Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Centenary Dinner

165 guests turned out to support the centenary celebration of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association held at the St David's Hotel and Spa in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 21st May 2008. Amongst these were 80 employers of Reservists who all reportedly had a great evening. The dinner was preceded by a presentation by the Royal Air Force and an address by the Air Member for Personnel, Air Marshal Stephen Dalton. After dinner, the military historian Gordon Corrigan gave an entertaining and insightful address which, at times, had the politicians fidgeting in their chairs!

Homecoming of 203 Field Hospital

By the time this briefing reaches you our Welsh Volunteer Field Hospital will be nearing the end of its tour of duty in Afghanistan. The tour started quietly but, as soon as the poppy harvest had been collected, it was back to business as usual. Since then the hospital has been hard at work doing its best to save and care for the injured. At the time of writing, the return date has yet to be confirmed in late July but I am sure they will be given a very warm and a heroes' welcome upon their safe return.

The NHS in Wales has been enormously supportive in releasing staff for this mobilisation and it has our very grateful thanks. In recognition of their valued support, a number of line managers who have released staff have been invited to a Royal Garden Party in July.

A century of service for the Territorial Army

The Territorial Army in Wales has been celebrating a century of service since its formation in 1908. On the 1st of April the centenary year was celebrated with a "Feu de Joie" fired by the Reservists of 104th Regiment Royal Artillery based in Cardiff, Newport and Abertillery. The First Minister and the Presiding Officer were the principal guests at the celebration in front of the Senedd.

Cardiff and Caernarfon Castles were the venues for the celebrations to continue, with a gun salute, Drumhead services, march pasts and displays. Both were well attended by the Territorial Army and Veterans along with their families and many guests and spectators, including many from the employer community. Your valued support was much appreciated.

If you wish to attend any of the above events or for more information, please contact:

Gerry Blythe - SaBRE Campaign Director for Wales
Tel: 029 2037 5734 Fax: 029 2022 4828 Email: wa-empsp@wa.rfca.mod.uk