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Regimental goat appointed by Welsh battalion
Fusilier Llywelyn
Army Wales posted on Twitter: 'The cutest kid ever to parade to a drumbeat. Meet the new Regimental Goat for @TheRoyalWelsh @BritishArmy' (Image: @Army_Wales)
Fusilier Llywelyn is the new kid at The Royal Welsh

A new regimental goat has been appointed by the 1st battalion of The Royal Welsh. Nearly 500 soldiers lined the streets as Fusilier Llywelyn took his first steps on the road to a promising military career.

For centuries it has been tradition for a goat to lead every Royal Welsh parade. There are many theories as to why - some say that heroic goats saved the lives of men in battle by bleating warnings to the sentries on duty.

Another explanation could be that goats were such a familiar part of the Welsh landscape, that they were taken into battle as a reminder of home.

After the death of Fus. Llywelyn's predecessor - Lance Corporal Gwillam 'Taffy VI' Jenkins - the battalion began searching for a new recruit from the royal herd at Great Orme, Wales.

Last week, Fus. Llywelyn led his first official parade, the annual Rorke's Drift parade in the Garrison town of Tidworth.

It is the custom for a member of the battalion to be appointed 'goat major', taking overall responsibility for the regimental goat. Daily duties include watering, feeding, exercising and grooming.

Current goat major, Fus. Mathew Owen, believes the new recruit has star quality.

Speaking on the day of the parade, he said: "Since he was recruited in November Llywelyn has undergone intensive training, and preparing for his pass out today.

"He worked very hard this morning and was absolutely fantastic. Llywelyn has loved the attention, he is one for stardom."

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.