The Pembrokeshire Herald 03/11/2023

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an inquest to probe circumstances surrounding the death of Jai Palermo • P4

Tenby caravan site floods as Storm Ciarán arrives • P5

commitment to probe paddleboarding tradedy • p3

TRAGIC END FOR TEEN

Courtroom screens help victim in historical sex offence case • P8

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Authorities ongoing commitment to probe paddleboarding tradedy

TWO years subsequent to the devastating paddleboarding mishap on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, which resulted in the loss of four lives, authorities have declared their ongoing commitment to probing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

On the fateful morning of October 30, 2021, a group of paddleboarders engaged in a guided expedition encountered perilous conditions near Haverfordwest Weir, caused by torrential rainfall.

The tragedy claimed the lives of Paul O’Dwyer, aged 42, from Sandfields, Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, aged 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil; and Nicola Wheatley, aged 40, from Pontardulais, Swansea,

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all of whom were pronounced deceased at the the incident.

In a later development, Andrea Powell, aged 41, from Bridgend, who was initially rescued from the river and rushed to Withybush Hospital, succumbed to her injuries on November 5, 2021.

Additionally, emergency service personnel were compelled to rescue another five individuals from the treacherous waters.

The episode precipitated a substantial coordinated rescue endeavour involving teams from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Wales Ambulance Service Trust, DyfedPowys Police, the

Coast Guard, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

In an act bravery, Joel Williams, a young local, courageously plunged into the water and retrieved an imperilled individual onto the riverbank. He then administered lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation until professional help arrived.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published an official enquiry into the incident in December of the preceding year, unearthing considerable lapses in the domains of planning, preparedness, training, safety protocols, and the provision of adequate signage.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll, OBE, described the event as ‘a tragic and preventable occurrence’.

In the immediate aftermath, DyfedPowys Police detained a South Wales woman on allegations of gross negligence manslaughter, later releasing her pending further investigation.

As the second anniversary of the tragedy dawns, the force has reiterated its dedication to the ongoing investigation, confirming that pertinent evidence has been conveyed to the Crown Prosecession Service (CPS).

A representative for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The investigation perseveres, with a dossier of evidence submitted to the CPS for adjudication.

We are maintaining regular contact with the bereaved families to provide updates.”

Make time for older people living alone AGE CYMRU urges anyone with 30 minutes to spare each week to sign up for its Friend in Need service and make a weekly telephone call to an older person living alone and make a huge difference in their lives.

For many people, their weekly telephone call is the only chance they’ll get to talk about all the things that matter to them. This could be about their memories of childhood, favourite holidays, or perhaps what they saw on television the night before.

Once you’ve decided to sign up, the charity will provide you with all the support you need, including an induction, a safeguarding guide, support available seven days a week, and a regular volunteer newsletter.

Whenever possible, the charity will match the caller with an older person with similar interests.

Friend in Need coordinator Fiona Douglass says: “I can’t overstate the positive difference that a weekly telephone call can

bring to an older person living alone so they can share their thoughts and experiences.

“But the callers also gain a huge amount of satisfaction from making the calls. Not only does it give them an opportunity to feel good about themselves because they are making a valuable contribution, but they also often get to learn something new in the process.

“Housebound people, in particular, get a lot of satisfaction from making the calls as it makes them feel that they still have something to offer.

“Unfortunately, we have far more people needing calls than those making the calls, so we urge anyone aged 16 to 100 plus to get in touch if they feel this is something they want to consider.”

For more information, please contact Fiona Douglass on 07944 995637 email Fiona.douglass@ agecymru.org.uk or visit www.agecymru. org.uk/friend

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Tragic end for teen found deceased close to home Telephone: 01646 45 45 45 Fax: 01646 45 46 47 Email: editor@pembrokeshire-herald.com To advertise: sales@herald.email Facebook: thepembrokeshireherald Twitter: pembsherald Website: www.pembrokeshire-herald.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY Wind: 23mph max

IN A SOMBER hearing Tom Sinclair that began on Monday, Editor@herald.email an inquest delved into the circumstances was discovered deceased surrounding the death in a field merely yards of Jai Palermo, a from his residence, a 13-year-old boy from place where he should Hook, Pembrokeshire, have been safest. whose life was tragically Having battled cut short. with ADHD and sleep Jai was reported disturbances since the missing on the evening tender age of six, Jai had of January 22, 2020, been under continuous prompting an extensive medication, a point of search involving the concern raised during the police and coastguard. inquest proceedings.

In the heart-wrenching As a pupil at hours that followed, he Haverfordwest High

VC School, Jai’s life held much promise and potential. The inquest, taking place over four days, is painstakingly piecing together his final hours.

His mother, Nia Owen, poignantly recounted her son’s last known movements: a visit to his grandmother’s house after school on that fateful day, followed by his return home. When Jai was discovered to be absent from the house later that evening, a frantic

search by his family ensued, culminating in the distressing discovery of his body in the early hours of January 23, nearly five hours after the initial missing person report.

The emotional weight of the tragedy was palpable as Ms. Owen described the moment she learned of her son’s passing, collapsing to the floor upon receiving the devastating news from a police officer.

Amidst her grief, Ms. Owen voiced concerns regarding the prescription medication Jai had been taking since childhood, specifically methylphenidate, questioning whether a break from the medication could have altered the course of events.

The inquest, attended by representatives from both Dyfed-Powys Police and Hywel Dda University Health Board, is anticipated to bring more clarity to this heartbreakingly complex case as it progresses with further testimonies and expert insights before its expected conclusion on Thursday.

Fuel spillage in Hakin prompts swift response Pembs Herald wesbite views (June23): Pembs Herald Facebook post views (June23): Estimated E-Edition readers every week: Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook followers: Twitter followers: Instagram followers:

370,000 1,834,767 104,000 39,000 6,448 1,602

The Herald series of newspapers is printed and published by Carmarthenshire Herald Ltd. t/a Herald.Wales, Registered Office: 11 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, SA73 3AL. Company registered in England and Wales number: 9460872 Regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation Member of BBC Local Democracy News Service & BBC News Hub. The Pembrokeshire Herald is registered as a newspaper at Companies House pursuant to the Newspaper Libel and Registration Act 1881, No. N-5802. The Pembrokeshire Herald and other titles are deposited weekly at The National Library of Wales for preservation by legal order pursuant to the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003al order pursuant to the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003.

E mergency services swiftly took action to secure the safety of the public and ensure a thorough clean-up operation.

Gelliswick Road in Hakin, Milford Haven, came to a standstill on the morning of Tuesday, October 31, as a substantial quantity of fuel spilled onto the road, rendering it dangerously slippery.

Dyfed-Powys Police, alongside the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and

Pembrokeshire County Council, descended upon the scene to assess and manage the situation. Natural Resources Wales were also alerted to the incident, highlighting the collaborative effort to address the environmental impact of the spillage.

The incident unfolded at 8.43am when the Milford Haven crew received a distress call.

A spokesperson from the fire service revealed, “A large quantity of fuel

has spilled onto a road, causing the road to be slippery and hazardous to drive on. Crew members assisted with cleaning the spillage off the road, as well as informing nearby members of the public of the hazards present, along with Dyfed Powys Police officers. The local authority were also in attendance and the incident was handed over to them.”

While the road closure inconvenienced local commuters, the

swift and coordinated response from emergency services helped mitigate the potential risks associated with the spillage. A spokesperson from Dyfed-Powys Police assured the public, stating, “The council has been made aware, and staff are currently en-route to clean it up.” The closure, albeit necessary, was a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

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Tenby caravan site clears out as Storm Ciarán arrives PEMBROKESHIRE’S Kiln Park caravan site has been urgently evacuated amid severe flooding, triggered by the ferocious arrival of Storm Ciarán. Forecasters are bracing for a tumultuous blend of torrential rain and gales, which have put the coastal region on high alert.

In a prompt response to the escalating crisis, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has signalled that the inundation at Kiln Park poses a dire threat, prompting a site-wide clearout.

The Met Office has cast a broad net of yellow warnings, indicating severe weather conditions that are expected to pummel south, mid, and north Wales imminently.

Vehement gusts that could reach an alarming 70mph (110km/h) are anticipated to wreak havoc, with potential to disrupt travel, cause structural damage, and hurl debris unpredictably. Regions within

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Storm Ciarán’s path might be drenched with up to 100mm (3.9in) of rainfall.

The flood warning system is blaring for the River Ritec in Tenby, including alerts for multiple locations vulnerable to Storm Ciarán’s wrath.

NRW has warned that impending high tides are likely to escalate the peril to life and inflict significant community upheaval.

Holiday-goers at Kiln Park have been swept up in the urgency. Kirk Merrick, 63, with family in tow, shared his disappointment, having anticipated the getaway for months, only to face evacuation. Equally disheartened are the newly-weds, Katie and Stephen Walters, along with their children, who confronted the reality of their celebration cut short by a rap on their caravan door.

In a statement, Kiln

Park’s managing entity, Haven, emphasised that the safety of guests took precedence, with ongoing consultations with local authorities to facilitate a smooth evacuation.

With an overcast forecast spanning the

entirety of Wales, residents are bracing for a deluge and violent winds. Ceredigion council has proactively doubled its emergency road services, while Pembro-

keshire council is mitigating risks by advising against routine practices like placing bins out, recommending retention until the storm subsides.

Councils across the

region are not standing idle; Powys council, for instance, is distributing sandbags and fortifying flood defences, ensuring preparedness at known flood-prone sites.

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Scheme blocking cars from Pembrokeshire beach backed A scheme to site a removable bollard to prevent drivers driving their cars onto a Pembrokeshire beach has been backed by national park planners.

At the October 25 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s planning committee, Herbrandston Community Council sought permission to site the bollard at the top of Sandy Haven Beach slipway, Herbrandston.

The application had been brought to the planning committee as one of its members Cllr Reg Owens, was also a member of the community council.

The committee heard the community council currently runs a free car park some 150 metres from the shore and had submitted the application “in response to increasingly antisocial use of the slipway,” by motorists “driving on to the beach”.

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The bollard would not restrict access to pedestrians, and keys would be made available to interested parties at a cost of £10 each, a report stating: “The objective of the application is to manage the access of the slipway route and beach to reduce types of use that compromise the safety of pedestrians/ beach users, marine ecology and the amenity of nearby residents.”

Members heard that, in addition to boat users, members of the nearby caravan site and emergency services would also be issued with cards.

The report – which recommended approval – added: “A slipway is intended for moving boats in and out of the water. Thereby restricting access to only those with such an intention will reduce the negative

behaviour and use of the beach as a place to park and congregate.

“For solely visiting beach-goers, it is considered that removing the option of driving onto and parking on the beach is essential to provide safe access for all.

“ V e h i c u l a r movements on a beach inherently pose risks to pedestrians. By reducing vehicular movements and the risk of vehicle related pollution, it allows for the safe use and enjoyment of the beach by children in particular.”

Members at the meeting heard from Hebrandston Community Council’s chair Cllr Des Galdo who said it had it had “a duty to ensure the area remains a safe, tranquil place to visit”.

He said the only complaints about siting

a bollard had come from members of the public that had previously driven on the beach, feeling they should still be able to do so.

Members backed conditional approval of the application.

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Courtroom screens help victim in historical sex offence case A RAPIST who evaded justice for more than three decades will spend the next 15 years behind bars, thanks to the courage of his victim.

Evan Jones of DreFach Felindre, Llandysul, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday, October 26.

Earlier this month, the 67-year-old was found guilty of two counts of rape and nine sexual assaults dating back to the 1980s.

He was acquitted of a further count of rape.

All involved the same victim, a girl aged between eight and 11 at the time of the offences.

Investigating officer Damon Watmough said supporting the victim to give evidence had been key to the outcome of the case.

“After all these years, the thought of having to face her abuser in court was understandably anxiety-provoking for the victim,” said Detective

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Constable Watmough.

“Her evidence was crucial to this case, and thankfully we were able to work with the courts to ensure she was protected by a screen throughout proceedings, enabling her to feel safe while speaking about what happened.

“Screens are just one of the special measures available to help support victims and witnesses to give evidence during traumatic cases, and they can make all the difference.”

Judge Geraint Walters handed Jones a 16-year custodial sentence, with order to serve 15 years minimum in prison, with a further year on licence.

A sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was also issued.

Added DC Watmough: “It is difficult to come forward when things have been bottled up for so long, but I hope this

outcome demonstrates to others who have experienced historic abuse that it is never too late to speak out.

“We’ll do everything we can to gather evidence and build a case, no matter how long ago the crime took place, and will support you throughout the whole process.”

For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit. ly/reportsexualoffences If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https:// bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the nonemergency number on 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling

0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Special measures are available to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses with the agreement of the court.

They include the opportunity to give evidence via live link (from another room within the court building, or in some cases from another location entirely), the removal of wigs and gowns by

judges and barristers, and communication aids to help those with disabilities.

Victims of sexual offences are automatically guaranteed lifetime anonymity from the moment an allegation is made.

This means the media cannot publish any information that would lead to their identification.

Sexual offences include rape, sexual

assault, exposure and taking an indecent photograph of a child.

Anonymity is also extended to victims/ alleged victims of female genital mutilation and, in some circumstances, of ‘human trafficking’ and modern slavery.

The only exceptions are when a victim (aged 16 or above) chooses to waive this right, or if a court orders that anonymity be lifted.

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Woman escapes jail despite vicious stiletto attack Swansea Crown Court has heard how Emma Blackmore, 43, viciously attacked a fellow clubber with the heel of her stiletto during a drunken brawl.

The assault, which left the victim with a permanent scar on her forehead, took place in the early hours of Sunday, January 29, this year.

Brian Simpson, the prosecutor, revealed in Swansea Crown Court that Blackmore’s sister had become embroiled in an altercation within OUT nightclub.

The victim, demonstrating an act of kindness, was attempting to separate the parties involved when Blackmore intervened.

Grasping the victim by

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her hair, Blackmore struck her three times on the face and head with the stiletto she was carrying. The impact could have resulted in severe consequences; the judge noted that had the heel landed marginally differently, the victim might have lost an eye.

Recorder Benjamin Blakemore admonished Blackmore, labelling her actions as “ridiculously reckless” and emphasising the potential serious consequences of her violent assault.

The victim, in a poignant statement, expressed the significant emotional

toll the incident had taken on her and her children, leaving her feeling scrutinised and humiliated.

The court also heard from a female bouncer, injured during the melee when Blackmore struck out, expressing her shock at being subjected to such behaviour while simply doing her job. David Singh, Blackmore’s defence counsel, conceded the appalling nature of the act and acknowledged that Blackmore had jeopardised her freedom, employment, and ability to care for her son with additional needs.

Despite the gravity of the crime, Recorder Blakemore opted for a suspended sentence,

taking into account the impact immediate custody would have on Blackmore’s young son.

He stated, “I am prepared to suspend this sentence principally for him, not

you.” Blackmore received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 280 hours of unpaid work and attend a rehabilitation

course focusing on thinking skills and alcohol misuse.

Moreover, she was ordered to pay her victim £800 in compensation within the next 12 months.

Angle RNLI assist vessel in difficulty in 50kts of wind and 8m seas THE ANGLE AllWeather Lifeboat was requested to launch on service at 9:52am this morning following a call for assistance from a 24 meter guard vessel in an approximate position 4.5 miles south west of Skokholm Island.

The vessel, with five persons onboard had lost all power due to a suspected fuel issue.

With wind gusting 50kts and six to eight meter seas the lifeboat was requested to offer assistance.

The crew made the difficult journey in far from favourable conditions and arrived on scene with the vessel around an hour later.

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After assessing the situation, with no commercial tug available to assist and all other avenues exhausted by the coastguard as well as taking into consideration that the vessel was drifting towards Skokholm Island it was decided the safest course of action was to undertake a tow to the nearest safe haven of Milford Haven.

The crew rigged a tow and managed to secure a line to the vessel and began towing however due to the conditions the tow parted shortly after.

With the line recovered and reset, the crew

made a second attempt and managed ti secure a line once again.

Due to the sea conditions and swell direction, the safest way forward was to tow the vessel in a south easterly direction and almost “tack” to avoid the following swell, before altering course and heading for the west channel into Milford Haven. At this point, the crew were informed that a tug had been arranged rendezvous with the lifeboat in Dale Roads to take over the tow up to the Port of Pembroke.

Once arriving in Dale Roads six hours after launching, the crew shortened the tow and held position for around

half an hour until the tug arrived on scene. Once the tug arrived, and their skipper had assessed the situation it was determined safer for the lifeboat to head for Chapel Bay where there was more shelter for the tug to take over the tow.

The tug manoeuvred alongside and made fast and the lifeboat was able to drop the tow and safely hand over to the tug and her crew.

With no further assistance required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down with thanks and returned to station where she was readied for further service by 1730, over seven hours after first launching

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Two arrests made after person fired upon by air rifle

POLCE in Haverfordwest are reporting that an air rifle was fired at an individual on Hill Street.

The unsettling event transpired during the early afternoon hours of May 22, they said Police said they swiftly moved to action, leading to the arrest of two men.

They stand accused of assault resulting in grievous bodily harm.

Both individuals have since been released on bail, awaiting further inquiries.

Dyfed-Powys Police are now, several months later, asking anyone who

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might have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Additionally, they are keen to review any possible footage of the event, be it from CCTV, doorbell cameras, or dashcams.

Residents with any relevant information, or those possessing potential footage of the incident, are earnestly encouraged to make contact with the authorities. Individuals can reference the case by quoting number 23000435849.

Case adjourned for sentence after man admits trying to assault two children A TENBY man has admitted to attempting sexual assault on two young children in his local town centre.

Stephen James, 51, residing on Station Road, faces charges for three counts of attempted sexual assault on a minor.

These charges arise from two separate incidents on September 16th in Tenby’s town centre, involving two girls aged 11 and 6 respectively.

James is alleged to have attempted to inappropriately touch and kiss the 11-yearold, and similarly tried to inappropriately touch the younger child.

He has, at Swansea Crown Court, admitted guilt to two charges, concerning the inappropriate touching of both children. However, he refutes the charge related to the attempted kiss on the elder child.

The Prosecutor, Ian Wright, confirmed that the pleas were accepted and the Crown Prosecution Service has decided not

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to proceed with a trial for the remaining charge.

Earlier proceedings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’Court revealed James’s observation of both children as they shopped independently.

He has been accused

of capitalising on their solitude.

Judge Paul Thomas KC has mandated the drafting of a pre-sentence report and has deferred the sentencing to November 22.

Subsequent to his admissions of guilt, it is now obligatory for James to enlist on the sex offenders register.”

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Trapped Welsh doctor describes terrifying ordeal

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Welsh doctor has found himself trapped in the war-torn region, living through a nightmare of constant bombings, fear, and desperation.

The doctor, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to concerns for his safety, revealed the harrowing experience of his family, including the tragic loss of his cousin and her entire family, including five children.

The doctor spoke to BBC Wales via phone, the backdrop filled with the ominous sounds of warplanes and explosions, giving the world a glimpse into the terrifying reality faced

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by the people of Gaza.

“Literally every hour we hear a family has been killed,” he said, his voice a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict.

The doctor’s ordeal began when he arrived in Gaza just three days before the attacks started.

The border crossing was promptly closed, leaving him stranded in a place where safety has become a distant memory. With bombs falling incessantly, the doctor has been forced to move five times, their temporary refuges destroyed each time by the devastating airstrikes.

“We don’t have

anything. We lost all of our possessions. We were just moving from one place to another to find a safe place,” the doctor lamented. Basic necessities such as food, water, fuel, and medicines have become scarce for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, as few aid trucks are allowed entry. The doctors’s desperation escalated as he struggled to find even the most basic supplies, wearing the same clothes for weeks.

In a recent attempt to escape, the doctor waited for three days at the Rafah crossing, hoping to flee the horrors surrounding them.

However, the crossing remained closed, and their fears of being killed before they could

escape intensified. The doctor, expressing his fear, stated, “I don’t believe our government did anything to save us.

We now receive regular updates via emails and WhatsApp, but all of them are generic quoting media sources that Rafah crossing is still closed.”

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly since the conflict escalated.

Israel’s retaliatory bombing has resulted in severe shortages of electricity, water, and essential goods, plunging the region into a humanitarian crisis.

The doctor highlighted the indiscriminate targeting of residential buildings, schools, and entire neighbourhoods,

painting a grim picture of the devastation faced by the local population.

Despite the dire circumstances, the doctor remains hopeful, with their local MP, Geraint Davies, advocating for their safe passage. MP Davies has raised the family’s plight in briefings with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and has penned a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid.

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has stated that the safety of British nationals is their top priority and assured that officials are in “close contact” with British citizens in Gaza.

Pembrokeshire.

Ultrafast fibre broadband has landed.

According to an FCDO spokesperson, they are working closely with Egypt and Israel to facilitate the swift exit of those who wish to leave Gaza via the Rafah crossing or other available routes.

As the conflict rages on, the doctor and his family, along with countless others in Gaza, continue to endure unimaginable hardships, praying for an end to the violence and the opportunity to rebuild their shattered lives. The world watches, haunted by the stark realities faced by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.

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Calls increase for an energy social tariff

THE GOVERNMENT promised to launch a consultation on an energy social tariff to end skyhigh bills for disabled people last year.

Twelve months on, it’s a promise that remains unfulfilled.

New figures produced by Scope show almost a third of disabled people have been pushed into energy debt (29%), compared to 16% of non-disabled people.

The charity wants Rishi Sunak’s government to fix its broken promise and bring in a social energy tariff now to avoid a catastrophic winter for disabled people.

Ofgem has announced a reduction in the energy price cap. However, analysis

by National Energy Action shows households will face even higher costs (13% more on average) than they experienced over winter last year.

Westminster previously provided more support. That included the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme and £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. At the moment, there are no more of these payments planned. So, any reduction in the energy price cap is already cancelled out.

Last month, the average energy debt of disabled households supported by Scope increased to £1,794.

THE COST OF DISABLED LIVING Life costs a lot more when you’re disabled.

Research shows that disabled people already face extra costs of £975 a month to reach the same living standards as nondisabled people.

Disabled people need to use expensive but vital equipment like wheelchairs, hoists, breathing equipment, plus heating.

Disability benefits and spot payments do not meet the additional living costs disabled persons incur, even for those who work.

They face astronomical energy bills to power this equipment, which is why so many more disabled people are being pushed into debt.

Research by Opinium reveals the devastating and disproportionate impact the energy crisis is already having on disabled people: 38% of disabled people surveyed said they were not using heating when cold

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because of the cost of living, compared to 26% of nondisabled adults 34% (over a third) of disabled people surveyed said they were buying lower quality food, skipping meals and/or eating less because of the cost of living, compared to 19% of nondisabled adults 20% (1 in 5) of disabled people surveyed said they were cutting back or stopping showering and bathing because of the cost of living, compared to 9% of non-disabled adults Energy debt has spiralled for disabled people in the last 12 months.

A spokesperson for Scope said: “A lot of the families that we are talking to, it doesn’t matter what season it is, they still need the same amount of energy.

“We’ve spoken to people using candles because they don’t want to put the lights on. People who are considering stealing food so that they can afford to top the meter up.

“There’s just not as much support available this year.”

Susan relies on electricity for many things, including a fridge, to store her medication and to charge her wheelchair.

She can’t cut down on her energy use.

Speaking to BBC News, Susan said: “I’m scared to use anything [electrical]. It’s a living hell.

“The mental anguish that you go through is very detrimental to your physical being. My health has declined a lot in the last year.

“It’s a bit like being on a life support machine, and [the government] pulling the plug on it. How can we live like this?”

A SOCIAL TARIFF A social tariff on energy is a discounted energy bill targeted at those facing high energy costs. This includes disabled people, their carers and older people struggling with bills.

It would mean the customer pays a lower price for their energy. It’s designed to ensure those in greatest need can live comfortably in their homes.

An energy social tariff

would make an enormous difference for disabled people.

And there’s public support for this, too.

Three-quarters (74%) of the general public support the call for discounted energy bills for disabled customers.

BEN LAKE CALLS FOR EXTENDED SOCIAL TARIFF And Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru’s candidate for the new parliamentary seat that includes North Pembrokeshire, has added his voice to calls for a social tariff.

“As winter starts to bite, the UK Government needs to be innovative in finding ways of protecting the most vulnerable from the harsh burden of unaffordable energy costs.

“The King’s Speech must include a fairer system for targeted energy bill support through a social tariff.

“In a time when the impact of high inflation worsens rising energy costs, many households find their disposable income has dwindled. Even if energy prices temporarily dip, many households still grapple with significant energy debts.

“The current system of energy bill support doesn’t match the scale of the problem. Government support, which only focuses on those receiving meanstested benefits, does not cover all of the 6.3 million UK

households in fuel poverty, which has increased from 4.5 million over the past two years.

“An energy social tariff, on the other hand, would offer price protection to all households facing energy bill difficulties.

“By lowering unit rates, standing charges, or providing bill rebates, a social tariff could offer longterm security and muchneeded relief to those facing bills over 50% higher than pre-crisis levels.

“The Government

has long promised a consultation on a social tariff. Plaid Cymru urges the Prime Minister to include proposals for a social tariff in the King’s Speech, so that people can have some confidence that they can stay warm this winter.”

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Man sentenced for targeted theft at Haverfordwest pre-school nursery

A 36-year-old man, Christopher Harding, has been sentenced to a 12-month community order by Haverfordwest magistrates for stealing lead flashing off the roof of the Tots PreSchool Day Nursery in Haverfordwest.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of October 10, left the nursery owner, Mr Graham Francis, distressed and anxious about the safety of his property.

Harding, of Freemans View, Haverfordwest, appeared before the magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to the theft.

Crown Prosecutor, Sian Vaughan, highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime. “This wasn’t an opportunist theft, but it had been well prepared for,” she stated. “He had a head torch and the items recovered in his rucksack included rubber gloves and a kitchen knife.”

Reading from a

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victim impact statement prepared by Mr Francis, Ms Vaughan revealed the profound impact of the incident on the nursery owner. “This is the third time my property has been targeted,” Mr Francis lamented. “It’s got to the point where I’m scared at what I’ll wake up to next. I’m currently driving into Haverfordwest twice a day to check on the property, which is taking up a great deal of my time as I’m concerned that it’ll happen again.”

The stolen lead flashing’s value remains unknown, but the damage caused to the roof amounted to £1,500.

Addressing the court, Mr Tom Lloyd, representing Harding, acknowledged the gravity of the crime.

“The value of what was taken remains unknown, but we’re not arguing with the compensation claim of £1,500,” he said. “This

was an impulsive act. My client was intoxicated, he’d been out drinking, and it was an error of judgment.”

Supporting this perspective, the probation service officer commented on Harding’s character.

“That day the defendant had been drinking, and when he drinks he does stupid things,” she said, shedding light on Harding’s lack of judgment under the influence of alcohol.

Despite Harding’s qualifications as a bricklayer, he is currently unemployed, compounding his personal struggles.

After careful consideration, the magistrates sentenced Harding to a 12-month community order. As part of his sentence, he is required to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation requirement days.

Additionally, Harding must wear an alcohol monitoring tag

for 30 days to address his alcohol-related behavior. Furthermore,

he was ordered to pay £1,500 in compensation to Mr Graham Francis,

along with a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

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National Trust seeks tenant for west Wales business opportunity NATIONAL TRUST CYMRU are seeking a new tenant for the Dolaucothi Arms in the village of Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The conservation charity is looking for tenants who are passionate about heritage, people and the local landscape to develop a new business at the centre of a rural Welsh community.

The Trust are promoting the vacancy as an open opportunity, which could include continued use as a pub. They are inviting expressions of interest from anyone with a vision that will give the building a bright and sustainable future.

The traditional Grade II listed Inn is at the heart of the village and lies in a prime location for passing trade next to the busy A482, 8 miles from the bustling University town of Lampeter and 13 miles from the market town of Llandeilo.

The Dolaucothi Arms

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is nestled in the scenic 2,500-acre Dolaucothi Estate and less than half a mile away are the ancient roman Dolaucothi Goldmines, both cared for by the Trust. The Estate has numerous woodland trails, parkland, a small caravan and motorhome park and attracts thousands of visitors every year to the only known Roman gold

mine in the UK. Meg Anthony, National Trust Cymru’s General Manager for Carmarthenshire & Ceredigion says: “This is an exciting business opportunity in an enviable location in rural Wales.

The welcoming space lends itself to multiple different uses, from gastropub or café to associated foody shop, retail business, learning or workshop space.

We are open to fresh

ideas to make the most of the potential of this place and would like to hear from those passionate about connecting people to local history, heritage and culture, now and into the future.

We believe that people need historic, beautiful and natural places and we are looking for tenants who share our vision and values for this unique place.”

With three large, beautiful public rooms,

4 double en-suite bedrooms to let (plus tenant accommodation) and a spacious car park, the Dolaucothi Arms presents itself as an exciting business opportunity.

Parts of the whitewashed building date back to the mid-18th century and a slate roof, stone flagging, chequered tile floors and log burners add to its overall charm. Outside a large 1.26 acres of garden overlooks the Cothi Valley and could potentially be used to grow produce and champion sustainability.

The Trust is encouraging food and drink businesses to apply and are open to considering other related business proposals too, with the National Trust open to working with any future tenant to address any sensitive works that may be required to support the applicant’s proposal.

To encourage

sustainable, local business ideas, the initial rental of the property is set at £6,000 per annum (£500pcm) plus VAT for the first 2 years.

If anyone has a strong vision for how they can develop this special place in 2024 and beyond National Trust Cymru would like to hear from you. Please complete the expression of interest application form available online, no longer than two sides of A4, outlining your vision and ideas to be submitted to them at wa.tenantenquiries@ nationaltrust.org.uk by 11 December 2023.

To view the letting opportunities full details visit the National Trust website or Rightmove and search ‘Dolaucothi Arms’.

Submissions will be shortlisted in January 2024 and those successful will be invited to present a more detailed business proposal at that stage.

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Local groups awarded grants to boost MIKE EDWARDS biodiversity and climate resilience

Tenby Town Council, Pembrokeshire College and Pembroke’s Tabernacle United Reform Church are among nine community groups who have been successful in their bid for funding from the Force for Nature mini grants scheme.

Run by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, the scheme was launched in 2021 and offers grants of up to £4,000 to local projects

that either support biodiversity, create new green spaces, or deliver on conservation or climate change.

While Tenby Town Council will be using the grant money to replace bedding plants with pollinator-friendly blooms, other groups such as Henry Tudor School, Pembrokeshire College and Tabernacle United Reformed Church will be investing in habitat restoration and rewilding projects in their local

areas.

Other winning proposals in the most recent round of Force for Nature funding include a sensory and wellbeing garden in Llawhaden; a community orchard with Welsh heritage apple trees and native hedges in Dinas; and the development of a communal garden in Simpson Cross.

In addition to this, Esteam, a community group in Warren, will be using their funding to build a clay-lined wild-

life pond, and Stepaside Community Primary School will be creating an allotment for educational purposes and the local community.

Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “Once again, we are absolutely thrilled with the response of local groups to our Force for Nature mini grants scheme. The breadth of project proposals received shows the level of commitment and imagination within our communities when it comes to creating a more sustainable future for our natural world.”

Funding for the grant has come from Local Places for Nature Fund (administered by WCVA) with support from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority as well as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust.

To find out more about Force for Nature scheme sign up for the Pembrokeshire Coast Trust news by visiting w w w. p e m b r o k e s h i r e coasttrust.wales/get-intouch.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust is a charity registered by the UK Charity Commission. Its registered charity number is 1179281.

ALTHOUGH it didn’t rain last weekend, the weather has since made up for its omission.

As this is Pembrokeshire, we’re used to it being wet.

The Pembrokeshire Dangler, a weather system and not an evening’s entertainment at Carew’s Kit-Kat Klub, keeps moist air over the county, creating its own soggy microclimate.

Our county even has its own weather scale setting out the degrees of warmth and rainfall.

Most of the time, it falls between “turned out nice again” and “moist”.

This month, the needle has moved decisively towards “hacking” and “submarine”.

We shouldn’t complain. We are now in November, and even the most optimistic gardener will have given up on growing tomatoes outdoors.

People talk about climate change warming the planet, changing our weather patterns, and altering our local fauna and flora. I don’t know so much.

When I was a lad, you couldn’t move for wildebeest out at Cosheston and Lower Nash. Bloody everywhere they were.

Them and rhinoceroses were a well-known hazard on the Milton road.

Triffids - like potato farming and pheasant shooting - have been a hazard on the Angle Peninsula as far back as I can remember.

I suppose we ought to be grateful for those things that remain unchanged.

On the R i d g e w a y, you still feel awe when you gaze toward the sparkling blue sea and Tenby’s hollow desolation.

I visited

Tenby one January for a dare. It is truly an abode of the dead.

Standing on Tudor Square in the depths of winter, you fancy you can see grey, shuffling figures on the edge of your perception. But when you try and look directly at them, they fade into the shadows.

It’s not a place you ever want to be after dark.

You can’t help wondering what sort of people lived there and why they fled. Perhaps a vengeful sea god drove them away with some kind of plague.

Perhaps its inhabitants’ pride grew so great that its weight caused a dimensional rift, casting them into the outer darkness, possibly Kilgetty. My theory is that a Pied Piper lured all the children away, leaving behind only the ghostly and ghastly.

Being from Ceredigion, my beloved is familiar with entire villages going missing.

According to her, it used to happen all the time, especially in long, hard winters when provisions ran short.

It’s like bloody Brigadoon up there.

New Quay, for example, vanishes for six months every year.

The buildings are still there, the caravan parks high up over the bay remain, but all the people vanish.

It’s like that all along the Ceredigion coast and into its hinterland.

In the winter months, roads and villages grow quiet and dark - well, quieter and darker. It’s as though the sounds of footfall on the streets and children playing are always just fading away on the wind.

It’s all a little depressing and sad.

W h i c h reminds me, the missus wants to go to Fishguard this weekend. I’d best go and find our scuba gear.

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Dragon LNG site scheme for three near-500 foot high turbines

A £14.3m scheme for up to three near 500foot high wind turbines to provide green energy for Pembrokeshire’s Dragon LNG site has been submitted to county planners.

Milford Energy Limited (MEL), a sister company of Dragon LNG Limited, is seeking permission for an onshore wind farm and associated equipment, infrastructure

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and ancillary works at Dragon LNG Meadow, Milford Haven adjacent and to the south of the Waterston Dragon LNG terminal.

It is proposed that the minimum capacity of the development would be 10 megawatts, but could be as high as 12.6-

13.5MW, depending on turbine model, with up to three turbines of up to 149.9 metres in height, again depending on the final model slected.

The Dragon liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal provides gas for use by millions of commercial and residential UK consumers, with the capacity to supply up to 10 per cent of the UK’s

needs.

Dragon LNG owns the main part of the site where the wind turbines are proposed to be located and will lease the land to MEL. A supporting statement says the proposal “forms an important part of the carbon reduction strategy for the terminal as the purpose of the proposed wind turbines (together

with the existing colocated solar farm) is to provide a direct supply of renewable electricity, primarily to reduce the terminal’s carbon intensity as a key component in Dragon’s ambition to become a Net Zero terminal by 2029”.

The proposed turbines are expected to provide up to 39 per cent of Dragon LNG’s energy

needs; any excess electricity generation can be exported to the grid.

The proposal includes a local annual community fund of between £63,000 and £67,500 and is expected to deliver between £128,446 and £137,621 in business rates payments per year.

The application concludes: “The proposed development is consistent with the recent Celtic Freeport status announcement in Milford Haven, and Port Talbot, which will focus on low carbon technologies to support the accelerated reduction of carbon emissions, as well as drive economic prosperity, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall development of the region.”

Pembroke Dock has been identified as the port of entry for turbine components, with loads coming over the Cleddau Bridge; larger loads delivered on a longer route via St Clears.

The major development application will be considered by Pembrokeshire planners at a later date.

Appeal against refused financial trading mast ongoing The initial steps in an appeal against a previously-refused ‘blot on the landscape’ financial trading telecommunications mast in the Preseli hills have been submitted, members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park heard.

Last October, national park planners refused an application by Britannia Towers Ltd, on behalf of Wholesailor, to build a 51-metre-high telecommunications tower supporting nine transmission dishes and six mobile coverage antennas on privately-owned land at Pantmaenog Woodlands, Rosebush, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The developers stated that it would

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primarily have been used to link two data centres in London and Ireland, mostly related to financial trading, but would also improve local mobile phone signals.

The scheme had led to local objectors, including Maenclochog Community Council, which had said it “would be a blot on the landscape” and that a project of this size should have had wider public consultation.

The council had also raised concerns as to its potential negative impact on nature surrounding the site, including polecats living in Pantmaenog woods.

Concerned locals also raised objections about

the mast’s visual impact, the health impact of such a powerful transmitter sited near to people’s houses, fears of it setting a precedent, the effect on tourism and the fact that there was already mobile coverage in the area.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority refused the application, saying the proposed mast “would have an unacceptably adverse impact on the visual amenities and landscape character of the national

park”.

After that decision, campaigners said that they were “absolutely delighted” that the national park authority had taken “a firm and swift stance” on the application.

Peter Ainsworth, who previously said that approving the mast would be “a grotesque act of self-harm,” said: “It is a massive relief that the parks have seen sense and rejected this harmful application out of hand.”

Since then, national park planners, at their September meeting, heard the applicants have lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

During an update on appeals at the October meeting of the national park’s development management committee, members heard the initial documentation has been forwarded to PEDW. The date the appeal will be considered is not yet known.

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Greenacres Rescue nominated for prestigious award Greenacres Rescue has been nominated for the prestigious Petplan’s Animal Charity Team of the Year Award, 2024. The recognition comes as a resounding endorsement of the centre’s tireless efforts to rescue and rehome animals in need, even in the face of financial challenges and a rising number of abandoned and poorly animals.

The awards, organised in collaboration with the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, aim to acknowledge o u t s t a n d i n g contributions made by individuals and teams within the animal charity sector. Judges will be looking for exceptional levels of care and compassion, outstanding knowledge, expertise, and communication, as well as individuals who go

above and beyond their duties to improve animal welfare.

Greenacres Rescue Limited, established in 2008 by Pembrokeshire resident Mikey Lawlor, has emerged as a beacon of hope for animals in distress.

The centre, located in Pembrokeshire, is unique in that it caters not only to cats and dogs but also extends its care to livestock including pigs, horses, goats, sheep, ferrets, and reptiles.

Despite financial constraints, the centre’s commitment to its furry and feathery residents has remained steadfast.

Mikey Lawlor, the founder, expressed, “It’s been a relentless year, particularly with the number of abandoned and poorly kittens that we’ve been receiving, plus all the dogs that are being picked up from the streets. But our aim is to do everything

we possibly can to look after each and every animal that comes into our care until we can find a suitable and loving home for them to move on to.”

One of the heartwarming success stories from this year

is Ariel, a six-legged spaniel puppy found abandoned in Pembroke Dock, whose story captured international attention, including a feature in the New York Times. Ariel, currently in foster care, is awaiting further assessments from her vet concerning her treatment. Despite her challenges, she has shown remarkable progress, attending puppy classes and even visiting Broad Haven Community Primary School, where children raised funds for her operation.

“We have a medical review booked this week to assess if we are any closer to booking the

operation that’s needed, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that things will go well and Ariel can continue her recovery,” Mikey Lawlor shared, reflecting on Ariel’s journey.

The nomination for the Petplan’s Animal Charity Team of the Year Award serves as a testament to the exceptional work carried out by Greenacres Rescue Limited. Mikey Lawlor expressed the centre’s pride, stating, “Yes, it’s been a difficult year, but receiving a nomination like this makes Greenacres Rescue very proud to have such a fantastic team on board.”

As the panel of judges faces the daunting task of narrowing down the shortlist, Greenacres Rescue Limited stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the extraordinary lengths to which individuals and teams within the animal charity sector go to ensure that animals in need find the love, care, and compassion they deserve.

The award nomination not only honours their past efforts but also serves as an inspiration for the future, reminding us all of the importance of kindness and empathy towards our fellow creatures on this planet.

Gin distillery in conservation area refused Retrospective plans for a bespoke gin distillery and bar/restaurant at a conservation area guest house in Pembrokeshire have been turned down after concerns of the dangers from the distilling process.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, at their October 25 meeting, considered an application by Mr N Walsh for a change of use of the exiting guest house at St Davids Distillery, Restaurant & Rooms, 11-13 Nun Street, St Davids to include the bar/ restaurant and distillery.

The plans for the

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Grade II-listed property had drawn 23 responses of concern, including intensification of use from the bar, impacts on local amenity, and Health and Safety concerns about the installation of a still

and the use of ethanol, with fears of a fire and explosion risk.

The scheme – supported by St David’s City Council – was partly retrospective as the gin still has been installed, but is not currently in use, in the distillery sited below existing bedrooms at the guesthouse.

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Removal of ‘shanty-like’ 1960s bar from fort praised The removal of a “shanty-like” 1960s bar on a historic 19th century Palmerston fort guarding the gateway to Milford Haven, with modern conference facilities replacing it, has been backed by National Park planners.

In an application before the October meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s planning committee Mike Conner, the owner of technology company Appsbroker, sought retrospective permission for works at Thorne Island Hotel, Angle.

They included the replacement of an “incongruous” and “shanty-like” bar built in the 1960s with a conference room and facilities, along with the creation of storage areas, the construction of a viewing deck and generator house and emergency cliff reinforcement.

A statement

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submitted in support of the application said: “The key aim of this planning application is to make Thorne Island a truly sustainable proposition.

Not only sustainable from an environmental point of view, but also from a financial perspective.

“A great deal of urgently-needed restoration work has already taken place on the Island by the current owner, but there is much more to do.”

It adds: “The living accommodation on the Island has been sympathetically restored to its former original condition and can now accommodate 40 people comfortably.

“The ambition is to make the island financially viable with the refurbishment of the multipurpose room that will act as the focal point for visitors. The aim is to

attract corporate events, product launches, music events and entertainment events to the Island.”

Angle Community Council had raised concern, in previous plans, about potential visual impact from the conference centre, but raised no objections to revised plans.

The Grade II*-listed Thorne Island Fort, on

a small island just north of West Angle Bay, was built 1853-54 as an outer defence to Milford Haven against Napoleonic threat.

It was later converted to a hotel by 1947.

After a period of neglect, the fort has been refurbished since 2017 by its present owner, and much of its original infrastructure

remains.

The application, along with a related listed building consent scheme, was recommended for approval, although statutory consultee CADW will have the final say on the latter.

Members heard that, while the application was retrospective, officers said the applicant deserved credit for the

work carried out to date, with the removal of the “1960s shanty-like bar area” highlighted.

Cllr Di Clements said she was happy to move approval, backed by historian Cllr Simon Hancock, who moved the related listed building consent.

Dr Hancock welcomed the removal of the “incongruous” 1960s bar, describing the plans as “sensible proposals”.

Both applications were unanimously approved.

One earlier point of amusement was an initial biodiversity condition recommended, which included holes for hedgehogs in fences, which was removed after Dr Hancock pointed out the much-loved native mammal is not known for its sea swimming skills.

Members at the meeting praised drone photography work undertaken in the preparation of their report.

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Ogi showcases micro-grant scheme

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was abuzz yesterday as it played host to an enlightening c o m m u n i t y information event organised by Ogi, a prominent entity that has significantly impacted the communities of Pembrokeshire.

The event came to light with the intention of showcasing the impressive feats achieved by Ogi in Pembrokeshire over a span of the past 18 months. Notably, more than 250 communitycentric groups have reaped the benefits of Ogi’s micro-grant scheme, aptly named “Cefnogi”, which translates to “support” in the Welsh language.

This initiative has further been bolstered by the contribution of thousands of volunteering hours.

The event witnessed

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the attendance of a diverse group of individuals ranging from residents to local politicians.

These attendees were offered a deeper insight into the various ways Ogi has enriched their community, extending beyond their known provision of ultrafast fibre broadband.

M o r e o v e r , collaboration with community stalwarts such as Pembrokeshire Community Hub, Future Works, PACTO, PLANED, Milford Youth Matters, Network Plus, PATH, and Digital Pembs, coupled with representatives from P.C.C., ensured the event’s success.

The shared mission?

Educating everyone on how Ogi can be an asset in multifaceted ways.

A standing ovation is in order for Steph Cross

and the commendable team of volunteers at the V.C Gallery Pembroke Dock. Their outstanding hosting skills, coupled

with the stunning venue, set the stage for a memorable event.

Attendees were further treated to a delectable

buffet, a testament to the relentless efforts of the gallery’s volunteers.

Those in the vicinity are encouraged to

drop by the V.C Gallery to witness the daily wonders they curate.

Controversial property development sparks outcry Tensions are rising in Roch, as residents voice their concerns over a proposed 52-unit property development that threatens to reshape the character of one of the region’s historic villages.

Wakefield Developments Ltd., the proponents of the project, have set forth plans to construct 52 units, comprising one and two bedroom flats, as well as three and four bedroom houses on land east of Pilgrim’s Way. Local residents, led by concerned voices like Cliff White and Brenda Hooper, fear that the development could place lives at risk due to increased traffic congestion and reduced pedestrian visibility. The main point of contention lies in the already strained junction leading from the main A487 into Pilgrim’s Way. Roch locals argue that

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the junction, servicing the existing residential estates at Grassholm Close and Pilgrim’s Way, is unable to cope with the current traffic demands, let alone a significant increase resulting from the proposed development.

Mr White expressed the community’s worries, stating, “Approximately 30 houses currently feed off the junction, and already it’s dangerous.

The road is a bottleneck as it approaches the junction and isn’t wide enough for two vehicles.

Two pedestrians were recently knocked down near the junction, and it

stands to reason that if the development goes ahead, the volume of traffic is going to triple.”

Residents are not only concerned about road safety but also the safety of around 170 primary school children who use the same route to get to and from Roch school. Brenda Hooper highlighted

these worries, “The vast majority of them walk along Pilgrim’s Way or come down on their bikes or their scooters. Parents are extremely concerned about the road safety impact the development will have.”

Furthermore, sewage disposal infrastructure has become a point of contention. Roch’s sewage treatment plant in Newgale is reportedly operating at maximum capacity, straining to cope with the existing waste water and raw sewage discharged from Roch. Locals have reported issues like lifting manhole covers, raising concerns about the village’s ability to manage additional waste from the proposed development.

The planning notice for the project has sparked controversy, with residents claiming that it was intentionally concealed. The notice, initially hanging upside

down from a piece of string at the site entrance, left many residents unaware of the impending changes.

Community members question the lack of consultation and transparency, especially given the potential impact on their daily lives.

Cliff White expressed frustration, “We’ve learned that the developers recently requested a meeting with the parish council, so why weren’t the locals invited to listen to the proposals? Why haven’t we been consulted?”

There is also scepticism about the nature of the proposed housing units. Despite initial claims that the development would cater to social housing needs, residents fear that such promises might change once planning consent is granted, leading to unaffordable housing options for the local community.

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“AMBITIOUS Welsh farmers are perfectly placed to deliver healthy and nutritious, sustainable food alongside tackling climate change given the correct policy conditions and support frameworks.”

That was the key message from NFU Cymru President Aled Jones when he opened the annual NFU Cymru Conference in Llandrindod Wells yesterday morning, Thursday, November 2.

Jon Coles

Year ahead crucial for farmers

WELSH FARMERS “CAN STILL BE OPTIMISTIC” Despite the considerable challenges facing the Welsh agriculture industry in the months ahead, Aled Jones told the NFU Cymru Conference audience that farmers in Wales can still be optimistic about their prospects and the multiple benefits the sector can provide for the people and communities of Wales.

Agriculture’s harmonious link with the environment and the industry’s efforts to tackle climate change will be key themes for this year’s event, with the conference welcoming Dr Michelle Cain, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Data Analytics at Cranfield University, as one of its key speakers.

The event will also see the union honour the third winner of the NFU Cymru/ Wynnstay Sustainable Agriculture Award.NFU Cymru President Aled Jones told the conference audience that climate change remains at the front of farmers’ minds.

He explained that Wales’ maritime climate and topography mean the sector can be a ‘world leader’ in producing climate-friendly food, feeding a growing population while meeting its climate change ambitions.

“Climate change is the challenge of our time.”

Mr Jones said, “NFU

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Cymru recognises that agriculture has a key role.

“Indeed, we were one of the first farming organisations in the world to set the ambitious goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture by 2040.”

CONFIDENCE IN WG FADING However, the NFU President sounded a warning about the potential for ill-considered and badly-thoughtout policies from the Government.

“At the same time as reducing our impact on the climate, we should not reduce our capacity to feed consumers with high quality, affordable Welsh food.

“In its recent progress report for Wales, the UK Committee on Climate Change identified that progress towards decarbonisation has been too slow in areas of devolved competence.

“Back in March 2022, NFU Cymru, alongside industry partners, submitted proposals to the Welsh Government for a Low Carbon Farming Framework.

“The proposed framework supported the uptake of lowcarbon farming practices quickly and at scale on Welsh farms ahead of the transition to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

“It is disappointing that these proposals have stalled within the Welsh Government.

“Momentum and the confidence of farmers in environmental delivery are fast dissipating with the ending of Glastir in December and many of our farmers facing the ‘cliff edge’ in funding we warned would happen if these contracts were not extended.”

Mr Jones repeated calls made by the union in a letter to the Minister last month for a safety

net mechanism for those hit hardest by the ending of Glastir.

However, neither the Minister nor the rest of the Welsh Government appear to be paying any attention to the consequences of their decisions.

The President said it is vital the BPS budget is maintained for 2024.

“We ask the Government to maintain the BPS budget for 2024.

To maintain stability and certainty at a time of uncertainty. So farmers can continue doing what we do best: providing the consumer with safe, high quality and affordable food.”

Looking to the future, Mr Jones said: “As we approach a UK general election, we will be looking closely at the manifesto commitments of our political parties and what they say about funding for farming over the next parliament.”

A VITAL YEAR FOR THE FUTURE OF FARMING Mr Jones addressed the problem of funding being granted yearly instead of planned over the medium term.

Uncertainty about future funding means farmers cannot plan, and governments will always be likely to pillage the agriculture budget when they get their spending plans wrong.

“We need a multiannual commitment to a budget that ensures our food, climate and

environmental ambitions can be realised.

“Most importantly, when I think of Welsh Farming: Producing for the Future, I think of our future farmers. What can we do to give our next generation the best opportunity to succeed, and how can we ensure that what we produce is the number one choice of consumers in Wales,

across the UK and further afield?

“The next 12 months will see crucial decisions being made on the policy landscape in Wales that will determine and define the farming landscape for our generation and those that follow in our footsteps. It is so important we get this right.

“We all have a part

to play in helping to shape Welsh farming as we continue to strive towards our ambition of being world leaders in the production of climate-friendly food, supporting a healthy and thriving farmed environment whilst being the cornerstone of the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of our rural communities.”

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Narberth restaurateur hit by blackmail scam MATT POWELL, chef proprietor of Annwn restaurant in Narberth, Pembrokeshire – which has glowing reviews from the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide – has spoken of his worry at receiving a series of messages threatening bad reviews unless he paid the scammer.

Matt often receives messages on WhatsApp offering paid-for reviews and routinely blocks them, but after blocking one message, he received the following demand from someone called Masoom in Pakistan: “Hello brother, I need the work of just £50 from you. I have posted bad reviews & added disgusting pics at your business bcz you blocked me. If you will block me again then we will post bad reviews & will add 40+ bad pics on a daily basis. To add bad reviews is not difficult for us bcz we have our own team.”

Matt and his partner Naomi were worried to see a string of negative reviews and strange photographs appearing on Annwn’s Google page. Matt got in touch with Google and the page is now back to 5 stars, with the offending photographs removed – but he wants to warn other restaurateurs of the scam.

“Luckily it would have been fairly obvious to any potential customers that the reviews were made up – they were

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in broken English and showed no knowledge of the restaurant,” he said. “The pictures were clearly nothing to do with Annwn – but it’s still worrying, and getting in touch with Google to get them to take them down is a difficult and timeconsuming process.

“We’d really like to see Google introduce a system whereby restaurants could give a code to genuine diners that enabled them to leave Google reviews.

In the meantime, we’ve switched our contact number to a landline so that people can’t send us WhatsApp messages.”

Annwn restaurant hit the headlines last month after making it into The Michelin Guide just 4 months after opening in its new location. Last year it made number 14 on the Good Food Guide’s 20 Most Exciting Restaurants while at its original location in Lawrenny.

Matt, who trained under Raymond Blanc and worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe before returning to Wales, has been praised for his imaginative reworkings of heritage Welsh dishes and ingredients and for his sustainable approach to fine dining, which uses many foraged and home-grown ingredients.

Laugharne surgery may shut due to staffing problems HYWEL DDA University Health Board (HDdUHB) says it has received an application from the Coach and Horses GP Surgery in St. Clears, to close their Laugharne Branch Surgery in Carmarthenshire.

The main reasons for the application are: •

The Practice has faced major problems in sustaining its

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•

core workforce and has been unable to provide GP sessions at the Laugharne Branch Surgery since April 2020.

In order to protect the provision of general medical services, the GP Partners of the Coach and Horses Surgery in St. Clears have made the difficult

•

decision to apply to close the Laugharne Branch Surgery. This will allow them to centralise their staff and services, which will in turn support the future sustainability of the GP Practice.

There are challenges across the UK in the recruitment and retention of general medical practitioners (GPs).

Tracey Huggins, Head of General Medical Services at Hywel Dda University Health Board, explains the process: “Once an application to close a branch surgery is received, the Health Board starts its Branch Practice Review Process, which is managed independently of the Coach and Horses GP Practice.

“The process that sets out how the Health Board will respond to

receiving and reviewing the application to close.

It also sets out how we will share information with patients and wider stakeholders in order to seek their views, which includes engaging with Llais, the statutory body in Wales that represents the interest of patients and the public.

“Once all of these processes are completed, we enter a

period of conscientious consideration of the feedback that we have received. This is all done independently of the Practice, although we keep them informed and include their representative in our meetings.

“Finally, all of the information gathered is taken into account when the Board meets in public to consider a final decision on the application.”

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NEWS 25

Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade countdown begins!

THIS year sees the Tom Sinclair revival of Cardigan’s Editor@herald.email giant illuminated parade on 8th and we’re incredibly December at 7pm grateful to those who’ve after 3 years dormant. added to the pot already”.

Preparations have This year visitors can begun for a spectacular expect to see giants old ’Fantastical Beasts’ and new. There will be themed procession and some favourites like the Small World Theatre’s Circus Elephant (last artists enthusiastically seen in the Eisteddfod return to public lantern in Tregaron 2022) and making sessions in some new creatures November. made by Small World In its fifth year, Theatre and Space to Cardigan Giant Lantern Create artists.

Parade is supported by They will lead the Cardigan Town Council, merriment, accompanied Ceredigion County by local musicians, into Council and Leafed the grounds of Cardigan Through community Castle. Lanterns galore bookshop. The local will gather in a stunning theatre company also display with fire jugglers. began a fundraising Delicious locally sourced campaign in October to hot food and drink will address the shortfall. be supplied by Kitchen “We’re very close to 1176. achieving our £2,000 This year Cardigan target towards lantern Town Traders will making material costs” be collecting for the said director Ann spectacular fireworks Shrosbree.

“Every display starting around donation helps keep this 8pm. event free to the public

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Spectacular fireworks to light up waterfront

Milford Haven Round Table is gearing up to host their muchanticipated Fireworks Extravaganza on the 5th of November, 2023, at Milford Waterfront. This year, the event promises an unforgettable experience with gates opening at 3:00 pm and festivities continuing until 8:00 pm.

Attendees are in for a treat as the event boasts a star-studded musical lineup featuring the sensational Blazin’ Squad and the legendary N-Trance.

Both renowned acts are set to keep the crowd grooving with their electrifying performances, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. The Fireworks Extravaganza will also feature a lively fun fair, adding a touch of excitement for thrillseekers of all ages.

Attendees can indulge their taste buds in a

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gastronomic adventure with a variety of street food options, tantalising even the most

discerning palates.

One of the highlights of the event is the muchanticipated firework display, promising to awe spectators with its dazzling colours

and breathtaking choreography.

With Milford Waterfront as the backdrop, attendees are in for a visual feast as the night sky is transformed into

a canvas of vibrant hues and mesmerising patterns.

What makes this event even more remarkable is its accessibility – entry

is absolutely free, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, can partake in the festivities.

Milford Haven Round Table’s commitment to providing a memorable experience for the community is evident in their decision to make this event open to all.

As families, friends, and neighbours gather to witness the night sky ablaze with colour, Milford Haven Round Table’s Fireworks Extravaganza promises to be an evening filled with laughter, music, and wonder. So mark your calendars, pack your picnic baskets, and join the community in celebrating this spectacular event at Milford Waterfront on the 5th of November, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

For further information, visit the Milford Haven Round Table’s official Facebook page.

Haverfordwest Men’s Shed receive National Lottery Funding HAVERSHED, Pembrokeshire’s newest Men’s Shed have receives a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to ensure they can run their activities for men in Haverfordwest Havershed were recently awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to establish a place for men to share skills, socialise, support each other’s health and wellbeing, and carry out projects that benefit the community.

Using a grant of £9,470 they will be able to refurb a building in the centre of Haverfordwest to carry out their activities and sessions for men in the area.

Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending.

Men’s Sheds are about social connections and friendship building,

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sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.

David Mills, Chair of Havershed said “We’re over the moon to receive a National Lottery grant, that will ensure a solid premises in Haverfordwest for us to hold activities such as woodwork and tai chi while supporting fellow ‘shedders’ with wellbeing and their mental health” John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are proud to be the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting great project ideas such as Havershed. This group identified an opportunity within their community that could be of immense benefit to those in their local area and stepped up with the help of a National Lottery Community Fund grant.”

News 27

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Three simple steps to keep safe on Bonfire Night With Bonfire Night fast approaching, St John Ambulance Cymru has shared some vital safety advice, to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities safely.

Volunteers from the first aid charity for Wales will be at various local firework displays across the country this weekend just in case somebody gets hurt. It’s important to take safety precautions to help keep everyone safe this Bonfire Night.

Go to an organised firework display.

Fireworks can be extremely dangerous, so it’s always better to leave it to those who have been professionally trained. It’s also a great opportunity to get together with your local community!

Although an organised display is safer, if you do decide to have your own display, make sure you purchase fireworks which are suitable for home use.

The packet should be

marked to show they conform with British Safety Standards. This will ensure risks of injury are reduced.

Your regional fire and rescue service will also be able to provide you with advice on lighting fireworks safely. For more information go

to your local service’s website: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service or Mid and West Wales Fire Service.

Stay safe with sparklers.

Always wear gloves when using sparklers

and make sure to hold them at arm’s length.

When the sparkler has finished, place it in a bucket of sand / water to reduce the risk of a fire starting or anybody getting burnt.

Take precautions with your bonfire.

Ensure you build

your bonfire in an open space, away from anything that could be caught. Before lighting a bonfire, prepare nearby buckets of water / fire extinguishers just in case it gets out of control. Keep all flammable liquids away from the area, including aerosol cans. If the fire becomes out of control, get as far away from the flames as possible and call 999 immediately.

Even by taking these precautions, accidents can still happen. If somebody does burn themselves, ensure the area is held under cool running water for at least 20 minutes and remove any jewellery or clothing (unless they are stuck to the burn) before the area begins to swell.

When the burn has cooled, cover the area loosely with cling film, lengthways. Avoid using ice, creams or gels as they may increase the risk of infection.

Monitor the casualty and seek medical advice by calling 111 if you are

concerned. If the burn has happened to a child or an infant, you should always seek medical advice, no matter how small the injury.

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Chief Volunteer Richard Paskell said: “Whilst the preference would always be for people to enjoy fireworks at organised events, we want to make sure that families having bonfire parties at home have the knowledge and confidence to act quickly should an accident happen. This can make a huge difference to the severity and lasting impact of an injury.”

If you see St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers at your local firework display, make sure you give them a wave!

You can find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers’ lifesaving work and learn more vital first aid techniques by visiting www.sjacymru. org.uk.

4th & 5th NOVEMBER 10:00 - 4.30

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NEWS 29

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A glimpse into Wales’ rich architectural heritage Nestled along a secluded country road near the picturesque village of Llanycefn stands Penrhos Cottage, a remarkable testament to Wales’ ancient homebuilding traditions.

Stepping over its threshold is akin to a journey through time, immersing visitors in a bygone era. This whitewashed thatched property, more than two centuries old, serves as a living relic of a unique Welsh practice known as tŷ unnos, or “house in one night”.

In centuries past, the legality of land ownership was determined by a simple yet challenging rule: if someone could construct a dwelling on common land between dusk and dawn and have a fire lit in the hearth by first light, the land and the house became legally theirs. Moreover,

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all land within an axe throw of the front door became their rightful possession.

Penrhos Cottage stands as a rare survivor of this intriguing tradition, showcasing the resilience and craftsmanship of Welsh builders from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Built around 1800 and later reconstructed

with a blend of stone and clom (a mixture of clay, mud, and straw) in 1849, Penrhos Cottage defied the passage of time, housing families despite its modest two-room structure consisting of a kitchen/living area and sleeping quarters. The cottage, now owned by Pembrokeshire County Council, was last occupied by the kindhearted Williams sisters, Maria and Rachel, until 1968. These sisters,

whose generosity and simplicity endeared them to the community, turned Penrhos into a cherished local landmark. Visitors, young and old, were welcomed with sweets and warm smiles, creating cherished memories for generations.

Eifion Evans, a former neighbour, reminisced about the sisters’ kindness and the idyllic simplicity of their lives. “It was a very simple life,” he recalled, his voice laden

with nostalgia. Now, the locals, stirred by a collective determination to preserve this historical gem, are mobilising.

A new group, named Friends of Penrhos, is set to emerge, comprising passionate individuals eager to safeguard the cottage’s legacy.

The future of Penrhos Cottage hangs in the balance, but hope and determination fill the air. Local author and journalist Hefin Wyn sees Penrhos Cottage not just as a building but as an invaluable treasure.

He advocates for its preservation, envisioning it as a museum where visitors can step into the past, learning about the struggles and triumphs of those who once called this humble abode home. Wyn’s optimism resonates within the community, sparking conversations about Penrhos’ potential revival.

Pembrokeshire County Council, recognising the significance of Penrhos Cottage, has expressed openness to collaborating with the newly formed Friends of Penrhos. The council, acknowledging the importance of preserving this historic building, aims to facilitate accessibility and ensure its conservation for future generations.

As the community rallies together, Penrhos Cottage stands not just as a structure but as a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of Welsh traditions. The cottage’s future may be uncertain, but the determination of the people of Llanycefn to safeguard their heritage ensures that the flickering flame of Penrhos’ story will continue to illuminate the hearts and minds of generations to come.

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Welsh care sector not prepared for new food waste legislation THE CARE sector in Wales is in danger of falling foul of upcoming legislation, with many businesses still unaware of the impending changes, says a recycling boss.

New laws come into force on 6 April, with Welsh Government mandating that all facilities are to separate out food waste if they produce more than 5kg per week.

Worryingly for Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling, not much has altered in the awareness and actions of care organisations since research carried out by the company earlier in the year showed 41 per cent of respondents advised they didn’t know about the impending changes.

And with the remaining responders having little to no understanding of the legislation, Grant is concerned this could have financial and reputational impact on the care sector.

He said: “When these laws were introduced in Scotland in 2014 many firms were not able to

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immediately comply as they struggled to appoint a supplier due to the increase in demand.

“It’s vital Welsh care homes don’t fall into the same trap to avoid fines and unwanted negative attention.

“When we launched our research in the spring, it painted a bleak picture.

It’s an ominous sign that during conversations with our clients and contacts, they are still none the wiser about what will happen on 6 April.”

The legislation change is part of the Welsh Government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

Grant added: “A business’ approach to caring for the environment is becoming a key part of the decision-making process for people engaging brands.

“As well as taking away the stress of adhering to the new laws ahead of April, care homes that start recycling food now will be ahead of the curve.

“Being able to communicate to residents and their families that the food waste generated has been turned into electricity is a huge key message.”

Keenan Recycling

collects food waste from every postcode in Scotland, England, and Wales. The food waste is collected from businesses along with public and private sector organisations and is then

transformed into either compost, renewable electricity, gas, heat, or fuel.

Its ever-growing fleet of specialised food waste collection vehicles including hydrogen and

HVO, operate across 17 depots, offering private & public sector clients an opportunity to segregate food waste, lower their carbon footprint and improve their green credentials.

Maternity team win national award Congratulations to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Maternity Services Team who won the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2023 in the Developing a Positive Safety Culture category. They were also finalists in the Patient Safety Education and Training category.

The team were recognised for their efforts inchanging workplace culture around adverse events in maternity and neonatal care.

The winning team include Cerian Llewelyn, Bethan Osmundsen, Miss Tipswalo Day, Mr Matthew Pickup, Mr Ihab Abbasi, Mr Letchuman Shankar, Lisa George, Faith Wirral, Kristy Hutch, Sian Thomas, Elizabeth Rees, Alison Jones, Lynn Hurley, Emma Booth, Manal Elbadrawy, Mr Prem Kumar, Sandra Pegram and Kirsty Harrington Butcher.

Members of the team (pictured) attended the awards ceremony in Manchester recently.

Head of Midwifery Kathy Greaves said: “Making sure our expectant mums and staff feel safe and wellcared for during their time in our maternity units across the Hywel Dda area is hugely important to us. So this award is an acknowledgement of all our hard work and progress. Many congratulations to the team and thanks for all your dedication and hard work.”

Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda

University Health Board, added: “I’m delighted for Kathryn and the team – they work incredibly hard to ensure that parents feel have the best experience possible during their time in our care. Thank you to every member of the team who have played their part in achieving the award.”

The HSJ Patient Safety Awards help drive improvements in culture and quality across the NHS. The awards recognise and reward the hard-working teams and individuals who, in these times of austerity, pay restraints and workforce shortages, are striving to deliver improved patient care.

NEWS 31

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UWTSD considers future of health technology UWTSD’s Assistive Te c h n o l o g i e s Innovation Centre (ATiC) hosted a symposium on Wednesday, October 25, on the theme of Cocreating the Future of Health Technology.

The CATALYSE 2023 event was held in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and its TriTech Institute, along with a host of invited speakers, at Swansea’s Dylan Thomas Centre, and it was also live-streamed.

The keynote address was given by Dr Rob Orford, Chief Scientific Adviser for Health (CSA-H) for the Welsh Government, following a welcome by Professor Elwen Evans KC, UWTSD’s Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Phil Kloer, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The symposium’s four themed sessions included presentations on Co-creation and Partnerships, Immersive Technology, Medical Technology, Digital Technology and Big Data, with invited speakers from Wales’s health and higher education sectors and the UK and internationally based enterprises, including Bloom Standard Inc, USA and Cyberdyne Inc, Japan.

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), the national organisation building and designing digital services for

health and care in Wales, explored a data hackathon challenge as part of the symposium’s programme during the Digital Technology and Big Data session.

DHCW will host the hackathon event soon, in which teams will be challenged to tackle specific problems and provide new insights into healthcare based on data that the NHS routinely collects.

Digital Health Ecosystem Wales (DHEW), a collaboration between Life Sciences Hub Wales and Digital Health and Care Wales, brings together industry, clinicians, policymakers, academics, innovators

and funders to create an environment of digital innovation in Welsh healthcare.

In a dedicated session around Immersive Technology, the DHEW team highlighted a new initiative to establish a pan-Wales special interest group in this field.

Professor Elwen Evans said: “We were delighted to collaborate with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the TriTech Institute for this exciting symposium and to welcome Digital Health and Care Wales and Digital Health Ecosystem Wales to lead two of the sessions, which again strengthens our collaborative links.

“It was an excellent opportunity to showcase how collaboration between academia, NHS Wales, and industry can deliver real benefits and better patient outcomes, as well as drive economic growth.

“This collaborative and applied approach is central to the University’s research and innovation strategy, and it highlights the vital role that universities play in driving innovation in Wales and beyond, securing our future prosperity.”

Professor Phil Kloer, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Our partnership

with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David goes from strength to strength.

“The CATALYSE symposium and our collaborative efforts in respect of the TriTech Institute provide perhaps the best examples of what can be achieved when the NHS, universities, and industry collaborate to improve healthcare and patient outcomes.

“We will only confront the health challenges we face as a nation if we embrace both technical and social innovation.

CATALYSE 2023 provided the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

Professor Chris

Hopkins, Head of Innovation and the TriTech Institute, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and ATiC Clinical Director, UWTSD, said: “This third symposium exemplified how health boards, social care, academia, and industry can work in partnership to develop and evaluate innovative technologies, to understand if improved safety, efficiencies, and better patient outcomes can be delivered at scale.

“We are delighted to be working with all partners, sharing, and learning how we can all add value together for our communities across Wales.”

Dr Sean Jenkins, Associate Professor and ATiC Research Director, UWTSD, said: “This third ATiC symposium built on the success of our inaugural event in 2019 and our 2022 symposium, which reflected on the impact and legacy of the Accelerate Wales programme of which ATiC was a partner in from 2018-2022.

“This new CATALYSE event, which we envisage will become an annual collaborative conference, welcomed speakers and delegates from across the Welsh Government, health boards, enterprise, and academia.

“It was an exciting, thought-provoking event, showcasing examples of recent and current collaboration, and stimulating opportunities for future possibilities to co-create the future of health technology.”

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Friday November 3rd 2023

The fall of Boris ‘I got Brexit done’ Johnston

Ahem, caw!

Stephen Seagull here, takin’ a lofty view on the latest flap in our political landscape.

Fasten your feathers, for this tale’s more tangled than a fishing line at high tide!

Boris Johnson, our once preenin’ leader, akin to a blusterous albatross, has been plucked from the heady heights and found himself perchin’ on the less lofty branch of GB News. I had a beady eye on him crossin’ the Atlantic, expectin’ him to spread his wings in the land of the free,

to be paraded around before inevitably comin’ to roost on some tacky Vegas strip. I envisioned ol’ Boris struttin’ about like a peacock, peddlin’ Jaguars and warblin’ ‘Chim Chim Che-ree’ to the clang of slot machines, all Union Jack waistcoat and wide-eyed wonder.

But no, the chap’s landed on a lower branch than even I anticipated, squawkin’ his heart out on the squawks-box of GB News, right here on the shores he once ruled.

Can you imagine?

The Boris bird, nestin’

alongside the likes of Farage and a flock of other has-beens, chirpin’ that ol’ chestnut: “Our best days are ahead of us,” while the lot of ‘em are really just preenin’ in the last rays of a settin’ sun.

Now, let’s not kid ourselves, folks.

Johnson’s hoppin’ over to GB News ain’t no graceful glide; it’s more of a desperate flap after a tumble. There he goes, rehashin’ his plumage as a paragon of some misguided form of patriotism, all the while the station’s broadcastin’ feels more

like a throwback to the days of dodgy 80s telly that’d give any young seagull nightmares!

But let’s ruffle our feathers a bit here and ponder: is Boris merely droppin’ feathers, or is this a sly molt?

This GB News perch could just be the first swoop towards a new political migration, outside the confines of party politics, free to swoop down on any unsuspecting field of public opinion.

And squawk, let’s look at the potential of the nest Keir Starmer might build. Without a

vision for a future that looks any different than the same ol’ worms and crumbs, Starmer risks leavin’ a void, a gaping maw that the likes of the GB News gaggle could fill with their caterwaulin’ for change.

The big squawk?

The public’s hunger for change ain’t been satiated, not by a long shot. If Starmer doesn’t deliver, the flock’s gonna be lookin’ for a new leader to follow, and that’s where our prodigal parrot, Johnson, with his squawks of faux revolution, might just

swoop in once again.

So there you have it, my fine feathered friends. We’re in for a squall, I reckon. As we peck through the scraps of today’s news, let’s not forget the clever crows awaitin’ their chance to pick over what’s left after the storm.

Till the next high tide, keep your wings wide and your eyes on the skies. And remember, in the world of politics, it’s often the one who can ride the winds of change who ends up soarlin’ the highest.

Caw, caw, and cheerio!

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Wales Witnesses Green Resurgence as Keep Wales Tidy Launches free “Local Places for Nature” garden packs Renowned for their scenic landscape and green spaces, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are set to become even greener.

The leading Welsh environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, offers communities across the country a chance to revamp and transform their local areas with FREE garden packages.

Launched in 2020, Keep Wales Tidy’s “Local Places for Nature” scheme already boasts a legacy of over a thousand gardens across Wales, from orchards to vegetable and wildlife gardens.

The project has involved a range of community groups, from sports clubs and schools to health boards and councils. Local Places for Nature garden packages offer an opportunity for groups of all sizes and skill levels to come together and improve our local green spaces, enhancing our biodiversity and improving everyday

lives for the community.

•

• • • •

local

The garden packages are more than juts equipment, instead offering groups a holistic experience, equipped with: Native plants to boost local biodiversity.

Essential tools and materials for gardening.

Expert advice on garden setup.

C o n t i n u e d support from the heart of Keep Wales Tidy’s committed team.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, stated, “The gardens aren’t just ecological hubs. They’re platforms for community cohesion, boosting mental and emotional well-being.

We’re geared up for lots of interest in the coming months, so we encourage early applications.”

Those eager to improve their communities, and the environment, can apply for their free garden package on the Keep Wales Tidy website w w w. k e e p w a l e s t i d y. cymru/nature This sustainable initiative, funded by Welsh Government, is part of a wider ‘Local Places for Nature’ programme, focusing on creating, restoring, and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

For more information, readers are encouraged to reach out to Keep Wales Tidy’s dedicated team at nature@keepwalestidy. cymru.

Local Places for Nature is delivered by Keep Wales Tidy, a Wales-wide environmental charity committed to achieving a more beautiful Wales, by working with individuals, communities, and businesses. To find out more about how you or your organisation can get involved, visit www. keepwalestidy.cymru

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Ivo Graham: Organised Fun

WHAT’S ON

UPPER MARKET ST, HAVERFORDWEST,

Prepare for an uproarious night of laughter and chaos as the acclaimed comedian Ivo Graham takes the stage at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.

From Thursday, 9th November 2023, Graham’s new show, “Organised Fun”, is set to captivate audiences with a whirlwind of witty banter, quizzes, tangents, and a generous dose of fluster.

Graham, renowned for his quick wit and motormouthed finesse, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Fresh from dismantling a barge, revealing personal secrets in the Doubletree, and even blanking on the 1992 Ipswich Town crest on popular shows like Taskmaster, Off Menu, and University Challenge, he promises an evening filled with unpredictable humour. “Humiliation’s your thing, right?” Graham’s brother asked him at Christmas, a question that has clearly served as inspiration for his latest comedy venture. With the full existential ramifications of this query still sinking in, Graham is gearing up for a

performance brimming with more risk than ever before.

(Note: Previous shows have, broadly speaking, been quite low risk).

A nominee for the Best Show/Joke accolade in 2019, Graham has been praised for his confident, exquisitely crafted, Wand, most importantly, satisfyingly funny material.

The Times described his act as “motormouthed finesse”, while the Telegraph enthused, “I could watch him natter all day.” Evening Standard chimed in, praising his performances as “confident, exquisitely crafted, and, most importantly, satisfyingly funny.”

The Torch Theatre, a hub for arts and entertainment in Milford Haven, is thrilled to host Graham’s show, expecting audiences to be left in stitches and thoroughly entertained. The anticipation is palpable as theatre-goers gear up for an evening that promises not just laughter, but also a unique blend of humour and intellect.

Graham’s show is a testament to the power of storytelling and the art of comedy. With his razor-

sharp wit and ability to find humour in the everyday, he is set to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. As the curtains rise on “Organised Fun”, Milford Haven is in for a night of laughter, surprises, and perhaps a touch of existential contemplation.

Tickets for Ivo Graham’s “Organised Fun” are selling fast, and comedy enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early to witness this comedy extravaganza at the Torch Theatre, starting from Thursday, 9th November 2023. Prepare to be amused, delighted, and thoroughly entertained as Graham takes the audience on a hilarious journey through the labyrinth of his mind, promising a night of organised chaos and unadulterated fun.

For ticket information and showtimes, visit the Torch Theatre website or contact the box office directly. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the UK’s most talented comedians in action, as Ivo Graham guarantees a night of laughter that will leave you in stitches and longing for more.

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PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS MIXED ABILITY RUGBY TEAM DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM EYES DOWN AT 7:00PM

NOV 03

BONFIRE BINGO £10 PER BOOK (8 GAMES INCLUDED) CRISPS & CAKES MILFORD HAVEN RUGBY CLUB

PLANNED & HOSTED BY TEGAN & FFION

Friday November 3rd 2023

What’s FEATURE on 39

www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk For up to date news please check our social network channels www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

Spine-chilling thrills and paranormal encounters An eerie adventure awaited the brave-hearted on the night of November 11. Scolton Manor, known as the most haunted place in Haverfordwest, became the epicenter of spinetingling chills and ghostly encounters as Haunted Adventures Ltd hosted an unforgettable ghost hunt.

Under the moonlit sky, a group of courageous individuals gathered at the historic Scolton Manor, eagerly anticipating an encounter with the unknown.

Haunted Adventures, renowned for their expertise in the paranormal realm, promised an evening filled with mysterious activities, heart-pounding seances, and the chance to explore the shadowy corners of the manor.

Guided by Experts Led by the seasoned team of Haunted Adventures, attendees embarked on a journey through the dimly lit halls and ominous corners of Scolton Manor. The expert investigators provided invaluable insights into the world of the supernatural, ensuring participants were well-prepared for the eerie encounters that lay ahead.

Unforgettable Experiences The night was punctuated with a variety of activities, including seances and other mysterious

rituals. Participants were given access to an array of ghost hunting equipment, including K-II meters, trigger objects, ghost meters, and EDI’s, enhancing their chances of connecting with the otherworldly. For the bravest souls among them, opportunities for lone vigils were presented, allowing them to confront the spirits in solitude.

Safety First Haunted Adventures prioritized the safety and well-being of their guests.

A qualified first aider was present throughout the night, ensuring that attendees felt secure while exploring the haunted depths of Scolton Manor. The event

organisers also provided refreshments, including tea, coffee, cordial, and biscuits, offering moments of respite amidst the spine-chilling adventure.

An Immersive Experience What set this ghost hunt apart was the focus on smaller and more personal groups, allowing participants to delve deep into the mysteries of the manor in an intimate setting. The friendly and experienced team of investigators offered guidance, support, and advice, ensuring that everyone had a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Despite the palpable tension in the air, attendees

left the event with tales of supernatural encounters and a newfound appreciation for the unknown. Each creak of a floorboard, each flicker of a candle, and each unexplained sensation added to the night’s mystique, leaving an indelible mark on the brave souls who dared to step into the world of the paranormal.

For those who missed this spine-chilling adventure, Haunted Adventures Ltd continues to offer unique and thrilling experiences for those curious about the supernatural. As the night of November 11 fades into memory, the echoes of ghostly whispers and the thrill of the unknown will linger, a testament to the captivating world of Scolton Manor’s haunted history.

Spectacular bonfire and fireworks night at Broad Haven beach The newly formed ‘Havens Events Crew’ is all set to host a thrilling Bonfire and Fireworks Night at Broad Haven Beach on the 5th of November. This eagerly anticipated event promises an evening of mesmerising pyrotechnics, a blazing bonfire, and a touch of friendly competition.

The festivities are slated to commence at 5:00 pm when the Havens Events Crew will set the bonfire ablaze, casting a warm glow over the beach and its eager attendees. The night sky will truly come alive at 5:30 pm, as the crew prepares to launch a spectacular array of fireworks, painting vibrant hues against the dark canvas of the evening.

One of the highlights of the evening is the ‘Guy’

competition, adding a creative twist to the traditional bonfire night revelry.

Participants are encouraged to craft their own ‘guy’ and bring it along for judging. The winner of the competition will be awarded two child tickets to the esteemed Manor

House Park, a prize that is sure to spark the competitive spirit among attendees.

The event promises to be a sensory delight, with the crackling bonfire filling the air with the scent of burning wood and the fireworks illuminating the beach with

their vibrant colours and dazzling patterns. Families, friends, and visitors from far and wide are expected to gather at Broad Haven Beach, creating a sense of camaraderie and community spirit that is synonymous with bonfire night celebrations.

FRIDAY’S TV 3.11.23 CHOICE

Adam Hills Stand Up to Cancer: The Takeover Channel 4, 7pm A night of charity fundraising begins 7pm with The Takeover as Davina McCall, Adam Hills, Joe Lycett and Munya Chawawa broadcast live from the Francis Crick Institute. There, they will celebrate some of the breakthroughs that have been made possible by SU2C donations.

Listings supplied by PA Media

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live.

10.00 Scam Interceptors. 10.45 Frontline Fightback. 11.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 London Kills.

2.30 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 The Travelling Auctioneers. (R) 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Live magazine show, hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.

7.30 Wales’ Home of the Year.

Owain, Mandy and Glen assess properties in the North East.

8.00 Kiri’s TV Flashback. New series. A delve into the TV archives in search of clips on the theme of inventions.

8.30 Ghosts. Robin has an epiphany that has a profound impact on the rest of the ghosts.

9.00 Have I Got News for You. Jo Brand hosts the satirical quiz, with guests Fergal Sharkey and Zoe Lyons.

9.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys. (R) 10.00 BBC News at Ten. 10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 The Graham Norton Show.

11.30 My Sperm Donor and Me. (R) 12.00 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. (R) 1.15 BBC News.

6.15 Money for Nothing. (R) 7.00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Expert Witness. (R) 8.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.

(R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics UK. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Unbeatable. (R) 2.15 Wanted Down Under. (R) 3.00 Call That Hard Work? (R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 Tribes, Predators & Me. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Scarlette Douglas, Max George, Susie McCabe and Olly Smith take part.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. 7.00 Scrum V Live. Ospreys v Sharks (Kick-off 7.35pm).

Coverage of the United Rugby Championship match at Twickenham Stoop, as London hosts a match in the competition for the first time.

9.45 Planet Earth: A Monkey’s Tale. (R) 10.00 Beechgrove Gardens in Winter. (R) 10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 Film: The Nest. (2020) Premiere. Drama, starring Jude Law. 12.45 Sign Zone: Prime Suspect: Who Took Madeleine McCann?

(R) 1.45 Union with David Olusoga. (R) 2.45 Saving Lives at Sea. (R) 3.45 Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. (R) 4.25 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain.

9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women.

1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure.

(R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R) 6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. Ruth Dodsworth and Sean Fletcher take a thrilling ride down the River Teifi.

7.30 Emmerdale. Marlon swallows his guilt.

8.00 Coronation Street. A cornered Ryan admits to Daniel that he has declared his love to Daisy, and Stu summons a social worker to investigate Eliza’s injury.

9.00 It’ll Be Alright on the Night.

The biggest TV shows of 2023 share their funniest mistakes.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 The NFL Show.

11.40 Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. The seven would-be Sophies take to the stage.

(R) 12.45 Sorry, I Didn’t Know.

(R) 1.10 Catchphrase. (R) 1.45 Loose Women. (R) 2.30 Angela Black. (R) 3.20 Unwind. 5.10 Made in Britain. (R)

6.00 Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. 12.30 Heno. 1.00 Yn y Fan a’r Lle. (R) 1.30 Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Marathon Eryri 2023. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 6.35 Bex. Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Taith i Gaeredin.

10.00 Curadur.

10.35 Rygbi WXV. 12.20 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier.

(R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Channel 4 News. 7.00 Stand Up to Cancer: The Takeover.

8.30 Celebrity Gogglebox for SU2C. 9.00 Don’t Look Down: The Final. 9.30 Celebrity Gogglebox for SU2C. 10.00 The Comedy Roast for SU2C. 11.30 Sean Lock: Lockipedia Live for SU2C. (R) 12.35 Rhod Gilbert: A Pain in the Neck for SU2C. (R) 1.30 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 2.15 Come Dine with Me. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine.

11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.00 Home and Away.

(R) 1.30 Film: A Small Town Christmas Wish. (2021) 3.15 Film: A Very Merry British Christmas.

(2022) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. Graeme meets a Chihuahua named Hulk that has a tendency to be vicious towards its owners. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Shop Smart, Save Money.

Angellica Bell and Ortis Deley assist the Richardson family from Sheffield.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. The comedian hits the highways of Kent, where she explores Canterbury and the Garden of England, kicking off her adventure at Hever Castle.

9.00 The Good Ship Murder. A kidnap and ransom demand shatters a wedding party mood in Palma.

10.00 World’s Most Expensive Cruise.

11.05 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. (R) 12.05 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. 1.05 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.10 Building Victorian Britain. (R) 4.00 Secret Life of the Holiday Resort. (R) 4.50 Friends. (R) 5.35 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Top of the Pops 9.00 Bobbie Gentry 11.30 Country Queens at the BBC ITV2 4.00 Dawson’s Creek 5.00 Dinner Date 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow 8.00 Bob’s Burgers 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy ITV3 3.45 Midsomer Murders 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Martin Clunes: My Travels and Other Animals 8.30 ITV Racing: Breeders’ Cup Live.

Coverage of day one.

ITV4 3.45 The Professionals 4.50 Minder 5.55 BattleBots 7.00 Live FA Cup Football. Sheppey United v Walsall (Kick-off 7.45pm). 10.00 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite E4 4.00 Married at First Sight UK 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Young Sheldon 8.00 Modern Family 9.00 Film: World War Z (2013) Zombie thriller, starring Brad Pitt. 11.15 Naked Attraction’s Best Naughty Bits Film4 3.20 Red Mountain (1951) 5.05 Dead Reckoning (1947) 7.10 Men in Black (1997) Sci-fi comedy, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. 9.00 Hustlers (2019) Comedy crime drama, starring Jennifer Lopez.

11.10 Mean Streets (1973)

SATURDAY’S TV 4.11.23 CHOICE

Emma Willis The Voice UK ITV, 8.25pm Emma Willis hosts the return of the spinningchair singing contest, with Anne-Marie, Olly Murs, Tom Jones and Will.i.am on the coaching panel once again. In the opening edition, the four mentors will be selecting their teams through blind auditions, which groups have been allowed to enter for the first time in the programme's history.

F

R T, AN OFFE T S IN SH A EC E R

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live. 11.30 Nadiya’s Simple Spices. (R) 12.00 Football Focus. 1.00 BBC News; Weather.

1.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 2.00 Live International Rugby League.

England v Tonga (Kick-off 2.30pm).

4.30 Final Score. 5.25 Wales’ Home of the Year. (R) 5.55 BBC News.

6.10 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

6.20 Alan Carr’s Picture Slam.

With contestants from Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Glasgow. Last in the series.

7.05 Strictly Come Dancing. Procelebrity contest in which sets of partners battle it out to convince judges and viewers they can trip the light fantastic.

8.30 Survivor. Two castaways are chosen to face a moral dilemma – revealing a gamechanging twist – as the contestants aim to avoid being the third person voted out of Survivor.

9.25 Blankety Blank. Panellists include Carol Vorderman, Clara Amfo, Johnny Vegas and Asim Chaudhry.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.20 Match of the Day. 11.45 Film: Escape Room: Tournament of Champions.

(2021) Premiere. Horror sequel, starring Taylor Russell.

1.10 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.15 BBC News.

6.20 Hey Duggee. (R) 6.35 Supertato. (R) 6.40 Shaun the Sheep. (R) 7.00 Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed! (R) 7.10 Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese. (R) 7.20 Grizzy and the Lemmings. (R) 7.40 Pokemon: Sun and Moon – Ultra Legends. (R) 8.00 Deadly Mission Shark. (R) 8.30 Blue Peter. (R) 8.55 Newsround. 9.05 Gardeners’ World. (R) 10.05 Film: A Lot Like Christmas. (2021) 11.30 Live Women’s International Rugby League. England v Wales (Kick-off 12.00pm). 2.00 Attenborough’s Wonder of Song. (R) 3.00 Nightshifters. (R) 3.30 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. (R) 4.30 Gardeners’ World. (R) 5.30 Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup. Bromley v Blackpool (Kick-off 5.45pm).

8.00 Wynne’s Welsh 70s.

Wynne Evans delves into the BBC Wales archive of 1978. (R) 8.30 The Beatles & the BBC. The relationship between the band and the corporation.

9.35 Sounds of Liverpool at the BBC. Performances by acts from Merseyside. (R) 10.25 Later... with Jools Holland.

11.10 Sgt Pepper’s Musical Revolution – with Howard Goodall. The composer celebrates the Beatles’ classic 1967 album. (R) 12.10 Arena: The Brian Epstein Story. (R) 1.40 The Beatles & the BBC. (R) 2.45 Film: 8 Minutes Idle.

(2012) 4.10 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 7.25 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. (R) 9.25 ITV News.

9.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. 11.40 Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook. (R) 12.40 ITV News. 1.00 ITV Racing: Live from Wetherby. Coverage from Wetherby and Ascot. 4.00 Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals. (R) 4.30 Celebrity Catchphrase. (R) 5.30 ITV News; Weather. 5.45 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 5.55 Film: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (2004) 8.25 The Voice UK. New series.

Emma Willis returns with the spinning-chair singing contest, with Anne-Marie, Olly Murs, Tom Jones and Will.i.am overseeing the first blind auditions.

9.55 The 1% Club. Quiz hosted by Lee Mack in which the questions are all about logic and common sense, with 100 contestants in every show having a chance of winning up to £100,000. (R) 10.55 ITV News; Weather.

11.15 English Football League Highlights. Action from the latest fixtures, including Millwall v Southampton, Plymouth Argyle v Middlesbrough and Swansea City v Sunderland.

12.15 Olivia Marries Her Match.

(R) 1.10 Catchphrase. (R) 1.45 Winning Combination. (R) 2.35 Inside Iran: The Fight for Freedom.

(R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 James Martin’s French Adventure. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.05 Stwnsh Sadwrn: Larfa. 8.30 Dennis a Dannedd. (R) 9.10 Y Doniolis. (R) 9.25 Bwystfil. (R) 9.35 Cic. (R) 10.00 Efaciwîs. (R) 11.00 Codi Pac. (R) 11.30 Dim Byd i’w Wisgo.

(R) 12.00 Ffermio. (R) 12.30 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 1.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 2.00 Rygbi. Wales v Barbarians (Kick-off 2.30pm). 5.00 Clwb Rygbi.

Munster v Dragons (Kick-off 5.15pm).

7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon.

Weekend news and sport.

7.30 Cwpan FA. Wrexham v Mansfield Town (Kick-off 7.45pm).

9.45 Clwb Rygbi. Scarlets v Cardiff.

11.30 Ralïo+. (R) 12.05 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.00 The King of Queens. (R) 7.10 Cheers. (R) 8.30 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 10.30 The Simpsons. (R) 12.00 Film: Leap Year. (2010) 1.55 Four in a Bed. (R) 4.30 Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It: Brilliant Builds. (R) 5.30 Channel 4 News. 6.00 Fortress Britain with Alice Roberts. (R) 7.00 Messages Home: Lost Films of the British Army. (R) 8.00 JFK: 24 Hours That Changed the World.

9.00 Kennedy, Sinatra and the Mafia. 11.00 Formula 1: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights.

12.30 Film: Let Him Go. (2020) 2.25 Griff’s Canadian Adventure.

(R) 3.20 Naked, Alone and Racing to Get Home. (R) 4.15-6.15 Hollyoaks Omnibus. (R)

6.00 Milkshake! 9.55 The Smurfs.

(R) 10.05 SpongeBob SquarePants. (R) 10.20 Entertainment News. 10.25 Friends. (R) 11.20 Film: Every Christmas Has a Story. (2016) 1.05 Film: A Christmas Waltz.

(2020) 2.55 Film: A Heavenly Christmas. (2016) 4.45 Film: We Wish You a Married Christmas.

(2022) 6.30 5 News Weekend.

6.40 The Gunpowder Plot: Countdown to Treason.

Xand Van Tulleken and historian Tracy Borman examine the plot to kill James I by blowing up the House of Lords when the king would be present for the State Opening of Parliament.

(R) 8.30 Secrets of the Royal Palaces. New series. Stories of love and marriage from within palaces’ walls.

9.30 Britannia: Secrets of the Royal Yacht. Rob Bell uncovers the intriguing history of the royal yacht, discovering what life was like on board for the royal family and the 220 crew members who served them.

11.00 Million Pound Motorhomes.

(R) 12.00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

1.50 PlayOJO Live Casino Show.

3.50 Secret Life of the Holiday Resort. (R) 5.25 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Steve Backshall’s Extreme Mountain Challenge 8.00 Britain’s Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues 9.00 Dark Hearts 10.35 The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses – Henry VI Part I ITV2 3.55 Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream 5.25 Film: Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017) 7.10 Film: The Addams Family (2019) Animated family comedy, with the voices of Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron. 9.00 Film: Ride Along (2014) Police comedy, starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart.

11.05 Family Guy ITV3 3.55 Midsomer Murders 8.00 Vera 10.00 Midsomer Murders ITV4 3.25 Film: Captain Newman MD (1964) 6.00 ITV Racing: Breeders’ Cup Live. Coverage of day two.

E4 2.05 Film: Ferdinand (2017) 4.05 Young Sheldon 6.30 The Big Bang Theory 8.00 The Great British Bake Off: The Winners 9.00 Celebrity Gogglebox 10.00 Gogglebox Film4 3.15 Crocodile Dundee (1986) 5.05 Men in Black II (2002) 6.55 Men in Black 3 (2012) Sci-fi comedy sequel, starring Will Smith. 9.00 Military Wives (2019) Comedy drama, starring Kristin Scott Thomas. 11.15 Terminator Salvation (2009) Sci-fi thriller sequel, starring Christian Bale.

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FEATURE

SUNDAY’S TV 5.11.23 CHOICE

Bella Ramsey Time BBC1, 9pm The first series of this drama was gritty and moving; the second is panning out to be just the same. In the second episode, Orla returns to prison after six months of freedom - but will her determination to stay in contact with her children force her into something she may later regret?

Meanwhile, Kelsey hopes she can secure a spot in the mother and baby unit.

41

Listings supplied by PA Media

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 7.35 Match of the Day. (R) 9.00 Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. 10.00 Bargain Hunt. (R) 10.30 Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle.

11.30 Celebration Kitchen Live.

12.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.15 BBC News. 1.25 Weather for the Week Ahead. 1.30 Songs of Praise. 2.05 Points of View. 2.20 Film: Bill. (2015) 3.50 Garden Rescue. (R) 4.20 Kiri’s TV Flashback. (R) 4.50 BBC News.

5.05 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

5.15 Countryfile.

6.15 Planet Earth III. Life in some of the many deserts and grasslands around the world.

7.15 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host this week’s results show.

8.00 Survivor. A huge twist awaits one castaway at the Tribal Council, while, at the immunity challenge, balance and dexterity is rewarded with safety – but who will clinch victory?

9.00 Time. After six months on the outside, Orla finds herself back in Carlingford.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.25 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.30 Match of the Day 2. The day’s Premier League action.

11.35 The Women’s Football Show.

12.25 Film: Equals. (2015) 1.55 Weather for the Week Ahead. 2.00 BBC News.

6.25 Countryfile. (R) 7.35 Breakfast. 9.00 Weatherman Walking. 9.30 Landward. 10.00 Beechgrove Gardens in Winter. (R) 10.30 Mary Makes It Easy. (R) 11.00 Jimmy’s Food Factory. (R) 11.30 The Chimpcam Project: Natural World. (R) 12.15 MOTD Live: Women’s Super League.

Arsenal v Manchester City (Kick-off 12.30pm). 2.45 Live Wheelchair Rugby. England v France (Kick-off 3.15pm). 5.15 Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup. Charlton Athletic v Cray Valley Paper Mills (Kick-off 5.30pm).

7.30 Scrum V Sunday. A look back at Alun Wyn Jones’ career.

8.30 Villages by the Sea. Ben Robinson explores the remains of a lost harbour in Port Carlisle. (R) 9.00 Liz Bonnin’s Wild Caribbean. New series. Liz explores the region, beginning with the Greater Antilles.

10.00 The Yorkshire Ripper Files: A Very British Crime Story. Exploring how attempts to catch the killer were hindered by a hoax. (R) 11.00 Live at the Apollo. (R) 11.30 Match of the Day: The FA Cup. Action from the firstround ties. (R) 1.00 Sign Zone: Question Time. (R) 2.00 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. (R) 2.30 MasterChef: The Professionals. (R) 3.30 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 James Martin’s French Adventure. (R) 7.00 Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South.

(R) 7.25 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. (R) 9.25 ITV News.

9.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. 11.30 Live FA Cup Football. Chesterfield v Portsmouth (Kick-off 12.15pm).

2.45 Film: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween. (2018) 4.25 Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals. (R) 4.55 The Chase Celebrity Special. (R) 5.55 ITV News; Weather.

6.10 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

6.15 Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. The seven would-be Skys take to the stage.

7.30 Penscynor: Life on the Wild Side. The rise and fall of the zoo in the Neath Valley.

8.00 Three Little Birds. Leah’s life is complicated by a blossoming new romance.

9.00 Six Four. A visit to Gary McLean’s killer brings Chris closer to the truth.

10.05 ITV News; Weather.

10.20 Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight. (R) 11.15 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union Highlights.

Action from the fourth round of fixtures.

12.15 English Football League Highlights. (R) 1.05 Catchphrase.

(R) 1.35 Winning Combination. (R) 2.25 Cash Trapped. (R) 3.15 Motorsport UK. (R) 4.00 Unwind.

5.10 Made in Britain. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.50 Penblwyddi Cyw. 9.00 Y Siambr. (R) 10.00 Arfordir Cymru: Môn. (R) 10.30 Y Fets. (R) 11.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. (R) 12.00 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 12.30 Marathon Eryri 2023. (R) 1.30 Mamwlad. (R) 2.00 Ralio+. (R) 2.30 Hen Dy Newydd. (R) 3.30 Sain Ffagan. (R) 4.05 Y Tad, Y Mab A’r Cor. (R) 5.35 Ffermio.

6.10 Pobol y Cwm Omnibws. (R) 7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon.

7.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol.

8.00 Prosiect Pum Mil. 9.00 Film: Gwledd. (2021) 10.50 Sage Todz: Y Neges Nid yr Iaith. (R) 11.20 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. (R) 11.55 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.15 Cheers. (R) 7.05 The Simpsons. (R) 8.00 Formula 1: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights. (R) 9.30 Sunday Brunch. 12.30 The Simpsons. (R) 1.30 The Great British Bake Off. (R) 2.45 Film: Sonic the Hedgehog.

(2020) 4.40 Film: My Spy. (2020) 6.30 Channel 4 News. 7.00 World’s Greatest Train Journeys from Above. (R) 8.00 Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker. 9.00 Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

10.00 Celebrity Gogglebox for SU2C. 10.35 Formula 1: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Highlights. 12.05 The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. (R) 1.05 Film: Sahara.

(2005) 3.10 24 Hours in A&E. (R) 4.05 Couples Come Dine with Me. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 10.00 The Smurfs. (R) 10.10 SpongeBob SquarePants. (R) 10.25 Entertainment News. 10.35 NFL End Zone. 11.05 Friends.

(R) 1.05 Film: A Kiss Before Christmas. (2021) 2.50 Film: A Very Yorkshire Christmas. (2019) 4.45 Film: A Magical Christmas Village. (2022) 6.25 5 News Weekend.

6.30 Amazon: How Do They Really Do It? Documentary examining the online retailer’s journey from bookshop to global superpower, speaking to some of those involved in the company’s creation in 1994.

(R) 8.00 Rich House, Poor House.

Charity worker Julie and her two daughters swap homes and lives with millionaire consultant Jazz and his fiancee Catia for a week.

9.00 The Ex-Wife. Jen is faced with an uncomfortable choice. Last in the series.

10.00 24 Hour Sex: Up All Night.

10.55 The Big Sex Scam. (R) 11.55 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

India v South Africa.

1.00 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00 Friends. (R) 3.50 The Funny Thing About Kids.

(R) 4.40 Great Artists. (R) 5.05 House Doctor. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol.

(R)

BBC Four 7.00 Judi Dench: This Cultural Life Shakespeare Special 7.30 Talking Shakespeare 8.15 Hamlet from Bristol Old Vic 10.45 Steven Berkoff Remembers – Hamlet at Elsinore 11.00 Hamlet at Elsinore ITV2 3.15 Film: Casper (1995) 5.15 Film: Penguins of Madagascar (2014) 7.00 Film: Coyote Ugly (2000) 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy ITV3 3.50 Lewis 5.50 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 8.00 Long Lost Family 9.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities of the World 10.00 Endeavour ITV4 5.20 Film: Nevada Smith (1966) 8.00 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union Highlights 9.00 Film: Pale Rider (1985) 11.25 Robson and Jim’s Fly-Fishing Adventure E4 3.40 Married at First Sight UK 4.40 The Big Bang Theory 8.00 Film: Sister Act (1992) Comedy, starring Whoopi Goldberg. 9.55 Film: The Predator (2018) Sci-fi thriller, starring Boyd Holbrook.

Film4 2.35 Ice Age: Collision Course (2016) 4.25 Home Alone (1990) 6.40 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) Action adventure sequel, starring Harrison Ford. 9.00 S.W.A.T (2003) Action thriller, starring Samuel L Jackson and Colin Farrell. 11.20 Bandits (2001)

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live.

10.00 Scam Interceptors. (R) 10.45 Dr Xand’s Con or Cure.

11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.

(R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Doctors. 2.15 The Bidding Room.

(R) 3.00 Escape to the Country.

3.45 The Travelling Auctioneers.

(R) 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas present topical stories and celebrity chat.

7.30 EastEnders. Keanu and Karen find themselves in hot water.

8.00 Wales’ Home of the Year.

The judges reach Mid Wales and the Valleys.

8.30 Scarlett’s Driving School.

Scarlett takes her own test for the 14th time. Last in the series.

9.00 MasterChef: The Professionals. Four more chefs face skills tests involving crab bisque and pork loin.

10.00 BBC News at Ten. 10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Panorama.

11.10 Have I Got a Bit More News for You. (R) 11.55 The Graham Norton Show.

(R) 12.45 Alan Carr’s Picture Slam. (R) 1.30 BBC News.

6.15 Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle. (R) 7.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: This Farming Life. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Easy Ways to Live Well. (R) 3.15 Mountain Vets. (R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 Tribes, Predators & Me. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Jimi Famurewa, William Hanson, Sinitta and Maisie Smith.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. Fleur East chats to the latest couple to leave the contest.

7.00 Between the Covers.

New series. With Richard Armitage, Rob Delaney, Anita Rani and Jo Brand.

7.30 Mastermind.

8.00 Only Connect.

8.30 University Challenge.

9.00 DNA Family Secrets. A woman searches for the halfsister her mother gave up for adoption. Last in the series.

10.00 Jailed: Inside Maghaberry Prison.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 The Chillenden Murders.

(R) 12.15 Liz Bonnin’s Wild Caribbean.

(R) 1.15 Sign Zone: Countryfile.

(R) 2.25 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.10 Garden Rescue. (R) 3.55 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R) 6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Police interviews continue this week. Pollard cannot help lashing out at Brenda. Belle supports Tom. 8.00 Coronation Street. Carla returns from Spain to challenges at work and in her marriage, Dylan and Mason break into the deserted Rovers, and Stu receives a message from his private investigator.

9.00 The Long Shadow. After a chance arrest, the killer is finally caught and in the wake of Peter Sutcliffe’s trial, the failures of the investigation are laid bare. Last in the series.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Sharp End. 11.45 The Grave.

12.50 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite.

(R) 2.30 Loose Women. (R) 3.20 Barbara Knox at 90. (R) 4.10 Unwind. 5.10 Monster Carp. (R)

6.00 Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Dau Gi Bach. (R) 12.30 Heno. 1.00 Adre. (R) 1.30 Cymry ar Gynfas. 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Dylan ar Daith. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh.

6.00 Dan Do. (R) 6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R) 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer.

8.25 Ffasiwn Drefn.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Ffermio.

9.30 Sgorio.

10.00 Gwesty Aduniad. (R) 11.00 Pobol y Rhondda. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.00 Countdown. (R) 6.40 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Formula 1: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Highlights.

(R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.55 Kaiden’s Story: Stand Up to Cancer. 8.00 Jamie’s 5 Ingredient Meals. 9.00 24 Hours in Police Custody. (R) 10.00 Interview With A Killer. 11.05 Gogglebox. (R) 12.05 Embarrassing Bodies. (R) 1.00 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 1.45 Harry’s Story: Stand Up to Cancer.

(R) 1.50 Film: The Road To Kuthriyar. (2021)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine.

11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime.

1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: A Christmas... Present.

(2022) 3.15 Film: A Gingerbread Christmas. (2022) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. Graeme Hall meets a spaniel that has been stealing items and eating them. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders.

Inspector Anton Sullivan is on the hunt for an escaped prisoner. (R) 7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 The Motorway. Patrollers come to the rescue of a terrified family; 5 News Update.

9.00 Wife on Strike. New series.

People who do the majority of household chores down tools for a week.

10.00 Shoplifters: Stripping the Shelves.

10.55 Police: Suspect No 1. (R) 11.55 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Bangladesh v Sri Lanka.

1.00 Live NFL: Monday Night Football. New York Jets v Los Angeles Chargers (Kick-off 1.15am). 4.30 Entertainment News. 4.40 Friends. (R) 5.35 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol.

(R)

BBC Four 7.00 Great British Railway Journeys 7.30 Gareth Edwards’ Great Welsh Adventure 8.00 Simon Schama’s Power of Art 9.00 Art That Made Us 10.00 The Secret Life of the Mona Lisa 11.00 Have You Seen the Mona Lisa? Arena 11.45 Two Melons and a Stinking Fish ITV2 4.00 Dawson’s Creek 5.00 Dinner Date 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win 8.00 Bob’s Burgers 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy 11.35 American Dad! ITV3 3.45 Midsomer Murders 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 McDonald & Dodds 10.00 DCI Banks ITV4 3.40 The Professionals 4.45 Minder 5.50 BattleBots 6.55 The Chase Celebrity Special 8.00 Film: Thunderball (1965) 10.40 Film: Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) E4 4.00 Teen First Dates 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Young Sheldon 8.00 Modern Family 9.00 Married at First Sight UK 10.00 Made in Chelsea 11.05 First Dates Film4 2.35 A Lawless Street (1955) 4.10 Annie (1982) 6.45 Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) Fantasy action comedy, starring Dwayne Johnson. 9.00 Freaky (2020) 11.05 BlacKkKlansman (2018)

MONDAY’S TV 6.11.23 CHOICE

Lee Ingleby The Long Shadow ITV, 9pm Last week involved the murder of Jacqueline Hill, the Leeds University student who was the final victim.

Now her killer is about to be brought to justice at last.

We’ve witnessed the police’s efforts to find him, a task that took five long years, and seen the numerous mistakes they made, so it seems oddly appropriate that the perpetrator falls into their lap almost by accident.

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R T, AN OFFE T S IN SH A EC E R

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TUESDAY’S TV 7.11.23 CHOICE

Anthony Joshua Louis Theroux Interviews BBC2, 9pm Over the next few weeks, we will see Louis travel from New York to France, and from Glastonbury to Kent, to spend time with actor Ashley Walters, activist Chelsea Manning, Hollywood legend Dame Joan Collins, and musicians Pete Doherty and Raye. But his first subject is two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua.

Listings supplied by PA Media

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live.

10.00 Scam Interceptors. (R) 10.30 State Opening of Parliament 2023. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather.

1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

1.45 Doctors. 2.15 The Bidding Room. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. 3.45 The Travelling Auctioneers. (R) 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Presented by Lauren Laverne and Ronan Keating.

7.30 EastEnders. Keanu tries to right a wrong.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals. Four new chefs have to impress the judges in the Skills Test, where cooking lamb neck with baba ganoush and an apple tarte tatin with a Calvados crème anglaise are the challenges.

9.00 The Met. Detectives investigate the murder of a homeless man and the rape of a young woman.

10.00 BBC News at Ten. 10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Paranormal: The Girl, the Ghost and the Gravestone.

(R) 11.10 Film: William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet. (1996) Romantic drama, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

1.00 BBC News.

6.15 Villages by the Sea. (R) 7.15 Escape to the Country. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Expert Witness. (R) 8.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

10.00 BBC News. 10.30 Dr Xand’s Con or Cure. (R) 11.30 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 First Minister’s Questions.

2.45 Easy Ways to Live Well. (R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 World’s Busiest Railway 2015. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. 7.00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. Sara Davies and Amy Dowden search for moneymaking items.

8.00 This Farming Life. Robert’s cattle get their first taste of freedom and fresh grass in the Cairngorms.

9.00 Louis Theroux Interviews.

New series. Louis meets champion boxer Anthony Joshua.

9.45 Live at the Apollo.

10.30 Newsnight. Gary Lineker presents highlights of the latest Premier League matches 11.10 Weather.

11.15 The Chillenden Murders.

(R) 12.15 Film: Body of Water. (2020) 1.40 Sign Zone: DNA Family Secrets. (R) 2.40 Big Little Journeys. 3.40 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R) 6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Brenda is left baffled by Pollard’s actions.

Sam fears he has lost Lydia for good. Vinny’s problems grow.

8.00 The Martin Lewis Money Show: Live. With home and car insurance premiums rocketing, the cash expert is on hand to try to help viewers tackle those rising prices.

9.00 Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight. Part two of two.

Charting the downfall of Rolf Harris, exposed in the tailwinds of the Jimmy Savile scandal, as his dark past finally catches up with him.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Film: Road to Perdition.

(2002) Depression-era gangster drama, starring Tom Hanks.

12.40 The Switch. (R) 1.30 Cash Trapped. (R) 2.20 Loose Women.

(R) 3.10 On Assignment. (R) 3.40 Unwind. 4.50 The Masked Dancer. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Codi Pac. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Ralio+.

(R) 1.30 Ffermio. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

3.05 Y Fets. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr.

(R) 5.00 Stwnsh.

6.00 Adre. (R) 6.30 Sgorio. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Gwesty Aduniad.

10.00 Rocco Schiavone.

11.15 Arfordir Cymru: Môn. (R) 11.50 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier.

(R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 The Great British Bake Off. 9.15 Banged Up. 10.15 Bangers: Mad For Cars. 11.20 Gogglebox. (R) 1.20 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 2.10 Kaiden’s Story: Stand Up to Cancer. (R) 2.15 Film: Dostojee. (2021) 4.05 Couples Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.00 World’s Most Secret Hotels. (R) 5.55-6.05 Kirstie’s Fill Your House for Free. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine.

11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime.

1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: A Fairytale Christmas. (2013) 3.15 Film: Christmas for Keeps.

(2021) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. A St Bernard that loves to make a song and dance about getting in the car. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Shoplifters: Caught Red Handed. New series. How Britain’s high streets are fighting back against the rising tide of shoplifting.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Police 999: Clear & Present Danger. A police officer is brutally attacked with a machete; 5 News Update.

9.00 Portillo’s Andalucia.

New series. Michael Portillo explores the region of Andalucia in southern Spain.

10.00 The World’s Most Expensive Hotels. Day-to-day life in the Las Vegas hotel. (R) 11.05 Fare Dodgers: At War with the Law. (R) 12.05 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

1.05 PlayOJO Live Casino Show.

3.05 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (R) 4.40 Friends. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol.

(R)

BBC Four 7.00 Great British Railway Journeys 7.30 Weatherman Walking: Dylan’s Walks – Swansea & Llansteffan 8.00 Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em 8.35 Yes Minister 9.05 The Australian Wars 10.05 HMS Brilliant 11.45 The Most Courageous Raid of World War Two ITV2 4.00 Dawson’s Creek 5.00 Dinner Date 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win 8.00 Bob’s Burgers 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy ITV3 3.45 Midsomer Murders 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Midsomer Murders 10.00 DCI Banks ITV4 3.45 The Professionals 4.50 Minder 5.55 BattleBots 7.00 The Chase Celebrity Special 8.00 Film: The World Is Not Enough (1999) 10.40 All Elite Wrestling: Rampage 11.50 River Monsters E4 4.00 Married at First Sight UK 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Young Sheldon 8.00 Modern Family 9.00 Married at First Sight UK 10.25 Rick and Morty 10.55 Naked Attraction’s Best Naughty Bits 11.55 First Dates Film4 2.45 Tobruk (1967) 5.10 Scrooged (1988) 7.10 Crocodile Dundee (1986) 9.00 Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) Fantasy adventure sequel, starring Dwayne Johnson.

11.25 Hit the Road (2021)

WEDNESDAY’S TV 8.11.23 CHOICE

Alison O'Donnell Shetland BBC1, 9pm Calder and Tosh must work together to find the armed killers and prevent further disaster, but can't agree on whether it's the work of experienced criminals, with Tosh thinking that the hand of organised crime is involved.

On the other side of the island, Agnes Moffat's morning drive is interrupted by a gun-toting Howell standing in the middle of the road.

F

R T, AN OFFE T S IN SH A EC E R

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live.

10.00 Scam Interceptors. (R) 10.45 Dr Xand’s Con or Cure.

11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.

(R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Doctors. 2.15 The Bidding Room.

(R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 The Travelling Auctioneers.

(R) 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Presented by Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas.

7.30 EastEnders. Sharon reels from recent events.

8.00 The Repair Shop. Kirsten Ramsay repairs a huge crack in a large stone birdbath and bookbinder Christopher Shaw restores a tatty logbook that belonged to a sailor who survived the Titanic disaster. (R) 9.00 Shetland. Calder and Tosh must work together to find the armed killers and prevent further disaster, while Howell and Nowak take refuge with a local and wait for a means of escape.

10.00 BBC News at Ten. 10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 BBC Wales Live.

11.10 Film: 1917. (2019) First World War drama, starring Dean-Charles Chapman.

1.00 BBC News.

6.15 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

(R) 7.15 Escape to the Country. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

10.00 BBC News. 11.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Easy Ways to Live Well. (R) 3.15 Mountain Vets.

(R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 World’s Busiest Railway 2015. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. 7.00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. Amanda Barrie and Stephanie Beacham hunt for profit-making items in Somerset.

8.00 The Secret Genius of Modern Life. New series.

The technology involved in the passport.

9.00 Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius. New series.

Documentary drama telling the story of the playwright’s story.

10.00 Upstart Crow. Comedy, starring David Mitchell. (R) 10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Unspun World with John Simpson.

11.45 DNA Family Secrets. (R) 12.45 Sign Zone: Clean It, Fix It. (R) 1.30 MasterChef: The Professionals. (R) 3.30 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R) 6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale.

8.00 Coronation Street. Carla makes empty promises to keep the factory staff working towards a crucial deadline, and Bernie strikes a deal with Big Garth to raise money for Paul.

9.00 Payback. A visit to the Isle of Eris turns Lexie’s world upside down as she discovers crucial information that leaves her with an impossible decision. Last in the series.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Film: Man of Steel. (2013) An alien living in secret on Earth uses his extraordinary powers to defend the human race from a genocidal invasion. Sci-fi adventure, with Henry Cavill and Amy Adams.

1.05 Cash Trapped. (R) 1.55 Loose Women. (R) 2.45 Scam Britain: What You Need to Know – Tonight.

(R) 3.10 Unwind. 4.45 The Masked Dancer. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 11.00 Dysgu Gyda Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Colleen Ramsey: Bywyd a Bwyd. (R) 12.30 Heno.

(R) 1.00 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. (R) 1.30 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Tudur Owen: O Fôn I’r Lleuad. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh.

6.00 Arfordir Cymru: Môn. (R) 6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R) 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Dan Do. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Gogglebocs Cymru.

10.00 Prosiect Pum Mil. (R) 11.00 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier.

(R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 Location, Location, Location. 9.00 Grand Designs.

10.00 David Baddiel: Jews Don’t Count. (R) 11.15 The Great British Bake Off. (R) 12.30 Taskmaster.

(R) 1.25 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 2.15 Don’t Look Down for SU2C. (R) 3.10 Don’t Look Down: The Final. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley.

12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: Much Ado About Christmas.

(2021) 3.15 Film: My Favourite Christmas Tree. (2022) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. A dog that is overbearing in its affection – and another that hates its male owner. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Shoplifters: Caught Red Handed. How Britain’s high streets are fighting back against the rising tide of shoplifting.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Live: Vanished – The Search for Britain’s Missing. Dan Walker investigates more cases of missing people; 5 News Update.

9.00 Cause of Death. New series.

Coroner Dr James Adeley and his team investigate the death of an elderly woman who was physically attacked in a care home.

10.00 Reported Missing: The Murder of Danielle Jones.

11.35 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

12.35 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. (R) 1.30 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (R) 5.05 Friends. (R) 5.55 Entertainment News.

BBC Four 7.00 Great British Railway Journeys 7.30 The Secret Life of Books: The First Folio 8.00 Australia: Earth’s Magical Kingdom 9.00 Brian Cox’s Adventures in Space and Time 10.00 Judi Dench: This Cultural Life Shakespeare Special 10.30 Sir Richard Eyre Remembers – King Lear 10.45 Film: King Lear (2018) ITV2 4.00 Dawson’s Creek 5.00 Dinner Date 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win 8.00 Bob’s Burgers 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy ITV3 3.45 Midsomer Murders 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Lewis 10.00 DCI Banks ITV4 3.45 The Professionals 4.50 Minder 5.55 BattleBots 7.00 The Chase Celebrity Special 9.00 Film: Collateral Damage (2002) 11.15 All Elite Wrestling: Collision E4 4.00 Married at First Sight UK 5.20 Rude(ish) Tube Shorts 5.30 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Young Sheldon 8.00 Modern Family 9.00 Married at First Sight UK 10.00 Teen First Dates 11.05 Gogglebox Film4 2.40 The Duel at Silver Creek (1952) 4.15 Man of the West (1958) 6.25 The Legend of Zorro (2005) 9.00 Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) 11.40 Assassin’s Creed (2016)

We’ll buy your property quickly A certain, hassle-free property buying service

We’ll buy any type of property in any condition including: Houses, flats, bungalows, apartment blocks, short leases, inherited, portfolios, HMO’s, land and property in need of modernisation or redevelopment.

✔ Vacant, rented or occupied on any type of agreement: Sitting tenants, assured, regulated, HMO and AST’s. ✔ Confidential house buying service with no “for sale” sign ✔ No selling fees and we pay your legal costs too ✔ A guaranteed sale within your chosen timetable CALL FREE ON

0800 157 7476

email: info@openpropertygroup.com

www.openpropertygroup.com

TV FEATURE

THURSDAY’S TV 9.11.23 CHOICE

Stacey Dooley Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers BBC1, 9pm As a new mother, Stacey's worries for the future - and about death - have only exacerbated. In order to try to overcome her fears, she wants to face death head on, so joins the team of funeral directors at Nottinghamshirebased firm, AW Lymn. Stacey fully immerses herself in every aspect of the company's day-to-day work to discover more about the business of death.

43

Listings supplied by PA Media

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live.

10.00 Scam Interceptors. (R) 10.45 Dr Xand’s Con or Cure.

11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.

12.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Doctors. 2.15 The Bidding Room.

(R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 The Travelling Auctioneers.

(R) 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show.

7.30 EastEnders. Reiss gets relationship advice from the residents of Walford.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals. The quarterfinal sees the chefs tasked to prepare and cook a standout tart – a sweet or savoury pastry treat that that will blow the competition out of the water.

9.00 Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers. Stacey confronts one of society’s last taboos – death – by immersing herself in the world of undertaking at one of the UK’s busiest familyrun funeral businesses.

10.00 BBC News at Ten. 10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Question Time. Fiona Bruce hosts the debate from Llandudno, north Wales.

11.40 Newscast.

12.15 Survivor. (R) 1.10 BBC News.

6.15 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

(R) 7.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Mountain Vets.

(R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 World’s Busiest Railway 2015. (R) 5.15 Coast. (R) 5.30 Weatherman Walking: Dylan’s Walks – Swansea & Llansteffan. (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Jimi Famurewa, William Hanson, Sinitta and Maisie Smith take part.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. 7.00 Weatherman Walking: Dylan’s Walks – New Quay and Laugharne. (R) 7.30 Mary Makes It Easy.

8.00 Saving Lives at Sea. The crew race to a teenager who has been swept out to sea.

9.00 The Newsreader. New series. Return of the Australian drama, starring Anna Torv.

9.50 The Fast and the Farmerish. (R) 10.00 Mock the Week. (R) 10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Welsh Rugby: Keeping the Faith. (R) 12.15 Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius. (R) 1.15 Sign Zone: Strictly Come Dancing. (R) 2.45 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results. (R) 3.25 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R) 6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Nicola gives advice, Jai hears Amit’s reasons, and Bernice continues to treat herself.

8.30 After Lucy Letby: Silence on the Wards? Tonight.

Dr Ravi Jayaram, who helped expose serial killer nurse, Lucy Letby, joins Paul Brand to investigate the estimated 11,000 avoidable deaths a year due to NHS patient safety failings.

9.00 Inside M&S. New series.

Cameras are invited inside every corner of M&S. 10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South. (R) 11.15 It’ll Be Alright on the Night.

Compilation of TV clangers, gaffes and fluffed cues. (R) 12.05 All Elite Wrestling: Rampage.

(R) 1.00 Cash Trapped. (R) 1.50 Loose Women. (R) 2.40 Counting Tigers: A Survival Special. (R) 3.30 Unwind. 5.05 Moneyball. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Dim Byd i’w Wisgo. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Sain Ffagan. (R) 1.30 Pobol y Rhondda. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

3.05 Gwesty Aduniad. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Y Sioe Fwyd. (R) 6.30 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Y Byd yn ei Le. 9.45 Rygbi Pawb Uchafbwyntiau.

10.30 Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau. (R) 11.00 Dan Do. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier.

(R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. 9.00 Taskmaster. 10.00 Hullraisers.

11.05 Banged Up. (R) 12.05 Naked Attraction. (R) 1.00 Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. (R) 1.50 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 2.40 Iris Prize Best British Shorts. 3.45 World’s Most Secret Hotels. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley.

12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: An Unforgettable Christmas.

(2020) 3.15 Film: The Search for Secret Santa. (2022) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. A woman turns to Graeme for help with her Terrier, Blossom. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Secret Life of the Forest.

Cameras document the start of autumn in Dalby and Cropton Forests. Last in the series.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Inside the Tower of London.

The Beefeaters’ iconic uniforms must be updated; 5 News Update.

9.00 All Creatures Great and Small. Helen feels redundant at Skeldale. Last in the series.

10.00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild. (R) 11.05 999: Critical Condition. (R) 12.05 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

1.05 PlayOJO Live Casino Show.

3.05 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (R) 3.55 BargainLoving Brits in the Sun at Christmas. (R) 4.45 Friends. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol.

(R)

BBC Four 7.00 Great British Railway Journeys 7.30 Weatherman Walking: Dylan’s Walks – New Quay and Laugharne 8.00 Hidden Wales: Last Chance to Save 9.00 Dylan Thomas: From Grave to Cradle – Arena 10.00 Dame Sian Phillips Remembers – Under Milk Wood 10.15 Under Milk Wood 11.15 Film: The Edge of Love (2008) ITV2 5.00 Dinner Date 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win 8.00 Bob’s Burgers 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy ITV3 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Vera 10.00 DCI Banks ITV4 3.45 The Professionals 4.50 Minder 5.55 BattleBots 7.00 The Chase Celebrity Special 8.00 River Monsters 9.00 Film: Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) 11.20 Film: Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994) E4 4.00 Married at First Sight UK 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Young Sheldon 8.00 Modern Family 9.00 Married at First Sight UK 10.00 In Love and Toxic: Blue Therapy 11.05 Gogglebox Film4 4.35 Buchanan Rides Alone (1958) 6.20 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) 9.00 Military Wives (2019) 11.15 Hustlers (2019)

FRIDAY’S TV 10.11.23 CHOICE

Charlotte Ritchie Ghosts BBC1, 8.30pm The final episode of the supernatural comedy sees Mike and Alison receive a life-changing offer beyond their wildest dreams. Still reeling from the news, and anxious to discuss it, they are interrupted by a heartbroken Obi, who has been suddenly dumped by a strangely callous Brenda.

Alison and Mike agree to reconvene with lists of pros and cons.

F

R T, AN OFFE T S IN SH A EC E R

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1 WALES

S4C

CHANNEL 5

DIGITAL

6.00 Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live. 10.00 Scam Interceptors.

(R) 10.45 Dr Xand’s Con or Cure. 11.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt.

(R) 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 London Kills. 2.30 The Bidding Room. (R) 3.15 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 The Travelling Auctioneers. (R) 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Live magazine show, hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.

7.30 Kiri’s TV Flashback.

A delve into the TV archives for clips of some of the nation’s favourite Welsh celebrities.

8.00 Would I Lie to You? With Stephen Hendry, Laura Whitmore, Chris McCausland and Maisie Adam. (R) 8.30 Ghosts. Mike and Alison receive a life-changing offer far beyond their expectations. Last in the series.

9.00 Have I Got News for You. 9.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys. (R) 10.00 BBC News at Ten. 10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 The Graham Norton Show.

11.30 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. (R) 12.40 Survivor. (R) 1.40 BBC News.

6.30 Villages by the Sea. (R) 7.00 Homes Under the Hammer.

(R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics UK. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Mountain Vets.

(R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 World’s Busiest Railway 2015. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 5.30 Villages by the Sea. (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Jimi Famurewa, William Hanson, Sinitta and Maisie Smith test their skills.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. Fleur East is on hand with more Strictly exclusives.

7.00 Hairy Bikers Short. The pair make a five-tier wedding cake. (R) 7.15 Scrum V Live. Cardiff v Bulls (Kick-off 7.35pm).

9.30 The Newsreader. The country is rocked by an unprecedented mass shooting in Clifton Hill in Melbourne.

10.25 The Fast and the Farmerish. (R) 10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 Film: Pan’s Labyrinth.

(2006) Period fantasy, starring Ivana Baquero.

12.55 Sign Zone: Panorama. (R) 1.25 The Crash Detectives. (R) 1.55 Saving Lives at Sea. (R) 2.55 Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. (R) 3.35 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase.

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. Sean Fletcher and Ruth Dodsworth explore the Great Orme in Llandudno.

7.30 Emmerdale. Bernice is seemingly guarding a secret.

8.00 Coronation Street. Paul gets a devastating update on his prognosis, Carla prioritises Peter over Underworld, and Gemma ignores Chesney’s wishes by keeping Joseph off school.

9.00 Backstage. A look back at some of the best bits from the last two years of the show, which celebrates the biggest and best artistic talent from around Wales.

Nest Jenkins presents.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 The NFL Show.

11.40 The Voice UK. The return of the singing contest. (R) 1.00 Cash Trapped. (R) 2.00 Loose Women. (R) 2.50 Angela Black. (R) 3.45 Unwind. 5.05 Flying for Britain with David Jason. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Y Sioe Fwyd. (R) 1.30 Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Prosiect Pum Mil. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 6.35 Bex. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Yn y Lwp. 9.30 Wil, Aeron a’r Inca. (R) 10.45 Jason Mohammad: Stadiymau’r Byd. (R) 11.50 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier.

(R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.30 Unreported World.

8.00 The Secret World of Burgers.

(R) 9.00 Gogglebox. 10.00 The Last Leg. 11.05 Jon & Lucy’s Odd Couples. (R) 12.10 Film: 48 Hrs. (1982) 1.50 Film: The Shallows.

(2016) 3.15 Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.30-6.10 Find It, Fix It, Flog It.

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine.

11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime.

1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: A Glenbrooke Christmas.

(2020) 3.15 Film: Love at the Christmas Contest. (2022) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. Graeme meets a cheeky Beagle called Woody.

(R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Shop Smart, Save Money.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. The comedian enjoys a new adventure at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, and she remembers some of the highlights from her escapades over the years.

9.00 The Good Ship Murder.

The luxury ship hosts a high stakes poker tournament, with deadly results, leading to another case for sleuths Kate and Jack.

10.00 Big Fight Live: Eubank v Schwarzkopf. Harlem Eubank v Timo Schwarzkopf.

12.05 ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

1.05 Entertainment News. 1.20 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.20 The Yorkshire Vet’s Donkey Day Out for Help the Animals. (R) 4.05 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild.

(R) 4.55 Friends. (R) 5.45 Entertainment News. 5.50 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Top of the Pops 9.00 Agnetha: Abba and After 10.00 Abba at the BBC 11.00 Abba in Switzerland 11.55 The Joy of Abba ITV2 4.00 Dawson’s Creek 5.00 Dinner Date 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win 8.00 Bob’s Burgers 9.00 Big Brother 10.00 Big Brother: Late & Live 11.05 Family Guy ITV3 3.45 Midsomer Murders 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Doc Martin 9.00 Farewell Doc Martin 10.00 DCI Banks ITV4 3.40 The Professionals 4.45 Minder 5.50 BattleBots 6.55 River Monsters 8.00 The Chase Celebrity Special 9.00 The 1% Club 10.00 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite E4 4.00 Married at First Sight UK 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Young Sheldon 8.00 Modern Family 9.00 Film: The Predator (2018) Sci-fi thriller, starring Boyd Holbrook. 11.05 Naked Attraction: All Out & Proud Film4 3.45 It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Fantasy drama, starring James Stewart. 6.25 Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) Sci-fi adventure sequel, starring Chris Pine. 9.00 Ad Astra (2019) Sci-fi drama, starring Brad Pitt. 11.20 Charlie’s Angels (2000) Action adventure, starring Drew Barrymore.

We’ll buy your property quickly A certain, hassle-free property buying service

We’ll buy any type of property in any condition including: Houses, flats, bungalows, apartment blocks, short leases, inherited, portfolios, HMO’s, land and property in need of modernisation or redevelopment.

✔ Vacant, rented or occupied on any type of agreement: Sitting tenants, assured, regulated, HMO and AST’s. ✔ Confidential house buying service with no “for sale” sign ✔ No selling fees and we pay your legal costs too ✔ A guaranteed sale within your chosen timetable CALL FREE ON

0800 157 7476

email: info@openpropertygroup.com

www.openpropertygroup.com

44

Friday November 3rd 2023 FEATURE For up to date news please check our social network channels www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

Newport FOOD FESTIVAL: 29th Oct - 4th Nov

As the beloved food festivals in Fishguard and Newport draw to a close this Saturday, event organizers invite the community to not only revel in the festivities but also to engage in pivotal discussions about our collective food future.

In a bid to marry celebration with serious contemplation, a vital discussion on local food futures has been scheduled for Friday at 6:30 pm in Newport Hall.

Community members are encouraged to join and contribute to the conversation, shaping ideas for sustainable practices moving forward. This gathering promises to spark a local initiative in response to growing global concerns, highlighted by the recent and shocking approvals by US and UK governments for measures against an entire civilian populace.

Amidst the backdrop of these world events, the festivals persist in

their mission to delight and educate. Friday’s lineup includes a variety of cooking and children’s activities throughout the day in Newport Hall.

The evening will see Carwyn Graves, a celebrated Welsh food historian and writer, sharing tales from his latest publication, ‘Welsh Food Stories’, at 5 pm. Following this literary feast, the talented Myfanwy will host a 6 pm supper before the community converges for the food futures meeting.

Sunday morning offers an intimate mountain farm tour hosted by a multigenerational farming family, where participants can delve into Britain’s pastoral history and explore the sustainability of its future with Robert Vaughan’s expert insights. This immersive experience is open for bookings on Eventbrite under ‘Food Festival Newport’ and concludes with a shared lunch with the family.

The festival’s grand

finale presents a delightful dilemma with two concurrent evening events. Fishguard will host its festival supper at Ffwrn, starting at 6:30 pm, promising a sensory celebration of culinary delights.

Meanwhile, Newport extends an invitation for an after-party at the Trewern Arms from 6 pm, where folk tunes, live bands, and a DJ will provide an energetic soundtrack to the end of the festival.

As the festival reaches its crescendo, the community is called upon to savor these moments of joy and harness the collective spirit to forge a path toward a secure and fair food future. Join in the festivities and be part of the conversation that could shape the way we eat and live for generations to come.

For more details on the events and to secure your spots, please reach out to the festival coordinators through the official festival websites or Eventbrite by clicking the button below.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TICKET INFORMATION

Friday November 3rd 2023 www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

GAMING 45 For up to date news please check our social network channels

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!

GAMING GAMING With eddie the game guru

HOROSCOPES The Lucky Signs This Week: Cancer, Leo and Virgo

ARIES If you’re single, you may receive several invitations to go out. Social media may help you find new friends and expand your clientele because they showcase what you have to offer.

TAURUS Make sure you have your smartphone and GPS fully charged and programmed before hitting the road. You’ll avoid confusion and be able to keep in touch with important people.

GEMINI You’ll finally receive a sum of money that’s due to you. What’s more, you’ll receive a refund or insurance payout. Justice will be on your side.

CANCER The week will start off chaotic. You’ll probably need a second cup of coffee to avoid procrastinating.

However, a little daydreaming could help boost your creativity.

LEO Your colleagues or friends could ask you to organize most of the plans when you’d rather take a back seat. You’ll impress others by trusting your skills.

VIRGO If your company is undergoing structural changes, you could be worried about your future within it.

However, you have a good chance of being promoted to an upper management position.

LIBRA You could suddenly be inspired by a training program, which will lead to an exciting new career.

If you’re a spiritual person, you’ll feel the need to deepen your convictions.

Ah, the allure of “life-sims,” a gaming niche that tantalizes in theory yet often falters in execution. Much like a promising novel with a lackluster ending, these games beckon with potential, only to leave me questioning my enthusiasm once I dive in.

Take “Palia,” for instance, a title that teased me with the prospect of an immersive life simulation experience, complete with a captivating narrative, meaningful character relationships, and Landmark-esque visuals.

In the realm of closed beta/soft launch gameplay, however, my hopes were met with disappointment. While “Palia” boasts picturesque graphics and a wholesome ambiance, it falls short in essential areas. The absence of voiced NPC dialogue feels like a missed opportunity, leaving interactions as mere words on a screen. Characters, supposedly the heart of the experience, lack depth, resembling clichéd archetypes rather than engaging personalities. It’s akin to reading a novel with uninspired characters; the absence of voice

acting robs them of vitality, rendering them forgettable.

“Palia” flaunts housing as a headline feature, but this aspect too feels underdeveloped. With only one housing plot available, devoid of scenic views, and non-interactive furniture, the immersive potential is squandered. Crafting and gathering, the core activities, follow a mundane pattern akin to countless other MMOs, lacking the creativity that could elevate them beyond monotony.

Monetization quibbles aside, the game’s camera restrictions and technical glitches further mar the experience. It’s not that I despise “Palia”; rather, it hovers in the realm of mediocrity. It lacks the spark that transforms a game from a mere pastime into an unforgettable adventure. The frustration lies not in its inherent flaws but in its failure to grasp the opportunity for greatness.

It aspires to be a unique tapestry of interpersonal relationships, yet it feels threadbare and incomplete.

Perhaps my disappointment stems from misguided expectations.

Had “Palia” been a standalone or coop venture meant for brief enjoyment, its current state might suffice. Yet, as an MMO, it falls short of the depth and scale one anticipates. Its limited zones and lack of engaging content belie the promises of a rich, expansive world.

I’ve pondered if my dissatisfaction is a matter of personal taste, but reminiscing about past gaming experiences contradicts this notion.

I’ve reveled in the intricacies of life skills in “New World” and relished the companionship in games where combat took a back seat. “Palia” boasts elements I adore, yet the execution falters, leaving me yearning for more.

There’s a glimmer of hope, a chance for “Palia” to evolve and redeem itself. I’ll keep a watchful eye, hoping for the day it realizes its potential. Meanwhile, my mind wanders, entertaining the prospect of a life-sim masterpiece crafted by the hands of seasoned developers like BioWare. If only such dreams could materialize into pixels and polygons.

SCORPIO You’ll be more sensitive and easily moved than usual this week. Although change can induce anxiety, it can also be liberating. You’ll take the necessary steps to purchase a property.

SAGITTARIUS It’s It important to gather all the necessary information before making a decision, even if you’re under pressure to act quickly. Take the time to consider your choice carefully before making it public.

CAPRICORN You’ll have a lot of work to do this week. However, you may come down with a cold that could compromise your productivity. Be sure to take better care of your health, and don’t neglect your sleep.

AQUARIUS You’ll draw attention to yourself for a particular reason. Fortunately, you’ll use your playful side to lighten the mood. You may be told a secret that leaves you perplexed.

PISCES You may need to perform some home repairs before winter. If you’re thinking about moving, make a plan to ease the transition. A family member may cause you concern.

46

Friday November 3rd 2023 For up to date news please check our social network channels www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

Spotlight on Best Pet Competition sponsors

We have had a fantastic response so far for our Pet Competition, thank you to all our entries so far. We are loving watching videos and looking at pictures of your beloved pets and hearing what makes them the best!

There is still time to enter, and there are some amazing prizes to be won, kindly sponsored by Cys Ci Luxury Dog Retreat, Tidy Dog Grooming and Spa Ltd Haverfordwest & The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery.

Pictures and videos will be available on our website from the 10th of December, so our readers and followers can vote for their favourite.

Send an email to jess@ herald.email to enter your little darling - applications accepted up until the 1st of December!

Cys Ci Luxury Dog Retreat Cys Ci Luxury Dog Retreat believes in replicating the comforts of home for every canine guest. As

passionate dog owners, they recognize each pet’s unique needs, ensuring tailored experiences from dietary to emotional care.

At Cys Ci, dogs aren’t just guests – they’re family.

Ensuring companionship and engagement, their attentive staff offer multiple daily walks, enriching activities with toys like KONGs and Lickimats, and stimulating scent games. Socialization and playtime are at the heart of their philosophy, because a contented dog makes for a delighted owner.

Nestled amidst 30 acres of beautiful Ceredigion countryside, their retreat boasts both security and serenity, just moments away from stunning beaches like Penbryn and Tresaith. Our 4-acre enclosed exercise fields cater to every dog temperament, whether they’re outgoing or more reserved.

Additional amenities include an all-weather Astroturf shelter and convenient

wash facilities, with exciting expansions like professional grooming and on-site dog photography on the horizon.

Considering a stay for your pup? Reach out for a retreat tour to see why Cys Ci is the luxury choice for discerning dog owners. https://www.cysci.co.uk/ And we’re excited to announce: Cys Ci is proudly sponsoring The Pembrokeshire Herald’s Top Pet competition! Stay tuned for updates on our website and social channels.

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery Step into Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery, and you’re immediately welcomed by the heart-warming aroma of vegan pet treats freshly baked on-site. Their open kitchen often bustles with the crafting of doggy delicacies, from Dog-nuts and Woofles to an array of 20+ healthboosting biscuits.

While dogs get to indulge in these unique treats,

their human companions aren’t forgotten. The café serves rich coffee and scrumptious homemade cakes, ensuring everyone’s palate is pampered. Beyond edibles, the shop also boasts vegan dog shampoos by Narberth Soap Co and chic pet accessories by Pembs Pooches. And for the feline fans, they’ve got cat treats with more goodies for horses and birds on the horizon! https://www.petbakery.uk/ Excitingly, Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery is the proud sponsor of the Top Pet competition. The winning pet’s owner will savour coffee and cake at their Quay Street café, while the triumphant pet enjoys a delightful prize package of pup cake, puppacino, and doggy wine.

Cheers to that!

Tidy Dog Spa Nestled within the vibrant Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest, Tidy Dog Spa has established itself as

a beacon of luxury and care for our furry companions.

Renowned for their topnotch, full-service pet spa, the salon is specially designed to accommodate up to three dog households simultaneously without any mix, ensuring utmost safety and individual attention for each pet.

Deeply rooted in the belief that every pet deserves individualized care, Tidy Dog Spa operates on a 1-1 basis, avoiding the use of crates and allowing pets to build a trusting relationship with their groomer. Their team of three dedicated groomers work diligently to maintain consistency, ensuring the same groomer tends to the same dog, whenever possible. This approach proves invaluable for pets, especially those who might be a little shy or apprehensive, helping them ease into their grooming routines seamlessly.

Tidy Dog Spa spends quality time during the initial consultation to

understand every pet’s unique requirement, from coat condition and behaviour to lifestyle. After an in-depth discussion with pet parents about maintenance and style preferences, they curate the perfect grooming package, replete with tailored products and schedules. Their flexible appointment options cater to diverse lifestyles, ensuring convenience for all.

For those keen on exploring their diverse services, do visit the ‘Tidy Dog -Services’ tab for a comprehensive list. And as a token of appreciation, they’re offering a 50% discount on your next grooming session when you refer a friend. https://tidydoggrooming. co.uk/ We’re thrilled to announce that Tidy Dog Spa is the generous sponsor for The Pembrokeshire Herald’s Top Pet competition. Join us in celebrating this partnership and don’t miss the chance to treat your pet to an unmatched spa day!

Friday November 3rd 2023 www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

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Harness the Sun and reap the savings with a Solar Power system Celtic Green Energy answers your most burning questions about Solar Cross Hands based Celtic Green Energy are one of Wales leading renewable energy specialists who have been serving the whole of mid, south and west Wales for the last 10 years. With a small team of energy experts and installers, the company prides itself on experience, best value, best prices, high quality and aftercare service.

As an early adopter, the company identified early on the huge benefits of solar power for carbon reduction and long term cost savings – last year’s energy crisis certainly highlighted the nations vulnerability to fuel security. With a growing anxiety of rising energy costs, Celtic Green Energy addressed the consumers’ confusion around solar and embarked on a summer roadshow attending regional shows, exhibitions and shopping centres. It was clearly evident that most consumers shared the same concerns, and their team of energy advisors were able to help shed some light on these issues. The most common issues are revealed here.

1. Why should I consider solar power?

The sun is a freely available natural resource that is used to energise Solar Photovoltaic panels.

The panels are made up of a number of wafer thin silicon solar cells encased in a durable self cleaning weather resistant panel which in turn are linked to an inverter that generates electricity. Solar PV panel technology has been widely popularised in recent years with huge improvements in performance and cost reductions making them an affordable solution

for everyone who uses electricity. If you are a high energy user such as a business, farmer or holiday home owner, a solar panel system will offer you significant reductions in your future energy costs and help sustain your business.

We learn in the press of family bakers and butchers being forced out of business simply on their unsustainable rocketing electricity prices.

2. Is solar energy reliable?

Commercial solar panel systems are a relatively new phenomenon having been popularised only within the last 15 years.

The solar PV panels absorb the sun’s rays during daylight including cloudy or overcast weather – if it’s daylight, they are working! Even after dark, there is a solution with Solar Batteries where excess generated electricity is stored and retrieved at night dispensing with the need for expensive National Grid power.

With continually emerging technology and improving performance, Solar PV panels are guaranteed to last at least 25 years so represent excellent value for money. As there are no moving parts and performance degradation is miniscule, the solar panel system offers excellent reliability.

The Solar Battery and inverters are usually guaranteed for 15 years with extended warranty programmes readily available.

3. Will it be a burden on my finances?

Purchasing a solar power system is an investment that does carry a significant upfront cost, however, this will be soon outweighed with the long term benefits and assured fuel security.

As every home or

business is unique, so is the design of a solar power system – the solar installer will tailor a scheme to best suit your individual circumstances including a site visit to identify the location parameters and discuss the customer’s needs. Most schemes will see the investment repaid within 4 years, some commercial schemes could be repaid in as little as 14 months, so you will no longer be subject to soaring energy prices and be reassured your investment was worthwhile. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may even be eligible for funding assistance with various prevailing Government schemes to install a solar power system.

4. How do I choose the right provider?

The million dollar question! The Solar Power industry is seeing a deluge in businesses offering installations, from the main utility providers to ‘have-a-go-Jo’s’ ready to make a quick buck.

The Solar industry does have very strict regulatory guidelines and consumers are advised to check out MCS accreditation for their local suppliers. If their supplier does not offer MCS certification, they may find that their system may not be compliant with the National Grid and excludes connection and any warranty privileges. Consumers are also reminded that the cheapest solution is not always the best option, we are learning of rogue dealers ‘plug and run’ practices, leaving customers in the lurch with ineffective installations, no aftercare or warranty.

Thankfully Celtic Green Energy has a longstanding provenance of quality workmanship and exemplary aftercare with the necessary

credentials to provide the best possible solutions for their customers.

5. What about maintenance?

Solar Photovoltaic panels are relatively maintenance free as they have no moving parts and are self cleaning.

Depending on certain locations however, some installations are advised to have annual maintenance checks for any signs of wear and tear such as extreme weather damage, moss growth, birds, detritus and traffic pollution. Given the high technology construction, the panels are relatively durable within normal conditions, but consumers are advised not attempt to maintain them themselves as this could cause unnecessary damage such as invasive pressure washers etc.

Most reputable installers offer maintenance and service packages.

Sum up…

Next time you awake to a fresh morning cuppa and look out to a sunny day, remember that sunshine could be providing you with free electricity to power your kettle – as well as your washing machine, cooker, television, charging your electric car and lots, lots more! The possibilities for solar power are endless, so if you are concerned about your rising energy costs and want to do something about it, make your next step be a phone call to Celtic Green Energy who will be able to advise you on the best way forward. You can call their energy helpline 01269 500388 or learn more and visit their website at www. celticgreenenergy.co.uk Here’s to brighter tomorrows and sunnier savings!

newyddion 49

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Rhaid i Fusnes Mawr dderbyn rôl iechyd cyhoeddus

blynyddol y Prif Swyddog Meddygol yn edrych ar gyflwr iechyd y cyhoedd yng Nghymru ac yn gwneud argymhellion i wella hyn.

Dywedodd Syr Frank Atherton: “Mae gan Gymru hanes cryf eisoes o arwain y ffordd wrth ddiogelu iechyd y cyhoedd.

“Ond, mae ein system Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol o dan bwysau aruthrol yn barod. Mae angen inni ddefnyddio pob dull

posibl i leihau’r risg y bydd pobl yn meithrin ymddygiad afiach fel smygu, bwyta deiet gwael, defnyddio cyffuriau ac alcohol, gamblo, a sicrhau hefyd eu bod yn gwneud digon o ymarfer corff.

“Yn aml, mae’r cynhyrchion hyn yn cael eu defnyddio cymaint o ganlyniad i’r strategaethau sy’n cael eu defnyddio gan y cwmnïau mawr sy’n eu cynhyrchu, eu marchnata, eu dosbarthu neu’n eu gwerthu, ac

nid mater o ‘ddewis’ yr unigolyn yn unig yw hyn.”

Yn ‘Siapio ein Hiechyd’, mae Syr Frank Atherton hefyd yn dweud bod newid hinsawdd yn fygythiad mawr i iechyd y cyhoedd.

Mae’n galw ar fusnesau i gydnabod yr effaith y maen nhw’n ei chael ar yr argyfwng hinsawdd. Ar adeg pan fo achosion yn fyd-eang o fusnesau sy’n honni bod yn fwy gwyrdd nag ydynt mewn gwirionedd neu’n ‘gwyrddgalchu’, mae ef hefyd yn gofyn am dryloywder llwyr mewn perthynas â phob honiad amgylcheddol.

Mae’r Prif Swyddog Meddygol hefyd yn canmol busnesau sy’n datgarboneiddio.

Mae Totally Welsh o Hwlffordd, sy’n cyflenwi llaeth sydd wedi’i gynhyrchu o fewn cwmpas o bedwar deg o filltiroedd i’w ffatri botelu i gwsmeriaid lleol, yn un o’r busnesau hynny.

Dywedodd John Horsman, Rheolwr Cyffredinol yn Totally

Welsh: “Mae ailgylchu ac ailddefnyddio wedi bod yn ganolog i ethos y cwmni o’r dechrau. Yn ogystal â lleihau taith bwyd drwy ddod o hyd i’r cynnyrch a’i werthu yn lleol, rydyn ni hefyd yn defnyddio deunydd pacio cynaliadwy. Eleni, yn ogystal â’r cartonau polyethylen sy’n gallu cael eu hailgylchu, byddwn ni’n dechrau defnyddio poteli gwydr ar gyfer gwerthu ein llaeth.”

Ychwanegodd y Prif Swyddog Meddygol: “Mae llawer o enghreifftiau cadarnhaol o fusnesau sy’n ymateb i’r bygythiad byd-eang o newid hinsawdd gan ddangos cyfrifoldeb cymdeithasol corfforaethol.

“Ond mae fy adroddiad hefyd yn tynnu sylw at y tueddiad cynyddol o gwmnïau sy’n twyllo defnyddwyr drwy farchnata eu cynhyrchion gan roi’r argraff eu bod nhw’n fwy ecogyfeillgar nag ydyn nhw mewn gwirionedd.”

NEWYDDION

Yn ei adroddiad blynyddol ar gyfer 2023, mae Syr Frank Atherton, Prif Swyddog Meddygol Cymru, wedi galw ar gwmnïau mawr i gymryd mwy o gyfrifoldeb c y m d e i t h a s o l corfforaethol am iechyd y cyhoedd.

Mae’r adroddiad eleni, o’r enw ‘Siapio ein Hiechyd’, yn canolbwyntio ar y strategaethau a’r dulliau sy’n cael eu defnyddio gan fusnesau i hyrwyddo cynhyrchion a dewisiadau sy’n niweidiol i’n hiechyd – gan gynnwys fepio, gamblo a bwyd a diod sydd wedi’u prosesu hyd at lefel eithafol.

Mae’n dweud y gall diwydiannau mawr gael dylanwad sylweddol ar ein hamgylchedd ac ar ein dewisiadau mewn ffyrdd amrywiol a chymhleth – o’r ffordd y byddant yn cael gafael ar gynhyrchion ac yn eu gweithgynhyrchu i’w dulliau marchnata.

Mae adroddiad

Mae Llywodraeth Cymru am i bleidleiswyr gael eu cofrestru’n awtomatig GALLAI’r broses o gofrestru i bleidleisio ar gyfer etholiadau’r Senedd ac etholiadau llywodraeth leol yng Nghymru ddiflannu, os daw Bil newydd sydd ar ei daith drwy’r Senedd yn gyfraith.

Byddai’r Bil Etholiadau a Chyrff Etholedig (Cymru) yn caniatáu i’r Llywodraeth gyflwyno cynlluniau peilot newydd lle byddai pleidleiswyr yn cael eu cofrestru yn awtomatig.

Byddai’r Bil hefyd yn cyflwyno newidiadau eraill o ran y modd y caiff etholiadau eu cynnal, gan gynnwys sefydlu corff Cymru gyfan newydd a fyddai’n gyfrifol am gydgysylltu etholiadau yng Nghymru, rhaglen wybodaeth ar-lein newydd i bleidleiswyr, a mesurau i gynyddu amrywiaeth yn y Senedd ac mewn llywodraeth leol yng Nghymru.

Ers 2014, mae pleidleiswyr yn y DU wedi gorfod cofrestru eu

hunain er mwyn cael yr hawl i bleidleisio, a hynny o dan y system cofrestru etholiadol unigol. Rhaid i awdurdodau lleol gysylltu â phob cartref er mwyn gwirio bod y rhestr bresennol yn gywir, nodi pleidleiswyr newydd, a gwahodd preswylwyr i wneud cais i gael eu cynnwys ar y gofrestr.

Gwnaeth y system hon ddisodli’r hen system o gofrestru aelwydydd, lle byddai ‘pennaeth yr aelwyd’ yn cyflwyno’r manylion cofrestru ar ran yr holl breswylwyr a oedd yn gysylltiedig â’r cyfeiriad dan sylw.

Gwnaeth Deddf Cymru 2017 ddatganoli’r cyfrifoldeb dros etholiadau llywodraeth leol yng Nghymru ac etholiadau’r Senedd i Lywodraeth Cymru.

Yn yr un flwyddyn, lansiodd Llywodraeth Cymru ymgynghoriad ynghylch ehangu’r dulliau sydd ar gael ar gyfer cofrestru pleidleiswyr.

Yn sgil hynny, cafodd darpariaethau eu cynnwys yn Neddf Llywodraeth Leol ac Etholiadau (Cymru) 2021 a fyddai wedi caniatáu i swyddogion cofrestru etholiadol gofrestru pleidleisiwr heb iddynt orfod gwneud cais, gan ddefnyddio data i adnabod y bobl hynny. Fodd bynnag, ni roddwyd y darpariaethau hynny ar waith.

C y h o e d d o d d Llywodraeth Cymru Bapur Gwyn arall ac ymgynghoriad ynghylch gweinyddu etholiadau ym mis Hydref 2022.

Roedd hyn yn cynnwys cynigion i’w gwneud yn ofynnol i bob swyddog cofrestru etholiadol gofrestru etholwyr cymwys yn awtomatig, a chyhoeddi hysbysiad cofrestru ar gyfer pob person. Tynnodd rhai o’r bobl a ymatebodd i’r ymgynghoriad sylw at bwysigrwydd cyfathrebu â phleidleiswyr mewn modd clir wrth eu cofrestru’n awtomatig,

yn ogystal â’r angen i sicrhau bod gan etholwyr sy’n agored i niwed y gallu i roi gwybod i’r awdurdodau lleol am unrhyw sefyllfa lle gallent fod mewn perygl o ganlyniad i gael eu cynnwys ar y gofrestr etholiadol. Yn ogystal, tynnodd llawer o ymatebwyr sylw at yr angen i ddiogelu data pleidleiswyr.

Byddai’r Bil yn cyflwyno cynlluniau peilot ar gyfer system i gofrestru pleidleiswyr yn awtomatig Os daw’r Bil yn gyfraith, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi dweud mai ei bwriad yw defnyddio’r pwerau newydd yn y Bil i gyflwyno cynlluniau peilot parthed cofrestru pleidleiswyr yn awtomatig.

Mae Adrannau 3 a 4 o’r Bil yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i bob swyddog cofrestru etholiadol gofrestru etholwyr yn awtomatig, a hynny gan ddefnyddio system o baru data. Yna, byddai’r

swyddog cofrestru etholiadol yn cyhoeddi hysbysiad cofrestru ar gyfer pob etholwr.

Oni bai bod etholwr yn ymateb o fewn cyfnod penodol o amser, er enghraifft er mwyn gwneud cais i gael ei gofrestru’n ddienw neu gael ei hepgor o’r gofrestr yn gyfan gwbl, byddai’n ofynnol yn gyfreithiol i’r swyddog cofrestru etholiadol ychwanegu’r person hwnnw at y gofrestr lawn.

Os bydd y cynlluniau peilot yn llwyddiannus, mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi datgan ei bod yn bwriadu cyflwyno’r darpariaethau dan sylw ledled Cymru. Dim ond i etholiadau’r Senedd ac etholiadau llywodraeth leol Cymru y byddai’r drefn hon yn berthnasol.

Ar hyn o bryd, mae’r system cofrestru etholiadol unigol yn parhau i fod ar waith ar gyfer etholiadau Senedd y DU.

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Asulox decision a blow to bracken control in Wales, says NFU Cymru

FARMING

An announcement that a key plant protection product will no longer be available to support Welsh farmers’ efforts to control bracken has been described as ‘a blow’ by NFU Cymru.

UPL Europe Ltd., the manufacturer of the herbicide Asulox, has announced it has made the decision to cease further work on a permanent solution for the use of asulam (the active ingredient in Asulox) in the control of bracken.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Chemical Regulatory Division (CRD) previously outlined additional testing that must be conducted by the manufacturers as a requirement for the 2023 Asulox Emergency Authorisation.

UPL Europe Ltd. wrote to the industry stating that ‘after careful consideration, including the significant investment needed to continue this [testing] work, UPL Limited has now taken the difficult decision not to go ahead’.

This decision therefore effectively removes the possibility of any future full or emergency authorisations for the use of asulam in bracken control.

NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board Hedd Pugh said: “This announcement is a real blow to Welsh

farmers.

Bracken control is essential for both animal and human health on my farm, as well as many others in Wales. It maintains land for grazing, ensures drinking water quality and fosters biodiversity.

Bracken beds provide an ideal habitat for sheep ticks, with the associated tick-borne

diseases posing a threat to the health of people (especially Lyme disease), livestock and wildlife. Bracken control is also essential in the establishment of new tree plantations.

Remaining options for control include the use of herbicides containing amidosulfron within specific timeframes, and

mechanical methods such as rolling, bruising or cutting. However such mechanical methods are often unviable in many situations on steep rocky slopes, of which there are plenty in Wales.”

Earlier this year Welsh Government accepted the recommendation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to refuse an application for an emergency authorisation for the use of Asulox to control bracken in Wales in 2023. Use of the herbicide had previously been approved in Wales for each of the previous 10 years.

The 2023 application refusal in Wales mirrored the decision taken in Scotland, however an emergency authorisation was granted in England to allow the use of Asulox to control bracken.

The NFU and NFU Cymru will meet with the sector representatives of the Bracken Control Group to discuss next steps in relation to bracken and its control.

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Members sought for new industry working group Up to 10 members are being recruited for a new Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) working group.

The new Sustainable Innovation and Research Working Group will be a combination of current HCC Board Members and new candidates as chosen through a recruitment process.

The aim of this working group is to guide HCC on the areas of innovation, and research and development relating to the overarching sustainability of Welsh red meat production encompassing all aspects of sustainable red meat production.

HCC is looking for candidates with relevant experience in areas such as: genetics, health and welfare, land management, grassland management, natural resources and other fields relating to sustainable agriculture and red meat production.

HCC’s Head of Sustainability and Future Policy, Rachael Madeley-Davies, explained ‘This new Working Group will be really important to HCC’s work, with sustainability, efficiency and innovation all high on HCC’s and the wider agri-food sector’s agenda.’

HCC are looking for individuals with relevant professional expertise

and knowledge, as well as an understanding of the agricultural and red meat production sectors in Wales.

She continued ‘We recognise the importance of having diverse skills, knowledge and experience in the

Working Group, so whilst our focus will be on the red meat sector in Wales, we welcome applications from

individuals with relevant experience from outside of Wales also.’

Rachael concluded ‘Sustainable innovation and research hold the key to driving efficiency and profitability for farmers and the sector as a whole, both in a financial and environmental sense. I would warmly encourage anyone who feels they can contribute to this area of work and discussion to apply.’

The applications window is open until November 17 at 5pm.

Applications should be made by a covering letter and CV. Full details can be found on the HCC website

FARMING 53

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NSA holds inaugural Farmers’ Conference

DELEGATES at the inaugural National Sheep Association (NSA) Sheep Farmers’ Conference were enthused about the healthy future of the sector on Wednesday, October 25, as leading industry names and highly respected farmers came together at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, to discuss methods to measure, promote and improve flock health.

On bringing the Conference together, NSA decided on an event theme to identify and discuss a key factor of sustainable sheep production.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker said: “Sheep health, underpinned by quality genetics, nutrition, and effective management, is fundamental to improving the performance of the UK sheep sector, without the need to change the fundamental nature of how we go about our business.

“Fine-tuning our businesses considering this will increase our productivity and

profitability, reduce our environmental footprint, and lead to greater satisfaction and pride.”

Opening the event, NSA Trustee and Board Member of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, Charles Sercombe, reminded the audience that disease does not respect borders, reinforcing the need for a joined-up approach as a panel of government officials from the four UK nations updated on ongoing changes to farm policy relating to farm health.

The first seminar of the Conference left attendees in agreement that healthy animals are the cornerstone to sustainable livestock production and that measurements of welfare were to become an increasingly important tool for farmers in the future to ensure this.

Introducing a new event format, the Conference allowed delegates time to join modern, interactive workshops kindly supported by event sponsors, including major sponsor

Shearwell Data.

Varied tradestands provided further engagement for attendees before the next session of the day got underway.

Bringing delegates back together for a highly engaging and interactive discussion, AHDB acted as facilitators for the second session with a panel of farmers speaking openly on their encounters facing and tackling health issues on-farm.

All farmers shared their experiences in screening their flocks for disease with varied discoveries made, including, for some, devastating cases of Iceberg disease such as Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA).

The discussion revealed a need for improved openness from farmers to each other to effectively tackle such critical issues to remove the stigma associated with disease on-farm and to encourage those in denial to stand up and take action to deal with it.

Farmer speakers Gwyn Johnson from Mid Glamorgan, Hayden

Woolley from Shropshire and Lorraine Luescher from Aberdeenshire highlighted that monitoring their flocks with the use of data and performance recording was a key tool in helping them make informed decisions to help promote high health.

Concluding the session, Lorraine, who frankly described her flock’s issues with OPA, welcomed events such as the NSA Sheep Farmers’ Conference in getting farmers talking about the important topic of disease and brought the session to a close.

The third and final seminar of the day welcomed well-known names, passing on their advice on where best to invest to improve health, welfare and productivity.

With the highly experienced panel of Sheep Vet Fiona Lovatt, Geneticist Janet Roden, and Farmer and Consultant Emily Grant passing on their vast knowledge, delegates could complete their Conference with key take-home messages to build their flock’s health and production.

This time of year our countryside takes on a golden and amber glow as autumn makes itself very much felt. The clocks are about to go back, Halloween pumpkins have been carved and bonfire night is on the horizon. there are many things worth celebrating in autumn and food always plays a big part in making us feel good.

We crave those comfort foods and Welsh beef and lamb, as well as our pork, are of course right up there in ticking all those boxes. Let’s not forget about our dairy produce either - who doesn’t enjoy a hot chocolate when it’s getting cold or a deep filled cheese toasty?

However, this time of year also brings a few issues with it for our farming community, pets and livestock. Fireworks unfortunately still present a big problem for us and thousands of animals suffer every year as a result of fireworks being let off. With this in mind, we’d like to remind the public about the responsible use of fireworks and to ask them to follow the fireworks code at all times. It is a welfare issue for animals and also a health and safety issue for people.

The laws concerning fireworks state that it is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework in a public place and they cannot be set off by a private individual between 11.00pm and 7.00am except

for certain nights of the year. It should go without saying that it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal. Also worth remembering is that you can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-thespot fine of £90.

For those of us with pets such as cats and dogs, it’s safest to keep them indoors on bonfire night and it is recommended that they’re walked early in the day before the fireworks start. It’s also worth making sure that your pets are microchipped and the details are up to date. Please don’t buy fireworks from unlicensed retailers and keep them in a closed box. Other advice to follow to ensure you and your loved ones are safe includes never putting fireworks in your pocket, being considerate and letting your neighbours know if you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children.

The Fireworks code also asks people to avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night, to carefully follow the instructions on each firework and also never to go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.

Enjoy this glorious season but please be safe!

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PETS CORNER

Number of missing dogs doubles during fireworks season

New statistics released today (31 October) by The Kennel Club, ahead of Diwali and Bonfire Night celebrations, show an alarming 120 per cent increase in the number of dogs that go missing during fireworks season.

Missing pet data from

Petlog, one of the UK’s largest lost and found pet databases run by The Kennel Club, shows over double the number of dogs were marked as missing by their owners during the weekend of Bonfire Night last year (Friday 4 November – Sunday 6 November), compared to the previous

weekend.

Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations are often accompanied by bright and loud fireworks displays which can frighten and negatively impact the behaviour of the UK’s pets, causing some to escape or run away.

Research from The Kennel Club shows that nationwide, nearly half (48%) of owners say their dog is scared by fireworks, with a third (31%) noticing that their dog shivers and trembles during firework displays, while more than a quarter (26%) mention unusual excessive barking. Further signs of stress spotted by owners include pacing (20%), howling and crying (20%) and excessive panting (18%).

“Loud and bright fireworks displays, especially if they are unexpected, can have harmful and long-term effects, with dozens of dogs going missing every year around this time, and thousands more showing real signs of fear

and distress,” comments Mark Beazley, Chief Executive at The Kennel Club.

“We’re urging owners to be prepared this fireworks season and know what they can do to help their dogs get through any events safely, and for those involved in displays to be considerate to the nation’s pets.”

To help dogs get through fireworks season as safely and comfortably as possible, The Kennel Club has created a Spotify playlist which can help owners to get their dogs used to the noises.

Experts advise owners to start this playlist on a very low volume for a short amount of time and slowly build up to avoid causing your dog any distress - if your dog does start showing signs of distress, stop immediately, and seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist.

Of course, owners should also remember that there are multiple elements of fireworks which can trigger fear, from cracks and whistles, followed by bangs, to vibrations, flashing lights and the strong smells in the air. Whilst playing these sounds may help some dogs, it is not the complete remedy, and further advice from The Kennel Club includes:

•

•

More information and advice on how to make sure dogs are safe and comfortable during fireworks season, as well as the organisation’s policy recommendations to Government, is available via The Kennel Club’s website: thekennelclub.org.uk/ fireworks. To check if your pet’s microchip details are up to date, visit petlog.org.uk.

•

Making a safe space for your dog filled with their favourite toys and blankets.

You could drape a thick duvet over the top of it to make it more soundproof, but make sure that it’s secure and can’t fall on to your dog Shutting all the doors and windows, and keeping curtains closed to block flashing lights

•

•

•

•

•

Distracting your dog or trying to drown out the sounds by keeping the TV or radio switched on, or a washing machine or tumble drier which gives off vibrations Checking where and when displays are being held in your local area.

Also ask your neighbours to let you know if they are planning a private display G e n t l y acknowledging your dog’s calm and settled behaviour during fireworks Keeping your dog’s microchip details up to date makes it easier to reunite you with your dog, in case they run away or escape Trying to act and behave as normal - your dog will pick up on any unusual behaviour. Remain calm, happy and cheerful as this will send positive signals to your dog Think about walking your dog when it’s light during fireworks season, so it’s easier to avoid any nearby displays frightening your dog whilst you’re out

EDUCATION 55

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The Education Minister Jeremy Miles has today published new guidance to help schools to work with families and relevant agencies to make sure learners come to school.

Jeremy Miles said: “Since the pandemic, too many young people are missing out on invaluable school time.

This can impact on their wellbeing, their social skills, and their education. We can be in no doubt that our education system is still very much recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

Schools have been working hard to support learners back into to the classroom, but this is a crisis which needs a national approach. It is my number one priority.”

Early identification and prevention are essential. The Welsh Government will change the statistical definition of persistent absence from missing 20% of sessions to 10% of

sessions. Absence is often a symptom of an underlying issue – the sooner schools can identify it, the sooner they can support the learner and ensure they are in school.

Attendance issues are often a symptom of an underlying cause other than physical health, like wellbeing or mental health issues.

For some, it can be because of interlinked factors. When this is the case, families need help from specialist agencies and wider services. This guidance highlights the need for schools to work with the appropriate agencies to make sure learners get the support they need.

Building good relationships with

families and support agencies is key. One school that has taken action to improve school attendance is Pontypridd High School.

Staff analysed data and found that learners eligible for free school meals had significantly worse attendance, as well as learners who did not engage well with schoolwork during lockdown. The school has provided extra support for pupils with significant attendance concerns including youth workers, counsellors and introduced a school EBSA room (Emotionally based school avoidance).

Attendance will improve if learners want to come to school and find learning and activities interesting and relevant. The new guidance is learnerfocussed, emphasising the importance of seeking the views of children and parents on development and implementation of school policies. Getting

parents involved is also part of the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools approach, which sees schools supporting the needs of learners, families and their wider community The guidance also sets out the Welsh Government’s position on fines, which should only be used as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. A warning should be issued in the first instance. Schools should also consider whether a fine will be effective in getting a child back to school.

Jeremy Miles said: “The new guidance will help schools in tackling this national issue.

Making sure children are back in the classroom is our number one priority. By working together we will ensure that all children and young people are given the best possible start in life and are supported to reach their potential.”

Students jet-setting thanks to University’s new Pacific links This year, University of Wales Trintiy Saint David (UWTSD) has sent students on educational and professional experience placements provided by Think Pacific for the first time.

Funding has been made available to UWTSD students in order to facilitate international experiences that will broaden horizons, perspectives and prospects of those who partake. Some of this money is awarded through a Welsh Government scheme called Taith.

Taith is the Welsh Government funded international learning exchange programme for Wales. Taith “is for people in every part of Wales, in every education sector […] and every education type – formal, informal and non-formal” (Taith website, October 2023).

First Minister Mark Drakeford recently made a statement about Taith, saying: “International

learning and exchange builds our confidence, our independence and our resilience. It opens our eyes to new ideas and new ways of thinking and gives us new skills to carry forward in our lives.”

University of Wales Trinity Saint David has a global outlook, helping students get abroad in a number of ways to many different countries.

Recently UWTSD built links with Think Pacific, an award-winning volunteering, internship

and placement provider focused on providing work experience opportunities to students and graduates in Fiji or Indonesia. There are specific placements on Mental Health and Wellbeing available in Bali.

Think Pacific placements involve living and working in a small community and being fully integrated into village life, which offers an enriching alternative to touristic travel while giving the locals and the students

a measurable outcome at the end of each placement.

Joshua Todd, who studies Energy and Environmental Engineering, spent two months in Fiji over summer 2023 with Think Pacific, between his second and third year of study.

He says to people who might be thinking about the scheme: “If you’re worried about village life, or adapting, or being far away from home, don’t be too concerned. In this

EDUCATION

Early intervention key to tackling attendance

village we’ve been very fortunate, we’ve been quite connected, but also the village is so welcoming that you don’t feel left out or not at home.

“If you do come, take the opportunity to ingrain yourself in local life – everyone’s so welcoming you’ll probably have to tell five people that you can’t come to lunch because your [village] mum has got lunch waiting for you!”

Kath Griffiths, International Regional Manager at UWTSD’s Wales Global Academy said: “UWTSD is committed to giving students an international opportunity, whether through study, work or volunteering abroad.

As well as improving graduate outcomes and employability, these experiences help students develop an understanding of the wider world and our place within it, providing enhanced engagement with both local and global society.”

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MOTORS

Top marks for Mercedes-Benz E-Class

With the new E-Class and the EQE SUV, the independent European safety organisation Euro NCAP has awarded no less than two Mercedes‑Benz vehicles for the very high performance level of their assistance systems. Both the Mercedes‑Benz E 400 e 4MATIC Saloon (WLTP: fuel consumption combined: 0.9‑0.6

l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 20‑14 g/km; electricity c o n s u m p t i o n combined: 21.5‑19.2 kWh/100 km)[1] and the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV (WLTP: electricity c o n s u m p t i o n combined: 21.9‑18.4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km)1 received an overall rating of “very good” in the special assessment for

assistance systems.

The highest Euro NCAP results achieved to date in the two subareas of assistance competence and safety backup were achieved by the EQE Saloon in 2022 with 85 and 100 percent. With scores of 85 and 99 percent respectively, the E‑Class and EQE SUV now seamlessly follow up on this success.

“We are very pleased with these extraordinary results. These awards prove that our assistance and safety concept, which is tailored to real accident scenarios, has also proven itself in standardised assessments. At the same time, the excellent performance of the E‑Class as a plug-in hybrid and the all-electric EQE SUV in Euro NCAP confirms that the quality

of assisted driving at Mercedes‑Benz is not a question of the drive concept.”

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer In the special assessment for assistance systems, Euro NCAP uses the most comprehensive equipment with assistance systems as the basis, i.e. the optional Driving Assistance Package Plus[2] for the E‑Class and EQE SUV. In combination with the standard equipment, the options of both vehicles include the systems Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Traffic Jam Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, junction startoff function and Parking Package with reversing camera as well as PRESAFE® PLUS and PRESAFE® Impulse Side.

In principle, Mercedes‑Benz does not differentiate between different drive systems when it comes to its high safety standards.

The company recently demonstrated this with the world’s first public crash test of two fully electric vehicles at the Group’s own Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety in Sindelfingen. Like all other Mercedes‑Benz vehicles, the EQE SUV has a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and modern restraint systems. In addition, Mercedes‑Benz has developed a multi-stage high-voltage safety concept. The protection concept offers a high level of safety while driving as well as during and after a crash.

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TOYOTA AYGO - 2012

HYUNDAI TUCSON - 2016

NISSAN QASHQAI+2 - 2013

KIA SPORTAGE - 2014

SAAB 9-3 - 2009

1.0 VVT-I FIRE AC 3d 67 BHP ** PETROL......5 SPEED......YES ONLY 60,065 MILES FROM NEW.......SERVICE HISTORY 9 STAMPS.......2 KEYS........2 PREVIOUS OWNERS.........£0 ROAD TAX.........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 3..

1.7 CRDI SE NAV BLUE DRIVE 5d 114 BHP ** DIESEL .......6 SPEED.....1 PREVIOUS OWNER........SERVICE HISTORY 10 STAMPS ALL MAIN DEALER.......2 KEYS.......£35 ROAD TAX.......61 MPG.

1.5 PLUS 2 DCI N-TEC PLUS 5d 110 BHP ** DIESEL......7 SEATER.......6 SPEED.....£180 ROAD TAX......53 MPG......N-TEC PLUS EDITION......

GLASS ROOF......AIRCON.......CRUISE..

1.7 CRDI 2 ISG 5d 114 BHP ** DIESEL.....6 SPEED.......1 PREVIOUS OWNER.......4 WHEEL DRIVE......SERVICE HISTORY......2 KEYS......CRDi 2 EDITION.......HALF LEATHER SEATS.

1.8 LINEAR SE T 2d 150 BHP ** PETROL....CONVERTIBLE....1 PREVIOUS OWNER....YES ONLY 64,171 MILES....

SERVICE HISTORY - 7 STAMPS....TWO KEYS....HEATED FRONT SEATS....

KIA CEED - 2014

BMW 1 SERIES - 2013

SMART FORTWO COUPE - 2010

FORD KA - 2013

1.6 CRDI 2 ECODYNAMICS 5d 126 BHP **DIESEL.......ESTATE......6 SPEED......87,389 MILES.......SERVICE HISTORY 4 STAMPS......2 KEYS.....,.£35 ROAD TAX.......64 MPG.......SPORTS WAGON ....

1.6 116I SE 5d 135 BHP ** PETROL........8 SPEED AUTOMATIC.......2 PREVIOUS OWNERS........YES ONLY 68,313 MILES FROM NEW.......

SERVICE HISTORY 4 STAMPS........2 KEYS.........£150 ROAD TAX..........50 MPG....

PASSION MHD ** PETROL......AUTOMATIC......YES ONLY 59,859 MILES.........

SERVICE HISTORY 8 STAMPS.........£20 ROAD TAX........74 MPG........PASSION EDITION.......AIRCON..

1.2 ZETEC 3d 69 BHP ** PETROL......5 SPEED......YES ONLY COVERED 35,785 MILES FROM NEW.......WITH SERVICE HISTORY 5 STAMPS.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER......2 KEYS.........£35 ROAD TAX..

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS 2015

£4,495

£6,295

£8,495

£5,995

£6,995

£5,495

1.5 A180 CDI BLUEEFFICIENCY SE 5d 109 BHP **DIESEL....6 SPEED.....£0 ROAD TAX.......74 MPG.......2 KEYS.......

SE EDITION.......HALF LEATHER SPORTS SEATS.......MEDIA SCREEN....

£8,995

£4,995

£5,495

VAUXHALL VAUXHALL CORSA - 2013

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS - 2015

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS - 2014

2.1 C220 BLUETEC SE 4d 170 BHP ** DIESEL......6 SPEED.......1 PREVIOUS OWNER......£20 ROAD TAX......70 MPG......2 KEYS.....blueTEC SE EDITION.......FULL BLACK LEATHER.........

MEDIA SCREEN.........BLUETOOTH...

2.1 C220 CDI AMG SPORT EDITION 2d 168 BHP ** DIESEL.......COUPE......

AUTOMATIC 7 SPEED.......YES ONLY 83,149 MILES........£180 ROAD TAX........53 MPG........AMG SPORT EDITION.......HALF LEATHER

£9,995

CITROEN DS4 - 2012

FORD FIESTA - 2012

1.6 HDI DSTYLE 5d 110 BHP ** DIESEL......6 SPEED.....2 PREVIOUS OWNER........96.829 MILES........SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS.......£150 ROAD TAX.......60MPG.........2 KEYS........

DSTYLE EDITION.....

11.4 TITANIUM 5d 96 BHP ** PETROL......5 SPEED......1 PREVIOUS OWNER.......£180 ROAD TAX......

LOW INSURANCE GROUP 9.........48 MPG........2 KEYS.....TITANIUM EDITION.......AIRCON..

1.4 SE 5d 98 BHP ** PETROL....

SERVICE HISTORY - 8 SERVICE STAMPS....57,299 FROM NEW!....SE EDITION....£150 ROAD TAX...

£4,295

£5,795

CITROEN C4 GRAND PICASSO

VOLVO XC60 - 2011

SEAT LEON - 2013

VOLKSWAGEN UP - 2013

DACIA LOGAN MCV - 2015

1.6 E-HDI AIRDREAM EXCLUSIVE PLUS 5d 113 BHP ** 7 SEATER....

DIESEL....6 SPEED....£20 ROAD TAX....70 MPG.......EXCLUSIVE PLUS EDITION.......HUGE SPEC...

2.4 D5 R-DESIGN AWD 5d 212 BHP ** DIESEL.......AUTOMATIC......ESTATE......4 WHEEL DRIVE......ONE PREVIOUS OWNER.....SERVICE HISTORY 10 STAMPS......R DESIGN EDITION..

£7,495

£6,995

2.0 TDI SE TECHNOLOGY 3d 150 BHP ** DIESEL......6 SPEED.....ONE PREVIOUS OWNER.........FULL SERVICE HISTORY........£20 ROAD TAX......,..68 MPG........SE EDITION.........SATNAV.........

BLUETOOTH...

1.0 ROCK UP 3d 74 BHP ** PETROL.......5 SPEED.......YES ONLY COVERED 42,131 MILES FROM NEW........FULL SERVICE HISTORY 5 STAMPS........2 KEYS........£20 ROAD TAX.......60 MPG..

0.9 AMBIANCE TCE 5d 90 BHP ** PETROL.......ESTATE......ONE PREVIOUS OWNER.......5 SPEED......£20 ROAD TAX .......LOW INSURANCE GROUP 8.........57 MPG......AMBIANCE EDITION.....

£4,995

£7,295

£9,995

£6,995

£9,495

£4,995

01792 814 110 after hours 07976 731 199 • BEVANS GARAGE, PENIEL GREEN ROAD, SKEWEN, SWANSEA, SA7 9BU

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2017/17 JAGUAR F-TYPE 5.0 V8R SUPERCHARGED CONVETIBLE AUTOMATIC ONLY 7000 MILES, WHITE WITH BLACK ROOF 2022 72

TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 X PURE AUTOMATIC, 5dr, white, 1 owner, 5k .....................£15,500.00

2021 21

FORD FIESTA 1.0 ST LINE EDITION, 5dr, black, 1 owner, fsh, ............................£15,995.00

2020 20

FORD FIESTA 1.0 TREND, 5dr, blue, 15k ...............................................................£13,595.00

2019 19

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA DESIGN 1.6 TD, 5dr, service history, blue .........................£7,995.00

2019 68

FORD FOCUS 1.0 125 ZETEC, 5dr, silver, 43k, 1 owner, fsh ...................................£11,995.00

2018 68

BMW I3 600cc RANGE ENTENDER, blue, 21k, 1 owner, fsh .................................£19,995.00

2018 18

FORD FOCUS 1.0 ZETEC ESTATE, silver, ...............................................................£6,995.00

2018 18

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0 GT TDI 5dr, B/motion, white,1 owner .........................£11,995.00

2018 18

VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 CDTi DESIGN ESTATE, silver, ..........................................£7,995.00

2018 18

PEUGEOT 108 1.2 ALLURE, purple, 46k, ................................................................£8,495.00

2017 67

KIA SPORTAGE 2 1.7 CRDI, silver, 1 owner, fsh, ...................................................£11,995.00

2017 67

HYUNDAI TUCSON 1.7 CRDi 2wd, grey, 1 owner, 76k, fsh ...................................£12,995.00

2017 67

FIAT ABARTH 1.4 AUTOMATIC, blue, 2000 miles, 1 owner, fsh ..........................£14,750.00

2017 17

SKODA FABIA 1.4S Tdi ESTATE, grey, 1owner, .......................................................£6,995.00

2017 17

FIAT 500 1.2 POP, white, 33k .....................................................................................£7,650.00

2015 65

PEUGEOT PARTNER HORIZON S 1.6 MPV, mobility access, blue, 19k ...............£9,500.00

2015 15

CITROEN C1 1.0 AIRSPACE, orange, 5dr, 59k .........................................................£5,495.00

2015 15

VAUXHALL CORSA 1.2 DESIGN CDTI 5dr, silver, 1 owner, ..................................£5,995.00

2014 64

PEUGEOT 108 ALLURE 1.2 TOP, white, 32k, service history, ................................£6,250.00

2014 64

FORD FOCUS ZETEC 1.6 NAV TDCI, white, 5dr, ..................................................£5,495.00

2013 63

AUDI A3 2.0 SE TDI, 3dr, white, service history, .....................................................£6,995.00

2013 63

TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 MOVE, 5dr, white, service history ...........................................£3,995.00

2013 13

FORD FIESTA 1.5 STYLE Tdci 5dr, silver .................................................................£4,850.00

2013 13

FORD KA 1.2 ZETEC, 3dr, red, 70k, service history.................................................£3,795.00

2013 13

AUDI A1 1.6 SPORT Tdi, black, 3dr ..........................................................................£5,000.00

2012 62

FORD FIESTA 1.4 EDGE Tdci 5dr, silver ..................................................................£4,250.00

2012 12

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0 GT TDI CONVERTIBLE B/motion, white, ...................£5,995.00

2011 61

CITROEN C1 1.0 URBAN 5 DR HATCHBACK, silver, 62k, ....................................£2,995.00

2011 11

FORD FIESTA 1.2 ZETEC 3dr, silver, 56k, ................................................................£5,850.00

2010 10

BMW 710 DIESEL M SPORT 4dr SALOON, black, .................................................£7,995.00

2010 10

FORD FIESTA 1.4 TITANIUM, AUTOMATIC, 3dr, red, 46k ..................................£6,500.00

2010 10

FORD FIESTA EDGE 1.4 Tdci, 1 owner, fsh, silver ..................................................£4,250.00

2004 53

PORSCHE BOXSTER S 3.2 CONVERTIBLE, blue, 54k, s/history ...........................£7,995.00

1999 S

BMW Z3 2.8 SPORT CONVERTIBLE, 2dr, silver, genuine low mileage..................£7,995.00

COMMERCIALS

Prices inclusive of 20% VAT 2019 69 2019 19 2018 68 2018 18 2018 18 2018 18 2018 18 2017 67 2016 16 2016 16 2015 15 2011 61

MERCEDES SPRINTER CAR TRANSPORTER 2.1 Cdi, 1 owner, 70k ...................£29,995.00 MERCEDES SPRINTER DROPSIDE Lorry, 2.1 Cdi, 1 owner, ...............................£16,000.00 FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM 2.0 Tdi, white, 1 owner ................................................£13,500.00 FORD TRANSIT 2.0 TDCI TIPPER, 49k, 1 owner, white .......................................£16,495.00 FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM 2.0 Tdi, yellow, ............................................................£13,000.00 PEUGEOT PARTNER 1.6 TDI, white, 79k ................................................................£8,495.00 PEUGEOT PARTNER 1.6 TDI, white, ......................................................................£7,995.00 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 1.5 td, 1 owner, 70k ...................................................£11,500.00 MERCEDES SPRINTER 2.1 Cdi FRIDGE VAN .......................................................£6,250.00 VAUXHALL CORSA 1.3 Cdti, white, 85k ..................................................................£6,995.00 FORD TRANSIT COURIER 1.6 TDCI, yellow, service history ................................£4,850.00 FORD TRANSIT 100 2.4 T350 Semi high top, white ................................................£4,995.00

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GPs prepare to hand back contracts

CONTRACT negotiations between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and BMA Cymru Wales’s GP Committee (GPC Wales) have ended without resolution, leading to a stark warning on the future of General Practice from GP leaders.

NO CREDIBLE OFFER MADE

HEALTH

Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of GPC Wales, sent an open letter to GPs across Wales announcing the development, which said: “The financial settlement on offer from the Welsh Government did not match our reasonable expectation of an uplift to the contract value that would help to counter the damaging impact of soaring inflation on practice costs and staffing expenses.

“With no credible financial offer and tangible mitigations offered, prolonging the negotiation process would be futile. Unless there are any new and significant proposals brought to the table by the Welsh Government, we do not foresee any further discussions on this year’s contract.

“Our Save Our Surgeries campaign lays

bare the impact of longterm underinvestment in general practice and its consequent impacts upon workload, workforce and wellbeing.

“Despite the remarkable efforts of hardworking GPs in Wales, 80% fear they cannot provide quality and safe care to patients due to their excessive workloads, diminishing workforce, and rising demands on the service.

“We entered into negotiations in good faith, allowing the Welsh Government to address these longstanding issues. We hoped that through the contract negotiation process, we would reach a settlement that would put general practice in Wales on the right track.

“It will therefore be particularly galling to the profession across Wales that there is nothing resembling a ‘rescue package’ for general practice on the table.

We have been absolutely clear that practices and patients will suffer because of it. We have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider and come back to the negotiating table with a credible offer that provides security and sustainability for practices and patients alike.”

The letter ended by

offering support to GP practices during the ‘crisis’ with guidance on prioritising safe patient care and steps to take before closing a surgery and handing back a contract to a health board.

WALES’s GP CRISIS “WILL ONLY DEEPEN” Commenting on the announcement, Dr Gareth Oelmann said: “Unless the Welsh Government can commit to a rescue package that begins to support GPs and their patients with the correct level of support, then I’m afraid the GP crisis will only deepen in Wales.

“The unsustainable pressure facing GPs is felt up and down the country. We have heard from GPs who have been unable to recruit permanent staff for years on end, examples of extreme burnout causing hospitalisation and a rising number of surgeries having to close their doors as they struggle with bills and staffing expenses, leaving thousands of patients having to be treated elsewhere.

“There have been 84 surgery closures in the last decade. That’s 18% fewer surgeries available to patients, with GPs taking on an unmanage-

able 32% more patients each.

“General Practice does not have sufficient funds for workforce, premises or services to meet the growing needs of patients. This is already undermining patient safety, and we are clear, without investment from Welsh Government, the future of the service is at real risk of collapse.”

GP CRISIS “ON LABOUR’S WATCH” Plaid Cymru spokesperson for health and care, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, said the NHS is at “breaking point” and the Welsh Government should ensure hardworking staff have fair pay and safe working conditions.

He said: “If the Welsh Government ever has a chance at dealing with long waiting times and the severe shortage of GPs, they need the people there to do it.

“The latest news from BMA Cymru that the latest contract negotiations have failed needs to be a wake-up call for the Welsh Government, who must be prepared to take radical action if they are truly committed to facing up to the longstanding problems within our NHS.

“Our GPs are suffering from real burnout, and in rural Wales, many are single practices.

“We cannot afford to lose more GPs, and it is extremely irresponsible for the Government to fail to reach a mutual understanding.

“We cannot be in a position where Health Boards end up managing more of our GP practices as it would mean employing twice as many GPs than what we currently have. Such a scenario is completely unsustainable. This is why it’s incumbent on the Government to make a reasonable offer and ensure that our communities have the GP coverage they need.

“Staff and patients alike need to know why they should have any confidence in the Welsh Government’s ability to improve delays, support our workforce, and provide the stability and sustainability our health and care service so desperately needs.

“Let’s not forget that this happened on Labour’s watch.”

Wales’s Minister for Health, Eluned Morgan MS, blamed the Westminster Government, as though the economic disaster of Liz Truss’s brief premiership was wholly to blame.

She claimed: “I understand the strength of feeling among GPs about the need for a pay offer that reflects the pressures they are under and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Our offer was made as part of the annual contract negotiations, which includes efforts to modernise services and is all we can afford.

“We remain committed to working with unions and we are available for further talks with the General Practitioners Committee Wales at any stage.”

The Minister’s comment did not accept that the Welsh Government shared any responsibility for falling GP numbers in Wales.

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High-tech communications upgrade of Welsh ambulances begins

A STATE-of-theart communications upgrade of ambulances in Wales has begun. The £23 million technology refresh will improve the way information is passed between Welsh Ambulance Service control rooms and the frontline crews delivering care to patients.

Almost 800 vehicles will undergo the installation of the high-tech Mobile Data Vehicle Solution (MDVS), which includes a new vehicle data router and tablet device. The upgrade is expected to be complete by late spring 2024.

Jonny Sammut, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Director of Digital, said: “Reliable communications technology is vital to keep the wheels turning on our ambulance service.

This technology refresh signals a new era in our communications, and one which will enhance the important link between the colleagues in the control room and the crews in the community delivering care to patients. Collaborating with partners to source and install the new equipment means the refresh can also be completed locally, minimising the downtime of vehicles and in turn the disruption to our day-to-day operations.”

The Trust is collaborating with a number of partners on the upgrade, including Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP), Terrafix, Telent, Panasonic, Centerprise and Ordnance Survey (OS).

The upgrade began by installing and testing the new equipment in a dozen ambulances

in Bangor, Newtown, Merthyr Tydfil, Bargoed and Haverfordwest, which have since responded to more than 2,000 incidents.

A further 780 ambulance vehicles will be fitted with the latest navigation and mobilisation technology in the coming months.

Work to replace mobile communication systems for all ambulance Trusts in England and Wales is being led by the ARP, who have been instrumental in developing the technology and bringing together all the partners involved.

ARP Director Duncan Bray said: “ARP is pleased to see that collaboration between Panasonic and Telent will support the implementation of the MDVS into Wales. “This is a prime example of collaborative working benefitting everyone

involved. “The go-live for WAST continues the ARP success of recent MDVS deployments to other ambulance Trusts nationally throughout England.”

Telent engineers will upgrade six ambulance vehicles per day, fitting ruggedised Panasonic Toughbook tablets and a vehicle data router capable of connecting to multiple bearers – including the Emergency Services Network – providing a resilient connection to mobile communications networks across Wales.

Grant Cowans, Telent’s Head of Operations (Ambulance Radio Programme), said: “We are delighted that the project is now underway, and these first installations underscore the importance of our partnership in upgrading the critical communications for ambulance vehicles across Wales. It has been a real honour working with all parties to make this happen.

I look forward to reporting progress over the coming months, with Telent playing a vital role in installing the new technology to help the Welsh Ambulance Service continue to deliver life-saving and highquality services for their communities.”

The Toughbook devices were manufactured at Panasonic’s European Configuration and Service Centre in Cardiff with components sourced from suppliers across Wales.

The Panasonic facility, plus a unit that the Trust

has procured in Amlwch in Anglesey, will also be used to install the new devices.

Will Holmes, Emergency Services Business Manager at Panasonic Toughbook, said: “It is fantastic to see the MDVS solution incorporating the Panasonic Toughbook being rolled out to the Welsh Ambulance Service.

This is the culmination of hard work and passion from all parties involved.

It’s been amazing to offer a space at the home of Panasonic Toughbook Europe in Cardiff to support Telent and WAST to install this equipment, to help minimise costs to the service that supports the families of the Toughbook team that have helped to manufacture part of this mission critical solution.

Holmes added, “It’s also been a great opportunity for the dedicated Panasonic team to see the products that they work hard to produce going into a solution that is supporting their community. It’s a true story of how collaboration and teamwork between organisations can bring a positive impact to such a crucial public sector organisation.”

The new vehicle data router will run the Terrafix mobilisation software National Mobilisation Application (NMA).

Terrafix Managing Director Chris Green said: “The Terrafix-designed MDVS vehicle solution is a great upgrade to our legacy system successfully used for over 10 years in WAST.

As we have designed both the vehicle hardware system and the mobilisation software package, we are able to structure the whole solution to be the best end user experience possible.

Working collaboratively with all partners will benefit both the ambulance frontline crews and patient care by providing an improved and efficient ambulance data solution.”

The new system also integrates the most up-todate mapping information for Wales from OS, including highly accurate road and addressing data.

Mapping updates will be streamed to ambulance vehicles regularly rather than taking them off the road for manual updates of the mapping products.

John Kimmance, Managing Director of National Mapping Services at OS, said: “Accurate and trusted OS data is being used every day to support a range of critical services, from enabling quicker responses to incidents to planning and delivering safe and secure major events.

Every week we make tens of thousands of changes to the National Geographic Database capturing new buildings, roads, routing restrictions and addresses.

This is essential data for all emergency responders, and it is great that the new NMA is delivering this data direct to the vehicles ensuring they are working with the same mapping as the 999 control rooms.”

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Cross party political support for campaign to secure £1.7 billion boost for North East Wales

Politicians and business leaders speak with “one voice” to secure Investment Zone and thousands of new jobs Want to test your products and services on the high street?

Contact us today!

Speaking with one voice. Pictured (centre) Ashley Rogers chief executive of North Wales Business Council with Sam Rowlands MS and Ken Skates MS. Shared-spaces.co.uk

BUSINESS

SSH@businessinfocus.co.uk Unit 6 Riverside Shopping Centre Haverfordwest SA61 2LJ

Politicians and business leaders have joined forces to speak with “one voice” in a bid to secure a £1.7 billion boost and thousands of new jobs for North East Wales.

Labour, Conservative and Plaid Cymru Senedd members have pledged cross party support for the campaign to create an Investment Zone in the neighbouring counties of Wrexham and Flintshire.

One “world first” as part of the initiative could see the creation of a pop up factories to enable start-up companies to rent manufacturing lines to move from making prototypes to full-scale production.

Backing for the campaign is gaining momentum with 100 business people, politicians and council representatives attending an engagement event at Theatr Clwyd in Mold.

The meeting heard that the region’s six MSs – Sam Rowlands, Ken Skates, Llyr Gruffydd, Mark Isherwood, Carolyn Thomas and Jack Sargeant – had signed a joint letter of support to Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething MS and the UK government’s Levelling Up Minister, Michael Gove MP. They said North East

Wales was in a “prime position” to make the most of the benefits of being an Investment Zone as it was already a manufacturing powerhouse with a growing reputation in the creative and digital industries, while the docuseries about Wrexham AFC was attracting international attention.

The drive to create an Investment Zone is being spearheaded by a new consortium who say it would help “leverage and secure” an additional £1.7 billion of investment.

The group includes JCB, Airbus, Net World Sports, Theatr Clwyd, North Wales Business Council, Wrexham and Flintshire councils, Wrexham University and AMRC Cymru, and is chaired by Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Wrexhambased outsourced communications provider Moneypenny.

Investment Zones already exist in parts of England where £80 million in funding for each Zone will be used over five years for innovation, infrastructure and skills and training projects in the sectors being targeted.

Speaking at the Theatr Clwyd event, Ken

Skates, the Labour MS for Clwyd South, a former Welsh Government Economy Minister, said: “There’s great potential, through an Investment Zone, to play to our strengths in advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

“It’s vitally important to support the idea of having an Investment Zone to cover two local authorities that are the engine of the regional economy of North Wales and the Mersey Dee area.

“Investment in skills and infrastructure to help businesses to innovate will bring new jobs and that’s why this is such an important project for the area and it builds on the investment by the Welsh Government in facilities like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru and Theatr Clwyd and business park ventures bringing internationally renowned businesses to the area.

“The economic growth in Wrexham and Flintshire in terms of jobs created are far higher than both the Welsh and UK average, so something special is happening in this region but we want to make sure we turbo charge it and we need to do that

by ensuring we get an Investment Zone here.”

Conservative Regional Member Sam Rowlands MS, said: “We want to see more well paid jobs in this part of the world and securing an Investment Zone would have a positive knock-on effect for the rest of North Wales as well.

“We know there is a Freeport coming to Anglesey and we want to see something similar in the east of the region as well, providing a great economic counterbalance.

“When it comes to lobbying you will have us working together as closely as we can to press the case for Wrexham and Flintshire.”

The importance of cross party support was echoed by Llyr Gruffydd MS, the Plaid Cymru Regional Member.

He said: “It’s vital that we constantly strive to create new economic opportunities for our communities here in North Wales and becoming an Investment Zone could be another such opportunity.

“The region is full of potential and we need to ensure that any new investment is targeted in the right areas and used in a way that respects the needs and aspirations of the people of Wrexham and Flintshire as well as in the surrounding communities.”

According to Ashley Rogers, the Chief Executive of the North Wales Business Council, an Investment Zone would turbocharge the economy of North East Wales.

He said: “We would be focusing on the advanced manufacturing and creative and digital sectors to secure the jobs that already exist, helping those businesses to grow and potentially creating thousands of new jobs.

“Just as important as the initial £80 million over five years would be

the legacy of long term funding from business rates growth which will generate income for 25 years. That’s unparalleled. There is nowhere that has that certainty around funding – that’s incredibly important because without certainty you can’t plan and you can’t deliver.

“We are working up a full package of project and support proposals for an Investment Zone.

To give a flavour, one of the concepts we have is a pop up factory which would be a groundbreaking world first, where new businesses could rent a production line for 12 months to launch their products.

“The most difficult thing for a start-up manufacturing business is going from concept and prototype, to starting production and this would short circuit that process, enabling them to save capital and de-risk the investment.

“In Creative and Digital we could focus on top of the line, fibre connected net zero business premises for start ups and grow on space for existing businesses in our town and city centres.

“The support we’re getting from the business community is exceptional and we’re really happy that we have on board private and public sector partners, including some of the biggest, world leading companies in our area like Airbus, JCB, Net World Sports, Moneypenny and Theatr Clwyd.

“Meanwhile, the cross party political support is also vitally important.

The fact that we are all speaking with one voice will hopefully resonate with both the Welsh and UK governments and help secure this transformational, oncein-a-generation boost to our economy.”

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Welsh folklore inspires sequel for hit CGI video game Support from Creative Wales’s production funding is enabling flagship Welsh games company Wales Interactive to create Maid of Sker 2, a sequel CGI video game following on from the award-winning original.

The production funding will allow Wales Interactive to develop this next title at pace and at a high level, allowing 10 freelance developers to work on a major title, the potential for a further 8-9 permanent posts during the project period, and creating opportunities for a further 12 trainees.

Maid of Sker was first published in July 2020 and, since its launch, has achieved approx.

1.2 million downloads to date worldwide, receiving universal critical claim as well as winning multiple awards, including the TIGA Heritage Award in 2020.

Maid of Sker is a gothic horror genre game inspired by the

Welsh story of Elisabeth Williams, a young woman imprisoned by her father to stop her from marrying the man she loved. She is said to have died of a broken heart and this tragic tale was immortalised in the Welsh folk song, ‘Y Ferch o’r Sger’ (The Maid of Sker).

Wales Interactive has taken the original story from Welsh folklore, evolved the narrative using fact and fiction and added numerous characters for effect, bringing the game to

new audiences who can experience it in the medium of a first-person horror game.

Maid of Sker 2 will build upon the Welsh heritage, theme, and story arch of the previous titles.

Dr. David Banner MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Wales Interactive, said: “It’s great to see Creative Wales’s continued support for the Welsh games industry and we’re delighted that our project Maid of Sker 2 will be the first video game to receive production funding.

“Wales Interactive has become one of the global leaders in our field, selling millions of video games and interactive movies worldwide, and this Welsh Government support will play an important part in our future success and growth”.

Since 2020 Creative Wales has invested £18.1 million in production funding alone, which has supported 37 projects across film, TV, games and animation, generating over £208.7 million into the Welsh economy and demonstrating in excess of an 11:1 return on investment for the economy.

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, said: “This year has been an exciting year for the games industry in Wales. We’re serious about games and gaming technology and Creative Wales supports a thriving community of innovative businesses, making the most of local talent

to secure international success.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support Wales Interactive with production funding, the investment has created valuable opportunities for aspiring games developers to boost their skills at all stages in their careers, and I wish them every success with the production.”

The Welsh Government is working hard to promote Wales globally as a dynamic and creative hub. In March this year 17 games companies took part in a trade mission to the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco to help them develop their own businesses and global profiles, with expressions of interest for the 2024 trade mission launching shortly.

Early conversations at the Game Developer Conference and Creative Wales support played a leading role in ensuring that specialist US gaming

company Rocket Science chose Cardiff as its new European headquarters.

Rocket Science will create 50 highly skilled and highly paid job opportunities for games industry graduates and professionals in around the city, providing a major boost to Wales’s games sector.

Creative Wales is once again providing funding support towards a grassroots talent development programme led by Glyndwr University in Wrexham. Games Talent Wales provides provide industry mentoring and grant support to eight indie games studios, with the long-term ambition of creating a sustainable network of indie games studios in Wales.

Wales Interactive is also one of four Welsh companies shortlisted for a prestigious TIGA Games Industry Award, alongside Sugar Creative, Good Gate Media and Skylife Accountancy,

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Single-use plastic ban starts positively liberal With ANDREW LYE

POLITICS

With possibly another year to the next General Election, Sunak’s government continues to try and drag itself out of the doldrums as they stare at a possible annihilation at the polls.

The public are crying out for change and yet Sunak still thinks it can win.

The Liberal Democrats have called on Rishi Sunak to call a General Election to end the “cycle of Conservative sleaze and scandal” since he became Prime Minister.

Last week saw Peter Bone MP suspended for 6 weeks from the Commons and he faces a recall petition which could mean yet another by-election for the Tories to lose.

The party has also highlighted five times where Sunak has failed to act with integrity since he promised to do so on the steps of Downing Street one year ago today.

This includes when the PM abstained on the Boris Johnson report, his refusal to block Johnson’s peerage list and failing to appoint an ethics adviser for six weeks. Rishi Sunak in the last year has also failed to declare his wife’s shares in a childcare agency, as well as reappointing Suella Braverman after she was forced to resign over security breaches.

Commenting on the anniversary, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said: “Just one year ago Rishi Sunak promised to bring back stability and integrity, yet since then we’ve been in a constant cycle of Conservative sleaze and scandal, moving from one crisis to another.”

“This Conservative Party have proved themselves to be unfit to govern, and Sunak is far too weak to lead. Rishi Sunak should call a General Election now, so voters can put this Government out of its misery. The British public deserve better than another year of absolute chaos.”

The Liberal Democrats

have also called on landlord MPs to reveal if they have ever used a section 21 notice to evict tenants as the Renters Reform Bill is put before the Commons for its Second Reading, last week.

It has been reported that there are dozens of Conservative MPs set to oppose the Bill. A fifth of the Conservative parliamentary Party are landlords.

The government has reportedly already made concessions to the potential rebels, delaying the ban on no-fault evictions until legal processes in the courts have been addressed.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the 68 Conservative MPs who are landlords to reveal if they have ever used a section 21 notice to evict tenants in order to have greater transparency over why they may oppose the ban on them.

Since the ban on section 21 evictions was promised by the Conservatives in 2019, nearly 50,000 households have been put at risk of homelessness due to them, the Liberal Democrats have previously revealed.

Liberal Democrat Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson, Helen Morgan MP said: “In the midst of a cost of living crisis, after years of rents spiralling out of control, this Conservative government has sat on its hands time and again leaving renters without the protections that they deserve.”

“It is not right that those thwarting this legislation do not have to make clear why they have such a keen personal interest in stopping it becoming law.”

“Any MP who has ever used a section 21 notice needs to make that clear to the House and to the public.

It would frankly be insulting to all those affected by the delay of this important piece of legislation to not know the true motivations of why so many Conservative MPs oppose the ban.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

ON MONDAY, October 30, a ban on certain single-use plastics came into force across Wales.

The move follows a Welsh Government commitment to “embed our response to the climate and nature emergency in everything we do”.

The new law seeks to cut plastic pollution by banning the supply of some types of plastic products.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said the Act forms part of the Welsh Government’s response to the climate and nature emergencies and “builds on the momentum created by communities across Wales who have chosen to go plastic-free, defy throwaway culture and tackle littering”.

The Welsh Government claims public support for the ban has been positive, with more than 87 per cent of people backing the move.

As of Monday, the following items are banned from being sold across the country: • • • •

•

Single-use plastic plates Single-use plastic cutlery Single-use plastic drink stirrers Cups made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene Takeaway food containers made of expanded or

• • •

foamed extruded polystyrene Single-use plastic balloon sticks Single-use plasticstemmed cotton buds Most single-use plastic drinking straws

Julie James said: “This is the first step in phasing out the need for unnecessary single-use plastic being used and sold in Wales.

“We’re committed to eradicating single-use plastic.

“Our next phase will see the banning of plastic single-use carrier bags, polystyrene lids for cups and food containers and products made of oxo-degradable plastic, which will come into force before the end of the Senedd term.

“Many businesses across Wales have already adopted the change before the ban by switching to reusable products or swapping out their plastic for cardboard or paper alternatives where reusables aren’t suitable.

“We’re also looking at plastic-based wet wipes, which can block drains, contribute to flooding and add microplastic fibres to our environment.

“If we all take a ‘Team Wales’ approach and look to reuse, recycle and repair more, it’ll help create a greener future for generations to come.”

Welsh Conservatives Shadow Climate Change Minister Janet FinchSaunders MS said: “Last year, I successfully campaigned for the Labour Government to catch up with the rest of the UK and ban single-use plastics. I am pleased to see it come into force.

“Around 10m tonnes of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans annually, with studies predicting that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We can all do our part to beat plastic pollution.

“Hopefully now, Labour ministers can get on with its other longawaited environmental promises like a Clean Air Act and show it is as serious about tackling climate change as the Welsh Conservatives.”

The Association of Convenience Stores, representing small local retailers, said: “Local shops are committed to making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

“Over the years, retailers have proactively reduced waste in their stores and communities.

“We are urging retailers to familiarise themselves and their colleagues with the guidance that has been published so that they can ensure that their businesses are prepared for the upcoming ban on single-use plastics.”

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Social housing rent cap continues WALES’s Housing Minister, Julie James, has announced a continued cap on social housing rent rises.

The Minister said: “Last year, I decided to cap the social housing rent uplift below the level of inflation to provide additional support to our social housing tenants as they faced pressures from the rising costs of food, energy and other household goods.

“The Office for National Statistics reported UK inflation was 6.7% in the year to September, so I must, once again, intervene and determine the maximum rent uplift for next year under the Welsh Government Rent and Service Charge Standard 2020 - 2025.

“It is vital that we continue to do all we can

to support those who face severe financial hardship, which is why I have decided to set the maximum uplift cap at the level of inflation.

“This means social landlords can charge a maximum social rent increase of 6.7% across all their properties. “ T o d a y ’ s announcement also ensures ongoing commitments from social landlords in Wales to support tenants struggling with the impacts of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, including the continuation of the no evictions due to financial hardship policy for tenants that engage with their landlords.”

The rent settlement for 2024-25 means that targeted support will be provided to those experiencing financial hardship to access

support and investment in existing homes to keep them safe, warm and affordable.

The Minister continued: “Despite CPI falling significantly since September 2022, the current economic climate continues to present challenges for both social landlords and their tenants.

“A recent survey on rent setting by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Cymru indicated a 9% fall in respondents who felt their rent was unaffordable.

“However, I am well aware of the impacts that the continuing costof-living crisis has put on social housing tenants and that this uplift may not feel ‘lower’ to many people across Wales.

“Landlords are not required to charge the maximum uplift amount.

I urge all social landlords to carefully consider affordability and set rents appropriately across their housing stocks.”

Next year will be the final year of the five-year rent policy.

We will continue to work in close collaboration with social landlords, the wider sector and other partners to inform our future rent policy, develop a consistent approach to assessing affordability and continue to provide support to both social landlords and their tenants.

Affordability is at the heart of social rent policies in Wales, and we will continue to strengthen our approaches and work effectively with partners to deliver on our commitments.

blue view

By Brian Murphy

One of the f u n d a m e n t a l principles of the democratic system we have in this country is that elected representatives are held accountable and are there to represent their constituents, irrespective of how they voted.

But it appears the First Minister Mark Drakeford wants to bring an end to this with his plans for reforming how members are elected to the Senedd.

When he appeared in front of the Welsh Affairs Committee earlier tis month he was asked directly about his plans. And I found his answers astonishing.

The basis of his argument to increase the number of Senedd Members from 60 to 96 is that the current system is insufficient to deal with the workload.

But that isnt enough for him; he wants to change the whole system so we can no longer vote for a person but will be voting for a party. Not only that, but the list will have quotas on it to ensure an equal number of male and female representatives.

Breaking the link between constituency, constituents and representatives is undemocratic, and undermines the principle of accountability. Also, the gender quota probably breaches gender equality legislation.

How can any policy aimed at inclusion be legal when its basis is exclusion of others?

But the really worrying aspect of this is that candidates can self-identify as a woman which will open the door to male candidates who can’t get onto the list because the quota has already been reached. Groups who

campaign and lobby for women’s rights are understandably concerned about this and are highlighting that it is likely to reduce female representation.

The First Minister acknowledges that this will be how the system will work but does not see any problems with it. He suggests that in future people who vote for a certain party might want to take their concerns to a MS from that same party. The Westminster system is far from perfect but that bond of accountability between a single identifiable MP and their constituents is one that is worth preserving in my view.

It is not just changes to the Senedd elections which have upset the public, but the introduction of blanket 20mph speed limit areas is massively opposed. There is no evidence they would improve road safety or reduce air pollution, and feedback from consultation and trials in Buckley, North Wales and elsewhere have been ignored.

Despite the Welsh Government stating there is not enough money in the budget and are looking to introduce spending cuts, they predict the lower speed limit will cost £4.5 billion to the Welsh economy. Data from the trial areas shows that enforcement is not consistently carried out, with one area experiencing no enforcement at all. The Welsh Government’s consultation in March 2022 found that 53% of respondents opposed the change.

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Governments’ Covid disclosures questioned

• Westminster chaos unveiled • SNP Minister deleted evidence • Welsh Ministers “hiding in the shadows”

by Henry Tufnell Housing is a hot issue for many people in Pembrokeshire. Not only is it becoming more and more difficult for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder, but there are also challenges in social housing.

We have a social housing waiting list of around 5,000 households, which has seen an increase of more than 50% since 2018.

In Wales, since March 2020 the Labour government has continued to take a ‘no-one left out’ approach, which has seen far greater numbers of people supported with temporary accommodation than before the pandemic – but we do still face huge challenges. We know that more than 200,000 households in Wales are struggling to meet mortgage and rental costs. The cost of living continues to bite, and people are struggling to make ends meet.. As for first-time buyers, average house prices were around £255,000 last year, while median pay was stuck at £31,694.

The situation has only been worsened by the Tories’ mismanagement of the economy, with 9,523 families in Pembrokeshire facing an annual mortgage payment increase of £2,100.

The last 13 years of the Tories has left us with low growth, the highest tax burden in 70 years, and inflation still running at just under 7%. The outlook right now is bleak, with little hope that the current UK Government has any solution to this growing problem.

Tory chaos in Westminster has a direct impact in Pembrokeshire, having shrunk the budgets that matter most to people’s lives. . PCC recognise that we need more housing and despite this tough landscape they are looking to develop 350 new build housing units by 2027 and their business plan has identified 400 affordable housing units with sites in Johnston, Tiers Cross, Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Tenby, Newport and Neyland in the active work programme, with support from the Welsh Labour government.

Furthermore, they are looking to increase the range of housing projects, to include the development of Community Land Trusts and making small plots of council land available for those seeking selfbuild opportunities.

The Welsh Labour Government have similarly been active in tackling the issue of second homes and holiday lets.

The tourism industry plays an important role in Pembrokeshire but there must be more recognition of the impact it has on local communities. The council tax premium on second homes and the increase in the number of days for holiday lets to qualify for business rates is welcomed.

Furthermore, the scale of the problem means that we must always be thinking of new solutions, and I am encouraged by the steps being taken in Gwynedd to examine the impact of Local Planning Authorities requiring property owners to obtain planning permission before changing the use of their properties into second homes or shortterm holiday lets.

PCC and our Welsh Labour Government cannot tackle this problem alone though. What we desperately need is a UK Labour Government in Westminster that is committed to building homes again, and which will work in tandem with the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff and with PCC to tackle this housing crisis. UK Labour’s plan on housing is bold – a housing recovery plan, the next generation of “new towns”, stronger powers and controls for Mayors over planning and housing investment, fast-track approval for brownfield development sites and supporting young people with a government backed mortgage guarantee scheme. We cannot allow the Tories to fan the flames of this housing crisis, by refusing to engage constructively with the Welsh Labour Government and starving it of vital funds. It’s time for change and a bold vision for housing in Pembrokeshire.

EVIDENCE given to the UK Covid Inquiry this week revealed Boris Johnson’s Government was dysfunctional, toxic, and dangerously overconfident about its ability to deal with the pandemic.

Advisor after advisor lined up to describe the former Prime Minister’s slapdash approach to governance.

From taking ten days’ holiday at a crucial point before the worst of the pandemic hit to being routinely described as “a shopping trolley” by senior aides, Mr Johnson’s reputation took a battering.

The impression given was of an administration divided by infighting.

Cabinet members allegedly leaked sensitive information to friendly media. Mr Johnson’s grasp of detail and selfdiscipline was so poor that vital decisions changed without notice or explanation. Cabinet government stopped functioning as Mr Johnson increasingly relied on a shrinking group of close confidants, including his wife.

The Inquiry released details of a series of communications between Number Ten officials that cast the conduct of those inside Number Ten in an even less favourable light than any of the above.

Mr Johnson’s aides held the business and operation of Government in almost as much contempt as they held each other. Parliament was an afterthought, if it was thought of at all. The public interest featured only so far as the Government’s decisions could be spun to the Conservative Party’s political advantage.

Mr Johnson’s notorious character flaws were well-known for years before he became Prime Minister.

Testimony to the Inquiry has laid bare the extent to which he was unfit for his office and likely incapable of running a

whelk stall.

Callous, lazy, selfish, mistrustful and untrustworthy: the picture of Mr Johnson in the pitiless testimony of those closest to him is even less flattering than the one Dorian Gray kept hidden in the attic.

The legend of Boris Johnson as “getting the big calls right” has taken more of a pummelling this week than ever before.

And, certainly, since his exit from the Commons in disgrace.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT DUCKS SCRUTINY Other myths have also taken a beating this week.

The Scottish Government’s Covid Inquiry heard Nicola Sturgeon used an SNP email address to hide communications between herself, other ministers, and officials. Using an SNP email address was designed to thwart any Freedom of Information Act requests.

The Scottish

Government has been criticised at the UK Covid inquiry for failing to hand over messages relating to decisions taken during the pandemic despite promising to do so.

Jamie Dawson KC, counsel to the UK Inquiry, said the Scottish Government had provided no WhatsApp or other informal messaging material despite evidence that this type of communication had been used to discuss pandemic preparations.

Scotland’s current first minister, Humza Yousaf, denied that Scottish ministers used WhatsApp to make decisions.

However, Mr Yousaf later revealed that the Scottish Government ordered the routine deletion of internal communications, including WhatsApp messages, which continued even after the announcement of a statutory inquiry that could compel their production.

Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s clinical director, cleared his messages daily and has

none left from the virus’s outbreak.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison – who apologised to grieving families for any “distress” caused by the issue – refused to say how many messages had been deleted, who had deleted them and if any effort had been made to retrieve them.

Governing by unrecorded private discussions, deleting communications, and adopting a strategy expressly designed to stop them from coming to light either through deletion or circumventing the law is hardly the approach of a government devoted either to transparency or accountability.

WELSH GOVERNMENT CIRCLES TO PROTECT MINISTERS Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for health and care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, has recently written to the First Minister to express

Not the Three Amigos: Sturgeon, Drakeford and Johnson under pressure

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concern over “how few core participants from Wales” are taking part in the module that’s specifically scrutinising the Welsh Government’s preparedness for the pandemic.

The Plaid spokesperson’s letter highlights the absence from the Covid Inquiry of representatives of individual health boards, third-sector bodies, and the Older Persons’ Commissioner for Wales.

Baroness Hallett, the chair of the UK Covid inquiry, has confirmed the Inquiry ‘can’t cover every issue’ relating to Wales.

The First Minister has repeatedly claimed the UK Inquiry will adequately scrutinise the Welsh Government’s conduct. However, Mr Drakeford’s ducking of

scrutiny can only help his likely successor, Vaughan Gething, whose abysmal handling of the pandemic response in Wales will remain under wraps. Mr Gething’s Johnson-like grasp of detail was exposed during his single session before the UK Inquiry.

Unsurprisingly, his dismal performance got little scrutiny on Wales’s broadcast media.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for health and care, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, said: “As the focus is rightly brought again on to government preparedness for the Covid pandemic, what’s equally clear is the very real possibility that Wales will not be subject to the same levels of scrutiny.

“This is no less apparent than with a spotlight on WhatsApp

messages from both the Scottish and UK Governments, while the Welsh Government manages to hide in the shadows regarding what messages it may or may not have sent during the same time.

“This matters because we already know from the Chair of the UK Covid Inquiry that the investigation ‘can’t cover every issue’ relating to Wales. This matters because few core participants from Wales are participating in Module 2 – the module scrutinising the Welsh Government’s preparedness for the pandemic.

And this matters because only a full and thorough inquiry will provide the answers and the closure that the people of Wales so desperately need and

deserve.

“Plaid Cymru does not have faith in the UK inquiry as the most effective and comprehensive vehicle for scrutinising the pandemic response in Wales.

“Decisions taken in Wales should be scrutinised in Wales.

That is why I have written to the First Minister to ascertain what support the Welsh Government has given to Welsh organisations in applying to be Core Participants in the UK Inquiry.

“With so few people speaking for Wales, the real possibility remains that the Welsh voice will not be heard in this UK inquiry, and the Welsh Government will continue to dodge the scrutiny being levelled at other governments across the UK.”

Last week, Professor Mark Barry explained how the experience of Westminster and Whitehall shows that fallibility is no impediment to independence in Wales.

This column features the second part of Professor Mark Barry’s article.

I don’t pretend Wales can achieve a perfectly efficient government that gets everything right.

Democracy is imperfect, and at its core are imperfect elected representatives. To damage it because it fails to fulfil some utopian ideal is dangerous and can lead to authoritarianism; we’ve seen this before.

What we can aim for in Wales is a government in which elected representatives have Wales as their top priority. Who act in good faith, with integrity and honesty. Who hold to more romantic ideals and aspirations for Wales’ future as well as dealing with classical realities and challenges, especially the climate emergency and the economy.

The Senedd can strive to achieve that. Whereas, in London, Wales barely makes it halfway up the second page of a list of priorities for busy Whitehall officials. They don’t offer any romantic vision of Wales.

Recent scandals regarding Russian money, appalling appointments to the House of Lords, and a clear embrace of disinformation and racism are stark. I see Westminster as dysfunctional and democratically compromised. I’m doubtful of its ability to undertake the radical constitutional reform required across these nations.

So could we go it alone?

Some say we couldn’t afford it. But it’s clear that Wales is not a poor country!

Let’s start with classical economics. The GDP per capita of Wales in 2020/21 was approximately $33,000.

By comparison, Italy was $34,000, Poland $18,000, Portugal $24,000, Slovakia $19,000; whereas the UK was only $41,000.

It’s also instructive to compare GDP/tax ratios and how relatively low the UK is when compared to, for example, France and Sweden. When one adds the reality that the majority of GDP in most ‘richer’ countries is generated

from activities (especially consumerism) with many unaccounted negative externalities, the number should look very different.

These include environmental degradation and carbon emissions.

The notional HM Treasury fiscal deficit Wales has with Westminster, while material, isn’t a true reflection of what Wales as an independent nation with its own tax and spend policies would sustain.

The 2019 Government Expenditure Review Wales analysis indicated that Wales generated tax revenue of £27bn (approximately 36% of GDP) with expenditure of £40.1bn, leaving an implied deficit of £13.7bn.

As I have set out on my blog (at https:// swalesmetroprof.blog), a fiscal deficit would likely be materially smaller as an independent nation. All tax would be recorded in Wales, costs currently allocated to Wales like HS2 would not, and matters such as Crown Estates revenue would be for Wales to manage. I don’t underplay the challenges. But we need classical honesty, rather than romantic gestures and rhetoric insisting challenges are uniquely insurmountable in Wales.

The UK government, like most independent nations, has a central bank so can ‘print’ money, and/ or borrow via bonds and so on. It can run a large budget deficit. (Over the pandemic, the UK borrowed an estimated £500bn. Public sector net debt was £2.3tn at the end of November 2021, 96.1% of GDP; the highest debt-to-GDP ratio since 1963). Wales has none of those powers in its currently constrained constitutional condition.

The simple fact is: Wales isn’t too poor to be independent. In fact, it appears more capable of developing an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economy than many others, if only it had the powers to do so.

Written by Professor Mark Barry of Cardiff University. Another version of this article was published

by Byline Cymru on 28th September 2023.

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Death Notices

Wilma Tweed MRS WILMA TWEED of The Grove Redberth Passed away peacefully on Sunday October 15th at Blaenmarlais Care Home in Narberth aged 90 years. Wilma will be sorely missed by her close family and friends. The funeral will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium Narberth at 10.45 on Thursday November 2nd. Immediate family flowers only donations in lieu of flowers if so desired are for the RNLI C/o EC Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home Llanteg Narberth.

SA678QH

Mavis Lockwood MRS. MAVIS LOCKWOOD TENBY The death occurred on Saturday 14th October 2023 at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby of Mrs. Mavis Lockwood affectionately known as ‘May’ aged 84 years of Augustus Place, Tenby.

Dearly loved Mum of Alan, Peter, Chris and Steve also Mother-in-law to Lisa and Nikki. A cherished Granny May to Gracie, Joe and

Rosie. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 31st October 2023 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45pm. Bright colours may be worn.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for Water Aid and Ward 10, Withybush Hospital c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson. co.uk Reginald Brian Cook Mr. Reginald Brian Cook Pembroke The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, on Wednesday 25th October 2023 of Mr. Reginald Charles Cook affectionately known as ‘Reg’ aged 88 years of Poyers Avenue, Pembroke.

Beloved Husband of the late Maureen. Dearly loved Dad to Nick, Andrea, Amanda and families. The funeral Service will take place on Wednesday 8th November

2023 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am. There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for A.C.D.U Withybush Hospital c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 or via www. ecthomasandson.co.uk Richard Naylor (Rick) NAYLOR Richard (Rick) Following a long and heroic battle, Rick sadly passed away at home with his family on Saturday, 28th October, aged 60 years.

Originally from Nottingham, Rick lived with his family at Ty’r Bont, Llanfallteg, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 0UR. His public funeral will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am on Saturday 4th November.

Strictly no flowers.

Donations, if desired, to ‘Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre’ c/o Mrs Lowri Evans of Colin Phillips and Daughters

Funeral Directors, 4 Morgan Street, Cardigan SA43 1DF Tel: 01239 621192 Elizabeth Pauline Lewis Mrs Elizabeth Pauline Lewis Tufton Peacefully on Thursday 26th October at Park House Court Care Home, Pauline of Tufton.

Beloved wife of Gwynant, loving mother of Emyr, Euros & Heather and a much loved grandmother of Nia and Sioned. Funeral service on Tuesday 7th November at Bethel Chapel, Ambleston at 12 noon followed by interment at Woodstock Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard.

Tel: 01348 873250.

Irene Meredith Irene Meredith of Haverfordwest Irene passed away peacefully at her partner’s home in Carmarthen on the 21st October, 2023 aged 85 years. Dearly loved partner to Dennis, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Funeral service,

Wednesday 8th November at 12.00pm at St. Ismael’s Church, Uzmaston followed by committal at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.00pm. Immediate family flowers only. Donations in memory of Irene for the Paul Sartori Foundation, may be sent c/o Mrs. Margaret Lewis, 23 Meadow Court, St. Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0SW. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821 Kim Elizabeth Curtis (nee James) CURTIS Kim Elizabeth (nee James) Kim James aged 57 years, formerly of Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest and former pupil of Tasker Milward School.

Died peacefully on 19th October 2023 at Gloucester Royal Hospital. Cherished wife of Scott and beloved mother to Maddie and Ben. Treasured daughter of Ruth and the late Wilfred James, and sister of the late Stephen James. Much loved Auntie (TK) of Julian, Adam and Ashley, Cousin of Christine, Andrew and Mark and sister-in-law of

Kenna. Funeral to be held Wednesday 8th November at the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Northleach at midday. Formal dress by request. Family flowers only.

Alan Coles Mr Alan Coles Pembroke Dock The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Thursday 12th. October of Mr. Alan Coles, aged 84 years. Very much cherished Dad of Elizabeth, Alan had been a respected and effective policeman in Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock for many years. His funeral will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Wednesday 1st. November at 1.00.pm. Family flowers only please but donations in memory of this good man may be made to The Salvation Army or The RSPCA, his favourite charities.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

Pause for thought...

I was delighted to read that Bear Grylls’ ‘dream’ has finally come true and that he has been baptised in the river Jordan where his hero John the Baptist baptised Jesus. I have been hugely encouraged by some of the things that Grylls is reported to have said too, and I thought it would be good to comment on a few of them.

To begin with it is perfectly obvious that Grylls has discovered that ‘being a Christian’ is vastly different to ‘being religious’.

This became clear in an interview he gave to GQ magazine some time ago.

‘I meet so many people who don’t want ‘religion,’ as such,” he said. “I get it. I feel the same. And, in fact, so did Jesus, the heart of all Christian faith. Faith and religion are not the same thing. The Jesus I read about in the Bible was fun, free and wild. He loved a party and he always hung out with the nonreligious folk. The only people he

ever got angry with were the overly religious types.”

I am just as impressed by his admiration for the Gospel of Luke. As far as Grylls is concerned ‘the beloved physician’s’ account of the life of Jesus is ‘reliable’. I couldn’t agree with him more! So many people tend to dismiss the Bible as full of inaccuracies and inconsistencies but when I hear them say that I encourage them to read the story of Sir William Ramsay. This amazing archaeologist initially doubted the reliability of the New Testament, but his extensive work led him to a very different conclusion. In fact, he went on to suggest that Luke is a ‘historian of the first rank’ As some of you may know my scepticism suffered the same fate which is why I now grasp every opportunity to tell people to take the Bible seriously.

Grylls is clearly taking Jesus seriously because by being baptised this ex-SAS

paratrooper (I understand he served in with 21 SAS in the Territorial Army) Grylls was publicly declaring that he was recognising Jesus as his ultimate ‘Commander in Chief’.

Indeed, his very public immersion in the waters of the river Jordan was the equivalent of a Roman soldier’s ‘sacramentum’, the oath of allegiance sworn by recruits which demanded obedience and good discipline.

There will be times when Grylls will let his ‘C in C’ down of course, but he can rest assured of one thing, He will never let Grylls down. Even better, this Christian soldier can serve His ‘C in C’ knowing that he is on the toad to victory.

The most decisive battle in history was fought and won over the first Easter weekend and there is an empty tomb in Jerusalem to prove it. If you want to know more you will find it in Luke’s (reliable) Gospel.

Rob James

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LETTERS & NOTICES

send your letters to: The editor, 11 hamilton terrace, milford haven, Pembrokeshire, sa73 3al email us at: editor@herald.email

Picture of the week!

High tide at Saundersfoot Harbour by Yvonne Davies

The conservative party

DEAR SIR,

I find myself pondering the reasons some individuals continue to support the Conservative party in by-elections after over a decade. It’s worth noting that there are foreign nationals who, eager to become British citizens, willingly attend interviews at British Consulates in their home countries. These interviews gauge their potential contributions to the UK, discerning if they’d be assets or liabilities.

Those who don’t pass these evaluations are unlikely to resort to using ‘people smugglers’ to cross the Channel, especially when their details are already on record.

It is undebatable that only national governments possess the authority to enact immigration regulations. However, it seems that criminal entities thrive by exploiting the perceived inadequacies of

certain governments. The Conservative decision to make Channel crossings illegal has led to many aspirants spending prolonged periods in confinement, a situation costing the British taxpayer approximately £8 billion annually. One can’t help but question the rationale behind such decisions and wonder who truly benefits, besides the criminal elements facilitating these crossings.

Furthermore, there have been policy decisions that have raised eyebrows: reducing police numbers, potentially leading to increased crime; decreasing hospital staff, which in turn may elongate NHS waiting times and put the broader public’s health at risk; and challenging trade unions that represent the interests of many hardworking Britons.

This has inadvertently shifted economic power and opportunities to a relatively small section of the population.

Additionally, when considering entities like Thames Water, it’s essential to reflect upon the motivations of its

investors. Is it fair to expect them to uphold the legacy and traditions of our great nation? The prevailing sentiment seems to be that the Conservatives prioritize individual gains over collective welfare. This is evident in the vast disparities in earnings between top executives and those facing unemployment.

While it’s understood that investments aim for maximum returns, one can’t help but think that the real investment should be in nurturing and educating our future generations.

C N Westerman

Letter in support of PALESTINE DEAR SIR,

It is tragic but not surprising that Palestinians are rising up and trying to fight back after so many years of repression, killings and ethnic cleansing. Israel is heavily armed with most of their ‘civilian’ population armed too. The latest far

right government is the most racist and fanatical yet and over the last year has ramped up the arrests, woundings and killings of unarmed families as more of their homes are demolished and lands and water resources are taken over in Jerusalem and the West Bank and life in the besieged Gaza strip becomes more impossible.

I don’t think many people listening to the news have any idea of the extent of the colonialist repression that the Israeli apartheid state has perpetrated on the Palestinians. We are not even told of the increasing number of Israeli’s who do not support the armed occupation of the West Bank. Nor are we told how the Israeli state is becoming more and more authoritarian and less democratic even for the Israelis themselves.

The only way to get peace in Israel/Palestine is for our governments to stop supporting Israel with funds and propaganda and to tell the truth. The continuing horrendous human rights abuses that are carried out daily

by the Israeli Armed Forces and armed illegal Israeli settlers need to be publicised, called out.

The one sided media coverage in the West must stop. It is obvious that as Israel continues its colonial repression then more and more desperate Palestinians see no option but to try to fight back. Of course they cannot win an armed battle, they are the much weaker side. But we can at least call out for true peaceful negotiations that treat Palestinians on an equal basis to Israelis.

Or do we want the horrors to continue and the high tech Israeli bombers to kill more thousands of people in besieged Gaza? If Israel continues the siege, destroying all possibility of any hope for a life or future they can expect more and more violence. Violence begets violence. To end the cycle of killings the siege of Gaza must end, the ethnic cleansing and house demolitions in the West Bank and Jerusalem must stop and honest negotiations to settle the conflict must start.

Angie Zelter, Larch House

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CYNGOR SIR PENFRO PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

RHYBUDD ETHOLIAD O UN CYNGHORWR TREF

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR A TOWN COUNCILLOR

AR GYFER

WARD CANOL CYNGOR TREF ABERDAUGLEDDAU

FOR THE

CENTRAL WARD OF MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATURE To be able to stand at a community/town council election in Wales you must be 18 years of age or over at the date of nomination, be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of any member state of the European Union or a qualifying foreign citizen and meet at least one of the four qualifications below: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

be a local government elector of the community/town; or have during the whole of the twelve months preceding the day on which you are nominated as a candidate occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the community/town; or your principle or only place of work in the twelve months preceding the day on which you are nominated as a candidate has been in the area of the community/town; or have resided either in the community/town or within 4.8 kilometres thereof during the whole of the twelve months preceding the day on which you are nominated as a candidate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT 1.

An Election is to be held for ONE Town Councillor for the CENTRAL WARD OF MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL.

2.

Forms of nomination paper may be obtained from the ELECTORAL SERVICES OFFICE, UNIT 23, THORNTON INDUSTRIAL TRADING ESTATE, MILFORD HAVEN, SA73 2RR.

3.

Nomination papers should either be delivered by hand to the RETURNING OFFICER, ELECTORAL SERVICES OFFICE, UNIT 23, THORNTON INDUSTRIAL TRADING ESTATE, MILFORD HAVEN, SA73 2RR between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm on any working day after the date of this Notice, but no later than 4.00pm on FRIDAY 27th OCTOBER 2023 (appointments must be made to deliver nomination papers in person. Appointments can be made by email to electoralservices@pembrokeshire.gov.uk) or nomination papers may be submitted electronically by scanning the nomination papers and emailing to Returningofficer@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

4.

If the Election is contested, the poll will take place on the 23rd day of NOVEMBER 2023.

5.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on TUESDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2023. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

6.

Alterations to existing arrangements for postal voting by electors or their proxies who already have an indefinite or fixed period postal vote, or new postal vote applications, must reach the ELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICER, UNIT 23, THORNTON INDUSTRIAL TRADING ESTATE, MILFORD HAVEN, SA73 2RR, by no later than 5.00pm on WEDNESDAY 8th NOVEMBER 2023.

7.

Applications to vote by proxy must reach the ELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICER by no later than 5.00pm on WEDNESDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2023.

WILLIAM BRAMBLE Returning Officer, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1TP (Tel No: 01437 775714/5) Dated this 19th day of October 2023

by the Returning Officer, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

CYMWYSTERAU YMGEISYDD Er mwyn gallu sefyll yn etholiad cyngor cymuned/tref yng Nghymru rhaid i chi fod yn 18 mlwydd oed neu drosodd ar y dyddiad enwebu, bod yn ddinesydd Prydeinig, yn ddinesydd cymwys o'r Gymanwlad, yn ddinesydd yn un o aelod-wladwriaethau yr Undeb Ewropeaidd neu’n ddinesydd tramor cymwys, ac yn bodloni o leiaf un o'r pedwar amod cymhwyso canlynol: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

yn etholwr llywodraeth leol yn y cymuned/tref, neu wedi dai fel perchennog neu denant unrhyw dir neu aneddle arall yn y cymuned/dref yn ystod y cyfan o’r deuddeng mis cyn y dyddiad yr ydych yn gael eich enwebu’n ymgeisydd, neu a’i brif neu unig weithle yn ystod y deuddeng mis cyn y dyddiad yr ydych yn gael eich enwebu’n ymgeisydd wedi bod o fewn ardal y cymuned/tref, neu wedi byw yn y tref neu o fewn 4.8 cilomedrau iddi yn ystod y cyfan o’r deuddeng mis cyn y dyddiad yr ydych yn gael eich enwebu’n ymgeisydd.

RHODDIR RHYBUDD TRWY HYN 1.

Mae Etholiad i’w gynnal ar gyfer UN Cynghorwr Tref ar gyfer WARD CANOL CYNGOR TREF ABERDAUGLEDDAU.

2.

Mae ffurflenni papurau enwebu ar gael o’r GWASANAETHAU ETHOLIADOL, UNED 23, YSTAD DDIWYDIANNOL THORNTON, ABERDAUGLEDDAU, SA73 2RR.

3.

Dylech rhoi ffurflenni enwebu papur drwy law i’r SWYDDOG CANLYNIADAU YN GWASANAETHAU ETHOLIADOL, UNED 23, YSTAD DDIWYDIANNOL THORNTON, ABERDAUGLEDDAU, SA73 2RR rhwng a 10.00yb a 4.00yp ar unrhyw ddiwrnod gwaith ar ôl dyddiad yr hysbysiad hwn, ond fan bellaf erbyn 4.00yp ar DYDD GWENER 27ain HYDREF 2023. (dylid gwneud apwyntiad i ddod âr papurau enwebu i’r swyddfa yn bersonol. Gellir trefnu apwyntiad drwy ebostio gwasanaethauetholiadol@pembrokeshire.gov.uk), neu gellir cyflwyno enwebiadau yn electronaidd trwy sganio’r ffurflenni enwebu a’u hanfon dros ebost at returningofficer@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

4.

Os bydd pleidleisio, cynhelir yr etholiad ar y 23ain dydd o TACHWEDD 2023.

5.

Mae’n rhaid i geisiadau i gofrestru i bleidleisio gyrraedd y Swyddog Cofrestru Etholiadol erbyn canol nos ar DYDD MAWRTH 7fed TACHWEDD 2023. Gellir cyflwyno cofrestriadau ar lein: https://www.gov.uk/cofrestru-i-bleidleisio

6.

Rhaid i newidiadau yn y trefniadau presennol ar gyfer pleidleisio drwy’r post gan etholwyr neu eu dirprwyon sydd eisoes a phleidlais bost am gyfnod amhenodol neu benodol, neu geisiadau am bleidleisiau absennol newydd gyrraedd y SWYDDOG COFRESTRU ETHOLIADOL, GWASANAETHAU ETHOLIADOL, UNED 23, YSTAD DDIWYDIANNOL THORNTON, ABERDAUGLEDDAU, SA73 2RR fan bellaf erbyn 5.00yh ar DYDD MERCHER 8fed TACHWEDD 2023.

7.

Mae’r ceisiadau am bleidleisio trwy ddirprwy yn gorfod cyrraedd y SWYDDOG COFRESTRU ETHOLIADOL fan bellaf erbyn 5.00yh ar DYDD MERCHER 15fed TACHWEDD 2023.

WILLIAM BRAMBLE Swyddog Canlyniadau Neuadd y Sir, Hwlffordd, Sir Benfro, SA61 1TP (Rhif Ffôn 01437 775714/5) Dyddiedig y 19eg ddydd o Hydref 2023

Argraffwyd a Chyhoeddwyd gan y Swyddog Canlyniadau, Neuadd y Sir, Hwlffordd, Sir Benfro

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Goodwick win comfortably as Hakin slip up Goodwick United travelled to Treowen Stars in challenging conditions, as most games in the county and indeed West Wales were beaten by the weather.

It was a journey worth making for O’Sullivan’s men as they progressed to the next round of the FAW Amatuer trophy. The Pembrokeshire league leaders were 5-2 winners, thanks to a brace from Daniel James, also goals from Haworth, Dalling and Jones. Despite three yellow cards they this week managed to end the game with eleven men, and no doubt they would have been even happier to see rivals Hakin United drop points.

Hakin United travelled to Merlins Bridge who these days are the club you want to be facing on a day where weather and pitch conditions maybe an issue. After a goalless first 45, the home team took the lead through skipper Nick Squire, and Hakin were looking very close to losing two games in two.

Manager Justin Harding had other ideas however and brought himself on after 81 mintues and

with the 90 minutes up and injury time being played he came up with the crucial equaliser. This result does however give Goodwick the upper hand and overall a challanging fortnight for the men from the Obs, who host Plough Colts in the West Wales cup next weekend.

Into the second division and only the two fixtures were played with unbeaten Herbranston hosting Merlins Bridge

reserves. The bridge travelled with plenty of experience in their ranks with players such as Hudgell, Divry and Joe Leahy. However Galdo’s men showed why they are unbeaten and put six past Rhys Corney in the visitors goal. There was a brace for Herbie captain and key player Craig Nicholson, with Adam Whatling and Adrian Rees also grabbing a brace. A win that will

undoutably please Herbie and it puts them second in the league and on the charge. The only other game in the second division was at the Obs, where ten men Hakin struck late to secure a 1-1 draw against Johnston, Kieran Blundell scored for the visitors, which looked to have secured three points for them until Callum Stannett converted a late penalty to equliase for the hosts.

In the senior cup first round Camrose progressed to the second round with a 3-2 victory at home to Letterston, the hosts had to play the majority of the game with ten men after losing Paul Jenkins to a red card. The only other senior cup tie saw Cosheston get some relief from a challenging league campaign so far with a 5-1 win over Manobier United.

SPORT

Pembrokeshire’s unbeaten teams spotlight Throughout the county and the divisions there are seven teams who are yet to lose a league game. Perhaps the most obvious are the big two in division one, Hakin United and Goodwick United.

In the second division despite not being top of the tree Herbranston are yet to lose a league game and will be keen to keep that record intact this weekend. As it stands they have five wins and three draws from their eight league outings.

Lawrenny sit top of division three and have won every one of their league games so far, a perfect start to the season. They

travel to a struggling Pennar Robins reserves Saturday and will be aiming to extend their

record further.

The only reserve team on the list is Camrose and they

have eight wins from eight. Having scored 46 goals already this season they are looking

like firm favourites for promotion from division 4. However in the same division New Hedges Saundersfoot United, have also won every game and are also flying. Six wins from six, leaves them third but would be level with Camrose if they win their games in hand.

Last week the seaside outfit proved they can compete with anyone, only losing 2-1 to division one Carew.

A return to Pembrokeshire football for Hundleton couldn’t have begun much better. With eight wins and two draws they sit top of division five and definitely have their sights firmly set on winning that league.

SPORT 77

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Manderwood Pembrokeshire league DIVISION 1

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Goodwick United

9

7

2

0

+35

23

Hakin United

9

6

3

0

+12

21

Results

Merlins Bridge

11

4

3

4

+12

15

28th OCTOBER DIVISION 1

Clarbeston Road

8

5

0

3

-3

15

Merlins Bridge

1

1

Hakin United

Tenby

8

3

3

2

+1

12

-

-

-

-

Monkton Swifts

9

3

2

4

+2

11

-

-

-

-

Milford United

7

3

1

3

+5

10

-

-

-

-

Kilgetty

8

3

1

4

-6

10

-

-

-

-

Pennar Robins

8

2

3

3

-10

9

-

-

-

-

Carew

8

2

2

4

0

8

Neyland

8

2

0

6

-25

6

Hakin United II

1

1

Johnston

Herbrandston

6

2

Merlins Bridge II

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Clarbeston Road II

2

3

Neyland II

Pembroke Boro

2

10 Goodwick United II

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fishguard Sports

9

0

2

7

-23

2

DIVISION 2

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Monkton Swifts II

10

8

1

1

+29

25

Herbrandston

9

6

3

0

+15

21

Narberth

9

6

1

2

+10

19

Hakin United II

11

5

4

2

+7

19

Merlins Bridge II

10

5

2

3

+5

17

St Ishmaels

9

4

1

4

+7

13

Johnston

10

3

3

4

+7

12

Camrose

9

3

3

3

+5

12

Broad Haven

10

2

3

5

-16

9

St Clears

8

1

2

5

-12

5

Carew II

10

1

2

7

-14

5

Cosheston

9

0

1

8

-43

1

DIVISION 3

P

W

D

L

GD

Lawrenny

7

7

0

0

+21

Goodwick Utd II

8

6

1

1

Neyland II

8

5

1

Letterston

8

4

1

Solva

7

3

Haverfordwest CC

6

Pendine

Fixtures • 4th November

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 3

DIVISION 4 Angle

2

3

Newport Tigers

Carew III

7

1

N H & Saundersfoot

Pts

-

-

-

-

21

-

-

-

-

+21

19

-

-

-

-

2

+8

16

-

-

-

-

3

+5

13

1

3

+1

10

Cosheston II

0

7

Haverfordwest CC II

3

1

2

-4

10

Herbrandston II

4

1

Letterston II

6

3

0

3

+2

9

Hundleton

9

1

Broad Haven II

Clarbeston Road II

8

3

0

5

-4

9

Narberth II

2

2

Manorbier United

St Florence

7

2

1

4

-2

7

-

-

-

-

Pembroke Boro

7

2

0

5

-6

6

-

-

-

-

Kilgetty II

8

2

0

6

-19

6

Pennar Robins II

8

1

0

7

-23

3

DIVISION 5

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

10

8

2

0

+53

26

DIVISION 5

DIVISION 4

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

Hundleton

Camrose II

8

8

0

0

+34

24

Pembroke Boro II

9

6

2

1

+26

20

Tenby II

7

6

1

0

+17

19

Narberth II

9

6

2

1

+12

20

10

6

1

3

+26

19

N H & Sfoot

7

6

0

1

+21

18

Haverfordwest CC II

Newport Tigers

7

6

0

1

+8

18

St Clears II

8

6

0

2

+22

18

Monkton Swifts III

8

3

0

5

-6

9

Johnston II

8

4

2

2

+13

14

9

3

1

5

-20

10

Angle

8

3

0

5

-7

9

Broad Haven II

Fishguard Spts II

8

3

0

5

-8

9

Manorbier United

6

2

3

1

+9

9

St Ishmaels II

8

2

2

4

-5

8

Milford Athletic II

9

3

0

6

-27

9

9

2

1

6

-21

7

Milford United

8

2

1

5

0

7

Lawrenny II

Prendergast Villa

8

2

1

5

-13

7

Herbrandston II

10

2

0

8

-23

6

Carew III

8

1

1

6

-32

4

Letterston II

10

1

2

7

-21

5

3

Cosheston II

7

0

0

7

-49

0

Milford Athletic

7

1

0

6

-9

DIVISION 1 (11th November) Clarbeston Road v Monkton Swifts Kilgetty v Tenby Milford United v Carew Neyland v Hakin United Pennar Robins v Fishguard Sports DIVISION 2 Cosheston v Narberth Herbrandston v Hakin United II Merlins Bridge II v Carew II St Clears v Broad Haven DIVISION 3 Haverfordwest CC v St Florence Lawrenny v Clarbeston Road II Pembroke Boro v Kilgetty II Pendine v Letterston Pennar Robins II v Goodwick United II Solva v Neyland II DIVISION 4 Angle v Milford Athletic Fishguard Sports II v Camrose II Milford United v St Ishmaels II Monkton Swifts III v Newport Tigers N Hedges & Saundersfoot v Tenby II Prendergast Villa v Carew III DIVISION 5 Broad Haven II v Cosheston II Hundleton v Lawrenny II Letterston II v Johnston II Manorbier United v St Clears II Milford Athletic II v Haverfordwest CC II Narberth II v Herbrandston II

For more county sport please visit herald.wales

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SPORT 79

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South Africa triumphs in Rugby World Cup final The Rugby World Cup has crowned its champions, with South Africa emerging victorious for the fourth time. The Springboks, known for their resilience and tenacity, overcame formidable opponents, ultimately securing their triumph in a nailbiting final against New Zealand in Paris on Saturday.

South Africa’s journey through the tournament was marked by a single defeat, a narrow loss to Ireland during the pool stages.

However, the Springboks bounced back with a remarkable display of skill, determination, and teamwork. Their path to victory included gripping encounters against the host nation France and a fierce battle against England in the knockout

rounds.

The final, against perennial rivals New Zealand, proved to be a heart-stopping affair, with South Africa emerging victorious by the narrowest of margins, clinching a 12-11 win.

This victory cements South Africa’s status as one of the most dominant

teams in the history of the Rugby World Cup. They join an elite league of teams that have claimed the prestigious title four times, having previously triumphed in 2007, 1995, and in the previous tournament held in Japan four years ago.

Following their

stellar performance, the Springboks have ascended to the top of the global rankings, surpassing their competitors with a commanding lead. Their triumph in the final match against New Zealand resulted in a gain of 1.75 ranking points,

bringing their total to an impressive 94.54 points.

This achievement places them nearly four points ahead of any other team, showcasing their exceptional prowess on the rugby field.

Surprisingly, it is not the All Blacks, traditionally a rugby powerhouse, who hold the second position in the rankings.

Instead, it is Ireland, led by coach Andy Farrell, who secured the runnerup spot despite their quarter-final exit at the hands of New Zealand.

Ireland had begun the tournament as the top-ranked team and managed to maintain a strong position, emphasizing their consistency and skill in the competition. France, on the other hand, faced disappointment, ending the tournament in fourth place.

England, after a shaky start in the tournament where they were placed eighth due to a defeat against Fiji, made a remarkable comeback.

Their third-place finish was secured with a victory over Argentina in the Bronze Final, highlighting their resilience and determination on the field. This achievement ensures their continued presence among the world’s top five teams.

Argentina, despite their seventh-place finish, displayed commendable performance, narrowly edging past Wales in the quarter-finals.

Wales, previously hovering around the top ten, made significant progress by securing the eighth position. This achievement signifies their growth and potential as they prepare for future tournaments.

Warren Gatland will not coach British and Irish Lions Wales’ renowned rugby coach, Warren Gatland, has announced his decision not to vie for the coveted position of head coach for the British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour to Australia.

Gatland, who has masterfully steered the Lions in their last three tours, achieving a historic victory in Australia in 2013, drawing with New Zealand in 2017, and facing a narrow defeat against South Africa in 2021, has opted to step aside. The unexpected development came to light as Gatland confirmed his withdrawal and endorsed his former assistant, Ireland’s esteemed coach Andy Farrell, for the role.

Gatland, who also served as an assistant coach during the Lions’ South Africa tour in 2009, revealed his decision in a heartfelt column for The Telegraph. He expressed his deep sentiment for the Lions, stating that his withdrawal was a

personal and significant choice.

“It is that sentiment which right now, from a personal point of view, makes this the biggest decision of all,” Gatland wrote.

Nigel Walker, Wales’ director of rugby, approached Gatland a

few weeks ago, inquiring about his interest in leading the Lions once again. Gatland wasted no time in declining the offer, firmly asserting that he would not put his name forward.

However, he was quick to recommend Farrell for the role, highlighting the

Irish coach’s exceptional skills and achievements.

Farrell, who recently earned the prestigious title of World Rugby’s Coach of the Year, has an impressive track record as the defence coach under Gatland during the Lions’ triumphant campaigns in 2013 and

2017. Furthermore, he has guided Ireland to a remarkable winning streak, securing the top spot in the world rankings and clinching a Grand Slam.

In his column, Gatland praised Farrell, saying, “Andy has

got really good manmanagement skills, has huge experience in the game as a professional from a young age in rugby league, and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a person and as a coach.” Gatland also acknowledged Ireland’s outstanding achievements in recent years, attributing their success to Farrell’s expertise and the synergy between the Irish provinces and the union.

G a t l a n d ’ s endorsement has added weight to Farrell’s candidacy, making him a strong contender for the role of head coach for the British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour. As the rugby world eagerly anticipates the official announcement, Farrell’s potential appointment signals a new chapter in the Lions’ legacy, under the guidance of a coach celebrated for his tactical brilliance and exceptional leadership.

SPORT