Rhiwbina councillor inaugurated as Lord Mayor

Rhiwbina councillor Adrian Robson has this afternoon (Thursday 22 May) been inaugurated as the new Lord Mayor of Cardiff.

He was presented with the official chain of office at a ceremony in County Hall today during Cardiff Council's annual general meeting and becomes the 121st Lord Mayor of the City and County of Cardiff.

One of Cardiff's longest serving councillors with continuous service since 2004, Adrian has represented the ward of Rhiwbina for more than two decades.

His wife, fellow councillor for Rhiwbina, Jayne Cowan, will serve as his Consort. She is Cardiff's longest serving sitting councillor with continuous service since 1999.

The couple, who met in 2001 and married at Cardiff's Council Chamber in 2003, are the first Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress for more than 40 years to both be serving councillors.

The Lord Mayor has nominated two charities to support during his term. The Forget-Me-Not Chorus, which was initially established in Rhiwbina, brings the joy of singing to people living with dementia, and those who support them by organising singing sessions for people with all forms of dementia, as well as the families, friends and professional staff looking after them.

The Rescue Hotel is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting the dogs at Cardiff Dogs Home and helps to improve the lives of rescue dogs by providing essential care, funding vital resources, and ensuring they have the best possible chance of finding loving forever homes.

Equally impacted by dementia in family members, experienced carers and dog lovers themselves, the Lord and Lady Mayoress have outlined some of their plans over the year ahead which will see fundraising efforts split between the two causes.

They include events such as sponsored walks, raffles, barbeques, quizzes, a concert, coffee mornings, afternoon teas, and a gala ball.  

Speaking at his inauguration, the new Lord Mayor said: "It is a tremendous honour to be appointed the new Lord Mayor for the City and County of Cardiff and I am looking forward to meeting many Cardiff residents at numerous events throughout the year.

"With the help and support of the Lady Mayoress, I hope that we are able to make a difference for these wonderful charities that are held close to our hearts, by showcasing them and providing them with the recognition that they deserve.

"This week marks Dementia Action Week, making it a fitting time to announce the Forget-Me-Not Chorus as one of my chosen charities for the year. Dementia touches the lives of so many in our communities and we are proud to support an organisation that is making a meaningful difference in building a more Dementia Friendly Cardiff."

Councillor Michael Michael, a Cardiff councillor since 1997, has been re-appointed Deputy Lord Mayor. His wife Joyce will act as his Consort for the municipal year, which ends in May 2026.

Katherine Harri of the Forget-Me-Not Chorus, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be one of the Lord Mayor's nominated charities for 2025/26. As an organisation proudly rooted in Cardiff, we're especially honoured by this recognition. The Lord Mayor's generosity and belief in our work will help us continue to bring connection, friendship, and joy through song to people living with dementia, and those who love and care for them. Thank you!"

Toria Acreman, Co-founder of The Rescue Hotel, said: "We are incredibly honoured that the new Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Adrian Robson, has chosen The Rescue Hotel as one of his supported charities for the year.

"As a small, grassroots organisation dedicated to giving vulnerable rescue dogs a second chance, this recognition means the world to us and will make a big difference to our cause. We are excited for the opportunities that this partnership will bring to help raise awareness of our mission and hopefully raise vital funds that will help us to continue supporting the homeless dogs of Cardiff. We are truly grateful for this support and looking forward to the year ahead."