Most will have read or heard about the desecration of memorial wreaths at Neath's Memorial Gate and possibly the clean-up operation thereafter. Here's a link to an ITV News article on it. Giving an interview is Councillor Peter (Reverend) Rees. He's in the last video link in the report.
What doesn't come out of this interview is the fact that the clean-up operation plus the attendant publicity was organised by the Royal British Legion. More specifically by a gentleman by the name of Darren Bromham-Nichols who is the local President of the Royal British Legion. And on the day (26 February), Darren's partner, Lee Bromham-Nichols had this to say on Facebook:
Labour councillors showed their true colours today - attacking the President of the RBL Neath for organising a community event cleaning up the mindless vandalism that both the County Borough and Town Councils did absolutely nothing to fix. They were the first to jump in front of the cameras. Neath really needs to get rid of this nasty lot.
Darren organised the even (sic) in his capacity of President of the Royal British Legion Neath branch. Peter Rees verbally attacked him in public in at the memorial gates and accused him of pulling a publicity stunt because there is an election coming up (not sure of the relevance as Darren is not standing!). Even the ITV crew couldn't believe the behaviour of a public servant. A few years ago, Daren organised a candlelit vigil at the same location with a few hours' notice because the council failed to organise any public events. The real issue is that he has embarrassed them yet again.
Since the above is a matter in the public domain on Lee's Facebook page I trust he doesn't mind me reproducing its contents. I think Lee has hit the nail right on the head though. The Reverend is pissed (sorry for blaspheming, Rev) because once again Labour have been caught napping and missed an open goal. If anything like this is happening "on their turf" they must retain ownership of it. A bit like a dog with a bone and have you seen what they are like when you try and take it off them?
But the real issue here is that this particular business should be above Party politics. Someone had to take action and this appears to have been the Royal British Legion itself albeit through the organisation of its local President. Labour likes to retain a vice-like grip on organisations and institutions throughout its area. If there's any that threatens that domination they'll soon find a family member, or friend, or friend of a friend to infiltrate it. But that vice-like grip I described is looking every day more like a dead man's grip.
For the sake of balance before I finish I should tell you that Lee is the Plaid Cymru candidate for Tonna in the coming elections. And just to restore the balance a bit more, standing against Lee as Labour candidate is Mrs Leanne Jones, who works for Christina Rees MP, who in turn was given glowing references by the Reverend - he used to teach her.
If I might give Darren a piece of closing advice, this would be it:
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
That just happens to come from 1 Peter 3:14
So there we are, Darren. I hope you find some consolation and comfort in those words.
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