Woody’s led Remembrance March through Cardiff
We were honoured to have led the Remembrance March through Cathays Park and the City of Cardiff on Remembrance Day, Sunday 10 November 2019. We were joined by veterans of all ages and experiences from across South Wales.
This year’s Remembrance Day was the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War and therefore, was a particularly special celebration of those who gave their lives for us.
In the spirit of remembering those who gave so much, we also remembered Paul ‘Woody’ Woodland, who touched so many with his passion and spirit. It was recently the 7th anniversary of Paul’s death, he was a Royal Marine and member of the Elite Special Boat Service when he lost his life in a training exercise before he was due to return for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
It was Woody’s dream… and now it’s ours
Born and bred in Penarth, Paul has changed the life of so many veterans across Wales with our safe and supportive space, Woody’s Lodge, created in his name. It was Woody’s dream to create a place for veterans like him to live peacefully with their families.
Woody’s dream of owning a log cabin after his service became the inspiration for Woody’s Lodge, which became a reality after two years of planning. In Autumn of 2016, as a group of ex-services volunteers, we were allowed access into moth-balled residential housing at Royal Navy Wales’ HMS Cambria. After 3 months of refurbishment, the first Woody’s Lodge opened. Since then, we’ve moved into new premises set within Amelia Trust Farm, in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan. You can read more about our history here.
We’re a social hub, which guides veterans to the help & support they need to re-engage with their families and communities. Our vision is to create an inviting meeting space for those who have served within the Armed Forces and Emergency Services, where they can receive expert support & advice as well as the chance to connect with new and old friends & family.
Remembrance or Armistice Day gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the special contributions that our veterans, those in the Emergency Services and their families have made to defend our democratic freedom, as well as remembering the civilians who have lost their lives in conflict. Remembrance Day gives us the opportunity to unite across all faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the sacrifice that have been made across Britain and the Commonwealth.
If you’re a veteran, reservist or emergency services leaver, or know someone that is that needs some support, we have a whole range of veteran support services available here at Woody’s Lodge. Including a range of Drop-In Centres at our Amelia Trust Farm site and across North Wales, you can find out more about them here. Stay up-to-date with What’s on at Woody’s, including our next PAC Lunch here.
