The Pembrokeshire Herald 01/03/2024

Dock newsagent worker ‘had sexual images of children as young as four’

A FORMER employee of a local newsagent in Pembroke Dock has been brought before the court, facing severe allegations involving the possession of indecent images of children and engaging in inappropriate conversations with a minor.

Daniel Byrne-Crowley, 28, vehemently denies the accusations levelled against him, which include three counts of making in-

decent images of children and one count of sexual communication with a child.

Prosecutors allege that Byrne-Crowley possessed images depicting children as young as four being sexually abused. Among the evidence presented, one image was categorised as Category A, the most severe, alongside 11 Category B images and

10 Category C images.

The disturbing content is said to have been accumulated between August 2012 and September 2020, with the defendant also accused of engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a 10-year-old during a period stretching from June 2019 to September 2020.

The court heard from Prosecutor Helen Randall that a raid on Byrne-Crowley’s residence on Bush Street

in Pembroke Dock on 28 October 2020 led to the seizure of two mobile phones, a MacBook computer, and an iPad. Examination of these devices revealed 23 child abuse images, one of which was inaccessible. Disturbingly, the images included scenes of a boy aged between four and six being sexually abused by an adult, and a video of three naked boys, aged between 10 and 14, in sexually explicit acts.

Further investigations uncovered conversations that ByrneCrowley had with other adults discussing indecent images, masturbation, and oral sex. Randall highlighted one particularly alarming admission by Byrne-Crowley where he recounted working at a children’s summer camp in America, observing children naked and teaching them to masturbate.

During police interviews, Byrne-Crowley claimed ignorance of how the images appeared on his devices but admitted to conversing with the child, seeing no wrongdoing in his actions. The prosecution argues that ByrneCrowley deliberately sought out these images, with Randall stating, “The prosecution say it could only be him and it is obvious from his conversations with others that it was him.” The trial continues.

‘Sexual activity’ charges

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with committing sexual acts against his stepdaughter.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of engaging in ‘adult sexual activity’ with the girl between January 1, and June 4, 2021.

The acts included sexually touching the child, who was 16 or over at the time of the alleged offences, with his finger.

He faces a total of

four charges of engaging in sexual activity with his family member.

No pleas were entered by the defendant when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the matter, which will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on March 28.

The defendant was released on unconditional bail.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Farmers: ‘Enough is enough!’

THOUSANDS of farmers and supporters converged outside the Senedd in Cardiff, Wales, to voice their strong opposition to the Welsh Government’s proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and other contentious issues threatening the agricultural sector. The protest, marked by a sea of placards bearing the stark message “No Farmers, No Food,” highlighted the depth of the farming community’s fears for its future.

The demonstration, the latest in a month-long

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series of actions across Wales, saw farmers, many arriving on tractors, gather to contest plans they argue would compel them to sacrifice a significant portion of their land for environmental purposes. With estimates suggesting that the scheme could lead to 5,500 job losses, the stakes for the agricultural community and rural Wales are high.

Despite police estimates putting the crowd at around 3,000, below

the anticipated 10,000 to 20,000, the turnout was a record for a protest of this nature outside the Welsh Parliament. The demonstration saw a mix of solemnity and spirited resistance, with the Welsh song ‘Yma O Hyd’ resonating amongst the crowd, symbolising steadfastness and resilience.

At the demonstration, notable figures lent their voices to the farmers’ cause. Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, was seen engaging with protesters, underscoring the political dimensions of the dispute. Sam Kurtz, another Conservative MS, told the crowd that he was a farmer’s son. He told the gathering that he would fight tirelessly for the farming community.

Afterwards he told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “It was the proudest moment of my life addressing the farmers in Cardiff Bay today. Made prouder still

that my father was there.

“The momentum is with the industry now and whomever becomes Wales’ next First Minister, and next Rural Affairs Minister, must work hard on the SFS, NVZs, and Bovine Tb, to repair a broken relationship between government and the agricultural sector.

“Can I thank all those who attended the protest for the respect and order that they showed.

“It was the largest of its kind and if the message hasn’t got through to the Welsh Government now, I’m not sure it ever will.”

Perhaps more movingly, Nigel Owens, renowned former international rugby referee and a farmer himself, addressed the crowd from the Senedd steps. Owens, comparing the protest’s significance to his experience refereeing the 2015 World Cup final, underscored the fundamental role of farming: “There can be no Six Nations game in Cardiff next Saturday

Thousands at Senedd’s biggest ever protest

against France if there is no referee. There can be no food on the table if there are no farmers.”

The protest was not just a platform for airing grievances but also a moment for collective expression of a deepseated love for farming and the rural way of life. Ioan Humphreys, a fifth-generation farmer, poignantly articulated this sentiment, emphasizing the fight for the future of young farmers and the unity required to overcome current challenges. “I’m also here to make sure as farmers stick together and unite through this time of hardship,” Humphreys stated, capturing the protest’s spirit of solidarity.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, reiterated the essential

bond between Wales and its agricultural heartland, advocating for government support at all levels to ensure the vitality of rural Wales. His call for action highlighted the broader implications of the proposed changes, touching on the sustainability of rural communities, biodiversity, and the Welsh economy at large.

The protest, while a manifestation of immediate concerns over the SFS, also brought to the fore ongoing frustrations with the Welsh Government’s anti-water pollution measures and the persistent challenge of TB in cattle. The demonstration’s peaceful nature, emphasized by South Wales Police’s statement, belied the deep undercurrents of anxiety and determination among

the farming community.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s interaction with the rural community at the Welsh Conservative Party Conference in Llandudno, where he assured farmers of his support, underscores the national significance of the issues at stake. Meanwhile, the Welsh Government’s assurance of its willingness to listen and adapt the proposed scheme following consultation reflects the dynamic and contentious process of policy-making in areas critical to national interest and well-being.

As the protest unfolded, with wellington boots symbolically placed in front of speakers, the agricultural community’s message was clear: the future of farming, and by extension, the fabric of rural Wales, hangs in the balance. The collective call for support, understanding, and meaningful engagement from the government resonated beyond the steps of the Senedd, touching the hearts of many across Wales and beyond.

This convergence of farmers at the Senedd, while a significant moment, represents just one chapter in an ongoing dialogue between the agricultural community and policymakers. As Wales navigates the complexities of environmental conservation, economic

sustainability, and rural livelihoods, the voices of those gathered in Cardiff Bay will undoubtedly continue to echo in the halls of power, reminding all of the indispensable value of farmers to the nation’s past, present, and future.

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Sam Kurtz MS, from Pembrokeshire, addressing the protest

Tractors lined the outskirts of Cardiff as the protest took place

Four-hour standoff ends in arrest after ‘BB-gun’ fired

A TENSE fourhour standoff ensued in Milford Haven, triggered by a 34-yearold man firing a BB gun at officers, Swansea Crown Court heard today.

James Gould’s partner called the police concerned for the defendants safety, after a bout of heavy drinking and diazepam consumption.

Upon police arrival at the residence on St David’s Road, Gould barricaded himself inside. From an upstairs window, he taunted officers, goading them to shoot him.

The situation rapidly escalated into what was described in court as an “effective siege.” Gould positioned himself on an outside window ledge, repeatedly discharging the BB gun toward officers and the police negotiator. Additionally, he gestured threateningly with hand motions mimicking throat-

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slitting and brandished the imitation firearm.

The incident, unfolding in the early hours of December 3, reached its conclusion with Gould’s apprehension through the

use of a Taser, followed by handcuffing and arrest.

During proceedings, Dyfed-Powys Police received commendation for their handling of the situation.

In his defence, James Hartson of Angel Chambers, representing

Gould, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “It was only thanks to the police officers’ professionalism and restraint that the force they used at the defendant was not lethal.”

Hartson emphasised the inherent danger of

pointing a firearm at police officers during the night and underscored the fortunate outcome of the ordeal, which concluded without injuries.

Gould, with a criminal record comprising four previous convictions for 40 offences, appeared for sentencing via video link from Swansea Prison, where he had been in custody since his last court appearance on January 14.

He faced charges including possessing an imitation firearm, causing significant fear of violence, affray, and two counts of criminal damage, pertaining to the vandalisation of neighbours’ vehicles by Gould hurling objects at them.

Hartson revealed that psychiatric evaluation found no underlying mental disorder contributing to Gould’s actions, attributing his behaviour to alcohol

and prescription drug misuse.

“His consumption of alcohol and misuse of prescription medications clearly affected his mood,” Hartson stated, adding that Gould had no memory of the events.

Expressing remorse, Gould penned a letter to the court, conveying his deep regret. While in custody, he endeavoured to address his underlying issues through participation in anger management, stress coping, and proper medication adherence programmes.

Mr. Recorder Clarke, characterising Gould’s conduct as “reckless and unpredictable,” sentenced him to 26 months’ imprisonment for the firearms offence and 12 months for affray, to be served concurrently. No additional penalties were imposed for the criminal damage charges.

Paying the price for Pembrokeshire’s Budget

THE DEBATE over Pembrokeshire

County Council’s Budget and proposed Council Tax rise continues to provoke strong reactions.

On the one side, many members object to a 16.31& increase in Council Tax. On the other, Cabinet members remain steadfast in their assertion that there is no realistic alternative to such a rise.

The Council meeting next Thursday can neither amend the Budget nor vote on an alternative. The chance to submit amendments passed in February. Similarly, no alternative Council Tax proposals that do not meet the Budget’s projections can be considered.

The choice is rejecting the whole kit and caboodle or passing it.

Although some councillors regard the process as a game - worse, a game of chicken - those are the choices on March 7.

Consequences flow from councillors’ choices. We will look at them below.

THE PRICE OF THE LOWEST COUNCIL TAX

Whatever happens, Pembrokeshire will still have the lowest Council Tax in Wales. Clinging on to that totem got Pembrokeshire into its current financial mess.

Misinformation and disinformation surround the budget process. Part of that is the wilful misrepresentation of how building projects are funded and suggestions that funding for them can be used willy-nilly for other purposes. Part of it is the apocalyptic predictions of what will happen if councillors reject the Budget and the accompanying Council Tax.

What is true is simple.

The Council must set its annual Budget. The Council cannot

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

send Council Tax bills if it fails to set a budget. However, the local authority must still fund statutory services - for example, education, social care, and bin collections. It cannot, however, enter new contracts for goods and services.

Those facts are inextricably linked.

So, What could happen next?

PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS

The law sets out what the Council must base its budget calculations upon. The law compels councillors to set a balanced budget and listen to its Chief Finance Officer’s advice. The Chief Financial Officer is sometimes called the Section 151 Officer. In Pembrokeshire, the s151 Officer is the Director of Resources,

Jon Haswell.

The Section 151 Officer has wide powers and, in conjunction with the Monitoring Officer, could find councillors had failed to discharge the budget-setting duties they are obliged to carry out by law.

Only the Full Council can set the Budget. At that meeting, councillors will consider the draft budget. The Cabinet prepares that Budget.

The Cabinet cannot change the Budget once the Full Council sets it. Some changes can be made under the Council’s financial regulations.

The law governing local authorities means the Council must set its Budget before March 11 in the financial year preceding the one in respect of which the Budget is set.

Failing to set a budget within the deadline does not necessarily invalidate that Budget. However, any delay may have

significant financial, administrative, and legal implicationsincluding potentially an individual liability for those members who contributed to the failure to set the Budget.

In addition, whether or not it has agreed to a budget or council tax, the Council must pay the Police and Fire and Rescue services, whether or not it collects the Council Tax in their precepts.

Councils also have increasingly important financial and corporate governance reputations to maintain. A failure to set a council tax, or even informal references to a potential failure to set a council tax, would likely have a significant adverse impact on the Council’s ability to access inward investment.

If members decide not to set the council tax or ignore the s151 officer, liability issues may arise.

Members must

abide by their Code of Conduct. As members have an active duty to ensure that the Council sets a lawful budget, voting against those proposals repeatedly, knowing that the result will be no lawful budget is almost certainly incompatible with their obligations under the Code as it is bound to bring the Council into disrepute.

The further consequences are unknown territory in Wales.

However, not setting a lawful budget will certainly bankrupt the Council.

THE PRICE TO PAY

Although the surcharge has long since been abolished, if a councillor’s wilful misconduct in refusing to set the Budget is found to have caused a financial loss to the Council, they may be liable to make good such loss. In such a

case, recklessness is enough to prove the finding.

If a budget is not set, the failure or delay to or in setting the council tax can only be challenged by an application for judicial review, with either the Welsh Government Minister or any other person with sufficient interest (which potentially could include a council taxpayer) able to apply to the Court.

Over the years since at least 2010, local authorities have had to budget more tightly, taking a massive amount out of their budgets.

Welsh councils have risen to the financial challenge, putting in place various strategies to help them cope with the pressures whilst continuing to deliver services. However, their opportunities for increasing their incomes are limited. Council Tax is a blunt tool, but it’s the only one they have.

Accused of dealing cocaine

A 43-YEAR-OLD Monkton woman has appeared before magistrates charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply it to others.

The Crown alleges that Louise Bugby had a quantity of the Class A drug at her property in Tenby Court, Monkton which was discovered by police officers during a search on November 9, 2022.

“A search was conducted at her home address and cocaine was found, as well as evidence of selling drugs,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“These included text messages and

thousands of pounds moving between her bank accounts.”

Bugby was charged with possessing Class A cocaine with intent to supply and an additional charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine between August 4 and November 10.

No pleas were entered by the defendant during her appearance at Haverfordwest law court.

Following Abigail Jackson’s summary, magistrates declined jurisdiction. The case will now proceed at Swansea Crown Court on March 28.

Bugby was released on unconditional bail.

Disqualified driver avoids jail after ‘very foolish’ puppy trip

A DISQUALIFIED driver who took a chance of driving a hired Mercedes to Pembrokeshire in order to view a litter of puppies has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

Michael Arundel, 33, made the decision from his home in Ammanford on February 6, despite being a disqualified driver. But as he drove the hired Europcar vehicle along the A40 in Letterston, he was stopped by police officers.

“The car had been hired by another individual, which meant that the defendant was not authorised to drive it,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman stressed the seriousness of the offence,

“This was a very

Council tax rise ‘highest in Wales in 20 years’

A UK campaign group is to target Pembrokeshire ahead of the county facing what the group says would be the largest council tax increase in England and Wales in more than a decade.

foolish decision that he made and it does cross the custody threshold,” she said.

“That day, the Mercedes was parked outside his house in Ammanford, but he then decided to drive it to this area to have a look at some puppies. He took a chance, but didn’t think the police would stop a car like that.”

Arundel pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and using the vehicle on a public road without third party insurance.

He was sentenced to an 18-month Community Order, during which he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation requirement days. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

At the February meeting of the county council’s Cabinet, members backed a council tax increase in Pembrokeshire of 16.3 per cent.

The proposed increase, which will be decided by full council at its March 7 meeting, would see the basic council tax level –before town/community precepts and the police precept are included – rise by £219.02 for the average Band D property, taking it to £1,561.98.

It is expected to be the highest percentage rate in Wales, on top of previous Pembrokeshire increases of 12.5 per cent, 9.92 per cent, five per cent, 3.75 per cent, five per cent and 7.5 per cent.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) has launched a campaign against the proposed increase, and will be in Milford Haven on Thursday, February 29, and Friday, March 1, delivering leaflets and speaking to residents about the proposed increase.

TPA research says that if the tax rise is agreed, it will be the largest in England and Wales since 2012-

13, when referendum principles were agreed.

England differs from Wales in having a cap, needing a referendum for any rate above five per cent for the 2024-25 financial year.

Taxpayers Alliance says Pembrokeshire’s proposal would be the largest percentage increase in Wales since 2000-01 and the third largest since 1997-98.

The only larger rises were in 2000-01 and 1998-99, when Monmouthshire and Powys county councils increased their council tax by 23.15 per cent and 17.5 per cent respectively, the group says.

At the February meeting of Pembrokeshire’s Cabinet, potential rises of 18.94 per cent, and an eye-watering 20.98 were mooted, which would have placed the county in second place.

The TPA is calling on residents in Pembrokeshire to write to the leader of the council, Cllr David Simpson, expressing their opposition to the proposals.

Benjamin Elks, grassroots development manager of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “This recordbusting rate rise would deal a devastating blow to household finances in Pembrokeshire.

“Local taxpayers face being punished for the council’s failure to find efficiencies, cut down on waste and balance the books.

“Councillors should show some backbone, stand up for their residents and say no to this ruinous tax hike.”

Pembrokeshire, currently facing a projected funding gap of £31.9m, has historically had the lowest council tax in Wales.

For comparison, the current 2023-’24 average Band D base council tax – before police and town/ community council parts of the overall bill are included – for Pembrokeshire is £1,342.86, compared to Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire at £1,553.60 and £1,490.97 respectively.

If the council had Ceredigion’s level of council tax for 202324, it would have had an additional £11.758m income and if it had Carmarthenshire’s it would have had an additional £8.264m.

Pembrokeshire Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Cllr Alec Cormack said: “For 2024-25, Pembrokeshire County Council is facing additional demand pressures in statutory services (adult and children’s social care, homelessness and education).

“This means we need an extra £17m to provide these services next year

– this alone is equivalent to an increase of over 26 per cent on council tax. Additionally, we face inflationary pressures of £22.8m.

“Our funding gap, after the AEF money we’ll receive from Welsh Government, is £31.9m.

“We are legally required to balance our budget –to match the amount of money coming in against what we spend to provide services. We are planning to make savings on our spending of £12.2m, as well as utilising some council tax premiums to enhance the sustainability of our communitis.

“This has allowed us to limit the council tax rise to 16.31 per cent. This weighs up the need to limit council tax rises on residents against the need to preserve services used by many of the most vulnerable people in the county.

“The demand pressures, particularly in social care, are affecting all councils in Wales, but particularly Pembrokeshire, since we have had the lowest council tax in Wales for decades.

“Based on current information, we expect Pembrokeshire to still have one of the lowest council tax levels – probably 18th out of the 22 Welsh local authorities.”

Neighbouring Ceredigion is recommended to back an 11.1 per cent increase at its full council meeting of February 29.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Shoplifter took over £600 worth of alcohol

A 32-YEAR-OLD Romanian man has appeared before magistrates after admitting stealing over £600 worth of alcohol from Tesco in Pembroke Dock.

Isaac Ghinea was seen entering the store soon after 6am on January 8.

“He selected high value bottles of alcohol and placed them in his basket, underneath bags of crisps and newspapers,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

But Ghinea was then seen walking to a different alcohol aisle where he removed a de-tagger from inside his trousers.

“He then removed the

alarms from the alcohol and put them behind some beer bottles,” continued Ms jackson. “He was then seen leaving the store without paying for the items.”

The alcohol stolen by Ghinea totalled £624.50

Ms Jackson said that Ghinea returned to the store on February 12 and was approached by a member of staff.

“This was because he was acting suspiciously,” she said. “The member of staff told him that he was banned from entering the store, and he was then seen entering a Volkswagen.”

Police officers were summoned and they discovered the vehicle being driven by Ghinea. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed three

silver foil wraps, three pairs of wire cutters and a magnetic pliers.

Ghinea, of Shayer Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and an additional charge of going equipped for theft. He was legally represented in court by Mr David Morgan.

“My client apologises for what happened as he’s a family man with four children,” Mr Morgan informed the magistrates in his mitigation.

“He also has a good work ethic, and is employed as a pipe layer.”

Mr Morgan said that the defendant was carrying out work in Pembroke Dock at the time of the offence.

“When I asked him why he did these acts, he

couldn’t give me a clear explanation,” he said. “He didn’t know what came over him.

“But he has a grievance against the police after being the victim of a car theft when he didn’t feel the police got to the root of the crime.”

Ghinea was sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months. He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation requirement days.

He was ordered to pay £624.50 compensation to Tesco, £85 court costs and a £154 court surcharge. A destruction order was imposed on the

Ironman outing leads to a ‘moment of madness’

A TENBY Ironman outing had dire consequences for a Llanteg resident after he threw a full can of alcohol at his expartner’s back.

Kevin Lewis, 44, experienced what his solicitor this week described as ‘a moment of madness’ when his ex-partner stated she was going to spend the evening with her new partner.

“My client accepts that his actions were totally unacceptable,” solicitor Liam Francis told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“It was a moment of madness with the realisation that their relationship had truly come to an end. He’d drunk too much alcohol and things got out of control.”

The incident took place on Sunday, September 3, when Lewis and his ex-partner Samanatha Smith took their seven-year old child to the Ironman event in Tenby in an effort to retain what the probation service described as ‘a civil relationship’ for their child.

“They’d a room booked at thePremier Inn but their plans changed,” outlined Crown Prosecutor, Abigail Jackson.

“The complainant called her new partner and then walked up to the defendant and told him that she was going to stay with him [the new partner].

“She turned around

“My back was soaking,” stated Samantha Smith in a victim impact statement read out to the court.

“He then called me a s*** mum, a bitch and a c***. I tried to persuade our daughter to come with me but he pushed me into the road.

“This has made me feel like a piece of s***. It downgraded me and embarrassed me and this is not a good role model for our daughter to witness.”

Meanwhile the probation report stated that Lewis had consumed between nine and ten cans of alcohol during the day.

“He felt frustrated at the sudden change of plans, when his expartner said she was going to stay with her new partner,” commented the probation officer. “He felt this was rubbing his nose in things, and making a mockery of it.

“He’s remorseful of his actions and is aware of the distress it’s caused his ex-partner and his daughter.”

This was endorsed by Lewis’ solicitor, Liam Francis.

“He drank too much alcohol and things got out of control but he now wants to put this incident behind him.”

Lewis, of Brookview, Llanteg, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order during which he must carry out 20 rehabilitation

Plans for new diner to serve alcohol until 2am sparks policing fears

THE POLICE presence in Pembroke is “woefully inadequate,” at a time when antisocial behaviour and drugtaking is “on the rise” in the town, councillors heard.

The concerns at the level of policing in the town were raised by local county councillor, and town councillor, Jonathan Grimes at the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s licensing sub-committee during an application for an American-style diner in The Commons area of the town.

Concerns had been raised by residents and the town council over issues including the potential sale of alcohol as late as 2am, as well as fears of crime and anti-social behaviour, and drug problems.

The application for a premises licence for café/ restaurant Parkside Diner, on Commons Road, made by Pembroke Diners Ltd, would be on the site formerly occupied by Stateside Diner, and more recently Charlie Brown’s Bistro.

While the majority

County

OFFICIAL opposition to Pembrokeshire County Council’s ruling group has seen yet another councillor cross the floor to join, the fifth in just over a year.

midnight, with a 12.30am finishing-up period, request.

of food and drink sales would be inside the property, there was an initial proposal to utilise a serving hatch, allowing the sale of late-night refreshments and alcohol off-site as late as 2am at weekends.

The hatch element was not actually included in the application before committee members, leading to a call for a

During the meeting, Cllr Grimes raised concerns that late-night drinkers may move down to The Commons area “which in the past had a problem with drugs and antisocial behaviour.”

“Pembroke has enough challenges with antisocial behaviour, and this just adds fuel to the flames for the peaceful enjoyment of local residents and tourists,” said Cllr Grimes,

who stressed he had “no problems” with the sale of alcohol with food, but raised concerns about the sale of alcohol offpremises in an area that has “a very low” amount of police patrols.

Hearing there had been no objections by statutory consultees like the police, Cllr Grimes said:

“To be honest I’m not surprised, the police presence is woefully inadequate, antisocial behaviour is on the rise,

drug-taking is on the rise, and the police response is woefully inadequate at the moment; it’s unusual to see police patrols after 10pm because most of the police patrols are carried out by PCSOs and PCSOs normally finish at 10pm.”

Cllr Grimes raised memories of a “mass brawl” at the town’s annual fair last year, the police presence at which he has previously described as “underwhelming”.

“We had an incident last October at the

Michaelmas Fair where there were no police available to deal with an antisocial incident, a fight.

“Policing is woefully inadequate in Pembroke at the moment.”

Committee members, following a compromise mooted by the applicant himself, agreed to the granting of a premises licence on the condition the sale of refreshments was limited to 11am, with the business able to stay open to 11.30pm.

Dyfed-Powys Police Divisional Commander for Pembrokeshire Craig Templeton said: “Whilst I do not agree with Cllr Grimes comments regarding policing within Pembroke, or the lack of officers to attend a previous incident last October, I am always ready to listen to concerns raised from within our communities about any policing issue.

“Pembrokeshire is one of the safest places to live, work and visit in the UK and there are many hardworking officers and staff ensuring that this is the case.”

Council opposition group grows as Milford councillor joins THE

Milford Haven Central county councillor Terry Davies has become the latest councillor to join Pembrokeshire’s Independent Group, led by Councillor Jamie Adams.

Last year, the group’s membership was swelled by unaffiliated council members Councillors Anji Tinley and Alan Dennison joining in the early part of the year, followed by Vanessa Thomas, and latterly Mel Phillips.

All four – along with Mr Davies – were newly elected members to the county council in May 2022.

This means the political makeup of the council is now 18 non-affiliated

Welsh Liberal Democrats.

members, 17 Independent Group members, 10 Welsh Conservatives, 10 Labour, two Plaid Cymru and two

Despite being the largest single group, the Independent Group is not the ruling group on the council; the current administration under the leadership of

David Simpson having unaffiliated, Labour, Plaid Cymru and Liberal Democrat members.

The Independent Group membership now consists of Jamie Adams, John T Davies, Alan

Dennison, Brian Hall, Delme Harris, Michael James, Michael John, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Shon Rees, Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Terry

Davies, and Simon Wright.

The group’s membership had also included St Ishmaels Councillor Reg Owens, who passed away recently.

One member listed as “unaffiliated” is former Conservative group member Councillor Andrew Edwards, who withdrew from the political group and referred himself to the Ombudsman last year after it was alleged he made “slave” comments.

Terry Davies told The Herald on Friday (Feb 23):

“I always felt that I was a bit isolated with the system of local government being an unaffiliated councillor – and I felt that I needed to give honest answers to my constituents with their concerns about many subjects.

“As part of the IG, I am now hoping find it easier to support Milford Haven and its its residents.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

McDonald’s thanks Milford Haven after a busy first day

MC DONALD’S new restaurant in Milford Haven, which opened its doors for the first time today, February 28th, at 11am, has already become a hit with the locals, thanks to an overwhelming turnout.

The opening day saw the restaurant bustling with patrons eager to check out the new location.

Reflecting on the day, the McDonald’s team extended a warm message of gratitude.

A spokesperson said: “Wow, you came to see us in your droves today!

“We certainly tried our best to provide good service to you all.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Inevitably at times, service was a bit slower than we would have liked, but we hope to see you all again soon.

“Thank you from team Milford.”

Despite the busy start and not offering breakfast on its first day—a detail proactively communicated to customers—the franchise’s focus remained steadfast on ensuring everyone had a positive experience.

The commitment of the new McDonald’s restaurant to the local community extends beyond its menu. In

partnership with the police and Port Authority, the franchise is actively working to address anti-social behaviour and improve traffic management around the new site.

These collaborations aim to create a safe and enjoyable environment for both patrons and the broader community, reinforcing McDonald’s dedication to making a positive impact, the company said.

The opening of the restaurant has also brought significant employment opportunities to Milford Haven, with 90 new jobs created.

This boost increases

the total number of individuals employed by Lonetree Limited, the local franchisee, to around 1,700 across its 17 McDonald’s outlets in South West Wales.

As McDonald’s

encourages residents to follow their social media for updates, the overarching message is one of gratitude and excitement for the future.

A local councillor said: “The successful launch

day sets a promising tone for the McDonald’s restaurant in Milford Haven as it embarks on its journey to be more than just a place to eat but a valued community partner.”

Local man denies child sex offences

ANDREW JAMES

GOLD, aged 41, and formerly of Tenby, faced charges of child sex offences today at Swansea Crown Court. Gold, now without a fixed address, denied two serious allegations brought against him.

The charges include causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as well as engaging in sexual communication with a minor. Gold specifically refuted accusations of inciting a teenage boy to partake in nonpenetrative sexual activity, namely masturbation, alleged to have occurred between June 20, 2023, and September 7, 2023, in Woolwich.

During the hearing, it was asserted that Gold intentionally encouraged the minor, purportedly unaware of the boy’s true age, to engage in such

activity. Additionally, Gold denied involvement in sexual communication with a child during the same timeframe.

The proceedings revealed that the charges stemmed from activity associated with a Snapchat profile reportedly created in May 2023. Judge Her Honour Catherine Richards presided over the hearing.

In response to the accusations, Gold unequivocally denied any wrongdoing, opting to contest both charges. Judge Richards set a trial date for June 26, affording Gold until April to prepare a comprehensive written defence statement.

Pending the trial, Gold was remanded into custody by Judge Richards.

Touring caravan stolen from Tenby Tourers

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are appealing for information following the theft of a touring caravan from Tenby Tourers in Crofty, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QE. The caravan, a 2019 Model Lunar Venus 6206, disappeared between 9am on February 16th and 3pm on February 17th, 2024.

Authorities are urging anyone who might have witnessed suspicious activity in the area during the specified timeframe or possesses relevant information to come

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forward. This stolen caravan represents a significant loss, and the assistance of the public is crucial in aiding the ongoing investigation.

Individuals with information pertinent to the case are encouraged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police through various channels. They can report information online via the official Dyfed-Powys Police website at https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline, send

an email to 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk, or call 101. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, they can send a text message to the non-emergency number at 07811 311 908, quoting reference number 24000195860.

Alternatively, those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers. Information can be relayed to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Vandal-blighted house cannot be demolished without application

AN OFFICIAL application needs to be made before a deteriorated vandalblighted house in Haverfordwest may be demolished by a social housing provider, county planners have said.

Social housing provider Ateb Group Limited recently gave county planners prior notification of its plans to demolish The Grove, St Thomas Green.

In its application, it stated: “The building has been unoccupied for several years and its physical condition has deteriorated significantly over that time. It has become prone to vandalism and trespass and is becoming difficult to manage and secure.

“Its demolition will allow the structure and resultant debris to be removed, improving the visual amenities of the locality. It will also enable the site to become readily available for a sensitive redevelopment in association with the adjacent Meyler House.”

It added: “The cleared site will become part of the adjoining Meyler House site, with proposals being prepared to

redevelop and construct affordable elderly persons apartments and associated parking facilities.”

Ateb has said it expected the demolition works to take several weeks, starting this April.

Agent Evans Banks Planning Limited, in a supporting statement said The Grove, adjoining Ateb’s head offices at Meyler House, received permission back in 2009 for the “Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with apartments, houses and landscaped grounds.”

Conservation Area Consent was also granted at that time.

“Those permissions were not implemented and have long since lapsed, but nevertheless indicate that the principle of demolishing The Grove was deemed acceptable at that time to the local planning authority,” said Evans Banks Planning Limited.

“A pre-application enquiry has recently been presented before the local planning authority which seeks to reignite such redevelopment proposals but on a much larger site, incorporating Meyler House and its grounds into a comprehensive redevelopment scheme to create elderly persons apartments.”

It added: “This current submission seeks to renew that 2009 Conservation

Area Consent given that the existing former dwellinghouse has now reached a physical state where its deterioration is causing concern.”

County planners determined that prior approval is needed before any demolition works take place, with details of tree protection while the works take place needed, along with a suitable method statement to minimise noise, dust and a strategy for dealing with hazardous materials should they arise during the demolition.

A similar application by Ateb, for demolition works at the town’s former learning centre, near to the former county library, was recently made subject to broadly similar conditions.

Police appeal following two-vehicle collision in Pembrokeshire

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating the causes of an accident.

They received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, February 27th.

The collision happened on the A477 between the Honeyborough roundabout and the Sentry Cross roundabout.

Three people were taken to hospital.

The road was closed whilst both vehicles were recovered, and the road was cleaned.

The road reopened at around 10pm.

A police spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Officers would like to

‘High risk’ offender discovered by police

A ‘HIGH RISK’ offender who failed to attend probation appointments in Cardiff following his release from prison has been discovered by police officers in Pembrokeshire.

Curtis Card was released from custody earlier this month following a 37-week custodial sentence imposed by the courts in August 2023 after he was convicted of spitting into a paramedic’s face in Cwmbran.

“He was being supervised by my colleagues in Cathays, Cardiff, but he hasn’t been keeping his appointments,” probation officer Julie Norman informed Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“His whereabouts were unknown, so an arrest warrant was issued.

“The defendant is high risk but he’s been based here in Pembrokeshire.”

Card pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching his post sentence supervision

order. He was legally represented in court by Mr Liam Francis.

“He’s being extremely realistic about today’s hearing,” he said.

“He had attended his appointments when he was first released but there were issues with his accommodation, the layout of the address and the people who were living with him in the shared accommodation.

“He has had previous issues with drugs, and he didn’t feel it was appropriate for him to be living there as it was having a toll on his mental health.

“This is why he’s been in the Pembrokeshire area, but he knows that he has to comply with probation.”

Card was sentenced to seven days in custody.

“He hopes to use those seven days to reset himself, which will result in a different outcome when he is released,” added Mr Francis.

Card was ordered to pay £60 court costs.

Milford man accused of assaulting 17-year-old

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been released on conditional bail after being charged with assaulting a 17-yearold girl by beating.

Shaun Saunders, 31, is alleged to have carried out the assault at his property in Richard John Street, Milford Haven on February 25.

“He became abusive, grabbed the complainant, pulled her hair back from her head and tried to push her out from the front of the house,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Saunders denies the charge of assault by beating, however Ms Jackson urged magistrates to remand the defendant in custody pending his trial.

“The complainant is 17 and this places her in a vulnerable position,” she said.

“In the interest of protecting the complainant, we request that he be remanded in custody.”

But Saunders’ solicitor, Liam Francis, urged magistrates to release him on bail.

“The complainant has not provided a statement, the Prosecution is relying on other witnesses, but nothing has yet been provided,” he said. “The Prosecution evidence at this stage is quite thin.”

After a short adjournment, magistrates agreed to release Saunders on conditional bail, the conditions being that he resides at his home address and that he does not contact the complainant nor the prosecution witnesses directly nor indirectly.

The matter was adjourned until April 25 when the trial will take place at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Man jailed after drunken brawl over Chinese takeaway in West Wales

A PEMBROKE

DOCK man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following a violent altercation that erupted over a Chinese takeaway, resulting in the assault of four individuals.

Richard John, 40, from Bush Street, faced charges of strangling a man and committing three acts of battery, which included spitting blood at a woman and a teenage girl, and punching another man in the face. The incident unfolded on the evening of January 2, when John, allegedly intoxicated after consuming an “astonishing” amount of alcohol, estimated at around 28 cans, became involved in a heated dispute with his neighbours outside his Milford Haven address, where he had been bailed for unrelated

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offences.

The confrontation escalated when John returned indoors, lamenting that he had been left with mere “scraps” from a Chinese takeaway. A 24-year-old man was then attacked by John, who grabbed him by the throat and began to strangle him. The victim managed to break free after headbutting John.

In the chaos that ensued, John spat blood at a woman attempting to de-escalate the situation, and similarly targeted a 16-yearold girl who tried to remove him from the premises. The assault continued when a man, the partner of one of the victims, entered the fray to assist, only to be punched in the mouth by John.

The victims

barricaded themselves in the living room, holding the door shut until the arrival of the police.

During his court appearance, John contested the strangulation charge, claiming it was a defensive move against the alleged victim. However, he later admitted guilt to all charges. The court was informed of John’s extensive criminal history, comprising 37 previous convictions for 65 offences.

In mitigation, defence counsel Ian Ibrahim highlighted John’s remorse and recognition of his “disgusting” behaviour on the day of the offence. John, who has undertaken courses to address his alcohol dependency while in custody, expressed regret for his actions.

Recorder Simon

Hughes imposed an 18-month jail sentence for the strangulation charge, with concurrent sentences of nine weeks

for the punch and six weeks for each spitting offence. Additionally, the court issued a five-year restraining

order in favour of the strangulation victim and the teenage girl, offering them protection against John.

Pembrokeshire Lane Blighted by Illegal Dumping Incident

OVER a dozen large plastic vegetable oil drums along with assorted rubbish were discovered discarded along a rural lane in Pembrokeshire,sparking outrage amongst local residents. The unsightly scene, strewn with 15l and 20l drums and accompanying cardboard packaging, was first noticed by Councillor Di Clements near her farm residence, spanning across the road between Martletwy and Minwear.

Upon the unsightly discovery, Councillor Clements undertook an immediate investigation into the debris, sifting through the detritus in hopes of uncovering any clues that might lead to the identification of those responsible. The presence of numerous black bin liners containing smaller containers suggested the waste originated from a food service establishment. It is believed that the rubbish was illicitly deposited sometime between 4 pm on Sunday, 25th February, and the early hours of 6:30

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am on Monday.

Prompt action was taken by Councillor Clements, who reported the incident to Pembrokeshire Council. The council’s swift response was commended by Clements, as a waste advisor was quickly dispatched to the scene to further investigate the matter. By Monday afternoon, the council had successfully cleared the debris.

Councillor Clements is currently appealing to the public for any information regarding suspicious activities that could lead to the identification of the perpetrator, who she suspects may be a repeat offender in the area.

Expressing her dismay, Clements remarked, “I am extremely disappointed to see this and I can’t believe someone would do this.”

The council and Councillor Clements extend their gratitude to those involved in the prompt cleanup and urges anyone with information to come forward.

Pembrokeshire builder died from asbestos-related disease, inquest finds

A RESPECTED

Pembrokeshire builder, credited with contributing significantly to the development of a key county town, has tragically died from an asbestos-related illness, an inquest was told on Wednesday (Feb 21).

Kenneth John Harding, who moved to Milford Haven from Cardiff in his childhood, passed away following a battle with mesothelioma, a form of cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. Harding, who began his career in various manual roles, including agriculture and bricklaying, later established his own construction business in the 1990s before retiring in 2008.

His work during the 1960s and 70s at the Esso refinery exposed

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him to asbestos, where he worked on pipes insulated with the harmful material. Colleagues recall the unavoidable and pervasive dust in the work environment, which clung to clothing and created a hazardous atmosphere.

Harding’s health issues began with breathlessness in the summer of 2022, initially misdiagnosed as an infection. However, a biopsy in 2023 confirmed the presence of mesothelioma, leading to his death on June 27, 2023.

The Harding family shared their distress over Kenneth’s illness, which lay dormant for decades before claiming his life. They highlighted his determination to fight cancer and a heart

condition, emphasising the impact of the disease which gave him “no chance to fight it.” The delayed communication of biopsy results, not disclosed until two months before his passing, added to the family’s grief.

Harding’s legacy includes the construction

of several significant locations in Milford Haven, such as the Mount Estate, a testament to his enduring influence on the town’s landscape. His children fondly recall his stories of the places he helped build, marking milestones in their lives and the community.

Assistant Pembrokeshire Coroner Mark Layton offered sincere condolences to the Harding family, confirming that Kenneth’s prolonged asbestos exposure during his employment was the direct cause of his mesothelioma and

subsequent death. This case serves as a sombre reminder of the latent dangers associated with asbestos exposure, particularly for those in the construction industry, and highlights the importance of occupational health and safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

Community to rally against Tata Steel job cuts in Port Talbot

PROTESTORS

are set to gather outside the Port Talbot Jobcentre Plus, making a stand against the proposed job cuts by Tata Steel that threaten to devastate the local community.

The rally, scheduled for Wednesday, 28 February 2024, from 1 pm to 2 pm, aims to draw attention to the potential destruction of Port Talbot’s social and economic fabric if the company proceeds with its plan to lay off 2,500

steelworkers and shut down the town’s blast furnaces permanently.

This demonstration is a critical part of Unite the Union’s broader campaign to compel Tata Steel to reconsider its decision, a move that is also receiving strong support from members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union employed at the jobcentre. The

gathering will take place at the Jobcentre Plus located at 64-66 Station Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1LX, with organisers promising comprehensive photo and video coverage upon request.

The protesters aim to vividly portray the bleak future awaiting Port Talbot should Tata’s current proposals come to fruition, drawing parallels to the longterm suffering endured by coalfield communities across England and Wales in the wake of mine

closures. These areas continue to grapple with diminished employment opportunities, heightened unemployment, deteriorating health outcomes, and an increased dependency on social benefits.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, expressed a determined stance against the looming economic calamity, reminiscent of the plight that befell Britain’s coal mining towns. “The fight to prevent Port Talbot

from enduring similar economic devastation is urgent,” she asserted. Graham remains optimistic about the UK steel industry’s prospects, citing the success of its counterparts in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, contingent on the right mix of support and strategic decisions. Unite is poised to escalate its efforts by initiating a strike ballot among its Tata members next week and leveraging all available means to pressure the company

and political leaders to abandon their current plans.

Echoing Unite’s sentiments, PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote extended unwavering solidarity to the workers at risk of redundancy due to the closure of Port Talbot’s blast furnaces. Heathcote criticised the move as an act of “industrial vandalism” and highlighted the ripple effects it would have, not only on the directly affected employees but also on the PCS members working in jobcentres and the broader community. The jobcentre staff, already under significant strain, face the daunting prospect of accommodating thousands of additional claimants, further exacerbating the challenges within the beleaguered town.

As Port Talbot stands on the brink of an uncertain future, the upcoming rally symbolises a critical juncture in the community’s fight against industrial decline, urging both Tata Steel and the government to chart a more compassionate and sustainable course forward.

Pembrokeshire farming couple honoured at Downing Street reception

MIKE and Joy Smith from Pembrokeshire were among the select few invited to a prestigious reception at 10 Downing Street, recognising their outstanding contribution to farming and food production. The couple, who are well-regarded pillars of the local farming community, were nominated by Stephen Crabb MP to attend the event which celebrated Food and Farming Champions across the nation.

Farming is more than just an occupation in rural communities like Pembrokeshire; it is a way of life that has sustained families for generations.

The Smiths, who farm in partnership with their

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brothers at Parc Y Marl near Llysyfran and Pelcomb Farm near Haverfordwest respectively, embody the dedication and passion that characterise this vital industry.

Their commitment to fostering the next generation of farmers and ensuring the sustainability of the sector is well acknowledged. “It was a real pleasure to nominate my good friends and outstanding Pembrokeshire farming couple, Mike and Joy Smith, to attend a reception for Food and Farming Champions in 10 Downing Street today,” said Stephen

Crabb, expressing his pride in the couple’s achievements and their significant role in feeding the nation.

Before the celebration at No. 10, the Smiths were treated to an exclusive tour of the Houses of Parliament. They had the unique opportunity to watch live debates from the viewing galleries, witnessing firsthand the legislative process in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The recognition of Mike and Joy Smith serves as a reminder of the critical role farmers play in maintaining the supply of local produce and sustaining the agricultural heritage of regions like Pembrokeshire. Their

story is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and community spirit that underpin the farming industry.

As the local community and indeed the nation continue to benefit from the dedication of farmers like Mike and Joy, the message is clear: without farmers, there is no food. The recognition at Downing Street not only honours their personal contributions but also shines a light on the broader significance of farming in ensuring food security and preserving rural ways of life.

Stephen Crabb MP, in acknowledging the contributions of the Smiths and the wider farming community, extended his gratitude: “Thank you to

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Mike, Joy, and all farmers in Pembrokeshire for your role in helping to keep local produce on our plates.” This sentiment resonates with the appreciation felt

by those who understand the importance of farming to our daily lives and the fabric of rural communities across the UK.

Bluestone foundation and GTBAL

Nearly 600 locals enjoyed an evening at the Blue Lagoon at Bluestone National Park Resort as part of the first in a series of community events being held at the water park. Get The Boys A Lift were the first Pembrokeshire organisation to benefit from the ticket sales on Tuesday, February 13. The event raised around £6,000 with 75% of that money going directly to GTBAL and the remaining 25% directed to the Bluestone Foundation.

The community events not only allow locals exclusive access to the Blue Lagoon, they also generate much-needed funds for charities and notfor-profit organisations in Pembrokeshire. The first event marked the relaunch of the Bluestone Foundation and the reopening of the community fund. Pembrokeshire charities and not-for-profit organisations can now apply for money from this fund as well as to host the Blue Lagoon events.

Since its inception, the Bluestone Foundation has distributed around a third of a million pounds to ‘help people, help themselves’ through economic, social, and environmental initiatives. Bluestone is committed to continuing this support and the GTBAL event has given a renewed impetus to the Foundation.

The next community event held at the Blue

Lagoon will be on May 28th and proceeds will be going to the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest. The Foundation has previously worked closely with the VC Gallery, which helps veterans and the community through the medium of art engagement.

The Foundation will continue to work with Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) to help ensure funds are awarded in a fair and transparent way. PAVS will help and advise potential applicants to the community fund before passing them on for the consideration of the Bluestone Foundation Committee.

To date, the Bluestone Foundation has given thousands of pounds in grants to organisations such as Pembrokeshire’s Darwin Centre, PATCH, Action for Children, the Fishguard Sea Cadets, Paul Sartori, Hywel Dda health board, the Tanyard, Pembrokeshire People First and Pembroke Dock Dockers.

Examples of how that money has been put to good use include £2,500 awarded to Porthmawr Lifesaving Club to buy surfboards for under-10s in 2019, £2,500 given to the Friends of Portfield School for a learning station for disabled children and several donations of £1,000 to Sport Pembrokeshire to fund the Fit and Fed programme which enables children at risk of social exclusion

to partake in physical activities.

The VC Gallery were awarded money to support the running costs of the charity while Pembrokeshire FRAME were given money to install two community fridges in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock. Money has been allocated right across Pembrokehire, from the Brynberian community centre in the Preselis to funding new coastal rowing boats for Fishguard and Milford Haven sea cadets.

Over Christmas 2023, the Foundation donated £900 to PATCH, the biggest foodbank in Pembrokeshire which provided over 500 food parcels during the 2023 festive season. It also awarded £5,000 to go towards a new van for PATCH. And money given to Action for Children has helped the provision of a coffee shop at Haverfordwest Magistrates Courts to give disabled young people training opportunities and work experience.

Marten Lewis, chairman of the Bluestone Foundation, said he was “proud to chair the Foundation”. He added: “I’m really pleased that the Bluestone Foundation is once again inviting Pembrokeshire charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding. I am looking forward to working with organisations across the county and seeing the money make a difference in our communities.

“Our first community event at the Blue Lagoon was a sell out and it was lovely to see so many locals enjoying the facilities while raising much-needed funds.”

Lorna Livock, funding development officer at PAVS, said: “Looking to the year ahead PAVS welcomes the refreshed partnership with Bluestone Foundation with the relaunch of the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund funding social and environmental projects in Pembrokeshire.

“This exciting collaboration unites Bluestone’s passion for supporting Pembrokeshire communities with PAVS fund management experience and connection to third sector groups. Local funding opportunities for impactful grassroots community projects are especially vital at a time of reduced funding budgets. We can’t wait to see the projects which come forward.”

Working with PAVS means Bluestone can tap into their expertise when it comes to helping new projects get off the ground, helping groups keep up to date with legislation and current issues for the sector and assisting with recruitment and support of volunteers and volunteer management. Organisations can apply to the Bluestone Foundation through PAVS all year round.

MIKE EDWARDS

LAST weekend’s rugby depressed me.

If ever there were a Saturday when I wished my wife had insisted we went shopping for curtains or cushion covers, last Saturday was it.

Wales didn’t look like winning against the Irish XV.

The boys in red were brave, stuck at it, and huffed and puffed.

The final score flattered Ireland. But the result didn’t. And it’s the result that counts.

Even England’s defeat at Murrayfield didn’t cheer me up as much as it should have.

It’s not that the Welsh team were particularly bad; they just looked outclassed.

Aaron Wainwright stood out in defeat.

However, as far as my wife is concerned, the Irish centre Bundee Aki is definitely one to watch. She remarked on his size, physicality, upper body strength, and how his shorts strained to contain his muscles.

At least, I think that’s what she focussed on.

Every time he appeared on screen, my beloved’s sighs distracted me.

She also felt protective towards the Welsh fullback Cameron Winnett. Every time he got clattered (often), she threatened the television with unspeakable violence.

It got so bad we had to HAVE A TALK.

Again.

I explained that regardless of the foulness of the Irish team’s tackling on the winsome number fifteen, there was bog all that throwing a remote control at the telly screen would achieve.

As a clincher for my argument, I asked my darlingest one to consider the impact of such

behaviour on poor Mitzi.

The little fur bag looked up from her spot by the radiator and fixed the missus with her limpid, brown, vacant eyes. My wife softened and disappeared to the kitchen to get Mitzi a treat.

As the mutt followed her, it turned and winked at me. I swear it did!

Then Ryan Elias missed his jumper in a promising lineout, and I found myself hunting for the remote control to launch at the idiot’s lantern on the wall.

My beloved had thoughtfully taken it to the kitchen with her, so I satisfied myself with some choice words about banjos, cows’ backsides, and the remote chances of missing the latter with the former unless you were a Welsh hooker.

After the final whistle, we sat silently and looked at each other. We weren’t so much disappointed as we were numbed.

My wife cracked a wintry smile.

“Never mind, Mike. They’re a young side. They’ll improve.”

I offered a oneshoulder shrug in response.

“Do you know what’ll cheer us both up?”

I glanced out of the window. The ref was not dangling from a crucifix in the front garden.

“We’ll get some fish and chips.”

I offered another oneshoulder shrug.

“And you can have a large portion all to yourself.”

I leapt from the chair and strode purposefully towards the coat rack.

“Perhaps we could take Mitzi for a walk as well,” I volunteered.

Now, it was my wife’s turn to beam with pleasure.

By such tiny pleasures is depression dismissed.

Warning of ‘biggest disaster ever for children’s care

OWNERS of private children’s residential homes fear plans to eliminate profit from the sector in Wales could be disastrous and ultimately harm vulnerable young people. Three owners spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about how they ran their homes and what the future might hold.

This type of residential childcare provides specialist support for looked-after children who have been referred to them by councils. The homes have therapists, a high staff-to-child ratio - even their own schools. The cost of a placement can be around £5,000 per week, in some instances more, and some young people live in them for years.

There has been a huge rise in the number of private children’s residential homes in Wales to meet demand. This is partly driven by children referred to them by councils in England, although some children in Wales also cross the border to residential homes in England.

In 2012 there were 99 registered private children’s residential homes in Wales and 24 council-run ones. Ten years later there were 222 private children’s homes and 34 council ones, although these included some settings which might only offer shortterm and respite care for young people with a disability. Strip away the short-term break and respite element and there were 762 residential bed places in March, 2022. So these are generally small homes, not sprawling great buildings like many care homes for the elderly.

The average cost in March, 2022, for a child’s residential placement was £4,857 per week, and councils in Wales were spending nearly £2.4 million a week on them.

The Welsh Government wants to rebalance the market, and intends to bring forward legislation to remove profit from children’s care. This could mean profitmaking firms having to move to an entirely new model by April 1, 2027. Ministers said young people had strong feelings about being cared for by profit-making private organisations, and they said they were giving councils and not-for-profit organisations a lot of extra money to build up residential care capacity.

It is a complex subject raising questions about the definition of profit, how private companies change their Welsh operations to non-profit - should they want to - whether councils could

fill the gap if private providers withdrew and, assuming the same level of specialist care was provided to young people, whether councils and charities could do it at the same or less cost.

A consultation about the Welsh Government plans took place in late 2022. The consultation document said, among other things, that children’s care homes had become a “seller’s market” and that this impacted the prices charged to local authorities. It cited a report by the UK Competition and Markets Authority which found that the profit margins of 15 large children’s care home providers in England, Scotland and Wales averaged 22%. The proposed legislation would also impact foster care, but this article focuses on children’s residential homes.

What owners of children’s residential homes say

Darryl Williams worked in various roles for councils in North Wales, at one point managing a team of 16 chldren’s social workers. He then set up a private company, Woodlands Ltd, which will be 25 years old in April. “I’d become sick of putting children in less than average placements,” said Mr Williams. There was one time, he said, when he was driving back from what he felt was a particularly unsatisfactory placement when he decided to act. “I thought, ‘What can I do?’ Luckily I played football with my bank manager, and

he lent me money for our first home,” he said. “We have grown slowly. We now have five houses, with 21 beds, and a therapy centre.

I won’t grow any bigger - I’d forget the names of my staff. We have our own school, a headteacher, nine teachers, seven teaching assistants, five house managers, and four in-house therapists.”

Mr Williams said the total workforce was 105 and that the five homes catered for boys who had gone through significant trauma. “It does take a lot of time to work though that,” he said. Once a referral was agreed, Mr Williams said three members of staff would visit the newcomer before he moved into one of the homes. Mr Williams said all the young people had a bespoke package of care, and that new arrivals were supervised at all times as they settled in. He said around 70% of the boys were from England and 30% from Wales.

As well as the school, Woodlands has an outdoor education centre where Mr Williams said boys learned bushcraft and made wooden carvings, chessboards and the like, some of which they sold. Mr Williams said three of the boys at Woodlands had gone onto university in the last four years. One care leaver was doing a masters’ degree in chemistry. “We have broken the mould,” said Mr Williams. “It makes me amazingly proud.”

‘Children come here and they feel valued’ A placement at Woodlands is around £5,000 per week, and the average length of

stay is around three years. “What we charge is extremely reasonable,” said Mr Williams. “The houses are maintained to a very high standard. You get quality care, the best in-house school in Wales according to Estyn in 2020, and therapy. These houses are not like institutions. Children come here and they feel valued.”

Mr Williams claimed that some children’s care homes were “making a fast buck”, charging £5,000 per week for “inadequate” care. A part of him, he said, agreed with First Minister Mark Drakeford’s commitment to removing profit. “There are some children’s homes owned by private equity, by trust funds, and that money goes out the country,” he said. “But he is taking an absolute sledgehammer to crack a nut. You could put in certain conditions, such as ownership has to be in the same country. And I would be quite happy with having ‘x’ amount of profit. You have to have profit in order to invest. It’s not a dirty word.”

Mr Williams said he could take more revenue as profit but that instead he reinvested it in the business. As well as staff and property costs, he said liability insurance was now £120,000 a year. The 63-year-old said he felt there was an ideological element to the proposed legislation that was reminiscent of “1980s Valleys socialism”. He said: “And I say that as a Labour supporter.” As he understood things to stand at the moment, Mr Williams said he would fold his businesses if a new profit elimination law come in. He

the business’s profit margin was 6%. She said the homes used to cater exclusively for children in Wales, but now 40% of the young people were from England. She said she kept in touch with many of them after they had left.

Like Mr Williams, of Woodlands, Ms Sharpe said she felt there were “bad apples” in the sector and that she supported a rebalancing of the heavily private-led market. But she felt small to medium-sized businesses like theirs were being tarred unfairly with an “unethical” brush, and she claimed the proposed elimination of profit had chilled the sector.

claimed that such legislation could be “the biggest disaster ever for children’s care in Wales”. In his view, damage had already been caused.

Nuala Sharpe runs Landsker Child Care, which runs eight children’s residential homes with 30 places in Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire, with her husband and fellow director Paul Thomas. It was set up in 2000. The homes are for vulnerable boys and girls aged 8 to 18 with complex needs, and they have a separate school building. “We do a very robust risk assessment of a child to ensure a good mix,” said Ms Sharpe. “Our goal is to provide them with the best years of their childhood. We deliver sector-leading therapeutic care.”

Ms Sharpe said Forest School sessions were provided, plus courses in things like food hygiene, and that some older children did volunteering or had job placements in cafes, health spas and the construction sector. One child, she said, played in a local football and rugby team. Others got involved in gymnastics and the Air Cadets. She added that retention rates among the 125 staff were high, with managers staying for an average of 16 years. “The winners are the children,” she said.

Ms Sharpe preferred not to say what the weekly placement cost was, but she said it was average or just below average, that it hadn’t gone up in four years, and that

“We are in an impossible situation,” said Ms Sharpe. “We can’t go to banks or financial institutions to borrow money. We are hearing that some companies are swapping from children’s care to adult only. We can see the sector deteriorating around us, and one of the factors is the proposed policy. There is a danger that you will eliminate good practice.” She added: “Our fear is that is the public sector can’t deliver better quality of care or deliver it cheaper.”

Her husband, who has worked in the care field for 30 years, said: “The frustration is the portrayal of us as ‘in it for the money’. We are a business, it employs people, and it needs to make a profit in order to invest.” He added: “We’ve re-mortgaged, and we didn’t take a salary for the first eight or nine months.”

Another specialist children’s care provider is Amberleigh Care, which has a 19-place home in Welshpool, Powys, and 13-place one across the border in Telford, both with a school and clinical therapeutic staff. The 100 staff look after mainly teenage boys which managing director Kevin Gallagher said had experienced multiple early life traumas. Dr Gallagher said the boys attended school in uniform, went on school trips, walks and camping breaks, could do music lessons and join sports clubs. There were animals on-site, and the Welshpool home had greenhouses and a vegetable garden, with produce like jam sold at a local market.

He said demand for children’s residential placements had risen in the last 15 years for reasons including cuts to public services and families finding daily life more of a struggle. Amberleigh Care, he said, received around 50 referrals a week for boys who met its criteria. He added: “The complexity of need has also

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Friday March 1st 2024 increased.”

Placements at the Welshpool and Telford homes cost £5,500 to £6,000 per week, and young people normally stayed there for two to two-and-a-half years. Dr Gallagher said highly technical care was provided, resulting in reduced self-harm, improved self-confidence and career aspirations. The “vast majority” of profit, he said, was reinvested in the business. “We had one young person who has now come back to work for us,” said Dr Gallagher. “Another lad joined the police force - he comes back and is a mentor with us.”

‘No-one wants to see public money being extracted out of the system - I get what it’s about’

Like Mr Williams and Ms Sharpe, Dr Gallagher felt there were examples of profiteering among a minority of children’s residential care providers. He said: “No-one wants to see public money being extracted out of the systemI get what it’s about.” But he feared profit elimination could be “catastrophic”, effectively legislating providers out of existence. If that were to happen, he claimed there was “absolutely no way” that specialist alternative capacity could be developed in time.

Dr Gallagher said in 30 years of working with children he hadn’t heard any of them mention they felt like a commodity making a profit for someone else. He said. “Sometimes you might

hear, ‘You’re only doing this because you’re being paid.’ Young people don’t want to be in care. They’re just concerned about their day-today experience.”

The Welsh Government’s consultation on its profit removal policy had a joint response from the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), which represents Wales’s 22 councils, and other bodies representing social services directors and council fostering services. The joint response said there was support for the principle of removing profit from the care of looked-after children, and that there was recent evidence of private equity expansion within children’s residential care in Wales, but it urged caution due to a “pre-existing placement crisis”. It said: “Put simply you cannot eliminate any element of support underpinning a statutory service without first building the alternative.”

‘Private providers are already making business decisions to exit the market in Wales’

It added: “A year forward, despite providers engaging in this work and retaining commitments to delivering care, there is evidenced disruption to the availability of placements for new children and young people entering care, and for those looked-after young people with increasing need. Private providers, in view of the policy intent, are already making

business decisions to exit the market in Wales and this is impacting on the number of children who are being cared for in settings which do not have registration.”

The response said it was not proven that the public or third sector could provide children’s residential care at less cost than private operators. It suggested an alternative approach would be “purpose-based” organisations that advanced the “common good” being the key criteria, rather than “notfor-profit” ones.

A lot of work has been going on in the background on the proposed policy. Asked for its current position, an WLGA spokesman said: “We’ve previously outlined our support for the Welsh Government’s commitment to eliminate private profit from the care of looked-after children. However, there are still some concerns about local government’s capacity and financial resources required to achieve this. The commitment to eliminate private profit from children’s care has been highlighted as having a detrimental impact on the impact on the availability of placements.”

Rocio Cifuentes, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, said she strongly backed the principle of “safely” removing profit. “I want to see a measured and managed transition approach to make sure no child experiences disruption to their placement,

and I’m looking forward to seeing further details published to enable that safe transition,” she said.

The Welsh Government is currently looking for an independent contractor to examine how the profit elimination policy would maintain or benefit outcomes for looked-after children, and what the adverse consequences might be.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the Welsh Government to respond to the thrust of the concerns by the three private providers in this piece, what its definition of profit was, whether the cost of providing residential care by the public sector was similar to the private sector, whether there was evidence of private

providers exiting the market, and what evidence there was of young people feeling like a profit-making commodity.

What the Welsh Government says A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “Feedback from children and young people indicates they have strong feelings about being cared for by privatelyowned organisations that make a profit from their experience of being in care. We do not believe that profits should be made from caring for children and intend to bring forward legislation to end this.”

She said regulator Care Inspectorate Wales said there was currently no direct evidence of an impact on the number of placements,

but that “this commitment brings challenges and complexities”. She added: “We have developed a robust programme of work to assess impact and to manage and mitigate against risks as well as to develop best practice. We are giving particular consideration to how we prevent or mitigate disruption to children and young people.”

She said legislation would be introduced later this year to achieve its aims, although it wouldn’t take effect straight away, and that ministers were investing an extra £68 million from 2022 to 2025 to help councils build in-house capacity for residential and foster care provision, including specialist provision for children with complex needs.

Pembrokeshire-based artist donates therapeutic paintings to Hospice Charity

A Pembrokeshirebased artist and writer, has kindly donated three of her paintings to the Paul Sartori Foundation’s Complementary Therapy suite. Two paintings had previously been purchased by the Foundation in 2017 using grant funding. The charity had just moved into its current home in Winch Lane and the paintings were used to decorate the Therapy Suite where patients and their carers are invited to take up complementary therapies such as massage and reiki.

Complementary Therapy Team Co-ordinator Heather Green said, “Rosemary’s work just fits the ambiance of the Therapy Suite, and her art holds a sense of peace and playfulness that helps people to relax when they’re here receiving treatment with our team”.

Rosemary understands the value of complementary therapy on a deeply personal level.

When an M.E. diagnosis stopped her career in education in its tracks, Rosemary turned to reiki and other therapies as part of her 10-year journey to healing herself. Her paintings, often featuring circles symbolising wholeness, the cycles

of nature, and symmetry, are relatable to the charity’s complementary therapy clients as they express a connection to something bigger; the art and the therapy work in perfect synergy to relax both the body and the spirit.

While Rosemary’s art is inspired by her battle with her health, she is by no means a stranger to the art world. Her father was the Dean at Manchester College of Art, and her mother was an illustrator and milliner, amongst many other

creative endeavours.

Rosemary became an art teacher, working primarily with junior-aged children, and her studies included a seven-year study of textiles which influenced her pieces. She worked with Manchester University on a project to help develop creativity in children via the arts.

Rosemary exhibits her work and reads her poetry in venues and galleries across England and Wales, with connections to creative people and inspiring spaces throughout the UK. When she settled in West Wales almost 11 years ago, she was looking for places to hang her art when one of Paul Sartori’s Complementary Therapy Team noticed her work and proposed that it would be perfect for the charity’s new Therapy Suite.

Clinical complementary therapies offered by Paul Sartori are used alongside conventional health care to support patients at the end of their lives, as well as

their carers. The aim is to provide relaxing beneficial treatments, self-help strategies, and products tailored to individual needs and to help ease physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, muscle tension, nausea, fatigue, and breathlessness. This free service, which includes treatments such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, and reiki, is for adults in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting conditions, as well as those who care for them. Clients are seen in their homes, or at the Paul Sartori House Therapy Suite to holistically assess their needs and to set up a course of treatment.

To request a telephone consultation, the Complementary Therapy Health and Wellbeing Advice Line is 07917 074300 and is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am until 5 pm.

To contact Rosemary Graham about her work, please email

Local group demands action on Cardigan sewage crisis

THE GRASSROOTS organisation Save the Teifi has called upon authorities to urgently address the severe sewage pollution afflicting the lower Teifi and its estuary. The situation, which has deteriorated over the last decade, has been highlighted as the most alarming instance of sewage pollution in Wales, according to a comprehensive report by Peter Hammond in 2023.

The organisation is pressing for prompt completion of necessary upgrades to the Cardigan sewage treatment facilities. Save the Teifi advocates for a naturebased solution in the redesigning of these works and challenges authorities to provide substantial reasoning should these eco-friendly options be considered impractical.

Contradicting claims

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by Dŵr Cymru that the pollution has no environmental impact, Save the Teifi demands intensified surveillance of the river and estuary pollution levels, alongside the quality of bathing waters at Poppit Sands. The visible decline in biodiversity and the health of the river underscore the community’s concerns.

The organisation is urging the initiation of a citizen science programme by summer 2024, aimed at involving the community in assessing river health and bathing water quality. This move seeks to foster a collaborative effort between residents and regulatory bodies.

Regulatory Inadequacies Highlighted Natural Resources Wales (NRW) faces criticism for its inadequate enforcement against

unauthorized sewage discharges. Save the Teifi argues for a bolstering of NRW’s resources, enabling it to effectively safeguard natural resources.

The leadership of Dŵr Cymru/Welsh

Water and NRW are called upon to accept responsibility for the delays in acknowledging the need for an overhaul of the Cardigan Sewage Treatment Works. The group suggests linking executive compensation

to environmental performance as a means to ensure accountability.

Save the Teifi is calling for an official apology and a clear, time-sensitive plan for mitigating the sewage crisis. The community’s patience wears thin, and

the urgency for remedial action has never been more critical. Save the Teifi remains steadfast in its mission to protect the river and its environs for the benefit of current and future generations.

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori with Katie Welsford, Complementary Therapist, artist Rosemary Graham, and Heather Green, Complementary

Gogglebocs Cymru star Molara is local celebrity

A HIT reality TV programme has turned a Pembrokeshire mum-of-two into a local celebrity Molara Awen, 58, from Crymych, is one of the stars of the Welsh

language version of Gogglebocs.

She appears on Gogglebocs Cymru with her daughter, Maisie, 21, and son Finn, 23.

The series – where ordinary people voice

their opinions about a range of television programmes – is broadcast on S4C on Wednesdays at 9pm. When she goes to her local shop or the garage for fuel near her home

what programmes to watch on S4C and other channels.

“I’m quite specific about what I watch and always record programmes to watch when I want and not when they’re on. I don’t enjoy quiz programmes at all and I’m certainly not a Pobol y Cwm type person but I enjoy quality drama series like Y Gwyll.

“I enjoyed Pren ar y Bryn, that was really good, a quirky, off the wall series and Gwesty Aduniad was good too,” she said.

ranging from gripping drama to popular quiz shows.

The footage is then edited ready for broadcast on the Wednesday evening and narrated by comedian and broadcaster Tudur Owen.

Series Producer Huw Maredudd, of Cwmni Da, said: “This is a continuation of the series which started before Christmas with the same group of people as before taking part.

friends and neighbours often want to chat with her about the show

“They’ll say things like ‘Oh we saw you on the television last night’ or ‘I didn’t know you were on it’ and then they will ask me what programmes we’ve been watching and what I think about the programmes and what will be featured in the next show.

“Most of them are really interested in Gogglebocs Cymru and are fascinated about how the programme is made. They seem to think we film it ourselves and don’t realise there’s a film crew in the room as well,” she laughed.

“Because the children live outside Wales they don’t get the same attention as I do at home in Pembrokeshire but their friends have commented about it to them on social media or when they’ve met.

“It never occurred to me that we would attract any attention but it has been is pretty manageable,” she said.

A noted singer, choirmaster and diversity activist, Molara found a new love of Welsh culture through taking part in the popular programme.

Now some of the people she meets ask her for suggestions of

Originally from Glossop in Derbyshire, Molara started learning the Welsh language after moving to Pembrokeshire more than 25 years ago.

“I’m a Welsh learner and am quite fluent although I still go to classes so it’s good for me to be watching TV in Welsh.

“It was quite funny when the tutor asked what we were going to be doing before the next class and I said I’d be going on national television to speak about what I’ve been watching on S4C.

Molara takes part in Gogglebocs Cymru in Bristol where her children now live and work. Maisie is studying to become a mechanical engineer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Finn works in a bar.

Gogglebocs

Cymru is made by two Gwynedd-based television production companies, Cwmni Da, in Caernarfon, and Chwarel, from Cricieth.

It’s the first time Studio Lambert and Channel 4 have licensed the Gogglebox franchise to another UK-based broadcaster.

The programme is filmed in the homes of the as the cast as they view the week’s chosen programmes.

They cover a broad spectrum of programmes from S4C, other channels and streaming services

“There were some wonderful moments during those programmes and some great comments were made about the various television programmes and there was a warm response to them on social media.

“The viewing figures were also excellent and the programmes we feature enjoy a boost to their viewing figures as well..

“Of course, we don’t expect all the featured programmes to be enjoyed by everyone but we hope that the fact they are all having fun watching the programmes gathered around the TV set together comes through.”

Huw added because the series is continuing there will be no new elements to the programmes but he expects to provide the cast and viewers with a few surprises.

“Something we’re doing for the first time is watching a live programme. The annual Can i Gymru programme is broadcast live on S4C on St David’s Day, March 1 and we’ll be watching along with the regulars and we’ll have their reactions to that on the following Wednesday,” he said.

Gogglebocs Cymru is broadcast on S4C on Wednesdays at 9pm.

English subtitles will be available and the programme can also be viewed on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms.

Cardigan radio back on air after long break

CARDIGAN’S much-loved local broadcasting station, Cardigan Radio, has made a triumphant return to the airwaves, now operating 24/7 following a short break due to financial constraints. The station’s revival is attributed to the dedication and significant financial backing of its founder, Bobby Kelly, who is also the brain behind the innovative platform, buildaradiostation. com.

In an effort to overcome previous challenges, including a temporary halt in broadcasting brought on by escalating operational costs, Kelly has been at the forefront of reengineering the station’s infrastructure.

“From the moment we ceased broadcasting, my resolve was to bring Cardigan Radio back, stronger and more resilient. Our goal is to ensure the station’s longevity, providing our listeners with continuous, high-quality programming,” Kelly

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stated.

Kelly’s expertise in radio infrastructure is

reflected in the station’s unique approach to internet radio, setting Cardigan Radio apart from its contemporaries.

“By revamping our backend and opting

for highly reputable open-source software over the commonly used inferior software and cloud storage, we’ve enhanced the reliability and quality

of our broadcast,” Kelly elaborated. This innovative methodology has been detailed on buildaradiostation.com, aiming to uplift the standards within the

internet radio sector. Cardigan Radio, broadcasting globally, invites enthusiasts from around the world to join its volunteer team. The station is on the lookout for individuals with a passion for radio, regardless of their location, to contribute to its diverse and dynamic team. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to reach out via phone at (+44)01239 543025 or email support@ cardiganinternetradio. wales.

Listeners can now enjoy a variety of fresh and engaging content around the clock at www. cardiganinternetradio. wales. Cardigan Radio, initially known as Cardigan Internet Radio Limited, has been a pivotal voice in the community for over two years. Despite facing setbacks, including vandalism and financial hurdles, the station’s spirit has never wavered, buoyed by community support and Kelly’s unwavering determination.

Success of People PWR pilot supporting families celebrated

PEMBROKESHIRE

COUNTY COUNCIL and Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire (CAP) are celebrating the success of their welfare rights focused project People PWR (Pembrokeshire Welfare Rights).

People PWR launched in 2023 and is a pilot project that takes a holistic approach to supporting families affected by or at risk of poverty and the associated effects.

Inspired by the success of Maximise! in Scotland, the People PWR team focus on engaging with families who have school age children, with a clear aim of creating greater financial stability for households, addressing inequalities and improving financial capability.

Whilst families can self-refer into the project,

schools are the main referral route, and the close working links developed between CAP and Pembrokeshire Schools has been key to the success of this project.

Once a referral is accepted they conduct in essence a financial MOT, focusing on welfare rights and income maximisation, ensuring that clients are claiming all that they are entitled to whilst at the same time helping families to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to hardship.

In 2023, 259 families benefitted from the support of People PWR and the team have realised financial gains for local families of £118, 347 in unclaimed benefits. The average amount gained for each family was £2,878.

However, it’s about

more than just the money, there is also a lasting legacy for families whereby they have a better understanding, improved confidence and often a feeling of empowerment that can help them achieve a more positive financial future.

James White, Head of Engagement and Communities, said: “I am very pleased with what People PWR has already achieved in its first year.

“More and more clients are being helped as word about the service has spread, and almost £120,000 has been put into the pockets of Pembrokeshire residents, most of which will be spent locally.

“For some clients this service has been lifechanging. I look forward to seeing the project continue to grow and

further expand its reach in the year ahead.”

Geraldine Murphy, CEO of Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire, said: “In this first year of the project, our team of three advisers are going from strength to strength.

“They’re enthusiastic about helping parents to find solutions to their financial problems. They

have forged strong links with schools and community organisations and headteachers and engagement officers tell us they have already seen the benefit of our service to their parents and children. Together we are building an effective and joinedup approach to helping families.”

If you are a family with a school age child in Pembrokeshire and think that you could benefit from connecting with the People PWR team, please visit the Pembrokeshire CAB website for more project information or email Pwr@pembscab.org to contact the team directly to request support.

Radio boss: Bobby Kelly

Tenby’s favourite Japanese restaurant Umi reopens

THERE’S great news for aficionados of Japanese cuisine in Pembrokeshire, the much-loved Umi restaurant, which closed its doors on High Street in Tenby in January, is now set to welcome diners once again under the new stewardship of Lok and Jen Cheung.

The couple, renowned for their culinary ventures including The Dragon Palace Chinese

restaurant at Pentlepoir and Lokky’s and The Imperial Dragon Inn at nearby Wooden, are on a mission to redefine the Japanese dining experience in the picturesque Welsh town.

The grand reopening of Umi – which means The Ocean in Japanese – took place on Wednesday, February 28, has been the subject

of much anticipation and excitement. “We are beyond excited to announce the grand reopening of Umi today,” Lok and Jen expressed, inviting customers to prepare for a “culinary voyage that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Japan.”

Umi’s commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in its offerings. The restaurant promises an array of fresh ingredients, expertly crafted sushi rolls, and mouthwatering Japanese delicacies. “From traditional favourites like sashimi and tempura to unique fusion creations, our menu is a true celebration of flavours,” the couple shared in a recent Facebook post.

However, Umi aims to offer more than just exquisite food. The restaurant’s serene and stylish ambiance

is designed to immerse guests in the beauty and tranquillity of Japanese culture, making it an ideal venue for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings with friends.

Lok and Jen are no strangers to the hospitality industry. The busy parents of four have previously made their mark with the success of The Dragon Palace, followed by the opening of Lokky’s, which features cuisine inspired by eastern Asia.

In June last year, they expanded their portfolio with the launch of The Imperial Dragon Hotel, notable for its themed rooms that include Indian, Japanese, and Chinese decor.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed in the culinary world.

The Dragon Palace was awarded the Best Oriental Restaurant in the Food Awards Wales

2022, and Lokky’s secured the title of Best Asian Restaurant in Wales at the Golden Chopsticks Awards 2022.

With such a rich background and a clear passion for enriching

Tenby’s dining scene, the reopening of Umi under Lok and Jen Cheung is poised to be a gastronomic event that will further cement their reputation as pioneers of Asian cuisine in Wales.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Local woman honours brother’s memory by planting trees at school

VHARI RUSSELL,

founder of Creating Nature’s Corridors charity, led a treeplanting initiative at a school in Roch village, commemorating her late brother Rory Bernays from Pelcomb Cross.

Russell, driven by a profound sense of purpose following her brother’s untimely passing, established the charity with a mission to address the pressing issue of climate change by planting trees. Her dedication culminated in a significant milestone as she spearheaded the planting of 1,000 trees and hedging plants at her nephew and niece’s school on Friday, the 22nd of February.

The event, held at the heart of Roch village, witnessed an inspiring collaboration between students, parents, and teachers, as they united to expand the existing woodland and establish a new hedgerow within

the joyous atmosphere as students enthusiastically participated in the planting activities.

the school grounds. Mr. Evans, the headmaster, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation, emphasizing

“We are delighted to have been given this gift of over 1,000 plants,” remarked Mr. Evans.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves planting on Friday. It’s a wonderful legacy to have created, and our school is very lucky to have such supportive parents to make the playground such a wonderful haven for

nature and students alike.”

For Russell, the initiative holds deep personal significance, as it honours her brother’s love for nature and his commitment to instilling the same passion in his children. Reflecting

on the experience, Russell highlighted the importance of planting trees at her nephew and niece’s school, following previous endeavours at the Pelcombcross community playground.

“Rory loved the great outdoors and always encouraged his children to enjoy it, so it was really important to me that we planted at Ozzy & Aoife’s school,” Russell remarked. “It was such fun planting at the school; many children had never planted a tree before, and the delight on their faces was magical.”

The initiative not only serves as a testament to Russell’s dedication to environmental conservation but also embodies a poignant tribute to her brother’s memory, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the flourishing greenery at local community spaces.

For further information, readers are encouraged to visit Creating Nature’s Corridors.

Rhod Gilbert to support Craig Maxwell’s Coast Path Challenge

WELSH comedian Rhod Gilbert, who himself underwent treatment for cancer in 2022, is joining former WRU head of marketing Craig Maxwell today (28thFebruary) on day 15 of his Wales Coast Path Challenge.

Craig was just 40 when he was diagnosed with incurable and inoperable EGFR lung and bone cancer. In the face of adversity, having told he had a limited time to live, he has thrown himself into raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help others detect cancer earlier.

Walking from Goodwick to St David’s in Pembrokeshire alongside former Welsh rugby captain Sam Warburton, Rhod Gilbert is supporting Craig as he tries to raise £1m for the Maxwell Family Fund, a fund as part of Velindre Cancer Centre, to enhance, improve

and develop the cancer pathway in Wales.

The challenge will see over 500 walkers cover 780 miles of the coast path to represent the 78 days it took Craig to receive his diagnosis from the point of finding his tumour. The rest of the 870-mile coast path will be cycled. It is being done in 26 days to mirror the QuicDNA project, a genomics research project to reduce diagnosis time for lung cancer patients to a

maximum of 26 days.

A rugby match ball is being relayed the entire distance of the challenge, symbolising Wales’ collective fight against cancer and it will culminate at the national stadium of Wales, the Principality Stadium, on 10th March for the Wales vs. France Guinness Six Nations match, where Craig accompanied by his children, Isla and Zach, will carry the match ball onto the pitch.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Ascona’s new Partnership with Milford Haven Round Table

PEMBROKESHIRE

BASED Ascona Group has said it is delighted to announce an exciting new sponsorship partnership with Milford Haven Round Table for 2024.

Part of the Largest Voluntary Organisation for Young Men, Milford Haven Round Table is a charitable organisation committed to organising events that foster community spirit and support local causes.

In 2024, Ascona’s new sponsorship partnership with Milford Haven Round Table will ensure that many of the region’s cherished local events will continue to be hosted throughout the year.

Ascona will be the exclusive sponsor of the Milford Haven Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza on Bonfire Night, 5th November 2024. As with prior years, the event will see a brilliant fireworks display alongside live performances from some exciting musicians and will be free for anyone to attend. More information on this event will be announced later this year.

of top prizes to be won by participants.

year and we are thrilled to be working with the Milford Haven Round Table to ensure some of the great moments in the local calendar can be hosted again this year.

“At Ascona, we place a huge amount of importance on supporting the local communities where we operate so it’s with great excitement that we are entering into this new partnership and can support Milford Haven as we put on a series of brilliant events this year.”

Other key events that Ascona will sponsor in 2024 include: Charity Golf Day on Friday, 19th April 2024. As part of the day, there will be an exciting range

The Milford Haven Big Beer Festival 2024 on Saturday, 25th May 2024. Having been a sponsor for the last two years, the Beer Festival will be held in the Ascona Group Marquee and promises to be an amazing day that’s

full of merriment and live music.

The Milford Haven Carnival on Saturday, 6th July 2024. The carnival promises to be a fun day for the whole family with a full line up of activities that everyone can enjoy, still to be announced.

Darren Briggs,

Founder and CEO of Ascona Group, commented: “Our local communities benefit hugely from the many different local events that bring families and friends together each year. These events help everyone to enjoy themselves at different points during the

Rob Allen, ViceChairman of the Milford Haven Round Table, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Darren and his team at Ascona this year. We have a brilliant schedule for 2024 that culminates in our firework extravaganza in November. Their support not only ensures the continuation of our beloved events but it also means we can make sure they get better, more fun and more exciting for everyone every year. We are deeply thankful for their continued support and commitment to helping our local community.”

Locals’ petition challenges closure of St Davids Civic Amenity Site

IN RESPONSE to news of the imminent closure of the St Davids Civic Amenity Site, Pembrokeshire residents have mobilised, initiating a petition to persuade Pembrokeshire County Council to reverse its decision. Launched by Richard Davies on 22 February 2024, the campaign has quickly garnered support, reflecting widespread concern among the community.

The St Davids Civic Amenity Site, regarded by many as a vital community asset, faces the threat of closure, a move that has prompted fears of environmental degradation, job losses, and a decline in recycling efforts. The petition underscores the site’s importance not merely as a waste

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disposal facility but as a pillar of environmental responsibility and community welfare.

One of the primary concerns raised by the petition is the potential increase in fly-tipping, a problem that has seen a rise across the UK. The absence of a local facility could encourage the illegal dumping of waste, jeopardising the beauty of Pembrokeshire’s landscapes and posing a risk to wildlife and natural habitats.

The closure, coming at a time of proposed council tax increases, also poses a threat to employment for those working at the site. In a region where job opportunities are cherished, the loss could have significant

repercussions on families and the local economy. Moreover, the site’s role in facilitating community recycling initiatives stands as a testament to Pembrokeshire’s commitment to sustainable living. Its closure would mark a regressive step in these efforts.

The petition appeals to the Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider the closure, highlighting the site’s invaluable contributions to environmental protection and community well-being. The community’s message is clear: the St Davids Civic Amenity Site plays a crucial role in sustaining the local environment and fostering a culture of recycling and sustainability.

As the petition continues to attract

signatures, it represents a collective call to action from the residents of Pembrokeshire, urging their local council to maintain the operation of the St Davids Civic Amenity Site. The community awaits the

council’s response, hopeful for a resolution that preserves this essential community resource.

Richard Davies, Chairman Solva Community Council said: “Please sign and share

this petition. St Davids civic amenity site has been earmarked for closure.

“This is a very important site especially with the new recycling law for businesses coming into force in April.”

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Ascona boss: Darren Briggs

Oxfam shop in faces closure over asbestos removal costs

HAVERFORDWEST’S popular Oxfam shop, a feature on the high street since 1987, is threatened with closure due to the prohibitive costs of asbestos removal. The shop, known for its extensive range of quality donated items and as the largest second-hand bookshop in Pembrokeshire, may no longer be able to serve the local community.

Rosamund Aubrey, an Oxfam volunteer explained that the asbestos, found in the upper floors of the building, requires removal, estimated to cost over £60,000.

She added: “This expense, to be charged to the shop’s account within a single year, could render the operation unprofitable. Oxfam GB’s policy mandates each of its shops to generate a minimum profit of £25,000 annually, a target that the Haverfordwest shop, despite its success, will struggle to meet under

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

these circumstances.”

It is well known in Haverfordwest that Derrick and Mark, the managers of the Haverfordwest shop, along with their dedicated team of volunteers, have been instrumental in creating an inviting atmosphere that extends beyond retail.

The shop offers valuable work experience and training opportunities, making it a vital community resource, especially for those on low incomes.

Rosamund Aubrey says that the decision to potentially close the shop has sparked criticism of Oxfam GB’s management, especially in light of comments made by Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru, who has described Wales’ child poverty rate as a “national disgrace”.

Ms Aubrey said: “The juxtaposition of the charity’s mission to alleviate

poverty and its willingness to close a shop that contributes significantly to this cause has raised questions about its priorities.”

Oxfam GB has been accused of neglecting a critical community asset in favour of financial metrics, without considering the broader impact of the shop’s closure on Haverfordwest and beyond.

The shop not only raises funds for Oxfam’s global initiatives but also plays a key role in the local community by providing affordable goods, social networking opportunities, and support for those seeking to move into paid work.

As the deadline approaches for Derrick and Mark to submit a business plan demonstrating the shop’s viability, the community awaits a decision with bated breath.

The potential closure of the Haverfordwest Oxfam shop underscores a critical debate on the balance between financial viability

and social responsibility, challenging the charity to reassess its values and

commitment to fighting poverty in Wales.

Oxfam GB has been

contact by The Herald for a comment.

The Prime Minister and the farmers

AHOY there, mates and feathered friends alike! ‘Tis I, Stephen Seagull, your trusty columnist perched high atop the cliffs of Pembrokeshire, here to squawk and squabble about the goings-on in our human counterparts’ world. So, flap those wings and prepare for a dive into the tumultuous seas of politics and protest, seagull-style!

Last week, something fishy caught my eye—or should I say, my beak. Imagine this: the big boss of the UK, none other than the Prime Minister himself, flapping alongside a flock not of birds but of tractors! Yes, you

heard me right. These tractors, driven by none other than our farming folk, were stirring up a storm in Llandudno, all to peck at the Welsh government’s efforts to keep our skies blue and our waters clear. And why, you ask? To meet their environmental duties, no less!

Now, here’s the kicker: the same rules they’re squawking about are pretty much what’s happening over in England, under the very same Prime Minister’s watch. But, oh, those clever Welsh have spun a better yarn for their farmers, promising smoother sailing and more golden grains in their pouches.

Yet, amidst all this,

our Prime Minister, who’s not exactly known for singing with the birds of protest, decides to join this particular chorus. It seems if you’re a farmer blocking roads, you might just find yourself with some high-flying company, rather than behind bars!

And who’s leading this flock? A chap named James Melville, a seagull of a different sort, spreading tales that could make even the saltiest of us spit out our fish. From urban myths to downplaying pandemics, he’s been flapping his wings with the best of them. And now, he’s got farmers thinking they’re under siege by their own, simply for wanting to

plant more trees.

But let’s not forget the rest of our feathered friends in the farming world, who’ve been feeling a bit peckish about their share of the feed. Supermarkets and grain mills are gobbling up the profits, leaving mere crumbs for those who till the fields and tend the flocks. And then there’s the squabble over trade deals, leaving many a farmer feeling like they’ve laid an egg.

Yet, the recent ruckus isn’t just about the green of the fields but the green of tales spun around Welsh efforts to spruce up farming. It seems there’s more agreement than not, save for a squabble over badgers and TB. The

Welsh government’s been as accommodating as a nest on a cliff face, trying to feather the nest with what farmers want.

But, alas, the purse strings are held elsewhere, in the talons of Westminster and our Prime Minister, who seems to think the sky is falling on our farmers’ heads.

So, what’s a seagull to do but call out the cacophony for what it is: a storm in a teacup, stirred up by those looking to line their nests at the expense of both farmer and field. The Welsh government isn’t clipping wings; it’s merely asking for a fair trade: public goods for public money.

And yet, amidst this

squall, we mustn’t lose sight of the forest for the trees—or the lack thereof, thanks to our sheepish friends. With the land bare and the hills silent, it’s time to think of what kind of legacy we wish to leave: one of barren moors or bountiful forests?

So, as we ride the winds of change, let us remember: it’s not just about feeding today but nourishing tomorrow. And with that, I’ll spread my wings and take to the skies, keeping an eye out for the next tale to tell from the high seas to the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire. Until then, keep your beaks sharp and your eyes on the horizon!

College lecturer shortlisted for two WorldSkills UK EDI Hero Awards

ESTABLISHED in

2020, the WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Heroes Awards honour the individuals and organisations that promote and embed innovative practices, projects, and initiatives, making a positive impact on learners, workplaces, and the wider skills system.

With seven categories including: Rising Star, Role Model, Inclusive Skills Development, Skills Competition Diversity Champion, Network of the Year, Skills Competitions Advocate, and Initiative of the Year, Ben Blackledge, CEO for WorldSkills UK commented: “These awards are an amazing opportunity to highlight and celebrate the difference being made by organisations and individuals across the skills sector.

“We are passionate about championing the need for inclusive opportunities that give all young people the chance

to succeed in work and life, and that is why we are thrilled to come together in person in a few weeks to celebrate and hear first-hand who the winners are.”

Pembrokeshire College Employability Coordinator for the Life Skills Academy, David Jones, has been shortlisted in both the Role Model and Skills Competition Diversity Champion categories for the work he does on a daily basis to encourage and inspire his learners to remove barriers and achieve their full potential.

David will now join the other finalists at an awards ceremony on 7 March at the House of Commons, where the winners will be announced.

Charlotte Nichols MP will be presenting the awards and commented: “Congratulations to this year’s WorldSkills UK EDI Heroes Awards finalists!

“I am absolutely delighted to support the awards, and I’m thrilled that the award ceremony

will be hosted in-person for the first time at the Houses of Parliament.

“This provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the outstanding

finalists and anticipate the announcement of this year’s well-deserving winners.”

The annual EDI Heroes Awards event is

dedicated to celebrating the achievements of those going above and beyond to create more inclusive practices. All awards are open to students,

apprentices, employers, and employees, recognising individuals and organisations who are making a difference to the future of the industry.

Pop up museum opens in Haverfordwest whilst Castle works continue WITH

Haverfordwest Castle closed for the next couple years due to building works for the Heart of Pembrokeshire project the Haverfordwest Town Museum has had to relocate to the town centre.

Last September, plans to move temporarily Haverfordwest’s museum to the town’s Riverside Quay while levelling-up works in the town are ongoing were given the thumbs-up.

An application for a change of use of the former GAME electronic games store at 24-25 Riverside Quay to the temporary home for the ‘pop-up’ museum was submitted to county planners by historian and council presiding member Dr Simon Hancock.

The museum itself is moving from its current site at the Governor’s Office next to Haverfordwest Castle

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

due to ongoing works connected with the £24m Heart of Pembrokeshire levelling-up redevelopment of that part of the county town, which is expected to last until Spring 2026.

Work is ongoing to set up displays and create a museum shop and the new Riverside home is hoped to open to the public on March 25.

Museum Curator Dr Hancock said: “We want to make the pop-up museum an informative and entertaining space. We will have models of the castle and Tudor Merchant’s house, displays on the Llewellin churnworks, the Port of Haverfordwest, items made in the town during the Victorian period, David Lindley paintings and the People of Haverfordwest panels.

“We will be open all year round in our new

premises and so we will ensure there will be regular changes of content. We would like

to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering for us.

“The pop-up

museum would only be possible thanks to the stalwart support of the county council with

funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund for which we are extremely grateful.”

BADGER AnD THE SMELL OF L ABOUR

IF BADGER were a carpenter, he’d hammer in the morning. He’d hammer in the evening all over this land.

But Badger is a Badger.

Lacking opposable thumbs, he’ll leave the physical hammering to others.

Instead, Badger will metaphorically hammer on about the Welsh Government and Vaughan Gething.

The Labour Party in Wales is embedded, entitled, and selfserving. As Jonathan Edwards writes in this week’s politics section, Labour politicians’ loyalty is to the Party over the Country.

The vacuous reasoning goes that if it’s good for the Labour Party, it must be good for everyone else.

Kim Howells, former NUM official and Labour MP, has a deep knowledge of the Labour Party. He once opined that “all Welsh government was bound to be crooked”.

Cards on the table, Badger considers the biggest blockage in the way of Wales fulfilling its potential is Labour’s grip on the levers of Welsh power.

The Labour Government places its failed candidates and hangers-on as Health Board chairs. It picks the members and chairs of advisory panels on public policy. Labour councils - collectively - couldn’t lie straight in bed. In Wales’s incestuous network of quangos, third-sector organisations, and lobbying groups, the sure path to funding is to kowtow to the Red Rose. You’d think Labour would be happy with rigging public discourse in Wales,

but they also want to rig the electoral system to ensure a permanent grip on power.

The Welsh Government has its fingers in so many pies that we have the lunatic position of the Welsh Government funding separate organisations that fulfil the same functions and pursue the same agendas. How many third-sector nature or national arts bodies does the Welsh Government have to fund with public money?

When it comes to Welsh nature organisations, in particular, how much milk is suckled from the teat of the public purse by bodies pursuing identical ends?

You’d almost think the Welsh Government splashed the cash to increase the number of “experts” to praise its policies and hail its nebulous “successes”.

A couple of instances stand out: Sustrans is a cycling charity. It promotes sustainable transport, particularly a cycle path network and encourages cycling to work. Badger remembers them from Bristol over twenty years ago. Sensibly, it seemed to Badger, Sustrans wanted to extend the cycle network between Bristol’s growing suburbs and the congested city centre.

Lee Waters, Wales’s Deputy Minister for Climate Change and our de facto Transport Minister is a former Director of Sustrans Cymru. He campaigned for the Active Travel Act.

Badger has some big news about Sustrans. Its officers sit

on Wales’s numerous advisory panels about transport policy. It’s had millions of pounds of grants from the Welsh Government, of which Lee Waters is a member.

Badger has a sneaking respect for Mr Waters. He’s the Millwall of Welsh Labour. Nobody loves him, and he doesn’t care.

As an engaged and focused individual, Lee Waters transparently regards dissent and opposition as beneath his contempt. He’s an intelligent politician with a narrow focus on the policy area in which he’s engaged.

Equally, Sustrans are certainly right to encourage greater use of cycles in suburbs and city centres.

Regardless of safeguards, Chinese Walls, and circuit breakers - it is surely wrong that the first port of call for members of advisory panels, enquiries, and deep dives into the

environmental impact of transport projects is the same urban charity once headed by the Welsh Government Minister to which they will report.

Coincidence is not proof. Yet the principle of disinterested governance is that even perceived bias must be absent from decision-making.

Badger comes to the extraordinary take of Vaughan Gething. The tetchy former Students’ Union leader has a reputation for indolence and a lack of care in dealing with paperwork and briefing materials.

Badger will never forget Mr Gething’s arrogance before last year’s hearings of the UK Covid Inquiry. Fortunately for Mr Gething, the die will be cast in the race to succeed Mark Drakeford when he reappears before the Inquiry. Alea iacta est, indeed.

Rather like Caesar crossing the Rubicon,

Mr Gething’s ascent to First Minister is essential for his ministerial selfpreservation. He was a disastrous Health Minister and has been a non-entity as Economy Minister. Mr Gething exists only to attain and retain office. His guiding principle is that if you don’t like the principles he embodies, he has others you might like.

When it comes to the comparisons with Caesar, one springs to Badger’s mind: it is that Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.

Here comes Mr Gething with around £300,000 funding a campaign in which spending is capped at £44,000. £200,000 of that comes from a company linked to Withyhedge, of which a director received a suspended prison sentence for environmental offences, which has submitted a planning application for a massive solar farm

upon which a Labour Government headed by Vaughan Gething will decide.

All the checks and balances in the world will not dissipate the stink surrounding the affair.

It’s bad enough that a separate organisation benefited from public money before supporting Vaughan Gething. It’s even worse that Mr Gething’s political antennae are so defective he never considered how the £200,000 donation would look. The only other explanations, markedly less generous than mere stupidity, are that:

Mr Gething’s arrogance is such he doesn’t care how the public regards him; Mr Gething is too lazy to do the paperwork and check his funding sources.

In any event, the choice is that Wales’s likely next First Minister is a political oaf. Or is arrogant. Or is idle.

Any one of those attributes should disqualify Vaughan Gething from being First Minister.

Imagine if it turns out he’s all three, readers.

Badger will take some convincing that if Mr Gething becomes First Minister, it will be the best thing for Wales. It will draw attention to Labour in Wales’s manifold weaknesses and its exposure to allegations of scandal and sleaze.

As Labour knows, whether scandal or sleaze exists is neither here nor there. It’s the perception that counts.

The stink around Withyhedge will be nothing compared to the pong from Cardiff Bay.

‘Dukedog’ locomotive returning to Aberystwyth

A POPULAR ‘Dukedog’ locomotive is returning to the Vale of Rheidol Railway at Aberystwyth for the first time in over 60 years.

‘Dukedog’ No.9017 will be arriving in the town in late February, for static display in the new Museum & Display Space at the Vale of Rheidol Railway. The 85 year old locomotive is on loan from the Bluebell Railway in Sussex.

The locomotive is nicknamed a ‘Dukedog’ because it is a hybrid of two different classes of engine: the underframe of a ‘Duke’ locomotive combined with the boiler of a ‘Bulldog’.

‘Dukedog’ locomotives have a long association with Aberystwyth, having been a regular sight working trains between Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and Pwllheli in steam days.

The last ‘Dukedog’ locomotive left Aberystwyth in May 1960 and one has not returned to the town until now.

Llŷr ap Iolo, Vale of Rheidol Railway managing director, said:

“We are very excited to announce the loan of this locomotive to go on public display here in Aberystwyth. I am very grateful to the board of the Bluebell Railway for making this loan possible.

“As part of the project to construct our new museum, standard gauge track was laid to facilitate this kind of visit: the ‘Dukedog’ seemed the perfect choice to be the first standard gauge locomotive to be put on display.”

The locomotive is normally based at the Bluebell Railway, where it has lived for the last 60 years. The locomotive went out of traffic for repairs in 2011 and has been hidden away in undercover storage since then.

Neil Glaskin, Bluebell Railway operations and commercial director, said:

“We are really pleased to be able to work with The Vale of Rheidol Railway to bring the Dukedog back to Aberystwyth.

“Since 2011, the locomotive has been stored undercover but this has meant limited chances for the public to

see it. By displaying the loco in the new museum everyone will have the chance to admire this fascinating machine.”

The locomotive was built in Swindon Works in 1938 for the Great Western Railway and spent it’s working life in Wales, where it worked over the Cambrian lines to Pwllheli and Aberystwyth. It was light enough to work over Barmouth Bridge, so remained in regular use until the 1950s despite its antiquated appearance.

John ‘Abergynolwyn’ Davies, 94, who still lives in Aberystwyth, worked on the ‘Dukedog’ locomotives when they were based in Ceredigion in the 1950s.

He said: “I spent a glorious week in the summer of 1955 firing No.9017 with driver Tom Phillips. We worked the 9.55am ‘all stations’ from Aberystwyth to Welshpool each day, where we serviced the engine: our return working was the Cambrian Coast Express, all the way to Aberystwyth. Working with Tom felt like a ‘holiday job’ because of his light handling of the loco.”

John recalled: “We were climbing Talerddig bank with No.9017, when Tom said: ‘shall I show you how to get the best out of a Dukedog?’. I stood in the driving position, as he gave me a demonstration of the easiest way to fire it. The loco performed well all week: it was one of the best working weeks of my life.”

The ‘Dukedog’ will be on display in the restored

1938 engine shed at Aberystwyth station from March 2024 onwards. This building has recently been transformed into a museum, display and events space as part of a larger project called “Wales to the World”, which is developing the terminus at Park Avenue into a Great Westernstyle station suitable for the modern tourist.

This location is

especially significant for No.9017, as it will be displayed in the building where it was based and used to work in the 1950s. The public will be able to view the ‘Dukedog’ at the Vale of Rheidol Railway from March 23 onwards, when the railway opens for the season. The railway and museum are then open daily until the start of November.

Nestled near Neyland, the Honeyborough Industrial Estate stands as an undiscovered shopping haven, waiting to be explored by those seeking unique finds and exceptional services. Unveiling an eclectic mix of businesses that cater to diverse interests, this industrial estate seamlessly blends coastal charm with a vibrant shopping experience. Whether you are a car enthusiast, an interior design aficionado, or a lover of all things spicy, Honeyborough has surprises in store for every discerning 40-year-old shopper.

At the heart of the estate lies West Coast Wheels, a sanctuary for car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics alike. Offering top-notch car parts, West Coast Wheels is the ultimate destination for those pursuing automotive excellence. Whether embarking on a restoration project or seeking an upgrade, this establishment promises a haven for all things automotive.

Adjacent to West Coast Wheels, Shoreline Interiors beckons with bespoke

craftsmanship that transcends the ordinary. From tailor-made cupboards to innovative camper van conversions, their skilled artisans turn dreams into reality. Shoreline Interiors is not just a store; it’s an experience where functionality meets aesthetic appeal, providing a touch of luxury to your living spaces.

For those with a penchant for handson projects, Sunbelt Rentals offers a comprehensive range of tools and equipment for rent. Whether undertaking a DIY home improvement task or a professional construction project, Sunbelt Rentals has you covered. Their extensive inventory includes everything from power tools to heavy machinery, making it a one-stop-shop for all your rental needs.

Step into the world of warmth and culinary delight with Stove Spares, a haven for those who appreciate the art of wood-burning stoves. Offering an array of high-quality stove parts, this establishment ensures your cozy haven stays in top-notch condition.

Whether you’re seeking replacements or upgrades for your wood-burning stove, Stove Spares is dedicated to providing the essential components for a seamless and delightful experience.

Venture further into the estate, and you’ll discover the Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm – an indoor oasis bursting with fiery flavors. This unique farm specialises in cultivating and selling a variety of chillies, bringing a dash of spice to your culinary adventures. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and bold aromas of their indoor farm, where every visit is an exploration of taste.

Cleddau Memorials, nestled within the estate, is more than just a monument shop; it’s a testament to craftsmanship and heartfelt remembrance. Specializing in monumental masonry, Cledau Memorials offers personalized services beyond traditional headstones. Their skilled artisans craft enduring memorials that celebrate life, creating a lasting legacy for your loved ones.

For the car enthusiasts who believe

in the mantra “All Out Car Care,” the estate proudly hosts a haven for car valeting and detailing. All Out Car Care stands as a testament to meticulous attention to detail and a passion for keeping vehicles in pristine condition. After a shopping spree, indulge in a visit here to pamper your car and elevate its aesthetic appeal.

And, as a delightful cherry on top, the estate features a Domino’s Pizza – the perfect spot to unwind and refuel after a day of shopping indulgence.

The Honeyborough Industrial Estate has been thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding residential areas, taking cues from Neyland’s rural seaside charm. The strategic placement of units ensures minimal impact on visibility, even at the traffic-heavy roundabout. Embark on a shopping odyssey at Honeyborough Industrial Estate, where hidden gems await your discovery amidst the coastal allure of Neyland.

w H a T’S on

CBB: Sneak peek into rumored contestants

AS the anticipation builds for the upcoming season of Celebrity Big Brother, the rumored line-up has set tongues wagging. Scheduled to kick off on March 4th, fans are eager to see if this year’s batch of celebrities can match the unforgettable moments from past seasons.

According to sources,

a dozen celebrities have reportedly finalized their participation. However, it’s essential to take this information with a pinch of salt, as ITV cautioned that the names circulating are currently speculative. Viewers are encouraged to tune in to the launch night to discover who will truly enter the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Among the rumored

contestants are familiar faces from various reality shows. Nikita Kuzmin, the Ukrainian dancer recently poached by ITV from Strictly Come Dancing, might be making a temporary switch to the Big Brother house. Meanwhile, David Potts, known for his appearances on reality shows like Celebs Go Dating and Celebs on the

Farm, is gearing up for the Celebrity Big Brother experience.

Bradley Riches, the 24-year-old Heartstopper actor, could be a significant draw for younger audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to the show. YouTube presenter Zeze Millz, recognized for hosting The Zeze Millz Show and appearing on Good Morning Britain, might also be stepping into the Celebrity Big Brother spotlight.

Marisha Wallace, an American star of stage and screen, could add a touch of glamour to the house with her theatrical background. Coronation Street’s Craig, played by Colson Smith, is reportedly thrilled to trade soapland for the unique challenges of the Big Brother house.

TV presenter Fern Britton is expected to share unscripted stories from her television career, including her views on Phillip Schofield. Louis Walsh, the former X Factor judge, is likely to be a familiar face in the Big Brother house, bringing years of TV experience with him.

Reality TV veteran Lauren Simon, who appeared on the first season of Real Housewives of Cheshire, is rumored to join the

cast, promising an intriguing presence. Kate Middleton’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, is also in the mix, with sources suggesting his confident and loud personality could make him a potential standout.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, known to Love Island viewers, has built an impressive TV resume and may be ready to take on the challenges of Celebrity Big Brother. Levi Roots, the Reggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur who charmed audiences on Dragon’s Den, is another exciting addition to the speculated line-up.

To add a special twist, Sharon Osbourne is rumored to make a brief appearance as a special housemate, spending a few days in the house. While details are still under wraps, it’s anticipated that her presence will bring an extra layer of excitement, especially given her connection with fellow former X Factor judge Louis Walsh.

As the countdown to the launch night continues, viewers are eagerly awaiting confirmation of this star-studded line-up and the potential for unforgettable moments in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

The ultimate bubble show at the Torch Theatre

ExPERIENCE the best in soap bubble entertainment at the Torch Theatre this March as Ray, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder comes to Pembrokeshire with The Ultimate Bubble Show. Help him in his quest to complete the bubble game and create the ultimate bubble.

In this fast-paced show full of high energy and surprises, Ray uses various gases to create incredible bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays. The bubbles also feature in

a computer game as the Bubbleologist explains:

“The show is based on a computer game with 10 levels (and some bonus levels). All the levels must be completed to earn the title of the bubble master!” said Ray this week.

He’s a firm believer that practice is key to a successful show.

“I must practice a lot because, like most things, practice makes perfect! It also helps me to develop new tricks and ideas. Working in so many schools helps me keep my levels up to a high standard and I still experiment with bubble recipes to make different

tricks even better and more amazing,” explained Ray. Watch in amazement as he creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost and even a tornado inside a bubble – all on the Torch stage!

Join Ray and see if he can make THE ULTIMATE SQUARE BUBBLE when he visits the Torch Theatre on Sunday 31 March at 2pm.

Ticket prices for the Ultimate Bubble Show: Family: £42. Adult £12.50. Child: £10.50. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Friday

Spring equinox collage workshop at Roch Castle

Celebrate the arrival of spring and longer days by joining a Spring Equinox Collage Workshop at Roch Castle, close to the Pembrokeshire coast.

Local artist Di Ford is hosting the fun interactive session on Sunday morning, 17th March at the beautifully restored 17th century

castle near the village of Roch.

Craft a beautiful, collaged headdress of flora and fauna using a mixture of vintage images, textured papers and much more in this creative workshop. No drawing skills are required, just bring yourself and your imagination. All materials will be provided, including

a mount to frame your artwork and take home.

Passionate about encouraging others to embrace their creative side, Di encourages budding artists to discover their own artistic abilities and experience the therapeutic benefits of creating collages.

The Spring Equinox Collage Workshop takes place between 10am

and 1pm and costs £35 per person including all materials, tea or coffee and Welsh cakes, plus £1.75 booking fee. Places can be booked online at www.dianaford.squarespace. com/products-1/ spring-equinox-collageworkshop or for more information about Roch Castle visit www. rochcastle.com.

Oil and mixed medium by Mehdi Moazzen

INTERNATIONAL consulting designer Mehdi Moazzen will feature his work at the Torch Theatre this March. Kateh, is a collection of digital artworks that captivate dramatic paintings of local scenes of mix mediums.

From 2-29 of March, visitors to the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch will be able to view Mehdi’s evocative collection of works that capture the very essence of Pembrokeshire’s changing light and landscapes.

Iranian born and UK-educated, Mehdi, trained at the Tehran School of Fine Art and then in London and Manchester. After many visits to Pembrokeshire, he finally settled here in 1981 and ran his own gallery at the Coach House, Haverfordwest.

“My first commission

was to design beach huts off the Caspian Sea for Farah, Empress of Iran. Coming full circle, my most recent project was to restore the former home of Queen Soraya, the Shah’s second wife in the South of France,” said Mehdi, who is also a painter and sculptor, often creating custom

design furniture to align with his architectural designs.

Mehdi’s career spans more than 40 years both within the corporate world – as a former design manager at Herman Miller – and his own private practice, spanning commercial and residential sectors in Europe and the

Middle East.

“I’ve exhibited my work at the Torch Theatre before and I’ve had several exhibitions internationally,” added Mehdi.

Mehdi extends a warm welcome to all to his opening exhibition at the Torch Theatre on Saturday 2 March 5-7pm.

Pembrokeshire tales in ‘Farmers Townies and Grockles’

THE ARTS organisation SPAN Arts is one of 16 UK organisations partnering with Unlimited, an arts commissioning body that supports, funds and promotes new work by disabled and neurodivergent artists for UK and international audiences.

The commission has been awarded to actor, writer and founder of Popty Ping Productions theatre company, Ceri Ashe to create ‘Farmers Townies and Grockles’, a bilingual play telling the true stories of the people of Pembrokeshire, directed by Anna Sherratt.

Verbatim theatre is made from real people’s words. Ceri Ashe (Bipolar Me, Tales of a New Normal, Lockdown Tales: Making Bread and Babies) has been holding storytelling workshops and interviewing people from across Pembrokeshire about their lives. These true stories have been woven together to create a tapestry of voices that explores what it means to

be a resident of this rural county.

From farmers in Marloes, retired Welsh teachers in Cilgerran, barmen in Little Haven, to zumba instructors in Milford Haven – this exciting new show explores the themes of belonging, community and change.

It is also an honest look at the issues facing people in Pembrokeshire today: the lack of affordable housing, the decline in Welsh speaking communities, and the future of farming.

Ceri says: ‘I have

always been intrigued by the diverse range of people Pembrokeshire is home to, and it’s been a delight to go out into the community to speak to people from north and south of the county to create this play. I’ve worked with SPAN previously to create online verbatim plays during lockdown, and it’s so exciting to now be able to create a live theatre show with a fantastic cast of professional and community actors all from Pembrokeshire.’

Bethan TouhigGamble director of SPAN

arts mentions “Being part of the Unlimited Commission which champions disabled and Neurodivergent artists has supported SPAN to invest in the creation of this extraordinary new work. We are proud to be able to create platforms for diverse creatives in Pembrokeshire to tell their own stories and make work that is rebellious, radical, adventurous, inspiring, and playful.” This eagerly anticipated production will be performed in community venues for two shows only:

Prepare for Flamingo Bingo!

PREPARE for an unforgettable night as Flamingo Bingo takes over The Hangar in Milford Haven on March 9th. Gone are the days when bingo was just for grandmas in quiet social clubs –this event promises an electrifying experience with smoke machines, music, and confetti cannons.

As the attendees arrive at The Hangar, the atmosphere is already buzzing with anticipation. The venue is filled with a diverse crowd, ready to dive into the night’s festivities. Books in hand, attendees grab reasonably priced drinks and head to their tables, creating an energetic and lively scene.

The games feature the classic bingo format, with five rounds offering two chances to win – a full line and the first full house. The fast-paced nature of the

game requires focus, but with intermittent dance breaks, the entertainment never falters.

Equipped with dabbers, attendees are ready for a night of fun. The fast-paced game becomes a whirlwind of excitement, made even more memorable by the confetti that falls from the ceiling. Despite the challenge of keeping track after a few drinks, the exhilarating experience is well worth it.

Unlike the stereotypical image of silent bingo halls, this event infuses music into the game. Classic songs like Mousse T’s “Horny” blast through the venue, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

unexpected moments add an element of unpredictability to the game. Attendees have the chance to win wacky prizes including a Henry Hoover. The marathon-like bingo experience becomes a night to remember, filled with laughter, dancing, and the anticipation of quirky prizes – who wouldn’t want to take home a Henry Hoover late at night? The Hangar in Milford Haven is set to host a Flamingo Bingo event that promises an electrifying and entertaining twist on the traditional game. Get ready for an evening of music, dancing, and the chance to win some truly unique prizes.

gaMIng

wITH

THe gaMe guru

So, mate, imagine this: I’m there, right? Stuck in what can only be described as a glorified puddle in the vast, untamed wilds of Arizona. I mean, I’ve conquered gargantuan bosses in Elden Ring, survived hour-long strategic battles in Baldur’s Gate 3, and now, here I am, struggling to break free from Mother Nature’s watery clutches. Quite the shock to the system, I tell ya.

But hold up, despite the utter absurdity of the situation, the satisfaction of wriggling my way out of that mud trap rivals any triumph I’ve experienced in virtual realms before. I’m talking about Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game, a wild ride that tosses you into the heart of the American and Central European wilderness.

Now, I’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek over the Christmas break, and let me tell you, it’s a challenge like no other. We often take nature for granted, right? Sitting on our sofas, sipping tea, enjoying the view. Well, Saber’s latest masterpiece flips the script and tosses you into the rugged terrains

– steep mountains, mud-soaked vistas, lush forests, deep lakes, and yes, those damn puddles. You’ve got objectives, mate, whether it’s hauling precious cargo or something else, and you better choose your gear wisely.

Picking your tools is a strategic dance. Removeable Anchors, JackScrews, Rangefinders – it’s a toolbox bonanza. And let me tell you about the metal detector and spare parts. You’re basically MacGyver in a truck. Preparation is key, but even if you think you’re sorted, nothing prepares you for the chaos that unfolds. You’ll get stuck, topple over, hit a tree stump, and drown in mud pits. Yet, overcoming these obstacles is what makes it so damn rewarding. Your goal might be a stone’s throw away, but the journey will test your limits.

In the preview, I tackled three areas – Little Colorado and Arizona, kinda similar, but Arizona, mate, that’s like stepping into the lion’s den. Each bump in the terrain forces a tactical rethink. The Carpathian Mountains? Trees, rough grass, and a lake that hates you. Quick-select tools like the Echo Sounder become your saving

waTcH THe TraIler Here!

grace, revealing the depth of water. If you mess up and soak your engine, you’re in trouble. Repair parts can fix your jeep, but too much recklessness and it’s back to base.

Binoculars, drones, winches –you’ve got an arsenal to navigate these terrains. Controls are tight, responsive – you can initiate AWB, adjust tire pressure, but watch out for that fuel consumption. It’s a delicate dance of risk and reward that makes each expedition exhilarating.

So, here’s the deal – Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game is a riot, even if I stumbled at the start. You learn the ropes, figure out when to use what, but the stunning design of these locations throws curveballs at you. Missions may sound simple, but you’ll spend hours battling nature in these vast landscapes, trying to find the perfect path to your goal. Wasn’t on my radar before, but now? I’ve invested serious time, and I’m primed for more when this gem drops on March 5, 2024, hitting PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Get ready for the mud-flinging madness, my friends!

Horoscopes

ARIES

You may spontaneously decide to take a training course to improve your job prospects. A revelation will illuminate your path to satisfaction but will also require considerable effort.

TAURUS

You could obtain the necessary financing for a project close to your heart. A consultation with your financial adviser should enable you to consolidate your debts and live your life as intended.

GEMInI

Tidying up at home could help you clear your head. Before talking about separation, take the time to discuss certain subjects. Deciding on impulse could leave you with bitter regrets.

CAnCER

Before presenting any files and proposals at work, make sure you refine them to ensure they get accepted. You’ll inevitably want to renew your wardrobe to reward yourself for your success.

LEO

You’ll suggest interesting projects to your friends. Dedicate time to developing your creative skills in a field you’re passionate about. Self-confidence is the key to achieving success and accomplishing great things in the near future.

VIRGO

You’ll meet inspiring people who will enrich your social circle and deepen your spirituality. A professional or personal opportunity could make you consider moving.

LIBRA

A dose of sensitivity and affection will be crucial in your relationship to avoid misunderstandings. Open communication will help improve things, but financial confusion could arise.

SCORPIO

An action-packed week is on the horizon! If you love to travel, now might be the perfect time to revive a plan that was previously postponed due to circumstances that no longer apply. Even a short solo getaway could create some unforgettable memories.

SAGITTARIUS

If you have an artistic soul, your overflowing imagination will enable you to create an exceptional piece of art. Adopting a lifestyle that aligns with your aspirations will bring balance to your life. When you go with the flow, everything will fall into place.

CAPRICORn

A moment of relaxation and rejuvenation would be welcome. Explore your artistic or spiritual talents that seem to want to emerge. Getting involved with those who are less fortunate could also be an inspiring option.

AQUARIUS

You’ll expand your circle of friends by having a more active social life, even if it’s just through social media. Joining a gym with friends to try out a new sport could also be a great option.

PISCES

You’ll be full of joy and optimism this week. This contagious state of mind will spread to those around you. At work, you’ll complete your tasks more quickly and support those who need help. Your extra efforts will be rewarded.

eddIe

Olly Alexander

Eurovision 2024:

Graham Meets Olly

BBC1, 10.40pm

Olly Alexander is preparing to fulfil one of his biggest life ambitions – to represent the United Kingdom in the much-loved Eurovision Song Contest. Ahead of the Grand Final in May, Olly joins fellow Eurovision lover and commentator Graham Norton to talk candidly about competing in Sweden.

BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 Amy Dowden’s Dare to Dance. New series. The Strictly star coaches north Wales firefighter Richard.

7.30 EastEnders. Jade has some difficult news to tell Dean.

8.00 EastEnders. Things turn sour between Stacey and Suki.

8.30 Here We Go. Rachel’s competitive sister comes to stay.

9.00 Siân Phillips at 90. The actress reflects on her remarkable life and career.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Eurovision 2024: Graham Meets Olly. Graham Norton catches up with performer Olly Alexander.

10.55 The Big Eurovision Party. A musical celebration, direct from the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.

12.30 Live NBA. Boston Celtics v Dallas Mavericks (Tip-off 12.30am). 3.15 Weather for the Week Ahead. 3.20 BBC News.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.15 Clean It, Fix It. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Inside the Factory. (R) 9.00 Armchair Britain. (R) 9.30 Live Athletics: World Indoor Championships.

Coverage of the morning session on day one from Emirates Arena in Glasgow. 2.15 Impossible. (R)

3.00 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 3.30 Murder, Mystery and My Family. (R) 4.15 St David’s Day Celebration with Bryn Terfel. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 5.45 Rick Stein’s Food Stories.

6.15 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With former winners Nihal Arthanayake, Jay McGuiness, Lucy Porter and Jan Ravens.

6.45 Weatherman Walking. (R)

7.00 The One Show. Live magazine show.

7.30 Scrum V Live. Edinburgh v Ospreys (Kick-off 7.35pm). Sarra Elgan presents all the action from the United Rugby Championship match at DAM Health Stadium.

9.30 Would I Lie to You?

10.00 Martin Compston’s Norwegian Fling.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 St David’s Day at the BBC. (R)

12.05 Coast. (R) 12.45 Darren

McGarvey: The State We’re In. (R)

1.45 Sign Zone: Royal Mail: Where’s My Post? – Panorama. (R)

2.15 Gladiators. (R) 3.15 Our Flag Means Death. (R) 3.45 This Is BBC Two.

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

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

2.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal. (R)

3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point.

5.00 The Chase.

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Vanished Wales. Featuring a millionaire’s mansion that changed lives.

7.30 Emmerdale. Belle is left confused by Tom’s attitude.

8.00 Coronation Street. Daisy is angry with Daniel for failing to warn her about the article. Nick tells Dee-Dee about Harvey’s appeal. Steve is intrigued to learn that Tommy has accepted a job in Spain.

9.00 Beat the Chasers – Celebrity Special. With Carol Vorderman, Joel Dommett, Adrian Chiles, Samia Longchambon and Simon Weston. (R)

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Film: Rocky. (1976) Oscarwinning boxing drama, starring Sylvester Stallone.

12.45 Shop on TV. 3.00 Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. (R) 3.50 Unwind.

5.05 1987 FA Cup Final: Coventry v Tottenham – ITV Football Classics. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Codi Hwyl America. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Ar Werth. (R) 1.30 Y Fets. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05

Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Dylan ar Daith. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Cymry ar Gynfas. (R)

6.30 Parti Bwyd Beca. (R) 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Cân i Gymru: 2024.

10.15 Colli Dy Dafod.

10.45 Maes B 2023. (R) 11.50 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 Cheers. (R) 7.40 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.30 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 10.00 Frasier. (R) 11.00 The Great House

Giveaway. (R) 12.00 Channel 4

News Summary. 12.05 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. (R) 1.05 Find

It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. 6.00 Come Dine with Me. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.30 Formula 1: Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights. 9.00 Gogglebox. 10.00 The Last Leg. 11.05 Greg Davies: The Back of My Mum’s Head. (R) 12.05

Film: Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. (2003) 2.00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (R) 2.50 Come Dine with Me. (R) 4.55 Food Unwrapped. (R) 5.20-6.10 The Yorkshire Dales and the Lakes: Season by Season. (R)

6.00

Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Alexis Conran & Friends. 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.20 Film: Mummy’s Deadly Son. (2022) 4.00 Shoplifters: Caught Red Handed. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. Susan and her campervan head for the Shropshire Hills. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00

Air Fryers: An Easy Way to Lose Weight? How the kitchen gadgets can be used to make low-calorie meals. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00

Cruising with Susan Calman. As the ship heads into Canadian waters, the presenter and her cruising companions stop off in Halifax, Nova Scotia to visit Peggy’s Cove. (R)

9.00 The Mighty Mississippi with Nick Knowles. Part two of two. The presenter visits Memphis, Jackson and New Orleans.

10.00 Live Championship Boxing: Eggington v Baraou. Sam Eggington v Abass Baraou.

12.05 Police Interceptors. (R)

1.05 PlayOJO Live Casino Show.

3.05 Britpop: The Music That Changed Britain. (R) 4.25 House Doctor. (R) 4.50 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.15 Entertainment News.

5.25 Fireman Sam. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Top of the Pops 9.00

Queen: The Legendary 1975 Concert 10.05 Freddie Mercury: A Life in Ten Pictures 11.05

Queen at the BBC

ITV2

5.00 Dress to Impress 6.00

Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win 8.00

Superstore 9.00 Film: We’re the Millers (2013) 11.15 Family Guy

ITV3

3.45 Foyle’s War 5.55 Heartbeat

8.00 Doc Martin 10.00 Trial & Retribution 11.55 The Royal

ITV4

11.45 Live Darts: UK Open. Coverage of the opening session on day one from Butlin’s Minehead.

5.00 Great Racehorses 5.20 River Monsters 5.55 BattleBots 7.00 Live Darts: UK Open. Coverage of the second session on day one from Butlin’s Minehead. 11.00 All Elite

Wrestling: Dynamite

E4

4.00 Young Sheldon 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30

Married at First Sight UK: Reunion Special 9.00 Film: Ghost in the Shell (2017) Sci-fi adventure, starring Scarlett Johansson. 11.00 Naked Attraction Film4

2.35 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967) 4.30 Roman Holiday (1953)

6.50 Suffragette (2015) Period drama, starring Carey Mulligan. 9.00 Con Air (1997) Action thriller, starring Nicolas Cage. 11.15 Dune (1984)

SATURDAY’S TV 2.3.24 BBC1 BBC2 ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

BBC Four

Casualty

BBC1, 9.20pm

On Wednesday, the budding actors of Bring The Drama (BBC Two) are on the set of Casualty to learn a thing or two about acting out life-and-death scenes, but here is the real deal. Natalia goes missing in the night, so Iain offers to help Faith track her down. He does - or rather, she finds him, turning up drunk and in urgent need of medical care, putting Iain in a difficult situation.

6.00 Breakfast. 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live. 11.30 The Great Food Guys. (R) 12.00 Football Focus.

1.00 BBC News; Weather. 1.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 2.00 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 A to Z of TV Gardening. (R) 4.00 Wynne’s Welsh 80s. (R) 4.30 Final Score.

5.30 BBC News. 5.40 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 5.50 Gladiators. Contenders face Fire and Fury in the Ring, and Sabre in Hang Tough.

6.50 Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel. The comedian hosts the game show, joined by Dermot O’Leary, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Roman Kemp, Adam Kay, Angela Scanlon, Kay Burley and Alex Brooker.

7.50 The Weakest Link. Contestants include Miles Jupp, Jo Joyner, Jenny Powell and Mark Benton.

8.35 Pointless Celebrities. Desiree Henry, Colin Jackson, Georgia Toffolo and Stanley Johnson take part.

9.20 Casualty. Iain offers to help Faith to find Natalia after she goes missing in the night, but she contacts him instead, turning up drunk and in urgent need of medical support.

10.10 BBC News; Weather.

10.30 Match of the Day. Highlights of the latest matches.

11.55 Film: Sicario. (2015) Crime drama, starring Emily Blunt.

1.50 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.55 BBC News.

6.10 Hey Duggee. (R) 6.15 Go Jetters. (R) 6.30 Grizzy and the Lemmings. (R) 6.35 Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed! (R) 6.50 Danger Mouse. (R) 7.00 Pokemon: Sun and Moon – Ultra Legends. (R)

7.20 The Football Academy. (R)

7.50 Blue Peter. (R) 8.20 Newsround. 8.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. (R) 9.30

Athletics: World Indoor Championships. Coverage of the opening session on day two. 1.15

Film: The Third Man. (1949) 3.00

Film: The Train. (1964) 5.10 Flog It! (R) 5.40 The Hairy Bikers Go West.

6.40 Athletics: World Indoor Championships. Coverage of the second session on day two from Emirates Arena in Glasgow, where medals are decided in eight disciplines.

10.15 QI XL. Sandi Toksvig looks at a range of Unrelated U topics With Tom Allen, Chris McCausland, Lou Sanders, and Alan Davies.

11.00 Hairy Bikers: Namibian BBQ. A culinary trip along the Namibian coastline. (R)

11.15 Raye at the Royal Albert Hall. The singer-songwriter performs new arrangements of songs from her album My 21st Century Blues accompanied by the Heritage Orchestra and the Flames Collective Choir. (R)

12.35 Celine Dion at the BBC. (R)

1.35 Thanks for the Memories. (R)

4.35 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 7.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. (R) 9.25 ITV News.

9.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. 11.40 Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen. 12.40 ITV News; Weather. 1.00 ITV Racing: Live from Kelso. Coverage from Kelso, Doncaster and Newbury. 4.00

Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals. (R)

4.30 The Chase Celebrity Special. (R) 5.30 ITV News; Weather. 5.45 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

6.00 Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. With Tom Allen, Michelle Visage and Eddie Kadi. Last in the series.

7.00 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Matt Lucas is the Star Guest Announcer and Little Ant & Dec complete their first mission of the series as they interview actresses Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley.

8.30 The Brit Awards 2024. Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp host the ceremony from London’s O2 Arena, with performances by Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris with Ellie Goulding, and Raye.

10.50 G’wed. Comedy, with Jake Kenny-Bryne. (R)

11.20 ITV News; Weather.

11.40 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jeremy Clarkson hosts the bigmoney quiz. (R)

12.40 Shop on TV. 3.00 Inside M&S. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.00 Stwnsh Sadwrn: Stwnsh Sadwrn Byw. 8.05 Seligo. (R) 8.30 Oi! Osgar. (R) 9.10 Larfa. (R) 9.25 Prys A’r Pryfed. (R) 9.35 Prosiect Z. (R) 10.00 Taith Bywyd. (R) 11.00 Cymry ar Gynfas. (R) 11.30 Bois y Pizza: Chwe’ Gwlad. (R) 12.00 Y Fets. (R)

12.30 Am Dro! (R) 1.30 Sain Ffagan. (R) 2.00 Gwyliau Gartref. (R) 2.30 Siwrna Scandi Chris. (R) 3.30 Y ’Sgubor Flodau. (R) 4.25 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R)

4.50 Clwb Rygbi. Connacht v Scarlets (Kick-off 5.05pm).

7.05 Newyddion a Chwaraeon. 7.20 Clwb Rygbi. Cardiff v Leinster (Kick-off 7.35pm).

9.40 Stryd i’r Sgrym. (R) 10.25 Bwyd Epic Chris. (R) 10.35 Deuawdau Rhys Meirion. (R) 11.40 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 The King of Queens. (R) 7.20 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.10 The Simpsons. (R) 12.05 The Secret Life of the Zoo. (R) 1.05 Film: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. (2008) 2.50 Four in a Bed. (R) 5.20 Location, Location, Location. (R) 6.20 Channel 4 News. 6.50 Lost Temples of Cambodia. 7.50 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix Highlights.

10.20 Film: Star Trek Into Darkness. (2013) 12.50 Film: Mother! (2017) 2.50 Hollyoaks Omnibus. (R) 4.55 Kirstie’s Fill Your House for Free. (R) 5.15-6.10 The Yorkshire Dales and the Lakes: Season by Season. (R)

6.00

Milkshake! 9.00

Entertainment News. 9.10 Friends. (R) 11.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (R) 12.00 Live Snooker 900. Coverage from Co Kildare. 4.35

Walking Victorian Britain. (R) 5.00

Somerset: Wonder of the West Country. (R)

6.00 5 News Weekend.

6.05 Secrets of Buckingham Palace with Alexander Armstrong. A look at the birth of the House of Windsor. (R)

7.00 Queen Camilla: For King & Country. Documentary looking at the surprising and colourful life of the Queen Consort, charting her rollercoaster relationship with King Charles.

8.30 Clarence House: A Royal Residence. A look at the home of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

10.00

Bradley Walsh: All My Best Bits. The conclusion of the celebration of the actor and comedian. (R)

10.55 When Award Shows Go Horribly Wrong. A compilation of disasters from award ceremonies. (R)

12.55 Entertainment News. 1.05

PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.05

Britpop: The Music That Changed Britain. (R) 4.15 Eamonn & Ruth: How the Other Half Lives. (R) 5.05

Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.30

Entertainment News. 5.35 Fireman Sam. (R) 5.45 Mixmups. (R)

7.00 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends

8.00 South Pacific 9.00 Prisoner

11.00 Parkinson: The Peter Cook Interviews 11.40 Pete & Dud: Talking Comedy

ITV2

3.15 Film: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013) 5.10 Film: Hairspray (2007) 7.30 The BRIT Awards 2024: Red Carpet 8.30 In for a Penny 9.00 Film: Bad Neighbours (2014) 11.00 Family Guy ITV3

2.55 Foyle’s War 5.00 Midsomer Murders 7.00 Live Darts: UK Open. The second session on day two. 11.00 Endeavour

ITV4

12.45 Live Darts: UK Open. The opening session on day two. 5.00 Great Racehorses 5.20 Monster Carp 6.25 River Monsters 6.55

Film: Lawman (1971) 9.00 English Football League Highlights 10.30

Film: Cobra (1986)

E4

3.35 The Big Bang Theory 6.35

Film: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) Action adventure sequel, starring Harrison Ford. 9.00 Celebrity Gogglebox 10.00 Gogglebox

Film4

3.00 Puss in Boots (2011) 4.55

Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) 6.40 Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) 9.00 The Godfather (1972) Gangster drama, starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.

Listings

Michael Stevenson

Kashif and Fawziyah

The Push: Murder on the Cliff Channel 4, 9pm

Scotland's top legal team tackle the death of Leedsbased lawyer Fawziyah Javed, who fell from the top of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. Hours later, her husband was arrested for murder. Exclusive access to the murder trial finds the jury being shown CCTV of the couple walking arm-inarm, and a smiling selfie taken minutes before Fawziyah falls.

MONDAY’S

Film: Shaun the Sheep Movie. (2015) 4.35 Amy

Dowden’s Dare to Dance. (R) 5.05

SOS: Extreme Rescues. (R) 5.35 BBC News. 5.50 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

6.00 Countryfile. Matt Baker and Charlotte Smith head to the UKs longest and highest aqueduct.

7.00 Antiques Roadshow. Fiona Bruce returns to Woodhorn Museum in Northumberland. (R)

8.00 Call the Midwife. Miss Higgins receives an unexpected visitor. Last in the series.

9.00 Death in Paradise. Marlon is attacked while going to help an old friend.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.25 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.30 Match of the Day 2. Including Manchester City v Manchester United.

11.30 The Women’s Football Show. Highlights of the weekend’s games in the Super League.

12.20 Film: Brooklyn. (2015) 2.05 Weather for the Week Ahead. 2.10 BBC News.

6.30 Countryfile. (R) 7.30

Breakfast. 9.00 Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein. (R) 9.30

Athletics: World Indoor Championships. Coverage of the opening session on day three.

12.15 MOTD Live: Women’s Super League. Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (Kick-off 12.30pm). 2.45

Film: Scott of the Antarctic. (1948)

Fact-based drama, starring John Mills. 4.30 Flog It! (R) 5.30 Inside the Factory. (R)

6.30 Athletics: World Indoor Championships. Coverage of the evening session on the third and final day from Emirates Arena in Glasgow, where medals are awarded in 10 events.

10.15 QI. Tom Allen, Chris McCausland and Lou Sanders join regular panellist Alan Davies on the comedy quiz, with host Sandi Toksvig looking at a range of topics on the theme of “unrelated”.

10.45 Film: True Things. (2022) Premiere. A woman living on the fringes of society slowly becomes intoxicated by a stranger. Drama, starring Ruth Wilson and Tom Burke.

12.20 Film: After Love. (2020)

Drama, starring Joanna Scanlan.

1.45 Sign Zone: Question Time.

Fiona Bruce hosts the political debate. (R) 2.45 Waterloo Road. Kim and Nicky find Schuey in a precarious situation. Last in the series. (R) 3.45 Lifeline. (R) 3.55 This Is BBC Two. Preview of upcoming programmes.

TV 4.3.24 BBC1 BBC2

Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launch ITV, 9pm

Following the success of the revamped ‘civilian series’, which returned to ITV in 2023, the celebrity version which brought us Jack Dee’s daring escape, George Galloway’s cat impression and Megan McKenna’s meltdown over mashed potato is back. Tonight, Will Best and AJ Odudu introduce a new cast and send them into the house.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 SOS: Extreme Rescues. A family get lost on a notorious peak.

7.30 EastEnders. Whitney worries for a local child.

8.00 Wynne’s Welsh 80s. Wynne Evans looks back at 1984.

8.30 Trump: The Sequel? –Panorama. Current affairs report.

9.00 The Way. Geoff’s past actions catch up with him when the Driscolls reaches a refugee camp. The family has been traced there by Hogwood who presents an impossible choice. Last in the series.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Siân Phillips at 90. The actress reflects on her remarkable life and career. (R)

11.40 Have I Got News for You. Jack Dee hosts the satirical current affairs quiz. (R)

12.10 Domino Day. (R) 12.55 BBC News.

6.45 Rick Stein’s Food Stories. (R)

7.15 Clean It, Fix It. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: The Hairy Bikers Go West. (R) 9.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics

Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 The Tournament. (R) 2.30 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 3.00

Saved and Remade. (R) 3.30

Murder, Mystery and My Family.

(R) 4.15 Scotland from the Sky.

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Cally Beaton, Louis Emerick, Helen George and Justin Moorhouse. (R)

6.30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall. The chef champions the food, history and culture of the county. (R)

7.00 The One Show. Lively chat and features, with Alex Jones and Roman Kemp. (R)

7.30 Mastermind. The third semifinal of the quiz.

8.00 Only Connect Special: Champion of Champions 2013. (R)

8.30 University Challenge.

9.00 Inside Our Autistic Minds. People on the autism spectrum create short films to reveal what they really feel. (R)

10.00 Alma’s Not Normal. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Our Flag Means Death.

11.45 Our Flag Means Death.

12.10 Film: The Souvenir. (2019)

2.05 Sign Zone: Countryfile. (R)

3.00 The Way. (R) 4.00 This Is BBC

Two.

6.00 English Football League Highlights. (R) 7.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. (R)

9.25 ITV News. 9.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.

11.30 Raymond Blanc’s Royal Kitchen Gardens. 12.30 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.00 ITV News; Weather. 1.15 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. (R) 2.45

Film: Mamma Mia! (2008) 5.00

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. (R)

6.00 ITV News; Weather.

6.15 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

6.30 Dancing on Ice. The celebrities and their partners take part in the semi-final.

8.00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jeremy Clarkson hosts the bigmoney quiz.

9.00 Trigger Point. Lana learns the terrorists intend her to be a key component of their next attack. Last in the series.

10.00 ITV News; Weather.

10.15 The Dry.

10.45 The Dry.

11.20 The British Airways Killer. Robert Brown confesses and leads police to where Joanna Simpson was buried. (R)

12.15 English Football League Highlights. (R) 1.30 Shop on TV. 3.00 Raymond Blanc’s Royal Kitchen Gardens. (R) 3.55 Unwind. 5.10 Karen Carney’s Leaders of the Pack. (R) 5.35 Made in Britain. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.50 Penblwyddi Cyw. 9.00 Mynyddoedd y Byd. (R) 10.00 Y Fets. (R) 10.30 Y ’Sgubor Flodau. (R) 11.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. (R) 12.15 Dan Do. (R) 12.50 Tir Cymru. (R) 1.50 Ffilmiau Ddoe. (R) 2.20 Ty am Ddim. (R) 3.20 Ar Werth. (R) 3.50 Cefn Gwlad. (R) 4.25 Clwb Rygbi.

6.10 Pobol y Cwm Omnibws. (R)

7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon.

7.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol.

8.00 Am Dro! Walks in Pembrokeshire, Cwm Elan, Rhos-y-Gwaliau and Swansea.

9.00 Gogglebocs Cymru. (R)

10.00 Adam Price a Streic y Glowyr. (R)

11.00 Y Ditectif. (R)

11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Cheers. (R) 7.30

Everybody Loves Raymond. (R)

8.25 The Simpsons. (R) 9.30 Sunday Brunch. 12.30 The Simpsons. (R) 2.25 The Dog House. (R) 3.30 The Dog Academy. (R) 4.30 A Place in the Sun. (R)

5.15 Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It: Brilliant Builds. (R) 6.15

Channel 4 News. 6.45 Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts. (R) 7.45 The Great Pottery Throw Down. 9.00 The Push: Murder on the Cliff. 10.30 Gogglebox. (R) 11.30 Open House: The Great Sex Experiment. (R) 12.35 Remarkable Places to Eat. (R) 1.30 The Jury: Murder Trial. (R) 2.25 Film: Downhill. (2020) 3.50-6.10 Come Dine with Me. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.05

Entertainment News. 9.10 Friends. (R) 11.10 Holidaying with Jane McDonald & Friends. (R) 1.10

Inside the Tower of London. (R)

4.00 Queen Victoria: In Her Own Words. (R)

6.00 5 News Weekend.

6.05 When Reality TV Goes Horribly Wrong. Vicky Pattison narrates a compilation of on-air disasters from the world of reality TV, with misjudged formats, shows that bombed, stars who fell from grace and unscripted bust-ups.

8.00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. Essex-born DJ Jessie Brooke prepares for one of her busiest weekends, while entertainer Sean McNicholas has his first art exhibition.

9.00 Into the Congo with Ben Fogle. Ben encounters the mighty Congo River for the first time. Last in the series.

10.00 The Greatest TV of the ’60s. A look at the best programmes of the decade. (R)

12.05 Film: Steptoe and Son. (1972) 1.45 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.45 Eamonn & Ruth: How the Other Half Lives. (R) 4.30 How to Deep Clean Your Home. (R) 5.20 House Doctor. (R) 5.40 Entertainment News. 5.50 Mixmups. (R)

BBC Four

7.00 Great Railway Journeys

7.55 Frankenstein: The Read with Alex Kingston 9.00 How the BBC Began 10.30 Frankenstein: Birth of a Monster 11.30 Britain’s Lost Waterlands: Escape to Swallows and Amazons Country

ITV2

4.55 Film: Sing (2016) 7.00 Film: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde (2003) 9.00 Big Brother’s Biggest Best Bits 10.00 Olivia

Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich 11.05 Family Guy

ITV3

3.55 Foyle’s War 5.55 Rosemary & Thyme 8.00 The Larkins 9.00 Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home – Travels in My Own Land

10.00 Trial & Retribution

ITV4

12.45 Live Darts: UK Open. The quarter-finals. 5.00 River Monsters

6.00 Cycling: Paris-Nice Highlights

7.00 Live Darts: UK Open. The semi-finals and final. 11.00 Hornblower

E4

3.45 The Big Bang Theory 5.40

Lego Masters New Zealand 6.40

Film: Star Trek Beyond (2016) 9.00

Film: War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) 11.40 The Inbetweeners

Film4

3.55 My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) 6.00 Independence Day (1996) Sci-fi adventure, starring Will Smith. 9.00 The Godfather Part II (1974) Oscar-winning gangster drama sequel, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL

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

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club. 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. 5.00 The Chase.

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Ruby is suspicious, Chas is bolstered by Aaron’s support, and Rhona realises that Gus is deceiving her.

8.00 Coronation Street. Adam risks Harvey’s wrath by abandoning the appeal case, Ryan and Daisy’s rekindled passion meets with disapproval, and Jake urges a reluctant Liam to report Mason.

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launch. New series. AJ Odudu and Will Best host as the famous faces move in together, ready to have their every word and move recorded for the enjoyment of the viewing public.

10.30 ITV News; Weather.

11.00 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

11.15 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jeremy Clarkson hosts the quiz. (R)

12.10 Shop on TV. 3.00 Next Level Chef. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Wil ac Aeron: Taith Rwmania. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Cymry ar Gynfas. (R) 1.30 Dan Do. (R) 2.00

Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05

Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Stryd i’r Sgrym. (R) 3.50 Bwyd Epic Chris.

4.00 Awr Fawr. 5.00 Stwnsh. (R)

6.00 Arfordir Cymru: Sir Benfro. 6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R)

7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Y Byd ar Bedwar.

8.25 Y Fets.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Cefn Gwlad.

9.30 Sgorio. 10.00 Gwesty Aduniad. (R) 11.00 Ar Werth. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 Cheers. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 The Great House Giveaway. (R) 12.00 Channel 4

News Summary. 12.05 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. (R) 1.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 Come Dine with Me. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.55 The Political Slot. 8.00 George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations. 9.00 The Push: Murder on the Cliff. 10.30 Investigating Diana: Death in Paris. (R) 12.30 I Don’t Trust My Therapist: Untold.

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine.

11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Alexis Conran & Friends. 1.35 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: The Secrets He Keeps. (2022) 4.00 Shoplifters: Caught Red Handed. 5.00 5 News.

6.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. The presenter and her campervan head back to Yorkshire. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Police Interceptors. The firearms team race to the scene of an alleged shooting. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Traffic Cops. Officers chase a suspected stolen vehicle believed to be using fake number plates. A call comes in about a fight and a woman is caught driving her partner's car with no licence.

9.00 Inside the Force: 24/7. Middlesbrough officers deal with a spate of burglaries and thefts.

10.00

Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. The rising number of assaults on police officers. (R)

11.05 999: Critical Condition. A woman is rushed in when her heart stops. (R)

12.05

Period drama, starring Nigel Hawthorne. 9.00 The Godfather

Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (2020) Director’s cut of The Godfather: Part III, starring Al Pacino.

AJ Odudu and Will Best

IN a bid to tackle unemployment and boost local employment opportunities, ‘Futureworks’, an initiative backed by Pembrokeshire County Council, held a promising job fair at the Lord Nelson Pub in Milford Haven this Tuesday, February 27th, from 11am to 3pm.

The event drew a large crowd of Pembrokeshire locals keen to engage with potential employers and explore new career avenues. ‘Futureworks’ is renowned for its commitment to enhancing employment and skills services across the county, actively combating worklessness and fostering social mobility within the community.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to converse directly with a variety of local businesses, including notable names like Bluestone, Oakwood, and the Torch Theatre. These interactions provided valuable insights into the diverse career paths available within the county.

The job fair featured an array of stalls, each offering a different slice of hope: from volunteering positions to direct employment opportunities, and even support for those grappling with the cost of living crisis. This broad spectrum of assistance underscored

the council’s dedication to not only addressing immediate employment needs but also providing long-term support to its residents.

Described by the council as a “resounding success”, the event highlighted the dynamic and vibrant job market of Pembrokeshire, along with the exciting career prospects awaiting the community’s job seekers and aspiring professionals.

For over three decades, ‘Futureworks’ has played a pivotal role in the local economy, delivering comprehensive employment and skills programmes that have enabled countless unemployed and economically inactive individuals to acquire vital skills and transition into meaningful employment. By fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, community partners, and stakeholders, ‘Futureworks’ continues to make significant strides towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous job market.

Looking ahead, ‘Futureworks’ invites the community to the next Job Fair, scheduled for March 12th at Pater Hall in Pembroke Dock, promising another excellent opportunity for job seekers to connect with potential employers and take the next step in their career journeys.

Parêd y Ddraig i ddathlu Dydd Gŵyl Dewi

Os ydych chi’n

chwilio am ffordd hwyliog o ymuno

â’r dathliadau Dydd

Gŵyl Dewi eleni, ewch i ddinas leiaf

Prydain ddydd Sadwrn 2 Mawrth ar gyfer gorymdaith flynyddol

Parêd y Ddraig.

Bydd yr orymdaith, sydd wedi cael ei threfnu gan Oriel y Parc, Canolfan Ddarganfod y Parc Cenedlaethol, yn cychwyn am 11am. Fel rhan o’r digwyddiad, bydd disgyblion o ysgolion lleol ac aelodau gofal yn y gymuned, ynghyd â’u dreigiau disglair, yn cerdded i lawr y Stryd Fawr i gyfeiliant Samba

Doc – Band Samba

Cymunedol Sir Benfro.

Bydd Maer Tyddewi hefyd yn ymuno â’r disgyblion o Ysgol

Penrhyn Dewi, Ysgol

Ger y Llan, Ysgol Gynradd Gatholig

yr Enw Sanctaidd a Grŵp Chwarae Cylch Croesgoch. Yn ôl Rachel Perkins, Rheolwr Oriel y Parc: “Mae wedi bod yn wych gweld dyluniadau’r ddraig ac wyau’r ddraig yn dod yn fyw yn ystod y gweithdai am ddim ar gyfer ysgolion lleol a gyflwynir gan yr artist, Kate Evans. Ar 2 Mawrth, bydd y ddraig yn gadael Oriel y Parc i orymdeithio drwy Dyddewi i ddathlu nawddsant Cymru. Dewch i gymryd rhan... os ydych chi’n ddigon dewr!

“Gall unrhyw un ymuno â’r parêd neu sefyll mewn rhes ar hyd y strydoedd i gefnogi’r digwyddiad, a byddem yn annog pawb i wisgo unrhyw beth sy’n dathlu diwylliant Cymru er mwyn helpu i ddechrau penwythnos Dydd Gŵyl Dewi mewn steil.”

Fel rhan o ymgyrch

Gwnewch y Pethau

Bychain Croeso Cymru, bydd cyfle i’r rheini sy’n ymweld ag Oriel y Parc yn ystod yr wythnos sy’n arwain at Barêd y Ddraig gael tusw o Gennin Pedr am ddim. Bydd nifer cyfyngedig hefyd yn cael eu rhoi allan yng Nghastell Caeriw a Chastell Henllys yn ystod y cyfnod hwn. Bydd pob tusw yn cael ei roi ar sail y cyntaf i’r felin.

I weld rhestr lawn o’r digwyddiadau sy’n cael eu cynnal ar hyd a lled penrhyn Tyddewi yn ystod y cyfnod hwn, ewch i www.stdavids. gov.uk.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am Oriel y Parc, gan gynnwys amseroedd agor, digwyddiadau ac arddangosfeydd, ewch i www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Rhaid i lywodraeth Lafur ystyried effeithiau ar yr iaith Gymraeg yn y CFC

MAE Cymdeithas yr Iaith wedi galw ar Llywodraeth Cymru i wrando ar a chydweithio gyda ffermwyr ac ystyried y goblygiadau i’r Gymraeg wrth ailedrych ar ei Chynllun Ffermio Cynaliadwy. Yn ôl y mudiad, byddai’r colledion swyddi fyddai’n dod yn sgil y Cynllun yn ei ffurf bresennol yn ychwanegu at broblemau eraill sy’n gwynebu cymunedau Cymraeg gwledig, gan

gynnwys diboblogi a phrinder tai fforddiadwy i’w prynu a’u rhentu.

Dywedodd Robat Idris, Is-gadeirydd Grŵp Cymunedau Cynaliadwy Cymdeithas yr Iaith: “Mae 43% o weithwyr yn y sector amaeth yn siaradwyr Cymraeg, yr uchaf o unrhyw ddiwydiant yng Nghymru ac y mae’n ddiwydiant sydd yn arbennig o gryf yn ei chadarnleoedd. “Mae busnesau cysylltiol ymhlith y rhai

sy’n gwneud y defnydd mwyaf o’r Gymraeg hefyd. Rydym yn rhannu pryderon ffermwyr am golledion swyddi yn y maes yn sgil Cynllun Ffermio Cynaliadwy y Llywodraeth, fel sy’n cael ei rybuddio gan undebau amaethyddol.

“Dydy’r diwydiant ffermio fel ag y mae ddim yn gynaliadwy oni bai bod ffermydd yn troi yn agri-fusnesau, a cholli cysylltiad â’r tir.

“Gallai cynlluniau’r

Llywodraeth ddwysau’r broblem a gorfodi mwy o ffermwyr o’r tir gan waethygu diboblogi sydd yn barod yn broblem oherwydd diffyg tai i’w prynu a’u rhentu o fewn cyrraedd pobl ar gyflogau lleol.

“Pryderwn yn ogystal fod tir amathyddol yng Nghymru yn cael ei brynu gan gwmniau estron sydd am fanteisio ar grantiau i blannu coed, er mwyn gwerthu’r credyd carbon i gwmniau sydd ag ôl troed carbon uchel. Mae hyn yn aberthu ffermydd Cymru ar allor cysylltiadau cyhoeddus diwydiannau budron, sy’n cael rhwydd hynt i lygru yn ôl eu harfer.

“Mae perygl i hyn oll fynd ar goll wrth i rai fanteisio ar brotestio’r ffermwyr i wthio agenda gwrth-ddatganoli ac asgell dde.”

Yn ôl Cymdeithas yr Iaith byddai nifer o elfennau yn y Cynllun Ffermio Cynaliadwy hefyd yn mynd yn gwbl groes i unrhyw weledigaeth a gweithredu hir dymor i gynnal yr economi, y diwylliant a’r Gymraeg, yn groes i nod y Llywodraeth o filiwn

o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050 yn ogystal â Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol.

Mae’r mudiad yn cwestiynu pwrpas y ddeddfwriaeth yma os yw polisïau Llywodraethol a phenderfyniadau cyllidol yn eu tanseilio.

Yn ôl Robat Idris: “Does neb yn fodlon gyda’r sefyllfa bresennol, felly wrth ailedrych ar ac adolygu’r cynllyn, rhaid i Lywodraeth Cymru wrando ar a chydweithio gyda ffermwyr i sicrhau nad oes goblygiadau negyddol i gymunedau.

“Gallai gweledigaeth gwirioneddol anturus gynnwys dulliau o gynnal nid yn unig ffermwyr ond hefyd y gymdeithas ehangach - mae’n hen bryd ail-gysylltu pobl efo’r bwyd ar eu platiau.

“Welwn ni ddim dyfodol i ffermydd teuluol yn y tymor hir heb i ni adfer perthynas gwlad a thref er mwyn cyflenwi’r bendithion amgylcheddol a chymdeithasol o gael bwyd iach wedi ei gynhyrchu yma.

“Dyna fyddai Cymru Werdd go iawn.”

Lack of consideration for tenants’ concerns FUW

THE lack of consideration of tenant farmers and proper support for new entrants were just some of the key concerns expressed by the Presidential Policy Team of the Farmers’ Union of Wales during a meeting held recently at Builth Wells.

This was the final formal meeting held by the FUW to discuss the initial feedback received from over 1,500 farmers at local county meetings across Wales in recent weeks. It will be used to formulate the Union’s final response to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) consultation.

Speaking after the meeting, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Whilst many of the comments and concerns raised in our local county meetings were discussed at length, Union officials raised some serious concerns around the impracticalities tenant farmers may face when trying to enter the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

“Moves to annualised agreements and

exemptions to the 10% tree cover requirements for tenants are welcome. However, many other practical limitations for tenants must also be considered, such as the ability to obtain landlords’ permission to create new ponds and habitats or deciding who has management control of historical features or individual trees within hedgerows.

“Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths,

has said many times that if the SFS does not work for the tenanted sector then it does not work at all. All of these practical examples will need to be addressed if all active farmers are to have an equal opportunity to join the scheme,” he said.

FUW Younger Voice for Farming Committee Chair Gemma Haines said: “It’s clear that the concerns and questions raised during meetings of the Welsh Government’s

New Entrants Working Group also seem to have been dismissed here.

“New and young entrants who decide to enter the SFS from next year onwards will have to surrender thousands of pounds worth of entitlements, and those that enter the industry from next year onwards won’t be entitled to claim the stability payment at all.

“The Welsh Government claims to

have removed barriers for new and young entrants, but, there remains no commitment to properly support these individuals who are new to the industry with something akin to a meaningful topup payment.”

FUW Regional Vice President for South Wales, Brian Bowen, also highlighted the lack of detail around the extent to which common land graziers will be supported as the BPS is phased out and the Collaborative Actions are implemented.

For many graziers, the common land proportion of their BPS payment is significant, with most having already faced significant cuts in payments between Glastir Commons and the Habitat Wales Scheme.

“I would like to thank the Presidential Team and Standing Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs for attending this meeting and contributing to such an important discussion at this busy time. The need for every business and individual in rural Wales to respond to the consultation was clearly the take home message,” concluded Ian Rickman.

Farm incomes forecast to fall as inflation bites

AVERAGE livestock farm incomes in Wales are expected to fall by more than 30 per cent in the last financial year, with averages for holdings in less favoured areas some 37 per cent down, the latest official projections show.

The Welsh Government’s Forecast of Farm incomes in Wales provides an annual insight into longterm trends in farm incomes and market performance. Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales’s (HCC) February Market Bulletin looks at the results of the publication featuring the 2022-23 financial year in more detail.

The document forecasts the average business income for an LFA cattle and sheep farm to have decreased by 37% on the year to £24,300 per farm (current prices).

“The notable yearon-year decrease for

LFA farms, after three consecutive years of increases, is a result of farm business output falling by an average of eight per cent, combined with business costs rising by three per cent,” said Glesni Phillips, HCC’s Intelligence, Analysis & Business Insight Executive, who edits Market Bulletin.

“The report forecasts the income for a lowland cattle and sheep farm in Wales at £18,700 for 2022-23 – a 30 per cent decrease on the previous year’s figure.

“The figures indicate that the rise in input costs had a greater impact on lowland farms, where costs were up as much as 13 per cent on the year. This meant the five per cent increase in farm output for lowland farms was not enough to offset the rise in farm costs,” she concluded.

The period concerned- April 2022 to March 2023- coincides with the war in Ukraine

and the cost-of-living crisis - both of which have considerably impacted farm businesses in Wales.

“The data indicates that, across all farm types, which includes dairy, farm input costs rose by an average of 15 per cent year-on-year, which has impacted on overall profitability,” said Glesni.

Market Bulletin reflects that the challenges with increased inflationary costs have been seen across the supply chain, with elements such as staff, utilities, fuel, insurance and business rates all impacting business profitability. Increases in the National Minimum Wage put pressure on businesses’ ability to retain staff. As of 01 April 2024, it will increase to £11.44/hour (for staff 21 years and over) – an increase of almost 60 per cent since 2016.

“Such inflationary

uplifts are bound to put additional pressures onto the supply chain,” said Glesni. “And the sector is also continuing to face challenges from the demand side, as the cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on household expenditure and impacts on shopping habits.” She said it must

be remembered that volatility within the farming sector can lead to large percentage changes in farm incomes between each year, and farm income averages will only provide an indication of the sector’s performance, as variations will exist at the farm level.

“The level of income for a farm business can be influenced by a huge range of factors – such as physical location, economic size of the farm, production costs, whether the business is investing and the skill set of the business person,” said Glesni.

Welsh farmers ‘can’t be green if they are in the red’

THE GAME & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has shared scientific evidence with Welsh Government and demonstrated why hedgerows should be included in their 10% woodland requirement, but they have not taken this forward. Research shows that good-sized hedgerows provide equal or better carbon storage than 1 ha of low-yield woodland of all species commonly planted in Wales.

In several cases, the hedgerows exceed the carbon sequestration of moderate-yield woodland over ten years. It seems very strange that a hawthorn bush in an area of scrub can be counted towards Welsh Government’s proposed woodland cover but a hawthorn bush within a hedge cannot.

GWCT have shared evidence derived from work on the Hedgerow Carbon Code and other means of carbon capture on farms with Welsh Government to take forward within the SFS but unfortunately, they have not yet shown interest.

As an example of productive farming and wildlife recovery, GWCT’s own demonstration farm manages approximately 12 – 13% as ecologically enhanced habitat for wildlife recovery and has reversed farmland bird declines. GWCT maintain that nature recovery is possible alongside productive, profitable farming, with the greatest efficiencies achieved by ecologically enhancing unproductive land.

Delivering wildlife recoveries more efficiently can also include other forms of conservation alongside habitat management such as predation management, although that’s another area Welsh Government has refused to look at the science or consider objectively.

The Welsh Government’s proposals of a compulsory 10% tree cover alongside 10% semi-natural habitat might be applauded by some conservation organisations, however, if it is not realistic or is simply unachievable for farmers they will either not opt-in or be

forced out of business, both of which lead to dire consequences for Welsh wildlife and the environment. Interestingly, previous schemes have recognised that 5 – 7% of good quality (ecologically enhanced) habitat was enough to recover declining farmland bird populations, and if we recognise that good woodland is habitat too, the leap to a potential 20% habitat proposal seems vast.

GWCT are concerned that the latest Welsh Government Sustainable Farming Scheme consultation remains a consultation in name only. Despite consultations in various guises since 2018 when ‘Brexit and our Land’ was launched, the Welsh Government appear to be no further forward in developing a realistic Agrienvironment scheme which properly rewards farmers for nature recovery alongside profitable, productive farming.

The Welsh farming community is rightly up in arms defending their right to continue farming their

land productively. With profit and loss margins already extremely narrow for many Welsh farms the proposals could be incredibly damaging.

Although a worst-case scenario, the economic report modelling the potential impact of the SFS is damning, with estimates of 10.8% livestock unit reductions and a workforce reduction of 11% for the farming sector. As GWCT Director Wales Lee Oliver says “If the sector is damaged, food security becomes an obvious issue, however, Welsh Government have also failed to recognise the wider economic impact which will have a negative knock-on effect on the environment as well as other businesses that rely upon farming in rural areas. As farmers will tell you, they can’t be green if they are in the red.”

Therefore, if the 10% tree planting is purely to meet targets for carbon sequestration the science here is complex and far from straightforward forward and tree planting is an oversimplified solution.

S USTAINABLE Farming Scheme scrutiny reveals further controversy and conflict

The conflict and controversy surrounding the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) quite rightly shows no signs of abating. The strength of feeling currently being demonstrated has arisen in response to a scheme which is laboursome, unworkable and illconceived and which appears to allow food production only as a by-product of an overly ambitious environmental scheme.

Whilst SFS controversy continues to dominate the headlines, scrutiny of the Universal Actions demonstrates that such conflicts go far deeper than the overarching food versus environment debate. Indeed, closer examination of the scheme has led to the identification of incompatibilities between - and withinthe Universal Actions (UAs) proposed.

In a recent letter to the Veterinary Record (16th February 2024, https:// doi.org/10.1002/ vetr.3976), Jones and co-workers from Aberystwyth University identified that the creation of scrapes under UA10 could provide the ideal habitat for the intermediate snail host (Galba truncatula) of the liver fluke. Unlike ponds, scrapes are unfenced and allow livestock to have free and unfettered access to an environment that is perfect for the proliferation of liver fluke transmission onfarm.

Liver fluke continues to be a significant issue for livestock producers due to drug resistance and limitations in the diagnostics available.

Submitting to UA10 could therefore create

a new challenge which could have negative implications for livestock health, farm income and the impact of agriculture on carbon emissions due to the associated reductions in productivity. Given such conflict it could be argued that the SFS gives to biodiversity with one hand and takes from health and welfare with another.

Delving further into the scheme, one can even find conflict and controversy within the UAs themselves. For example, one must question the validity of UA17 which requires wash stations and disinfectant to be available on entry and exit of the farm whilst exempting delivery services and those members of the public wishing to exercise their right to access the countryside.

Such conflicts between the Universal Actions and the ambitions of the scheme do little to foster confidence in those being asked to significantly change their farm practises to participate in a 5 year scheme. Indeed, such conflicts not only breed animosity but also serve to create a reduction in suitable locations for compliance with habitat scheme elements at a time when producers are also being asked to find suitable locations for tree planting.

The FUW maintains that the agricultural sector in Wales deserves better. Farmers in Wales must never be forced to adopt incongruous UAs which create separate and additional problems for those attempting to maintain some form of much needed income. The SFS will only work if the associated UAs really do ‘keep farmers farming’ for the benefit of both animal health and the environment.

Pictures emerege of poodles

LAST week we reported from the magistrates’ court that a Haverfordwest woman has been disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years and handed a suspended custody sentence after she failed to ensure the needs of 30 poodles were met - with all but one found to be suffering.

We now have more details of the case from the RSPCA, including shocking photos revealing the condition the poor dogs were found it. The poodle type dogs were found living in a poor environment overloaded with dog faeces and with severely matted coats, by the RSPCA and Pembrokeshire County Council dog warden Sally Bland in September last year. They were subsequently taken into RSPCA care and following a veterinary check were transferred to RSPCA centres, RSPCA branches, and another rescue charity for boarding.

Twenty-three dogs were signed over to the RSPCA and permission was given by the owner for the remaining seven dogs to be removed and boarded.

Alison Denise Silk (d.o.b 20/12/1956) of Camrose, Haverfordwest, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on 25 January and pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

They were that she caused unnecessary suffering to 20 poodle dogs by failing to provide adequate nutrition for the animals’ needs, caused unnecessary suffering to five poodle dogs, by failing to provide veterinary treatment for severe dental disease, and caused unnecessary suffering to 29 poodle dogs by failing to provide any or adequate grooming.

Finally, she did not take steps to ensure the needs of 30 poodles were met to the extent required by good practice (full wording below).

Sentencing took place

on Tuesday 20 February at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, and Silk was handed a disqualification order, banning her from keeping any animal for 10 years.

She was handed a 26 weeks custodial sentence which was suspended for 12 months for the three unnecessary suffering offences and she was handed a 16 week custodial sentence which was suspended for 12 months for the fourth offence. These will run concurrently.

Silk was also ordered to undertake 10 rehabilitation days with the probation service and the seven dogs that had not been signed over have now been placed into the ownership of the RSPCA. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.

Silk appeared unrepresented at court. The District Judge recommended that advice was available from the duty solicitor but this was not taken. In her mitigation she told the court she was

sorry and spoke about her family circumstances and health issues.

A statement provided to the court from RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben, who attended the Haverfordwest property on 4 September last year, said as he entered the front door, he could smell “a very unpleasant smell of dog faeces and urine”.

Inspector Hogben added: “The door to the kitchen was closed and as the door was opened a large number of dogs greeted us, the dogs were all barking and each of the dogs were heavily matted.”

He was next shown in a conservatory. “The room was very hot with dogs in cages and large amounts of faeces both fresh and trodden into the floor,” he said. “Any bedding in the dog cages was soiled and there was no water in this room for any of the dogs.

“Again the dogs in this room had heavily matted coats which were contaminated with faeces. I did not see any windows open. We

were then shown to the dog’s at the rear of the property that were kept in two dog runs.

“The back garden was covered with dog faeces of various ages and had obviously not been cleaned for many weeks/months, by the door to the conservatory was a wheelbarrow with dog faeces in it.”

There were eight dogs all with heavily matted coats with no water in the first kennel and there were two rabbit type feeding bottles on the bars of the run which were both empty.

Inspector Hogben said: “Inside the kennel was a large amount of faeces and hardly any bedding in the sleeping area, just a couple of plastic dog bes.

“In the other dog kennel were five male dog’s all with matted coats and again no access to water, this kennel also had two rabbit type water bottles on the bars but both were empty.

“There was a large build up of faeces in this kennel which had not

rescued by RSPCA in Haverfordwest

been cleaned out for a very long time. The door to the kennel could not be opened fully due to the build up of faeces. These dog’s were then let out by Alison Silk and they started to drink from a bucket containing green coloured water.”

A vet who attended confirmed that all the dogs would need to be removed due to their body conditions and their environment.

A witness statement was provided to the court by a vet who examined the 30 dogs at RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic, between the 5 and 7 of September 2023.

She said: “The dogs all had severe matting over the majority of their bodies with faeces and urine within the matts and a very strong smell of faeces and urine, with the exception of one who showed signs of being recently groomed but still had heavy matting on one leg (with faeces in), his tail (with faeces in), and the tip of his prepuce (with urine in).

“Another dog had some small clip patches indicating a partial attempt at grooming but was still heavily matted including one ear being matted to the side of his head.

“Three of the male dogs - had a matt directly over the opening of their prepuce, meaning they

were always urinating into the matt and unable to exteriorise their penises, and one had urine-soaked matting on his prepuce that, when removed, revealed an area of urine scalding.

“Many of the dogs had large matts under their chins soaked in water, as they were unable to drink without dipping the matts in water.

“Seven of the dogs had live fleas seen when

examined. All dogs apart from one were underweight, with four scoring 1/9 on a body conditioning scale and 16 scoring 2/9.”

Many of the dogs were in need of medical procedures, the court heard.

The vet added: “Twelve had severe dental disease and were likely in need of teeth extractions. Seven others had at least

moderate dental disease and would benefit from having their teeth cleaned and assessed under a general anaesthetic.

“Seventeen had signs of ocular disease such as inflammation of the conjunctiva, hair loss around the eyes and inflammation of the periocular tissues, or discharge from one or both eyes.

“Many had matts hanging over their eyes

and a few had matts formed between hair on their upper and lower eyelids on at least one eye, partially holding their eyes shut. The most likely cause of the eye issues seemed likely to me to be local irritation from the matts or the level of faeces and urine in the environment, but I cannot rule out an infectious cause.”

It was heard that all dogs had flea treatment

applied and were wormed and vaccinations were also given.

The vet added: “Where possible, fur was clipped to allow better movement and comfort, as the level of matting in almost all of these dogs was severe enough that it was limiting joint movement and the heaviness of the matts would be pulling on the skin and causing discomfort.”

Further grooming was then carried out at animal centres and boarding establishments.

Five young male and one female poodles went to Greenacres Animal Rescue for rehoming, with the others taken into the care of RSPCA centres and RSPCA branches for rehoming. Sadly one dog was put to sleep on welfare grounds.

The final seven dogs who following the hearing have been signed over to the RSPCA will now be rehomed.

Following the hearing, inspector Hobgen, said: “We would like to thank everyone who was involved in this case, especially Pembrokeshire County Council dog warden Sally Bland, Greenacres Rescue, a number of RSPCA branches, and the member of the public who reported this incident.”

SCUPRA boosts electric vehicle accessibility

CUPRA has increased the accessibility of its first fully electric model, CUPRA Born, by reducing prices by £2,350 across the range coupled with a suite of electric vehicle (EV) purchasing incentives.

As well as this, CUPRA will be simplifying the CUPRA Born by closing for new factory order the 58kWh 204PS across all trims, the 77kWh 230PS on the V2 trim, and both the V2 Edition and V3 Edition trims. This means that the CUPRA Born line-up will reduce for new factory order to V1 58kWh 230PS, V2 58kWh 230PS, V3 58kWh 230PS, and V3 77kWh 230PS, with the recently announced CUPRA Born VZ also opening for order soon.

And, due to the price reduction, the entry price for a factory order CUPRA Born will reduce to £35,085 for a V1 58kWh 230PS –which is less than the previous price for a V1 58kWh 204PS – and the entry price for the larger battery will reduce to £41,385 for a V3 77kWh 230PS – which is less

than the previous entry price for a V2 77kWh 230PS.

The £2,350 price reduction will be available for both new factory orders and orders from stock, including the trims and batteries that are now closed for new

factory orders. Pricing for CUPRA Born VZ to be announced shortly. To make EVs even more accessible, the brand is also currently offering a suite of incentives including 0% APR for 36 monthsor £4,000 deposit

contribution on 3.9% APR for 48 months (for orders placed before 2 April 2024) 1, plus a complimentary Ohme home charger and a £750 pre-paid Mastercard for every Retail purchase (for orders placed and handed over by 31 March

2024) 2. Finally, those that place an order before 2 April 2024 will receive a complimentary CUPRA eCare plan which covers the first two years of servicing at an authorised CUPRA Retailer.

2013

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ZETEC 3dr, silver, 56k, £5,495.00

2011 11 PEUGEOT 107 1.0 ENVY, 5dr, red............................................................................. £3,650.00

2010 10 BMW 710 DIESEL M SPORT 4dr SALOON, black, £7,995.00

2010 10 FORD FIESTA EDGE 1.4 Tdci, 1 owner, fsh, silver £4,250.00

2004 53 PORSCHE BOXSTER S 3.2 CONVERTIBLE, blue, 54k, s/history £7,995.00

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THExtra funding to upgrade nHS Wales digital services and equipment

THE NHS will benefit from £10m in additional capital funding to upgrade scanning equipment and digital infrastructure.

The funding package includes:

• £5m for digital services to modernise elements of the IT infrastructure and support the provision of modernised and

efficient patient care.

• £1m to upgrade MRI scanners.

• £1.3m for ultrasound scanning equipment.

The extra funding is being made available today as the Welsh Government publishes its second supplementary budget – an annual, endof-year budget, which formalises changes

made during 2023-24.

This year, the second supplementary budget includes changes the Finance Minister announced in October 2023 to provide additional support to the NHS and Transport for Wales.

The Welsh Government provided additional in-year support of £425m to the NHS and £125m to Transport for Wales to help meet increased cost pressures and, in the case of health

boards, rising demand.

The second supplementary budget also details some of the additional funding made available to Wales as a result of decisions made by the UK Government to increase spending in devolved areas.

But notification of the additional consequential funding has come too late to be spent in this financial year. The additional revenue and capital funding will be put into the Wales Reserve for use in 2024-25 and 2025-26.

As the figures were published, Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government said:

“The UK Government confirmed the final sums last week, leaving us only one week to allocate additional funds.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to direct much-needed funding to maintain the fabric of our NHS.

“But at a time when public sector budgets have been squeezed so tightly, this is another example of why we need greater borrowing powers to be able to respond quickly to emerging

needs.

“Unlike the UK Government, we cannot borrow to fund day-today spending so we are dependent on Barnett consequentials which often come late in the year and with little or no notice.

“As it is, we have been forced to plan based on best guesses about what we will receive from the UK Treasury – this is simply not acceptable.”

Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services added:

“This additional capital funding, together with the in-year revenue funding is welcome.

“But the NHS is facing the toughest financial pressures in recent history due to inflation and increased demand in both planned and emergency care. Health boards have had to make some very difficult decisions despite the additional injection of funding over and above their allocated budgets.”

The supplementary budget is due to be debated on Tuesday 12 March, after the Welsh Government’s Final Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday 27 February

5th Annual Survey of over-50s opens

AGE CYMRU and the key organisations representing older people in Wales have launched their fifth annual What Matters to You survey of the over

50s across Wales to better understand their challenges, needs, and aspirations.

RESPONSES INFORM POLICY

More than five thousand people responded to previous surveys, which provided the charity with crucial evidence to inform and influence key decisionmakers and service providers in Wales, including the Welsh Government, local health and social services, and the wider care sector.

The charity says the bilingual survey also helps to prioritise its work to reflect better what matters most to older people in Wales.

It covers a wide range of issues, including access to health and social care, personal finances, housing issues, caring responsibilities, opportunities for paid work, and the quality and availability of local

transport, including hospital transport.

Age Cymru’s head of policy, Heather Ferguson, said, “We know that many older people are facing some tough challenges right now, such as difficulties in accessing health and social care, coping with the cost-of-living crisis, and facing cutbacks in areas such as public transport and face-toface banking.

So, we need to know what older people’s priorities are and their ideas for addressing some of these challenges.

“The more information we gather, the more influential and effective we become when campaigning with and for older people in Wales.

“If anyone would like to campaign with the charity on any of the issues raised in the survey, please let us know. We are always looking to work together to raise issues with the media, politicians, and many other key stakeholders.

“Please contact my colleague Michael Phillips for an informal chat on 07794 366 224 or email michael.phillips@ agecymru.org.uk”

HOW TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY

Visit www.agecymru. org.uk/annualsurvey to complete the survey online.

For the Welsh language version, visit www.agecymru.cymru/ arolwgblynyddol

Friday

First primary school in Wales takes part bowel cancer project

YEAR 6 pupils at Ysgol Pen Rhos, Llanelli, are helping to raise awareness of bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening in their community as part of a collaboration between Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB), Public Health Wales and the Moondance Cancer Initiative.

The Moondance Cancer Initiative aims to significantly improve cancer survival in Wales by working in clinical settings and our communities.

Their school project hopes to influence longterm behaviour change within younger generations by educating them about cancer, cancer treatment, and the connection to healthy behaviours.

Ysgol Pen Rhos are the first primary school in Wales to welcome the project into their classrooms. The pupils were joined by Colorectal Consultant Mr Pawan Dhruva Rao, with Dr Danielle Cunningham and Dr Johnsingh Sitther, together with Peyton Jones from Bowel Screening Wales and Mrs Johnson, a patient with lived experience of bowel cancer.

To begin the day, Mr Dhruva Rao introduced

the pupils to cancer and its causes, followed by a lively and informative talk about what our bowels do for us and what bowel cancer is.

After a warm welcome, Mrs Johnson talked very powerfully and emotively about her own bowel cancer journey.

During the interactive sessions, the pupils enthusiastically practised procedures using the medical laparoscopic skills boxes and explored stoma kits.

Mr Dhruva Rao, Colorectal Consultant at

Hywel Dda UHB, said: “I’ve loved spending time with the pupils today. Talking about bowels and the importance of bowel screening can’t be underestimated. What the children have learned will save lives. I couldn’t be prouder of them and how they engaged with the session and the project.“

Dr Joe Cudd, Head Teacher, Ysgol Pen Rhos, said: “We jumped at the opportunity to work with the Moondance Cancer Initiative, Public Health Wales, Hywel Dda University Health Board and

Mrs Johnson.

“The Curriculum for Wales provides us with opportunity for authentic and relevant learning experiences. This was an outstanding opportunity for the pupils to experience the expertise of the health board in their classroom. We hope this will support the bowel screening uptake in our community too.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer in Wales. Every year, more than 2,200 people across Wales are

diagnosed with the disease, and over 900 people die.

The children also thoroughly enjoyed the interactive session about dipping fake stools into dummy test kits, which enabled the pupils to explore and understand how the bowel screening process works.

Peyton Jones, Quality and Service Improvement Manager at Bowel Screening Wales, said: “Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage.

“That is why we’re especially excited by the session with the Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Pen Rhos, as they now have important knowledge that will help them look out for their family and loved ones, and themselves too.”

For more information, please see:

Bowel Screening Wales: https://phw.nhs. wales/services-and-teams/ screening/bowel-screening

Moondance Cancer Initiative’s bowel cancer programme: https:// moondance-cancer.wales/ projects/bowel-cancerprogramme

Improvements in eating disorder care across Wales

THE vast majority of people who need treatment for an eating disorder are seen in Wales and treated in their local communities.

A new team and clinical lead for eating disorders is helping to drive positive changes to eating disorder care, with a focus on early intervention.

Over the coming year, a number of health boards will be working with the clinical lead to explore the introduction of the First Episode and Rapid Early Intervention in Eating Disorders (FREED) model, which is targeted at young people aged 16 to 25. Health boards are already providing early intervention models of care – support aimed at preventing people from requiring specialist care and for people waiting for treatment to start.

Waiting times for assessment and treatment have also been reduced to four weeks in some health boards.

Examples of the new models of care include:

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is piloting the Beat Synergy programme, an early intervention model for

people who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for treatment.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is arranging for initial telephone assessments to be carried out on the day a referral is received; speeding up the referral process and time to treatment and support. This services is also accepting and providing referrals and intervention for people suffering from avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

By providing earlier intervention, Betsi Cadwaladr

University Health Board’s specialist eating disorder (SPEED) team has reduced the number of people with anorexia who need to be admitted onto general units for care and treatment and reduced the use of feeding tubes in the community. It is also the first in Wales to embed paediatrics at the start of a patient’s journey and the first in the UK to recruit a specialist cardiologist to provide dedicated paediatric cardiology to all eating disorder patients.

A review of eating disorder provision, including

the provision of a specialist unit in Wales, is currently being carried out. Eight adult eating disorder beds have been made available in Wales at a private facility in Ebbw Vale. This will help more people to be treated in Wales instead of being sent to units in England.

Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle said:

“Despite rising demand, all health boards in Wales are providing high-quality treatment for eating disorders for children, young people and adults.

“I have seen first-hand the hard work of the dedicated teams, and how the funding from Welsh Government has been used to recruit more staff and increase capacity within services.

“I expect to see our eating services continue to develop and improve. We know how important early intervention is in supporting people and I look forward to seeing these services progress and improve the lived experiences of people with eating disorders.”

Emma Hagerty, Eating Disorders Clinical Lead for Aneurin Bevan University

Health Board, said:

“We are passionate about early intervention and continually improving the services we offer, as our patients are at the heart of everything we do. As well as accepting referrals directly from GPs and being able to complete same-day telephone assessments, we also offer a Monday-Friday advice line for patients, the public and professionals.

“We have implemented a number of initiatives to provide further support and personcentred care to patients, including a group education programme with preparation for change workshops; multidisciplinary assessment and intervention for ARFID adults; physical health monitoring to safely assess any risks, and patient meal support to reduce specialist inpatient admissions.

“We have also expanded our clinical expertise by introducing a peer mentor and a CAMHS-to-AdultMental-Health Transition Coordinator, along with training team members in trauma therapy, in order to be able to meet the evolving needs of our patients.”

H eal TH

ne SS

Harlech Foodservice announces £6m expansion and new jobs in Carmarthen

HARLECH FOODSERVICE has unveiled plans for a £6 million expansion, including the opening of a new depot in Carmarthen, South West Wales. This development is set to create 150 new jobs across the company, with 15 positions earmarked for the Carmarthen site.

Nick Sullivan, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the food supply sector, including 23 years with Bidfood, has been appointed as the Regional Sales Manager. Harlech is actively recruiting for additional roles, including five new field sales staff and nine drivers, to support operations in the area.

The decision to open a depot in Carmarthen follows a period of significant growth for Harlech Foodservice, which has seen its sales

soar from £32 million to a record £50 million over the past three years, alongside an all-time high profit of more than £2 million.

David Cattrall, Managing Director of Harlech, highlighted the expansion as a response to increasing demand from the hospitality sector in South West Wales. The

company aims to tackle the challenges faced by hotels, pubs, and restaurants by offering next-day deliveries and aggressively competitive prices. Harlech’s approach disrupts traditional foodservice practices by ensuring transparent pricing and reliable service, anchored by their “Trust our Prices”

campaign which secures prices on around 200 product lines for several months.

Nick Sullivan, originally from Swansea and now leading Harlech’s expansion in the region, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with a Welsh food supplier and to leverage Harlech’s reputation for

outstanding customer service and competitive pricing. Chris Gregson, Harlech’s Head of Sales, emphasized that the new Carmarthen base is a crucial component of the company’s growth strategy, expected to strengthen its presence across Wales. The expansion aims to serve the robust tourism, hospitality, education, and health sectors in South West Wales, offering more choice and trusted pricing.

Harlech Foodservice, a proudly Welsh company, is committed to delivering high-quality service and products across the nation, further solidified by the strategic opening of their Carmarthen depot. This expansion not only promises to enhance Harlech’s service delivery but also significantly contributes to the local economy through job creation and support for regional businesses.

Communities in the west are some of the best – according to Ogi WEST is definitely best,

according to Ogi, Wales’s leading alternative broadband provider.

Since starting its ambitious full fibre broadband rollout back in 2021, Ogi has quickly built a strong reputation for investing in its communities. Recent research by the challenger Internet Service Provider (ISP) has shown that Pembrokeshire has received around £30m of its investment so far.

From Haverfordwest and Milford Haven to Johnston, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, the provider can now serve over a third of the county – and soon to be planned, Tenby will increase coverage even further. With an economic impact worth around five times the investment made, Ogi’s ambitious rollout is keeping Pembrokeshire well and truly up to speed.

Community groups

across the region have also benefited from thousands of pounds in grants and volunteering from the providers Cefnogi fund, supporting projects like Give the Boys a Lift, local businesses HaverHub –providing everything from defibrillators and first aid training and sports equipment.

Kicking off their presence in the west, Ogi secured stadium rights for Haverfordwest County AFC’s home with the infamous ground being renamed the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium in 2021. Supporting the team at all home games – and even drawing an Ogi crowd to the Cardiff City Stadium for the European qualifiers –the team remains an important fixture in the Ogi calendar.

Away from sports – and the internet –Ogi has brought art to Haverfordwest’s streets

in partnership with Breakout Gallery; caught carnival fever in Milford Haven and celebrated Christmas in style witching on Neyland’s Christmas tree at the end of last year.

Now, with businesses like the Mariners Hotel able to access its services right to the doorstep, and customers able to buy from Get Connected stores, the challenger broadband brand is gearing up for its next phase in the west –surveying places in the south of the county.

Speaking about Ogi’s work in Pembrokeshire, Community Engagement Lead, Louise Clement, said: “The community team are lucky to work in some of the most beautiful places Wales has to offer. We say we put community at the heart of all we do here at Ogi – and that’s never been more true than in places like Pembrokeshire.

“From the creativity shown with the Breakout Gallery cabinets in Haverfordwest, to the important work supporting charities like 2Wish, PATCH and even a gunging or two with Pure West Radio for Comic Relief, I hope we’ve settled in well here in Pembrokeshire – and I’m excited for the next

phase.”

Ogi’s community programme extends to volunteering opportunities and one-off grants and is open a few times a year for the likes of grassroots community groups, small charities and town councils to apply. For more information visit www.ogi. wales/cefnogi.

Cheesecake company secures grant to win bigger slice of market

A LUxURY

cheesecake company is spreading its wings and reaching new customers, thanks to grant funding and support from Pembrokeshire County Council’s business team.

The Pembrokeshire Cheesecake Company was formed when Claire Garland started making cheesecakes for friends who encouraged her to turn her hobby into a business.

Setting up her business at her Herbrandston home meant that Claire was able to combine her new venture with looking after two young children.

She said: “It just grew and snowballed. It really took off. It’s something I really enjoy and people seem to love it. The business means I can work around my family.”

Claire has perfected her unique recipe to create luxurious cheesecakes in various forms, using quality ingredients in

her whole cheesecakes, individual pots, donuts and jars, which are popular treats and gifts.

She supplies a growing number of local shops, in addition to customising cheesecakes for weddings and other special occasions.

Support from Pembrokeshire County Council’s business team, who offered a growth grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the Government’s Levelling Up programme, enabled Claire to install an essential refrigeration unit in the rear of her eye-catching Land Rover Defender.

Rachel Moxey, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Claire and help open up new avenues for her amazing cheesecakes. It’s great to see a local business go from strength to strength.”

The new unit will allow Claire to travel further afield and stay and trade

for longer periods. She is already looking forward to attending various festivals, markets and shows throughout the year.

She said: “It has changed the business significantly. This is the first year that I will be able to go to two day events, now I have reliable storage. I can just plug it

into the mains when I get there.

“It will really help my business grow. It has opened the floodgates really.”

Installed by a specialist in December, the new temperature-controlled unit will allow Claire to be on the road for longer, opening up new

opportunities to promote and sell her products.

Claire added that she was surprised at how easy she found the business grant application process.

“It was really easy and straightforward. I can’t thank the Council enough.”

Claire, a proud member of the Pembrokeshire

Produce Mark scheme, is looking forward to attending the Supplier to Buyer food and drink trade show at the Botanical Gardens on March 13. The event is organised in partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Cywain and Visit Pembrokeshire.

SP ol ITI c

POSITIVELy LIBERAL

2 weeks ago, I was driving back on the A48, having been working in Swansea. I saw the farmers tractor protest that saw traffic in a queue that stretched from Pensarn roundabout, Carmarthen, to Cross Hands. I was thankful to be heading home to Pembrokeshire!

And last week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have raised their concerns over the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Welsh Labour’s Sustainable Farming Scheme has come under heavy criticism from farming unions in recent weeks, leading to several protests.

Last weekend saw farmers hold a “go-slow” protest at a Welsh Labour leadership debate in Newtown, Powys.

According to the Welsh Government’s own impact assessment, the SFS could cause an 11% cut in jobs in the farming sector directly.

The same assessment also suggested a £125.3 million hit to output from the sector, and a loss of £199 million to farm business income.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Regional MS for Mid & West Wales, Jane Dodds, said:

“I know from first hand experience that many farmers earnestly support the desire to make naturefriendly farming the standard across Wales”.

“But when they are being presented something as complex as the Sustainable Farming Scheme, these farmers are at the same time rightfully anxious about the prospect of transitioning”.

For years, farmers have strained under mounting regulations that impose excessive paperwork demands. Countless studies have shown that paperwork overload is often the top cause of stress amongst farmers, with 60% of farmers overwhelmed by constant form filling.

“With our farmers already suffering policy fatigue around pollution controls, health and safety and disease testing, the SFS’s extensive and complicated actions could prove to be a mental breaking point for so many”.

“The Welsh Labour government must sit down and listen to the concerns of farmers, they must recognise the complexities and difficulties surrounding their approach to funding our farms”.

“Our farmers shouldn’t be turned into scapegoats by Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay who have shown time and time again a complete lack of understanding of the needs of rural areas”.

“We cannot afford to alienate our farming community, particularly when they are willing to work with us in transitioning to a greener approach to farming”.

And in other news, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed their support for striking Junior Doctors.

This week saw the commencement of a threeday strike by more than 3,000 British Medical Association (BMA) members over a pay dispute with the Welsh Government.

It is the second walk out by doctors since January, who say that they have effectively lost about a third of their pay in the last 15 years.

The Welsh Lib Dems have accused the Welsh Labour Government of “burying their head in the sand” over the issue.

Commenting, Jane Dodds MS said:

“We as a party would like to reiterate our support for the thousands of junior doctors currently on strike here in Wales”.

“The current offer of a 5% pay rise by the Welsh Labour Government is one of the worst paid deals in the UK and does nothing to alleviate the financial pressures placed on NHS staff”.

“Workforce issues relating to pay and poor staff retention levels are some of the many key issues facing the NHS, leading to many junior doctors being driven out of Wales and forced to offer their talents elsewhere”.

“Our junior doctors deserve a fair deal, one that allows them to live comfortably so that their talents remain in Wales for the foreseeable future”.

“The Welsh Government must stop burying their heads in the sand”.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me

at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

More trouble for Gething in Labour leadership race

• Unprecedented donations total over £290,000

• Miles campaign declares £32,000 in donations

• Leadership campaign’s spending limit is £44,000 PRESSURE continues to build on Labour leadership contender Vaughan Gething as more revelations emerge about his campaign’s funding.

As The Herald reported on Friday, Mr Gething’s campaign got £200,000 of funding from a company linked to the Withyhedge landfill site.

In addition, Mr Gething received £3,000 in a non-cash donation from Cardiffbased Tramshed Tech.

While the £200,000 donation has raised eyebrows, the timing of the £3,000 donation from Tramshed Tech has done the same.

At the end of 2023, Mr Gething, Mark Drakeford’s Economy Minister, announced Welsh Government funding for Tramshed Tech to host their Soft Landing Programme.

No wrongdoing by either Tramshed Tech or Mr Gething is suggested. However, a cynic might regard the donation as an example of how the Welsh Government’s plans to create a circular economy will work in practice.

The unusual feature of Mr Gething’s funding is just how much there is.

Each candidate’s leadership campaign has a spending limit of £44,000. That sum is based on the number of Labour members in Wales multiplied by £2.50.

Mr Gething’s leadership campaign has received over £290,000 in donations.

The £44,000 cap covers leafleting and campaign costs, including social media advertisements.

Mr Gething’s wellfunded campaign will

not break the rules provided his campaign’s expenditure remains at £44,000 or less. The question arises about the purposes for which all the other money will be put.

The £200,000 from the Dauson group of companies has caused anger among Mr Gething’s Senedd colleagues.

The company that donated the £200,000 is behind an application for a large solar farm in Mr Gething’s constituency. The company applied for planning permission near the date of its donations to Mr Gething.

Under pressure from Conservative leader Andrew R.T. Davies, Mark Drakeford refused to order an investigation into the donation, claiming it was an issue for the Electoral Commission.

If Mr Gething wins the Labour leadership election, his government will decide the outcome of Dauson’s application.

The Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS, commented on Twitter: “I’m sorry, but £200k on an internal election in a cost of living crisis is completely unjustifiable.

“I don’t want this to become a negative campaign, but I am genuinely shocked and angry by this. It’s wrong.”

Mr Waters supports Mr Gething’s rival, Jeremy Miles - along with well over half of Labour MSs.

Mr Gething’s lack of support among those who work with him closest is striking.

Equally striking is the number of unions who have hustled in behind the Penarth MSs campaign.

While Labour has around 20,000 actual

party members, the Trade Union bloc vote controls 100,000 possible votes. The largest unions have not bothered balloting their members before coming out to support Mr Gething.

Where hustings took place, the Unite union seemed likely to back Jeremy Miles. However, an intervention from that union’s “regional secretary” fortuitously unearthed a rule that meant Mr Miles could not get the union’s backing after Mr Gething - equally fortuitously - joined Unite shortly before Mark Drakeford announced his retirement.

Speaking to Wales

Online’s Will Hayward, the Director of Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre, Professor Richard Wyn Jones, said: “The sum involved is eyewateringly large.

“There’s simply no precedent for it in Welsh devolved politics.

“Indeed, I can’t think of a Welsh politicians who’s been able to access such large sums since the days of David Lloyd George - which isn’t a comparison that I can imagine anyone being comfortable with.”

Writing for Nation Cymru, the doyen of Welsh political journalists -Martin Shipton - reported a Labour councillor as saying: “This is so bad that in my view Vaughan Gething is not fit to be a Member of the Senedd, let alone First Minister. The only honourable thing for him to do is to withdraw from the contest, but he won’t do that.

“If he wins the election, I will not be able to accept him as the leader of Welsh Labour, and I think many others in the party may take

the same view.”

For comparison, when Mark Drakeford defeated Vaughan Gething in the race to replace former First Minister Carwyn Jones, he got £25,000 in campaign donations. Jeremy Miles’s declared level of donations is £32,000.

As bad as the

current situation looks, the final level of each candidate’s donations is yet to be declared - and things could get far more embarrassing for Mr Gething and the Labour Party before they get better.

The worst-case scenario is that the result of a tainted campaign overshadows

the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay and places a politically damaged First Minister in place during a General Election year.

The consequences of a negatively perceived Labour leader in Wales cannot be underestimated during a UK election.

The Conservatives

are knocking lumps off the Labour Government on the NHS, transport, and rural policy.

Mr Gething’s fundraising efforts could give the Conservatives another target and Plaid Cymru a pretext for dumping the Cooperation Agreement.

Sunak backs Welsh farmers in subsidy protest at Conservative Conference

PRIME MINISTER

Rishi Sunak has publicly expressed his support for Welsh farmers protesting against proposed changes to farm subsidies by the Labour-led Welsh government. The declaration came during the Welsh Conservative conference in Llandudno, where Sunak, alongside Pembrokeshire-based MS Sam Kurtz—who notably climbed onto a tractor in solidarity— met with protesting farmers, including campaigner Gareth Wyn Jones.

Addressing the concerns outside the conference venue, Sunak reassured the agricultural community, stating, “We’re going to do everything we can

because we’ve got your back.” The farmers’ grievances stem from the Welsh government’s proposals, which include mandating the allocation of 10% of agricultural land for forestry and an additional 10% for wildlife habitat as part of the Sustainable Farming Scheme aimed at combating climate change. The Welsh government has defended its stance, emphasizing the scheme’s flexibility and the ongoing consultation process.

The protest actions have escalated recently, with a significant demonstration expected in Cardiff next week. Amidst these developments, Sunak critiqued the Welsh government’s approach, highlighting the broader discontent with policies such as the controversial 20mph speed limit and perceived mismanagement in health and education sectors. In his speech, Sunak accused the

Labour party of treating Wales as a “laboratory” for untested policies, causing “enormous anger” among the Welsh people.

The prime minister also addressed the economic outlook, citing reductions in inflation and energy prices and the initiation of mortgage rate declines as evidence of positive direction under his leadership. He leveraged the opportunity to criticize Labour’s immigration and environmental policies, contrasting them with the Conservative government’s achievements and future plans.

Controversially, Sunak’s support for the protesting farmers comes at a time when the UK government has been tightening legislation against disruptive protests. This stance raises questions about the potential implications of backing such protests, especially with a planned farmer demonstration in Cardiff, which, while expected to be orderly,

ELUNED MORGAN AS/MS

WITH daffodils blooming and the Six Nations tournament in full swing, the spirit of Wales is in the air - and this year St David’s Day holds a special significance for me, as I’ll be taking part in two exciting events.

At the Senedd, I’m proud to be hosting Artist Grahame HurdWood’s exhibition, ‘City of Portraits.’ This remarkable project captures the spirit of St Davids through individual portraits, creating a vibrant community mosaic that reflects the diverse faces of our smallest City and its cultural richness.

A message from St Davids’ Bishop, Rt Revd Dorrien Davies will also be read at the Senedd by pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and representatives of the Cathedral.

in Wales.

Kerala’s Government has been instrumental in facilitating the sourcing of skilled healthcare professionals, who are eager to lend their expertise and support to our communities in Wales and have committed to this initiative as part of their broader economic development plan.

poses a political risk for Sunak if it leads to disruption.

In response, the Welsh government has highlighted its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, maintaining the Basic Payment Scheme at £238m in 2024, and developing the Sustainable Farming Scheme in partnership with the farming community to offer stability and support to all Welsh farmers.

The political discourse surrounding these protests and Sunak’s involvement illustrates the complex interplay between agricultural policy, environmental initiatives, and political strategy in Wales. As the situation unfolds, the impact of Sunak’s support for the farmers, against the backdrop of the UK’s post-Brexit agricultural policy landscape, remains to be seen, marking a critical moment in the ongoing debate over the future of farming and environmental stewardship in Wales.

The exhibition will run for two weeks and I would encourage you to visit the Senedd and immerse yourself in this celebration of distinct identities.

Looking beyond our borders, I am excited to also be representing the Welsh Government at the launch of ‘Year of Wales in India 2024’. This initiative, coinciding with St David’s Day, endeavours to strengthen economic and cultural bonds between our nations and will see a series of events and activities take place across key cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, to foster mutual understanding and appreciation between our cultures.

The main themes for these meetings will include trade, investment, education, culture and health, presenting an invaluable opportunity to fortify our relationship with India for years to come. During my visit, I will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government in Kerala - a partnership that will mark a pivotal step forward in addressing the pressing need for highly qualified nurses

They intentionally overtrain the number of nurses in the region with the deliberate foresight that many will seek opportunities overseas. This approach benefits both the nurses, who gain improved livelihoods and career prospects, and the area’s economic prosperity, as money is sent back home by those working abroad. Such proactive efforts in addressing global healthcare challenges exemplify a forwardthinking mindset aimed at sustainable development and mutual outcomes.

Through this partnership, we will not only address the immediate staffing needs within our healthcare system, but also forge enduring ties with talented Indian professionals - a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and cultivating advantageous opportunities for both nations.

These two events, though geographically distant, share a common theme - celebrating community. ‘City of Portraits’ highlights the interconnectedness within St Davids, while our journey to India seeks to forge new connections and fortify existing bonds with our international friends.

Whatever your plans may be, whether it’s attending events or spending time with loved ones, I wish you all a fantastic day celebrating our Patron Saint filled with a sense of Welsh pride.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus!

Half of English councils face bankruptcy

• 90% of residents nationwide will pay more in council tax and fees

• Nearly 70% will see reduced services

MORE than half (51%) of senior council figures warn their councils are likely to go bust in the next parliament unless local government funding is reformed, reveals a new report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), with 9% of council respondents saying they were likely to declare effective bankruptcy in the next financial year - representing 14 unique councils.

A mere 4% of respondents had confidence in the sustainability of local government finance, and only 6% were happy with the Westminster government’s performance in understanding the scale of the problem facing council finances.

The 2024 State of Local Government Finance report, which

anonymously surveyed council leaders, chief executives, chief finance officers and cabinet members for finance, found nine in ten plan to increase fees on areas such as parking and environmental waste, and the same proportion plan to raise council tax, with one fifth (21%) continuing to sell publicly-owned assets.

Worryingly, more than half of respondents drew on their reserves this financial year (2023-2024) and plan to draw on them again in the upcoming year.

This year’s survey found nearly one-third of council respondents (31.9%) plan on cutting parks and leisure, with another third (30.6%) cutting arts and culture and a similar proportion slashing business support (30%).

One in ten will cut SEND services, 11.9%

will cut children’s care services, and 16.2% will slash adult social care.

For councils responsible for social care, children’s social care is by far the most urgent short-term pressure and adults and children’s social care together make up the most serious longterm pressure.

Among councils without these responsibilities, housing and homelessness are the most serious shortterm and long-term pressures, with the environment and waste a close second place for long-term pressure.

High inflation and a rising need for council services have compounded the impact of central government funding cuts.

Even for councils that manage to balance the books, there are concerns that some

services they provide may fall below legal standards, which will continue unabated without costly legal challenges.

The LGIU believes there are several solutions to the local government funding crisis that don’t put more pressure on the taxpayer.

Sharing surplus funds between wealthier and more deprived councils while allocating central government funding to areas based on need rather than bidding are two of four low-cost solutions to the local government funding crisis proposed in Learning from Local Government Finance across the World.

These are popular options for reform: multi-year financial settlements were favoured by 97% of respondents, ending competitive bids for

funding and 100% business rates retention by three-quarters.

Yearly finance settlements incentivise short-term financial planning, such as reducing preventative services to make ends meet annually, even if these cost more in the long term.

The 2024 State of Local Government Finance report is part of the wider work of the LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre, which the LGIU set up to investigate the things that matter to our members and local government worldwide.

Jonathan CarrWest, Chief Executive of LGIU, said: “We have long warned that a lack of funding combined with inflation and rising need for adult and children’s social care, homelessness, and SEND services has pushed councils to the brink.

“This year’s State of Local Government Finance report reveals councils’ desperate, ruinous financial situation.

“Cutting services, borrowing more money and spending reserves year after year is completely unsustainable. Citizens are being failed.

“With overzhalf of councils warning us they are at risk of bankruptcy within the next parliament, it is no longer possible to blame individual governance issues.

“There clearly is a systemic issue and rather than bunging local government panicked injections of cash, whoever wins the next election will need to reform the entire system, bringing back multi-year settlements based on an area’s need and developing new ways of revenue raising.”

Low expectations for the next First Minister

IN TWO WEEKS, we will know who has been elected by the Labour Party in Wales as their Leader and be our nation’s next First Minister.

It has been an underwhelming election, with both Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles vying for the role of continuity candidate, writes Jonathan Edwards MP.

The policy differences between them are minuscule. It is essentially an election about who Labour members and Trade Union affiliates believe will manage the Labour machine better.

To borrow from my Gramsci, Labour is a hegemonic force in Welsh politics and society.

Its tentacles permeate all aspects of Welsh public life. It has even infiltrated the national party, Plaid Cymru, considering the number of ex-Labour members in high positions of power within the party.

The new voting system for the Senedd will further entrench Labour’s political power.

The problem is that Labour operates more like a dynasty than a political party.

The leadership election seems based on

personality differences instead of major policy arguments.

Therefore, the new Leader will not herald a period of renewal, which is vital to any healthy democracy. As the years go by, this is increasingly becoming a major issue for the devolution project.

The major differences seem to be based on the fact that MSs and the Labour Membership seem to support Jeremy Miles.

Support for Vaughan Gethings seems to be concentrated amongst Labour MPs (only one supports Mr Miles) and the Unions.

I don’t know enough about the internal mechanisms of the Labour electoral college; however, the noises I hear are that Mr Gething is in the lead. Considering his lack of support amongst Labour MSs and the Labour Party membership compared to Mr Miles, this could be a source of tension in the future if he wins.

There isn’t much to catch the eye regarding the candidates’ proposed policy programmes.

I support the emphasis by Mr Miles in his economic policy in hoping to reverse the brain drain our communities suffer. Our biggest asset is our

people, especially our young people.

Reversing the demographic challenges we face should be an overriding national strategic goal.

On health, both candidates shy away from the major reconfiguration of services that Wales needs if we have any hope of meeting the nation’s future health challenges.

The problem for establishment political dynasties is that they maintain power by placating vested interests.

Regarding education, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in what is currently available. The same goes for the environment and housing. Both are committed to keeping 20mph.

From what I can see, concerning the constitution, Mr Gething does not seek any further powers, whilst Mr Miles supports the devolution of Home Office powers and elements of the welfare state.

To be fair to Mr Miles, he goes further than the likely offer of the forthcoming UK Labour Government. He knows he is highly unlikely to get any of these policy fields devolved – I suspect it is more strategic positioning

BLUE VIEW

WITH PAUL DAVIES MS

Pembrokeshire

Herald – No Farmers, No Food Times are very tense at the Senedd this week as Welsh farmers have come to Cardiff to protest against the Welsh Government’s plans for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. Farmers from all parts of Wales, Pembrokeshire included, have made it clear that they are very unhappy with the Welsh Government’s proposed changes to farming subsidies – and it’s perfectly understandable that they feel that way.

of loss to the wider rural economy. As has been said by Gareth Wyn Jones, that’s almost twice the jobs expected to be lost with the closure of the Tata Steel works in Port Talbot. So make no mistake, the consequences of these proposals, if they go ahead, are huge.

to protect the Labour flanks from Plaid Cymru attacks.

Perhaps the biggest difference is the likely relationship between the Labour Welsh Government and the incoming Labour UK Government.

The “Blame the UK Tory Government for everything” playbook will have to be binned, so Labour strategic thinking in Wales will have to change.

The Labour Party is extremely disciplined: Labour’s interests come before Wales’s.

Mr Gething will undoubtedly be ultra-loyal to the UK Government. Mr Miles might be more likely to reinvent a Clear Red puddle strategy.

Normally, the emergence of a new national Leader is a time of excitement and interest.

I feel that the election has passed over the heads of the public largely unnoticed.

It further indicates stagnation and apathy at the heart of Welsh politics.

That should greatly worry those of us who believe in greatly enhancing the political development of our country.

Should the plans go ahead as they are, from 2025, farmers will have to undertake new universal actions such as ensuring that at least 10% of a holding must be managed for habitat alongside the production of food, and they’ll also have to ensure that their farms has at least 10% tree cover by 2030.

Now, for some farmers, meeting these obligations would be simply impossible and for others it will result in them losing a large proportion of their productive land. Land that is used to actively produce the food that we eat. And that’s why farmers are campaigning under the banner ‘No Farmers No Food’ – a reminder to everyone that if we lose farmers, there will be huge implications for us in terms of the food we eat.

Indeed, a study has shown the Welsh Government’s plans could result in an estimated 122,200 reductions in Welsh livestock numbers, the loss of 5,500 jobs on Welsh farms and around £199 million

As a farmer’s son and someone who married in to a farming family, I know all too well just how difficult it is for farmers, even without these proposals. The cumulative effect of ineffective policies such as NVZ regulations and Bovine TB are already having an enormous impact on Pembrokeshire’s farmers – and these proposals will make life even more difficult. Our government should be supporting farmers, not hurting them and I’ll keep doing what I can to persuade the Welsh Government to rethink these plans and listen to our farmers.

Farmers’ pleas are being heard across the country – even Jeremy Clarkson has responded to the campaign to say that he thinks the Welsh Government’s proposals are daft!

So I’ll continue to back our farmers and speak up against the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals – and I do hope the Welsh Government will pause and listen to what they are saying. Farmers don’t want to be protesting across the country, they want to be on our land doing what they do best – and the Welsh Government should be doing everything in its power to support them.

death notices

An THO ny “TO ny”

B RADBURy

BRADBURY Mr Anthony “Tony” Llanddewi Velfrey

The death occurred at The Meadows Nursing Home, Johnston on 8th February of Mr Tony Bradbury. He was aged 80 & lived in Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire. Tony is survived by his wife Gillian, daughters

Samantha & Debbie, brother Vince, sisterin-law Janet, sonsin-law Andy & Rob, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 4 nephews & their respective families. The funeral service will take place on Thursday 7th March at Parc Gwyn Crematorium Narberth at 1.00pm. There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to the R.S.P.C.A. c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd. Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www. rossitersfunerals.co.uk

M RS E LI z ABETH

M A nn

MANN Mrs Elizabeth

Pennar, Pembroke Dock

The death occurred peacefully on Tuesday 20th February 2024 at Holyland Lodge Care Home, Pembroke of Mrs Elizabeth Margaret Mann affectionately known as Betty, aged 86 years of Castle Street, Pennar, Pembroke Dock. Dearly loved Mum and Motherin-law to Richard & Julie and Gareth. Cherished Nan to Carina, Richard, Ayden, James & Alex. A Treasured GreatNan. The funeral service will take place on Thursday 7th March 2024 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 10.45am. There will be family flowers only with donation in lieu if so desired for Cancer Research UK c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke

SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www. ecthomasandson.co.uk

S ARAH E LI z ABETH (B ETT y) E VA n S

EVANS Sarah Elizabeth (Betty) Peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Tuesday 20th February 2024 Sarah Elizabeth

(Betty) Evans of Portfield Gate, aged 90 years. Beloved wife of Tom and much loved mother of Dilwyn. The funeral service will take place on Thursday 7th March, 2:00pm at Bethlehem Chapel followed by interment at Bethlehem Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to Bethlehem Baptist Chapel may be sent c/o Mr Richard Evans, 1 Highlands Avenue, Haverfordwest, SA61 2RS. Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

H ERBERT (B ERT ) J O n ES

JONES Herbert ‘Bert’ Milford Haven The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Sunday 18th February

2024 of Mr. Herbert Jones, aged 83 years, of Westhill, Milford Haven. Beloved husband of Susan, devoted father of Austen and Kevin and loving grandfather of Ed, Ollie, Alex and James. Bert was an avid golfer and a member of Milford

Haven Golf Club for over 50 years. Bert was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The funeral service will take place on Friday 8th March 2024 at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only, donations in lieu for the Alzheimer’s Society can be sent direct to Alzheimer’s Society, Suite 2, 1st Floor East Wing, Plumer House, Tailyour Road, Plymouth, PL6 5FS. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Milford Haven. Tel: 01646 693180.

V ICTOR B E yn O n E DWARDS

EDWARDS Victor Beynon Fishguard Peacefully on Sunday 18th February at Withybush Hospital, Victor of Heol Glyndwr, Fishguard. Beloved husband of the late Maureen, loving father of Jill, Paul & Joan, a treasured grandfather, great grandfather and dear brother of Richard and his family. Funeral service on Monday 4th March at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell,

Fishguard at 11am followed by interment at Llangloffan Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Goodwick Brass Band ‘ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

H E n Ry E R n EST C OLES

COLES Henry Ernest

Suddenly at Withybush Hospital on Thursday

15th February 2024

Henry Ernest Coles of Prendergast, Haverfordwest aged 64 years. Beloved husband of Vicki, much loved father of Declan and Stacey and loving brother of Julie. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 5th March, 12 noon at St. David’s Church, Prendergast, Haverfordwest followed by interment at Prendergast Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to ICU Withybush Hospital may be sent c/o Faye Felice, 2 Dungleddy Court, Clarbeston Road,

SA63 4AA. Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

B Ryn LE y OWE n

PATRICK P HILLIPS

PHILLIPS Brynley

Owen Patrick Fishguard

Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 22nd February, surrounded by the love of his family. Adored husband of Angie, loving father and father in law of Gareth, Shaun, Esther, Sarah and Dan, much loved grandfather of Sonny and beloved brother, brother in law, uncle and great uncle. Funeral service on Wednesday 6th March at The Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 2.30pm, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium Narberth at 4.00pm. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Cancer Research Wales’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

le TT er S & no TI ce S

PIc Ture oF THe week!

Druidstone by Philip Jones

FLOOD DEFEnCES

DEAR SIR,

There was a lot in the papers last week about building flood defences - for Cardigan and for Aberaeron among other places. This is because our local authorities know that Wales, along with the rest of the world, is facing the crisis of climate change. This change is bringing extreme weather and rising sea levels, and these problems will become worse as we continue to put greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, mainly through burning fossil fuels.

The cost of such flood defences is huge, but absolutely necessary to protect us.

Others are seeking to protect us by a different and complementary

approach - trying to reduce climate change by reducing our use of fossil fuels. This week, climate activists from Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire will be joining with others from throughout the UK and in over 30 countries around the world in a global week of action termed ‘Insure our Future’. This will involve focusing on insurance companies in both the City of London and in towns and cities across the UK. These companies enable the giant coal, oil and gas companies to start new projects to explore for and extract fuels which are causing chaos in the climate. Without insurance, these new projects cannot go ahead.

The protest actions in the last week of February will pressure all insurers to rule out covering fossil fuel expansion. Just 20 companies insure 70% of world fossil fuel projects.

A large number of these companies are based in the UK, mostly in the City

of London, but some have branches in Wales too.

The United Nations IPCC has said that more than enough fossil fuel is already being extracted from current sources for us to use as we wean ourselves off fossil fuels quickly while developing sufficient renewable fuels. To search for and exploit new fossil fuels is environmental madness, destroying the stable climate balance which has existed since the beginnings of human civilisation some 12,000 years ago.

Some protesters from Cardigan and from climate groups throughout West Wales will be joining protests outside insurance companies, while others will be supporting the same campaign through emails, social media, phone calls and so on. The aim is to persuade these companies to Insure Our Future rather than ensuring our destruction.

If you’d like to know more, then contact cardiganxr@protonmail. com.

Philippa Gibson

WE CAn FInD SOLUTIOnS THAT SAFEGUARD OUR COUnTRySIDE

DEAR SIR,

I read with interest the BBC’s report on plans requiring Welsh farmers to dedicate 10% of their agricultural land to trees or wildlife habitat. While I fully support environmental conservation and have personally contributed to this cause by planting hundreds of native trees, I am concerned about the timing and approach of these mandates.

The UK is grappling with significant challenges, including food insecurity and the basic needs of its citizens. In such times, the stability of our farming

sector is paramount. The proposed measures, although well-intentioned, may inadvertently strain farmers further, risking both rural and urban livelihoods.

It is crucial to strike a balance that supports both our environment and agricultural productivity. Encouraging farmers through voluntary schemes and incentives to enhance biodiversity, manage waterways, and maintain hedgerows can achieve these goals without resorting to what might be perceived as coercive measure

I urge policymakers to reconsider these proposals, ensuring they foster collaboration between environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability. By working together, we can find solutions that safeguard our countryside, support our farmers, and meet our environmental goals.

James Hardy

MARy’S MEALS

DEAR SIR,

A few years ago, a dear friend joined the Mary’s Meals team and shortly after she asked me if I had ever considered becoming a volunteer. I’d never heard of Mary’s Meals before but soon enough, after doing some research, I signed up as a volunteer.

This incredible charity provides nutritious meals every school day to more than 2.4 million hungry children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries, giving them the energy to learn and dream of a brighter future.

I’m a mother of three daughters aged nine, 11 and 13, and we are so lucky that our girls go to school each day and will grow up to be well-educated young women, something which is often taken for granted here in the UK.

My husband and I try to instil good morals and teach them that they can make a difference to those who are less fortunate than us. My daughters have attended many fundraising events with me, they’ve helped me give talks supporting Mary’s Meals and have even made and sold their own merchandise to raise money. Hopefully they’ll never forget how lucky they are.

This Mother’s Day, I’ll be asking my girls for the gift of hope in the form of a Mary’s

goT SoMeTHIng SaY?

Send your letters to editor@herald.email

Meals gift card. These beautiful cards cost just £19.15, which is enough to feed a hungry child for a whole school year.

You can support Mary’s Meals by purchasing gift cards from marysmeals.org. uk/shop.

I am aware that we may never get to meet the mums in other countries whose children we help, but our family knows that our small and simple acts of kindness will have a profound effect on those families.

We want to be able to make that life-changing impact on other mums across the world, as we all know how difficult being a mum can be, but equally how rewarding it is. All we ever want as parents is the best for our children.

Nina Wylie, Mary’s Meals volunteer

SerVIceS

CARPEnTRy

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHy

FEnCInG, DRIVEWAyS AnD LAnDSCAPInG

FABRICATIOn

HAIRDRESSInG HAnDyMAn OVEn

RECLAIMED BUILDInG MATERIAL

RUBBISH AnD WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIOnAL CAR WASH

SCRAP METAL

SOUnD LIGHT AnD STAGE

TECHnOLOGy AnD COMPUTERS

PODIATRy

SerVIceS

TSP or

Pembrokeshire football Division One round up

IT was once again a weekend where the majority of the county’s scheduled football fell foul to waterlogged and unplayable pitches. A frustrating time for players, club members and referees alike as the last month to six weeks has been very wet and we’ve had a huge number of games called off.

In the first division Clarbeston Road continued their dominance over Hakin United as we reported in our feature game. Two other games were played in the top division Tenby made it three wins in a row when they beat Fishguard 4-2 at the Clicketts. Adam Muskett scored twice, both assisted by the man of the match Jerome Mansbridge who then scored twice

to cap off a stand out performance. The result lifts the Seasiders into fifth place, while Fishguard look all but relegated as they sit

rock bottom on just four points.

Tenby’s local rivals Kilgetty boosted their league position with an important win over Pennar Robins at Bush

Camp. Robins missed a great opportunity to go one up when they were awarded a penalty but Edmundson failed to hit the target from the spot. Josh Bevans goal

was enough to secure the three points for the visitors who now only sit two points behind Pennar with four games in hand over them.

Ioan and Garan Croft rumoured to be switching pro

LOCAL boxing

sensations

Ioan and Garan Croft from Crymych, who have collectively amassed impressive amateur accolades over the past 14 years, are reportedly making the transition to the professional boxing scene.

The talented twins, aged 22, clinched gold and bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, marking a significant milestone in their amateur careers. Originally eyeing the Paris Olympics this summer, the duo has now chosen a different path, opting to embark on their professional boxing journey just four months shy of the Games.

If rumors hold true, the Croft twins are poised to become the first identical twins to venture into the professional boxing arena in Britain since the legendary Henry Cooper and his brother Jim did so in the mid-1950s.

Introduced to the

sport by their father, Guy, at the tender age of eight, the twins took to Instagram to announce their decision, expressing gratitude to Welsh Boxing for their unwavering support since joining the team on a full-time basis in 2019. The heartfelt post acknowledged the

pivotal role of Welsh Boxing in guiding them to Commonwealth Games success and expressed appreciation for GB Boxing’s contributions over the past two years.

The twins, who collectively participated in 280 amateur fights since 2011, achieved notable success not only

at the Commonwealth Games but also at the European Championship and European Under-22 Championship. Their journey, initiated by their father who coached them throughout their amateur career, has now entered a new chapter.

In their Instagram post, the twins stated,

“A journey we have done together from the start. It is now time for us to move into the next chapter of our boxing careers.” Expressing excitement for the future, they thanked everyone involved, from coaches to support staff, and emphasised that their journey has just begun.

Manderwood PeMBrokeSHIre league results

24th February

Fixtures

2nd March 2024

Division 1

Neyland v Hakin United

Division 2

Cosheston v Broad Haven

Narberth v Camrose

Division 3

Clarbeston Road II v Solva

Kilgetty II v Pennar Robins II

Lawrenny v St Florence

Letterston v Neyland II

Pendine v Pembroke Boro

Division 4

Camrose II v Angle

Carew III v Tenby II

Monkton Swifts III v Prendergast Villa

N Hedges & Saundersfoot vSt Ishmaels II

Newport Tigers v Milford Athletic

Division 5

Herbrandston II v Lawrenny II

Johnston II v mManorbier United

St Clears IIv Letterston II

2024 SIX NATIONS 2024 Wales’ rising star!

SIX NATIONS

IN the recent loss to Ireland in Dublin, Wales may not have emerged victorious, but the performance of 21-year-old Cameron Winnett once again underscored the potential of Wales’ emerging talents.

As Winnett left the field for a Head Injury Assessment alongside Wales team doctor Geoff Davies, the visible signs of his dedication and effort were evident. With a bandaged head and gumshield in hand, Winnett

reflected on a missed opportunity for his first international try. Positioned wide on the pitch, he gestured for the ball, but it never reached him, leaving Wales without a score. His visible frustration, however, spoke volumes about his commitment and belief in his abilities.

This attention to detail and demand for excellence is a notable aspect of Winnett’s game, especially considering that this season marks his breakthrough in senior rugby. Coach Matt Sherratt highlighted the need for Winnett to be more vocal on the field, akin to seasoned player Liam Williams. Teammate Josh Turnbull acknowledged that, for his age, Winnett’s on-field communication was already advanced.

Without drawing direct comparisons to his predecessors in the 15 jersey, Winnett’s slender frame and commanding presence on the Aviva Stadium pitch, battered and bandaged, evoked memories of Williams. Since his debut against Scotland in the Six Nations opener, Winnett has consistently demonstrated his potential, including a crucial try-saving tackle at Twickenham.

Turnbull drew parallels between Winnett’s style and that of former full-

back Leigh Halfpenny, praising his low-error game and diligent approach to training. Despite the defeat in Ireland being Winnett’s toughest challenge to date, he not only held his own but displayed a maturity that belied his limited international experience.

In just 240 minutes of rugby at this level, Winnett’s growth has been remarkably impressive. While early mistakes were noted, especially in the loss to Scotland, Winnett’s recent performance showcased a player who has learned and adapted quickly to the pace, intensity, and physicality of international rugby.

During a seven-minute unbroken passage of play in Dublin, Winnett demonstrated his progress, making smart decisions, engaging the chase effectively, and showcasing defensive prowess. His composure under the high ball and ability to act as a second-receiver in Wales’ attack were particularly commendable, offering a positive outlook for the team’s evolving strategy.

Gatland expressed confidence in Winnett’s future, stating, “He’s going to be good. He’s calm, we’re really pleased with him, and he’s only going to get better.”

The Six nations continues 9th March with Italy v Scotland • England v Ireland then 10th March with Wales v France

Cymru stun Republic of Ireland 2-0

CYMRU delivered a stellar performance, securing an unexpected 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, as rumors circulate around their newfound form.

In a first-half display marked by goals from Seattle Reign duo Jess Fishlock and Lily Woodham, Cymru, under the interim guidance of Jon Grey and observed by newly appointed manager Rhian Wilkinson, showcased an attacking, high-tempo style of play. The team demonstrated resilience, denying the Republic a goal with a remarkable save from Olivia Clark to thwart Amber Barrett’s powerful effort.

For Cymru, this victory marked a morale-boosting night, breaking a 10-month winless streak following the challenging experience of relegation from the top tier of the Nations League. Having faced only top-level opponents in 2023, the team

seems to have absorbed positive lessons, eagerly anticipating the Euro 2025 qualifying draw next week with aspirations for a historic major tournament appearance.

Conversely, the Republic of Ireland may harbor disappointment, managing only four shots on target throughout the night. Despite making two changes to their starting XI, with Leanne Kiernan and Barrett entering the lineup, their performance fell short.

Jon Grey, serving as Cymru’s interim boss, made only one change, maintaining the majority of the XI that held Germany to a 0-0 draw in the final Nations League match in December.

Grey, assisted by Cymru’s alltime top scorer Helen Ward, strategically included Hayley Ladd and Elise Hughes, the Championship’s top scorer, in the lineup.

Cymru’s attacking prowess,

especially away from home, defied their lower world ranking. The early lead, established in the seventh minute through Fishlock’s tap-in from Ladd’s assist, showcased Cymru’s clinical touch. Woodham doubled the lead on the 22nd minute, finishing brilliantly from Hughes’ setup.

The Republic, considered favorites, faced an uphill battle against Cymru’s aggressive play, orchestrated by Grey. Despite the hosts’ improved performance in the second half, Cymru maintained control, with Hughes and substitute Ceri Holland threatening a third goal.

Debutant Lois Joel, captain of London City Lionesses, contributed to Cymru’s defensive solidity as they comfortably protected their lead. The Republic, experiencing their first defeat since the World Cup, suffered further setbacks with Katie McCabe’s injury.

Cymru welcomes Rhian

FORMER Team GB and England coach

Rhian Wilkinson has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Cymru women’s national team. The 41-yearold Canadian, who boasts an impressive playing career with 183 caps for Canada, has inked a three-year deal with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), extending until 2027. Wilkinson steps into the role previously held by Gemma Grainger, who departed last month to take up the position of head coach for Norway.

Wilkinson, whose coaching prowess was recently demonstrated by securing the NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns in 2022, brings a wealth of experience to the Cymru team. Prior to her success with the Thorns, she served as an assistant to England’s Helge Riise and collaborated with him in overseeing Team GB at the 2021 Olympic Games. Her coaching journey also includes roles within Canada’s under-17s and under-20s setup, as well as serving as an assistant head coach for Canada’s senior side during the 2019 World Cup.

Cymru, currently regrouping after a challenging UEFA Nations League campaign, is gearing up for Euro 2025 qualification. Wilkinson expresses confidence in the squad’s potential, believing they have the quality to compete in next summer’s finals in Switzerland. In a statement on her appointment, Wilkinson shared, “It’s an incredible honor to be taking on the role of Cymru head coach. The team has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, and I aim to build on that with our mission to qualify for next summer’s Euros and beyond.”

With her Welsh roots – Wilkinson’s mother is Welsh, and she spent part of her childhood in south Wales – the new head coach is eager to immerse herself in the country’s culture. FAW president Steve Williams expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to welcome Rhian to the FAW as the Women’s national team head coach.” He looks forward to witnessing further progress as the team strives for major tournament qualification, aiming to place Cymru on the world stage.