Biography
Aneurin B James was first elected to Torfaen Council following the re-organisation in 1996. He had served on Cwmbran Community Council for 16 years and was Leader for 10.
Aneurin is the Secretary to Pontnewydd Labour Group Branch and has been a member of the Labour Party for 30 years.
Now a retired local government officer who throughout his working life was a trade unionist, he completed national service in the R.A.F. as a Trade Nursing Assistant after which he was employed by Girlings. During his employment with the Council, he was Branch Secretary for NALGO for 16 years, later becoming President of South Wales District. His career in local government spanned 21 years starting at Cwmbran Urban District Council and onto Torfaen County Borough Council.
Aneurin was born on 19 May 1934 in Cwmfelinfach and is married to Maris, with 4 children and 10 grandchildren. He has lived at his present hone at Pontnewydd for 53 years.
Aneurin and Maris thoroughly enjoyed their time as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress during the municipal year of 2007/2008; both are now looking forward to their year as Mayor and Mayoress with the support of their Mayoral Chaplain, Reverend David Dunn and raise some much needed funds for their nominated Charities: Cystic Fibrosis Trust, St Anne’s Hospice, St David’s Foundation and Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Wales.
This year, along with his Mayoral Duties, Aneurin will endeavour to serve on Scrutiny Committees, namely Housing and Community Safety, Resources, Health and Wellbeing, Children and Young People. In addition to this, Cwmbran Regeneration and Operational Groups.
Outside Torfaen, Aneurin in active in the Community, being a member of Glenside and Pontrhydrun Community Association, Patron of Pontnewydd Bowls Club, President of Pontnewydd Scouts, a Vice President of Pontnewydd and Cwmbran Male Choirs and also a member of the Pontnewydd British Legion Branch.
On the theme of making a difference in the local Community, Aneurin donates his allocated Torfaen Small Scheme’s monies to 43 local organisations which include Choirs, Bands, Community Associations, Scouts, Guides, Churches, Chapels, Royal British Legion and various sporting organisations.
His leisure time interests include membership of the Pontnewydd Workingmen’s and Royal British Legion Clubs, a committed supporter of Gwent Dragons Rugby Football Club, Reading and listening to pop and classical music.