Charity

The importance of remembering those who served across generations

Published

9 months ago

November 4, 2025

Tenby town councillor and Veterans’ Commissioner shares his reflections ahead of Remembrance events.

WALES Air Ambulance Trustee and Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, James Phillips, has urged people to “remember and recognise those that have served across the generations” as the nation prepares to mark Remembrance.

James Phillips served for 33 years in the British Army, with tours in Germany, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. He has commanded soldiers, sailors and air personnel, and worked within NATO, the Ministry of Defence, the Permanent Joint Headquarters and Army Headquarters.

After retiring as a Colonel, he was appointed Wales’ first Veterans’ Commissioner in 2022, and last year became a Trustee for Wales Air Ambulance.

James worked as an Afghan Police Transition Team Leader, pictured with local
children in Kabul in 2013 (Pic: James Phillips)

A time for reflection

James said: “Remembrance has been particularly poignant over the last few years, with big VE, D-Day and VJ Day anniversaries, and before that, the First World War commemorations.

“Sadly, those veterans are no longer with us, and there are very few of the Second World War generation left. It’s always very moving to have them alongside us at events. We must ensure their sacrifice and service are never forgotten.

“At the same time, we need to keep the commemorations contemporary. We recently marked the Falklands anniversary, and there are many still struggling following their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

James served in Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles, pictured here with
colleagues at Hardwood Park, Belfast in 1992.

Honouring service in all its forms

Phillips said the week of remembrance allows people to come together to reflect and show gratitude.

“It’s a time to recognise their service and hopefully make all veterans feel valued for their contribution,” he said. “But equally, I can understand why some people choose not to take part because they find that period exceedingly difficult. Each of us deals with loss and reflection in our own way.”

This year, he plans to attend as many events as possible across Wales, as well as the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

“It’s a logistical challenge as I wear many hats – Commissioner, town councillor in Tenby, President of Tenby Sea Cadets and Vice-President of Tenby Royal British Legion,” he said. “But it’s always an honour to meet people, hear their stories and keep listening and learning.”

***Phillips as Defence Attaché to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, flag bearing at an event in 2019***

A lifelong calling

James says he was destined for a military career from a young age. “Growing up, all my toys were Action Men and Airfix kits,” he said. “I was drawn to all the old war movies like The Wild Geese and The Guns of Navarone. By the time I was fourteen, the Falklands War was unfolding, and it brought into focus service and the armed forces.”

After studying Geography at the University of Birmingham, he attended Sandhurst and joined the Royal Artillery, following in the footsteps of his uncle.

“As a young officer, our missile-firing training took us to Pembrokeshire, where I got to know Manorbier and Tenby quite well,” he said. “It’s where I met my wife after the first Gulf War.”

Supporting veterans in Wales

In 2020, as he approached retirement, James saw an advert for a new position – Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales.

“It was during Covid, when everyone was working from home, and I was already starting to make the transition from Army to civilian life,” he said. “I felt it was a role where I could make a difference.”

His work involves helping veterans and their families access support with healthcare, mental health, housing, and employment, while advocating for their needs nationally.

“I find the best way to engage with veterans is through activity rather than meetings,” he explained. “If you’re walking up a hill, sitting by a campfire or sleeping out, people speak more freely. It helps me understand their lives and challenges.”

From battlefields to air ambulances

James also collaborates closely with veteran-related charities across Wales and became a Trustee of Wales Air Ambulance in 2024.

“I know there are veterans and serving personnel among the air ambulance crew,” he said. “They bring a huge amount to any organisation – understanding missions, logistics and commitment. It takes immense effort, physically, intellectually and financially, to keep those red helicopters flying.”

He sits on the Charity’s Aviation Committee – familiar territory given his previous work in an air mobile brigade deploying troops by helicopter.

“Living in Tenby, I’ve often seen the air ambulance in action,” he said. “It brings the emergency department to people in their hour of need. Meeting past patients who have benefited is deeply moving.

“All of this is possible thanks to the Charity’s incredible supporters, staff and volunteers who keep the helicopters in the sky and rapid response vehicles on the road. It’s hugely reassuring to know Wales Air Ambulance is there should any of us ever need it.”

Charity

Salvation Army offers free meals and school uniforms to families across Wales

Published

6 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Children in Mold can receive free meals throughout the summer holidays, while thousands of school uniform items are being distributed through centres in Swansea and Cardiff

THE SALVATION ARMY is helping families across Wales cope with the additional cost of the school summer holidays by providing free meals for children and free school uniforms ahead of the new academic year.

Its church and community centre in Mold is opening from 9.30am until 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday, throughout the Welsh school holidays.

Free meals are available to all children aged under 16, with no requirement for accompanying adults to purchase anything.

Major Michelle Hayter said the scheme had made a significant difference to families in the area over recent years.

She said: “If your children usually receive free school meals, suddenly having to provide lunch, snacks and activities every day can be costly.

“By offering free meals, we are helping families free up money so they can enjoy the fun things their children want to do.

“When we remind parents that the meals are free, you can see the smile on their faces.”

The Mold centre is also holding recycling-themed craft sessions on selected days, including activities such as making mosaic coasters, decorating jars and creating bird feeders.

The charity is also supporting parents who may already be concerned about the cost of buying school uniforms for September.

Salvation Army charity shops and donation centres across Wales are offering free school uniform items, subject to availability.

Donation centres in Gorseinon, Swansea, and Cardiff have already distributed more than 3,000 items donated by Bridgend-based school uniform supplier Euroschools Direct.

Craig Mawer, manager at Euroschools Direct, said the company wanted its unused stock to benefit families rather than go to waste.

He said: “We are really pleased the uniforms have been able to support The Salvation Army’s work.

“When we realised we had unused stock, we wanted it to make a genuine difference rather than end up as waste.

“The Salvation Army felt like the right choice because of its strong community presence and the support it offers to parents facing financial pressure.”

Families seeking help are advised to contact their nearest Salvation Army church, community centre, charity shop or donation centre to find out what support is available locally.

Charity

Forever 11 water safety programme reaches nearly 2,000 Pembrokeshire pupils

Published

4 days ago

July 17, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A CHARITY established in memory of 11-year-old Zac Thompson is helping almost 2,000 Pembrokeshire schoolchildren learn potentially life-saving skills in and around the water.

Forever 11 was founded following Zac’s death in 2022, when he was swept into the sea.

The charity began delivering water safety programmes in 2023, initially working with one school. It now supports pupils at 13 primary schools across Pembrokeshire, with around 2,000 children expected to take part in its sessions this year.

Forever 11 chair Carli Newell said the charity believes water safety should be treated as an essential life skill for children growing up in a coastal county.

She said: “Every child in Pembrokeshire deserves the right to have water safety sessions.

“Especially where we live, it should be as important as being able to read.”

Working alongside organisations including PaddleWest, Activity Pembrokeshire and Windswept Wales, the charity provides practical kayaking, paddleboarding and sea kayaking sessions.

Pupils are also taught important safety advice, including the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance, while some children have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised Paddle Safe and Swim Safe qualifications.

The programme was originally aimed at pupils in Years 5 and 6, but it has since been extended to children in Years 3 and 4.

The charity hopes that introducing younger pupils to the water will help them build confidence and develop essential skills before reaching the age group most at risk of accidental drowning.

Forever 11 trustee Lucy Garett said national drowning figures are reviewed each year to help shape the programme.

She said: “The trends are all the same every year.

“It’s mostly children aged between 10 and 19 who are at risk of accidental drowning.

“We want children to have at least one or two sessions in the water before they reach that higher risk group.”

The sessions are offered to schools free of charge, with the costs covered through fundraising and public donations.

This means children can participate regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Forever 11 estimates that it has delivered more than 10,000 hours of water safety education since its work began.

Ms Garett said the response from schools, parents and pupils had been extremely positive.

She added: “Some parents have told us their child had been completely scared of going in the water, but afterwards they said it was one of the best days they’d ever had at school.”

The charity now hopes to work with more watersports providers, allowing the scheme to reach additional schools throughout Pembrokeshire.

Its long-term ambition is for every primary school pupil in the county to finish school with the knowledge and confidence needed to stay safe around the water.

The charity said: “We want every primary-aged child to know what to do to keep themselves and others safe in and around the water.”

Forever 11 will continue raising awareness and funds at Pembroke Regatta on Saturday, July 25, followed by its annual Forever 11 Fun Day on Sunday, July 26.

Charity

RSPCA welcomes consultation on restricting loud fireworks

Published

5 days ago

July 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL welfare campaigners have welcomed a UK Government consultation on tighter controls over the use of loud fireworks outside organised displays.

The RSPCA described the announcement as a “major step forward” and urged pet owners and animal lovers across England and Wales to take part in the consultation.

David Bowles OBE, the charity’s head of public affairs, said fireworks could cause severe distress and lasting harm to pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.

He said: “For too long, pets, horses, wildlife and farmed animals have been deeply affected by fireworks and the lack of regulation, including DIY and impromptu displays.

“Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and long-term hearing damage, while all animals can experience stress and fear, which has in some instances led to injury and even death.

“Livestock and other animals living outdoors often try to escape the bangs out of fear, sometimes injuring themselves in the process, and the consequences can be devastating.”

An RSPCA survey carried out in 2024 found that 66 per cent of pet owners considered backyard firework displays to be a major concern.

The charity has long campaigned for tighter restrictions and more responsible use of fireworks. Its work has included an annual calming programme with Classic FM on Bonfire Night and its Kind Sparks campaign, which encourages communities to consider the impact of fireworks on animals and vulnerable people.

The RSPCA is also a member of the Fireworks Impact Coalition, a group of 19 organisations representing people and animals adversely affected by fireworks.

Mr Bowles added: “This campaign has never been about spoiling people’s fun, but about protecting animals.

“This consultation has the potential to be a game changer. We now have an opportunity to give animals a voice by encouraging everyone who cares about them to respond and support these long-awaited restrictions.”