MARKING a decade since the withdrawal of British combat troops from Afghanistan, a new documentary Helmand: Tour of Duty– airing on BBC Two, BBC Two Wales and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, October 30 at 9pm – tells the intimate, dramatic and revelatory story of ten Welsh Guards deployed to the frontline of the war in Helmand Province in 2009.

It was a period which became known as the British Army’s bloodiest summer in more than half a century. At a time when UK press coverage of casualties was peaking and the fate of the war in Afghanistan hung in the balance, the Welsh Guards were tasked with pushing back an evolving Taliban insurgency whose battlefield tactics increasingly centred on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense, close quarters combat. It’s an era marked in Britain’s national memory, but the experience of those on the frontline, both then and in the years that followed, is little understood.

Now, in their own words, and sharing their experiences for the first time on camera, the band of brothers, alongside their wives and mothers, reveal the realities of war, revisiting some of the most impactful, bloody and life changing moments.

Jonathan Jenkinson, Colour Sergeant in the Welsh Guards in 2009, recalls an incident where one of their vehicles hits an IED: “When that vehicle goes up and you see the guys just flying in the air, it’s horrendous. The Taliban, they started opening up on us, firing at us. There was fuel, ammunition everywhere. It was chaos.”

Their bond was unbreakable, yet during their six-month deployment, the regiment took unprecedented casualties, losing a man at nearly every military rank up to Lt. Colonel, while many others suffered life changing injuries.

Speaking about the bond of the Welsh Guards, Gavin Evans, Sergeant, said: “We’re all cut from the same cloth if you like, a big family, we know what our upbringings have been like. We know what our surrounding areas are like, and we just look out for each other.”

Echoing this, Steven Peters, Platoon Sergeant, said: “You get that feel of being part of a team, it’s a brotherhood. You have that connection, and that bond stays strong for a lifetime.”

Told as a gripping week by week narrative, the film also explores the ongoing impact that the tour has had on the rest of many of their lives 15 years later, with the cast reflecting on how they have processed events, particularly in the context of the Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021. 

The 80-minute film has been co-commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales, directed by Hannah Lowes edited by Tom Dixon Spain and Exec Produced by Hamish Fergusson and Gwenllian Hughes. It is a co-production between Passion Pictures and Kailash Films. It has been commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning for BBC Documentaries and Nick Andrews, Head of Content Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual is Tom Pullen and the Commissioning Editor for BBC Cymru Wales is Julian Carey.

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION held its Volunteer Long Service Awards on Sunday 13th of October 2024 at Crundale Community Hall. This heartfelt celebration recognised the dedicated volunteers’ unwavering commitment and contributions to the end-of-life charity. The event celebrated 5-, 10-, 15, 20 and 25-year milestones of those who give their time to help their community. 

This year’s event was made extra special through the generous support of local businesses, whose contributions allowed Paul Sartori to honour remarkable individuals in a meaningful way. “A sincere thank you goes to Morrisons, who provided a voucher that contributed towards the event. ; to Richards Bros for their assistance in transporting our volunteers to the event and a special mention and heartfelt appreciation goes to the Ascona Group, whose generous donation of £500 made the event possible,” said Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer, “ Their support allowed us to add thoughtful touches to the event, celebrating each milestone with a badge and a certificate to acknowledge the value volunteers bring to the Foundation.” 

Eleanor Evans, the Paul Sartori Volunteering Officer, led the event, expressing her gratitude to all those who make the Paul Sartori Foundation’s mission a reality. “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this charity,” Eleanor shared. ” They play a vital role and make a big difference. We are so grateful for their support and commitment.

“A huge congratulations to each volunteer honoured today.” 

The certificates were presented by Mr Phil Thompson MBE, Trustee of Paul Sartori who acknowledged their dedication and compassion which enables the charity to provide end-of-life care to those in need across Pembrokeshire. 

The Volunteer Long Service Awards will now continue as an annual event and serve as a moment of recognition and a testament to the community’s spirit of giving and solidarity. Through the support of local businesses, and the heartfelt efforts of the charity’s team, the event was a reminder of the power of people coming together and giving of their time for one great cause. Together, we continue to make a difference! 

The charity has one of the largest volunteering programmes in Pembrokeshire with a wide variety of roles. They support many areas, and roles include Sorters, Till Operators, Warehouse Drivers and Assistants, Community Fundraisers – to name a few.

Volunteers are always welcomed and individuals who are interested in volunteering for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home can contact Eleanor Evans, Volunteering Officer to have an informal discussion on 01437 763223 or email [email protected]. 

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.