We are proud to learn that one of the newest members of our communities has been selected as Mister Wales 2012. It is an honour and a matter of pride that Arnold Matsena, 22 of Swansea has received this coveted title. It was only two years ago that Arnold with his two younger brothers, originally from Zimbabwe but now permanently resident in Wales, impressed Britain’s Got Talent Judges when their act, called A3, stormed through to the final.

A3 are a well established group of street dancers who combine modern British music and dance with that from their Zimbabwean heritage. Arnold and his brothers have also appeared in Move Like Michael Jackson where they proved the brothers have individual talent which, when put together, forms a mesmerising act. They are not new to fame having won many competitions including medals at the 2009 World Street Dance championship.

Said Swansea Bay REC’s Chief Executive, Taha Idris ” I wish to congratulate Arnold on having received the Mister Wales Accolade in 2012. Arnold has worked with SBREC in delivering Schools’ Diversity Days where his performance has enthralled all the pupils. Arnold has a great heart as well as some oratory skills and it’s been interesting to hear him give his message of hope to the pupils during our Diversity Days”

Organisers of Mister Wales had this to say about the title:

“Mister Wales is an annual competition for young Welsh men aged between 18-29. The event runs annually alongside the Miss Wales competition to generate funds for our chosen charity The Joshua Foundation.

Each year, the new titleholder wins a trip to either Manhunt International or Mister World to represent Wales on this international stage. Arnold, having won the title will also get to judge the regional heats of Miss Wales title in 2013 and may receive a number of personal appearance opportunities. He will also receive (subject to fundraising) a series of overseas trips with The Joshua Foundation including three weeks in Australia.

It’s not a body building competition – but a good body helps of course!”

Congratulations Arnold. You have not just got the talent but also the grit to be Mister Wales 2012.

The Bevan Foundation held an evening of Culture, Community and Celebration to mark 10 years of the Bevan Foundation on Friday 21st October 2011 at Ebbw Vale. This was to celebrate 10 years of existence of the Bevan Foundation which has continued to contribute to many major political debates on issues affecting the people of Wales.

The gathering (shown in the picture) were treated to a stimulating lecture by the prominent local historian, Dai Davies on the topic of ‘The Dream of Aneurin Bevan’. The audience appreciated an insight into what Aneurin Bevan’s ethos had been even when creating the landmark National Health Service (NHS). Dai Davies argued that the provision of free health care was in Bevan’s view simply an element of allowing people to live a full life, and thus contribute to the growth of a happy and healthy society by freeing people from their health worries.

Prior to the celebrations, the Bevan Foundation held a well attended Annual General Meeting at which the Trustees presented a report on what the Foundation had done over the previous twelve months. A number of new Trustees were also elected to serve on the Foundation’s Governing Body.

On Friday, 4th March 2011, the Welsh electorate has given a resounding ‘Yes’ to a referendum which asked them whether the devolved Welsh Assembly Government should have primary law making powers in the 20 major areas of devolved responsibility. These policy areas, such as health, education, the environment and transport, are where currently any laws which affect Wales have to be rubber-stamped by the MPs in the House of Commons before it becomes law. Whilst the referendum took place on Thursday 3rd March 2011, the results were announced on Friday.

Supporters for a ‘Yes’ campaign, which included all the major political parties in Wales, have felt that the extra step of MPs’ approval has been an unnecessary burden. The ‘No’ campaigners have on the other hand felt that there was a need for a second house to verify any laws passed in Wales before they are applied to Wales. It has become apparent throughout the period of canvassing that the ‘No’ campaigners have sought to question the capability of the devolved government in respect of governing itself.

National Assembly for Wales was formed after a major referendum in 1997 which asked the people of Wales whether there should be a publicly elected body in Wales which should look after Welsh affairs exclusively under the guidance of central government in London. At the time 50.3% of the people of Wales narrowly voted ‘Yes’ and 49.7% voted ‘No’ to the proposal.The turnout for the 1997 referendum was 50.1%.

The 2011 referendum saw a dramatic drop in the turnout of voters, down to 35.4% of all voters. Political commentators are pointing to the fact that this low turnout is as a result of voter apathy and ought to be addressed by the politicians. A county-by-county analysis is given below for the 2011 referendum: