Wales Air Ambulance was among forty organisations that took part in the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Armed Forces Festival at Aberafan Shopping Centre last weekend.
Almost ten thousand people attended the event, which included a flag-raising ceremony and dedication of the Royal British Legion’s Garden of Remembrance.
There were dozens of stands with the lifesaving service among the organisations raising awareness as part of an information day, on Saturday, 25 October 2025.
Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes, said: “It is a privilege for our Charity to be part of this incredible event for a second year and recognise those who sacrifice so much for our country.
“We have a close affinity with the armed forces family; many of our colleagues are veterans or are currently serving. Some are pilots, or clinicians, trustees, or volunteers, all bring a wealth of experience to our lifesaving service.
“We are grateful to all of those who have served and continue to do so, to keep us safe both at home and overseas.”
The festival was also a celebration of all the organisations and charities that support the veteran community throughout the year.
Councillor Wayne Carpenter, Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, said: “It is wonderful to be able to bring together so many people at this poignant time of year.
“It is important to recognise the sacrifices made and salute our veterans and those currently serving.
“But as you can see from this event, this is also a celebration of what we hold dear, the freedoms we must not take for granted.”
He continued: “It has been so lovely to see the presentation of prizes to local pupils who are military children and those who entered a VE and VJ day competition.
“We were taken down memory lane with wartime classics played by the South Wales Police Band, and you could see people dancing to the Swansea Ukulele Club.
“It was also a joy to watch the Ukrainian Indeed Dance Group alongside the historic vehicle display and stands.”
The event is organised each year by Finola Pickwell, the Armed Forces Liaison Officer for West Glamorgan, who says ‘it just keeps growing and growing.’
She added: “It is so special to have organisations like Wales Air Ambulance supporting our event. It not only employs veterans, but it advocates for the military too.
“The Charity supports military events in our region every year, and the Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales is a huge ambassador and has now joined as one of its Trustees.
“We do look to organisations like this lifesaving service, which not only are a civilian organisation but also support the armed forces. Not every organisation in our event is an armed forces charity, but they support that cohort in some way or another, which is fabulous.
“Wales Air Ambulance also has one of the world’s most renowned helicopter pilots, the Prince of Wales, as its patron. So, we are hugely grateful for its continued support.”
Aberafan Shopping Centre has hosted a number of military events over the past eighteen months including the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ day and D-Day.
Manager Chris Morgan MBE said: “Those opportunities have enabled us to build a foundation for veterans and their families to have a meeting space here.”
Chris served with the Royal Navy fleet arm for fourteen years as an aircraft engineering mechanic, specialising in weapons and served on various ships including HMS Active, HMS Sheffield and HMS Monmouth.
He continued: “I am immensely proud of my service and see this second part of my career as a good opportunity to be able to expand our event programme here.
“We’ve got a great venue, and the ambition and passion to keep driving forward so that Aberafan Shopping Centre keeps reflecting and celebrating those special moments for years to come.”
