An eyewitness account of the Heads of State reception at the Celtic Manor, by David Davies, MP The discussions taking place between world leaders at the Celtic Manor are well above my pay-grade but as one of the local MPs I received an invitation to the Heads of State reception last Thursday evening. The event was hosted by the Prince of Wales, ably abetted by New Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb and First Minister Carwyn Jones. The evening was brilliantly used to showcase Wales with local food, drink and music entertaining the guests. A host of world leaders were in attendance and it was easy enough to wander up to them and have a word; a chance which I could not resist. Speaking a bit of German, I said 'hello' to Angela Merkel who was very complimentary about the countryside of Monmouthshire, which she said she hoped she would have a chance to visit again. The Crown Prince of Bahrain was another fan of the county who apparently had visited many times as a young man, having friends in Chepstow. He told me he is especially fond of Tintern Abby and the Royal George Inn. Later on I got into conversation with a charming and, dare I say, strikingly attractive lady. She turned out to be the Prime Minister of Denmark, and a big fan of Aberavon, for which her husband is the Labour Parliamentary candidate. However, the big moment came towards the end of the evening. Various people in military uniform went outside and stood to attention. A number of people were asked to stand in a line to await a secret VIP. Given that the room was already choc-a-bloc full of VIPs it wasn't hard to work out who they meant. A sea of flashing blue lights drew nearer and a few minutes later in walked President Barack Obama. I had somehow been included in the line up to meet him. "Welcome to Monmouthshire Sir," was my not very original greeting. "It is great pleasure to be here Sir," he replied, proving how courteous Americans are. Everyone in the room wanted to shake his hand and the President obliged with as many as possible before making a short speech which included the words "Wales is a great place". This was met with a heartfelt cheer. In all it was a memorable evening but the real heroes are Terry Mathews and Simon Gibson of the Celtic Manor who put Wales, and especially Newport and Monmouthshire onto the World stage. I think they did us proud.