Town of Llanelli

"Llanelli is a coastal town situated in Carmarthenshire in south west Wales, some 12 miles to the west of Swansea, where the Welsh language is still widely spoken.

From very small beginnings as a fishing village, Llanelli saw a steady growth in its population from the mid-16th century onwards, and is now the largest town in Carmarthenshire bith in size and population (c.35,000). In the nineteenth century it was literally a hive of heavy industry, notably steel, tinplate, coal mining, and enamelware, notably saucepans. It was from the latter that the town got its nickname 'Sosban' (the Welsh translation of the English word).

During the last 30 years or so, the town and the surrounding area have undergone quite a metamorphosis with the closure of virtually all the heavy industries, the reclamation of derelict sites and the creation of many attractive environmental and tourist schemes. Today the town is the centre of a diverse range of manufacturing processes such as tinplate, car components, inflatable craft, general engineering, steel fabrication and speciality chemicals, but the emphasis is now much more on attracting tourists not only to the town, but to the whole county of Carmarthenshire."

Wales University Royal Navy Unit

"Written in April 2003 for Trenchant's re-dedication

Wales University Royal Naval Unit (WURNU) was formed in October 1994, and is now one of 14 such units around the UK. The main aim of the URNUs is to educate a wide spectrum of high calibre undergraduates in the role of, and need for, the Royal Navy. This is achieved through shore-based education and training, as well as periods at sea on board the unit's own P2000 Fast Patrol craft, 'HMS Express'. Students are given a working knowledge of navigation and seamanship, as well as leadership training and an awareness of career opportunities within the service.

Wales URNU currently has over 50 members, most of who are enlisted as Honorary Midshipmen in the Royal Navy Reserve. They attend one drill night every week during term time, and spend at least 16 days at sea, often deploying to neighbouring European countries. In addition a range of sports and social activities are offered including scuba diving, adventurous training, parachuting and skiing. The unit also sends representatives to an annual flying camp, and to participate in the Tall Ships Race.

As Commanding Officer of HMS Express and Wales URNU, I am immensely proud of our affiliation with HMS Trenchant. Many of my students will be actively seeking an opportunity to experience life beneath the waves during Trenchant's forthcoming commission, and I know that everyone associated with Wales URNU joins me in wishing her and her ship's company fair winds and following seas.