Christmas and New Year Message from the Town Mayor Cllr Russell Downe

Christmas is a great opportunity to spend time with your family and friends. The holidays give us a chance to relax a little, enjoy each other's company, and reflect on the events of the past year. For many people, Christmas is a very special time of year. Families unite to celebrate, friends are remembered, and hope and peace comes with the joy of the season. As the lights glow beautifully on our Christmas trees, our businesses, our homes, I hope that it helps to brighten up our spirits for this festive season of Christ' Birthday. I hope that this light serves as a guiding light to help us all rise to better times in the near future
When I look around Llantwit, the huge variety of life never ceases to amaze me. It is one of the best places in which to live. Our multicultural community works together to add a zest to life. Llantwit Major Town Council takes great pride in improving the quality of life of our wonderful community. It gives me great pleasure to see the way Council has really contributed to this Town. In a host of areas,
It is during Christmas and New Year that goodwill and friendship traditionally prevail but one of the things that has been made abundantly clear to me since becoming Mayor is that these qualities are alive and well within our community all the year round.
At this time of year, is also one for reflection, we must not forget those less fortunate than ourselves and thank the many people and organisations which assist those in need and make Christmas a much happier time. As you enjoy your holidays, please spare a thought for the many people who will not be surrounded by their families and friends this festive season.
As Mayor of Llantwit Major it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of all the council’s Staff and Councillors, to offer the people of Llantwit Major best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year

Cllr Russell Downe Town Mayor

Macmillan Cancer Support Christmas Ball

Eve Myles and Myself

Charles Dale and Myself

Picasso Griffths Caricature of Me

Eve Myles and Myself

From left to right Mayoress Shirley Hodges, Myself, Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Mayoress of Cardiff, Nick Hodges Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan

I was Honoured to support Macmillan Cancer Support Christmas Ball with the Lord Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Gareth Neale, and the Mayor of The Vale of Glamorgan Cllr Nick Hodges, for a Tux and Tiaras memorable evening of entertainment which included a drinks reception, 3 course meal, music by Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band and disco. There was also auction with a celebrity auctioneer Charles Dale raffle and Picasso Griffiths was drawing caricatures and caught up with me through the night.
All proceeds in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and to help local people living with cancer, In the fine setting of the Holland House Hotel. I was pleased to meet with actor Charles Dale, whom is a really down to earth person. Charles has been on our TV screens over the years in many productions, including Belonging, the Bill, A Touch of Frost, Played Dennis Stringer in Coronation Street were he became Janice Battersby lover, Where the Heart Is and more recently Robin Hood. I also chatted with Eve Myles a talented actress whom is currently on our TV screens playing Gwen in Torchwood. Eve has also been in many productions and it was nice to talk to her about her work.
One in three people are affected by Cancer at sometime in their lives and the work of Macmillan helps thousands of people every year.

Candle Light Service White Ribbon Day

Violence against Women causes more deaths and disability among women aged 15-44 than: Cancer, Malaria, Traffic Accidents, War

I attended the Candle Light Service at Barry Memorail Hall outside on the steps along with Jane Hutt AM, Cllr Olga Cash Mayor of Barry and many People that surport International Day to Eradicate Violence Against Women.

What is the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC)?
The WRC is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women. It relies on volunteer support and financial contributions from individuals and organizations

How did the WRC get started?
In 1991, a handful of men in Canada decided they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out against violence against women. They decided that wearing a white ribbon would be a symbol of men's opposition to men's violence against women. After only six weeks preparation, as many as one hundred thousand men across Canada wore a white ribbon. Many others were drawn into discussion and debate on the issue of men's violence. There are now White Ribbon Campaigns operating in many countries around the world.

What does it mean to wear a white ribbon?
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Each year, we urge men and boys to wear a ribbon for one or two weeks, starting on November 25, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women