News

Two honours, two uniforms, one cadet

Published

8 years ago

August 11, 2016

Thiepval Memorial

THIS YEAR marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme – one of the bloodiest battles of World War One. By its end, the British had lost 420,000, the French 200,000 and the Germans 500,000. The battle raged on for 141 days, starting on July 1, 1916, and ending on November 18, 1916.

David Folder, a Cadet Warrant Officer of 1284 (Tenby) Sqn, was one of 10 Royal British Legion Standard bearers chosen to be at the Thiepval memorial.

The memorial commemorates the missing of the Somme, with 73,367 names of both Officers and other ranks of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth forces, who have no known grave.

There was a high military and security presence, with the Prince of Wales, the president of France, other members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, along with other dignitaries from all over the globe coming to pay their respects.

David, representing Wales, said, “I was truly overwhelmed by the size of the memorial, just being part of the parade was an honour.” David has carried the Welsh National Standard for the Royal British Legion for two years, and last November he was one of the lead standard bearers in the Royal Albert Hall.

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, serving men, women, veterans and their families. David has been a member of the Tenby Branch of the RBL for three years, and has carried the standard for five years now, “It’s been such a privilege to carry the standard for the RBL, and I have played witness to the commemoration of people who have sacrificed their today, for our tomorrow.”

Furthermore, on July 7, CWO David Folder was one of only nine cadets in the entire Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) to be selected to fly with the Red Arrows. This was to mark the 75th anniversary of the ACO. The Red Arrows have only ever taken up cadets once before, so this was a flight of a lifetime.

During the flight, the Red Arrows did several fly pasts, changing formation and several steep turns. The flight was a transit from RAF Scampton to RAF Fairford, As the Arrows needed to preposition for RIAT. RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) is the world’s largest military airshow. In 2015, a total of 247 aircraft from 19 nations took part in the airshow. The flight lasted 40 mins, travelling at over 400 miles per hour and covering a distance of 150 miles.

The Red Arrows are the RAF Aerobatic Display Team, arguably one of the world’s best display teams , showcasing the skill, speed, agility and precision of the RAF. During their display seasons, they usually perform over 80 shows, along with around 200 flypasts.

The Reds assist greatly with recruitment for the armed forces, and whenever they can, they will engage in public relations, meeting and greeting with the thousands of people who watch their shows. This is to inspire a generation of people to join the Armed Forces, making the job of a Red Arrows Pilot seem achievable and most definitely desirable.

David was chosen from a select few cadets who, earlier this year, were awarded for being the best cadets in the organisation. David was chosen as the best cadet in Wales and West of England Region. The week started with several briefings, instructions on how to use an ejector seat and what to expect if an ejection was to take place, cockpit familiarisation and safety equipment fitting.

When asked about his week with the Reds, David said: “On the first day, we were introduced to Red Eight, Flt Lt Stew Campbell, and after a short meet and greet we were split into groups for our briefings. It was all fascinating, but we had little time to be awestruck as we knew we had to learn everything they taught us.” Learning about the safe usage of the safety equipment was imperative as, in an emergency, the cadets need to quickly and correctly leave the aircraft to prevent injury and death.

14 cadets were shortlisted to fly with the Red Arrows, but with only nine seats, there were some cadets who were going to be disappointed. However, as a consolation prize, they were given a flight in a King Air, a twin Turbo Prop aircraft. “We weren’t told until after our final medical briefing who was successful, and once we were told, the four cadets who were flying in the King Air were carted off as it was waiting for them on the apron. The entire week we were left on tenter hooks not knowing who would fly with the reds,” said David.

David was chosen to fly with Red Three, Flt Lt Si Taylor. Red Three is one of the newest members of the team, – this year is his first display season. “Three is a great pilot, always making sure I knew what was going to happen and demonstrating perfectly how the Reds stay in formation as well as telling me about how the Hawk handled.”

Once landed, there were a mass of reporters and film crew. All of the Cadets and Pilots were whisked away for interviews and pictures. Group Captain Carol Vorderman, the First Female Honorary Ambassador for the Air Cadets, greeted cadets as they exited the aircraft, all the while filming for her up -and -coming TV show, where she will be the ninth woman to have ever flown around the world solo.

The ATC has provided adventurous training for cadets for 75 years, instructing them in flying, gliding, field-craft and weapons training. Cadets have the chance to go on camps to RAF bases where they have the opportunity to learn about life in the RAF, Leadership skills and much more.

The ACO offers academic qualifications such as BTECs in Music, Aviation Studies, public services and the Institute of Leadership and Management. It also offers other skills and qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, from Bronze to Gold, and it teaches First Aid from basic to advanced level.

However, if you prefer sports, the ACO offers a range of sports such as athletics, rugby, hockey, football and netball to name but a few. These can be done at a Sqn level all the way to a national level, where you will be able to represent the entire UK ACO in your chosen field.

If you’re aged between 12 and 17 and you’re interested in joining Tenby Sqn, then contact AFS Victoria Thomas on oc.1284@ aircadets.org or CWO David Folder on 01646 651635. Parades take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm until 9pm. Interested parties can also follow the organisation on Facebook at ‘1284.ATC’.

David concluded: ““I would like to say a huge thank you to the Air Cadet Organisation, for without them I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I think that everyone should go to their local squadron, and just give it a go – you never know what you can get out of it. The ACO opens doors, most of it is fun, some bits difficult, but by pushing through you can realise your potential and rise above it. Per ardua ad astra.”

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

News

Campaigners urge Welsh Government to adopt proportional representation for Local Elections

Published

7 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for local elections, following moves by two councils to shift away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system being blocked on technical grounds.

Yesterday (Nov 14), Ceredigion Council voted narrowly, with an 18 to 17 majority, in favor of adopting STV. This follows Gwynedd Council’s decision last month, where 65% of councillors backed the move. However, both councils have been prevented from implementing STV due to a requirement for a two-thirds majority under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

In recent consultations, public support for STV has been overwhelming, with over 70% in Gwynedd and 67% in Ceredigion favoring the change. Only Powys Council rejected the proposal, despite 60.5% of its respondents supporting STV. Campaigners argue that the current system deprives voters of representation, citing that over 100,000 people were denied a vote in the 2022 elections due to uncontested seats.

The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) highlights the contrast with Scotland, where the introduction of STV for local elections in 2007 has significantly reduced uncontested seats. According to ERS Cymru, Scotland has had fewer uncontested seats in the last four elections combined than Gwynedd Council recorded alone in 2022.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said:

“Decisions made in council chambers affect everyone in those areas, so every vote should count. It’s absurd that councils choosing STV are blocked by a technicality, leaving them stuck with an outdated system that denies representation to thousands. The Welsh Government must act to avoid repeating the undemocratic outcomes of the last elections.”

Campaigners are now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce STV across all councils in Wales, ensuring representation that reflects the electorate’s wishes.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

7 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.