Community action highlighted in Mayor's message

The Mayor of Newtown has used his Christmas message to residents to reflect on his year in office, thank volunteers and public services, and underline the importance of inclusion and civic responsibility.

In the letter, Cllr Pete Lewington said it had been “a privilege” to serve as Mayor and to attend a wide range of events across the town during the year, culminating in the recent Christmas celebrations.

“Our town has continued to host many well attended events which have shown not only what our community can do but also highlighted the beauty of Newtown - from its historical buildings to its magnificent open green spaces,” he said.

He said residents had enjoyed the events, attracted visitors, and acted as “magnificent showcases for our town and its people”.

Councillor Lewington also highlighted the reintroduction of the Mayor’s Civic Service, which returned to the town’s calendar during his term. He said he was “immensely proud and honoured” that the service had been brought back and thanked those involved in organising it, along with the local organisations and residents who attended.

During the service, he said he was “extremely humbled and proud” to receive a thank you card from children at Ysgol Robert Owen, adding that it was “something which meant a lot to me and something which I will cherish”.

Reflecting on the role of Mayor, Councillor Lewington said the position carried responsibility as well as honour.

“Being Mayor, just as being a councillor is an honour, but it’s also a responsibility - a reminder that leadership is about listening, about compassion, and about putting people first,” he said.

He added that civic leadership required decisions to be made “in the interests of the community as a whole”.

The Mayor used the message to thank those who support residents across Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn, including town councillors, council staff and county councillors, as well as volunteers, charities, carers, emergency services, schools, faith groups, community organisations and local businesses.

“Your work often goes unseen, but it is deeply felt,” he said. “Your dedication often happens quietly, behind the scenes, but it makes a huge difference to the lives of others and keeps our town running.”

Councillor Lewington said community and inclusion were central to his approach as Mayor, stating that “every voice is heard, every person is valued, and everyone feels that they belong”.

He said the strength of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn lay in how people supported one another, adding: “A truly strong community is one where no one’s left behind.”

Looking ahead to the new year, the Mayor said residents should take pride in where they live, describing Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn as “a great place to live”. He encouraged people to show kindness to one another, saying it was “those small acts that put a smile on people’s faces and a spring in their step”.