Council row over freedom for singer Bonnie Tyler
A ROW about a pop star has left political rivals feeling less than bonnie.
The mayor of Neath Port Talbot had been holding out for a hero when the time came to decide who should be awarded the freedom of the county.
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Bonnie Tyler
Councillor Pam Thomas was expecting former chief executive Ken Sawyers to be the sole nominee, believing it was only fair he should have his moment in the spotlight after 15 years at the helm before his retirement.
But no sooner had members unanimously agreed to Mr Sawyers getting the freedom than, faster than the speed of night, Liberal Democrat councillor Keith Davies stood up to propose singer Bonnie Tyler should get it, too.
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He pointed out she was from Skewen and had scored number one hits in 60 countries around the world. Councillors unanimously supported her nomination. Yet as the meeting was closing there were audible mutterings of disapproval at Councillor Davies's unexpected intervention.
"I was annoyed," Councillor Thomas later told the Post. "But I couldn't say anything because I was chairing the meeting and I am the mayor.
"I thought someone might have said something but they were all gobsmacked.
"I don't begrudge Bonnie Tyler the freedom but I don't think she should have been nominated in the same meeting as Ken Sawyer. It should have been done another time.
"I was a bit miffed about it. Ken Sawyers did a valuable job. He did more for Neath Port Talbot than Bonnie Tyler has done. Keith Davies pulled a flanker, I think."
It's a heartache for the mayor, maybe, but as far as Councillor Davies is concerned it's a rocking good way to get one of the area's most successful exports recognised.
"Bonnie Tyler is a great ambassador for Skewen and for Neath Port Talbot — she has had hits all over the world," he said. He said he believed that, during the full council meeting in question, members were entitled to put forward anyone they felt should get the freedom of Neath Port Talbot.
But he admitted he had not raised it with Bonnie Tyler herself.
"I wasn't trying to take the shine off Ken Sawyers," he added. "I fully supported it but I thought Bonnie should be recognised too. I'm glad to say it was voted through unanimously."
Bonnie could not be contacted for comment.
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
Comments
by D.C.Evans, Perth. Western Australia.
Saturday, March 20 2010, 2:26AM
“Bonnie Tyler,wherever she is, or wherever she goes,never ever forgets where she is from; Skewen. She is recognised world wide,and I cannot imagine anyone, anywhere,more deserving of the accolade than local girl, Gaynor.
D.C.Evans.
Perth. Western Australia.”
by D, briton ferry
Friday, March 19 2010, 11:40PM
“Come on everybody, think about it. The freedom of the borough should be awarded to someone who has done something outstanding for the benefit of the borough, to someone who has acheived great things that put the borough in the forefront of the worlds stage. I am sorry but Ken Sawyers paid employee, and BonnieTyler, singer, do not come near the mark.”
by jeffery, dirtytown
Friday, March 19 2010, 10:52PM
“Sorry, I put my comments on Sawyers in the earlier section about rubbish, I thought I was in the right area but obviously not.
Does our leader live in his electoral ward, seems like people at the top can do anything they like
What about Vaughn the super councillor who can do two jobs at the same time, should ask Hain for how to write a book and three jobs,
Did Sawyers ever attract any money to this Borough, was sawyers here on April first(all fools day) 1996 when the boroughs merged. Is he really responsible for the last 15 years of bad management”
by Poo-litical, Swansea
Friday, March 19 2010, 10:50PM
“Surely, Councillor Pam Thomas must have wished that our Bonny was still 'Lost in France'!”
by SUSAN, NEATH
Friday, March 19 2010, 10:36PM
“Okay Bruiser, What did Sawyer achieve”
by apharold, neath
Friday, March 19 2010, 9:39PM
“after reading all the previous comments, i think that this honour which was once EARED by previous holders should be put to rest as there is no-one worthy of such a honour living in NPT these days.”
by bruiser, neath
Friday, March 19 2010, 9:28PM
“I have in my possession a silvrt casket & scroll which was presented to my grandfather. I cherish this momento which was presented to him for what service he had given to the Borough of Port Talbot. There were several eminent people who followed him as freemen, W.F.Cartwright (who brought the deep harbour to PT).
there have been many people who have deserved such a honour one could name many, Richard Burton, Antony Hopkins, Ivor Emanuel amongst the famous people who have brought the name of Port Talbot to world notice.
Surely one must award such a honour to one who has served NPT in more substantional circumstances than having a few pop records to ones name.”
by Bill the builder, Swansea
Friday, March 19 2010, 7:53PM
“I wonder what the mayor was offered for his support? All these dishonorable people live in a you scratch my back culture”
by dunvantwatcher, swansea
Friday, March 19 2010, 7:29PM
“I see LiZ Davies of Dunvant has stepped in to congratulate Lib Dem Councillor Keith Davies. I'd second that, but find it strange in that Mrs LiZ is forever critical of the Lib Dems' good work in Swansea. Anyway "Well done Councillor Keith Davies, Bonnie Tyler deserves recognition". Neath Port Talbot has many other famous and worthy sons and daughters, past and present and no doubt future. Why not open a "hall of fame book" to record these people. I could easily name many.”
by SUSAN, neath
Friday, March 19 2010, 7:02PM
“Hmmm I'd like to offer Mr Sawyer freedon of a city but only if he lives there. The city I nominate is........
Volgograd”