A man who has spent his working life teaching children to play music and helping young musicians reach the stage is now taking on his biggest public role yet — as the new Mayor of Neath Port Talbot.
Cllr Alan Lockyer was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held at The Orangery in Margam Park on Friday 15 May, having previously served as Deputy Mayor. He takes over from outgoing Mayor Cllr Wayne Carpenter and Mayoress Carol Carpenter, who completed their year in the role last week.
The inauguration came in the same week that Swansea councillor Penny Matthews was inaugurated as Lord Mayor at the city’s Guildhall — a ceremony that also celebrated a lifetime of service to local communities. Both appointments reflect the deep roots that long-serving councillors put down across south-west Wales.
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)
The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot serves as the borough’s first citizen — a ceremonial and ambassadorial role elected annually by the full council. The Mayor chairs full council meetings, represents the authority at community and charity events across the region, presents civic awards to local volunteers and emergency service workers, and leads fundraising efforts for their chosen charity throughout the year.
Although born in Romsey, Hampshire, Lockyer moved to Neath at the age of five and considers himself thoroughly Welsh. It is a county that has shaped his entire adult and professional life.
His connection to music began early, with the French horn his instrument of choice. That passion took him to youth orchestras and on to international tours, with performances in Vienna, Paris and Norway — a world away from the streets of Neath where his love of music first took hold.
His career in music education followed naturally. Lockyer worked as a teacher, lecturer, composer and examiner, helping to establish music courses, recording facilities and opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have had access to them.
He is the founder of the Neath Youth Wind Band and has contributed to major music initiatives across Wales throughout his career — a body of work that reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that music remains accessible to young people regardless of background.
It is a passion he shares with outgoing Mayor Cllr Wayne Carpenter, who himself has a love of music, adding a poignant note to the handover between two old friends.
Now, that lifetime of service to his community has led Lockyer to the civic chair. Neath Port Talbot Council’s new Mayor and Mayoress have four children and eight grandchildren between them, and both are firmly rooted in the community they will now represent.
The Mayor and Mayoress have chosen the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) as their charity for the year — the only UK charity dedicated to supporting adults and children affected by Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer that typically affects children under the age of six.
Outgoing Mayor Cllr Carpenter paid warm tribute to his successor and to the year he and Mayoress Carol have just completed — a year that included a meeting with the King and Queen just last week.
“As we get older, time seems to go faster — and when you’re Mayor, time really does fly,” Carpenter said. “This past year has been amazing. Mayoress Carol and I consider it an incredible honour to have served the council and residents of Neath Port Talbot.”
“We’ve met some incredibly well-known celebrities and personalities, yet the most impactful moments have been when we’ve been able to thank the unsung heroes of Neath Port Talbot who give their own time to make a real difference to their community,” he added.
“We are currently living in a hostile world, and so we’ve appreciated being able to show the kinder, caring face of public service,” Carpenter concluded. “I wish my dear friend, Cllr Alan Lockyer, all the best and a successful, healthy year in the role.”
