Community

New report highlights positive impact of Cadet Forces in Wales

Published

2 years 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

Fire service sets out new flood response plan for Mid and West Wales

Published

17 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AROUND 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk of flooding, according to figures released as part of a new fire service response strategy.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has completed a major engagement process to shape how it deals with future flooding incidents.

The work brought together operational crews, partner agencies and community representatives through a series of “Flooding Balanced Room” workshops.

The service said the aim was to make sure all voices were heard equally while developing practical options for prevention, response and recovery.

Nearly 24,000 properties in the service area are at risk from river flooding, while more than 7,000 are at risk from tidal flooding.

The service attends around 300 water rescue and weather-related flooding incidents each year.

Officials say flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious because of climate change, including heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events.

Recent data also shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest number of flooding incidents taking place between October and February.

The third quarter of 2025/26 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017/18, while February 2020 and November 2025 recorded the highest monthly levels of flooding activity.

The workshops produced four key priorities: prevention first, collaboration and partnership, enhanced specialist capability, and learning and continuous improvement.

Eleven initial options were narrowed down to five main areas.

These include better public education, community flood groups, improved flood messaging with partner agencies, more staff training, improved welfare and PPE for firefighters, better vehicles and technology, and stronger post-incident support for communities.

Proposals include using flood awareness in home fire safety checks, improving training scenarios, increasing the number of qualified water incident managers, expanding drone use, and using climate data to plan future fleet and equipment needs.

The options have now been assessed, with recommendations presented to the service’s Executive Leadership Team.

The plans will feed into the service’s future flooding strategy and its Community Risk Management Plan 2040.

Iwan Cray, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Flooding Balanced Room process has highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.

“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Wales.”

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

19 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

19 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.