Latest news with #RAFValley
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
RAF Valley jets in near miss with small civilian aircraft
Two RAF jets narrowly missed a small, civilian aircraft, according to a new investigators' two Hawk Jet pilots from RAF Valley on Anglesey were within two miles of an unidentified C42 microlight aircraft when they were told of its presence, the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) report started a gentle turn to the south, spotted the two-seater and passed above and in front of it, the report report added that crew estimated the jets were 150ft (46 meters) above the aircraft and approximately 100ft (30m) to its side during the incident in January. Low cloud on the day meant the two RAF jets could not increase their height to 2500ft over the Menai Strait following a low level exit as the RAF Valley Flying Order Book recommends, according to the report. Air traffic control contacted Caernarfon Aerodrome to enquire who was operating the aircraft in question, and were told it was not local to report said the unidentified pilot had not been in communication with Valley air traffic control or Caernarfon airport air traffic control."It is likely that if even one of the above was different, the (incident) would have been more distant and the probability of a collision reduced substantially further," the report report said the civilian pilot "could not be traced".
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Veterans railcards could extend to family in new ‘legal duty' for armed forces
Families of veterans could receive cut-price train fares of their own as part of proposals to strengthen the UK's military covenant being considered by ministers, it is understood. Eligibility for the special railcard, which provides a discount of one third on most tickets, could be extended under plans to offer more support to the armed forces community. Under existing rules, spouses of veterans can be offered concessions when travelling as a companion to the cardholder, but cannot use benefits independently. It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed plans to place a 'legal duty' on all Government departments to consider the needs of military personnel and their families when making policy. Number 10 said more details of the measure would be set out in due course, but could include initiatives such as extending travel benefits to the families of veterans and the bereaved. It is understood that one proposal being considered is the extension of the veterans railcard to family members, though no decisions have been made. Sir Keir earlier met trainee pilots and their families as he visited RAF Valley on Anglesey in North Wales, to mark Armed Forces Day. He said: 'Across the country and around the world, our service personnel and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and protect our freedom and our way of life. 'When I became Prime Minister, I made a promise to serve those who have served us. 'Through the new Armed Forces Covenant, we are delivering on that promise, ensuring our service personnel, veterans and their families are treated with the respect they deserve, that is our duty. 'Our Armed Forces Covenant will put our armed forces community at the very heart of government decision-making. 'Their courage, duty, and sacrifice are the foundation of our national values, and they deserve nothing less.' Labour pledged in its manifesto to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant, which supports the military community through a range of initiatives and grants. Under the new legislation all areas of Government will for the first time have to have 'due regard' in decision-making for the unique circumstances and position of the armed forces community, Downing Street said. Currently this is only legally required in areas of housing, healthcare and education at local level, meaning it does not apply to central Government. The extension will cover policy areas including employment, immigration, welfare, transport, pensions, childcare and criminal justice. The Government aims to make the changes in the next Armed Forces Bill, one of which is required every five years. The last Bill was passed in 2021. It comes ahead more than 200 events expected to take place across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day. The town of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire will host this year's annual national event, and is expected to welcome 200,000 visitors. It will feature a military parade with personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and the RAF's Red Arrows, including music from the British Army Band Catterick and the Band of the Coldstream Guards. A flypast by Chinook helicopters and historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take place above the town's beaches, as well as a fireworks display and a concert by military musicians. Defence Secretary John Healey, who will attend the celebrations, said: 'On Armed Forces Day the nation unites to thank our armed forces: our service personnel, our reservists, our veterans and our cadets. 'This is the day we celebrate all they do, in ordinary and extraordinary ways, to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad. 'We're matching our words with actions, committing an extra £1.5 billion to fix forces' family housing this parliament, the largest pay rise in over 20 years for personnel, and bringing the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. 'Our government's plan for change is renewing the nation's contract with those who serve.' The Ministry of Defence has also announced that the bidding process for next year's Armed Forces Day national event will open next week on Tuesday. Local authorities can apply for up to £50,000 in funding to host the celebrations.
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
The VE Day 80th anniversary events being held in North Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Servicemen and women past and present, dignitaries and others will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe - VE Day - today. Events will be held across Wales to remember the celebrations and reflection which engulfed the nation on May 8, 1945 - the day after the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of the Nazis. Millions fought and made sacrifices to secure peace and freedom during the 1939-1945 war. Today from sunrise to nightfall, the country will echo with the sound of church bells, town criers, and bagpipes, with flags flying high and symbolic lights illuminating the night sky. Here are some examples of events in our region. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Anglesey Today (May 8) Isle of Anglesey County County Council will be holding a joint commemoration event with RAF Valley outside the County Offices, Llangefni, at 12.30pm. It will be a short flag raising ceremony to show respect. The Council's Chairman and Chief Executive will be saying a few words along with an officer from the RAF. Today there will also be an act of commemoration at Holyhead Cenotaph at 11am. Afterwards everyone is invited to enjoy tea, cakes and music at Holyhead Town Hall between 12pm and 2pm. Also today May 8 there will also be a commemoration at Parys Mountain Car park near Amlwch at 9pm. Bangor In Bangor, a tribute will take place at 9pm at the War Memorial near Glanrafon Car Park, culminating in the lighting of a beacon at 9.30pm, part of a UK-wide network of more than a thousand Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace. The ceremony will be led by Bangor City Council in collaboration with the Right Reverend David Morris, Bishop of Bardsey and Assistant Bishop of Bangor. And, in a poignant visual tribute, the names of all local people who lost their lives during World War II will be projected onto the walls of the Pontio building, in a beautiful and poignant display, ensuring their legacy will continue to shine. Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, said: 'It is both humbling and a great honour for Bangor to be part of this significant national tribute. The lighting of the Beacon and Lamp Lights of Peace symbolises the enduring legacy of those who gave everything for our freedom. 'As we commemorate eighty years since VE Day, we do so with deep gratitude and solemn reflection, remembering not only those from our own communities, but the brave souls from all nations who stood together in the face of darkness. These lights are a reminder of the peace they forged, and a promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.' The Bangor VE Day event will start at 9pm at the War Memorial, Glanrafon Car Park, and is expected to last around 40 minutes, with the lighting of the beacon taking place at 9.30pm. Llandudno In Llandudno there will be a VE Day celebration and beacon lighting at the Bandstand on North Shore today (May 8) between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. A period costume exhibition at St John's Methodist Church, Mostyn Street, Llandudno, runs until May 16 between 10am and 4pm. On Saturday, May 10 there will be a Royal British Legion parade and service on the promenade at 10.30am. On Sunday, May 11 there will be a service of thanksgiving at Holy Trinity Church on Mostyn Street at 10.30am. On Thursday, May 15 there will be a VE Day concert at Holy Trinity Church on Mostyn Street at 7.30pm. (Image: UGC) Rhyl Today (May 8) there will be a concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day at St Thomas' Church, Rhyl starting at 7pm. The event will bring together music and readings for an evening of reflection and remembrance, say Denbighshire County Council. This concert will pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. A line up of artists from local choirs, bands and individuals will be taking part playing music from that era. In addition to the music, there will also be inspiring readings. The concert aims to not only celebrate the victories of the past but also serve as a reminder of the values of unity and peace. Councillor Peter Scott, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: 'We are pleased to invite everyone to join us for this very special evening. It is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and resilience that continues to shape our world today.' The concert is free but during the evening, a collection will be made towards various Armed Forces charities. Mold On Sunday, May 11, Mold's 80th Anniversary of VE Day will be held on Daniel Owen Square, Mold (CH7 1AB) from 12 noon until 3.30pm. Mold Town Council says during the day there will be free entertainment, with Mold Town Concert Band playing first. Next on stage will see the return of a Mold favourite, Sharon Wallace, who will be singing lots of war time songs, also joining the line up is band CanCan, CanCan specialise in cafe style music from France, Europe and Latin America from Swing to Bossa Nova and beyond. There will also be a display of military vehicles on Meadow Place car park and information boards from Rhydymwyn Valley History Society with photos and memorabilia from the former Ministry of Supply's Valley Works in the Alyn Valley. Visitors can also enjoy a free cuppa and biscuits served free of charge from the Daniel Owen Centre throughout the day (or as long as stocks last). There will be a best dressed competition - you are encouraged to get into the 1940s spirit and dress up in forties/war time themed outfit. Prize will be awarded for the best 1940s dressed adult and child, as chosen by the town's mayor. Please note that the Meadow Place car park (Daniel Owen car park) will be closed to public parking from 8am through to 6pm on the event day. Wrexham Wrexham will be holding various events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Today (May 8) a drumhead service will be held at St Giles' Church in the city centre from 12.30pm, led by the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Corps of Drums Association. Following the service, at 1.15pm the parade will make its way through the city centre to the cenotaph at Bodhyfryd, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony with support from the Wrexham Salvation Army band. A number of events are also taking place across the wider county borough. These include one in Cefn Mawr where Cefn Community Council will be holding an event at the George Edwards Hall on May 8. Fifty or 60 residents will enjoy afternoon tea, choirs from Ysgol Cefn Mawr and Ysgol Acrefair. Cefn Mawr Museum staff are attending with lots of memorabilia from that era. In Overton on May 8 at 11am there will be a wreath laying and tribute at the Overton War Memorial, this will be followed by a short service in St. Mary's Church, Overton led by Father Jeremy Dussek. On May 9 at 7.30pm there will be a Big Band Concert in St Mary's Church featuring music from the 1940s onwards, by the Wrexham Big Band. Tickets are available at £10 each from The Corner Shop Overton. In Isycoed residents will be marking VE Day 80 at the Village Hall. All residents are invited for refreshments served from the Village Hall with fish and chip suppers available. The Beacon will be lit in the evening on land next to the Village Hall and Church Bells rung to celebrate. Local school children will be taking part as well in singing 'I vow to thee my country'.
North Wales Live
08-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
The VE Day 80th anniversary events being held in North Wales
Servicemen and women past and present, dignitaries and others will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe - VE Day - today. Events will be held across Wales to remember the celebrations and reflection which engulfed the nation on May 8, 1945 - the day after the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of the Nazis. Millions fought and made sacrifices to secure peace and freedom during the 1939-1945 war. Today from sunrise to nightfall, the country will echo with the sound of church bells, town criers, and bagpipes, with flags flying high and symbolic lights illuminating the night sky. Here are some examples of events in our region. Anglesey Today (May 8) Isle of Anglesey County County Council will be holding a joint commemoration event with RAF Valley outside the County Offices, Llangefni, at 12.30pm. It will be a short flag raising ceremony to show respect. The Council's Chairman and Chief Executive will be saying a few words along with an officer from the RAF. Today there will also be an act of commemoration at Holyhead Cenotaph at 11am. Afterwards everyone is invited to enjoy tea, cakes and music at Holyhead Town Hall between 12pm and 2pm. Also today May 8 there will also be a commemoration at Parys Mountain Car park near Amlwch at 9pm. Bangor In Bangor, a tribute will take place at 9pm at the War Memorial near Glanrafon Car Park, culminating in the lighting of a beacon at 9.30pm, part of a UK-wide network of more than a thousand Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace. The ceremony will be led by Bangor City Council in collaboration with the Right Reverend David Morris, Bishop of Bardsey and Assistant Bishop of Bangor. And, in a poignant visual tribute, the names of all local people who lost their lives during World War II will be projected onto the walls of the Pontio building, in a beautiful and poignant display, ensuring their legacy will continue to shine. Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, said: 'It is both humbling and a great honour for Bangor to be part of this significant national tribute. The lighting of the Beacon and Lamp Lights of Peace symbolises the enduring legacy of those who gave everything for our freedom. 'As we commemorate eighty years since VE Day, we do so with deep gratitude and solemn reflection, remembering not only those from our own communities, but the brave souls from all nations who stood together in the face of darkness. These lights are a reminder of the peace they forged, and a promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.' The Bangor VE Day event will start at 9pm at the War Memorial, Glanrafon Car Park, and is expected to last around 40 minutes, with the lighting of the beacon taking place at 9.30pm. Llandudno In Llandudno there will be a VE Day celebration and beacon lighting at the Bandstand on North Shore today (May 8) between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. A period costume exhibition at St John's Methodist Church, Mostyn Street, Llandudno, runs until May 16 between 10am and 4pm. On Saturday, May 10 there will be a Royal British Legion parade and service on the promenade at 10.30am. On Sunday, May 11 there will be a service of thanksgiving at Holy Trinity Church on Mostyn Street at 10.30am. On Thursday, May 15 there will be a VE Day concert at Holy Trinity Church on Mostyn Street at 7.30pm. Rhyl Today (May 8) there will be a concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day at St Thomas' Church, Rhyl starting at 7pm. The event will bring together music and readings for an evening of reflection and remembrance, say Denbighshire County Council. This concert will pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. A line up of artists from local choirs, bands and individuals will be taking part playing music from that era. In addition to the music, there will also be inspiring readings. The concert aims to not only celebrate the victories of the past but also serve as a reminder of the values of unity and peace. Councillor Peter Scott, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: 'We are pleased to invite everyone to join us for this very special evening. It is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and resilience that continues to shape our world today.' The concert is free but during the evening, a collection will be made towards various Armed Forces charities. Mold On Sunday, May 11, Mold 's 80th Anniversary of VE Day will be held on Daniel Owen Square, Mold (CH7 1AB) from 12 noon until 3.30pm. Mold Town Council says during the day there will be free entertainment, with Mold Town Concert Band playing first. Next on stage will see the return of a Mold favourite, Sharon Wallace, who will be singing lots of war time songs, also joining the line up is band CanCan, CanCan specialise in cafe style music from France, Europe and Latin America from Swing to Bossa Nova and beyond. There will also be a display of military vehicles on Meadow Place car park and information boards from Rhydymwyn Valley History Society with photos and memorabilia from the former Ministry of Supply's Valley Works in the Alyn Valley. Visitors can also enjoy a free cuppa and biscuits served free of charge from the Daniel Owen Centre throughout the day (or as long as stocks last). There will be a best dressed competition - you are encouraged to get into the 1940s spirit and dress up in forties/war time themed outfit. Prize will be awarded for the best 1940s dressed adult and child, as chosen by the town's mayor. Please note that the Meadow Place car park (Daniel Owen car park) will be closed to public parking from 8am through to 6pm on the event day. Wrexham Wrexham will be holding various events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Today (May 8) a drumhead service will be held at St Giles' Church in the city centre from 12.30pm, led by the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Corps of Drums Association. Following the service, at 1.15pm the parade will make its way through the city centre to the cenotaph at Bodhyfryd, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony with support from the Wrexham Salvation Army band. A number of events are also taking place across the wider county borough. These include one in Cefn Mawr where Cefn Community Council will be holding an event at the George Edwards Hall on May 8. Fifty or 60 residents will enjoy afternoon tea, choirs from Ysgol Cefn Mawr and Ysgol Acrefair. Cefn Mawr Museum staff are attending with lots of memorabilia from that era. In Overton on May 8 at 11am there will be a wreath laying and tribute at the Overton War Memorial, this will be followed by a short service in St. Mary's Church, Overton led by Father Jeremy Dussek. On May 9 at 7.30pm there will be a Big Band Concert in St Mary's Church featuring music from the 1940s onwards, by the Wrexham Big Band. Tickets are available at £10 each from The Corner Shop Overton. In Isycoed residents will be marking VE Day 80 at the Village Hall. All residents are invited for refreshments served from the Village Hall with fish and chip suppers available. The Beacon will be lit in the evening on land next to the Village Hall and Church Bells rung to celebrate. Local school children will be taking part as well in singing 'I vow to thee my country'.
North Wales Chronicle
01-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor to host military parade to mark 1,500th anniversary
The parade, which has been two years in the planning, will take place on Thursday, May 29, and will be one of the key highlights of the city's anniversary celebrations. The parade will begin at 11.30am at the War Memorial, Glanrafon, and will proceed down the high street and Dean Street. A formal salute will be given at 12 noon by the town clock, before the parade ends back at the Storiel playing fields at 12.30pm. Just under 200 serving soldiers and airmen from RAF Valley will be marching, joined by veterans and cadets from bases in London, Catterick, and Cardiff. A planned low-pass over the high street by RAF Valley, weather permitting, will add a dramatic aerial element to the events. The Royal Welsh and Regimental Goat will lead the parade, followed by the Army Band travelling from Catterick. The Welsh Guards were granted the Freedom of the City of Bangor in 2014, strengthening their historic ties with the city, as well as with the Royal Welsh and RAF Valley in the years that followed. Welsh Guards Regimental Adjutant Lt. Col. Guy Bartle-Jones said: "What Bangor City Council has achieved in pulling together such a grand military salute to the city's 1,500-year anniversary is quite unique and highly commendable." READ MORE: New Age UK campaign urges midlifers to be more active to prepare for later life Dr Martin Hanks, city director at Bangor City Council, added: "We are immensely proud to see Bangor host such a meaningful and significant event. "The time, effort and dedication shown by key partners have been fantastic, and for that we are extremely grateful. "The parade is not just a celebration of service, but a reflection of the deep respect and unity within our city. "Join us for this historic occasion as Bangor honours its past and looks forward to its future."
