Babies born on July 3 get special present from their city

Babies born in Swansea on July 3 this year will get a special present courtesy of the city's Lord Mayor today.

As part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the announcement that Swansea was to receive city status, children born here that day are being given a silver coin specially commissioned from the Royal Mint.

The unique coins will be presented to their families at a special presentation at the Mansion House in Ffynone on today (Tuesday September 29) at 2pm.

Among the youngsters set to attend is baby Ruby Leigh Griffiths from Gorseinon who was named Ruby to happily coincide with the ruby anniversary of Swansea.

July 3, 1969, was the date when HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, first announced Swansea was to receive city status. It came just two days after his investiture at Caernarvon Castle.

The announcement was made on the steps of Swansea's historic Guildhall during a tour of Wales.
That honour was officially granted five months later in December 1969.

Swansea has been marking the occasion with a number of events including a garden party for residents reaching their 40th on July 3 and couples celebrating their wedding anniversary between July 3 and December.

A time capsule has been stored in the archives at Swansea's civic centre for the next 40 years to be opened on the city's 80th birthday celebrations.

On July 11 a Freedom Ceremony for 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) including a march through our city centre was also part of the celebrations.

Swansea Council Lord Mayor Cllr Alan Lloyd, the only serving Swansea Councillor who was also a councillor on that historic day, said: "July 3 was a momentous day for Swansea and now it has become a momentous day for these children and their families.

"I am looking forward to meeting the families who are able to attend the presentation. I am sure they will treasure their special coins.

"Swansea has grown up so much in the last 40 years and holds so much promise for its next four decades. I hope that these youngsters will have a bright future too."