HAVING been re-elected to the county council in May 2008, one ofthe proudest moments I experienced was my appointment in support ofthe Conferment of the Freedom of the County to the Royal WelshRegiment which took place in Carmarthen on September 9, 2009.
However, it was not clear during the period leading up to thedecision whether the conferment would take place in our town, orLlanelli.
During this period I frequently contacted the then head ofadministration, Lyn Thomas, and also senior officers stating thatCarmarthen is the county town of Carmarthenshire and recorded as theoldest town in Wales and that the freedom of the county ofCarmarthenshire should take place in Carmarthen.
However, to my surprise, I was informed that it may be difficultas a number of individuals were supporting the view that theceremony should take place in Llanelli.
After a period of time had passed and once the dust had settled,the chief executive confirmed that Carmarthen had been given thatright and the ceremony turned out to be an extremely proud day forour town our county and local people.
Members of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh (Royal Welsh Fusiliers,several who were local young men) marched through the streets of ourold town with hundreds of local people clapping and illustratinggenuine gratitude, respect and warmth.
Moreover, what was the icing on the cake was my appointment tospeak on behalf of the Plaid group during the special meeting of thecounty council in support of and endorsing the resolution read bythe then chairman, Councillor Tyssul Evans (also Plaid) to grant theRoyal Welsh the Freedom of the County of Carmarthenshire.
Finally, and for the record, I did deliberate long and hard priorto scribing this letter, however, after a period of time I reached adecision that the truth must always prevail through being bold,honest and totally transparent.
Alan Speake Town and county councillor, Carmarthen
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