Latest news with #MilitaryVeteransClubCymru
South Wales Guardian
30-06-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Vandals cause damage before memorial event for Neville Bowen
Hours before a bench was unveiled in honour of Neville Bowen, a 102-year-old Royal Naval DEMS gunner who passed away earlier this year, the portable toilet for the event at Betws Park was reportedly vandalised. The toilet was loaned for the guests to use on Sunday, June 22 but was found tipped over and broken into. Chairman of Military Veterans Club Cymru, Mr Owen Dobson with Neville Bowen. (Image: Owen Dobson) Chairman of Military Veterans Club Cymru, Mr Owen Dobson said: 'Whoever vandalised the toilet used a screwdriver to break the whole mechanism and then pushed it over with all the chemicals going everywhere. 'The main victim of the crime is TRJ, but we were very upset because a lot of work goes into our military events, and we wanted to accommodate the older people who attended. 'Apart from the toilet, a husband and wife donated a 20-year-old Oak tree to the park which was stolen and someone painted male genitalia on the footpath. 'It was very upsetting to have had criminal damages to the toilet. It was quite disappointing for those members of the local community who came together to make the event special.' The portable toilet was found tipped over. (Image: Military Veterans Club Cymru) Despite the vandalism, Mr Dobson believed the event was a huge success and the former police officer wants to give the alleged vandals a chance to come forward. He continued: 'I want to give them the opportunity to come and volunteer here at the club. I want them to come along and speak to our veterans, many of whom are ex Royal Navy, Army and RAF. Many attended the memorial event in Betws Park. (Image: File photo) 'We even host an indoor shooting session in Carmarthen once a month which they are welcome to join. In this way, we can turn a negative into a positive. 'Most of our veterans probably did silly things when they were younger and probably didn't realise the impact it would have. 'It's chance for a bit of payback while receiving some knowledge and wisdom. I try not to judge people. We are a community club. We are happy to provide some encouragement and for them to come and work with us.' Someone broke the toilet mechanism. (Image: Military Veterans Club Cymru) Dyfed-Powys Police were approached and confirmed they received reports of damage to a portable toilet in Betws Park, Ammanford, between 11.40am on June 20 and 9.30am on June 21. The incident was reported to have happened between 11.40am on June 20 and 9.30am on June 21. (Image: Military Veterans Club Cymru) A spokesperson added: 'The investigation has now closed. The victims have been informed of this decision, and they've been provided with safeguarding and crime prevention advice and informed that although the investigation is now closed, it can be re-opened if any new evidence comes to light or the suspects are identified.'
South Wales Guardian
25-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford events mark Armed Forces Week and Neville Bowen
The first event, held at All Saints Church, saw the dedication of a new standard for the Ammanford-based Military Veterans Club Cymru. Reverend Ali Reeves led the service, which took place at the end of Holy Communion, bringing veterans and dignitaries together for the unveiling of the local military charity's flag standard. This standard is set to feature in future events, including Remembrance Sunday. The new standard was the subject of a dedication ceremony at All Saints Church (Image: Stuart Ladd) His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards, and mayor of Ammanford, Heulwen Howells, were among those who provided readings. Tara James, a former Royal Navy WRNS, was given the honour of carrying the standard. As co-owner of local café bar Haz Beanz, she and her husband Matthew have been welcoming former and current members of the armed forces to the venue. The café has become a fixture in the local support network for veterans, hosting regular weekly meetings and events. Following the church service, attendees moved to Betws Park for a memorial ceremony. Wanda, Neville Bowen's daughter, was in attendance for the dedication of a bench in memory of her father (Image: Stuart Ladd) This event featured the unveiling of a bench and newly planted trees in memory of Neville Bowen, a 102-year-old Royal Naval DEMS gunner who passed away earlier this year. The Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, along with the Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Louise Fleet, and the Veterans Commissioner for Wales, Colonel James Phillips, attended the ceremony. They were joined by veterans from the Royal British Legion's Ammanford, Garnant, Llanelli, and Burry Port branches, Military Veterans Club Cymru members, representatives from all three armed forces, local town and community councils, as well as family and friends of Neville Bowen. There were many people in attendance (Image: Stuart Ladd) After the unveiling of 'Nev's Bench', a blessing was given by the Military Veterans Club Cymru Padre, Reverend Ali Reeves. The event concluded with veterans singing one of Mr Bowen's favourite songs, You'll Never Walk Alone. The bench and trees were installed thanks to an initiative by Military Veterans Club Cymru chairperson Owen Dobson and former Royal Marine Jonathan Andrews as well as the Friends of Betws Park.
South Wales Guardian
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
VE Day: Betws Park hosts 80th anniversary community picnic
The sunny Bank Holiday weekend brought locals to the park in large numbers for the event organised by the Friends of Betws Park, backed by the Military Veterans Club Cymru and the Betws Community Council on May 5. Attendees were seen with their picnic blankets, soaking up the good weather and the green scenery. The event, presented by Councillor Carwyn James, Chairperson of Betws Community Council, included activities for all ages. This featured a performance from 'Hospital Notes' choir, 1940's Lindy Hop dancing, and a wartime-themed fancy dress competition. (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) (Image: Stuart Ladd) Other attractions included the bouncy castle, ice cream stalls, and a fundraising raffle. Organisers also facilitated traditional sports and games such as sack races, an egg and spoon race, and the three-legged race. There were also additional activities including arts and crafts, circus skills, and broader games, keeping attendees of all ages entertained throughout the day.
