The Colour Party comprises a group of current and retired personnel who represent the Service at a range of events throughout the calendar year.
As displayed in the picture above and below, the Colour Party wear ceremonial uniform (tunics, white helmets and axes) and proudly carry both the Nation standard and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service standard, they are instantly recognisable as an integral part of our fire service family.
Dyfed Fire Brigade's Colour Party was originally formed in 1984 by Assistant Divisional Officer Rex Caunt.
At this time, the group consisted of eight individuals wearing assorted items of kit and equipment that were procured from various locations. Former Leading Firefighter Billy Lloyd donated two Canadian tree felling axes which are still in use today. Former Deputy CFO David Williams also provided two swagger sticks. Over the intervening years, the Colour Party has acquired new items of kit, including white belts, lanyards, red sashes and ceremonial red stripe on trousers.
The first event that the Colour Party attended was the Fire Engine Rally held at Withybush Airfield in 1984.
Following amalgamation in 1996, the Colour Party included representation from the former West Glamorgan and Powys Brigades and at its height, the Colour Party comprised of 35 members.
Over the years, the Colour Party has attended a range of events including funerals of past and serving colleagues, formal medal ceremonies, remembrance services, carol concerts and weddings.
Of note, the Colour Party has regularly attended the annual Ypres Poppy Parade and Remembrance Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. The Colour Party often receives kind donations which are passed on to The Fire Fighters Charity.
If you are interested in joining the Colour Party, please contact CFO Roger Thomas for an informal discussion.
Current Members and Year Joined:
- David John 1986
- Jim Lewis 1996
- Harry Webber 2018
- Nina Bishop 2019
- Bernie Armstrong 2015
- Ian Howells 2009
- Owain Roberts 2023
- Simon Barker 2022
- Luke Jenkins 2023
- Dafydd Lewis 2023
- John Herman 2023
- Rob Barker 2019 (re-joined after being a member during the 1990s)
- Keith Jenkins 2018 (re-joined having been one of the founder members in 1984)