THIS year marks 20 years of devolution, and is also the Assembly’s 20th anniversary.

The Assembly Commission, who are the Assembly's official corporate body, organised many events to commemorate it.

But one thing that was sadly lacking was an invite to Her Majesty the Queen.

I took this up with the Assembly, assuming that maybe schedules had not allowed it.

But when they responded, the Commission bizarrely confirmed that no invitation had been extended.

Whatever your thoughts on the Assembly, or indeed the monarchy, it is bitterly disappointing that the Head of State was not involved.

Especially since there is a clamour for the Assembly to become a Parliament, so it seems a very odd call indeed.

When you consider that the likes of Guardian conspiracy theorist Carole Cadwalladr are taking part in the 20th anniversary commemorations, this seems like a clear error of judgment.

I am sure that the people of Penarth would have preferred the Queen to have been invited, and I hope that lessons are learned about this in future.

Penarth is home to many fantastic local businesses, and they help to make the town the great place it is.

I had the pleasure of visiting Glass by Design at their studios in the town centre recently, just around the corner from the train station.

Owners Angelina Hall and Cathy O’Doherty opened it in 2014, after meeting by chance at an exhibition in Penarth.

Specialising in fused and stained glass, the store stocks the work of some 35 Welsh artists, as well as offering classes for people who wish to make their own fused and stained glass.

They gave me the chance to take part in a stained glass workshop, as well as showing me some of their work.

They have worked exceptionally hard to make the business the success it is, and offering novices like me the opportunity to have a go at stained and fused glass.

I’d like to thank them both for being so generous with their time, and for chatting about some of the challenges facing the high street.

I would definitely recommend paying a visit and taking part in some of the great activities on offer.

I was deeply saddened to learn recently of the death of former Penarth councillor Maureen Kelly-Owen, who passed away after a short illness.

Maureen was an architect by profession, and for many years served loyally as the Conservative member for the town’s Plymouth ward.

As well as being a committed ward member, Maureen took her role on the planning committee extremely seriously, and brought her professional expertise to the table.

I attended her funeral last week, and it was pleasing to see so many people there, including councillors from all parties.

Maureen was well-liked and respected across Penarth, and served as deputy mayor of the Vale and also mayor of Penarth

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to her, and my thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.