LEST WE FORGET: On Tuesday, September 11, I was present, with the blessing of the Order of St John Ambulance Cymru Wales Priory Cardiff, at the Bettws shopping centre to remember the many losses at the Twin Towers, New York, plus Iraq and Afghanistan, and other places of devastation.

The event was organised with thanks to Colin Baker and trustees of Bettws in Bloom, the mayor and mayoress, Councillor Alan Morris and his wife, Jane, Rosemary Butler, AM, councillors for Bettws, Glyn Jarvis and Lloyd Delahaye, representatives on behalf of the Fire Service, Gwent Police, Bettws Women's Forum, all groups at Bettws, members of the British Regular Army with Brigadier, with service duties in Iraq behind them and later on, also Don Close Nursery, the Brownies, Rainbows, and thanks to the congregation for their appearance.

The service of remembrance was held by Canon Henry Davies of St David's Church, Yeo Close, Bettws, who following his introduction received readings from Bettws High School pupils, responses from Monnow Junior School pupils, the lighting of candles by the High School, responses by pupils of Millbrook Primary School, then the laying of the wreath by young members with a mum in attendance, which was heart-warming.

The Benediction by Canon H Davies followed the warm, heartfelt renditions by all the congregation of some hymns. Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace, with a particular emphasis on "God, guard and guide our nation, and all nations of the world, that in our search for security we may not trample the rights of the innocent, nor disregard the rule of law. Let us not confuse claims of leadership with the global community as the voice for the whole community".

The mayor finalised the event with his solemn, honest talk of the meaning of peace throughout the world, a personal thanks to all.