Latest news with #CatherineFookes
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Monmouth MP attends VE Day celebrations across county
Catherine Fookes, Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire, marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a series of commemorative visits across the county. On Thursday, she visited Abergavenny for a special VE Day ceremony organised by Peter Farthing and the local Royal British Legion. The service featured the unveiling of a new commemorative veterans' bench, created by Black Mountain Gates and Key2Shoes, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph. Ms Fookes said: "It was a real privilege to attend this moving ceremony. "It was particularly special to see D-Day veteran Mel Hughes there, a true local hero who recently celebrated his 100th birthday." She also paid tribute to Wendy from the Abergavenny Library Knit and Natter group, who single-handedly created a commemorative crochet display for the occasion. (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) Later in the day, Ms Fookes visited Rogiet for another ceremony with veterans and local councillors, before concluding the evening at St Mary's Church to attend a Quarter Peal Bell Ringing service. On the weekend, she joined residents at a VE Day Street Party at Chepstow Drill Hall. Earlier in the week, Ms Fookes spoke in Parliament to honour Monmouthshire's veterans and reflect on the county's military history. She mentioned the service of David Edwards and Tom Griffiths, both of whom have a school named after them in Mondrainville, France, and marked the 110th anniversary of the Second Battle of Ypres, where the 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment suffered nearly 700 casualties. She said: "I also took the opportunity to recognise our vibrant Royal British Legion branches in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Monmouth, and Usk, and to thank individuals like Peter Farthing, who works tirelessly for Monmouthshire's veterans." (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) "I want to thank Monmouthshire County Council and their Armed Forces Champion Peter Strong for organising. "These events gave us all a chance to pause and reflect - we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who have served and who continue to serve our great country and who allow us to live in peace."
South Wales Argus
03-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Catherine Fookes MP visits Caldicot Joint Cadet Centre
Catherine Fookes MP paid a visit to Caldicot's new Joint Cadet Centre (JCC), which is part of the Reserve Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP) in Wales. The centre aims to modernise cadet infrastructure and provide efficient, future-ready spaces for both army and air cadets. The new building stands in place of the former Army Cadet Force facility on Mill Lane, which was demolished to make way for the £1.2million bespoke centre. The MP also had a tour of the new building, which features high-tech equipment, including a flight simulator, which she had a go on. Ms Fookes said: "It was fantastic to visit the new cadet centre and speak to the cadets. "I even had a go on the flight simulator, flying over Monmouthshire. "The cadets are extremely talented, enthusiastic, and clearly have bright futures ahead of them." While at the centre, which is being touted as an investment in Caldicot's youngsters, Ms Fookes spoke with cadets about their experiences, career goals, and what being a cadet means to them. She also provided them with an insight into politics as she answered questions about her role as Monmouthshire's MP.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New £1.2m Caldicot cadet centre visited by MP
A new cadet centre has been visited by the local MP. Catherine Fookes MP paid a visit to Caldicot's new Joint Cadet Centre (JCC), which is part of the Reserve Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP) in Wales. The centre aims to modernise cadet infrastructure and provide efficient, future-ready spaces for both army and air cadets. The new building stands in place of the former Army Cadet Force facility on Mill Lane, which was demolished to make way for the £1.2million bespoke centre. The MP also had a tour of the new building, which features high-tech equipment, including a flight simulator, which she had a go on. Ms Fookes said: "It was fantastic to visit the new cadet centre and speak to the cadets. "I even had a go on the flight simulator, flying over Monmouthshire. "The cadets are extremely talented, enthusiastic, and clearly have bright futures ahead of them." While at the centre, which is being touted as an investment in Caldicot's youngsters, Ms Fookes spoke with cadets about their experiences, career goals, and what being a cadet means to them. She also provided them with an insight into politics as she answered questions about her role as Monmouthshire's MP.
