It was Pendalar again this afternoon. One of the pupils had put forward the suggestion that the school should organise a "Prom". People of my age group have no idea of what a "Prom" is; I certainly didn't. It's an event that comes from the series of American school films, "High Street Musical". The pupils had been invited to dress up as if they were going to a ball; the boys in smart suits with bow ties and the girls in party dresses. The staff had organised a stretched limousine to take those taking part for a ride round the town and three groups had been taken round Caernarfon in this special car. They'd thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

My role was to judge the contestants and select a king and queen - an impossible task as they were all extremely good! After considerable deliberation, and consultation, I selected Ashley to be the "Queen" and John Daniel to be "King". Ashley had played the fairly godmother in the show and John Daniel had also taken a leading part in the show. The staff are to be congratulated for implementing the pupil's suggestion and for making a great effort to give them a very special experience. I came away again with admiration for the staff and with the firm impression that this is a happy school.

Friday 11 December: 4.00 pm Judging Shop Windows

We met the Lord Mayor of Chester, the Mayor of Bangor and the Deputy Mayor of Conwy and Consort in the Mayor's Parlour and Katherine briefed us on our task in judging shop windows. There were different categories of shops and a non-retail category. Fortunately for us judges, Marian and Michael Lambert Jones, had done the hard work of going round the whole town and selecting a short list in each category, otherwise we would have been out there all evening. One on the short list for the non-retail category was Oakmere Plumbing down on St. Helen's Road and we had to take cars to go there. Margaret and I went with the Lord Mayor of Chester in his car and the others went with Katherine and the sight when we got there was well worth the effort.

The outside windows of Oakmere Plumbing were magnificent and I would recommend that people should make the effort to go to see these windows next Christmas. They won the non-retail section easily and there are even decorations inside and the first photo shows us in front of the display inside with the owner, Chris Stufelder. We then went back in the cars and went round the town on foot. The second photo shows the judges in front of Jacmor on the Maes who were first in the retail section. We then went back to the Mayor's Parlour for tea and cake and agreed our selections so that Katherine could prepare the certificates in time for the later presentations. We enjoyed our tea and conversation and left in time to get to Stryd Llyn for the next part of the evening's activities.

Friday 11 December: 5.45 pm Procession, Nativity Play and Carols in the Market Hall

As we arrived outside Boots in Stryd Llyn, the Mayor and Mayoress of Beaumaris joined us and we saw Syrcas Syrcas getting ready to lead the parade. Children from Ysgol y Gelli were ready with their lanterns and another judging task for us! Syrcas Syrcas added colour with their kites and young people on stilts led the parade down Stryd Llyn down to the Maes. The mayors, councillor and the children followed.

On the Maes we witnessed the Nativity played out with the participation of live animals. The donkey arrived and then two sheep and there are many places where live animal take part in the Nativity. Côr Cofnod sang the carols and gave an excellent lead to the onlookers in the singing. The fourth photo shows Côr Cofnod with the kites of Syrcas Syrcas in the background and also some of the new lights.

We then made our way to the Market Hall and I must congratulate the owners on the excellent decoration and big Christmas Tree. The Llanrug Band were waiting for us and playing carols as we arrived. We had some community carols and children from Ysgol y Gelli sang their hearts out. (fifth photo) We then had the presentation of prizes to representatives of the businesses which had we had been judging. I've named the winners of the retail and the non-retail section and the other section was the Food Section which was won by Y Pantri Cymraeg. There were also prizes to the Best Decorated House and the Best decorated Bed and Breakfast establishment which had been judged by our judges which thankfully saved us an enormous amount of work.

We then made our way to Galeri where we had arranged a meal for our guests in the civic party. We had a good meal and it was good to have an opportunity to have a relaxing conversation with our guests. I believe that the guests went away with a good impression of the evening. We certainly enjoyed it.

I take this opportunity to thank everyone who played their part. Syrcas Syrcas added colour and excitement to the Lantern Parade; the Caernarfon Council of Churches put on a magnificent performance of the Nativity on the Maes; Côr Cofnod sang the Carols on the Maes; the Market Hall was really well decorated; the Llanrug Band provided the atmosphere and the Ysgol y Gelli choir gave an inspirational performance.

For the first time in my life I was invited to play Father Christmas at Ysgol Pendalar which is a special school for pupils with disabilities. Because of this, the Mayor each year takes small presents to the pupils and this year I was to give these out as Father Christmas. I got there in good time to get dressed but I had difficulty getting the beard to stay in place. All the pupils were assembled in the school hall and I got a great welcome on entering the hall, the bags of some 75 presents having already been taken onto the stage.

The pupils came up to the stage to receive their present and they looked pleased and some showing their gratitude very clearly. Some had to have the help of carers to come to the stage but they all made a determined effort. However, I did have problems with the beard slipping and if I'm ever asked to do this again I'll made sure that I've worked out how to fix it properly. It was a very rewarding experience which I thoroughly enjoyed and they way they showed their appreciation as I walked out down the hall will remain in my memory for a very long time. A few of the pupils were unable to be in the hall and I was taken to see them individually. I left the school with an enormous appreciation of the work of the teachers and the carers at this school.

Thursday 10 December: 3.15 pm Book Launch, Caernarfon Golf Club

It was nearly 3.00 pm when I left Pendalar so it was down the road and a quick dash into the house to change into a suit and the chain and I got to the Golf Club by about 3.15 pm. I arrived just in time for the launch of a book on the history of the Club from its formation in 1909 to the present day. I wrote briefly about the book in Blog No 39 on the Club's Centenary Dinner. The book has been written by Dr Eurwyn Lloyd Evans who spent about 5 year researching, finding photos and putting it all together. It's a very well produced bilingual book illustrated with excellent photos and easy to read.

It's an excellent contribution to the recording of the history of Caernarfon and I was delighted to receive a copy signed by the author. I was, of course, even more delighted that I'd been invited to write an introduction and very pleased with the photo of me that Eurwyn had selected to be included. This was one that had been taken at the Centenary Dinner rather than any of the ones that I'd sent him! The book is available from the Club Secretary and costs £10.

Thursday 10 December: 6.30 pm Ysgol Pendalar Christmas Show

By about 6.20 pm I was back in Ysgol Pendalar with Margaret to attend the Christmas Show performed by the pupils. We had been given the choice of Wednesday afternoon when the audience would be mainly guests or this evening when the audience would be mainly parents. We didn't have to make the choice as we were going to Chester on Wednesday and I think that it was nicer to be with the parents although it seemed a bit odd wearing the chain. This was a very entertaining show with a good storyline, good background music and very good performances from the pupils who really did put their hearts into it. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and talking to parents. It made me appreciate the work of the teachers and the carers even more.

We were invited to an "At Home" evening with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of Chester, Cllr John Ebo and Mrs Miriam Ebo, in the Guildhall, Chester. We were received as we entered the main hall by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, his Deputy and the Sheriff of Chester. Drinks were served in the main hall and we found ourselves in a different circle of people where the only person we knew was the Mayor of Conwy, who had come with his brother as the Mayoress was otherwise engaged.

We enjoyed mixing with various mayors from Cheshire for a change, some of whom are seen in the first photo. Next to me are a couple we bumped into in the streets outside as we were both trying to find our way to the Guildhall. The young lady to the right of the photo is the Mayor of Nantwich. After he'd finished his reception duties the Lord Mayor said a few words of welcome and gave a bit of the background of this splendid historic building. He then invited us to go through to another room to help ourselves to the buffet and return to the hall.

After helping ourselves to the buffet we got talking to Dr Colin McNae, husband of Her Worship the Sheriff of the City of Chester, Cllr Hilarie McNae. He explained that the Sheriff is an historic post and the holder is elected annually by the councillors in the same way as the Lord Mayor. Here we have the historic position of High Sheriff of Gwynedd which is an annually appointed position which rotates between Arfon, Dwyfor, Meirionnydd and Ynys Môn. Our current High Sheriff is Major Corbett from near Tywyn, Meirionnydd, and we've enjoyed meeting him and his wife on several occasions. Colin told us more about the history of the Guildhall and other aspects of the history of Chester and we had a most enjoyable time with him. In fact, we stayed talking to him in the buffet room and didn't return to the main hall until near the end of the evening. This also, of course, had the advantage that we stayed near the buffet tables! The second photo shows Colin and myself.

We returned to the main hall, spoke to a few people and then it was time to say our goodbyes and thanks to John and Miriam and we talk about our forthcoming event in Caernarfon on Friday evening. We then drove home after another enjoyable experience.

Tonight was the switching on the new Christmas Lights. The Christmas Lights in Caernarfon had been getting old and had deteriorated considerably over the last few years. Because of the continued work on the Maes we decided to do the absolute minimum last year and to carry over the under spend and add it to this year's budget so that we would have a decent sum to work with. This was considered to be a sensible approach and we now have new lights in the Maes, Stryd Llyn, Bridge Street, Bangor Street, High Street and Palace Street. The annual Christmas Tree was in the centre of the Maes as usual, but we had purchased new lights for the tree last year.

We wanted to make Caernarfon an exciting place for youngsters over the Christmas Season. We also wanted to show our support for local businesses by making Caernarfon an attractive place for people to come to do their Christmas shopping. The switching on ceremony was a simple event with myself saying a few words and followed by a count down. Then a signal to the contractors and we saw the new lights for the first time and they really did make a difference.

To coincide with the switching on of the lights the North Wales Fire Service had arranged to have a bus on the Maes to launch their Safe Christmas campaign. This contained the warnings such as not leaving the lights on the Christmas Tree on when the house was empty. To encourage children not to use candles they were giving out small battery powered candles. We visited the bus and then we went on a walk round the town to see the new lights.

They looked good and an enormous improvement on the previous lights. Palace Street, in particular, looked delightful. I look forward to getting feedback from the public when they see them properly over the Christmas/New Year period. The first photo shows Margaret with Cllrs Menna Thomas and Myfi Powell-Jones and Marian Lambert Jones setting off to see the lights. The second shows one of the lights in Stryd Llyn and the third shows Katherine, the town Clerk, and myself with the Fire Service staff in the Exhibition Bus.

We had been invited to the Beaumaris Victorian Evening but unfortunately Margaret couldn't come as she wasn't feeling well and it was a very cold evening. Following light tea at 4.30 pm at the Bulkley Hotel we, the mayors of the walled towns and partners, joined the Mayor of Beaumaris to walk around the town to judge the shop windows. It was a very interesting walk looking at all the shop windows. The vast majority had made an effort to decorate their shops but some were particularly good and the task of judging wasn't at all easy. There were various categories and after some discussion we came to an agreement.

There were stalls in the High Street and there were also stalls in the Community Centre where we went after the judging. There were some food stalls in the Community Centre and I bought some pâté produced by a young lady, who I discovered lived a couple of streets away from me in Caernarfon, and her brother who had started their own business. When we started to use the pâté at home later it turned out to be good and I wish them success with their business venture.

We then went to the square to see the procession led by the Beaumaris Band arrive. We then judged the Victorian costumes and there were many good contestants. We then went back the Bulkley for a light meal and interesting conversation with all the guests. It was again an enjoyable evening in Beaumaris.

And so ended the official activities for November; a very full month.

This evening was the Christmas Fair of the British Heart Foundation Arfon Branch held in the Peblig room in the Institute. I seemed to know most people when I entered the room and saw the volunteers and their stalls set out and a few customers already there. Most were the same people who had been organising the successful Coffee Morning in May and it was enjoyable talking to them. When the time came I spoke a few words of welcome but the main speaker was Gareth Roberts from Deiniolen who was given only six weeks to live after a quadruple heart by-pass six years ago following a massive heart attack at the age of 41. He spoke of his experience following his heart problems, the medical treatment and care that he'd received. He stressed the value of the work of the Foundation in undertaking research and helping to develop new techniques that had enabled people like him to survive. He also stressed how important it was to keep raising funds to enable the Foundation to continue to research and develop new techniques. It was a remarkable and memorable speech.

Gareth, a professional photographer, has been keeping fit since his treatment and has been raising funds himself. Last year he undertook a 75 mile walk from Caernarfon to Chester along the old Roman road route and has even greater plans for next year. A major work project he completed earlier this year was a detailed walking map of the parish of Llanddeiniolen. In addition to showing all 50 miles of footpaths it provides a detailed historical insight into the influences which helped shape Llanddeiniolen from the Ice Age, Iron Age and the Roman era to the slate quarries. This is a really remarkable and useful document and the Llanddeiniolen Community Council is to be congratulated for commissioning this work from Gareth. I look forward to seeing further work of this nature produced by Gareth in the future.

I later had a long conversation with Gareth and obtained more details of his work and also with Mabon ab Gwynfor, the Community Fundraiser and Volunteer Manager for The Foundation in north Wales. Mabon is a grandson of Gwynfor Evans and I was able to tell him some interesting stories about his grandfather which were new to him. It was a very enjoyable evening.

SPARC do a number of shows during the year, such as the one we saw in July (see Blog No 19) but this is the main show which takes the form of a musical with a story. The theme of this year's show, "Symud Nol i Symud 'Mlaen", was bullying and the issue was very cleverly portrayed whilst at the same time providing very enjoyable entertainment. These young people gave excellent performances which testify to the sound training that they must have received. One of the features of these shows is the large numbers of children and young people taking part and I must pay tribute to the producers for putting it all together. Rhian Cadwaldr, the Director of SPARC, is to be congratulated.

This was an excellent evening.

Friday 27 November: 9.30 am Filming Christmas Video

This morning there was a filming session in the Council Chamber for the Christmas video for the CaernarfonOnLine website. Gareth Edwards came and he wanted a shot of me sitting in the Mayor's chair giving a Christmas greeting and he would then swing across to Katherine, the Town Clerk, who would then give a New Year greeting. We did as requested and after a couple of takes on my part the filming was soon finished. The full video had a number of people participating and was shown on the website. It's good to see these initiatives to highlight the Christmas spirit in Caernarfon.

Friday 27 November: 10.30 am Official Opening of Occasion in High Street

I had been invited to the Official Opening of Occasions, cards, art and costume shop in the High Street by Hywel Williams, MP. With so many empty shops in town it's really encouraging to see a new shop opening. It was well stocked with good merchandise and it looked really cheerful. They've taken a brave step in moving from the Market Hall where they had a stall into a shop in the High Street and I wish them every success

The former Ysgol Penrallt has been used successfully as a Youth Club for many years but the Tŷ'r Ysgol (School House) where the caretaker used to live has been empty. In 2002 "Cwmni Ifanc Tŷ'r Ysgol" was formed by the young people in the Youth Club but with full support from the Leaders and Gwynedd Youth Service. They felt that there was a need for a place in Caernarfon where young people could go to discuss and obtain advice and support on any problems that they may face in an informal and confidential environment. They considered that the former caretaker's house would be ideal because of its convenient location. They then started to look for funding in order to purchase and renovate the house for this purpose. It was a long hard struggle but they succeeded and the work was finished and today was the day of the Official Opening by Alun Ffred Jones, our local AM, and I was delighted to be invited to attend the ceremony.

The Chairman of the company and senior Youth Officer responsible for the Youth Club, Elwyn Jones, welcomed everyone and then Amanda Jones, the Secretary, introduced the Directors and Board members which included young people from the Youth Club. Elwyn Jones then gave the background to the development of the venture and introduced Alun Ffred Jones who proceeded to unveil the commemorative plaque. He said that he'd opened numerous buildings and ventures during his time as AM and previously as Chairman of Gwynedd Council but this was the first time he's actually seen his name on one of these plaques! He paid tribute to the vision and initiative of the young people and the Youth Service in conceiving, planning and achieving their objective of establishing this centre. He foresaw that this centre would provide a very valuable service to young people.

Elwyn Jones then thanked everyone involved in achieving the opening of the centre including the architect, John Les Hughes of the Ap Thomas Partnership and Berwyn Wiliams of Claytons the building contractors responsible for the renovation work who were both present at the event. We then had light refreshments and an opportunity to look round the building and I was very impressed by the standard of the renovation work.

I felt very comfortable in a house called "Tŷ'r Ysgol" as I spent significant parts of my childhood in two such houses, first in Tŷ'r Ysgol, Llanfrothen and then Llan Ffestiniog. For the first few years in Llanfrothen there was no electricity and if there was a dry spell during the summer the water supply would dry up. We then had to fetch water in buckets from a nearby well which thankfully didn't seem to dry up. This Tŷ' Ysgol has been used as a community centre for many years and the one in Llan Ffestiniog has been for sale as a dwelling house for some time.

I also congratulate everyone involved in this venture and wish them every success in providing a valuable service to the youth of Caernarfon.

For the past few years Cyffro Caernarfon Cyf, a not-for-profit company, have been preparing a Christmas video which is shown on a huge screen on the Maes and Turf Square during the pre Christmas period. The main features of this video to promote the "feel-good" factor are the groups of children from each of the Caernarfon primary schools singing a carol. The programme lasts for about an hour and is played on a loop about 8 times a day. The Mayor, amongst other people, is also invited to give a message.

The video is produced by Caernarfon based professional film company Cwmni Da and I went down to Oriel Dafydd Hardy this morning to film my contribution. I'd prepared a five sentence message to be delivered in both Welsh and English but saying these to camera wasn't easy. Provided I've prepared beforehand, I'm very comfortable delivering a speech or being interviewed for radio or TV when you don't necessarily know the exact questions that are going to be asked. This was different as it was more like an actor delivering lines that he had learnt to camera and it didn't seem natural for me. However, it seemed to go alright in the end after a couple of retakes!

I'd like to express my gratitude to Cyffro for their initiative in arranging the Big Screen which gives enjoyment to the children in preparing their contributions and to everyone who sees the video.

Wednesday 18 November: Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen School Council Meeting

All schools these days, including primary schools, have a School Council consisting of representatives of year groups across the age ranges. Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen had accepted our invitation to hold one of their Council Meeting in the Institute in our Council Chamber. I was delighted to welcome them and to say a few words about the historic documents, paintings and photographs that adorn the room.

The Town Clerk and I sat and listened to and observed the School Council and found it a most enjoyable experience. The meeting was well conducted with good chairmanship and intelligent debate. At various stages the pupils would break into discussion groups for about 5 minutes to discuss various issues and I was very impressed with the suggestions that came out of these discussions. Some ideas might have been more practical that others but all the suggestions were sensible. Nobody made stupid suggestions.

They conducted themselves really well in being polite to each other and waiting their turn to be called to speak. I was impressed by the fact that everyone participated and the youngest pupils participated as much as the oldest.

Things have changed enormously since my school days but I saw that they had one problem that existed in my day. They raised the issue that their level of homework was inconsistent in they had far too much at some times and much less at other times. It was exactly the same when I was in school over 50 years ago! But as someone who was once a school teacher, I know the problems of the teachers.

At the end I told them how impressed I was and took the opportunity to congratulate the school choir and musicians for their excellent performance in the castle during the Commonwealth Games Baton ceremonies the previous week and everyone who had participated in the ceremonies.

Today was Armistice Day when peace was declared in November 1918 and we went to the Cenotaph to observe the two minute silence. A reasonable number of people turned up to pay their respects. Following the silence the words of remembrance were said by James Rowlands of the Comrades Association. This was the last of the four Services of Remembrance that have been held in Caernarfon since last Friday.

These services are not a glorification of war but acts of remembrances for those who have lost their lives in armed conflicts over the years. We also remember these who were injured and those who were taken prisoner and spent years in prison camps. The atrocious conditions experienced by some were brought home to me in talking to the Korean War Veterans who were in Caernarfon a few weeks ago. We also remember the deaths and suffering of civilians in every armed conflict. They must not be forgotten.

Thursday 12 November: Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum Trustees' Meeting

Today I went to Wrexham for the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum and in some way it was a continuation of the remembrance theme of the past week. This was my second meeting and following the welcome I'd received at my first meeting I felt quite at home in the company of the permanent trustees. It was a very interesting meeting during which I learnt of the developments envisaged. If these come to fruition then we can see further development of the museum in the castle.

We went to the Officers Mess at the nearby Hightown Barracks and enjoyed a welcome meal. One of the trustees, Colonel Henry Cadogan, had just published a book, "The Road to Armageddon", following the military career of his grandfather, also Henry Cadogan. The book is based on his grandfather's letters which fortunately had been kept. He was commissioned in 1888 and saw active service in the North West Frontier and dealing with the "Boxer Rising" in China. He rose to command the 1st Battalion RWF by the time they went into WW1 in 1914. It's a very interesting book.

I had the honour to open a new Exhibition of artefacts relating to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum in Caernarfon Castle today. It was a particular pleasure for me as the Mayor of Caernarfon in his year of office is also a Museum Trustee and Deputy Constable of the Castle.

Artefacts from Caernarfon have been on loan to the Imperial War Museum in London to mark the 90th Anniversary of the end of the Great War in 2008 and they have now come home. These relics are an important part of the industrial history of Caernarfon and I was delighted that the RWF Museum had agreed to put them on show.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was created by Brunswick Ironworks, Caernarfon, in November 1920. It's an indication of the importance and reputation of the company at that time that they were selected for this important task. I'm pleased to say that Brunswick Ironworks is still flourishing today and the current owner Meurig Williams, grandson of the creator of the Tomb, D J Williams, conducted the unveiling of the Exhibition.

The founder of Brunswick Ironworks, Meurig's grandfather D J Williams, was commissioned in November 1920 to produce, at very short notice, the ironwork for the coffin of the Unknown Warrior. He was requested to undertake the work on November 5th 1920 and worked for two days and nights without sleep to ensure that the coffin was ready for its journey to France to collect its most precious cargo, the remains of the Unknown Warrior.

The coffin was then transported home aboard HMS Verdun arriving at Dover under a full naval escort on November 10th 1920. It was then transported by train to Victoria Station London where it was watched over by the "Guards", before leaving on its final journey to the Abbey. The Unknown Warrior was to be buried in the Abbey in recognition of the service that he gave to his country during WW1. He was given a Field Marshall's burial, to represent the thousands lost forever in the mud of Flanders Fields, who had no known grave.

It was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey after the ceremony at the new Cenotaph on November 11th 1920 in the presence of the King George V, and was carried though a guard of honour formed by holders of the Victoria Cross from the war. The Abbey also had members of the thousands of families who had lost loved ones in the conflict.

I take this opportunity to thank Meurig and researcher Pam Smith for their hard work in preserving the Brunswick heritage. Brunswick Ironworks is an example of the excellent innovative engineering work that existed in Caernarfon during the nineteenth and early twentieth century and we in Caernarfon have a responsibility to ensure that this important part of our heritage is preserved and put on public display.

After some changeable weather it was a relief to find that it was a dry and sunny day today for the day when the Commonwealth Games Baton Relay visited Caernarfon. The Queen's Baton Relay has been an integral part of the Commonwealth Games programme for more than fifty years since the first Baton Relay in 1958 for the Games which were held in our capital city of Cardiff. The Baton left Buckingham Palace last Thursday and will visit each of the 71 nations of the Commonwealth to arrive for the start of the nineteenth Commonwealth Games in Delhi on 3 October 2010. It was a great honour for such a prestigious event to come to Caernarfon.

The Baton had been in Wrexham and Mold in the morning and arrived at the Welsh Highland Railway Dinas Station for 1.00 pm where it was received by Dr Dewi Roberts, former High Sherriff of Gwynedd and former Commonwealth Games (CG) contestant, and the two Head Pupils of Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen. They brought the Baton to Caernarfon and started a short Relay from the station and up the steps to the Maes. Here they transferred the Baton to another former CG contestant, Gwyneth Lewis, with two pupils form Ysgol Pendalar and they walked through the Maes behind a local Samba Band.

At the end of the Maes the baton was transferred to another CG contestant Tony Pumphrey with pupils form Ysgol Maesincla who took it down to Slate Quay and along the quayside they transferred to former boxing champ, Dave Davies, with pupils from Ysgol Hendre. They went a bit further and handed it over to Dave Wood and pupils from Ysgol Santes Helen who took it to the steps at the base of the Eagle Tower.

Unfortunately, I didn't see any of the above colourful procession as I was waiting at the steps with David Brailsford, CBE, from Deiniolen who was awarded his CBE in recognition of his achievement as the cycling team coach in achieving eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics. It was a pleasure to meet David, his wife and his mother as we waited for the procession to arrive. We could hear the procession was on its way and it was a really colourful sight as the Samba Band and the Baton arrived and was handed over to David who was accompanied by pupils from Ysgol y Gelli to take the Baton into the castle. (The first photo shows the procession arriving at the steps.)

As we entered the castle there was a choir made up of pupils from Caernarfon's primary schools which gave a splendid performance of two songs. (The second photo shows the children relaxing with the athletes after their performance.) I then had to hurry to the dias before David so that he could hand over the Baton to me. (The third photo shows David accompanied by pupils approaching the dias.) It was a thrill to hold the baton and I had to admire its construction and decorated with different shaded sands from India. There were also coloured lights on the Baton which were red, green and white, the colours of the Welsh flag. As the Baton goes from nation to nation the colours are changed to the colours of that nation. (The fourth photo shows the colours on the Baton.)

I then made my speech of welcome from the dias and introduced the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Wales, Gareth John, MBE, who then made a speech. We then had a splendid performance from a choir and band from Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen. Following this there was an opportunity for photos before I handed over the Baton to former weight lifter and CG champ, Ieuan Owen who took the Baton out of the castle towards Galeri. (The fifth photo shows me with Ieuan.)

The procession went along Palace Street and after we passed the Black Boy Inn the Samba Band ended their participation and I had the opportunity to thank them for their joyful contribution to the day's proceedings. (The sixth photo shows us with the Samba Band.) The baton was then taken by the eighth athlete, Ray Williams to Galeri where we were welcomed by three harpists, Cor Telynau William Mathias, who gave a really Welsh atmosphere. (The seventh photo shows the harpists.) We then had refreshments and an opportunity to socialise before the official party set off to Aberystwyth where they would be having a ceremony the following morning. The officials from India who accompanied the Baton thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Caernarfon.

This was a very special day for Caernarfon and a special thanks are due to our Town Clerk, Katherine Owen, and Gerwyn Owen, her husband who is Academy Manager, Disability Sport Wales. They were largely responsible for getting the Baton Relay to visit Caernarfon in the first place and then for the organisation for the day. This was a truly memorable day for everyone who took part.

We assembled in Capel y Maes to prepare for the Service and about 10.45 am we took our places in the procession for the short parade to take our places at the Cenotaph on the Maes. The Mayor and Mayoress follow the Town Clerk followed by distinguished civics which this year included The Rt. Hon. Dafydd Wigley, Freeman of the town, and Hywel Williams, MP. Then the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress followed by the councillors and their partners. The photo shows us waiting to start outside the Chapel. Last year we had a storm and hailstones but this year, despite the recent wet weather, it was dry.

The military and ex-service official parade had started from the Barracks and down Stryd Llyn to arrive in the Maes in time for the service. One of the disadvantages of being in the civic party is that we don't see this parade. The Rector, the Rev Canon Roger Donaldson, then started the Service following the standard format. As usual I, as Mayor, did a reading in English and the Deputy Mayor a reading in Welsh. Following the Last Post and Reveille the address by the Rev Roger Donaldson was outstanding and I was impressed by his analysis of the situation in Afghanistan.

We then had the laying of wreaths led by myself and then Hywel Williams, MP. The Parade Marshall then called a long list of organisations whose representatives then came forward to lay their wreaths. This part is always very moving and I was struck by how young some of the cadets were and by some even younger youngsters from the Brownies and other youth organisations. I'm grateful to the people who give of their time to work with and train these young people.

On completion of the wreath laying the parade then formed and set off to march through the town. We in the civic party then set off in procession to take our places on the castle steps in readiness to take the salute of the parade as it passed. The photo shows us waiting for the Parade to arrive on the castle steps. This was again a moving experience to see the Parade, including many youngsters, passing by.

The Parade goes back to the Baracks to dismantle and in pervious years we all go back there to meet the participants, to thank them and socialise and have a light meal. This year, however, there were no preparations at the Barracks and we had been invited to the Legion for a Buffet. Margaret and I, however, thought we should go to the Barracks to thank people. When we got there we saw the Air Cadets in their building which is outside the main Barracks. They were all there as they were intending to go to another ceremony to Llanberis. They were grateful that we had come and said that this was the first time that anyone had come to thank them. I suppose that this is because in the past that we've all gone straight into the Barracks without thinking about the Air Cadets.

There were only a handful of men in soldier's uniform outside the Barracks and inside we saw two officers who had just finished changing. We thanked them and then made our way to the Legion where there was a warm welcome. We enjoyed the company and the excellent buffet that had been prepared. I wish to record my gratitude to the Legion for their hospitality and, in particular, to Cllr Tony Yendall Williams, who played a key role in the preparations for the ceremony at the Cenotaph today. This was another memorable day following the remembrance services on the previous two days.

We were invited to Beaumaris Bonfire and Fireworks display and duly made our way to the Lifeboat Station shortly after 6.00 pm where we would have an excellent view of the event without getting wet in the rain. We saw that there was a huge bonfire ready on the beach. When the time came the Mayor of Conwy and myself left our wives in the shelter of the Lifeboat Station to go down on the beach to see the Mayor of Beaumaris setting the bonfire alight. The fire was quickly established and was appreciated by the large crowd which had gathered on the beach and on the open ground.

About 6.30 the Mayor then announced the count down to the start of the fireworks display which was being set off at the end of the pier. It was a very good display which was enjoyed by all. As in our bonfire night there were people with buckets collecting for charity.

We then went to the Bulckley Hotel for a curry meal and the photo shows the the Mayor and Mayoress of Beaumaris and Conwy and the Chair of Ynys Môn County Council (Margaret was taking the photo!). It was again a very enjoyable evening.

On Friday 6 November a small group including representatives from the British Legion and ex-service organisations met outside Llanbeblig church at 10.45 am. There was a short service in Llanbeblig Church conducted by the Rector, the Rev Roger Donaldson. We then went to graves in the old graveyard outside the Church. In one grave two brothers were buried, one killed in the First World War and the second killed in the Second World War. This must have been a terrible blow to the family.

We then went across the road to the new Cemetery to the area where there are military graves. There was a service and wreaths were placed during which it was pouring with rain. It was a very moving experience.

Saturday 7 November: Service at the Boer War Memorial, Twtil

Just after 10.30 am I met Barry Roberts, Richard Pritchard and Jim Duffy in Twtil to walk up to the Boer War Memorial on top of Twtil, the hill that dominates the town. It's in a spectacular location with views in all directions over the town and the famous castle, towards Segontium Roman Fort; over the Menai Straits and Ynys Môn in one direction and the mountains of Eryri in the other. Boer War Memorials are fairly rare and in Wales there are only two others, in Llandudno and Merthyr Tydfil.

It wasn't raining this morning but it was wet underfoot and it was quite slippery during the last stages of getting to the memorial. When we got there we had a short service at the Boer War Memorial conducted by veteran Richard Pritchard. The memorial does look stunning when seen against the skyline from Doc Fictoria but unfortunately it is difficult to get to and impossible by anyone with walking difficulties.

I could see that it was quite dangerous getting down over wet rocks. I feel that it is now time to seriously consider relocating this memorial to Twtil Square. Most of those named on the memorial were from Twtil. It would be seen by many more people here and it would be far easier for people to come to pay their respects.

The photograph at the Boer War Memorial shows, from left to right, Barry Roberts, Richard Pritchard (who conducted the service) and Jim Duffy.