County marks end of conflict

CARMARTHENSHIRE has commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a number of events.

- IAN LEWIS

While communities across the county marked the occasion, Carmarthen and Llanelli saw people come together to remember the end of the Second World War and light beacons.

In Carmarthen, a special evening was held on Thursday, May 8, at the town park in Morfa Lane.

The public were invited to gather at the park’s bandstand for an evening of music, reflection and community spirit.

Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band and vocalist Llinos Watkins performed a selection of well-loved war time favourites.

This was followed by the lighting of a beacon at the park by Carmarthen mayor Cllr Emlyn Schiavone, in one of his last official engagements of his year as mayor, before handing over the reins 24 hours later to Cllr Heledd ap Gwynfor at a ceremony at the Guildhall.

Cllr Schiavone, who was joined by his wife Tina, who has been his mayoress for his year in office, said: “I attended four VE Day events on Thursday, with visits to Tea Traders, Plas y Dderwen care home and the assisted living complex Cartref Cynnes, culminating at the town park.