WHAT A WEEK! I didn't realise that becoming the 375th mayor of Newport was to be such a heavy burden. Don't get me wrong, it is a great honour and privilege for which Jane and I are very grateful, but when you first put the heavy mayoral robes on over your best suit, and then on top of that what feels like a couple of hundredweight of gold chain in a very warm council chamber the thought suddenly occurred to me that I hope the old heart bypass stands up to this or I could be serving the shortest term of office ever. I imagined the 376th mayor warming up on the subs bench.

The mayor-making ceremony was a joy. Under the watchful eye of master of ceremonies Harry Polloway, surrounded by council colleagues and lots of close friends and family, the event is another that the city of Newport and the many staff who work hard to make it happen should be proud of.

For anyone who has never seen a mayor-making ceremony and wonders how it happens, this is the gist of it. The whole council assembles in the council chamber and nominations are called for. In the city of Newport the senior councillor who has not been mayor before irrespective of their politics is always the sole nomination. The nomination is proposed by the leader of the council and seconded by the leader of the opposition. They say such nice things about you it is like listening to your own funeral. The whole council then votes unanimously in favour. (It does enter your head that they might not but that never happens).

The outgoing mayor and incoming mayor are then called to the centre of the chamber. The outgoing mayor is undressed of his robes (in full view of the public) and the robes transferred to the incoming mayor. The new mayor then checks the pockets of the robes for any loose change or sweets left by the old mayor (only joking, there are no pockets) and proceeds to take the chair of the council for the following year.

Mayoresses and deputy mayor and mayoresses then also exchange the chains of office in turn,again in the centre of the chamber. Newport is one of the few councils where the deputy mayor is chosen by the mayor. In most other authorities the deputy mayor becomes the mayor the following year. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems. Newport's works well.

Following a rare moment of love, peace and harmony between all councillors in the chamber, everyone then proceeds to the Newport Centre for a celebratory lunch. The whole event has the feel and atmosphere of a big family wedding - without the embarrassing aunties and uncles or the big fight that follows.

Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make it happen.

There is no settling-in period as mayor and mayoress, you are thrown straight into the job of supporting the many organisations and events that make Newport the city it is.

We couldn't believe our luck that three of our first events took place in the Lliswerry ward, details are below.

I must also make a special mention of Josie Brett and the team at the RGH &SWH Cardiology fund for the huge effort they put in and the welcome they gave us at their fundraising fun run at Bettws Civil Service Club. As someone who has personally benefited from their activities it is great to know you are out there.

Also, thanks to everyone at Chasing the Dream and the organisers of the adult learners' awards evening at the Riverfront theatre for a good job well done.

COMMUNITY CENTRE: The timing couldn't have been better at Moorland and Broadmead Park. One of my first duties as mayor was to join my fellow Lliswerry ward councillors John Richards, Roger Jeavons and Ken Critchley, along with our MP, Jessica Morden, and Zena, Sian, Nora and the rest of the gang from MABCA in cutting the first sod for the new Moorland Park community centre.

The achievement of this centre has been a great team effort that will make a huge contribution to enhancing the lives of people living in the area and beyond.

The smiling face and comments of community development manager Keir Duffin captured the spirit of the day. Kier said that this project was the beginning of a new era for the area that will offer something for everyone.

AWARDS NIGHT AT COLEG GWENT: It is always a pleasure to visit an awards night at the Garry Handley college of knowledge, or as they prefer to be known, Coleg Gwent Nash Campus. The dedicated team at this college are doing an amazing job of providing adult education for anyone and everyone with the desire to achieve their full potential. The college is ensuring that youngsters from our city are trained to take full advantage of the employment opportunities offered by the huge construction projects commencing now and in the near future.