Neath Guardian Column: Thomas Talks - 15 November 2007

"On Sunday, I was once again honoured to be able to represent the people of Neath and the surrounding valley communities at the annual remembrance Sunday service and march in Neath. The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Neath Port Talbot Cllr. Malcolm and Mary Gunter, and the Council Leader Cllr. Derek Vaughan, who layed a reith on behalf of Peter Hain MP were also present, along with other senior dignitaries, including county borough councillors and Neath town councillors. Members of my staff attended similar services on my behalf in Pontardawe and Glynneath.

"This is the time of year the nation as a whole stops and remembers the sacrifice that the many who lost their lives gave serving their county in both world wars and the many other conflicts since then. We all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude, and the best way I believe we can repay that debt is by never forgetting the tremendous courage that our armed forces, past and present display throughout the world as they strive to bring peace and stability in areas of the world that suffer from instability and conflict.

"The Royal British Legion, who arrange the remembrance services each year deserve to be congratulated not only for arranging the annual parade, but also for the work they do throughout the year in supporting and assisting armed forces’ veterans in many ways, and I would like to thank them for all their hard work locally.

"I was delighted to be able to visit Crynant Primary school last Friday to officially open their new adventure trail. From September 2008, every primary school in Neath will begin teaching every child between the ages of 3 and 7 under a new scheme known as the ‘foundation phase.’ Emphasis will be placed on developing children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through experiential learning, - learning by doing and by solving real life problems both inside and outdoors. This is a very exciting development for education in Wales, and is a distinctive welsh policy for schools in Wales.

"In the last few weeks, I have launched my new website. As Neath’s AM, I think it’s vital that I use every possible way of communicating with my constituents. You can find my website by logging on to http://www.gwendathomas.com/