Community

New report highlights positive impact of Cadet Forces in Wales

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2024

A NEWLY published independent report has shed light on the significant benefits that participation in cadet forces brings to young people, adult volunteers, and the wider community across Wales. The study, titled ‘Getting an Edge: The Impact and Value of the Cadet Forces in Wales,’ was conducted by academics from the University of Northampton and commissioned by The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

The report, led by Professor Simon Denny, alongside Professor Richard Hazenberg and Dr Claire Peterson-Young, presents compelling evidence that involvement in the cadet forces offers young people in Wales a distinct advantage over their peers in terms of social mobility, educational attainment, and employability. According to the findings, cadets who have been part of the forces for two years or more acquire valuable skills, experiences, and qualifications that give them an “edge” when applying for further education or employment opportunities.

Professor Denny, the lead author of the report, emphasised the unique benefits for economically disadvantaged young people. He stated, “Young people that are or have been in the cadet forces for two years or more have developed attributes and gained skills, experiences and qualifications that give them a clear advantage – an ‘edge’ – over their non-cadet peers, in applications for further and higher education and for employment. This edge is particularly important for those young people who are economically disadvantaged.”

The report also highlights the positive impact on adult volunteers, who gain valuable skills and qualifications through their involvement with the cadet forces, often leading to improved career prospects.

However, the study also draws attention to a concerning disparity: the proportion of secondary-school-age children in Wales who are members of the cadet forces is lower than the UK average. Currently, only 2.4% of eligible children in Wales participate in the cadet forces, compared to 4.2% across the UK. The report suggests that there is significant potential to increase the number of cadets in Wales, which would allow more young people to benefit from the opportunities offered by the programme.

Another key finding of the report focuses on the wide range of vocational qualifications that can be achieved by both cadets and volunteers. The authors argue that additional funding could expand these opportunities in Wales, further integrating the cadet forces into the Welsh educational ecosystem. The report advocates for investment by non-Ministry of Defence budget holders, given the substantial benefits that these qualifications bring to young people.

Professor Denny further stressed the broader societal value of the cadet forces in Wales, stating, “The cadet forces in Wales provide outputs and outcomes that help achieve Welsh Government policy objectives in the areas of child poverty, education, preparation for employment, and health and wellbeing. The cadet forces are important for their members, and to the nation of Wales. It is vital that the contribution of the cadet forces to Wales is clearly articulated and understood by policy makers, educational leaders, and employers.”

The findings of this report underscore the vital role that the cadet forces play in supporting young people in Wales, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As the report suggests, increasing participation and investment in the cadet forces could amplify their positive impact, benefiting not only individual members but also the broader Welsh society.

For further information, or to view the full report, please visit the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales website.

Community

West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque

Published

10 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.

In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.

The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.

Community

UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby

Published

11 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.

A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.

Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.

In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.

Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year .

Community

Poignant Lancaster Relic donated to Heritage Centre, honoring local WWII hero

Published

14 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WARTIME Pembrokeshire airman is especially remembered in this the 80^th anniversary year of D-Day thanks to a unique and poignant donation to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.

Trevor Hordley of Pembroke Dock was the pilot of a Lancaster bomber shot down over France in July 1944, soon after the D-Day invasion of Occupied Europe. A section of metal from his aircraft was secreted away from the occupying German forces and in 2013 was given to members of Trevor’s family attending commemorative events held annually in the French community of Serifontaine, near Beauvais.

Five of the Lancaster’s crew, including Trevor, are buried in a Beauvais cemetery.

Now, 11 years on, Trevor’s daughter, Christine – who was born after her father was killed – has donated the relic to the Heritage Centre.

Trevor’s niece and nephew, Pauline Cole and Peter Hordley, were joined by family members when they presented the metal section to the Centre’s team on Christine’s behalf.

Efforts are already underway to try and identify where the piece came from on a Lancaster. Plans are to exhibit it alongside an existing information panel telling Trevor Hordley’s story. He was one of over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew lost on operations in World War II.

The family have also donated the wartime suitcase and other items belonging to Pauline and Peter’s father, Roy Hordley – one of the three brothers who went to war from their home in Pembroke Dock. Only two returned.