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #SwanseaPoppyAppeal #VEDay #VJDay

Lord Mayor thanks Swansea for backing £200k cancer appeal at city market

Cllr Cheryl Philpott welcomed shoppers to the city’s indoor market on Saturday (12 October) as she kicked off her “Just a Pound” appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer campaign.

The money will support the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.

Choir and community join launch

The launch featured a performance by the Phoenix Choir of Wales, while radio and panto star Kev Johns joined the celebrations to help spread the word about the fundraising drive.

Market traders showed their support by placing collection boxes on stalls, with further charity events planned throughout the year.

Lord Mayor praises generosity

Cllr Cheryl Philpott said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to support the appeal launch. Your generosity and enthusiasm mean so much, and I’m truly grateful to the market traders and all those who gave up their time to help make the day such a success.

“Cancer affects so many of us, and every penny raised will help support patients, families and staff at the centre. If everyone in Swansea gave just £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

She added that raising money for the cancer centre was one of her main ambitions as Lord Mayor, alongside promoting Swansea’s historic indoor market.

Transforming Singleton’s cancer facilities

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, run by Swansea Bay University Health Board, provides life‑saving NHS treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Donations have already helped fund major improvements, including an £80,000 refurbishment of the Chemotherapy Day Unit. The new appeal aims to transform the old unit into a modern outpatient suite, creating a more welcoming space for patients and families.

Lewis Bradley, charity manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said: “Every donation makes a real difference, helping people in Swansea Bay and the surrounding areas access the very best care in an environment that truly goes the extra mile for them.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Lord Mayor launches £200k cancer charity drive at Swansea Market
Our earlier coverage of the appeal’s launch plans and the charities set to benefit.

Swansea Market wins ‘Best Large Indoor Market in Wales’ award
National recognition for the city’s historic market as traders celebrate community success.

#Cancer #Charity #CllrCherylPhilpott #fundraising #GoingTheExtraMileForCancer #JustAPound #JustAPoundAppeal #KevJohns #LordMayorOfSwansea #marketTraders #PhoenixChoirOfWales #SingletonHospital #SouthWestWalesCancerCentre #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaMarket

Lord Mayor launches £200k cancer charity drive at Swansea Market

Choir and celebrity support at launch

On Saturday 11 October, Cllr Cheryl Philpott will officially launch her charity appeal at Swansea Market, joined by the Phoenix Choir of Wales and radio and panto star Kev Johns.

The event begins at 12 noon and is open to all. Market traders are also backing the campaign, with collection boxes appearing on stalls throughout the fundraising drive.

Raising funds for vital cancer care

The Lord Mayor has chosen to support Swansea Bay Health Charity’s “Going the Extra Mile for Cancer” appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre (SWWCC) at Singleton Hospital.

The money will help transform the centre’s old Chemotherapy Day Unit into a new outpatient suite with a welcoming, non‑clinical environment for patients and families.

“Every pound makes a difference”

Cllr Philpott said:

“Two of my ambitions as Lord Mayor were to raise as much money as possible for the South West Wales Cancer Centre and to promote our brilliant indoor market. I’m delighted to combine both for the launch of the Just A Pound appeal.

Cancer does not discriminate. Most of us know someone who has been affected. If each of Swansea’s 250,000 residents gave just £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

Charity welcomes appeal

Lewis Bradley, charity manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said:

“We’re so excited that the Lord Mayor is supporting the appeal. Swansea Market is at the heart of the community, and this campaign is a wonderful chance to spread the word and get people involved. Every donation helps us provide the very best care in an environment that truly goes the extra mile.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

City welcomes its new Lord Mayor
Cllr Cheryl Philpott was inaugurated as Swansea’s Lord Mayor, pledging to champion local causes and support the city’s communities.

Swansea’s Lord Mayor goes the extra mile to support cancer charity appeal
The Lord Mayor chose Swansea Bay Health Charity’s £200k “Going the Extra Mile for Cancer” appeal as her official cause for the year.

Young Swansea trader shines at market event
Coram Ceramics’ Bethany Coram was among the winners at the Young Traders Market regional final hosted inside Swansea Market.

Swansea Market attendant sweeps up fans as TikTok star
Market worker Luke Riley has become a social media hit, fronting videos that have drawn millions of views and boosted footfall.

Market entrances to get new look after public vote
Shoppers and traders backed a copper‑coloured design to refresh Swansea Market’s entrances, reflecting the city’s heritage and future.

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Young Swansea trader shines at market event

Bethany Coram, owner of Coram Ceramics, was named joint winner in the arts and crafts category at the South Wales regional final of the NMTF Young Traders Market competition, held at Swansea Market.

She shared the accolade with Alana Jones, founder of Alana Jayne Jewellery in Ammanford. Both will now go on to represent the region at the competition’s grand final in Stratford-upon-Avon this August.

The event, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, brought together nine of South Wales’ most promising young traders, who showcased their businesses alongside the market’s popular vegan mini-market.

David Hopkins, Swansea Council joint deputy leader, said: “Competition judges were impressed with the ambition of the young traders, and the quality of their offers. We wish them all the very best as they continue their endeavours in market trading.”

Judges included Swansea Lord Mayor Cheryl Philpott, and council regeneration managers Clare James and Matt Callaghan.

Alana Jones was also named overall winner of the regional final.

Other category winners included:

• Abigail Smith, of Abi’s Macarons (Bridgend)
• Katie Lambert, of Classy Canine Creations (Bridgend)

Highly commended awards went to:

• Leah Morgan, of Malfie & Cro (Cwmbran)
• Charlotte Taylor, of Taylor’s Tiny Tots (Merthyr Tydfil)

The event also honoured Wayne Holmes, chair of Swansea Market’s NMTF branch, who received a special presentation from NMTF president Mike Riley and the Lord Mayor in recognition of his 30 years of trading at the market.

Swansea Market, managed by Swansea Council, is the largest indoor market in Wales and was crowned Britain’s best large indoor market last year.

#Business #ceramics #CllrCherylPhilpott #CllrDavidHopkins #jewellery #LordMayorOfSwansea #marketTraders #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #UKSharedProsperityFund

Swansea’s Lord Mayor goes the extra mile to support cancer charity appeal

Councillor Cheryl Philpott has made the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal her chosen charity during her one-year term of office.

The appeal, run by Swansea Bay Health Charity, aims to raise £200,000 to support patients and staff at the South West Wales Cancer Centre, or SWWCC, in Singleton Hospital.

Run by Swansea Bay University Health Board, the SWWCC provides a range of life-saving NHS treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Councillor Philpott, who has represented the Sketty Ward since 2004, explained why she chose Going the Extra Mile for Cancer as her charity.

“It’s because cancer does not discriminate, not by postcode, gender, age or religious belief,” she said.

“I’m certain most of us know someone who has been affected by it or know families who have lost loved ones. Patients, like a very dear friend of mine, can sometimes be faced with arduous treatment.

“There are, thank goodness, people who have ‘rung the bell’ as they find their treatment has been successful and their outcome is positive.”

Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity, launched the appeal last September to coincide with the SWWCC’s 20th anniversary.

It will support the thousands of patients from the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda areas cared for there every year, as well as relatives and staff.

Charity and the cancer centre have always gone hand in hand. The SWWCC was created following a fundraising campaign that saw £1 million raised. That triggered a £30 million investment by the health authority and Welsh Office that led to the centre’s establishment.

Since then it has received countless donations from grateful patients, families and other supporters.

A recent example of how donations are put to good use is a major refurbishment of the Chemotherapy Day Unit, CDU, after it moved from its old home at the back of the hospital to Ward 9.

The £80,000 cost was met by existing charitable funds. Now it’s hoped Going the Extra Mile for Cancer will support the next big project.

This involves converting the old CDU building into a dedicated outpatient suite complete with a warm and welcoming waiting area.

Councillor Philpott said: “By creating a space that is welcoming and feels non-clinical, despite the clinical need, it is hoped the patient experience will be as positive as possible.  

“The goal is to raise £200,000 to create that amazing space and the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund is part of the team that delivers on that aspiration.

“There are about 250,000 people living in Swansea. If each of us handed over just £1, we’d get there in no time at all.

“Please join me in backing this appeal.”

Lewis Bradley, charity support manager with Swansea Bay Health Charity, said: “Having shown Cheryl around the cancer centre at Singleton Hospital, I could see she is very passionate about making a difference for people who need support the most.

“Cheryl has many ideas regarding fundraising for our Going the Extra Mile Appeal and we look forward to supporting her, and her team in making it as successful as possible.

“We would like to thank Cheryl for choosing Swansea Bay Health Charity and wish her the very best for her year in office.”

#Cancer #Charity #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaBayNHS

City welcomes its new Lord Mayor

Cllr Philpott, who has been a ward member for Sketty since 2004, has taken up her post following an inauguration ceremony at the Council Chamber, The Guildhall.

As Lord Mayor Cllr Philpott will have an important civic and ceremonial role as the city’s official ambassador. She will also be involved in raising money for local good causes.

Cllr Philpott said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be serving the communities of Swansea as their Lord Mayor in the coming year.”

“I am really looking forward to getting out and about among the people of this fantastic city, as well as representing Swansea to visitors and as an ambassador at a very exciting time.”

As part of their year in office Lord Mayors often choose charities to support through fundraising events. This year Cllr Philpott has chosen to support Swansea Bay Health Charities’  ‘Go the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal. It’s a local charity and is situated at the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.

Cllr Philpott was born in Leicester and moved to Swansea when she was 12. She puts her flexible and adaptable approach down to the moves and the experience of attending three secondary schools in three years; the third school being Gowerton Girls Grammar school.

Married to Steve and having 3 children they moved to Sketty in 1981 where the children attended Sketty Primary school and then the local secondary schools of Bishop Gore and Olchfa.

Although Steve’s job took him away to all parts of the UK and abroad, Cheryl took an active interest in the community of Sketty and has been a Chair of Governors at Sketty Primary school and Parkland Primary school, a governor at Olchfa Comprehensive school and is presently a governor at Bishop Gore Comprehensive school.

Cheryl was elected for Sketty Ward in the local elections of 2004 and has been proud to serve the residents of Sketty since then.

Cheryl and Steve both enjoy travelling, particularly to historic sites in the UK and abroad and share the same taste in reading crime novel books when they find the time.

Cllr Philpott’s Deputy Lord Mayor is Cllr Penny Matthews.

#CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #SwanseaCouncil