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BBC News
07-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
VE Day: Wales to host event to mark 80th anniversary
Wales to host event to mark VE Day 80th anniversary 9 minutes ago Share Save Lily Hewitson & Oliver Slow BBC News Share Save Getty Images Llandaff Cathedral was hit by German bombs during World War Two Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan will lead a service to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe. The VE Day 80 service, taking place at Cardiff's Llandaff Cathedral on Wednesday evening, will bring together about 250 people, including veterans and politicians, paying tribute to those who helped secure peace in Europe. It is being held a day before a national service of remembrance and thanksgiving for VE Day, taking place at Westminster Abbey in London. "It's an honour to be going to Llandaff Cathedral to remember the exceptional courage and resilience of those who fought for our freedom," Morgan said. More than 15,000 Welsh soldiers died during World War Two, and the event will include a minute's silence to remember them. "This anniversary is about honouring ordinary Welsh people who did extraordinary things. This isn't just another date in our history books, this was a moment that changed lives, changed Wales and our world," Morgan said. She said she would be meeting with some of those who took part in the war, and that it was important "we give thanks and think about those who lost their lives to give us our freedom". Morgan added that the 80th anniversary of VE Day was significant because "realistically this is probably the last major time that we will have those veterans with us". She said that many people were affected by the war, and that her father's house was bombed, highlighting the importance of teaching "the next generation not to take peace for granted". At 15:00 GMT on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Nazi Germany's surrender the day before, sparking spontaneous celebrations across the country. "We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead," Churchill said in his announcement. VE Day was also a moment of great sadness and reflection, as millions of people had lost their lives or loved ones in the conflict, which began in 1939. But even after 8 May, many had to continue fighting battles in other parts of the world away from Europe where the war continued, while others were still being held as prisoners of war. The war officially ended on 15 August 1945 - known as Victory over Japan Day or VJ Day - shortly after atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Llandaff Cathedral Cardiff was subjected to an intense bombing campaign in January 1941


Powys County Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Brecon braves earn praise after Plate Cup final defeat
BRECON Rugby Club was represented in the nation's capital last week. The Powys club's under 13s team descended on Cardiff for the final of the Cardiff Rugby Plate Final at Cardiff Arms Park. The youngsters met Llandaff in the final and despite their opponents having virtual home advantage the Powys club were cheered on throughout by an army of supporters comprising of family and friends. The final whistle blew at 21-5 but Brecon certainly put up a good fight in what was a hard fought and hugely competitive game. Llandaff hit the scoreboard early with a great try and conversion leaving Brecon under pressure. A fantastic response culminated in a wonderful try from Ollie Watson which followed the ball being moved along the line. Brecon lost their talisman and captain Lewis Jones just after 10 minutes due to a knock to the head but this served to galvanise the team. The second-half was dominated by Brecon in both territory and possession. However, Llandaff's defence was able to hold out despite the pressure Brecon applied and despite a valiant effort they failed to get over the try line again. Wave after wave of attack was rebuffed and as Llandaff defended right up until the final whistle. A club spokesperson said: 'Reaching the final was a great achievement for the boys and an occasion that the players, coaches and supporters will never forget. 'They can certainly all walk away with their heads held high despite defeat.'


Powys County Times
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Brecon youngsters head to the capital gunning for glory
ALL roads lead to the capital tomorrow as a team of young rugby players bid to bring home national silverware. Brecon Rugby Club's under 13s take on Llandaff at the Cardiff Arms Park Stadium on Wednesday evening (6.30ko) in the U13s Plate final. The match represents the biggest game of many of the players' careers to date. Most of the players have come through the mini's' section at Brecon RFC. A 45-28 win over St Albans in the quarter-finals and 34-19 win over Llantwit Fardre in the semi-finals mean Brecon make the trip with confidence. A 61 seater coach is making the trip while many more fans are expected to make the pilgrimage by car with the club currently buzzing after their Athletic team sealed promotion last weekend.