Cave Rescue representation at the First Minister of Wales Reception for Royal guests.
South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team (SMWCRT) Executive committee members were amongst those invited to attend a reception in Brecon on 20 July, hosted by the Rt Hon. Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales for honoured guests “Their Majesties” the King and Queen.
Those organisations invited by the First Minister for part of the reception embodied community and service to the community, a specific focus for celebration. Colleagues from Brecon Mountain Rescue Team had also been invited to represent voluntary search and rescue and other guests represented environmental organisations, the civil service and education.
The King and Queen spent the day in Brecon, first in the cathedral then visiting a celebration of the Brecon Show before the reception at Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon.
Four representatives of SMWCRT attended the event and spoke to the King about the cave rescue team, the large membership, the wide geographical coverage, and the diversity of operations underground, from wild caves to abandoned mines.
His Majesty recalled the news coverage of the major incident in November 2021 to rescue George Linnane from Ogof Ffynnon Ddu and the First Minister joked about an experience of caving in his youth and getting stuck behind a fellow young caver.
The SMWCRT representatives also met and spoke to the Leader and the Chair of Powys County Council, the Chair of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (3rd sector support organisation), the Senior Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and both the Chair and Interim CEO of Powys Teaching Health Board. It was an important opportunity to promote cave rescue in general and also to reinforce relationships with Brecon Mountain Rescue Team and other partners.
