Cllr David Carter was announced as the new Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council at the council’s Annual General Meeting last night, May 8.
David, 71, a councillor for Bargoed for the last ten years, accepted the position of civic head of the council.
Cllr Carter said: “It is a real honour to be selected as the new Mayor, and I greatly look forward to the opportunities and challenges that my year in office will bring.
“Having lived in the county borough all my life, I am passionate about representing the people of Caerphilly County borough, and am really looking forward to meeting many new people over the coming year.”
David was educated at Lewis School Pengam, and latterly at the Open University, studying 18th Century Economic, Social and Political History, and also reading Greek and Roman Classical Philosophy and English Literature of the 17th, 18th and 19thcenturies.
He began work with Glamorgan County Council in 1959 as a trainee Child Care Officer, and then moved onto Gelligaer Urban District Council transport department as Chief Cashier and Senior Admin Officer, before working in several departments within Rhymney Valley District Council.
Throughout his working life, he has been an ardent trade unionist, and held all the branch offices except treasurer, and has served on the South Wales District committees.
David has been married to piano teacher Valentina for 21 years and they attend St Gwladys Church in Bargoed.
He was a keen sportsman, playing cricket and rugby for his hometown, and is a keen environmentalist, who loves walking the length and breadth of the county borough. He enjoys reading and listening to classical music, and is a published poet.
Cllr Carter’s chosen charities for the forthcoming year are the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Caerphilly Homestart. He is hoping to raise as much money as possible during his time as Mayor for these very worthy causes.
The Deputy Mayor has also been announced as Cllr Leon Gardiner, who represents the Argoed ward.
I wonder if the new Mayor, who enjoys walking, will still have to use pay & display at our local parks? Or is he exempt, being Mayor?
Councillor David Carter has dedicated his adult life to helping everyone in his community who seeks it, he has played an active role in community politics for donkeys years.
This is a well EARNED civic Honour and is long overdue. I applaud it and I applaud my old work and trade union colleague who gives his all in a selfless way
Well done David.