I was hugely honoured and naturally terrified when asked to start writing a column for the B&R but of course, it is a great opportunity to be able to promote the work of Brecon Town Council and my own fundraising efforts, so here I am.

Please bear with me as this truly is a first. So far, January has been fairly gentle, with organisations slowly getting back to business after the Christmas break but at BTC we have already had our first Committee and Full Council meetings of 2024 and have started the planning for numerous big events including Brecon Pride and the Best of Brecon Awards. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was very pleased to have been invited to the new and improved Mountain Rescue HQ along with their ambassador, TV presenter Kate Humble, who I must say is very much like her name suggests, a down to earth and eager campaigner for the fantastic work the team does. The team have worked extremely hard to fundraise for their new building and the results are truly incredible. 

The following weekend, I attended the 24th Annual Rourke’s Drift service at Brecon Cathedral and a lunch at Dering Lines army camp. It was a lovely afternoon, not only to commemorate our history and connection with the Zulus but also to celebrate the existing Royal Welsh regiment. On a personal note, I myself have seen the sacrifice our military personnel make whilst carrying out their duty as I have a family member who served for 18 years. Therefore, attending any service, parade or concert in support of the Armed Forces always fills me an with overwhelming sense of pride. 

This month has also seen the return of the Westenders pantomime, this year’s offering being Cinderella. As a massive fan of the theatre, I have been lucky enough to watch their outstanding performance in the company’s 75th year. It seems to have been a huge success with everyone, young and old. So, I would like to congratulate all involved in such a spectacular run. 

Lastly, I would like to promote my next charity fundraiser. The audition process is now open for a talent show to any under 18’s in Brecon held in Y Gaer on February 24. The show will involve an esteemed panel of local judges with backgrounds in performing arts from performing themselves, producing, directing etc. It will be a show not to be missed. Tickets will be available to buy in the next few weeks.

That’s all from me for now. All being well, I’ll be writing another column next month.