Interview with Derek Holmes by David Phillips for Age Concern North Wales Central, who reflects on his formative experiences in Wales - from Scout camps to later work, politics, and retirement - shaped his lifelong connection to the region.

00:00–00:31

Derek begins by describing his childhood in Altrincham and his first experiences of Wales through Scout camps, including stays at Brinbach and visits to Denbigh, where he first encountered the Welsh language.

00:31–02:07

He recalls a second Scout camp at Tremadog, where he unexpectedly learned to swim in the bay, and memorable trips to Porthmadog. He explains that later holidays with his wife on the Llŷn Peninsula made the area especially meaningful.

02:07–04:15

Derek outlines his early work in sales before and after national service with the Royal Army Medical Corps. His retail career eventually brought him to Llandudno and then Abergele, marking his first period living in Wales.

04:15–05:36

He discusses his long‑standing interest in politics, beginning at age 16 with the Young Liberals. After returning to Wales, he became active again during the transition to the Liberal Democrats and served on Abergele Town Council and briefly on Colwyn Borough Council.

05:36–07:24

Derek reflects on changes in Colwyn Bay following the construction of the A55, noting its impact on the town’s resort character.

07:24–10:08

He describes retiring to Prestatyn and remaining active in public service, serving on housing and health bodies in Wales and Lancashire, linking this later work to his early medical‑corps experience.