Community

New report highlights positive impact of Cadet Forces in Wales

Published

3 months 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.

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

7 mins ago

November 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund. This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.