Milford sex offender’s child abuse images ‘most disturbing imaginable’
A 40-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after being found with nearly 40,000 indecent images of children, including some of the most disturbing nature
imaginable. Jason Church, a father of young children, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he faced multiple charges related to child exploitation.
The investigation began when police traced suspicious online activity linked to Church’s home in Milford Haven. On August 23, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at his residence, during which Church admitted to having incriminating material on his mobile phone. He explicitly stated to the police, “It’s on
Driver wasn’t aware he was over the cannabis drug-drive limit
A MILFORD HAVEN motorist has been banned from driving after being caught travelling ‘at speed’ along Dale Road, Haverfordwest, after consuming cannabis.
John Lewis, 30, was followed by police officers as he travelled along the Dale Road on June 24, 2024.
“The officers believed the car was travelling at speed, and when they spoke to the driver, who was identified as the defendant, he said he’d taken cannabis the evening before,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan when Lewis appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates this week.
Blood tests carried out at the police station confirmed the defendant had 3.7 mcg of Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The prescribed legal limit is 2. Lewis, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to driving over the legal drugs limit. He was represented in
court by solicitor Tom Lloyd.
“If he had been aware that he was over the limit that day, he’d never have driven,” he said.
Lewis, who has no previous convictions, was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay a £120 court surcharge and £85 costs.
my phone, what you’re looking for” when questioned about the nature of the images.
Upon examination of his Samsung device, authorities uncovered a staggering collection: 2,688 images classified as Category A (the most severe), along with 4,160 Category B images and an alarming 32,205 Category C images. Among these horrific images were videos depicting the sexual abuse of very young children, including a baby. Additionally, officers discovered a 170-page manual that provided detailed guidance on how to exploit children and evade detection.
In court, prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton highlighted the graphic content of the material found and emphasised the seriousness of Church’s offences. Despite his previous clean record, Church pleaded guilty to all charges against him. His defence barrister noted that Church was aware of the severity of his actions and had sought help from organizations aimed at preventing child exploitation.
Judge Huw Rees condemned Church’s actions as “unhealthy” and a significant danger to children. He stated, “These are not just images; they represent real victims,” reinforcing the gravity of Church’s crimes and the impact they have on real lives.
In addition to his prison sentence, Church is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years following his release.
Man accused of drugs possession failed to attend
A WARRANT without bail has been issued for the arrest of a Cilgerran man accused of possessing 37.7g of cannabis and 11 tablets of Diazepam.
Rago, 28, of Penffynnon, Tyrhos Farm, Cilgerran is accused of possessing the controlled drugs
following a police search on May 26. He was listed to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Thursday (January 2), but following his non-appearance, Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan requested a warrant without bail for his arrest. Magistrates agreed to her request.
Youths failed to stop and crash into Milford Home
POLICE in Milford Haven have arrested two male youths following a fail-to-stop incident that ended with their car crashing into a residential property on Hamilton Terrace.
The incident occurred at 10:50pm on Friday (Dec 27). According to officers, a black Mercedes failed to stop on North Road before speeding along The Rath and turning back onto Hamilton Terrace. As the car continued down the road, it was met by a second police vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
In an attempt to avoid the oncoming police car and another pursuing from behind, the vehicle tried to drive up Francis Street against the one-way system. However, it failed to make the turn and crashed into a residential property.
The occupants then fled on foot, with one officer pursuing on foot and another driving against the oneway system towards The Trafalgar Public House.
The property sustained damage to a wall, and the vehicle was left undrivable and is now being recovered. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The police were seen searching the crashed vehicle, and took several paper bags full of potential evidence from the scene.
SOCIAL LInKS
Disgust at overflowing bins and litter at Withybush Retail Park
RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are voicing their frustration over the neglected state of rubbish bins at Withybush Retail Park, during the busy Christmas period. Many bins have been left overflowing, leading to a surge of complaints on social media, where locals have accused the council of neglecting waste management in the area.
The situation has sparked significant outrage among residents who feel that the local council has failed to respond adequately to the increased waste generated during the holiday season. One resident expressed their dismay, stating, “ALL bins overflowing, makes me ashamed to say that I live in Pembrokeshire.”
Despite the criticisms aimed at the council, it’s crucial to note that Withybush Retail Park is privately owned by Realty Income Corporation, an American real estate investment trust. The park was acquired for £20.7 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 7.96%. It spans 94,159 square feet and is home to well-known retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Home Bargains, Next, Boots, TK Maxx, Sports Direct, and Mountain Warehouse. This ownership structure raises questions about the responsibilities of both the council and Realty Income in maintaining cleanliness and managing waste effectively.
The Christmas peak season often brings increased foot traffic and waste generation in retail areas. However, many residents feel that proper waste management protocols should be in place to accommodate this seasonal influx. As complaints continue to mount on social media, both the local council and Realty Income will need to address these concerns to restore community satisfaction and ensure a clean environment for shoppers.
As discussions unfold regarding the responsibilities of private landowners versus public entities in waste management, residents are hopeful for a swift resolution that will improve the condition of their local environment.
Pembrokeshire County Council and Realty have both been asked to comment.
Grief stricken woman assaulted police officer after drinking binge
A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has been sentenced for assaulting a police officer following a drinking binge one month after her partner was killed in a motorcycle accident at Canaston Bridge.
This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that Miranda Mayhew, 46, struggled to cope with her grief following the tragic death of motorcyclist Joshua Jones-Rogers, who was killed at Canaston Bridge on November 1, 2024.
“One month before the offence, she witnessed the death of her partner who died in her arms at the side of the road,” Mayhew’s solicitor, Jess Hill, told the court.
Police were called to Dredgemans Hill, Haverfordwest in the early hours of December 9 following reports that Mayhew, 46, of Portfield Avenue, Haverfordwest, and another female had been seen jumping on the bonnets of parked vehicles.
“The officers tried to get them to move away but the defendant became obstructive, calling them c* and f*** b*,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
“She then kicked out at one of the officers and missed, but kicked out a
second time and made contact.”
Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman said Mayhew had spent the evening at a friend’s property in Johnston.
“She’d consumed alcohol but then decided to walk back to her home in Haverfordwest,” she said.
“She’d gone there because her partner had been killed in a motorcycle accident at Canaston Bridge. She’d seen it and it was traumatic.”
As magistrates listened to the evidence, Mayhew could be seen wiping her eyes as she stood in the dock.
She was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order during which she must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was also placed on an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days.
She was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the police officer, £85 court costs and a £114 surcharge.
“It’s obvious to us that you’ve had trauma in your life,” commented the presiding magistrates, “but this is an opportunity for you to work with the probation service and set an example to yourself.”
Woman who kicked female officer must wear alcohol monitoring tag
A 25-YEAR-OLD Pembroke Dock woman has been sentenced for kicking a female police officer in the groin.
Officers were called to a property in Glenview Avenue on December 9, following concerns that Lacey Sharp was severely under the influence.
“The officers could see that she was clearly under the influence of something, but when they tried to assist her, she began kicking out at them,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
“She kicked one of the officers to her groin area.”
Ms Vaughan stated that while the
Musician pulled over in camper van tested positive for cannabis
A TRAVELLING musician has appeared before magistrates after being found driving his campervan through Haverfordwest when he was over three times the legal drug-drive limit.
Jacob Sparkes, 34, was stopped by officers as he drove his Renault Traffic campervan through Thomas Parry Way, Haverfordwest, on July 20. A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed he had 6.9 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.
Sparkes pleaded guilty to the offence and was legally represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.
“The defendant began taking cannabis as a form of self medication as a result of his epilepsy,” said Mr Kelleher. “At the time of the offence he was travelling in a campervan around Wales, playing music at various festivals.”
Sparkes, of Beech Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.
Woman who used stolen bank cards having new baby taken into care
A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has been sentenced for stealing bank cards from a young mother attending to her three young children at Carmarthen Railway Station toilet.
Kelly Rees, 35, a new mother herself, discovered the bag belonging to Cheryl Lewis on August 20. When Rees looked inside, she discovered a purse containing three bank cards and £2 in cash.
police officer accepted that Sharp was heavily under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence, she was unprepared to accept that she should have been kicked by the defendant.
Sharp, of Bethel Court, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order during which she must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and must wear an alcohol monitoring tag for the next 90 days.
She was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the police officer, £85 court costs and a £114 surcharge.
This week, Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates that Rees, of Precelly Place, Milford Haven, removed the purse from the bag and travelled back to Pembrokeshire where she made multiple attempts to use the stolen cards to purchase items. These included a visit to Tesco, Milford Haven, where she purchased goods valued at £189 using one of the stolen cards.
Ms Vaughan said the offences were committed while Rees was serving a Community Order for previous convictions.
Rees pleaded guilty to theft and of fraud by false representation.
“She’s genuinely remorseful for her actions,” said her solicitor Michael Kelleher. “She’s recently given birth, but her child will now be going into foster care.”
After considering a comprehensive probation report, magistrates sentenced Rees to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months. She must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was ordered to pay £189 compensation to Cheryl Lewis, a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.
“Multiple attempts to use those cards does not reflect well on your thinking process,” commented the presiding magistrate when sentencing Kelly Rees.
Cars expected to remain banned from Newport Sands in 2025
NO PLANS to review the decision to end car parking on a north Pembrokeshire beach are expected in 2025, with works on a new car park development due to start early this year.
Newport Sands/Traeth Mawr became car-free in May 2023, when Pembrokeshire coast National Park ended parking on the beach after purchasing the land in response to growing safety concerns.
It said the beach would be a ‘carfree’ zone, with exceptions only allowed for emergency services and essential car users such as the RNLI and coastguards.
A petition was later launched demanding a backtrack, saying an outright ban will have an adverse effect on a wide cross-section of beach users, including disabled visitors.
Last July, members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s authority agreed to keep the car-free resolution, along with “actively pursuing options of how to improve access for people living with disability”.
In December, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee approved an application by the national park for the demolition and replacement of the existing public convenience block, the creation of an access ramp and steps to south slipway, the erection of a beach wheelchair storage building, and works to the existing car park, including new pay and display machines, at Newport Sands PCNP Car Park, Golf Course Road.
The works include an extra 52 car parking spaces over the 43 currently there, along with an increase in disabled parking spaces.
A report for committee members received at the December meeting said: “The proposal will result in improved and enhanced services for visitors to the Newport Sands car park by providing better beach access, clearly laid out parking bays and pedestrian zones, improved public convenience facilities, and landscaping enhancements across the site. The provision of a changing places facility, beach wheelchair storage and new access ramp are likely to assist in enhancing access for wheelchair
users to this site.”
Concerns had been raised by Nevern Community Council, who had called for its refusal, saying: “Nevern Community Councillors are concerned that visitors pay for the car parking and then also have to pay for the use of the toilets, it is felt that this double pay is ripping people off and taking advantage of visitors.”
Following a request for any review on the beach parking, a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park spokesperson said: “We don’t have any plans to issue further updates on Newport Sands in the coming year.
“Planning permission was granted in the December DM meeting, and the intention is to commence construction on phase 1 (ramps and car parking surface / wheelchair storage and landscaping) in early 2025.”
Dock man denies historical sexual offence allegations
A PEMBROKE DOCK man has denied indecently assaulting two children under the age of 14 and inciting them to commit acts of gross indecency.
Anthony Kenniford, 60, is accused of committing two charges of indecent assault against the children and two charges of gross indecency between May 22, 1984 and April 29, 1988.
Kenniford, of Britannia Drive,
appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Thursday where he denied all four of the charges.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the case. Trial proceedings will now commence at Swansea Crown Court on February 3.
Kenniford was released on unconditional bail meanwhile.
Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter
Whilst Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenock argue over who has the higher membership, Reform or the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats have been focussing on the issues that matter to the people.
Figures, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats from House of Commons library research shows that assaults in prisons have been rising with an average of 74 a day recorded in England and Wales, in 2023. It includes 25 assaults a day, on staff.
Of the 26,912 assaults that took place, about 3,200 were classed as serious, at an average of 8 a day.
The most violent prisons were identified as HMP Wandsworth, in SW London recording 1,044, with 571 (over half) of them, being on staff. Then came HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, reporting 783 assaults.
The figures showed a 28% increase in assaults on 2022, at a time when prisons have suffered with overcrowding, along with the poor condition of their buildings.
Yes, the Labour government inherited a prisons crisis and had to release many prisoners, early, 40% of the way through their sentences.
Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, Josh Babarinde MP, the Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, has urged the government to come forward with an “urgent plan to make our prisons safer”.
“The Conservatives have left our prisons in utter chaos. With this staggering number of assaults and rates of reoffending through the
roof, the Conservatives have left a system that is failing prison staff, failing victims, and failing our communities. Their neglect of our justice system is unforgivable, and their former ministers should hang their heads in shame for this shambolic legacy.”
“Labour must recruit and retain more prison officers, tackle the criminal courts backlog, and invest properly in rehabilitation to reduce reoffending,”
David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary, is leading a review of sentencing for the government, told the Times that the UK could be making better use of open prisons. He said that “we have run out of space” in prisons but there was “an opportunity” for things to change.”
Speaking after visits to three prisons in Spain, where reforms have included the greater use of open prisons, Gauke said: “We don’t make as much use of open prisons as we might do. You might spend part of your day out of a prison working, and then return to sleep at night – if that gets you into the rhythm of working and the disciplines of working, then that is helpful.”
The review aims to explore tougher punishments outside prison, while also making sure there is space to incarcerate the most dangerous offenders. But we also need to ask ourselves, who should prison be for and how do we do more to rehabilitate offenders, so they don’t return to prison once again.
if you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales
Tributes for lifeboat treasurer Jon
RNLI St Davids lifeboat station is mourning the loss of their treasurer, John James, who passed away suddenly on Friday (Dec 20) after 26 years of dedicated service.
John played a pivotal role in the station’s management team,
Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email
ensuring the smooth running of local accounts and overseeing the reimbursement of training expenses for volunteers. His hard work and commitment were instrumental in supporting
the vital work of the RNLI.
Beyond his financial expertise, John was a respected figure within the wider community. Known for his warmth, professionalism, and steadfast dedication to the RNLI’s values, he leaves behind a legacy of unwavering service and friendship that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The St Davids RNLI team and the local community are united in their grief at his sudden passing. His contributions, both to the station and to those around him, have left an indelible mark.
The thoughts and prayers of the RNLI family and the community are with John’s loved ones at this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and friends as they navigate this profound loss.
Councillor andrew edwards resigns suddenly
THE CHIEF executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Will Bramble, has released a statement announcing that Cllr Andrew Edwards has resigned for personal reasons. A notice of a casual vacancy will be published on Dec 30.
The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted Cllr Edwards, who issued the following statement:
“Family matters have made my position as a county councillor untenable.
“I have therefore decided to resign from the council, as I feel
Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email
unable to carry out my duties to the standard I would wish at this time.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and fellow councillors who have supported me during my tenure.
“I wish the very best to my successor, who I am confident will serve the community with dedication.
“This has not been an easy
decision, but I believe it is in the best interests of those I represent.” Edwards, a barber, has served on the council since May 2022. In April 2023, the Conservative councillor referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman following the emergence of a recording in which he appeared to make offensive remarks suggesting all white men should have a black slave. However, it was later suggested that the recording may have been artificially generated using AI to discredit him.
Haverfordwest man accused of racially aggravated harassment
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been accused of racially aggravated harassment against a Haverfordwest town councillor.
Lee Woodmass, 48, of Hywel Road, Haverfordwest, is alleged to have harassed Councillor Randell Turner-Thomas, who represents the Castle ward, during an incident in the town centre on August 6 last year.
Woodmass is accused of intentionally causing alarm or distress to Cllr Turner-Thomas during an altercation.
Woodmass previously appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge. He elected a Crown Court trial, and proceedings commenced on November 29.
The defendant later pleaded guilty to the offence on a basis, but this was not accepted by the prosecution.
A Newton Hearing will take place at Swansea Crown Court on January 2 to determine the facts of the case.
Child critical after Tenby incident
Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.
The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child. The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The family are being supported by specially trained officers.
One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink
driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.
Police issued a statement saying:
“This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.
“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@ dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Quote reference 25*6238”
2024: aT laST, iT’S oveR!
DURING the last year, there were times when it seemed that things could not get worse, only for events to prove everyone wrong.
Whether it was Rishi Sunak or Rachel Reeves in Westminster, Vaughan Gething or Andrew RT Davies in Cardiff Bay, or the County Council’s struggles to set a budget, it always seemed as though calmer waters were around the corner only for rapids and rocks to loom into view.
JANUARY
2024 began as it ended. Storm fronts hit the coast in December and continued lashing Pembrokeshire over New Year. The bad weather continued throughout the month. First came widespread flooding; then, after the rains stopped, a brief period of calm weather was followed by snow. However, not everyone in Pembrokeshire was upset by the flurry of wintry conditions. At Folly Farm, the penguins relished the rare sight and obligingly posed for photos.
On a grimmer note, the death of a child in Haverfordwest later led to his mother’s conviction for manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Two-and-a-half years after the road traffic incident that claimed the life of 21-year-old Ella Smith, two men received ten-year jail sentences for their involvement in the
fatal crash that left another woman with life-changing injuries.
Pembrokeshire’s RNLI were as busy as ever, taking part in a dramatic rescue of a fishing boat which caught fire off Skokholm.
A stink near Haverfordwest proved the beginning of the end for Vaughan Gething. Even as he ran successfully to succeed Mark Drakeford as Wales’s First Minister, Mr Gething’s links to the company responsible for the Withyhedge Landfill Site, including an unprecedentedly large donation to his leadership campaign, fatally undermined the then-future and nowformer First Minister.
Finally, a heart-warming story about a spaniel pup, Ariel. The dog, born with limb deformities, was abandoned in Pembroke Dock and rescued at Greenacres Animal Rescue. Subsequently, she underwent successful surgery that will help her lead a normal life.
FEBRUARY
Good news for Narberth restaurant Annwn: It was awarded a Michelin Guide Green Star at the 2024 Michelin Guide Ceremony for Great Britain and Ireland.
From the sublime to the predictable, one of our most viewed posts of 2024 concerned the opening of a new McDonald’s in Milford Haven.
The Welsh Government’s problems continued. In a depressing trend that continued throughout the year, NHS and Ambulance Service performance fell short of key performance targets while waiting lists continued to rise. For the first time in what became a regular occurrence throughout the year, “unprecedented pressures” led to problems at local A&E Departments.
A Senedd vote calling for the Welsh Government to declare an emergency in the Welsh NHS was defeated on the casting vote of the Presiding Officer.
Added to Labour’s woes in Cardiff Bay, proposals for Lesley Griffiths’s much-delayed Sustainable Farming Scheme resulted in the first of a series of protests that continued throughout the year.
In better news for the Welsh Government, its imposition of a default 20mph speed limit on roads across Wales began to bear fruit. Average speeds fell, and the number of injuries in road traffic collisions began to fall and continued to fall throughout the year.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet settled on the proposed Council Tax increase it would recommend to councillors at the March budget-setting meeting. Presented with three options, including one over 20%, the Cabinet settled for the lowest increase, but problems agreeing on the Budget were far from over.
MARCH
very year, the County’s schools do their best to celebrate St David’s Day with special events and the chance for pupils to dress up to mark the day. This year, over a thousand children attended a parade through Haverfordwest, lighting up an otherwise grey March day.
Cllr Mike Stoddart alleged that Cabinet members and senior officers attempted to “intimidate” and “coerce” county councillors into passing an increase in Council Tax of over 16%. The prospect of anyone intimidating the pugnacious Cllr Stoddart caused eyeballs to stand out on stalks across Pembrokeshire.
As it was, a last-minute change to the proposed Budget, produced on the morning of the meeting that had to decide Pembrokeshire’s Council Tax, headed off a potential crisis that could ultimately have led to the Council being taken under direct control by the Welsh Government.
In Carmarthenshire, Wales’s oldest person, Mary Keir, celebrated her 112th birthday.
A local chilli farm enjoyed a boost to its business after being featured on Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, a weekly cooking program that showcases the finest British ingredients.
At the end of March, The Herald scooped every other county news outlet (and the Council’s Press Office) with an exclusive interview with Council Leader David Simpson, who announced his decision to stand down at May’s Council AGM.
APRIL
Storm Kathleen was not the biggest storm of the year, but it provided a lasting image and much-viewed video on our Facebook feed. We could’ve filled this review with articles about the County’s weather woes during 2024. However, a damp winter and a cool spring, followed by a ruinously wet summer and autumn, were just the preludes to what happened at the year’s end, so we’ll park the weather there and move on.
Former Hywel Dda UHB Chair Maria Battle announced there would be an independent review regarding the historic child abuse perpetrated on Caldey Island.
As the tourism season began, Bluestone Resorts, one of Pembrokeshire’s biggest employers, reached an agreement to end a funding arrangement with the County Council and the National Park.
The race to succeed David Simpson as County Councillor boiled down to a contest between Cllrs Jon Harvey and Di Clements, the Conservative Group Leader.
Templeton CP School won a national award for promoting health and wellbeing.
MAY
The election for Dyfed-Powys Police Commissioner took place accompanied by widespread apathy and indifference. The incumbent, Dafydd Llywelyn of Plaid Cymru, comfortably retained his seat in an election in which the highest turnout across the Force area was 21.7% in Ceredigion.
A little less apathy greeted Rishi Sunak’s decision to put the rest of us out of his misery by calling a snap General Election. Spoiler alert: things did not end well for the Conservatives, whose revenge on the electorate after fourteen years in power was Keir Starmer.
The immediate effect of Rishi Sunak’s suicidal decision to call a summer election was ensuring that Vaughan Gething clung to Labour’s leadership in Wales until after the UK General Election. Sacking a Cabinet Member for allegedly leaking
messages that suggested he (and other Cabinet Members) misled, if not outright lied, to the UK Covid Inquiry would have led to Mr Gething’s removal in any event. And so it eventually proved.
Pembrokeshire County Council found itself embroiled in one of those legal cases that illustrates how a councillor with a bee in their bonnet and a council officer using their powers arbitrarily can bring the local authority into disrepute. On May 1, a Licensing Sub-Committee refused an application for a Temporary Licence for a charity boxing event at The Hangar in Milford Haven. The venue appealed and succeeded.
For its pains and at public cost, the Council got some tart observations about how it reached its original decision.
JUNE
One of the most important elements of Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry is the availability of RNLI vessels and crew to protect those who find themselves in trouble off our County’s coasts. The prospect of downgrading Angle’s vital lifeboat service caused dismay.
A project at Milford Haven School that helps young carers (schoolchildren who provide care to family members) celebrated its third anniversary. The project supports eighty young carers and their families and eases the pressure on children who fulfil or help fulfil others’ care needs.
In a move that beggared belief and defied logic, then Health Minister Eluned Morgan (who she?) claimed that the Conservatives were to blame for a new hospital not being built in West Wales.
The problem with making that sort of assertion when you’re a Cabinet Minister is that if you become First Minister, it can come back and bite you on the backside. By the year’s end, Hywel Dda UHB said a new hospital could not be delivered as planned because, as The Pembrokeshire Herald repeatedly pointed out over the preceding five years, there was no money available for one. The money would have come from the Welsh Government. Its current First Minister? Eluned Morgan.
In a story that led to national news interest and questions raised in both the Welsh and Westminster Parliaments, The Herald exclusively revealed a pattern of inmate deaths and allegations of serious misconduct by prison staff at HMP Parc in Bridgend.
JULY
An uninspiring General Election campaign, in which both Labour and the Conservatives avoided discussing the UK’s fragile economy, finally ended on Thursday, July 4. That Labour won was almost inevitable. That it would win comfortably was virtually certain. However, what happened was Armageddon for Welsh Conservatives.
A monster majority in Westminster did not equal popularity with the electorate. Labour’s vote fell across Wales, and a host of seats would’ve remained in Conservative hands had Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Ltd not taken votes away from its candidates.
Stephen Crabb lost his re-election battle in the new seat of Mid & South Pembrokeshire, even though HenryTufnell polled fewer votes than Phillippa Thompson got as runnerup to the former Welsh Secretary in 2017. The Conservative Party was left in tatters, and the finger-pointing began in earnest.
The saying goes that political
parties campaign in poetry but govern in prose. Boris Johnson tried to change that by campaigning in doggerel and governing by smutty limerick. Keir Starmer’s style was to campaign as though he was reading the small print on a car insurance policy and to govern as though he’d forgotten it.
As predicted, Vaughan Gething did not long survive the General Election campaign. A devastating personal statement from former Cabinet Minister Hannah Blythyn led to a spectacularly ill-judged reply from Mr Gething that practically invited a damming disclosure by Nation Cymru, leaving him high and dry. Within a week, the game was up. Mr Gething’s long scramble to the top of the heap ended in the ignominy of a Cabinet revolt.
Out Mr Gething went. By July’s end, Eluned Morgan emerged as the only candidate to succeed him, continuing the longstanding trend that lack of performance in charge of the Welsh NHS is no bar to becoming First Minister.
AUGUST
A report into the murder of twoyear-old Lola James by her mother’s partner Kyle Bevan revealed that agencies that should’ve cooperated
to ensure Lola’s wellbeing missed opportunities to intervene and protect the child from an individual described as “a monster” in Court. Information was not exchanged, and basic followups to investigate welfare concerns were not undertaken. Carl Harris, Assistant Director at NSPCC Cymru, said: “Lola deserved a happy and healthy future, but that was cruelly taken away by the horrendous actions of Kyle Bevan and the failure of her mother, Sinead James, to intervene.
After the outbreak of anti-immigrant riots in England, which, after a particularly ill-judged intervention by the Reform UK leader, were dubbed “The Farage Riots,” Dyfed-Powys Police prepared to respond strongly to proposed protests in West Wales. The threat did not emerge and turned out to be so much piss-and-wind from the usual suspects.
Unseasonably sunny weather marked the first day of 2024’s Pembrokeshire Show. Local politicians turned out in force to visit the show and press the flesh, as did new MP for Mid & South Pembrokeshire Henry Tufnell, who was keen to spell out just what he would do for local farmers: how times change!
Congratulations to Cresswell Quay’s Cresselly Arms, which was named the Welsh Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale. Among our most popular posts of 2024 were those tracking the
progress of athletes competing in the Paralympic Games. As the Games took place, we highlighted two Pembrokeshire athletes’ participation in them.
SEPTEMBER
Pembrokeshire FRAME was nominated for a prestigious award by the Charity Retailers Association.
Members of the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group marked a sombre anniversary in the Preselis.
A community-led effort led to a new heritage and arts space being acquired for Newport.
The Pembrokeshire Car Rally is always a popular event in our County’s events calendar. This year, we were delighted to share this wonderful video by Christopher and Ellie James,
showing their journey around the course.
As part of its drive to increase the amount of social housing in Pembrokeshire, the County Council announced revised plans to build 24 affordable homes for older people on the site of the former Motorworld premises in Milford Haven’s Charles Street.
A pre-inquest hearing into the death of a 40-year-old Pembrokeshire mum heard an admission from the Ambulance Service that it made a mistake in not allocating a specialist paramedic to attend her.
Despite a hard-fought and emotional campaign to keep it open, the Council decided to close The Anchorage Day Centre in Pembroke Dock. The Centre’s age and condition told against it. However, the dispersal of service users around Pembrokeshire will be disruptive for them and their families.
OCTOBER
A Police raid on the former Woolworth’s building in Pembroke Dock’s town centre revealed a major cannabis farm hidden behind the shop’s blank facade.
After a lengthy Health & Safety Executive investigation, a former police officer was charged with the gross negligence manslaughter of four people who died in a paddleboarding accident on the River Cleddau in the town in October 2021. At a subsequent
hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Nerys Lloyd was committed for trial at Swansea Crown Court.
A Pembrokeshire hockey player was selected for the Welsh team in the Over-35’s Masters World Cup. Neyland’s Town Council, which
appears enmeshed in an almost perpetual civil war, was again in the news with reports that the Town Clerk had submitted a formal grievance about workplace harassment.
With the Northern Lights shining overhead, a multi-agency operation rescued a dog from cliffs near Little Haven.
At Swansea Crown Court, a 19-year-old Milford Haven man was convicted of six sexual offences, including two rapes. Nathan John was subsequently sentenced to a 20-year extended sentence, consisting of 16 years in custody in a young offenders institution and prison and four years on licence.
NOVEMBER
The search for a man who went missing from Pwllgwaelod beach had a happy ending when he reached
landfall in County Wicklow. Chris Elery set off in his 3-metre inflatable. However, after his boat’s motor broke down and his phone ran out of battery, he was swept towards the Irish Republic.
The pressures of setting a budget that reduces the need for a hefty Council Tax rise came to the fore in November, when the Member for Finance, Josh Beynon, reported a £3.9 forecast overspend. It follows massively increased costs to the local authority for providing social care and child care placements.
Local company Frio won the King’s Award for International Trade. From providing specialised cooling jackets to F1 drivers to creating and producing wallets to keep insulin cool for diabetics, the small firm, based at Little Treffgarne, has punched well above its size on the world stage.
A Pembrokeshire man finally conquered a legendary weightlifting feat after years of preparation.
After years of “consultations”, the salami-slicing of essential services from Withybush Hospital, and maintaining outdated and crumbling hospitals in Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, the Health Board admitted the obvious. Its ambitions to build a new hospital in either St Clears or Whitland have come to nothing. There is no money in the Welsh Government kitty to fund the scheme, the costs of which have spiralled since it was first proposed almost a decade ago.
Milford Haven mum gives birth to triplets amid medical emergency
PREGNANCY is often a challenging experience, but for Ellie Davies from Milford Haven, it became even more stressful when she found herself facing a 140-mile round trip away from home during labour.
Ellie was initially admitted to Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition causing dangerously high blood pressure. However, due to a lack of available neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, staff arranged her transfer to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, nearly 30 miles away. Thankfully, accommodation was also provided onsite for her fiancé, Craig Butland.
RENAL FAILURE COMPLICATIONS
Ellie explained: “I had pre-eclampsia and was taken to Glangwili. My blood pressure was going up and down, and they had to ring around hospitals with a NICU to see if they had any spare beds – Singleton was the only one with space.”
On November 12, Ellie was transferred to Swansea, where she remained on the antenatal ward. However, her condition worsened. “On Sunday 17, my kidneys became affected by the pre-eclampsia, and I was going into renal failure,” she said.
In the early hours of Monday, November 18, Ellie underwent an emergency C-section, delivering triplets Mia, Isla, and Elsie two months prematurely.
BRIEF FIRST MEETING
“I only met Isla, the middle triplet, for around two minutes before she was taken to neonatal to be with her sisters,” Ellie shared.
Mia was born weighing 2lb 9oz, Isla at 2lb 10oz, and Elsie at 2lb 8oz. All three girls initially required breathing support and spent nine days in the NICU. Now, over three pounds each, they are receiving care at Glangwili’s special care unit and are reportedly “doing really well.”
Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email
SUPPORT FROM NHS STAFF
Reflecting on their experience, Ellie praised the hospital staff: “The midwives Louise and Emily were amazing, answering every question we had and supporting us through everything. Dr Sree Nittur, who was there during the delivery, followed up daily. The neonatal nurses were absolutely fantastic, and we can’t thank them enough for their care and dedication.”
A PLACE TO STAY
For Craig, the availability of accommodation at Cwtsh Clos, a row
of five houses on the Singleton Hospital site, was a significant relief. Without it, he would have faced daily commutes between Milford Haven and Swansea.
“Craig spent a week in Cwtsh Clos, and I joined him for the final night,” Ellie said. “It was a huge help having Craig so close. It’s one problem you don’t have to think about, and it gives you a space to gather your thoughts.”
The couple is now supporting Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal, which aims to raise £160,000 to refurbish the homes for future families in similar situations.
‘TRIPLETS ARE A RARITY’
Lisa Harris, interim matron for neonatal services, said: “We are delighted to hear
the girls are doing well. Cwtsh Clos allows parents to stay close to their babies, which is so important during such critical times.”
NICU consultant Kate Burke added: “Triplets are a rarity for us. We serve families across south central and south west Wales, and often, we’re the unit they turn to when pregnancies are more complicated. It’s wonderful to see families like Ellie and Craig’s returning home with their babies healthy and thriving.”
The family recently celebrated their first Christmas together with Mia, Isla, and Elsie, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them through their journey.
Support the Cwtsh Clos Appeal: Donations can be made via the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.
Warning issued as heavy snow forecast for Wales this weekend
THE MET OFFICE has issued a yellow weather warning for snow across Wales this weekend, predicting significant snowfall that could disrupt travel and daily life. The warning is in effect from noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025, until 9 AM on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The forecast indicates that lower elevations in Wales may see around 5 cm of snow, while higher ground, particularly in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, could experience
Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email
accumulations of 20 to 30 cm. The most affected areas include:
• Wrexham: Anticipated snowfall of over 5 cm, impacting local travel.
• Ceredigion: Likely to see significant snow accumulation.
• Conwy and Denbighshire: These regions are under the warning and expected to face severe weather
conditions.
• Gwynedd: Higher elevations could see substantial snowfall, creating hazardous conditions.
• Powys: Towns like Brecon and Llandrindod Wells are likely to experience heavy snow.
What to expect
As the weather front moves in, rain is expected to spread northeastward on Saturday, transitioning into snow as temperatures drop. The Met Office
warns that the combination of snow and increasing winds could lead to drifting snow, complicating travel conditions.
Residents should prepare for:
Travel Disruptions: Roads may become impassable due to snow accumulation, particularly in rural areas. Public transport services could also face delays or cancellations.
Power Outages: The risk of power outages increases in some regions due to heavy snowfall and potential ice formation.
Icy Conditions: As warmer air moves northward, there is a possibility of freezing rain, which would create additional hazards on roads and pavements.
Safety precautions
Authorities advise residents to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions:
• Avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the weather.
• Prepare emergency kits with essentials in case of power outages.
• Ensure vehicles are equipped for winter driving conditions.
The Met Office emphasises that while the situation is being closely monitored, adjustments to the warning area may occur as forecasts become more precise. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritise safety as winter weather impacts Wales this weekend.
angle RNli locate missing person in early morning search
THE ANGLE LIFEBOAT’S crew were paged at 3:23am this morning (Sun, Dec 29) to assist the police with a search for a missing person in the Milford Haven area. Police officers had located an item of clothing on the beach and with concern that a person may have entered the water, the lifeboat was requested to assist.
Tasked to search from Milford Beach to the Rath, the lifeboat was soon on scene and a search was commenced. Not long into the search, the crew spotted a casualty on the rocks to the east of Milford Beach.
The Y boat was deployed and a crew member went ashore to reassure the casualty. Shortly after, the person was taken onboard the Y boat and handed over to police officers and members of Dale and Broad Haven Costguard Rescue Teams at the bottom of Slip Hill. With the casualty cold and wet, Y boat returned to the lifeboat to collect blankets.
After a brief handover, the Y boat was recovered and the lifeboat returned to her berth and readied for further service by 4:45am.
Dyfed-Powys Police bring Christmas joy to children
Dyfed-Powys Police officers have been spreading festive cheer by collecting presents for children who may otherwise go without this Christmas.
Officers based in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen, took it upon themselves to take part in the annual Mr X Appeal, which aims to ensure that every child in the community experiences the magic of Christmas, regardless of their circumstances.
The Mr X Appeal, which is now in its 65th year, is a longstanding initiative throughout south Wales, and collaborates with childcare agencies to ensure that all children of all ages receive a gift at Christmas.
People are given a list of anonymous children with their age and gift preferences and then unwrapped gifts are sent to designated drop-off points and delivered to the appropriate agencies who deliver them to the children before Christmas
Recognising the challenges many families face during the festive season Detective Sergeant Jo Grey, initiated the appeal for the 5th year running and encouraged her colleagues to choose a child to buy gifts for.
DS Grey, who is based in Llanelli, said it was an appeal close to her heart
and has gone from strength to strength since she started it.
She said: “For many children Christmas can be a difficult time. This is what the season is about, coming together to support one another and ensure that no child is left out.
“I have firsthand knowledge of people who were Mr X children, so I know the difference it makes. We have attended incidents and seen the presents that have been donated in the houses, so it makes it even more worthwhile knowing they are being used.”
This year they collected for 132 children which included everything from bikes, and scooters to Lego sets, prams and baby toys.
DS Grey said: “The effort that people put into their gifts is honestly breathtaking. The thought and generosity shown by everyone has been truly amazing. Some of the gifts included bikes, scooters, skateboards, drones, computer tablets, smart watches, Oodie’s, Lego, dolls and prams, night lights, baby toys and comforters, and more dinosaurs than I have ever seen!
“Most of the gift bags were breaking they were so full, with the average bag being worth between £80 to £100
Teen wins competition with ‘perfect puffin pic’
A STRIKING image of a puffin on Skomer Island has been hailed the winner of this year’s prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards – a year which saw the charity mark its historic 200th anniversary.
The winning entry was from Anwen Whitehead, 15, from Cnwch Coch in Aberystwyth, and announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London held today (Thursday 19 December) – a special and historic event which also celebrates the RSPCA’s milestone anniversary.
Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device. This supports the RSPCA’s mission of inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.
The judges praised the emotion
each. When I first started it five years ago, we supported 20 children, and the uptake to get involved has just got bigger every year.
“I genuinely cannot thank everybody enough. It is overwhelming the number
and composition of Anwen’s Puffin photograph ‘Daydreaming in the Chamomiles’, marvelling at how tough it is to photograph puffins and remarking on the beautiful, diffused background.
Winner Anwen from West Wales said: “It’s very surreal and amazing to have won. I think this will really encourage me to keep going and push to make this a career. I was amazed at being shortlisted as a finalist so to win makes me determined to keep going and keep improving. I’ve won a few local competitions but nothing on this scale!”
Having only started taking photographs as a serious hobby last year, Anwen explained that the puffin photo which was snapped on a long anticipated visit to Pembrokeshire’s famous Skomer Island was one of her favourite photographs.
of presents we have managed to buy.
The Mr X scheme really brings it home that not all children are as lucky as the ones we know. However, thanks to all those people who donated, they are a little bit luckier this year.”
World of engineering and welding SPaRCs interest
An event hosted by Ledwood Engineering gave girls from Year 8 and 9 at Ysgol Harri Tudur firsthand experience of the world of engineering recently.
Engineering is a booming sector in Pembrokeshire with a high demand for skilled workers in exciting career pathways associated with the development of low carbon and renewable energy industry and the Celtic Freeport.
The young women heard from industry experts on the importance of engineering in Pembrokeshire, and had hands on experience using a welding simulator, at the company’s Pembroke Dock site.
The learners are part of the County’s SPARC (Sustainable Power and Renewable Construction) initiative aimed as inspiring and empowering young females to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways where females are under-represented in the workforce.
SPARC is funded through an alliance comprising Blue Gem Wind, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven, RWE Renewables, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire College and the
Swansea Bay City Deal.
Mrs Laura Buckingham, SPARC practitioner at Ysgol Harri Tudur said: “Our learners had a fantastic experience at Ledwood Engineering. They were given lots of advice by industry experts on the different career options and pathways within the engineering sector.
“They appreciated the opportunity to ask their questions and found the session very informative. Having the chance to trial their welding skills on the simulator was an experience they continue to talk about and has definitely piqued their interest.”
Poppy Sawyer, Year 8 SPARC learner added: ‘It was a really good trip. Talking to the different people there has helped me know more about the jobs we could get which will be very useful when making choices for my future.”
“They helped us a lot by giving us lots of information. We were able to look around and try welding. It was really fun,” added Tianna Marshall, Year 8 SPARC learner.
The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership also launched its Explore Engineering interactive website at the event.
Police officers share what it’s like to work on Christmas Day
TUCKING into turkey, enjoying a festive tipple, and spending precious time with family and friends is a Christmas routine familiar to many. But for some, Christmas Day looks very different as they don helmets, radios, or headsets to keep communities safe.
Here are three Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff who will be on duty this festive season.
DOG HANDLER PC HANNAH JONES
PC Hannah Jones, based in Carmarthenshire, will spend her first Christmas as a dog handler alongside her three-year-old police dog, Rogue. Hannah, who has worked in the force for six years, previously spent Christmas on response duties in Llanelli. This year, she will work a 7:00am to 2:00pm shift.
She said: “I don’t mind working Christmas; there’s always good team spirit. I don’t have children, so if I can help others, I will. When I was in Llanelli, our sergeant brought us bacon sandwiches, and everyone brought in festive treats.”
Hannah explained that her shift will start at home with Rogue: “She’ll have a few extra treats – not too many in case she’s needed. The last thing we want is
a sluggish dog!”
Reflecting on her work, she added: “You never know what Christmas Day will bring, from attending to vulnerable or missing people to domestics. It’s rewarding to know you can make a difference, especially if it’s someone’s worst Christmas.”
INSPECTOR GERAINT GRIFFITH
Inspector Geraint Griffith, Force Incident Manager (FIM), will spend his last Christmas on duty before retiring in the new year – and celebrating his 54th birthday. He will coordinate incidents from the Force Communications Centre (FCC) during a 6:00pm to 6:00am shift.
This year is special, as he will work alongside his daughter Seren, who recently joined the team as a call handler.
He said: “I volunteered to work this year because Seren will be on her first Christmas shift. I’ll be bringing in her dinner – that’s my main role!”
Reflecting on his career, Geraint added: “I’ve worked more Christmases than I can remember. The incidents are often domestic abuse or violence, mainly fuelled by alcohol or family tensions. It can go from steady to busy very quickly.”
Despite the challenges, he noted the camaraderie: “Even on my 50th birthday, the team brought in a cake and banners. There’s always a good atmosphere.”
He concluded: “I’ve been lucky to see my children on Christmas Day over the years. Hopefully, my last shift will be a relatively calm one.”
Roads Policing Officer PC Gareth Evans
PC Gareth Evans, based in Brecon, will work a 7:00am to 4:00pm shift on Christmas Day, as he has done for many years.
He said: “Mornings are my preferred shift because I can still enjoy the rest of the festivities with family afterwards. I don’t have children, so I’m always happy to help those who do.”
Describing the day, he added: “The shift can range from being completely quiet to very busy. Road traffic collisions and domestic abuse tend to be the main incidents.”
Gareth noted the efforts to keep spirits high: “There’s usually a festive atmosphere, with teams cooking breakfast together or bringing in party food. We all make the most of it.”
After his shift, Gareth will join his wife and in-laws for a Christmas meal: “Working means I cut down on the calorie intake, so that’s a bonus!
PC Hannah Jones
Inspector Geraint Griffith
PC Gareth Evans
POLITICS
Greyhound racing in Wales: Future hangs in balance as decision delayed until 2025
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S decision to postpone a ruling on the future of greyhound racing until 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare groups voicing disappointment and industry representatives welcoming the extended timeline for discussion.
WELFARE GROUPS DEMAND URGENT ACTION
Animal welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue, have expressed dismay at the delay. The coalition, known as Cut the Chase, has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, calling the postponement a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.
Their concerns mirror recent developments in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will be banned by August 2026 due to concerns over injuries and fatalities. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, stated:
“The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.
“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists. The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”
Public supports a phased ban
A consultation conducted by the Welsh Government revealed that 64.69% of respondents supported a phased ban on greyhound racing. Despite this, officials have opted to extend deliberations, with a final decision now expected in 2025.
Animal welfare groups highlighted troubling figures from the Greyhound Board of Great
Britain (GBGB), which reported 359 racing greyhound deaths and 4,238 injuries in 2023 –a 47% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Concerns extend to off-track welfare, including reports of poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of enrichment for retired greyhounds.
INDUSTRY DEFENDS ITS WELFARE STANDARDS
The GBGB has countered criticism by emphasizing welfare improvements at licensed tracks such as Valley Stadium in Wales. Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, said:
“Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought significant welfare improvements, overseen by expert veterinarians and our national network of professionals. Racing greyhounds receive more oversight and protection than many pet dogs across Wales.
“We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government to promote and protect greyhound welfare through effective and
proportionate regulation.”
BROADER
CALLS FOR CHANGE
The debate in Wales reflects a growing movement to end greyhound racing across the UK and beyond. In Scotland, a Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill aims to outlaw the sport, while New Zealand has committed to a ban, citing ethical concerns.
DECISION DELAYED BUT DEBATE INTENSIFIES
The Welsh Government has emphasised the need for thorough consideration before making a final decision. However, the delay has intensified divisions, with animal welfare groups urging an outright ban and the industry advocating for improved regulation as a viable alternative.
A final verdict is not expected until 2025, leaving the future of the sport – and the welfare of thousands of greyhounds –uncertain.
WELL over 1000 people took to the sea for The Boxing Day Swim. Absolutely epic scenes in on Tenby’s North Beach
FANTASTIC photos from Gareth Davies of the New Year’s Day Swim in Saundersfoot. What an amazing turnout. Well done everyone who took part!
a SHiFT iN THe TiDeS: TURKeY’S RiSe RUFFleS FeaTHeRS
CAWWW! The sands of the Middle East are shifting faster than a Milford Haven tide, and there’s a new bird soaring in the skies: Turkey.
For years, the big gulls in the region were squawking about Iran’s “Shia crescent,” but now it’s Turkey’s “full moon” lighting the way. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to peck at in this story.
Iran’s influence, once spread out like a seagull stealing chips from four different bins – Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut, and Sana’a – is starting to fade. Assad’s regime in Syria has finally toppled, and Turkey’s leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has swooped in with a cunning plan to support Syrian rebels. It’s been no small feat. While Iran flapped about, stretched too thin with strikes from Israel and its other troubles, Turkey was busy crafting its nest, building up rebels on its borders and spreading its influence like
breadcrumbs across the region.
Now, Turkey’s reach is as wide as the wingspan of a Pembrokeshire albatross.
From Iraq to the Horn of Africa, Libya to the Caucasus, Ankara’s got its claws in all the juicy spots. They’ve even got their beaks wet in Afghanistan, building ties with the Taliban and planting feathers in Azerbaijan near Iran’s northern border.
It’s not just a land grab – it’s a full-blown regional strategy. And the feather in Turkey’s cap? It’s not just brute force but diplomacy and investments – a tactic that’s giving Saudi Arabia and its allies a proper molting.
Let’s talk Syria first. Turkey played a crucial role in the rebels’ surprising victory. No more flattened cities, no endless destruction – Turkey helped with intelligence, strategy, and political support. It’s been quietly ensuring those rebels have the resources they need
since 2019. This patience paid off when Assad’s regime, isolated and weakened, finally crumbled under the weight of its own toxicity. Russia, usually Assad’s mate, was too busy with its own scrap in Ukraine, and Iran couldn’t spread its resources thin enough to help.
This victory for Turkey hasn’t just shaken up Syria – it’s sending ripples through Iraq too. Turkey already had a stronghold in northern Iraq, working with Kurdish leaders and targeting the PKK. Now, with a Sunni-led government rising in Syria, Turkey’s influence is spreading into Sunni-majority areas of Iraq, areas that have been dominated by Iranianbacked Shia militias since the fall of Islamic State. It’s not just a one-off – it’s a long game, and it’s weakening Iran’s grip on the region one feather at a time.
But Turkey’s ambitions don’t stop there. Across Africa, the Mediterranean,
and central Asia, they’ve been busy. Did you hear about Erdoğan brokering peace between Somalia and Ethiopia just four days after the Syrian rebels’ big win? That’s the kind of diplomatic flex that sets Ankara apart. And in Libya, Turkey’s military backing of the UNrecognised government means it’s got a wing firmly in the energy game across the Mediterranean.
For Saudi Arabia and its allies, Turkey is a nightmare with wings. It’s not just a rival – it’s a challenge to their story. Riyadh likes to see itself as the top dog (or top gull) of the Sunni world, but Turkey’s got a more subtle game. Unlike Iran, which relied on proxies like Hezbollah, Turkey’s approach is direct. It backs popular causes and local Sunni groups, giving it more legitimacy on the ground. Remember the Arab uprisings of 2011? Turkey’s Islamist-leaning policies struck a chord back then, and they’re doing it again now.
This isn’t the first time Saudi Arabia’s feathers have been ruffled by Turkey. Back in 2012, they watched in horror as Erdoğan supported Mohamed Morsi’s Islamist government in Egypt. They didn’t like it then, and they like it even less now. Turkey’s rise feels like history repeating itself – only this time, it’s on a much larger scale.
And what about the west? They’re watching Ankara carefully. Turkey’s growing assertiveness is hard to ignore. Some see it as a useful ally; others worry about its Islamist ties. Either way, it’s clear that Turkey’s taking centre stage in Middle Eastern politics – and it’s doing so in a way that even Iran never managed.
So what’s next in this geopolitical squabble? The Middle East’s tides are turning, and Turkey’s ambitions are soaring higher than a seagull at snack time. For rivals and allies alike, the big question isn’t if Turkey will dominate – it’s how. Whether it’s Syria, Iraq, or beyond, Ankara’s full moon is shining bright.
Until next week, keep your chips close and your eyes on the skies. CAWWW!
badger hunts the Snark
BADGER wishes all of his readers a happy 2025 and hopes that you all got the Christmas you thought you deserved.
2024 was a strange year. It opened with the Conservative government lurching from one mishandled issue to another in search of an idea. It will end with a Labour government in Westminster in much the same position. Badger knows why Labour is struggling. Forget the difficult economic inheritance and creaking public services. No, readers, Labour is struggling because it lacks a coherent set of policies and beliefs and thinks that all the UK needs is better management of hot-button issues like immigration and the NHS.
Of course, there is a significant difference between managing the public perception of the health service and immigration and implementing the sort of serious change in approach both need. Despite being elected with the one-word slogan “Change,” Labour will never produce real change. It’s too beholden to the markets, the unions, special interest groups, and the media. So, we will spend the next few years experiencing the announcement of change without any taking place.
In Wales, we are used to this as an approach to government.
The Welsh Government doesn’t have ministers exercising and accepting executive responsibility for the policy areas they nominally speak upon in the Welsh Parliament. Instead, it has Ministers for Announcements, whose sole purpose is to tub-thump for the Welsh Government as an institution instead of doing anything to improve the lot of Welsh voters.
Badger has a guarantee. Every week in 2025, the Welsh Government will announce a new initiative for this and extra money for that, interspersed with claims that all of these are possible because Labour governments are at either end of the M4. However, when the totality of these initiatives is considered, they will amount to nothing more than tinkering around the edges or finessing previous policy commitments.
In a parliamentary democracy, we elect MPs and MSs to act in our combined self-interest as individuals, communities, constituencies, and nationally and internationally.
Governments exercise powers on the nation’s behalf where individuals cannot, for example, security, defence, and healthcare provision. Our system’s basis is the proposition that a parliament acts on behalf of us all and not only in the interest of the governing party and its backers.Things are different in Wales. We expect little and get less.
The spoils system means the Welsh Government is generous to those whose views it finds congenial and contemptuous of those it finds objectionable. Within the Welsh oneparty state that has endured in much of local government since the 1920s and in the Welsh Parliament since 1999, the needle on the record changes but not the LP. As a result, Wales has a fundamentally corrupt system of government with a purity spiral at its heart.
In a purity spiral, you start with a simple proposition; for example, equality is an untrammelled good. Once you start orbiting an ill-defined concept, the motor of political self-interest means it becomes more beneficial to hold a conforming view than not.
People are punished for expressing any nuance, doubt or divergence. That is how the basic proposition that equality of treatment is beneficial has split into competing systems of microcommunities seeking equality for their members. Each of those groups believes only it and its members can define what equality looks like.
The result is a political biosphere in which the pursuit of an indefinable abstract concept is more important than delivering real things. It is better to say, “The Welsh are and always has been welcoming and tolerant to immigrants” than to point out the undeniable truth that many Welsh people are not. Everyone wants to think of themselves as welcoming and tolerant.
Politicians, especially Welsh ones, want voters to think they are in some way exceptional and different. “Look at us! We’re more welcoming and tolerant! Yay for us!”
Cue smugness and contempt for those who dare question the original proposition.
There’s the motor running, readers. The purity spiral has kicked into action.
Now, which of you is more welcoming and tolerant than others? Round and round, the spiral goes. Where it stops is the breakdown of civil society and evaporation of trust in politicians as those in the throes of self-satisfaction look down on the contemptible who dare question them or point out they’d quite like a working NHS.
On a practical level, this means that money, time, and energy that should be spent on key elements of devolved policy - delivering better healthcare, housing, education, and infrastructure - is wasted on a thousand-and-one causes that Welsh Labour politicians and their clinkers (hangers-on for arseholes) think important. They may as well have spent the years since 1999 hunting the Snark.
People don’t elect governments to deliver concepts, to speak of “missions,” “milestones,” or “ambitions.” We want governments to deliver things: certainties, not abstractions.
It’s the difference between needs and wants. We NEED functioning healthcare, a good education system, enough fit homes to live in, and better roads, internet, and rail.
We might WANT the same government to deliver “equality”; however, that is coincidental to a government providing an environment in which real things that satisfy physical needs are delivered. A government should be concerned with doing things instead of telling its citizens how to think or inviting them to share in nebulous collective guilt for acts committed long before their birth.
Let’s look at one thing in particular: housing. The Welsh Government has regulated the provision of housing to make Wales expensive to build in, ruinous for landlords to let homes in, and impossibly costly for councils to build social housing or acquire it for social housing tenants.
But never mind, readers. Those who bid for public contracts must sign up to the Welsh Government’s equality policies. We might not get anywhere near the number of homes we need, let alone what Labour pledged in its 2021 Manifesto. Still, unbuilt homes will stand as a testament to the Welsh Government’s purity of motive and nobility of spirit.
Huge support for animal welfare establishment regulation
RSPCA Cymru has welcomed strong public support for Welsh Government proposals to introduce licensing for animal welfare establishments (AWEs), such as sanctuaries, rehoming centres, and rescues.
A recent consultation revealed that 82% of respondents back regulation for AWEs, marking significant progress in a campaign led by RSPCA Cymru to ensure these establishments are formally overseen. This would provide vital assurances to the public and enhance animal welfare protections.
Currently, AWEs in Wales are not subject to specific regulations—unlike riding schools, dog breeders, and cat boarders. This means that anyone can establish a sanctuary or rescue centre without proving they have the skills, funds, or resources needed to properly care for animals.
The Welsh Government’s consultation, which included 1,180 responses and also examined the future of greyhound
racing, revealed:
• 82.18% of respondents supported licensing for AWEs (735 responses).
• 74.52% supported licensing for animal activities (726 responses).
• 71.63% backed a licensing scheme to strengthen regulations for animal exhibits (719 responses).
The consultation findings were published today (Dec 18), with further steps expected to be announced in Spring 2025.
RSPCA WELCOMES PROGRESS
RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, BillieJade Thomas, described the support as “overwhelming,” stating:
“Many owners of sanctuaries and other AWEs undertake hugely important work, but the lack of regulation and oversight has long been a concern.
“Our officers have too often
dealt with situations spiralling out of control—capacity, governance, and financial issues are all too common. These findings highlight the clear need for regulatory action.”
The charity launched a report in 2023 highlighting the “urgent need” for regulation, supported by a poll showing 88% of the Welsh public agree AWEs should be licensed. Notably, 82% of AWEs surveyed by the RSPCA also supported licensing.
The report found that only 5% of the public were aware that AWEs are currently unregulated in Wales, with many assuming external oversight already exists.
Challenges with voluntary guidance
A voluntary Code of Practice for AWEs was introduced in September 2020, providing operational guidance. However, nearly half of AWEs surveyed admitted they had never referred to it, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
“While the Code of Practice was a step forward, it is clear too little notice has been paid to
it,” said Billie. “We’ve even had to prosecute some AWE owners since its publication, showing legislative action is urgently needed.
“Without oversight, welfare issues can escalate, leaving owners overburdened and animals at risk. Regulations must ensure establishments are registered with local authorities and subjected to inspections.”
BROADER WELFARE ISSUES
The RSPCA is also part of the ‘Cut the Chase’ coalition, alongside Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, and Greyhound Rescue Wales, advocating for animal welfare reforms across sectors.
The consultation included proposals regarding greyhound racing, with further announcements on its future expected next year.
Supporters can learn more about the RSPCA’s #SaferSanctuaries campaign by visiting the charity’s website.
NFU Cymru President’s New Year Message
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones provides his New Year message reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to 2025
“2024 began with Welsh farmers expressing concern, worry, frustration and - at timesanger over Welsh Government’s proposals within its ‘Keep Farmers Farming’ consultation. The year ends with similar emotions being expressed over the UK Government’s family farm tax changes.
“We end the year and begin 2025 with the extreme worry the removal of the inheritance tax reliefs is having on our farming families. We must stop the UK Government from introducing this family farm tax. My message to UK Government is simple: pause the proposals, consult with industry and undertake a comprehensive impact assessment that considers the long-term impact of these changes on farming families and food production.
“In December, NFU Cymru engaged with a thousand farming businesses as part of our Sustainable Farming Scheme Roadshow events presenting Welsh Government’s revised scheme outline. Our members recognised the progress that has been made with the development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) since the beginning of the year and I would like to place on record my thanks to the Deputy First Minister for the partnership approach he has established since his appointment in March.
“That said, we all recognise that there is much more work to be done to ensure that the SFS will work for all farm sectors, farm types, land areas, for tenant farmers and for those farms with common land, and on the scheme detail to make sure that it is manageable and avoids duplication with other supply chain requirements, including farm assurance.
“In particular, members, have highlighted the need for the 10% habitat scheme rule to better reflect the wide diversity of temporary and permanent habitats we have on our farms. They were very clear that hedges and other traditional boundary features must be included within the scheme rule.
“Ultimately the decision to join the scheme or not will depend on payment rates, which must reflect not only the costs associated with adhering to scheme rules and delivering
the Universal Actions, but also fairly value the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution that Welsh farming delivers for society. The payment methodology must reflect all four Sustainable Land Management Objectives within the Agriculture (Wales) Act.
“I welcome the Deputy First Minister’s commitment to a comprehensive economic analysis and impact assessment of the revised proposals to understand what the scheme will mean for farmers and wider society. This work is vital and NFU Cymru remains clear that the SFS should provide the same level of stability to farm businesses, our rural communities and the supply chain as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) does currently.
“At a time of significant upheaval, the Deputy First Minister’s decision to maintain the BPS at current funding levels for 2025 has provided much needed short-term stability and certainty to Welsh farming, along with the thousands of ancillary businesses that rely on farming for so much of their income. Looking to the future, we need a multi annual funding agreement that will provide long term stability and certainty to farming families. Welsh farming is being asked to deliver more than ever before in relation to food security, climate, nature and communities and we need a budget to ensure we can deliver on our ambitions.
“I am pleased that the Welsh Government TB Programme Board met for the first time recently, with Radnor farmer Sharon Hammond as Chair. I welcome the strong representation of farmers and farm vets on the board and this, alongside the positive work of the farmers and vets involved in the Pembrokeshire
where it is shown to be needed.
“At our recent roadshows it was immediately apparent that the Sustainable Farming Scheme, inheritance tax, bovine TB and water quality regulations are impacting on the confidence of Welsh farming families, and their hopes and aspirations. I reiterate my call for government to establish an independent review group to consider the cumulative burden of regulations and policies on Welsh farming.
project and the implementation by government of several of the recommendations of the NFU Cymru TB Focus Group, highlights the ongoing work to make improvements to TB policy. However, in the 12 months to September 2024, a staggering 12,278 cattle were slaughtered because of bovine TB, an increase of 27% on the previous year and the most over any 12 month period since 2009. Politics must be taken out of disease control and a science and evidence-led comprehensive TB eradication programme implemented if we are ever going to eradicate this dreadful disease from our countryside.
“It is a source of significant regret to us that, almost four years after their introduction, the very serious concerns expressed by NFU Cymru in relation to the Water Quality Regulations are being borne out on farms across Wales. Recently we met with Dr Susannah Bolton, Independent Chair of Welsh Government’s statutory review of the regulations, and we were able to present to her the results of our survey asking farmers for their ‘on the ground’ experiences relating to the implementation of the regulations. It is clear that a ‘farming by calendar’ approach does not work and the records and inspection regime must be overhauled. A longterm sustainable solution to the 170 kg N/ha limit from organic manures must be found and with the mean cost of investment at around £100,000 before planning and consultancy costs are included, the affordability of the regulations must be addressed. This review must be used as the opportunity to deliver a more proportionate and achievable set of regulations that addresses water quality
“Returning to the family farm tax, I must thank farmers across the nation for all the work you have done so far. It was a privilege to stand alongside the many hundreds of Welsh farmers who joined our lobby in Westminster in November. I must also thank the many nonfarming readers and the wider public for their support. Knowing we have the backing of so many people who buy our products each day is heartening. I would ask for your continued support in the weeks ahead. We are also asking our members to meet with their MPs and to explain to them first-hand the impact this tax on hard working farming families will have on our ability to pass our farms on to our next generation, while also showing them that the Treasury lines claiming that only a few farms will be affected by the APR / BPR changes are wrong.
“It has been a year of significant upheaval but despite all the challenges we face I am constantly amazed by the strength and resilience of Welsh farming. Over 6,000 farmers supported us by submitting their own individual response to the SFS consultation through our online portal. They also helped us place 5,500 pairs of wellies on the steps of the Senedd one cold and misty morning in March - one of the most impactful pieces of lobbying seen at the Senedd.
“I am immensely proud of the work of farmers Angharad and Anna who delivered a virtual live lesson to around 20,000 primary school children as part of our Welsh Food and Farming Week in June, and the sheer volume of UK wide awards won by Welsh farmers in 2024 is testament to the world leading skills and expertise we have as a nation.
“I urge you all to stay safe and I wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
“Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd.”
Fully electric volvo eX30 SUv
scores maximum five-star rating in latest Euro NCAP safety tests
It might be our smallest ever SUV, but the Volvo EX30 is also a proud flag bearer of our long-standing and wellknown position as a leader in automotive safety.
In fact, the EX30 has just scored a maximum five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety testing, confirming that our small, fully electric SUV looks after both you and others in hectic urban environments.
Euro NCAP is a leading independent car safety assessment programme in Europe and helps customers to make informed decisions about the safety performance of cars on the market.
“While we always design our cars to be safe in the real world and not only to excel in safety ratings, this result underscores the strong safety credentials of the EX30,” said Åsa Haglund, the head of our Safety Centre. “With the EX30, we have taken our city safety to the next level, by creating a small SUV that looks after you as well as other traffic participants on busy city streets.”
As our smallest SUV, the EX30 is as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car. With safety systems developed through
our unique safety knowledge gained from research in realworld accidents for more than 50 years, it is designed to help protect its driver and passengers in the event of a crash in real life. It does this through modern restraint technology, as well as a structural design that fulfils
our pioneering in-house safety requirements. These ambitious requirements often exceed official testing requirements and are designed to prepare our cars for various real-world scenarios, which can sometimes be far more complicated than standardised testing.
In addition to our consistently high standards for protective safety, the EX30 also comes with an advanced suite of active safety features that are designed to help you avoid and mitigate collisions or risks. For example, an advanced driver-alert system comes as standard and looks out for you when you’re not at your best.
In the city, the intersection auto brake on the EX30 is designed to help you prevent or mitigate accidents at intersections. If another car crosses your path in front unexpectedly, the automatic brake intervention feature is designed to bring the car to a stop.
The EX30 also includes a door opening alert. It can warn you through visual and audio cues, if activated, whenever you are about to open the door in front of, say, a passing cyclist. So-called dooring incidents are responsible for a significant number of cycling crashes and, when turned on, the door opening alert can help reduce such incidents.
For more detailed information about the safety systems on the EX30, click here: The fully electric Volvo EX30 small SUV takes city safety to a new level - Volvo Cars Global Media Newsroom
A Fun Galactic Adventure
The Star Wars franchise is often associated with epic, serious storytelling, but Skeleton Crew offers a refreshing change.
Described as The Goonies in space, the show is a lively, funfilled adventure that captures the spirit of the original Star Wars films—silly, energetic, and perfect for all ages.
Set on the Earth-like planet of Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), the series introduces us to Wim and his friends, a diverse group of kids embarking on a galactic adventure. Wim’s home feels like a retro, mid-century California neighbourhood, and while his life seems ordinary, it’s unmistakably Star Wars: he dreams of becoming a Jedi, his
teachers are droids, and his best friend Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) is an alien with elephantlike features. Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) and her tech-savvy sidekick KB (Kyriana Kratter) round out the group.
When Wim’s curiosity leads the kids to accidentally activate a dangerous device, they find themselves stranded millions of miles from home. What follows is a quest to return, with plenty of classic Star Wars escapades— like a noodle bar serving up a crustacean delicacy and a nervous tattooist who’s a relative of C-3PO.
The show is set after the fall of the Empire, in a period much like The Mandalorian, where pirates
roam the galaxy. The group’s reluctant mentor is Crimson Jack (Jude Law), a failed thief-turnedbounty hunter who’s charming but untrustworthy.
While Skeleton Crew is packed with the whimsical, lighthearted mischief that Star Wars does best, it’s not without its flaws. The comedy sometimes falls flat, and the series feels more like a long film split into episodes than a traditional TV show.
Despite its minor issues, Skeleton Crew is a delightful watch. It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking for a fun, nonjudgmental Star Wars adventure, ideal for a relaxed family viewing during the holidays.
“DEN of Thieves 2: Pantera” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sequels in recent years. Following the cult success of the original film, which combined gritty action, clever twists, and a tense cat-and-mouse chase, the second installment raises the stakes. Directed by Christian Gudegast, the sequel moves the action from Los Angeles to Europe, offering a fresh backdrop for this thrilling saga.
Gerard Butler reprises his role as the hardened detective ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien, now more obsessed and determined than ever. After Donnie Wilson, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr., escapes to Europe, Big Nick hunts him down. Donnie’s new alliances with elite diamond thieves and the Panther mafia add layers of danger and intrigue. This isn’t just
a hunt for a fugitive but a descent into a treacherous underworld where survival depends on sharp instincts.
The sequel promises even bigger heist sequences, this time targeting the world’s largest diamond exchange. These scenes are set to be a visual spectacle, featuring meticulous planning and unforeseen complications that keep viewers on edge. The tense dynamic between Butler’s relentless Big Nick and Jackson Jr.’s cunning Donnie adds emotional weight to the action-packed plot.
Visually, the film leans into a polished European aesthetic, moving through Paris’s underground and Antwerp’s hightech settings. This international expansion refreshes the narrative while aligning it with modern globetrotting action
films. Early reports compare the film to franchises like “Mission Impossible” and “John Wick,” with test audiences calling it an adrenaline rush.
Beyond its action, “Den of Thieves 2” explores loyalty, betrayal, and blurred moral lines. Big Nick’s obsession raises questions about his own integrity, while Donnie’s alliances test his survival instincts. The film’s trailer teases explosive chases, confrontations, and humor amidst the chaos, heightening fan excitement.
Set to release on January 10, 2025, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” promises heart-pounding action, clever storytelling, and gripping drama. Prepare for a suspenseful ride that will leave audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
HOROSCOPES
gAMIng
wITH EDDIE THE gAME guRu
Needless to say, whatever you’re feeling is all on the surface right now. You’re going to be amazed at how easy it is to get you to spill the beans. If you have the right audience, though, it might be the best thing to do. Just let it all out.
CaNCeR
You’re in the mood to be up close, personally involved, and affectionate, so, needless to say, your lucky partner will be just tickled. It’s common knowledge that no one can spoil someone the way that you can, especially when you set out with that objective in mind. Of course, you’ll want to pamper all your dear ones today. Better make a list and check it at least twice, just in case someone happens to be the jealous type.
leo Sure, they’re making you crazy. They’re related to you. It’s part of their job to make you crazy. So, if they seem a little too focused on your affairs at the moment, try not to get too upset about it. If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t bother getting involved. Your best bet is to patiently explain that you’re a grown-up now, and while you appreciate their efforts, you’ve got a plan in mind. And don’t forget to say thank you.
viRGo
Your words are extremely potent now, so much so that you might unintentionally hurt someone quite deeply without meaning to. If a dear one pushes your buttons, it would probably be better for you to count to at least ten before you respond, or just say you’ll think about it. Don’t let go with anything that’s deliberately hurtful. No use burning a bridge simply because your mouth has temporarily turned into a lethal weapon.
libRa
We all have possessions that we hold on to simply because they remind us of sometime, something, or someone special. You’ll be in the mood to go through your special things today: scrapbooks, photos, and anything else that you have around because it means something to you. Tend to those special things now. Tidy them up, repackage them, or bring them out of storage for a while so you can enjoy them again.
SCoRPio
Everything you feel will quite literally be written all over your face now. Everything.
So if you’re angry, don’t bother trying to hide it. If you do, you’ll only end up snapping at everyone you come into contact with. Instead of all that, why not just tell the person who’s pushed your buttons exactly how you feel about what they’ve done? You don’t have to be mean about it. In fact, the calmer you are, the more firmly you’ll make your point.
SaGiTTaRiUS
You might not be doing it consciously, but you’re revving up to say something you’ve been dying to get off your chest for some time now. It’s no secret that you’re a force to be reckoned with when you’re being brutally honest. You’re famous for just that. But try not to go too far overboard. You can get your point across without saying anything deliberately hurtful. Besides, if you do, you’ll only feel so guilty that you’ll want to apologize.
CaPRiCoRN
Your natural leadership skills are both a curse and a blessing. They’re a blessing for others, because when things start to get out of control, they know they can turn to you with a plaintive look on their face, and within minutes you’ll have everything up and running like a well-oiled machine. The curse part comes in when you’re out for recreation, looking forward to some fun, and then suddenly you’re asked to take over. Like today, for example. Oh, well. Think of it as a compliment.
aQUaRiUS
Eating crow is never tasty, and you’ve never been especially good at it. But you may receive information today that will force you to take a great big bite. Could be that a higher-up you were sure was plotting something against you from behind the scenes has really been doing just the opposite, and not just working for you but also trying to be a guardian angel. Don’t expose the secret just yet. Wait and see if they come to you first.
PiSCeS
You’re due to cross paths with some very interesting, very magnetic types, and soon too. Maybe even tonight! To prepare yourself for their arrival, and be sure you can postpone anything that’s not absolutely necessary for you to do. If you’ve already met them, don’t be shy. Get in contact, make some plans, and get together. These are kindred spirits we’re talking about. Don’t let them get away!
Donkey kong country returns
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, pixelated primates and platforming purists alike, gather ‘round for a rhapsodic revelation of simian proportions! Behold, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, bounding onto the Nintendo Switch this January 16, 2025, like a barrel launched by the collective nostalgia of a generation. This, dear friends, isn’t merely a game; it’s a luscious, high-definition hymn to the enduring magic of the 2010 classic—a veritable banana banquet for the senses!
The original Donkey Kong Country Returns—an audacious love letter to the Super Nintendo-era trilogy—swung into our lives with a cacophony of challenging levels, inventive designs, and that ineffable charm that only a tie-wearing gorilla can muster. Who could forget the dynamic duoship of Donkey Kong and his diminutive jetpack-wielding
compatriot, Diddy Kong? Together, they traversed lush jungles and perilous volcanoes, reinventing the platforming genre whilst paying homage to its illustrious roots.
Now, my friends, imagine that same experience, but polished to a gleaming HD sheen! Picture verdant landscapes that look as though they’ve been lovingly rendered by a nature deity on their day off, vibrant characters so alive you can practically smell the bananas, and—brace yourselves—extra levels! Yes, those tantalizing nuggets of 3DSexclusive content have been freed from their handheld prison, offering even the most seasoned Kong connoisseurs fresh challenges to conquer.
Of course, the original wasn’t without its thorns among the roses. The motion controls, oh, how they vexed some of us! And the
learning curve? A touch steep for the uninitiated, some might say. But there’s hope—nay, expectation— that the Switch iteration will smooth these rough edges with enhanced controls and perhaps a sprinkling of modern quality-of-life improvements.
So, as th clock ticks inexorably toward that fateful January day, let us collectively bask in the anticipation of what might well be one of the defining titles of 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the DK jungles or a wide-eyed newcomer seeking a challenge as satisfying as a ripe plantain, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD promises to dazzle, delight, and— dare I say—defy gravity itself. Mark it in your diaries, comrades, because this isn’t just a game; it’s a moment. A celebration. A pixelated pilgrimage into the heart of Kong-kind!
ivor the engine turns 65 with book reprint
DECEMBER marks 65 years of Ivor the Engine, the much-loved green steam train from the “top left-hand corner of Wales.” First brought to life on television in 1959, Ivor has charmed generations with heartwarming tales set in the fictional village of Llaniog.
To celebrate, Candy Jar Books has republished the original 1962 picture book. Featuring Oliver Postgate’s captivating storytelling and Peter Firmin’s timeless illustrations, the restored edition is now available in both paperback and hardback.
Created by Postgate and Firmin’s Smallfilms, Ivor the Engine was a pioneer of imaginative children’s television. Its distinctive stop-motion animation, painted watercolour cut-outs, and whimsical bassoon soundtrack helped cement it as a key part of British cultural history.
The series followed Ivor and his driver, Jones the Steam, alongside a memorable cast of characters including Evans the
Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email
Song and Idris the dragon. Inspired by Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, the show portrayed Welsh life with charm and humour.
In recent years, Ivor’s legacy has been revived. Stars like Eddie Izzard, Cerys Matthews, and Rob Brydon voiced new audiobook stories during lockdown, reconnecting audiences with the steam engine’s magic. Earlier this year, Ivor was also honoured as the only fictional member of the Great Little Trains of Wales.
With remastered episodes now streaming on BritBox and ITVX, and the restored book back on shelves, Ivor the Engine continues to delight both nostalgic fans and new audiences.
SPORT
2024 A Year of Triumph, Challenges, and Transition
The year 2024 proved unforgettable for Welsh sport, as the nation’s athletes excelled on the global stage while facing key moments of transformation at home. From the brilliance of the Olympics and Paralympics to significant developments in football and rugby, Wales showcased its sporting prowess in a wide array of disciplines.
At the Paris Summer Olympics, Welsh athletes delivered stunning performances. Swimmer Matt Richards was a standout, claiming gold as part of the Men’s 4×200 metre freestyle relay team. Cyclist Emma Finucane also shone, earning two world titles and an Olympic gold in the team sprint, cementing her place among Wales’ sporting greats. Her achievements saw her crowned BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year for 2024.
Equally inspiring were the feats of Welsh athletes at the Paris Paralympic Games. Para-taekwondo star Matt Bush dominated in the K44 +75kg category, securing a gold medal and reaffirming his world-class status. Aled Davies added to his storied career with a third consecutive Paralympic gold in the F42 shot put. Lily Rice, a trailblazer in wheelchair motocross, made history as a Paralympic champion in para-surfing, a debut event at the Games. Harrison Walsh added to
Wales’ medal haul with silver in the F64 discus, further highlighting the nation’s strength in para-athletics.
In football, 2024 was a transformative year for both the men’s and women’s national teams. The Wales women’s national team experienced a significant leadership change in January when Gemma Grainger stepped down after a three-year tenure. Her successor, Canadian coach Rhian Wilkinson, brought fresh energy to the squad, with a focus on building a competitive team for the future. Despite mixed results during Wilkinson’s initial months, the team showed signs of growth, particularly through the emergence of young talent and an increased emphasis on tactical development which ended in a Euro 2025 qualification.
For the men’s team, Craig Bellamy was appointed manager in July, bringing a wealth of experience and a clear vision for elevating Welsh football on the international stage. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) also made strides off the pitch, continuing to advocate for inclusivity through initiatives such as Football v Homophobia and the ‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ campaign, which encouraged blood donation via domestic clubs.
Rugby, often seen as the lifeblood
of Welsh sport, endured a challenging year. The men’s team, under head coach Warren Gatland, struggled in the Six Nations, finishing last and earning their first wooden spoon in 21 years. Gatland, however, retained his position, focusing on long-term rebuilding. In women’s rugby, Ioan Cunningham stepped down as head coach after a turbulent year, leaving the Welsh Rugby Union to chart a new path forward for the team.
Beyond these flagship sports, Welsh athletes continued to make waves in other arenas. Mixed martial artist Oban Elliott enjoyed an undefeated year in the UFC, capped by a spectacular knockout victory at UFC 309. In snooker, Jak Jones reached the final of the World Snooker Championship, showcasing his talent on one of the sport’s biggest stages, though he ultimately fell to Kyren Wilson.
As 2024 came to a close, the story of Welsh sport was one of perseverance, transition, and ambition. Whether on the world stage at the Olympics and Paralympics or in the domestic development of football and rugby, Wales reaffirmed its passion for sport and its drive to inspire future generations. The challenges faced and the victories earned throughout the year set the stage for an even brighter future in 2025 and beyond.
County Council achieve insport Partnerships Gold Standard
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY
COUNCIL have recently achieved the insport Partnerships Gold Standard, recognising their commitment and passion to providing inclusive opportunities for disabled people across the local authority area.
‘insport’ is a Disability Sport Wales programme delivered with the support the of Sport Wales, which aims to support the physical activity, sport, and leisure sectors delivering inclusively of disabled people. The purpose of the insport programmes is to support the development of inclusive thinking, planning, development and delivery by everyone within an organisation so that ultimately, they will deliver across the spectrum to disabled and non-disabled people, at whatever level they wish to participate or compete. The intent is to facilitate and deliver cultural change in attitude, approach, and provision of physical activity (including sport) and wider opportunities for disabled people.
Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure have consistently developed their offers for disabled people locally, becoming the first local authority partner nationally to achieve the insport Partnerships Gold
standard. Working with the natural, rural and coastal assets, the Sport Pembrokeshire & Pembrokeshire
Leisure teams’ have done a fantastic job in navigating the opportunities and challenges to prioritise the inclusion of disabled people in leisure & communitybased physical activity (including sport) opportunities. Ensuring that as many people as possible can be involved in sport and physical activity.
Achievement of the insport Partnerships Gold standard means that an inclusive approach to communities of disabled people is embedded within strategies, programmes, and thinking. This award is never the end of an organisation’s inclusion journey, and Disability Sport Wales will continue to support Pembrokeshire County Council as they continue to provide sector leading inclusive opportunities for disabled people.
Pembrokeshire have a number of excellent examples of collaborative work and partnerships supporting the delivery of strong inclusive programming across Pembrokeshire’s communities which add significant value to the area’s rich inclusive sporting heritage. These opportunities provide the initial steps on the
pathway that many former and current Paralympic and Commonwealth Games Para athletes have taken from Pembrokeshire, including the Paris 2024 Paralympic Champion, Matt Bush; Paris 2024 Paralympic athlete, Jodie Grinham; 2022 Commonwealth Games medallist Lily Rice.
Tom Rogers (Governance & Partnership Director, Disability Sport Wales) said: “Pembrokeshire’s achievement of the insport Partnerships Gold standard is a remarkable milestone that highlights the unwavering commitment to inclusion in physical activity (including sport). This achievement recognises the efforts in creating opportunities that ensure everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive in physical activity and sport at a level of their choosing.
Achieving the insport Partnerships Gold standard reflects the culture of inclusivity and recognises the excellent example for communities across Wales and beyond of an embedded culture of inclusion.
Sport Pembrokeshire’s dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering an equitable and person centred approach to the delivery of
physical activity is reflected across their programming. The commitment to inclusion exits across the Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure teams’ and the achievement of this standard recognises the years of hard work by current and former team members, as well as excellent community led opportunities across the local authority area.
Congratulations on this significant achievement—your success paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in sport.”
Matt Freeman, Sport Pembrokeshire Manager said, “Pembrokeshire County Council is proud to achieve the prestigious insport Gold Standard, a recognition of our commitment to championing inclusive sport and physical activity across the county. This milestone, led by Sport Pembrokeshire – the Council’s sports development team – reflects the collaborative efforts of our partners to ensure opportunities for inclusive participation continue to grow. We remain dedicated to working with both new and existing partners to expand access and make inclusive provision a cornerstone of sport and physical activity in Pembrokeshire”.
2024 A Year of Triumph, Challenges, and Transition
