Community

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service celebrates new Wholetime Firefighters

Published

6 months ago

December 21, 2025

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has celebrated the graduation of its latest intake of Wholetime Firefighters following a Passing Out Parade held on Thursday (Dec 16) at the Service’s Earlswood Training Centre.

Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to mark the achievements of eleven recruits — collectively known as Squad 03/25 — who are transitioning from On-Call roles to begin full-time careers serving communities across Mid and West Wales.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and marked the successful completion of an intensive eleven-week training programme designed to prepare recruits for the physical, technical and mental demands of modern firefighting.

Head of Training Delivery, Group Manager Stuart Bate, praised the squad’s commitment and resilience.

He said: “From the first day of training, Squad 03/25 have exhibited courage, discipline and determination to uphold the noblest traditions of the Fire Service.

“Throughout their journey, they have faced demanding challenges both physically and mentally, demonstrating exceptional resilience while embracing the values of teamwork, integrity and selflessness that define our profession.

“As we celebrate their achievements, we should also recognise the sacrifices they have made and the dedication they have shown. They have chosen a path that requires courage, compassion and a deep sense of duty to others, and I feel enormous pride in what they have accomplished over the past eleven weeks.”

The ceremony included a formal inspection of the recruits by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, Fire Authority Member Lyndon Jones, and Group Manager Stuart Bate. Drill yard displays were also held, showcasing the emergency response skills developed during training, followed by the presentation of certificates and awards.

Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the recruits’ professional lives.

He said: “We were proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Squad 03/25, who have completed eleven weeks of rigorous training and reached a key point in their careers as Wholetime Firefighters.

“As an integral part of Wales’s emergency response infrastructure, MAWWFRS exemplifies professionalism, readiness and an unwavering commitment to public safety. You are now an essential part of that work.

“My sincere thanks go to the Training Delivery Department, whose expertise and dedication ensure that our recruits receive first-class training. Without their tireless efforts, none of this would be possible.”

Each graduate will now take up a Wholetime Firefighter role at their designated fire station. MAWWFRS wished them all long, safe and successful careers in the Service.

Awards and presentations

Wholetime Firefighter Training Course Certificate

All recruits received a framed certificate, presented by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, in recognition of successfully completing the eleven-week Wholetime Firefighter Training Course.

Physical Fitness Achievement Award and 300 Club
Selected by the Service’s Fitness Team, the Physical Fitness Achievement Award recognises the recruit who has consistently pushed themselves to their limits throughout training.

From Squad 03/25, the award was presented to Dale Wells.
The 300 Club Award was presented to Molly Jones, Dale Wells, Matthew Evans, Rylee Roberts and Owain Thomas.

The Recruits’ Recruit Award
Chosen by fellow recruits, this award recognises the individual who has shown outstanding effort, commitment and support for others during the course.

The award was presented to Matthew Evans by Fire Authority Member Lyndon Jones.

Highest-Achieving Recruit Award (The Silver Axe)
Awarded to the recruit demonstrating the highest overall performance across all aspects of training — including practical skills, written work, examinations, leadership and teamwork — the Silver Axe was presented to Owain Thomas by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

7 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)