Last week I joined the Inspiring Women’s Archive Wales Heritage Walk which, features significant women in Barry’s history from education, the arts and politics, including composer Grace Williams, Dorothy Rees MP and Councillor Margaret Alexander. The walk visits six locations and shares the stories of 13 women who, in various ways, contributed to the community in Barry or to Wales more widely. It was great that the walk was able to go ahead this year and more information on these inspiring women can be found at the Women’s Archive Wales website. Thank you to Sian Williams for organising, to everyone who spoke on the walk, and to all who attended for such a great morning.

I also met with Barry Deaf Club members last week to discuss prospects for a new community meeting place for the Club in Barry. It is wonderful to see the club in action and they are welcoming of hearing and deaf members.

I met with HSBC to raise serious concerns about the impact of the closure of Barry's HSBC branch. I have called for continued access for elderly and vulnerable customers and have asked that town centre hubs be looked into. I also met Barclays Bank Managers to raise concerns about the closure of their branch in Cowbridge. All customers must be supported, especially those who are not able to bank online. It is vital that there are banks in our community and I will continue to ensure that these banks continue to support those who need them.

Last week we marked Armed Forces week, a week which provides us with the platform and opportunity to recognise and reflect on the considerable part they have played in helping fight the Covid-19 pandemic and keeping our communities safe. They rightly deserve our gratitude and appreciation and the Welsh Government continues to work in collaboration with the Armed Forces Expert Group and other key partners to deliver the support our Armed Forces Community so richly deserve. I was also pleased to attend a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Civic Offices in Barry to show my support.