The mayoral diary for Llandrindod Wells this summer has been a round of community events, public-facing duties and local advocacy as Councillor Steve Deeks-D'Silva fulfilled a packed schedule of engagements across the town and nearby communities.
From carnivals to community safety
Over recent weeks the mayor has been present at carnivals, art exhibitions and summer fairs, taking part in both celebratory and practical duties. At the Welsh 2 Day Enduro he had the pleasure of starting the races in Lake Park, handing the starting flag to children who won the event’s art competitions. A presentation evening later in the programme was attended by Cllr Nicholls, the deputy mayor, on his behalf.
The mayor and mayoress also attended the Bracken Trust Summer Fair, where they handed over a cheque in support of the charity. They accompanied local Police and Community Support Officers on a patrol through the town to meet residents and visitors, an exercise in community engagement and reassurance for people using the town centre during the busy season.
- Welsh 2 Day Enduro — Lake Park (starting ceremony, children’s art winners)
- Bracken Trust Summer Fair — cheque presentation
- Here Be Dragons Art Exhibition — Celf Gallery (sponsored by Town Council)
- Llandrindod Wells Carnival and Rhayader Carnival — attendance and judging
- Defibrillator launch — Maes y Nant estate (funded by Town Council and Hale Housing)
- Kington Armed Forces Day — accompanied by Mayor’s Cadet Sgt Ellis Yeo
Arts, civic pride and lifesaving kit
At the Here Be Dragons Art Exhibition in the Celf Gallery the mayor commented on the quality of work on show, describing the collection as "
well worth seeing". The exhibition was supported by the Town Council and formed part of a broader push to celebrate local arts during the visitor season.
On a practical note for neighbourhood safety, the mayor officially launched a new public defibrillator on the Maes y Nant estate. The device was jointly funded by Llandrindod Wells Town Council and Hale Housing, extending life-saving equipment availability to a growing residential area.
| Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Start of races / children’s flag | Lake Park |
| Defibrillator launch | Maes y Nant |
| Art exhibition | Celf Gallery |
Representing Llandrindod Wells to policymakers
Beyond events, Councillor Deeks-D'Silva has begun showing Members of the Senedd around Llandrindod Wells to promote the town and highlight local challenges. The whistle-stop tours included stops at the new skate park, the lake, Rock Park and Middleton Street.
Discussion points with the visiting politicians covered cross-border healthcare, the closing of hospital beds and local economic resilience. The mayor suggested that Llandrindod Hospital should be considered as a contender to become one of Plaid Cymru's 10 Surgical/Diagnostic Hubs — an idea aimed at strengthening local health services and retaining vital care provision in the community.
Other issues raised during the visits included child poverty, the shortage of small industrial units for local businesses and empty commercial properties that limit opportunities for local employment and enterprise. The mayor’s engagement with MSs is a sign of town leaders seeking to press for practical solutions at regional level.
Community feeling and future priorities
Across carnivals and fairs the mayor and mayoress reported enjoying the palpable community spirit as crowds attended summer events. They took part in judging at the nearby Rhayader Carnival, noting a strong turnout there as well.
For many residents the most tangible outcomes of this busy period will be the enhanced community equipment such as the new defibrillator and the visible support for arts and charity partners. For the town’s civic leaders, the engagement with Members of the Senedd signals a determination to take local concerns to a higher forum — particularly on healthcare and economic development.
As Llandrindod Wells moves through the summer months, the mayoral schedule demonstrates a mix of ceremonial duties and active advocacy, aiming to combine celebration of local life with steps to address longer-term needs.
