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Senedd unites in cross-party remembrance debate

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SENEDD Members set aside their differences to reflect on the cost of war, sharing deeply personal family stories of loss in a poignant cross-party debate to mark Armistice Day.

Ken Skates, who is responsible for policy related to the Armed Forces in Wales, led a debate to honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn the Armed Forces uniform.

The cabinet secretary said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day – two milestones that signalled the end of the most devastating conflict in human history.

“For many, these anniversaries are not just historical footnotes – they are personal, lived memories. In Wales, the remembrance period is woven into the fabric of our communities.”

Mr Skates told the Senedd: “We gather each November, not to glorify war but to honour courage, sacrifice and the hope of peace. We wear our poppies… as a promise: that we will remember and we do remember.”

He said: “These anniversaries remind us that peace is precious – that freedom is fragile – and the sacrifices made by previous generations must never, ever be taken for granted.”

Mr Skates pointed out that 7% of the UK’s armed forces – from the Royal Navy to the Royal Air Force – come from Wales, which makes up 5% of the population.

Leading the cross-party debate on November 11, he stressed the importance of ensuring “when service ends, support does not” as he welcomed a new UK veterans strategy.

James Evans, for the Conservatives, said: “We reflect, once more, on the extraordinary generation who, in the darkest of times, stood firm in the defence of our islands.

Conservative MS James Evans, pictured in July

“Their courage brought a peace we often take for granted, their sacrifice shaped the world.”

Mr Evans’ father and both grandfathers served in the Armed Forces.

He said: “One endured the terror of being torpedoed twice while at sea and survived to tell the tale. The other played his part in the liberation of Europe. Their stories are carried in my family as similar stories are carried through families right the way across Wales.

“They remind us that the cost of war is measured not only in battles but in lives interrupted, futures changed and families forever marked by loss.”

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth told the Senedd: “We bear witness today to the emptiness of the phrase that portrayed the First World War as the ‘war to end all wars’.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, pictured in July

“In Sudan, in Ukraine, in Gaza, to name but three, the atrocities of violence bring pain and suffering that we cannot comprehend to millions of people.”

Mr ap Iorwerth said 117 million people have been forced to flee their homes across the world as a result of war or persecution, according to the United Nations.

Labour MS Carolyn Thomas
Labour MS Carolyn Thomas, pictured in May

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas said her great-grandfather, Thomas Morris, was killed in action in 1917 aged only 32 and her grandfather spent time in an orphanage following his death. “It was an experience he rarely spoke about,” she said. “But he too, was a victim of war.”

Ms Thomas also highlighted the sacrifice of animals, with more than a million horses taken from civilians for military service and only 60,000 returning from the First World War.

Reform UK’s Laura Anne Jones said: “We remember those who have served, those who fell and those who continue to stand ready to defend us… we will remember them.”

Reform UK's South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones
Reform UK’s South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones

Alun Davies, a Labour backbencher, warned peace on the continent is under greater threat today than at any time since 1945 due to a new “fascism of Putin which has unleashed war”.

He told the Senedd: “Remembrance must mean more than simply an event held once a year, it is… a challenge to all of us. It means that we take care of veterans… the families of veterans, it means we invest in today’s armed forces….

“Remembrance is an active verb – and not simply a passive noun.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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