If you’ve been out and about in Glasgow over the last few days, you may have encountered the slightly unusual sight of a giant friendly seal posing for selfies with passers-by.
Aug82017
Aug82017
News story: Grave of Kent born WW2 Pilot Officer finally rededicated after 77 years
Verifying the research submitted was crucial in identifying the final resting place of Pilot Officer (P/O) Hector Garmen Webb of the 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF), who was killed during WW2. A rededication service was held on 8 August 2017 at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Åndalsnes Church Cemetery, Norway 77 years after he fell.
The service, which was a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by P/O Webb, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services, and was conducted by The Reverend Dr David Richardson, RAF Station Chaplain, RAF Halton.
Reverend David Richardson, said:
As someone serving at RAF Halton today, it is such a privilege to be here at this beautiful cemetery to remember the courage and sacrifice of Hector who graduated from Halton nearly 80 years ago.
P/O Webb was just 16 years old when he joined the RAF as an apprentice engine fitter. He later volunteered to train as a pilot and in 1937 he joined 224 Squadron as a Sergeant. He finally received his commission to become a Pilot Officer in 1940.
In the early stages of WW2, 224 Squadron were assigned to provide air cover in support of Operation Primrose – the landing of British troops near Åndalsnes, Norway. On 23 April 1940 P/O Webb’s aircraft (Hudson N7249) was approaching Åndalsnes when he was hit by friendly fire and crashed into a nearby mountain. His 3 crew members ejected and parachuted to safety, however, P/O Webb was sadly killed. He was aged just 24.
P/O Webb’s burial place had remained unknown, until the grave of an unknown airman buried in Åndalsnes Church Cemetery, Norway was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Defence by Hector’s nephew, Ben Sharp. Further research was undertaken by the MOD JCCC to corroborate the evidence and the identification of the “Unknown Airman” grave was found to belong to P/O Hector Garman Webb, meaning his grave could finally be marked with his name.
Ben Sharp who travelled to Norway from the USA to attend the service of his uncle, Hector, said:
It was a very touching ceremony and we were so pleased to see the people of Åndalsnes here to remember him with us.
It is very important for us to take a break in our busy lives and spend time to remember the sacrifices these men made for our freedom. We are especially thankful to the JCCC, CWGC and the local community who have looked after Hector’s grave so well for all these years.
Nicola Nash, JCCC said:
It has been a privilege to work on this case and today’s ceremony was a fitting commemoration for P/O Hector Webb and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
A new headstone bearing P/O Webb’s name was provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Aug82017
News story: Grave of Kent born WW2 Pilot Officer finally rededicated after 77 years
Verifying the research submitted was crucial in identifying the final resting place of Pilot Officer (P/O) Hector Garmen Webb of the 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF), who was killed during WW2. A rededication service was held on 8 August 2017 at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Åndalsnes Church Cemetery, Norway 77 years after he fell.
The service, which was a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by P/O Webb, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services, and was conducted by The Reverend Dr David Richardson, RAF Station Chaplain, RAF Halton.
Reverend David Richardson, said:
As someone serving at RAF Halton today, it is such a privilege to be here at this beautiful cemetery to remember the courage and sacrifice of Hector who graduated from Halton nearly 80 years ago.
P/O Webb was just 16 years old when he joined the RAF as an apprentice engine fitter. He later volunteered to train as a pilot and in 1937 he joined 224 Squadron as a Sergeant. He finally received his commission to become a Pilot Officer in 1940.
In the early stages of WW2, 224 Squadron were assigned to provide air cover in support of Operation Primrose – the landing of British troops near Åndalsnes, Norway. On 23 April 1940 P/O Webb’s aircraft (Hudson N7249) was approaching Åndalsnes when he was hit by friendly fire and crashed into a nearby mountain. His 3 crew members ejected and parachuted to safety, however, P/O Webb was sadly killed. He was aged just 24.
P/O Webb’s burial place had remained unknown, until the grave of an unknown airman buried in Åndalsnes Church Cemetery, Norway was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Defence by Hector’s nephew, Ben Sharp. Further research was undertaken by the MOD JCCC to corroborate the evidence and the identification of the “Unknown Airman” grave was found to belong to P/O Hector Garman Webb, meaning his grave could finally be marked with his name.
Ben Sharp who travelled to Norway from the USA to attend the service of his uncle, Hector, said:
It was a very touching ceremony and we were so pleased to see the people of Åndalsnes here to remember him with us.
It is very important for us to take a break in our busy lives and spend time to remember the sacrifices these men made for our freedom. We are especially thankful to the JCCC, CWGC and the local community who have looked after Hector’s grave so well for all these years.
Nicola Nash, JCCC said:
It has been a privilege to work on this case and today’s ceremony was a fitting commemoration for P/O Hector Webb and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
A new headstone bearing P/O Webb’s name was provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Aug82017
£2.1m to tackle youth homelessness and rough sleeping
The funding is in addition to the £8m of funding provided via the Homelessness Prevention Grant programme and the £6m allocated to local authorities to prevent homelessness.
Local Authorities, working with voluntary sector organisations, will be invited to apply for the funding for projects which address rough sleeping, youth homelessness, people with a mental health need who are homeless or potentially homeless, and improving access to the private rented sector for people in housing need. As these issues are often interlinked, projects which address these linkages will be particularly encouraged.
The announcement comes as an evaluation report of the Welsh Government’s homelessness legislation under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 is published. The report found that overall, the increased focus on prevention introduced under the Act has led to the prevention of homelessness for a larger number of people than previously but that certain groups, such as single men, care leavers and those experiencing multiple issues have not benefitted to the same extent. The report also highlighted variations across Wales in the delivery of services.
The Cabinet Secretary said:
“Providing people with a safe, warm and secure home remains a key priority. The report published today shows that Local authorities have made a positive start in implementing the legislation we introduced in 2015 to help everyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“There is more we can do however, particularly for those groups who are still struggling to get the help they need. Along with the £14m I announced earlier this year, the funding I have announced today will be available to projects that aim to target these groups and tackle the issues they face.”
Aug82017
Welsh Government Supports Welsh Law Firm to Double Swansea Office Space
The investment is backed by £293,500 from the Welsh Government’s Business Finance Scheme which ensures JCP’s expansion goes ahead at its current Swansea headquarters, rather than opening a new office outside of Wales – which was an option under consideration.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:
“This project supports our drive to spread economic benefits throughout Wales and to develop the competitive edge of each region of Wales, creating better jobs, closer to home.
“The growth of the legal services sector in Wales is a key priority of the financial and professional services’ strategy and I am pleased Welsh Government support means this expansion will be made in Swansea and help to strengthen and broaden the legal skills base within Swansea City Region.
“It will not only create 50 new jobs, offering career opportunities for law graduates and young solicitors, but of equal importance, it will safeguard a further 20 legal administration jobs in the city.”
Established in 1990, JCP currently employs 210 people, with offices in Swansea, Carmarthen and throughout Pembrokeshire.
The company’s recent merger with Glamorgan Law extended its geographical reach throughout South East Wales, absorbing offices in Caerphilly, Cardiff, Cowbridge and Pontypridd.
To accommodate the growth of its services to clients based outside Wales – both in the UK and internationally – JCP Solicitors aims to expand into an adjacent property on Waterside Business Park in Swansea.
Hayley Davies, Director and CEO at JCP Solicitors said:
“The past 5 years have been an exciting time for growth at JCP Solicitors, and the recent merger with Glamorgan Law further supports our Business Strategy. Our next step is expansion by organic growth, but we have deliberated for some time on the best location to do this, having outgrown our current Swansea base some time ago.
“This investment will support us to further develop our services through the recruitment of new team members. The appointment of specialist and supporting roles will provide the required expertise to further assist thriving businesses in the Swansea Bay region.
“I am delighted that our business will be able to keep this investment and these extra jobs here in the Swansea Bay Region. Furthermore, pressing ahead with the expansion without moving means that we will be able to continue to service our existing and loyal client base without causing them or our staff any disruption.”