Mayor of Barry raises £14,000 for local charities during Mayoral year 2025/26

Mayor of Barry raises £14,000 for local charities during Mayoral year

The Mayor of Barry for 2025/26, Councillor Dennis Clarke, brought his Mayoral year to a final close on Tuesday 15 July 2026 with the presentation of charity cheques to his chosen charities, Valeways and Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Since being elected in May 2025, Councillor Clarke attended more than 100 events across Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan, supporting local organisations and community groups while raising funds throughout his year in office.

A series of successful fundraising events, including coffee mornings, a quiz night, a Dovecote Open Day and a Bavarian Evening, helped raise a total of £14,000. The funds have been split equally between Valeways and Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan, with each charity receiving £7,000.

The Bavarian Evening was held jointly with the Chair of Dinas Powys Community Council for 2025/26, Councillor Jonathan Cowpe. As part of the evening’s fundraising, the Mayor was also pleased to present Councillor Cowpe with a cheque for £500 from the proceeds of the raffle to support the Chair’s chosen charities.

Speaking about his chosen charities, Councillor Dennis Clarke said:

“Valeways are a small charity and what they do with the money raised is amazing. They encourage so many people to get out, get exercise and join a group of people who have grown to know and support each other.”

He added:

“Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan are a lovely, friendly and local charity. They work well with my other charity, Valeways, which is also aimed at mental health. Looking after people is something that is extremely important.”

The cheque presentation marks the official conclusion of Councillor Clarke’s Mayoral year and celebrates twelve months of fundraising and community engagement. The Mayoral chain -in May- passed to the Mayor of Barry for 2026/27, Councillor Sian Thomas, who will continue the long-standing tradition of supporting local organisations and representing the town throughout the year.