Remembrance Day Services
This Sunday we will be remembering those brave members of our armed forces who sacrificed their lives so we could live a life of peace. Many Remembrance Day services will take place across our communities and will be attended by thousands of residents. Most take place at 11am on Sunday morning and I try to alternate my attendance between venues each year. This year I will be attending the service in Senghenydd in the morning and Caerphilly in the afternoon.
This year’s service in Caerphilly will take place against the wonderful backdrop of the poppy display on the banks of Caerphilly Castle. The display was set up in advance of the launch of the South East Wales Poppy Appeal on Saturday, October 26th. The display features the number 75 to mark the 75th anniversary of three key battles in WWII – Monte Cassino, D-Day, and Kohima/Imphal.
Gilfach Surgery
I’ve joined with Wayne David MP, local councillors and patients of Gilfach surgery to call on the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) to save Gilfach Surgery from closure. The health board has received an application from the Gelligaer Practice to close its Gilfach branch, which could see patients having to travel to Gelligaer for appointments. The independent panel set to consider the application meets in the new year.
I’ve spoken to patients, particularly in Gilfach and Bargoed, who are distressed at the prospect of closure. There are a great many patients who have been using this practice for a considerable time and would find the relocation to Gelligaer more than inconvenient. I am also concerned that the additional patients at Gelligaer would cause issues for people in that community as well. If you are a patient at these practices, or have any comment to make about healthcare, I would be glad to hear from you.
General Election
The election has been called for December 12. I am backing my friend and colleague, the Welsh Labour candidate Wayne David, who during his time as MP has been hugely supportive to me as your Assembly Member. My work as your AM continues as usual and I will help all residents to the best of my ability, whatever their political views.