The Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (RFCA) for Wales welcomed a packed house of 100 guests to its Reserve and Cadet Force Employers' Reception at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
Guests were welcomed to the event held on the eve of Reserves Day on Tuesday 23 June, by James Evans MS, former co-chair of the Senedd Armed Forces' and Cadets' Cross Party Group.
The keynote speaker was Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality, Sioned Williams MS. The aim of the event, held in partnership with the Senedd Armed Forces' and Cadets' Cross Party Group, was to recognise Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and publicly thank their employers for supporting Defence.
Other speakers included Squadron Leader Paul Thomas, Executive Officer of 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force along with 614 Reservist and General Dynamics employee Daniel Horwood. John Smith, Trials Operations Manager, at General Dynamics Land Systems UK gave the employer perspective.
During the evening, Companies House publicly signed the Armed Forces Covenant after its Chief Executive Dr Andy King gave their perspective.
A rousing display from the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh Corps of Drums brought proceedings to a close before Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, chair of RFCA for Wales gave the thank you address.
Craig Middle, the MoD's Defence Relationship Manager for South Wales, said:
There was a great turnout as guests gathered for our Employer and Cadet Force Reception to celebrate Reserves Day at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay during Armed Forces Week. Thank you to the contribution that all Welsh reservists make to Defence and to their employers for their continued support.
