First Minister
I was delighted to see First Minister Carwyn Jones supporting the Tour of Britain cycle when Mark Cavendish and the rest of the pack of top cyclists rode into Caerphilly.
There is certainly a feelgood factor in relation to sport, principally as a result of the success of the London Olympics and Paralympics. Sport has probably never had such a high profile in Wales and across the UK and has been at the forefront throughout summer, which is great.
I hope the First Minister will continue his support when the profile of sport is perhaps not as high as it is now and attend major events like this in the county borough. It was a pity he missed last year’s Tour of Britain event in Caerphilly.
Muriel Bevan
It is with great sadness that I mention the passing of Muriel Bevan, wife of Caerphilly Plaid councillor Phil Bevan, after a long illness.
Muriel learnt Welsh as an adult and became word perfect. She worked as school secretary at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni before retiring and Muriel was held in such high regard by everyone.
I wanted to offer my deepest condolences to Phil and his family at this very difficult time. Muriel’s funeral takes place on Thursday, September 27, at Tonyfelin Chapel, Bedwas Road, Caerphilly (3pm) followed by Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, (4.15pm).
The Senedd
I know many members of the public wonder what Assembly Members get up to at the Senedd.
To give people an insight of what we do, I’ve published – at my expense – a booklet running to 78 pages detailing the contributions I’ve made in plenary sessions at the Senedd since I was elected last year.
I’ve spoken on a wide variety of issues ranging from care for the elderly, to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post-16 education, child poverty and neglect and welfare reform.
Of course, contributions at the Senedd are just a part of an Assembly Member’s duties with considerable work done outside, particularly in the region.
People can contact my office at 2 Portland Buildings, Commercial Street, Pontypool (Tel 01495 763278) or by email at lindsay.whittle@wales.gov.uk if they want to raise an issue.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East