On Thursday 7 May, I had the honour of a lifetime to be appointed as the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

With my wife Deborah serving alongside me as Mayoress, I am genuinely excited by the opportunities and challenges this role presents — both in providing leadership to Pembroke Town Council and in serving as a figurehead for our town. And what a town it is.

Pembroke has a proud and enduring place in the story of Wales, with our most iconic landmark, Pembroke Castle — birthplace of the first Tudor King, Henry VII — standing at the heart of our identity. Yet while the castle is recognised around the world, it represents only one part of Pembroke’s wider historic landscape and rich heritage.

For many years, our town has needed investment and regeneration, and it is this regeneration that I want to place at the forefront of my year in office. I want to see a Pembroke that not only attracts more visitors, but also improves the lives of the people who proudly call this town home.

Encouragingly, we are already beginning to see real signs of progress.

In recent months, the restored bells of St Mary’s Church have once again been heard across the town after a long silence, marking an important and emotional moment for many in our community. I was delighted that we were able to welcome the Bishop of St Davids to Pembroke for a special combined civic service and blessing of the bells earlier this month.

I am also incredibly excited about the opening of the Henry Tudor Centre next year, which I hope will become a world-class destination celebrating Pembroke’s royal heritage. The centre will provide a new visitor attraction, public library and café, helping to bring fresh life and opportunity into the town centre.

Projects such as these do not happen overnight, and I would like to recognise the dedication of those within our community who have worked tirelessly to bring them forward – often overcoming significant challenges along the way.

While there may not always have been agreement on every development project within the town, including the new Social Services hub on South Quay, I firmly believe these investments represent progress and positive regeneration for Pembroke.

I have also been greatly encouraged by Pembroke Town Council’s recent application to become UK Town of Culture 2027. While we face strong competition from towns across the country, the process itself has reminded us all of what a truly special place Pembroke is.

One of Pembroke’s greatest strengths has always been its strong sense of community. Local organisations and volunteers continue to work tirelessly to protect, celebrate and promote our heritage. Groups including Pembroke Civic Trust, Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society, Pembroke Town Walls Trust, the Henry Tudor Trust and Pembroke Town Team all play a vital role in preserving the history and character that make Pembroke unique.

As Mayor, I look forward to working with residents, community groups and organisations across the town during the year ahead, and I remain hopeful and ambitious for Pembroke’s future.