The Pembrokeshire Herald 15/03/2024

Local carer admits defrauding client

A PEMBROKESHIRE carer has admitted defrauding a man placed in her care by over £7,000.

Paige James, 30, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, dishonestly abused her position when she was employed as the gentleman’s carer at an undisclosed property in Milford Haven between July 2020 and January 2022.

This week James was brought before Haverfordwest magistrates court where she pleaded guilty to the charge of fraud by abuse of position.

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told magistrates that the offence was committed while James was employed as the man’s carer. Her position demanded that she safeguarded the financial interests of her client

however Ms Jaackson said that James abused her position by intending to make a personal financial gain from her client that amounted to £7,094.11

“This offence is of a higher culpability, based on the amount of money involved,” said Ms Jackson.

“As a result, I ask magistrates to commit that matter to Crown Court for sentence.”

James was legally represented by Mr Anthony O’Connell who made no representations on behalf of his lient.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and the matter

was adjourned until April 2, when James will appear at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing.

The Bench requested an all-options report to be prepared by the probation service in advance of her sentencing.

James was released on unconditional bail.

Family pay tribute following death of 15-year-old boy

THE FAMILY of a boy who sadly passed away on Friday afternoon (Mar 1) has paid tribute.

Callum Wright, aged 15, died at a location in the Lampeter area.

His family has issued a statement to say: “On Friday the 1st of March, our precious Callum took his own life. As a family, we are utterly devastated and struggling to comprehend existing in a world without our Callum.

In the days following, we have been overwhelmed with the support shown to us by our community.

We knew that Callum

was an outstanding and caring individual, but we have been profoundly touched by the stories and memories about him that have been shared with us, demonstrating the immense impact he has made on people’s lives.

In the wise words of Callum’s cousin ‘Please if anyone is suffering in silence please speak up. There are many people who care about you and who care about Callum. Forget the stigma, boys should be able to talk to people and not keep it in for themselves.’”

Four times over the limit

A NEYLAND man has escaped a custodial sentence after driving his Mercedes through the town when he was almost four times over the legal drink-limit.

Police officers followed Wayne Morris as he drove his Mercedes CLA from the Crossways Service Station in Honeyborough to his home in Water Street, Neyland on the afternoon of February 24.

“His vehicle was swerving erratically, it was braking erratically, it hit a kerb and on a number of occasions it came very close to causing an accident,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates when Morris appeared before them on Tuesday.

Subsequent intoximeter tests showed that Morris, 51, had no less than 134 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that the offence was committed after Morris learned that a close family member had received a cancer diagnosis.was told.

“He consumed a considerable amount of alcohol after receiving the bad news, and drank into the early hours,” she said. “At around 4.30pm the following day, he thought he was ok to drive, so he drove from his home in Neyland to the service station. But when he got there,he had second thoughts and decided to drive home.”

But police officers who had been present at the service station, decided to follow Morris as he drove his vehicle home.

“He knows he faces a serious situation today, as this high reading could attract a custodial sentence,” added Julie Norman.

Morris pleaded guilty to a charge of drinkdriving and was legally represented by barrister Mr David Griffiths.

“When my client received the bad news about a relative who had been diagnosed with cancer, he went on a binge all night and through into the early hours, even though he’d been off the drink for some time prior,” said Mr Griffiths.

“When he woke up the following afternoon and decided to drive, he made a ridiculous mistake.”

Mr Griffiths went on to inform magistrates that Morris was involved in a serious road accident in 2019 which resulted in the amputation of his hand. As a result, he is in constant pain and has severe anxiety issues, which often leads to his dependence on alcohol.

“He recognises he has an issue with alcohol and has now taken steps to have counselling in that regard,” he said.

“My client needs help as a result of the accident and the PTSD which this has caused him, and I ask this court to give him that support that he so greatly needs.”

After considering the mitigation, magistrates sentenced Morris to eight weeks in custody suspended for 18 months. He was disqualified from driving for 32 months.

He must also carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 surcharge.

Stoddart vindicated in Council grants scandal

• Counsel’s advice slates slapdash police investigation

• Officers incompetence mind-boggling

• A simple fraud netted hundreds of thousands of pounds

THE STORY of the Pembroke Dock Commercial Property Grant Scheme goes back a dozen years, if not more.

The scandal-because that is what it is-is only superficially complex.

As councillors heard last week, it was a crude fraud.

THE SHORT VERSION

For new readers unfamiliar with the story, the facts can be summarised like this:

A property developer, Cathal McCosker, bought several town centre properties in Pembroke Dock;

Using a European

grant scheme intended to regenerate commercial properties, Mr McCosker converted the properties he’d bought into bedsits, with only a minor commercial footprint;

The bedsits were not developments for which grant funding was eligible;

To access the grants to fund his bedsit empire, Cathal McCosker needed the services of an architect who would say the works done were eligible, and a council officer prepared to certify they had been completed

He found both.

The issue is not only

the hundreds of thousands of pounds of grant money Mr McCosker got for participating in such a basic criminal enterprise. He also benefited from rent payments subsidised by the taxpayer through the Housing Benefit scheme.

On the most generous reading possible, Council staff members facilitated Cathal McCosker’s moneymaking grant mill through incompetence. The alternative is that they were complicit in fraud.

That much was in the public domain before a devastating legal opinion landed before the Full Council last week.

THE TALE OF THE TALE

While studying in Lampeter in 2012, my attention was drawn to a short story in The Western Telegraph. It reported that a series of companies connected to one man, Cathal McCosker, had cornered the market for redeveloping commercial properties in Pembroke Dock.

My curiosity meant I looked up Mr McCosker’s offices on the Companies House website.

There were several companies connected with individual properties in Pembroke Dock.

Tom Sinclair, then editor of Pembrokeshire’s Best, told me to contact Mike Stoddart, who, he said, had a nose for this sort of thing.

Inspection: Mike Stoddart points out a decidedly not entirely new roof

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

Was it corruption or incompetence?

I discovered Cllr Stoddart had been busily working on the same story for some time.

Cllr Stoddart had already exposed the questionable conduct of the IPG ruling clique and officers’ complicity in dubious deals.

To say he was all over the Pembroke Dock grants scandal would be an understatement. His knowledge was encyclopaedic, and his suspicions about what was going on chimed with my research.

STODDART’S QUEST FOR THE TRUTH

In April 2013, Mike Stoddart began to peel back the layers of deceit surrounding the Scheme.

A site visit took place.

One of the premises visited was the old chemist’s in Dimond Street Pembroke Dock.

I was familiar with them. I’d changed prescriptions there for years.

The whole shop premises were supposed to be refurbished. I spoke to Mike Stoddart and pointed out that the racking on the walls, crudely painted over, was the same as that of the former chemists, and the counter was in the same place.

Cllr David Simpson, then a Cabinet member, interrupted our conversation and drew Mike Stoddart away to look at something.

Mike Stoddart returned wearing a narrow smile.

I asked him what he’d seen.

The claim for the works to the shop claimed that new fireproofing had been installed. In the back room,

there was a large hole in the ceiling. The hole offered an unrivalled view of the bare floorboards of the flat above. There was no fireproofing.

In September, a report went to the Audit Committee whitewashing the affair.

Sitting at the back of the room, I saw Cllrs Mike Stoddart and Jacob Williams probe away at officers’ bland assurances that everything was okay.

In one memorable exchange, the former Director of Communities, Dr Steven Jones, said if anything financially amiss were to occur, the sum involved would amount to no more than the cost of a few bread rolls from County Hall’s canteen.

So many bread rolls were involved in the swindle that the Council

risked developing gluten intolerance.

At the end of 2013, things began to move quickly.

Cllr Stoddart raised a notice of motion at Full Council about the conduct of the Grants Scheme. He asked that members be given access to the key documents.

His reward was a series of personal smears, a completely misleading report prepared for the Council by one of the officers responsible for administering the Scheme, and lies about supposed inspections carried out by the then-leader of the Council, Jamie Adams, and the Cabinet member responsible for the Scheme’s oversight, David Pugh.

Cllr Pugh, in particular,

humiliated himself by referring to his inspection of a terraced property’s side elevation.

TWISTS AND TURNS

Things took an even more bizarre twist when the tender documents and other materials were inspected.

The tenders provided to different contractors were different. Instead of cancelled cheques married to invoices, cheque stubs made out by Mr McCosker were accepted as proof of payment. No attempt at even basic audit practice or checking had ever been made.

On seeing the shambles, Cllrs Mike Stoddart and Jacob Williams reported their concerns to the then-

Director of Finance.

It’s taken over ten years - a whitewash over the Scheme’s management, a scandal over a former Chief Executive’s conduct, successive boots into the long grass, a botched Police investigation of howling superficiality, and yet more officer cover-ups - to get to the advice given to Councillors last week.

All the smears, brickbats, lies, half-lies, and innuendoes boil down to a few key findings.

Councillor Stoddart was right all along.

There was criminality; council officers’ incompetence beggared belief; complicity in the deceit couldn’t be ruled out (the key one conveniently resigned when the scandal broke to spend more time with the pension we

funded); evidence had been conveniently “lost”; minutes of meetings tampered with, there was more than enough evidence to charge and prosecute at least two people, including Cathal McCosker.

Councillor Mike Stoddart was right all along. Even the Police had tried speciously smearing him to cover for their incompetence, but he was right.

And it’s now too late to do anything about it.

There is no realistic prospect of a successful public or private prosecution. Too much time has passed.

SORRY IS THE HARDEST WORD

You’d imagine, being a gracious sort of fellow, that Cllr Jamie Adams - still at the head of the IPG, albeit now in opposition - would find it within himself to offer an unreserved apology to Cllr Stoddart for the smears, innuendoes, and outright lies directed at the Hakin councillor by his administration and its lackeys.

Not one bit of it.

Cllr Adams ducked out, saying: “I have never lied in this Chamber”.

We can take him at his word.

However, he was lieadjacent.

He was in charge, and the buck stopped with him for his colleagues’ conduct.

You don’t lead from behind, as he’s chided current Council Leader David Simpson.

Accepting his dictum, he set the tone for his administration and its conduct.

He allowed his IPG to hound and harass Cllr Mike Stoddart and didn’t step in to stop them.

Because Cllr Stoddart was telling the truth.

Cllr Adams is fond of talking about “learnings”.

All he has to do is learn to say sorry.

A lot of time has passed. Many County Councillors in the Chamber now do not know the whole story. This is just a summary of the key issues.

But you must learn from the past; otherwise, you’re doomed to repeat it.

A Cathal McCosker project: A not-so-completely refitted shop interior

Up on the roof: As personally inspected by Cllrs Adams and Pugh

Drug user arrested in Dock

A DRUG user who attempted to look after ‘an old lady friend’ after she fell on the roadside on two separate occasions following an afternoon in a Pembroke Dock pub found himself on the wrong side of the law when his bag was searched by police officers.

During the search, police discovered that Shawn Mardon was in possession of:

• 0.74 grams of cocaine;

• 18.3g of herbal cannabis;

• Eight Pregabalin tablets and

• Three grams of cannabis resin.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that on the afternoon of November 2 Mardon, 28, was visiting Pembroke Dock where he decided to meet up with a former acquaintance.

“He’d gone out that afternoon to meet up with an old lady friend,” his solicitor, Michael

Kelleher, informed the court.

“They’d been drinking in a pub and then my client left. But as he was walking away, the lady came out and fell over in the car park. People shouted for him to come back and he did. The lady then tried walking across the road, but once again, she fell over.

“Shawn Mardon continued to stay with her as he didn’t want to leave her on her own, even though he knew there were drugs inside his bag.”

Mardon, of Lansbury Park, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to four charges of being in possession of controlled drugs, namely cocaine, which is a Class A drug, herbal cannabis and cannabis resin, which are both Class B drugs, and Pregabalin, which is Class C.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. A forfeiture and destruction order was imposed on each of the drugs.

How we covered the Council grants scandal

OUR involvement predates The Pembrokeshire Herald.

From christening Cathal McCosker as “The Baron of the Bedsits” in Pembrokeshire’s Best Magazine, we continued following the story.

We unmasked the Council Officer who’d meddled with the minutes.

We discovered thenCEO Bryn Parry Jones had squashed attempts to bring disciplinary proceedings against at least one Council employee.

We reported the stormy meeting between the thenAudit Committee Chair, Jon Evans MBE, and Mr Parry Jones, culminating in Mr Parry Jones threatening to use private investigators to uncover who was leaking stories to The Herald and Mr Evans’s principled resignation. Our source was not Mr Evans. We can report County Hall has very thin walls.

We covered a stormy planning committee meeting in which a retrospective planning application revealed that Mr McCosker had built ten bedsits in the former NatWest Bank in Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, and not the four flats for which permission had been granted.

We unpicked the bizarre transaction involving a former butcher’s shop in Dimond Street and works allegedly done there.

As we probed further, we found that thousands of pounds in Housing Benefit payments were being paid to a bank account in Ireland and were unaccounted

for in Mr McCosker’s companies’ accounts.

We uncovered that a grant application relating to the former Douglas Burton’s tailors in Dimond Street had been approved BEFORE Mr McCosker had bought the property.

We revealed that - amid the growing scandal - one of Mr McCosker’s companies had been approved to redevelop properties in Castle Terrace, Pembroke, into bedsits.

We uncovered how tenants with rental agreements allegedly covering all bills had been left high and dry when those bills went unpaid.

We reported how key evidence, a laptop, and its hard drive had been suspiciously lost.

The continuing attempts by senior Council officers and the IPG to kick the can down the road were as scandalous as the fraud itself.

Public money had been spent improperly and was still paying Housing Benefit to Mr McCosker’s companies.

The haze of scandal surrounding the Grants Scheme led to probes into Bryn Parry Jones’s unlawful pension arrangements and ultimately to his departure from the local authority.

The more information we got, the more one thing became clear.

We discussed our view with Mike Stoddart.

He’d reached the same conclusion.

It really was a VERY simple fraud with very few moving parts.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

N EW farms are springing up with a different future for farming. Jim Bowen, a north Pembrokeshire farmer and care farmer finds it as he digs into the history below the furious farmer protests.

Since the Second World War British farming has been a precarious occupation with outside influences dictating farming policy. Initially the order was for farmers to produce as much food as possible, so we could be self sufficient as a nation, and then, as the globalisation took hold, what we were told to farm changed to meet the demands of the international market.

Sometimes our orders came from London, sometimes Brussels and sometimes the courts as multinational companies tried to force nations to sell their GM seeds and carcinogenic pesticides. And each time farming communities tried to adapt,

changing what we were doing, diversifying, taking out hedgerows, putting them back, trying different crops, doing whatever we could to come out profitable at the end.

In the 1980s, many of us took out crippling bank loans when we were told to expand our production, and many of us lost our homes when the times grew leaner and supermarkets abandoned us, importing cheaper, lower quality food from elsewhere.

Some farmers went organic or extensive to avoid the intensive farming trap. But the majority of us were already caught in the system of producing food as cheaply as possible, meeting supermarket demands and suffering in the process.

And through all these times farmers relied on grants and subsidies to stay viable. Our nation expects cheap food, the media told us, and then, when we were paid less than it costs to produce the food, we were scorned for expecting handouts, forgetting that supermarkets take the lion’s share of customers’ money.’

The latest protests target Welsh government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme. Its aim is to reward farmers for the services they

currently provide for free. The habitats for nature, water management, carbon capture in deep soils and woody crops, the beauty and variety of the landscape and more. The market may pay for produce but the public purse should pay for public benefits. The principle makes sense, details can be improved.

The campaign’s convener James Melville is a Cornwall-based, non-farming ‘social media commentator’ who denies climate change and undermines a lot of good in the scheme. How it can be cheaper to buy New Zealand lamb in a Haverfordwest supermarket, than to buy Welsh lamb? How is it that our farming practices have brought about a 60% reduction in farmland birds since the 1970s? How is it that the drive for cheap eggs has permitted so many industrial poultry units in Powys that the River Wye is suffocating with green algae blooms directly linked the poultry production? Many are jointly owned by Cargill, an American food business who in 2001 was sued for polluting 2 lakes in Oklahoma. Evidently being fined $7.5 million had no effect.

Instead of campaigning against environmental farming Welsh farmers could band together to reject the polluting profit dominated intensive farming model. This could give Welsh farming a major advantage

in the market, feeding people with the pride and passion we all share.

Jim’s vision is shared by many customers. Old farms are changing and new ones are springing up to meet the opportunity while collaborating through new and old networks.

Awen Organics is a 2 year old market garden on 25 acres in Nevern. It already feeds 200 to 300 households with their full veg requirements weekly. There are 200 varieties of 50 crops grown under the molten skies of Pembrokeshire, looking out to sea and hills. The young owners have been market gardeners on one rented plot after another until they finally had enough to buy this permanent home for their agro-ecological business.

They sell within 10 miles and most of the fertility is grown on site.

Grower and owner Adam Payne’s vision “We want local markets and local trade, high biodiversity, affordable nutrient dense food and good livelihoods for farmers, growers and everyone else! We work for this through the Landworkers’ Alliance and internationally through La Via Campesina.”

Nevern Valley Veg is run by a local girl and her partner with 7

acres to grow into. With twin goals, to grow for wildlife and humans, their produce is loved in Wholefoods of Newport and local cafés. Everything is sold within 5 miles, water is pumped by solar power and an electric cargo bike will manage the deliveries.

Pembrokeshire has many meat farmers and dairies whose customers love the way they farm. The national shortage of veg growers is being rectified by these and other new growers.

New and old regenerative farmers still only feed a minority.

Rather than marginalise their achievements let’s build a supply chain for conscious shoppers to fall back in love with their producers. Then the majority could buy food that is the flower of our land, not its destroyer.

Triathlete and gifted dressage rider, tragically killed

THE PARENTS of a woman who sadly passed away following a road traffic collision on Saturday (Mar 9) have said that she was the ‘light of their lives.’

Alice Smith, aged 31 was cycling along the B4306 near Hendy when she was involved in a collision with a red Seat Ibiza.

Her family said: “Alice was training for a triathlon in Barcelona later this year and was on her way to Llangyndeyrn when she died.

“Alice was happiest amongst her close friends, work colleagues

and her horse-riding circle. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met.

“As well as her triathlon and Ironman training, Alice was becoming a gifted dressage rider and was about to compete at the Petplan finals at Addington Manor with her beloved horse Tess.

“The loss of Alice has

left a massive hole in our lives and all that knew her.”

Police said: “We continue to conduct enquiries in relation to the fatal collision on the B4306 on Saturday 9th March.

“It is now believed that the red Seat Ibiza may have travelled from Pontyberem to Drefach,

and then left Drefach on the B4310 towards Tumble.

“The vehicle continued from Tumble to Llannon on the A476 before turning onto the B4306 towards Hendy.

“The investigation team continue to appeal for witnesses who may have information.

“They are particularly

keen to see dashcam, doorbell and CCTV footage of the red car before the collision from those who reside, or may have travelled, along the above route between 1.15-2pm.

“Do you have information that could help us with this investigation? Please, let us know by calling 101.”

£1m boost for Pembroke Port’s floating wind prospects

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a further £1m funding to support the development of floating offshore wind capabilities. The Minister for Climate Change underscored this commitment, highlighting the initiative as a key component of Wales’ strategy to bolster infrastructure and supply chains critical for the nation’s environmental goals.

This financial boost is set to be matched by the Port of Milford Haven, earmarked for essential ground investigation works. These preliminary efforts are crucial for enabling future floating offshore wind projects to be launched from Pembroke Port, amplifying a similar collaborative investment with Associated British Ports at Port Talbot unveiled earlier this

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

year.

“The Welsh Government’s continued investment signals a strong and ongoing commitment to the floating wind sector, crucial for the infrastructure development required to meet our ambitious net-zero objectives and ensure a just transition,” the Minister stated. The announcement is part of a broader strategy to work in tandem with the Port of Milford Haven, Associated British Ports, and the Celtic Sea Alliance, aiming to maximise floating wind benefits for Wales and the broader UK.

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, welcomed the government’s support, recognising it as a vital step towards positioning

Pembrokeshire as a leader in the energy transition. The funding will facilitate critical early-stage preparatory work, laying the groundwork for Pembroke Port to evolve into a futureproof energy facility.

“This investment is foundational in our quest to understand local geological conditions, a necessary precursor to engineering the next phase of Pembroke Port’s development,” Sawyer elaborated. He further highlighted

the transformative potential of offshore renewable energy in driving sustainable economic growth and generating rewarding career opportunities.

“With further investment, Pembroke Port could become the premier

hub for floating offshore wind developers in the Celtic Sea, leveraging our region’s existing heavy engineering capabilities, energy infrastructure, and burgeoning global business cluster,” Sawyer added.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Llyr was kind, funny and charming, says the family

THE FAMILY of a 16-year-old boy who died in an incident in a Pembrokeshire village have paid tribute to him.

The Davies family said: “It is with great sadness that we as a family announce the passing of our beloved Llŷr.

“On the March 12 our world was turned upside down when learning of the death of our kind, funny and charming Llŷr.

“Your caring and warm personality will stay with us for the rest of our days. Your ability to light up any room you walked into is something we will cherish and remember forever.

“Our lives will never

be the same without you Llŷr, you will forever be in our hearts. Cysga’n dawel beautiful boy.

“The family wish to thank friends, family and the wider community for all their messages of support. It has given us comfort during this dark time knowing that Llŷr has touched so many lives.”

The Welsh Ambulance service said it was called to an address in the Efailwen area of Clynderwen, where a boy was soon after pronounced dead. A spokesperson said: “We were called yesterday (Mar 12) to reports of

an incident in Efailwen, Carmarthenshire.

“We sent one Cymru high acuity response unit paramedic, one advanced paramedic practitioner, one duty operational manager and one emergency ambulance to the scene.

“Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in a Wales Air Ambulance charity car.”

The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive, with a spokesperson saying: “We are aware of this incident and assisting the Dyfed-Powys Police investigation.”

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Llŷr from numerous sports clubs that he played for.

A spokesperson for Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club said: “Very sad news yesterday that one of our under-16 players lost his life in a tragic accident. Llŷr Davies was a lovable boy and a friend to everyone.

“The club extends its deepest sympathies to the family and all of his friends.”

Aberporth Football Club said “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of our former junior member and local boy Llŷr Davies, who was tragically killed in an accident yesterday.

“Llŷr was such a lovely, polite and happy young man with his whole life ahead of him. Life is very cruel, and all our thoughts are with Sean, boys & Sara at this heart breaking time.”

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “The emergency services were called to an address in the Efailwen area of Clynderwen, following a report of an incident on private property.

“We can confirm that sadly, a 16-year-old boy died at the scene.

“His next of kin has been informed.

“His Majesty’s Coroner has been advised and due to the nature of the incident, it has also been reported to the Health and Safety Executive.”

Banned motorist caught again

A

MOTORIST

who drove to Pembrokeshire just eight weeks after receiving a driving ban this week learnt that his actions ‘crossed the custody threshold’.

Leon Davies, 24, was disqualified by Swansea magistrates in December 2022, when he was told that his licence wouldn’t be returned until 2025.

But on February 18, police officers patrolling the A478 at Pentlepoir noticed a Ford Transit Connect vehicle being driven by the defendant. Further investigations revealed that Davies wasn’t insured to drive the vehicle as a result of his disqualification.

This week Davies, of Llwyn Derw, Fforestfach, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and of using the vehicle in a public place without third party insurance.

“He and his partner were having relationship issues, so they decided to come to Pembrokeshire for an overnight stay,”

probation officer Julie Norman told the court.

“They were on their way back to Swansea when the defendant was stopped.

“He knew he’d been disqualified by Swansea magistrates, but he took a silly chance.”

Ms Norman added that as a result of the offence, Davies has lost his employment as a plant operator.

“He knows how silly he’s been, and this is something he deeply regrets,” said his solicitor, Mr Tom Lloyd.

Davies was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

“Because this offence was committed so soon after your disqualification, it crosses the custody threshold,” said the presiding magistrate.

Davies was ordered to carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

He must also pay £85 court costs and a £154 surcharge.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Welsh code-breakers celebrate 100th birthdays

TWO ladies from South West Wales who worked as codebreakers at the top secret Bletchley Park mansion during the Second World War have celebrated their 100th birthdays at a joint party recently.

Mrs Gwenfron Picken who was 100 on February 29th, 2024 and Mrs Kath Morris reached her centenary a week later on March 7.

During the dark days of World War Two, both worked in the iconic huts and blocks of Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, a Victorian mansion which housed the Government Code and Cypher School – the centre of Allied codebreaking.

The dedicated staff here worked tirelessly to penetrate the secret and devilishly complex codes of the Axis Powers – most importantly the German Enigma and Lorenz ciphers.

Although Gwenfron and Kath left Port Talbot at around the same time to join the codebreaking effort at Bletchley Park they didn’t know each other until they met at the joint birthday party organised by Jackie Bates

Tom Sinclair

and the local Mother’s Union at St Theodore’s Parish Hall, Port Talbot.

The ladies were greeted at the Parish

Hall by Captain Huw Williams MBE DL RLC, representing the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan’s office and Finola Pickwell, the Regional Armed Forces Liaison Officer (AFLO) for this area.

“It was delightful the ladies could meet at last after both working during wartime at Bletchley Park.

“Those at Bletchley Park played a key role in shortening World War II by providing the Allies

with a flood of high grade military intelligence which gave them the edge on land, sea and in the air.”

Although a number of codebreakers had university degrees, many of those called to work at Bletchley Park were

clever, able recruits who had undergone a reasonable high school education.

The ladies are both from Port Talbot but Mrs Morris now lives in a care home in South West Wales.

Cardigan to see bank closure as Lloyds announces branch shutdown

CARDIGAN’S high street will witness the departure of a key financial institution with Lloyds Bank confirming the upcoming closure of its branch located at 14 High Street on 27 June. This news follows closely on the heels of Halifax’s announcement to shut its Aberystwyth branch, highlighting a trend of diminishing banking services in west Wales.

The decision to close the Lloyds branch in Cardigan comes amidst a wave of bank shutdowns in the area, including Barclays, which previously revealed plans to close its branches in Cardigan and Aberystwyth in the spring.

The closures indicate a shift in how customers are choosing to interact with their banks, increasingly

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

relying on digital platforms over traditional in-branch services.

Lloyds Bank attributed its closure decision to a significant drop in branch visits, with more customers opting for the convenience of online banking, mobile applications, and telephone services. This change in customer behaviour has led to the difficult decision to close the Cardigan branch, which will also see the removal of its ATM. Customers of the bank are being directed to other banking alternatives, including digital services and the nearest branch in Carmarthen for their banking needs.

The community’s

reaction to these closures has been one of disappointment, with Elin Jones MS expressing concern over the loss of vital banking services on Cardigan’s high street. This sentiment is shared by many who view the presence of physical bank branches as crucial to the local economy and community well-being.

The announcement from Lloyds Bank signifies a broader banking industry trend towards digitalisation, impacting not only Cardigan but many other communities.

As banks continue to adapt to changing customer preferences, the challenge remains in ensuring that all members of the community have access to essential financial services.

Finola Pickwell said:

Patients in limbo as dental practice stops NHS care

IN A HUGE blow for dental services in the Haverfordwest area, Portfield Dental Practice has confirmed that it has made “the difficult decision” to return its General Dental Services (NHS) contract to Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB).

Dental services in Pembrokeshire are already at breaking point, with a lack of NHS dental places in the county.

NHS care will officially end on 31 May 2024 at Portfield, with patients experiencing dental pain being directed to the 111 call centre for advice after this date.

The practice will continue to provide, The Pembrokeshire Herald has been told, any urgent care patients may require up until 1 June 2024 and will ensure completion of any treatment commenced

have asked not to call other dentists for now, as they are being overwhelmed with calls.

before that date.

Patients are now left wondering if they will get another dentist, with the Health Board left desperately working to find a long-term solution.

Portfield’s patients

The Health Board says that it will be working closely with the practice to ensure that those patients who have previously received NHS dental care from Portfield Dental Practice, are provided with

relevant information about their ongoing care, and the options available to them while the Health Board works to find a new service provider for the area.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and LongTerm Care for Hywel Dda UHB said: “The Health Board would like to thank

patients for the support that they have given to the Practice over the years and appreciate the impact that this will have on the local population.

“The Health Board is working to find a long-term solution which secures this important service for the area as soon as possible.”

A statement from the

Health Board advises the following: “Patients who are an NHS patient affiliated with Portfield Dental Practice can contact the Health Board by emailing HDHB.Dental. hdd@wales.nhs.uk or by telephoning 0300 303 8322 extension 4 to be put on a holding list for the new Practice once the service is in place.

“We ask that patients refrain from calling alternative Dental Practices in the area at this time, as these Practices are experiencing an overwhelming volume of calls.

“For information on how you can access NHS dental care at another practice, please visit hduhb.nhs.wales/ healthcare/services-andteams/dental or contact the Dental Services Team on HDHB.Dental.hdd@ wales.nhs.uk”

Kurtz keeps pressure on Welsh Government over dangerous junction

SENEDD Member

Samuel Kurtz says he has kept pressure on the Welsh Government to deliver the promised safety improvements to the Nash Fingerpost junction.

Responding to a Written Question by Kurtz seeking clarity on the progress of the long-awaited road improvements, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Climate Change has confirmed that work is underway and that the traffic signals will be in place by the end of July 2024.

The response also set out the actions that have already taken

place including new give way signage on the A4075 and temporary speed limit reductions to 40mph on the approach to the junction, which will be made permanent before the traffic lights are installed.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member

Samuel Kurtz said: “After the Welsh Labour Government promised long-overdue safety improvements to the Nash Fingerpost junction, I’m keen to ensure they stick to their word after years of false promises.

“With works underway and a date

for the completion of the traffic lights, I know this will be a great comfort to road users. It is just somewhat sad that this work comes off the back of an impassioned local campaign following a tragic death at the junction.

“However, the success of the campaign to see these improvements is down to the tenacity of many local people who refused to take the Welsh Labour Government’s ‘no’ for an answer. I am sure that they will join me in welcoming the news that the improvement work will be completed before the end of July.”

A oes gan eich busnes weledigaeth werdd? Does your business have a green ambition?

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Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Dramatic arrest of three men after man hospitalised in assault

THREE men have been arrested by armed officers, at least one with weapons drawn, following allegations of an assault on Monday morning (Mar 11) in Wavell Crescent, Pembroke Dock.

Large numbers of police officers were seen around Monday lunch time searching for suspects in the area of Milford Haven leisure centre, and in Meyler Crescent, also in Milford Haven.

At around 1.05pm on Monday police were at Precelly Place where armed officers searching for a male suspect who was believed to be in a residential property.

A witness, who asked not to be named,

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spoke to The Herald on Monday evening. She said: “Police had their guns drawn and were telling the occupant to come out of the house. There was a lot of shouting. The occupant was saying that there were kids in the house, and was detained for a short time in the back of a police van whilst police searched for the suspect.”

“The police said do not worry, just come out with your hands in the air and then we will make sure the children are looked after.”

“The suspect was found not to be in the address and police

moved on with their search.”

Later on a man, believed to be the person the police was looking for, handed himself into custody, and was detained for several hours before being released under investigation.

Police said following the arrest of three suspects, they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and that the alleged victim received hospital treatment at Withybush General Hospital.

He has now been discharged.

A spokesperson from Dyfed-Powys Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Dyfed-Powys

Police is investigating an allegation of assault that occurred on March 11 at approximately 11.30am at Wavell Crescent, Pembroke Dock.

“Following the alleged assault, one

man was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“A number of local officers, including armed response, were present in the local areas conducting enquiries.

“Three men have been arrested in connection with the investigation, with no further suspects outstanding.

“Enquiries into the incident are continuing.”

Police in appeal for witnesses after cyclist dies in collision

THE POLICE has announced an ongoing investigation into a devastating collision that claimed the life of a 31-year-old woman on Saturday (Mar 9).

The incident occurred on the B4306 between Hendy and Llannon, stirring profound sorrow within the community.

Police said that the fatal encounter involved a red Seat Ibiza and a

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cyclist around 2pm.

It is understood that the car was travelling from Pontyberem towards Hendy, while the cyclist was heading in the direction of Llannon.

The collision resulted in the immediate death of the cyclist at the scene.

The police have

extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, who are currently being supported by specially trained officers.

The section of the B4306 spanning from Tirbarch Farm to Y Geibren was sealed off to traffic overnight to facilitate preliminary investigations.

The driver of the Seat Ibiza was taken into

custody under suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has since been released pending further inquiries.

As the investigation unfolds, Dyfed-Powys Police are urgently calling for witnesses and anyone with video evidence, including dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage of the red Seat Ibiza prior to the collision, to come

forward.

The community’s cooperation is crucial in piecing together the events leading up to this heartbreaking incident. Members of the public with any information are encouraged to reach out directly via social media, the police website, email at 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk, or by calling 101 and quoting reference DP-20240309-

174. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, contact can be made with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website. Additionally, individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired are invited to text the non-emergency number at 07811 311 908.

Haverfordwest woman accused of making false report to police

A WOMAN from Haverfordwest appeared at Llanelli Law Courts on Wednesday (Mar 6), charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice

Sian Davies, 56, of Harrier Road allegedly made a false report to the police on October 17 2022..

No plea was entered on Wednesday and magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court due to the serious nature of the charges.

The defendant was remanded on conditional bail until plea and trial preparation hearing at crown court.

The court made her subject of a curfew order: Davies must keep a curfew between 9pm and 9am and

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present herself to a police officer between these times if necessary.

She is also forbidden to contact, directly or indirectly, a witness involved in the case, the bench ruled.

In England and Wales, perverting the course of justice is a serious criminal offence that can occur in many ways, including making a false report to the police. The penalties for perverting the course of justice can be severe, reflecting the seriousness of the crime and its potential to undermine the justice system.

The exact penalty for

making a false report to the police – as is accused in this case – as a form of perverting the course of justice, depends on various factors, including the severity of the false report, its impact on the justice system, and whether it led to wrongful arrest or conviction of another person. There is no fixed sentence, and each case is judged on its merits.

However, as a guideline, the sentences can range from community orders for less serious cases to substantial prison sentences for more serious offenses. In particularly severe cases, where the false report has had significant detrimental effects, a prison sentence of several years is possible.

Friday March 15th 2024

Council ‘may issue landfill enforcement notice’

ACTION to stop the “fetid, foul stench” from landfill waste from Cardiff “dumped” at Pembrokeshire’s Withyhedge landfill site could be taken by the council if an ongoing enforcement notice does not address the issue.

Residents who have been campaigning for action to be taken against the odours from the Withyhedge landfill site, to the north of Haverfordwest, say the smell is like “a stink bomb on steroids”.

The site is operated by Withyhedge Landfill (Resources Management Ltd) (RML) and has permission to deposit 250,000 tonnes of waste a year.

An enforcement notice was issued by Natural Resources Wales last month, and NRW is now hoping that the enforcement notice will see the resolution of the odour issue by the beginning of April.

A Pembrokeshire County Council ePetition, by Colin Barnett of the Stop the Stink group, was heard at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, calling on it “to take immediate action to stop landfill waste from Cardiff being dumped onto this site”.

It added: “Since

the new owners have started operating from the Withyhedge landfill site they have increased the volume of waste dumped on this site by accepting an additional 50,000 tons of Cardiff residents waste to this site.

“Local residents now experience a severe deterioration in their quality of life and as they are plagued by acrid and fetid air quality which is so putrid that it severely restricts their right to enjoy full and unrestrained use of their property and gardens.”

In a joint statement issued earlier this month, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Public Health Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council said they will ensure capping of a waste cell causing significant odour issues at Withyhedge.

Speaking at the meeting, Colin Barnett said: “We are turning to you now and asking why we haven’t had your support, there has to be a better way of addressing this problem than a campaign, a better way that you, yourselves, can help us.”

He described the smell as “a fetid foul

stench,” adding: “When this goes into your house it’s foul, it’s rancid.”

He later said: “This is as bad as a chemical spill,” adding: “It’s not Pembrokeshire’s waste, it’s waste that comes into Pembrokeshire, they have carte blanche to bring in anything they like.”

Chief Executive Will Bramble said the council was “working extremely closely” with Public Protection Wales and NRW, adding: “If we have to issue an enforcement notice we will do, but we’re not quite at that stage at the moment.”

Cllr Mike John said: “It’s bad enough driving

by in a vehicle, but to live there I can’t imagine. Pembrokeshire is raising recycling levels to be the best in Wales, it’s a bit of kick in the teeth for Pembrokeshire to be recycling so hard and all this waste is coming into Pembrokeshire; we’ve got to a tipping point where pressure needs to be put.”

Deputy leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “The council’s powers are limited, but I offer this as my personal commitment to do everything we can.

“Personally, I don’t want this landfill activity in the county.”

Cllr David Howlett said he had previously represented the area

for 14 years, with only one incident reported in that time, adding: “Things have gone badly wrong, it’s the people of Pembrokeshire that are having to put up with this, so much waste is coming down the M4 corridor.”

He later moved a proposal that updates on the ongoing issue be – via scrutiny committee – brought to full council, after a call for immediate enforcement, made by Cllr Aled Thomas was later withdrawn.

“People in this area are suffering for too long, I would’ve liked stronger action, but we are where we are; there’s huge frustration

here, we need to be part of the solution,” said Cllr Howlett.

Members unanimously agreed the ongoing matter be referred to scrutiny, before being brought back to full council.

Mr Barnett said: “It’s a short-term and longterm health issue we’re concerned about, it’s a bloody mess but we should not be in this position now, NRW has failed the public to regulate this site and let us breathe poisonous gas.

“I thank you for your support, but we will be back if you don’t address this.”

Residents rail against Neyland Marina parking changes

THERE is discontent in Gaddarn Reach over recent parking arrangement modifications at Neyland Marina Yacht Haven, leading to a wave of frustration among local residents.

Stephen Vince, a key figure in the resident’s backlash, has openly criticised the marina’s management for what he deems “secretive actions”, accusing them of unilaterally revoking longstanding parking privileges with neither notice nor consultation.

“This complete lack of transparency and disregard for resident

concerns has left us all feeling sidelined,” Vince stated, reflecting the growing unrest within the community.

The issue has gained traction in the aftermath of an increase in visitor numbers to the marina, further pressuring the local infrastructure, already stretched thin following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Attempts by Vince to initiate dialogue with both the marina management and Neyland Town Council have, according to

him, been met with “an unsettling silence”, exacerbating tensions and fostering a sense of neglect among Gaddarn Reach residents. The perceived indifference from these bodies is seen as a direct threat to the community’s fabric and property values.

In a formal response, Neyland Town Council expressed regret over the situation, confirming they had been apprised of the residents’ grievances on 11th March. “The issues have been circulated to members with a request for feedback,” the council stated,

highlighting steps taken to address the concerns. “Information has been forwarded to Mr Vince, along with an invitation to attend our next scheduled council meeting to discuss this further.”

Additionally, Vince has been invited for a pre-meeting discussion at the Clerk’s office, aimed at identifying how the Town Council might offer support. “We are very sorry to hear of the issues residents of Gaddarn Reach are currently facing,” the council’s statement continued, indicating a willingness to bridge the

communication gap and seek a resolution.

As the community awaits the upcoming council meeting with bated breath, the resolution of this parking controversy remains a

pivotal issue for both the residents of Gaddarn Reach and the wider Neyland area.

Neyland Marina has also been contacted for a comment

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Possession of stanley knife

A 25-YEAR-OLD

Milford man has been sentenced by magistrates for possessing a pointed knife in a public place.

Jordan Lawson was arrested by officers on February 15 after they were called to an incident at Maple Close.

There they discovered the defendant behaving in what the court heard was ‘a disorderly’ manner. He was also found to be in possession of a stanley knife.

Lawson, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to possessing the knife and an additional charge of

being drunk and disorderly when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on February 17, however sentencing was adjourned for a written probation report which was presented to magistrates on Tuesday.

After considering the report, Lawson was sentenced to a 12 month community order during which he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work. A deprivation order was made for the knife.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £114 surcharge.

Brief’s drug experimentation warning

A PEMBROKESHIRE

solicitor has spoken out at the lack of publicity concerning the length of time that controlled drugs can remain in a person’s system.

Michael Kelleher’s comments were made after a 21-year-old apprentice carpenter was banned from driving for 12 months after consuming cocaine 24 hours before being stopped by on-duty police officers.

“My client is not a drug user, but he was offered some cocaine 24 hours earlier,” Mr Kelleher told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He took it, it remained in his system, but he was unaware that this is what happens. This is something that needs to be highlighted on a far greater basis as drugs can stay in the system for a considerably long time.

“People need to be made aware that experimentations such as this can sometimes have these effects.”

Mr Kelleher was representing Jack Andrew Codd who was stopped by police officers at around 10pm on Sunday, October 29 as he drove his green Citroen van along Freemans Way in Haverfordwest.

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson informed magistrates that Codd was spoken to concerning a minor traffic offence, and following their conversation, a roadside drugs swipe was carried out. The swipe proved positive and Codd was taken to a police custody suite for further blood tests. These confirmed he had 290 ug/L of benzoylecgonine in his system, which is a metabolite of cocaine. The specified legal limit is 50.

“My client is full of remorse for what has happened, but this has been a complete and utter disaster for him, and one that he didn’t foresee,” continued Michael Kelleher.

“He is an apprentice carpenter, due to finish his apprenticeship in June, but without a licence, he’s now going to lose his job. His future is now very uncertain.”

In addition to the 12-month disqualification, Codd, of Cardigan Road, Haverfordwest was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Library service reductions backed

BUDGET-SAVING

changes to the library service at three of Pembrokeshire’s libraries were backed by senior councillors today, March 11.

A report for members said: “Like all other council services, the library service is required to make savings in 2024/25 as part of the authority’s statutory requirement to set a balanced budget.”

It added that “over the last 11 years of financial austerity, the Library Service has reduced its costs considerably,” listing a wide range of changes including reducing opening hours of some libraries, working with Town and Community Councils and the local community to create Community Managed Library Partnerships, and negotiating financial contributions from Town and Community Councils to support the running of libraries.

The latest proposals included reductions to library opening hours equivalent to one full day per week at Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Tenby libraries, if the respective town councils “elect not to make an equivalent financial contribution towards maintaining these opening hours”.

A mix of reductions

in early evening opening times, bank holidays, Sundays in school holidays were being considered at Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Tenby, and Fishguard libraries.

The report said that discussions with the appropriate town councils about

financially supporting their libraries were held, with Tenby Town Council covering the costs of the potential reductions, and Fishguard Town Council continuing an existing financial support, as well as increasing a contribution to protect an evening slot and bank holidays.

“Unfortunately, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock Town Councils elected not

to financially support their local libraries and therefore the savings need to be made through a reduction in opening hours at Milford Haven library, but in the case of Pembroke Dock, we intend to pilot a different solution [reducing staffing numbers], which will save the same amount of money, due to the opportunity afforded by the site having selfservice technology,” the

report said. A public consultation exercise was undertaken between 21 December and 25 January, both on the council’s Have Your Say pages and with hard copies available in libraries.

“Engagement with town councils was not universally successful, but has protected library opening hours at both Tenby and Fishguard libraries,” the report

said, adding: “The public consultation exercise was valuable and has led to changes in our proposals”.

Responses from the consultation led to small changes in the opening hours members heard.

The changes backed by Cabinet members consisted of four approved recommendations.

Haverfordwest’s Riverside Library will be closed on five Bank Holidays and the six Sundays during the school summer holidays.

Milford Haven library will see a reduction in opening hours, closing at 4pm on Mondays, 1pm on Wednesdays, 4pm on Thursdays, and 4pm on Fridays.

The library is currently closed on Tuesdays and closes at 1pm on Saturdays.

Pembroke Dock library will be closed every Wednesday 5-6.30pm, and the staffing levels will be reduced from three to two as part of a 12-month pilot project, making this permanent if it is successful.

If unsuccessful, it is proposed to undertake a further public consultation with a proposal for a reduction to opening hours and reinstate staffing levels to three if implemented.

Vietnamese restaurant owner fined for breach of food safety regulations

THIS WEEK at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Luyen Van Nguyen, 66, the operator of Sao Mai Dragon Restaurant in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, was fined for failing to comply with food safety regulations.

On 7th March 2023, it was found that Nguyen had placed unsafe food on the market, breaching specific requirements of Article 14 (1) of European Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. This regulation is pivotal in ensuring that all food

businesses maintain the highest standards of food safety to protect the public.

Nguyen, aged 66, plead guilty to the charges brought against him by Pembrokeshire County Council. Following his plea, the Magistrates imposed a fine of £360 on the defendant, in addition to ordering him to pay a surcharge of £144 to fund victim services and £500 towards the costs of the prosecution.

This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to food safety laws and the potential consequences for those who fail to do so.

The total balance of £1,004 is to be paid by Nguyen in monthly instalments of £40.00, starting from 4th April 2024.

Mike Kellher of Welch and Co represented Nguyen.

The court made a collection order for the fines and costs, taking into account Nguyen’s guilty plea when imposing the sentence.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy reporter

Biden v Trump: The Rematch

IN November, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off for a second contest for the US Presidency, writes Jonathan Edwards MP.

I am probably not alone in scratching my head in wonder at how the Democrat and Republican parties have not managed to provide the US electorate with new blood for the most important elected job in the world.

In his first term, Biden has managed to repair the tattered international reputation of the US after Trump.

He has also used the might of the US Federal Government to drive economic growth that we can only dream of in the UK. He has also firmly placed the US at the forefront of the green revolution, which will place the US at the centre of the new economy.

At the grand age of 81, after a lifetime of

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

public service, he looks past his prime.

Much of the commentary surrounding his public appearances is based on whether he can get his words out rather than the content of what he is saying.

In the forthcoming election, Biden will face a brutal onslaught concerning his cognitive ability.

In politics, when you are explaining, you are invariably losing. Such is the worry amongst Democrat Party strategists that I read that Biden will not be put anywhere near the allimportant TV debates with Trump come the election.

Considering the central role of TV debates in the US presidential race, I can’t but feel that this will play into Trump’s hands.

Biden will face the election following a major strategic error in his response to the awful events in Gaza.

It was he who led the West in offering unquestioned support for the Israeli Government to unleash savage reprisals on the population of Gaza. As the months have passed, that policy choice has had catastrophic consequences, leading to a seepage of support amongst younger voters the Democrats would normally take for granted.

I fear Biden is the perfect candidate for Trump who, if he wins, will govern completely unbridled.

That will have major consequences for US democracy and the world.

His first act, he says, will be to free the 500 rioters who attempted to overrun Congress to overturn the last Presidential election.

MIKE EDWARDS

DESPITE my optimism, the Welsh XV were squashed by a big blue juggernaut last Sunday.

The start’s early promise faded as the French side closed the door out wide.

As the game progressed, the only question was the margin of France’s victory.

At the end of the game, the Welsh players looked like they’d been coshed in a very dark alley after a night on the Brains SA.

My beloved, whose patriotism is outstripped only by her enjoyment of watching burly men in tight shorts batter seven bells of cack out of each other, loved the game.

She was happy when Wales took the lead and delighted when they left the pitch in front at halftime. However, she was practically ecstatic as a French pack weighing a metric tonne began to batter the Welsh pack.

“Marmalise” is a word you don’t hear often enough these days.

The Welsh team was marmalised in the second half.

My darlingest one’s eyes lit up at the savagery and brutality of it all.

It was an act of revolution.

You get the feeling that if Trump wins, there won’t be another election in the US until he dies, such is his admiration for autocrats around the world.

In foreign policy, his first act will be to turn off the taps of support for Ukraine.

Have European leaders even begun thinking about the consequences of Ukraine having to concede on Putin’s terms with the US disengaging from NATO?

Brexit Britain will be in a very lonely place without clear leadership that moves us back to the European sphere.

Even then, it will take statesmanship of the likes we only read about in history books to pull squabbling European countries together to keep the peace we have enjoyed since the end of the Second World War.

Glengettie to calm down.

As I sat down, I felt myself drift away as the noise from the living room increased.

My wife’s baying at the screen snapped me back to consciousness.

One of the French backs was jinking up the pitch at high speed.

I pointed out that the French winger’s dad had also played international rugby.

My darling shushed me urgently, glanced back at the screen, and smiled evilly.

“So, Mike: there are two of them?”

I swallowed and nodded.

My beloved steepled her fingers like Blofeld does when he sends a minion to kill James Bond.

“Excellent.” She hissed.

Then, Mitzi jumped up next to her mistress and fixed me with a contemptuous look.

I was a helpless pawn in a monstrous game being played out while Wales got monstered at the Principality.

Me? I watched the last twenty minutes from behind the settee.

On reflection, I don’t know what scared me most: the French performance or my wife’s bloodlust.

No.

That’s silly.

My wife terrified me.

The antic glee with which she greeted every bone-shaking collision added horror to every maul (verb and noun). It caused me to wonder if I would wake up on Monday morning to find myself rucked to death as I slept.

I shuffled out of the living room, my head spinning, and made myself a mug of

The only saving grace was that we were watching the game on S4C, which meant I could not understand any communications from SPECTRE’s global network to its leader.

My mind raced.

What if, even as I watched the rugby, double-oh-seven was scaling the north face of our bungalow?

What if he found the underground volcano base and shark tank under the azaleas?

I jolted awake.

A French back was jinking upfield at high speed.

I pointed out his father had also played international rugby. My most darling one shushed me.

“Really, Mike. I’m trying to watch the game!”

I sipped my tea and reflected things could be a lot worse.

Die-Hard versus Blowhard: Biden due to face Trump in November

Senedd Small Business Breakfast hosted by Paul Davies

LOCAL Senedd

Member Paul Davies has recently hosted a briefing event in partnership with Economic Intelligence Wales and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales at the Senedd. The event gave Senedd Members and their staff the opportunity to be updated on the very latest intelligence and information on the economy and current issues impacting small businesses in Wales.

Mr Davies said, “It was a pleasure to host another Small Business Breakfast at the Senedd and I’m grateful to Economic Intelligence Wales and the Federation of Small Businesses for taking the time to brief Members on the current issues facing small businesses in Wales. It’s a tough time for small businesses and the event gave Members the opportunity to ask questions about what more can be done to support them. “

“The Welsh Government has some

important economic levers and it should be doing everything it can to support the small business community. Access to finance,

increased operating costs and recruitment issues are all impacting business confidence and it was clear from the event that more can

and should be done to support small businesses across Wales.”

“Pembrokeshire is home to many innovative small businesses and I’ll

continue to do what I can to champion them and encourage the Welsh Government to use its powers to better support them.”

Mansion turbine plans backed after airport safety fears dropped

PLANS for a 200-foot-high wind turbine to power a north Pembrokeshire mansion and arts charity home have been backed after fears it would threaten the safe operation of the nearby West Wales Airport were dropped.

Mr and Mrs Glen Peters of Western Solar Ltd sought permission for a single turbine on land near the Grade II-listed Rhosygilwen Mansion, which includes an arts and functions building known as Neuaddydderwen.

The application for the 62-metre-high turbine and associated works, was recommended for refusal at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, having been deferred at the January meeting, pending a site visit.

The application, supported by Cilgerran Community Council, was initially recommended

neighbouring Ceredigion, some 9.5 kilometres away.

for refusal at the January meeting for several reasons, including harm to the setting of the Grade-II-listed house and grounds, and fears of threats to the safe operation of West Wales Airport at Aberporth in

The airport manager at West Wales Airport had objected to the proposed development due to possible interference with radar systems.

At the March meeting, members heard the concerns raised by West Wales airport had

now been withdrawn, but the application was still recommended for refusal on the grounds of the impact on the sting of the mansion, with the council’s historic buildings and landscape officers raising concerns.

Agent and specialist renewable energy developer Infinite Renewables Limited, in

its supporting statement, says the proposed turbine would supply the large majority of power required to run the mansion’s heat pump during the winter, replacing the existing solar system.

Applicant Glen Peters has said the application for a turbine was “made on both financial and ideological grounds,” to ensure the long-term viability of Rhosygilwen, acquired some 30 years previously as a firedamaged house that was about to be pulled down.

He said that, despite 200-year-old Rhosygilwen using power from its solar farm, the first of its kind in Wales, along with ground source heating a biomass power, it was hit with “huge increases in importing energy from the grid” during the winter months.

Moving pproval against officer recommendations, Cllr John T Davies said, unlike some wind turbine

applications, the siting of the turbine would be “discrete,”adding the turbine would sustain “a very important aspect of economic activity in north Pembrokeshire” that was regularly used by TV companies, and was “a great community benefit,” being used as a community hub.

“This will add to the sustainability of Neuaddydderwen; in 1995 it did burn down but was restored to its former glory; we could be sitting here today and there could be no listed building.”

He was seconded by Councillor Brian Hall, who said his only concern had been the previous issue raised by West Wales Airport.

The application was backed on a ‘minded to’ approval, meaning it will return to a future meeting for ratification after a ‘cooling off’ period, expected to be the April planning meeting.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy reporter

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

RNLI carry out medical evacuation from crude oil tanker

ANGLE’s All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch last month to assist in the medical evacuation of a casualty onboard a crude oil ship berthing alongside the Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal.

The Lifeboat launched shortly after 8pm on February 24 and headed for the vessel, but due to berthing operations were required to stand off and wait for the vessel to be securely moored and tugs to depart. Once secure and after a discussion with the ships captain, it was decided that the lifeboat would transfer three casualty care crew members onboard via the ships gangway to assess the casualty and formulate an evacuation plan.

Once assessed, the crew administered pain

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relief until the casualty was comfortable enough to be moved. With the Entonox taking effect, the crew were able to steadily walk the casualty down the gangway and onto the Lifeboat.

With the casualty and crew now back onboard, the Lifeboat headed for the Port Authority Jetty where Dale Coastguard Rescue Team had been tasked to assist with transferring the casualty ashore.

Once ashore, the casualty was helped into a taxi for onward transport to Withybush Hospital. With no further assistance required, the Lifeboat was stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 11pm.

Sweeping reforms announced for Welsh fire services following scandal

IN A MOVE aimed at overhauling the troubled fire services in Wales, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, announced a comprehensive reform plan for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Monday, 11 March 2024. This declaration comes on the heels of a distressing report by Fenella Morris KC, which uncovered a range of malpractices within the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including severe misconduct among staff, a toxic workplace environment, and widespread management failings.

Reacting to the damning revelations, Blythyn took decisive action last month, appointing four commissioners to assume control over the beleaguered South Wales service. The Deputy Minister has now turned her attention to the two other fire and rescue services operating in Wales, following engagements with their chief fire officers and chairpersons. These

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discussions, centred around the Morris report and its recommendations, aimed at ensuring a transformation in the workplace culture and values of the services.

Both fire and rescue services are now embarking on ambitious programmes to overhaul their organisational cultures. These initiatives are a response to a variety of inputs, including staff surveys, an investigative report by ITV News, findings from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, and the Morris report itself. Examples of existing good practices were highlighted, such as North Wales’ approach of assigning a dedicated support officer to every fire station and Mid and West Wales’ policy allowing employees to freely raise concerns with any level of management.

Despite these measures, the Deputy Minister continues to receive complaints from both current and former employees about issues ranging from bullying and

sexual harassment to bias in promotion processes. These ongoing concerns underscore the urgent need for a cultural and managerial revamp within the services.

As part of the reform strategy, both Mid and West Wales and North Wales fire and rescue services have committed to an independent review. This assessment will evaluate the current state of affairs in relation to the Morris report’s findings and other relevant studies, with a focus on workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and diversity. The review is expected to produce a publicly available report by autumn 2024, excluding any details that could reveal individual identities.

The Deputy Minister pledged to keep members informed of the progress, underlining the government’s dedication to restoring public confidence and ensuring a safe, respectful work environment for all staff.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said: “We welcome Welsh Government’s decision to accept our proposal to review how we are progressing on our cultural

journey.

“A robust cultural audit, undertaken by an external company, has already taken place at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and as a result, through the formation of a Culture and Inclusion Board and Working Group, an action plan to make wide-ranging enhancements to our Service is underway, a process which has been welcomed by Welsh Government.

“As well as focussing on the outcomes of our own cultural audit, this exercise pays cognisance

to similar reports published by other Fire and Rescue Services, as well as His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services in England Spotlight report, recognising there are significant learning opportunities within their recommendations.

“We are committed to working closely with Welsh Government and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the review process – a collaborative approach which will ensure a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of our progress.

“The Service has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of misogyny, racism, bullying or inappropriate behaviour and we place great emphasis on ensuring our staff feel supported in the workplace, providing several routes should they feel they need to share any concerns.

“I want to show appreciation for the continuous hard work and dedication of our staff, as well as reassure the public that we will handle this process with integrity, honesty and transparency.”

Three shouts for busy Angle RNLI crew in just two days

THE RNLI Angle lifeboat was involved in two requests for assistance on Thursday (Mar 7) this week.

The first came at 10:37am when the All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch in response to a distress call from a yacht in St Brides Bay. The vessel, with two persons onboard had suffered engine failure, sail issues and were experiencing sea sickness.

The lifeboat launched and made best speed to the vessel, arriving on scene around 40 minutes later. By this time, the yacht had sailed to a position five miles west of Skomer Island. After speaking with the skipper, the crew of the yacht were able to release the sail and a tow was swiftly passed.

With the tow secure the crew began the journey towards Milford Docks, arriving at the entrance around three hours later. Due to the

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conditions it wasn’t suitable for the yacht to be put into an alongside tow so the stern tow was shortened right up and the yacht towed straight onto the marina basin to allow more shelter from the easterly wind. Once inside the basin, the yacht was brought alongside and manoeuvred onto a nearby pontoon.

With no further assistance required the Lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was back on her mooring and ready for further service by 4pm.

Later that day at 9:01pm the crew were paged again. This time, to assist with the search for a high risk missing person at Freshwater West Beach.

The lifeboat launched and began proceeding to the area but were stood down shortly after when it was confirmed that the casualty was safely in

the care of the police.

St Govan’s and Dale Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked to this incident.

The Lifeboat was stood down with thanks and safely back on her mooring by 10pm.

On Wednesday (Mar 6) there was once incident.

Moments after picking up the mooring following an afloat exercise last Thursday the Lifeboat was tasked to assist a vessel with machinery and steering failure at the entrance to the east channel.

The lifeboat dropped her mooring and began proceeding towards the vessel. Fortunately the vessel had regained one engine and were making way back in to the Haven. When the Lifeboat rendezvoused with the vessel just off West Angle, the vessels crew had managed to regain both engines but still had steering issues. The crew of the vessel had rigged their emergency steering system and were making way back to their berth.

Content that they were making good progress, the Lifeboat escorted the vessel to

her berth and once safely alongside the crew were stood down to return to station.

mooring and

for further service by 5pm.

The lifeboat was back in her

ready

College work-based learning team shortlisted for award

THE-WORK BASED learning team at Pembrokeshire College have been shortlisted in the West Wales Regional Partnership Board (WWRPB) Health and Social Care Awards.

Designed to showcase the work undertaken by the health and social care sector across west Wales, the awards highlight the latest innovations and share learning from partners across the region.

The awards are also an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work undertaken by health and social care staff (including volunteers) across the region. Individuals, teams, groups, and organisations from all sectors—public, private, third sector and voluntary, were eligible to nominate themselves or be nominated by others in a chance to share achievements with colleagues and celebrate the collective impact of

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the sector.

For this year’s awards the WWRPB invited nominations in six categories: Transformation through Innovation; Integrated Care; Team of the Year; Co-Production; Workforce Development; and Outstanding Contribution to Health and Social Care.

The team are proud to have been shortlisted for the Workforce Development Award which looks to celebrates a team or project that has significantly impacted the wellbeing of staff through implementing a wellbeing workforce initiative or resource beyond the requirements of their role. With workforce wellbeing being critical to the success of an organisation placing wellbeing at the heart of their work is one of the team’s top priorities.

Two members of the team will now attend an event at the Parc Y Scarlets Stadium in Llanelli on Thursday 14 March where they will find

out if they have won. The Awards Ceremony will follow the theme of Welsh Government’s “Further, Faster, Together” vision and the Healthier Wales

initiative. The event will focus on showcasing the latest innovations and best practices in health and social care, as well as celebrating

the achievements of individuals and organisations that are working to improve the health and well-being of people in Wales.

Proposals published to improve gender balance in the Senedd

LANDMARK legal proposals to increase the proportion of women standing as candidates in future Senedd elections are published today (Mar 11).

The Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill aims to make the Senedd more effective by being more representative of Wales.

The Bill delivers on recommendations made

by the Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform, which were subsequently endorsed by a majority of Senedd Members in June 2022 and reflects the Cooperation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

If the Bill becomes law, political parties

putting forward more than one candidate in a constituency at a Senedd election will need to ensure women make up at least half of the list.

To help ensure this increase translates into a more balanced Senedd, parties would also need to place women at the top of at least half of their constituency candidate lists.

Women are currently

an under-represented majority in the Senedd –they make up 51% of the population of Wales but just 43% of Members of the Senedd.

Wales was the first country in the world to achieve equal representation of men and women in what was then the National Assembly in 2003 but since then the proportion of women represented in the Senedd has fallen.

In the 2021 Senedd election, less than a third (31%) of the 470 candidates put forward by political parties in Wales were women and of the 60 seats in the Senedd, 26 (43%) are held by women.

Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip Jane Hutt, said: “Twenty years ago Wales made history when 50% of members elected to the then National Assembly were women, but that number has since fallen.

“This Bill aims to achieve a gender balanced Senedd. Having a Senedd which better reflects the makeup of Wales is good for politics, good for representation and good for policy making.”

Leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said: “We want to create a more effective Senedd that truly represents Wales and that means ensuring more women standing for election and taking

seats in the chamber.

“The reforms being put forward are a leap forward in strengthening democracy in Wales so that the Senedd reflects our modern nation.”

A study by the European Institute for Gender Equality in 2021, found 11 EU Member States with legislative gender quotas increased the share of women in their parliaments almost three times faster than countries without quotas.

In Ireland, there was a 40% increase in the number of women elected to the Irish parliament in 2016, after statutory quotas were introduced.

The Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill is part of a wider package of reform, including the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill, which is currently being scrutinised by the Senedd.

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Plan to brighten up town centres heads to Haverfordwest

THE RECENTLY launched Streetscape Paint Scheme is being extended from Milford Haven to Haverfordwest town centre.

Property owners in Charles Street, Milford Haven, have been able to apply for grants to paint the exterior of their properties and this will now be widened to include Quay Street, Bridge Street and High Street in Haverfordwest.

The scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and is part of the Council’s Street Enhancement Programme.

Grants will provide 80 per cent of the total capital expenditure on one property

Local Member Cllr Tom Tudor said: “As the County Councillor for the Castle Ward, I welcome this initiative offered by Pembrokeshire County Council which will support owners of eligible

properties and tenants to inject an upgrade to their properties and create that special feel good factor to the County Town.

“With the maximum grant award per property set at £4,999, and for the scheme to be completed by November 2024, I strongly urge people to apply as soon as possible for this excellent opportunity.”

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said the scheme is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to regeneration in Pembrokeshire.

“This scheme aims to help town centres to thrive by improving the overall look of the surrounding area – in order to boost footfall, support businesses to create new jobs, and strengthen the mix of businesses.

‘We want to support

our town centres in every way we can and this is just another example of support we’re making available,” he said. The fund will

support owners of eligible properties and tenants/leaseholders who have the written consent of the property owner. Grants can be

used for the purchase of materials (primer, masonry undercoat and exterior masonry paint) or towards the cost of using a contractor.

The maximum grant award per property is £4,999. Schemes must be completed by November 2024.

Town Council honours long-serving cemetery worker IN A

HEARTWARMING ceremony held at Thornton Cemetery in Milford Haven on Monday (Mar 11), the Deputy Mayor, Councillor William Elliott of Hakin Ward, took a moment to recognise the decadeslong service of a distinguished member of the community, Mr. Nicolino “Nicky” Tamilia, with a certificate of appreciation.

Nicky, who has recently entered retirement, was celebrated for his unwavering dedication and exceptional service at the Milford Haven Cemetery. His role, primarily involving grave-digging, has been described as unparalleled, demonstrating a commitment to his work that went above and beyond.

The event, captured in a photograph by Councillor Colin Sharp, was a touching tribute to a man who has contributed significantly

to the upkeep and dignity of the final resting place of many in the community. Nicky’s service, marked by meticulous care and a profound sense of duty, has left an indelible mark on the cemetery and those who knew of his work.

Expressing gratitude, the Deputy Mayor remarked, “Thank you so much for everything, Nicky! Wishing you a most happy and healthy retirement.” The sentiment was echoed

by those in attendance, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicky is held. This gesture by the Milford Haven Town Council underscores the importance of recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of individuals who contribute to the welfare and fabric of the community. Nicky’s retirement marks the end of an era but also serves as a reminder of the impact one person’s dedication can have on a community.

During late February and early March, there have been a number of successful Jobsfairs in Pembrokeshire; the aim was to bring employers and jobseekers together to explore and discuss how those seeking employment can be successful in achieving their career goals. For those who seek employment in the care sector, plans are in place for a county wide Care Jobsfair in the Pembrokeshire Archives Haverfordwest on 14 May.

Fred Hatton of the DWP Employer and Partnership Team said, “To be successful, jobseekers must ensure that they meet the requirements of the job description and this often needs a bit of research and possibly some skills training prior to completing the application process. Very often, free training is available for those out of work. Benefit claimants should seek advice from their Jobcentre work coaches; those not on benefits should seek advice from their local Careers Wales advisors. It is recommended that a search on the careerswales.gov.wales website would be an excellent starting point for all who are seeking employment. Increasing the labour force is a key activity to support businesses fill their vacancies, and to grow the economy. The effects of growing the economy will not only be beneficial to our country, but will also benefit Pembrokeshire.”

Nationally, there are plenty of unfilled posts across the UK with overall vacancies totalling more than 908,000; this figure is well above pre-pandemic levels. In Pembrokeshire, the statistics show that those 18-24 year olds on benefits has dropped by 3% and for the 50+ age group the improvement is 2%. Although these are modest figures, the trend is in the right direction. Jobcentre staff play an

increasingly important role by supporting customers to attend training to attain qualifications, thus supporting businesses in order to fill their vacancies, so helping to grow the economy.

Wales

The number of people employed is at 1.420 million, down 47,000 on the quarter and down 6,000 on the year.

The employment rate (16-64) is at 70.3%, down 2.1%pts on the quarter and down 1.8%pts on the year.

The number of people unemployed is at 56,000 – up 9,000 on the quarter and up 4,000 on the year.

The unemployment rate is at 3.8%, up 0.7%pts on the quarter and up 0.3%pts on the year.

The number of people in workless households has fallen since April to June 2010 by 133,000.

Job Creations News

Wales

Wales

Câr-Y- Môr, Wales’ first regenerative seaweed and shellfish farm, is to build a new first of its kind seaweed processing facility in Wales. The facility at St Davids, Pembrokeshire will begin construction later this year and will produce a plant bio stimulant using seaweed harvested from Câr Y Môr’s sustainable ocean farms off the Pembrokeshire coastline. They currently employ 14 people and aim to develop a financially and environmentally sustainable source of employment.

Up to 5,300 new jobs and up to £1.4 billion could be generated for the UK economy by galvanising the supply chain and infrastructure opportunities arising from the development of new floating wind farms off the coast of South Wales and the South West England, according to new research commissioned by The Crown Estate.

The independent study, The Celtic Sea Blueprint, conducted

Discovery of dead animals prompts an investigation

by Lumen Energy & Environment, looked at the minimum requirements needed to deliver the first three projects outlined by The Crown Estate in December. It also examined the gaps, such as ports deep enough for handling the giant turbines, vessels to service the sites, and export cables to transport electricity to land.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

“Our plan for the economy is working. Employment is up on the year, the number of people on payrolls is at a record high, and inactivity is falling.

“But our work is not done. Our Back to Work Plan will help a million people to find, stay and succeed in employment. With the next generation of welfare reforms, we’re reducing the number of people on the highest tier of incapacity benefits by 371,000 – people who will now receive support back into work.

“And with the tax cuts announced in last week’s Budget we will boost the labour force by the equivalent of 200,000 workers, while putting £900 back into the pockets of 27 million hardworking people.”

BACKGROUND

• There are 4.1 million more people in work than in 2010.

• There are 36.9 million jobs in the economy, a record high.

• Payroll employment is at a record high, up by 1.3 million since before COVID, alongside seven months of above inflation wage growth.

• The unemployment rate is below many of our international peers, including Canada, France and Spain. Longterm unemployment continues to fall, down over 8.4% on the year.

• Our inactivity rate is lower than the average for the G7 and the EU.

IN a distressing incident reported by Greenacres Animal Rescue, several snakes and five chickens were found dead after being abandoned on Green Lane, Waterston, Pembrokeshire on Friday (Mar 8).

The grim discovery was made following a call from Pembrokeshire County Council to the animal rescue organisation.

Upon receiving the report last night, Greenacres confirmed that all the snakes had died, alongside the recently dispatched chickens.

The RSPCA is involved in the case, The Herald understands, and is expected to collect the animals for further assessment and documentation.

Greenacres Animal Rescue is urgently appealing to the public for any information regarding the origins of these animals. They have emphasised the importance of community cooperation in aiding the RSPCA’s investigation. Anyone with information

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is urged to contact Greenacres directly on 01437781745.

The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow among the community, with many expressing their disgust and sadness over social media. The consensus is one of condemnation for the abandonment and mistreatment of these animals, with calls for individuals unable to care for pets to seek assistance rather than resort to abandonment.

Hillary Woodburn

said: “Disgusting and cruel these snakes were obviously were not looked after and most certainly had a cruel death.

“I don’t think it is fair to keep snakes in a domestic situation. Taking adequate care of a snake is a nearly impossible and very expensive endeavor.

“In one survey, veterinarians estimated that 47% of the exotic pets (including snakes) brought to them didn’t have their needs met and 89% of those surveyed said that these animals most often lack a suitable environment.”

Calls for carers to get free parking

A call for a special permit for community nurses and carers to be able to avoid the fear of potential parking tickets while carrying out their duties is to be considered by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

At the March 7 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council, a notice of motion by St

Bruce Sinclair

Local Democracy reporter

Florence and St Mary

Out Liberty county councillor Rhys Jordan was to be considered.

Cllr Jordan’s motion read: “Introduction of Annual Permit Scheme for Community Nurses and Carers – To enable Community Nurses and Carers to deliver

uninterrupted care to their patients without the fear of incurring ‘Fixed Penalty Notices’ by allowing them to park in designated resident and loading areas for a period of up to one hour whilst on duty.”

Members agreed to refer the motion to the county council’s Cabinet for consideration at a later date.

Friday

Haverfordwest mosque boundary fencing plans backed

PLANS for boundary fences and gates at Haverfordwest’s mosque, on the site of the former Cherry Grove council office building, have been approved.

Mustafa Yunis of UKIM, Haverfordwest Central Mosque, had applied for the erection of boundary fences and gates at the site, which was approved as a mosque back in 2022.

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The submitted application seeks consent to erect three sections of 1.8 metre-high V mesh fence, with three 1.8 metre by six metre wide gated openings at three points of vehicular and pedestrian access to the building, one located to the north west adjacent to Park Road, and two located to the south east of the site adjacent to The Rise.

“A further pedestrian access gate is proposed to the northeast of the site adjacent to Queensway.”

In early 2022, members of the planning committee approved a change of use application for the former tax office at Cherry Grove, made by Haverfordwest Central Mosque.

The approved application for a mosque and associated community facilities included Quran classes, after school activities, community centre and crèche, festivals, exercise classes and community space, a planning report for that committee stated.

Haverfordwest councillor Tim Evans said there was local support for the proposals.

“It’s been welcomed

by the people in the area. They have had lots of meetings with the local people with what’s going on there and the community aspect that’s going to be used there as well. I think everybody is positive about it in the area,” he told the

committee.

The latest application was approved, with conditions including:

“Prior to installation, details of the proposed finish colour of the boundary fences and gates shall be submitted to and approved in

writing by the local planning authority.”

Haverfordwest Central Mosque, on its website, says: “According to the 2011 census, Haverfordwest has the highest number of Muslim residents in Pembrokeshire.

“It is a popular holiday destination for Muslim families as it is very close to the Pembrokeshire coastline. Withybush hospital attracts many Muslim medical professionals and there are many halal eateries established in the town.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy reporter

Village’s seaside housing scheme expected to be approved

NATIONAL PARK planners are again being recommended to back a scheme to build two large houses at a Pembrokeshire seaside

village site, despite the objections of the local community council.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners,

meeting on January 31, were recommended to approve the scheme, submitted by an unnamed applicant through Bristolbased agent Pegasus Planning Group Ltd, for two four-bedroom detached dwellings at “a particularly large plot” at Mountain Ash Cottage, Sandy Hill Road, Saundersfoot.

At that meeting, members instead agreed to a site visit, held in mid February, with two new recommended conditions relating to the submission of a Construction Management Plan and removal of permitted development rights added to the application being considered next week.

The application, with a recommendation for approval, is back before the March 13 meeting.

It includes an affordable housing contribution of more than £140,000

A report for members says: “Whilst the agent for the application has advised that amended plans will be submitted, these had not been received by the authority at the time of drafting this report – a verbal update on this will be provided to committee.”

The application had been reported to the Development

Management Committee

at committee chair Dr Madeleine Havard’s request, as Saundersfoot Community Council has objected to the application, contrary to an officer recommendation for approval.

The site currently has planning permission for two new dwellings, with the demolition of a single property, which expires in November; the new scheme proposing to retain that property, adding two additional dwellings.

A contribution to affordable housing provision is proposed as an off-site contribution, to the tune of £140,360.

Seven letters of objection to the latest plans have been received, and Saundersfoot Community Council –which had objected, asking for a site visit –considers the proposed development is potentially overpowering to neighbouring properties, their amenities greatly affected in a negative way and says the proposed dwellings would cause major over-development of the area.

Objector, and neighbour, Andrew Milne – at the January meeting – raised concerns about the designs and scale of the new proposal and the

impact it would have on his property, leaving him “no place to hide” when he was in his garden, or even the shower, describing the previous scheme – which he didn’t object to – as “more sensitive”.

Jack Ellis of Pegasus Group, said the “fallback’ position of the original application was still available, but the new scheme would increase the affordable housing contribution by more than £100,000, as well as retaining the existing cottage.

A report for committee members says: “The proposed development is considered acceptable in terms of the principle of the proposed new dwellings and will not have a detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding area or the residential amenity of any neighbouring properties in accordance with the policies of the Local Development Plan.

“Affordable housing provision in the form of an off-site commuted sum has been secured through a Unilateral Undertaking.

“Arboricultural, parking, lighting and ecological matters can be acceptably controlled through planning conditions.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy reporter

Diving into the opportunities of Aquaculture

The first ever Pembrokeshire Aquaculture Conference brought together experts, established entrepreneurs and next generation entrants last week.

The sold-out event was held at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock on February 28, and attracted expert speakers from a wide range of organisations to discuss all aspects of the industry and consider opportunities for Pembrokeshire and Wales. Professionals, experts, and new entrants took part in presentations and panel discussions on various topics, from marine farming and conservation to seaweed packaging and consumer perception.

Talks were held throughout the day as the conference provided a vital platform to discuss innovations and explore the latest trends in sustainable aquaculture practices.

The event, supported by Shared Prosperity Funding via UK Government’s Levelling Up programme, was praised as ‘excellent’ by attendees, with one commenting: “It was very interesting, enjoyable and fascinating.”

Another added: “It was a brilliant conference with varied speakers, very welcoming and well organised. A really valuable day.”

Inspirational individuals shared their personal experiences of working within the sector and offered insights into the varied possibilities that the Aquaculture industry could offer.

Event organiser Donna Page, Aquaculture Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “The conference was really well attended and offered the delegates a great opportunity to share their knowledge and hear about the challenges and successes of this important industry, not just here in Wales but in the UK and Ireland.

“Aquaculture is a growth industry, and its potential for Pembrokeshire is huge.

“We need to be able to support and fund existing and developing businesses which can work with what our rich coastline has to offer.”

Local companies were able to showcase their products, and take part in networking sessions to foster connections and share ideas and experiences within the UK and Ireland.

Donna added: “The event was a great success and hopefully this is a step towards growing partnerships and forming a collective voice for the industry.”

For more information about the event or aquaculture in Pembrokeshire contact donna.page@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Why a Pembrokeshire family’s portrait has captured global attention

THE BAYERS family experienced a surreal moment that would become a cherished memory for generations.

Renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, whose lens has immortalized the likes of John Lennon, the Obamas, Ed Sheeran, and even royalty, chose this humble Pembrokeshire household for her latest masterpiece.

This remarkable encounter was part of Ikea’s newest advertising campaign, showcasing 25 real-life households across seven countries.

The Bayers, consisting of Francois, his partner Joanne, and their children Jack and Lowri, lead a simple yet profound life in St Davids, running the regenerative seaweed and shellfish farm, Câr y Môr.

Little did they know, their unique lifestyle would catch the eye of the celebrated photographer, marking the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

Francois recounts his

initial skepticism when approached by a PR firm representing Ikea, questioning the intentions behind Leibovitz’s desire to photograph their family.

Yet,ascorrespondence progressed over six months, the reality of the situation began to crystalize, culminating in Leibovitz’s arrival at their doorstep—a moment Francois describes as “gobsmacking.”

Leibovitz, who began her illustrious career at Rolling Stone magazine and later contributed significantly to Vanity Fair, is no stranger to capturing the essence of her subjects, irrespective of their fame. Her approach to the Bayers’ portrait was no exception.

The family’s interaction with Leibovitz was deeply personal, with their children affectionately nicknaming her “Auntie Annie,” a testament to her charismatic and engaging presence.

The chosen image, a snapshot taken in the

family’s boot room, exudes Leibovitz’s iconic style and captures the essence of the Bayers’ life in Wales. Before departing, Leibovitz gifted the children a signed copy of her book, “Annie Leibovitz at Work,” leaving a heartfelt message about the beauty of their home.

The photograph has not only added to Leibovitz’s portfolio of influential works but has also left the Bayers with a unique dilemma, humorously noted by Francois: the challenge of ever matching this family portrait’s significance in their future endeavors.

This extraordinary collaboration between Leibovitz and the Bayers family highlights the universal beauty and diversity of family life, transcending the boundaries of fame and status. It’s a testament to the power of photography in capturing the essence of human connection, set against the picturesque backdrop of west Wales.

Unraveling the threads of racism in British politics

N PEMBROKESHIRE,

where the air is thick with the scent of the sea and the cries of gulls, I, Stephen Seagull, find myself mulling over the turbulent skies of British politics. As we flap our wings closer to the general election, the winds of debate have taken on a distinct hue, coloured deeply by discussions of race. This isn’t a storm confined to any single flock or party; rather, it stretches across all our societal roosts and institutions.

Perched atop the grand structure of the House of Commons on a crisp Wednesday afternoon, I had hoped to swoop into the conversation during prime minister’s questions. My feathers were ruffled, eager to address Frank Hester and his disparaging squawks. Having soared through the halls of politics for nearly four decades, I’ve seen my share of speakers, but this time, my voice was lost amid the cacophony. Despite the day’s news echoing my concerns, I remained perched, unacknowledged by Lindsay Hoyle. His reasoning? A lack of time, though the skies seemed clear enough for my question to fly.

The uproar surrounding Hester’s remarks towards Diane Abbott left many of us in the avian community unsettled, yet sadly, not surprised. Racism, a predator we’ve long battled, continues to cast shadows over our nests. The attacks on appearance, intelligence, and heritage are all too familiar talons that seek to tear us apart. And now, as the election horizon brightens with Labour’s

lead, the desperation in the air has driven some to darker tactics, plucking at the strings of division and fear.

Rishi Sunak’s adherence to the Rwanda scheme, a flight of fancy that even some within his own nest have pecked apart, lays bare the lengths to which desperation will drive the politics of exclusion. This is not just about managing our shared branches or the economy; it’s a signal, a display of toughness at the expense of those seeking shelter.

The discourse around “extremists” further ruffles my feathers. It’s a coded peck at our Muslim friends, painting them as the other,

despite the absence of any crime. This narrative, while claiming to target the fringes, actually seeks to erode the very foundation of our communal roost.

Amidst this storm, the Forde Report shines a beacon on the internal squabbles and prejudices within the Labour party itself. The vitriol aimed at Diane Abbott, a pioneer among us, reveals a deeper malaise. It’s a reminder that the fight against racism requires more than just lofty declarations; it demands action, accountability, and a willingness to confront the ugliness within our own nests.

As the general election draws near, it is imperative

for Labour to soar above the fray, embracing its antiracist roots, even if it means facing headwinds. The true measure of our society, and indeed of the Labour party, will be in how we navigate these turbulent skies, how we protect the most vulnerable among us, and how we ensure that every voice, no matter how small or feathered, is heard.

In the end, dear readers, let us remember that the strength of our flock lies not in the uniformity of our plumage, but in the diversity of our songs. As we face the storms ahead, let us fly together, united in our commitment to a fairer, more inclusive horizon.

Badger and the Money Pit

MALARKEY.

High jinks!

Shenanigans!!

Gosh, readers, last week’s meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council had all of them.

And one councillor, whose contributions stood out from all the others, proved the nonexistence of a universe in which a Venn diagram could show an intersection between their estimation of their intelligence and their actual IQ.

We might return to that later on. It depends on how charitable Badger feels.

Goodness gracious, some councillors like to hear the sound of their own voices.

It doesn’t matter how trite, inappropriate, or bonkers their contributions are: some councillors extract pleasure from making sure they prove crass opportunism is a substitute for critical thought.

We shouldn’t be surprised. Councillors are - by and large - no different from the rest of us. They are cobbled together from prejudices, life experiences, and a belief that the cosmos starts and ends with them. There is little room for self-doubt and less space for learning.

In fairness, many councillors are of an age at which new knowledge would inevitably begin displacing other vital life skills, such as not putting their undercrackers on their head before leaving the house.

Nevertheless, some councillors wear their underwear on their bonces, at least metaphorically speaking, whenever they rock up at County Hall.

How else could

one explain some of the more deranged points raised preserved forever on the webcast recording of every Council meeting?

Badger bows to nobody in the belief that examination of the details is important when making decisions. However, a critical thinker can distinguish between important decisions worth spending time on and idle or trivial enquiries that make no difference to anything.

For example, since the year dot, the Full Council has considered the budget for Tenby Leisure Centre, operated by a charitable trust. Badger cannot, for the life of him, recall another occasion when so many pointless questions about the Leisure Centre’s governance arrangements, the salaries of its staff, and its registration with the Charity Commission were raised. It’s a nonthing.

If councillors had genuine questions about arrangements, they could have raised them at any time. Asking the Director of Finance about the minutiae of the Leisure Centre’s daily management achieved nothing apart from the intriguing sight of steam coming out of Jon Haswell’s ears as questions became more pointless and arcane.

Badger extracted a certain vicarious pleasure as the outwardly placid Mr Haswell seemed increasingly like to leap from his seat and chin a councillor. But Paul Miller spoiled the fun.

He’s a bad egg, that Paul Miller.

Seeing a County Councillor beaten to death with a laptop would have been worth a

damned sight more than listening to Jamie Adams deliver a speech of such patronising vacuity that Badger almost cheered when Tessa Hodgson squashed him like a bug with a cutting response.

Badger likes Councillor Adams. He is bright, able, and articulate, but he is also partisan and intellectually lazy.

Jamie Adams had plenty to work with without spouting nonsense about jam sandwiches and capital projects.

If he - and some members of the Conservative Groupcould at least pretend not to be personally offended by Paul Miller’s presence in the Cabinet, Badger would respect them more. Trying to score personal and political points when debating serious issues is wasteful and childish.

If Badger had one plea he could address to any politician, it would be to prepare properly and ask briefly. As soon as you play to the gallery, you allow the person answering your question or responding to your speech to target you and the insult, not the point.

A member of the Senedd is a good example of this phenomenon. Janet Finch-Saunders is the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Housing. She repeatedly asks good questions only to wander away from them, allowing Julie James, the Minister she shadows, to wriggle off the hook.

When it comes to questions, shorter and sharper is better.

At last week’s Council meeting, not one member asked the Cabinet Member for

Finance to explain why he made the spending decisions he had or how he had reached decisions over the Council’s future budget priorities.

You ask that question first: then ask the detailed question about the circumstances in which, despite the demographic timebomb ticking away under adult social care being known about for decades, decisions on funding that care had been omitted or avoided.

Now, readers, part of the answer to that question is that Councils’ budgets are set yearto-year, and local government funding is a basket case.

That’s a fair general point. However, councils and health boards across Wales appear to expect a funding miracle to solve the problem for them instead of finding solutions for themselves.

So, considering that councils are not powerless in the face of a changing population and uncertain budget, why do they seem

annually astonished by the increased demand for social care and its accompanying rising costs?

There are issues of public interest and issues of interest to the public. If you’re lucky, those issues overlap.

The big question about the budget approved last week is whether it improves and strengthens service provision: if so, how? If not, why not?

Those are far more important questions than trying to make political capital about a sodding bridge being funded by the UK Government or a transport interchange funded by the Welsh one.

Needless to say, the Council would not have pursued those projects without external funding. But to pretend that the money provided by central governments would somehow have materialised elsewhere in the County Council’s budget is nonsense on stilts.

It’s time for central governments to give councils the money they

need to do necessary things, not grants to do things central governments think they ought to do.

The Welsh Government wants to extend public transport provision, so the Vale of Glamorgan Council has built a brand new bus terminal in Barry.

One problem: no buses are scheduled to use it.

If the Welsh Government or Westminster were serious about sorting out adult social care, they would stop funding idiotic competitions between councils to build things nobody wants or needs in the name of “levelling up” and “regenerating town centres” and release that money to fund social care across the UK.

You can’t care for the vulnerable via Instagrammable bridges.

And you can’t bridge the funding gap between demand and budget in social care with a transport hub.

Animal welfare boost as CCTV becomes mandatory in Welsh abattoirs

ALL abattoirs in Wales will be required to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems by May 1, pending approval from the Senedd. This regulation follows a successful campaign spearheaded by RSPCA Cymru and is poised to ensure the humane treatment of animals at the time of slaughter.

The Welsh Government’s decision to develop these regulations came after a consultation process initiated last May, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards. This step was propelled forward by an extensive campaign from RSPCA Cymru, reflecting the organization’s longstanding advocacy for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses to safeguard animal welfare.

For the regulations to take effect, they must first gain approval from Senedd Members. Once enacted, abattoir operators will be obligated to maintain recorded footage for a minimum of ninety days and ensure its availability to authorized personnel. This requirement is scheduled to be enforced starting in November, contingent upon legislative approval.

The push for CCTV installation in slaughterhouses has garnered substantial

public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming response during the 12-week consultation period. A total of 15,943 submissions were received, voicing strong backing for the measure, out of 16,014 responses overall to the consultation.

Billie-Jade Thomas,

RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, expressed the organization’s satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing the critical role of CCTV in protecting animal welfare and reinforcing public confidence in food safety and animal husbandry practices. Thomas also extended gratitude to the thousands who supported the RSPCA’s

campaign, underscoring the public’s vested interest in animal welfare.

This regulatory milestone in Wales reflects a growing recognition of the importance of animal welfare in the agriculture industry. It aligns with the RSPCA’s farm animal welfare standards, which already mandate CCTV in slaughterhouses under

the RSPCA Assured certification scheme. England has observed similar regulations since November 2018, illustrating a broader trend towards enhanced animal welfare practices in the UK.

In conjunction with its 200th anniversary, RSPCA is keen on inspiring a million people to join their movement aimed at improving the lives of

animals. This regulation marks a significant step towards that goal, illustrating the power of advocacy and public support in effecting meaningful change.

For further details on the consultation results and to learn how to join RSPCA’s mission for better animal welfare, visit the official government and RSPCA websites respectively.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Welsh Lib Dems call for more support for childcare sector in Wales

ON TUESDAY in the Senedd (Ma 12), the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to offer more support for the childcare sector.

The party has raised concerns over the potential impact that the 2024 National Living Wage uplift may have on childcare providers.

According to a recent survey from Early Years Wales, 84% of childcare providers stated that the wage increase is unaffordable given the current funding rates and rising operational costs they face.

The same survey also found that 91% of providers have been forced to consider or are set to increase fees for parents, while 94% believe that the current funding rates are inadequate.

The Welsh Lib Dems

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

are now calling on the Welsh Government to provide more support for the childcare sector.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Unfortunately, like many industries here in Wales, our childcare sector is nearing its financial breaking point.

Devoid of any substantial government backing, there is a real risk that countless childcare providers could go under if immediate action isn’t taken.

The impact of losing our childcare sector would be felt by all of us here in Wales, not just working families that are already struggling with balancing work and home responsibilities.

Families across the country are already being

faced with an almost impossible task of finding affordable and easily accessible childcare, with many being forced to choose between

forking out thousands of pounds or quitting work.

To put it simply, with less affordable childcare providers, more parents will be forced to make the

difficult choice of leaving their employment.

Creating a potential butterfly effect that could devastate our already struggling economy.

We urgently need the Welsh Government to support the sector and help protect working Welsh families.”

Protecting Our Future Generations From a Hidden Killer!

ASBESTOS can potentially be found in ANY building built before the year 2000 and so may be present in many homes and public buildings! Tragically, asbestos currently takes more than twice the number of lives in Wales than road traffic accidents and still remains to be the biggest U.K workplace killer taking over 5000 lives each year! Thankfully, there are precautions that can be taken and support is out there!

Global Asbestos Awareness Week is marked during the first week in April each year and aims to raise awareness of the risks of asbestos exposure and the need for preventative measures. The global event brings together organisations and individuals from around the world to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos Awareness & Support Cymru (AASC) is an independent charity for Wales and provides support to victims of asbestos related

illnesses such as asbestosis and the malignant cancer Mesiothelioma and their families. The charity arranges support groups and events, operates a telephone support service and also signposts to helping agencies and specialist advice services ranging from practical support in the home to benefits and specialist legal advice.

More recently, in response to an increase in enquiries, the charity was delighted to welcome Sarah Morgan (retired Mesothelioma Specialist Nurse) to join the team to provide additional support to families in Wales.

(Pictured on the right of Jo Barnes-Mannings- Co Founder of the Charity).

This year, AASC will be holding an event at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth on 4th April at 2pm to mark this important global event. Information and advice from various experts and specialists will be available on the day in the hope of protecting our future generations whilst also offering support to those who need it. The event will be informal and friendly and light refreshments will also be offered at no charge and a warm welcome awaits anyone who would like to join us!

For more information, call Jo on 01495 272479 or visit the website www.a-a-s-c.org. uk

Jo Barnes Mannings & Sarah Morgan -AASC

Pembrokeshire’s disability boxing sessions applauded by MP

PEMBROKE and Pembroke Dock amateur boxing club was top of the list for a visit from Stephen Crabb MP following a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street last month with BoxWise Disability lead and Chairman of GB Boxing, Chris McEwen, – who happens to live in Pembrokeshire.

Chris McEwen, invited Stephen to come and see a BoxWise disability session in action after Chris was nominated to attend the Downing Street reception in recognition of all his work to promote disability boxing and provide boxing opportunities to people not just in Pembrokeshire, but right across the UK.

Last Thursday (8th March) at the busy club on Water Street in Pembroke Dock, Stephen was provided with an overview of the inspiring work being done in Pembroke Dock by Chris which is changing the lives of countless young people in Pembrokeshire.

Chris runs children’s programmes, schools’

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

programmes, as well as their own amateur boxing programmes with every Thursday night allocated to running free inclusion boxing programmes for individuals with all ranges of disability. Stephen was interested to meet with the members, coaches and to hear from Chris about his plans for developing the building to provide more boxing and fitness facilities.

Chris has featured on the BBC Cymru Wales Talk Disability documentary and is the subject of a new Netflix series.

Following his visit Stephen said: “It has been inspiring to meet so many children and adults with disabilities involved in the sessions this evening and to see the skills and confidence they are developing by being part of this club. It is clear to see the impact that Chris has on those he is coaching. His sheer enthusiasm and can do attitude is infectious and I feel so fortunate that

we have gained Chris as part of our community.”

He added: “Chris is a force of nature and has so many plans for the building which he hopes to develop to meet local needs that he has identified in the community. The club is an outstanding example of a place where community and fitness brings everyone together and where everyone benefits.”

Boxwise Disability

Lead Chris McEwen, said: “I was delighted that Stephen was able to visit our inclusion sessions after we met at the Reception in Downing Street. He looked around our facility, listened to our plans for our community and grassroots sports for the gym. He watched the classes and talked to the students, parents and carers and asked them what they wanted to see more of locally.”

” We talked openly about sport in schools, after school clubs and employment issues – it was a complete breath of fresh air and I look forward to working with him on future projects.”

Deposit Return Scheme needed now more than ever says Keep Wales Tidy KEEP

WALES

TIDY’S All Wales Report shows significant upwards trend in drinks litter on Welsh streets

Environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, has published its annual All Wales Report for 2023-24, which provides the only consistent and robust measure of street litter data for the whole of Wales.

This year, Keep Wales Tidy surveyed 3,161 streets across Wales between April 2023 and January 2024, with results representing streets adopted by local authorities alone and not extending to parks, beaches or busy roads, meaning results likely present a significant underestimate.

Drinks litter was present on 43.6% of streets, with levels in individual counties ranging considerably from 19.4% of streets to 86.1%.

Aluminium cans are consistently the most common drinks receptacle, found on

18.1% of streets, 3 percentage points higher than 2022-23, and the occurrence of glass bottles has more than doubled over the last four years, increasing to 5.2% of streets. With a clear upwards trend for cans, glass

and plastic bottles, all of which provide good quality materials for recycling, Keep Wales Tidy is again calling on Ministers to implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) by 2025.

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said: “The All Wales Report provides vital insight into the standard of street

cleanliness across Wales and we will continue to use this data to advise on change and policy revision.

“The prevalence of drinks litter is beyond frustrating when the solution – a comprehensive DRS – is within our grasp. We’re urgently calling on governments across the UK to prevent further

delays and proceed with rolling out the scheme.”

A recent YouGov poll showed that two-thirds of the UK public support the introduction of a DRS scheme, and 36% support a deposit of up to 20p per containe.

More than 40 countries have already successfully implemented a DRS, including Latvia where

a 61% reduction in littered plastic containers has been seen since introducing the scheme in 2022.

Keep Wales Tidy hosted a webinar, on Monday 11 March, with Reloop, Friends of the Earth Cymru and Circular Economy experts from Latvian NGO, Green Liberty, for Members of the Senedd to hear about the international context of DRS, the benefits of Wales’s current approach to DRS and how implementing this must continue at pace.

Keep Wales Tidy Policy and Research Manager Jemma Bere said: “This webinar aims to maintain momentum on the subject of DRS in Wales, and we as an organisation hope that this ongoing engagement from the Senedd will ensure that DRS remains a priority for the incoming First Minister in 2024.”

The All Wales Report 2023-24 Summary and Full Report are available here: https:// bit.ly/48LHBgF

Newport Town Council to host public meeting on water quality

NEWPORT TOWN

COUNCIL has announced a critical public meeting to address pressing concerns over river and sea water quality in Newport and its vicinity. The meeting, scheduled for March 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Memorial Hall Newport, aims to bring together community members, environmental experts, and representatives from various organisations to discuss and propose solutions to the ongoing water quality issues.

Lowri, the clerk of Newport Town Council, emphasised the importance of community engagement and reporting on the event, stating, “We anticipate the meeting will focus around River and Sea Water quality in the local area.”

The discussion will

Tom Sinclair

cover a range of topics, including sea water quality in light of DCWW spills, the impact of Cwm Pumping station and CSO discharges, runoff effects from the land, and the quality of bathing water as tested at Traeth Mawr. Other crucial issues like the implications of water quality on open water swimming, the Surfers against Sewage campaign, The Clean Project, and the effects of agriculture on water quality will also be addressed.

Participants are encouraged to bring forward their ideas and concerns, with 5 to 10 minutes allocated to each speaker, ensuring ample time for questions and community input.

Confirmed speakers include Ant Rogers, PCC Biodiversity Implementation Officer;

Rep Farming Connect, is awaiting confirmation. Community groups such as Nevern Community Council, Nevern Anglers, Newport Moorings Association, Newport Boat Club, and others have been invited to contribute to

the dialogue, alongside representatives from the press.

The meeting underscores Newport’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges headon, fostering a collaborative approach

to safeguarding the area’s natural resources for current and future generations.

For further details, contact the Newport Town Clerk, who is available part-time on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Hayley Barrett from NRW; Kelly Jordan from Dwr Cymru; Emma Withers from West Wales River Trust; Richard & Sophie from Cwm Arian; Lloyd from Sea Trust; and James Parkin from PCNPA. Geraint Jones, representing Farmers

Editor@herald.email

w H a T’S on

cIneMa: coMIng Soon

HER MUSIC, HER LIFE, HER LEGACY

BACK TO BLACK

Amy Winehouse’s life etched a compelling narrative, tragically concluding at the tender age of 27. The anticipation surrounding the biopic of this iconic figure has finally crystallised into a confirmed reality.

Titled ‘Back to Black,’ the film promises an immersive exploration of Amy Winehouse’s meteoric rise to stardom, her iconic musical legacy, tumultuous love life, and the heart-wrenching narrative of her premature demise—all under the ‘full support’ of Amy’s family and estate.

As the cameras roll through the bustling streets of London, let’s unravel the key details of this highly anticipated biopic that was officially announced on January 13.

The leading lady in this cinematic portrayal is none other than Marisa Abela, a 26-year-old talent hailing from Brighton, East Sussex. With a noteworthy background in acting from RADA and notable appearances in BBC’s ‘Cobra’ and the acclaimed TV series ‘Industry,’

Abela brings promise to the role. Released character images already showcase an uncanny resemblance between her and the late Amy Winehouse.

Supporting cast members include Eddie Marsan, famed for his role in ‘Ray Donovan,’ who will portray Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, and actor Ryan O’Doherty stepping into the shoes of Chris Taylor, Winehouse’s former boyfriend.

The directorial helm is in the capable hands of Sam Taylor-Johnson, known for her expertise in musical biopics, notably steering the John Lennon-focused film ‘Nowhere Boy.’ Backing the project is StudioCanal, with producers Alison Owen, Debra Hayward, and Tracey Seaward steering the ship.

Mark your calendars for April 12, as ‘Back to Black’ is set to hit UK cinemas, with the US release date still pending announcement.

Capturing Amy Winehouse’s journey from her humble North London roots to

superstardom, the film is expected to delve into the themes of her tumultuous love life and tragic drug use. The press release emphasizes a focus on Amy’s “vibrant years living in London in the early aughts and her intense journey to fame.”

Contrary to concerns of a sanitized portrayal, director Taylor-Johnson assures that the Winehouse family had no sway over the film’s direction. “It was important to meet with them out of respect,” she explained to Empire. “But they have no involvement in terms of... like, they couldn’t change things. They couldn’t dictate how I was to shoot. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it.”

Given the film’s title, ‘Back to Black,’ one can safely assume a soundtrack woven with Amy’s timeless hits, including ‘Rehab,’ ‘You Know I’m No Good,’ ‘Tears Dry On Their Own,’ and ‘Love Is a Losing Game.’ Despite her brief discography, Amy Winehouse’s indelible mark on the music world is poised for a poignant and resonant cinematic tribute.

Renegade Nell springs into Disney+ 29th March!

RENEGADE NELL, Sally Wainwright’s highly anticipated fantasy drama, is on the verge of its debut, with Disney Plus recently confirming its release date through a thrilling teaser trailer.

Starring Louisa Harland from Derry Girls in the lead role, the series revolves around a woman framed for murder who unexpectedly transforms into a notorious outlaw. The intriguing twist comes with the intervention of a mystical spirit, the fairylike Billy Blind, portrayed by Nick Mohammed from Ted Lasso. Billy Blind empowers Nell with formidable fighting skills whenever she faces adversity.

The narrative unfolds around a quick-witted and courageous young woman navigating 18th Century England, framed for murder and inadvertently becoming

the most infamous highwaywoman.

According to Disney’s synopsis, as Nell delves deeper into her predicament, she discovers a perilous secret, potentially tied to her chief adversary, the scheming Earl of Poynton.

Adrian Lester, a star in the series, shared his perspective, describing Renegade Nell as a departure from Sally Wainwright’s previous works, blending political intrigue, magic, sprites, intense combat, highway robbery, and the backdrop of Regency England. Lester expressed his enjoyment portraying a morally ambiguous character in this unique and captivating storyline.

Previously known as The Ballad of Renegade Nell, the complete series, crafted by the talented Sally Wainwright of Happy Valley fame, is set

to premiere on Disney Plus on Friday, March 29, 2024. Unlike a traditional weekly release, all episodes will be available simultaneously for viewers to enjoy as a bingeable box set.

The production of Renegade Nell spanned nine months, commencing in July 2022,

and showcased diverse UK locations, including Oxford, England. The series promises a blend of fantasy, drama, and historical intrigue, making it a must-watch for fans of Wainwright’s storytelling prowess. Stay tuned for a captivating journey into Nell’s world of mystery, magic, and rebellion.

Apple TV+ unveils star-studded 1969 comedy drama

GET READY to immerse yourself in the next big TV sensation as Apple TV+ unveils the captivating world of “Palm Royale.”

Having teased us with mesmerising visuals and an ensemble cast featuring Kristen Wiig and Laura Dern, the trailer is nothing short of spectacular, leaving us eager for more. If you’ve been yearning for the allure of “Mad Men” with a comedic twist, then “Palm Royale” might just be the show you’ve been waiting

for. Dive into the details below to get the scoop on this exciting new series. Mark your calendars for March 20, 2024, as the first three episodes of “Palm Royale” are set to premiere on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes airing every Wednesday until May 8. The series, loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel “Mr. and Mrs. American Pie,” follows the journey of Maxine Simmons (played by Wiig) as she navigates the high society of Palm Beach in the tumultuous

year of 1969. Behind the scenes, Wiig and Dern take on dual roles as executive producers, alongside the talented writer Abe Sylvia, known for his work on “Dead to Me” and “The Affair.” Sylvia, who also serves as the showrunner, shares directing duties with a stellar team including Tate Taylor, Claire Scanlon, and Stephanie Laing. With such a powerhouse lineup, “Palm Royale” promises to deliver a

compelling and visually stunning narrative.

The star-studded ensemble cast further adds to the anticipation, featuring not only Wiig and Dern but also Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Kaia Gerber, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, and Mindy Cohn. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as living legend Carol Burnett and Bruce Dern, Laura Dern’s father, will make “extra special” guest appearances, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the series.

So, gear up for a journey back in time to the glamour and drama of 1969 with “Palm Royale.” With a perfect blend of humor and sophistication, this series is poised to become your new TV obsession. Don’t miss out on the premiere – it’s an event you won’t want to skip!

Celebrating Pembrokeshire’s marine and coastal life at the Torch Theatre

ARE you passionate about wildlife and wellbeing? Then

the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven is the place to be on Tuesday 19 March as Pembrokeshire Living Coast, now in its 12 th year, explores the

important aspects of the county outdoors.

The community event, hosted at the Torch Theatre, is an evening of celebration – celebrating Pembrokeshire’s marine and coastal life. Have your eyes opened as

experts come together to share stories of their experiences working and living amongst the great Welsh outdoors, and how connections with nature can have great benefits for our health and wellbeing.

The Pembrokeshire

‘Living Coast’ event brings the wildlife on our doorstep closer than ever through a series of talks, slideshows, and video footage, celebrating Pembrokeshire’s diversity. This year you’ll discover how connecting with nature and wildlife can bring great health and wellbeing benefits through the work and stories of fantastic guest speakers.

The event also explores the actions that can be taken to protect Pembrokeshire’s environment for the future.

Discover how you can get involved in local projects, learn how to make a positive change, or just be wowed by some amazing photography –and be inspired to start snapping away!

Pembrokeshire Living Coast 2024 event will be at the Torch Theatre on Tuesday 19 March at 7pm. Ticket prices are £8.00 | £6.00 concessions. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Friday

ALRIGHT, so, a couple of moons back, Manor Lords waltzed onto the scene, flaunting this majestic blend of Crusader Kingsesque simulation, a dash of Ages of Empires-style city-building, and some grandiose Total War-esque battles. Picture it – a medieval strategy game cooked up by a lone wolf, and lo and behold, it skyrocketed up the Steam charts, becoming one of the most wishlisted games in the realm.

Fast forward a bit, and here we are, getting another glimpse of Manor Lords in the Xbox Partner Preview shindig. It spills the beans on even more of its audacious gameplay and, brace yourselves, drops a release date bomb.

Now, imagine donning the leather boots of a ruler, overseeing your 14th-century lands. Bandit attacks? Check. An illegitimate baron scheming to snatch control of the northern territories? Double check. It’s a whole medieval soap opera.

Feeling a bit Age of Empires

déjà vu? That’s because Manor Lords lets you craft your settlement with buildings, bossing around your peasant villagers – you know, the real MVPs – to do tasks like chopping trees, growing veggies, and rearing animals. Classic medieval micromanagement. But hold on, there’s a dollop of historical realism here. Manor Lords is all about following the historical burgage plot system, which basically means you’re a medieval landlord leasing homes to folks who cough up taxes to live there. Homes expand, seasons change, and the soil gets all fertile and stuff. It’s like medieval SimCity, but with more drama.

Now, if the intricate historical simulation vibes sound more like Crusader Kings, that’s your second big clue. Apart from playing mayor, you’re also juggling policies, doing the whole diplomacy dance with fellow lords – you know, the buttering up routine or just straight-up threatening them into submission. It’s a tech tree party, where your ruling

style clashes or harmonizes with rival lords’ ambitions.

And when all else fails, the real-time battles kick in, a tactical ballet reminiscent of the Total War series. Soldiers decked out, weather factored in, terrain considered – it’s like planning a medieval picnic but with armies. Every soldier lost is a villager gone, so victories can be a pricey affair.

Now, this game, my friends, is a wild ride, especially considering it’s the brainchild of a solo developer going by the name Slavic Magic. No wonder it’s nestled comfortably among the most-wishlisted games on Steam for 2023.

But wait, there’s more! April 24th, mark that date on your digital calendar. Manor Lords is strutting onto Steam, and guess what? It’s also hitting up PC Game Pass, letting subscribers dive into the medieval madness for free. It’s like the gaming universe just threw a big ol’ feast, and Manor Lords is the main course. Bon appétit, gamers!

HOROSCOpES

ARIES

It feels like time is flying. You love the finer things in life, which could lead you to explore high-end stores and restaurants for a touch of luxury. Take the opportunity to revitalize your wardrobe and adopt a new style.

TAURUS

You’ll overcome your fears and apprehensions to pursue your passions. Your remarkable creativity will guide you in the right direction. This will allow you to create a masterpiece. You’ll receive some form of compensation for it.

GEMINI

You’ll be in high demand by everyone this week. Your popularity will reach new heights with work colleagues or those close to you. You’ll expand your customer base and become the go-to person for any business because of your efficiency.

CANCER

After prolonged negotiations, you’ll get the green light to buy a property or finance a project. Sort out some undesirable friendships. Any form of change will be beneficial to you.

LEO

You’ll feel a deep need to recharge your batteries and take a step back from your worries. Take the time to reconnect with your inner child and contemplate the beauty of life so you can reignite your passion.

VIRGO

Adjusting your goals may help you reach your full potential. Whatever direction you choose, you’ll put your heart and soul into achieving your goals. Your romantic side will come out in a couple’s getaway.

LIBRA

If you’re in a new relationship, it could cross your mind to get married to make your relationship official and put your mind at ease. At work, be careful not to let your emotions influence your negotiations. This will avoid any confusion..

SCORPIO

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a training course that will open new perspectives and bring about a better quality of life fairly quickly. You must break the monotony in your relationship. Taking a walk hand in hand could do you a world of good.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll perform a heroic act, such as saving someone from a delicate situation or lending a sympathetic ear. At work, you could find yourself leading a team without asking. This could lead you to become the pillar of the entire business.

CAPRICORN

You’ll hear about a birth in the family. You’ll discover a property opportunity that suits your needs and budget. At work, don’t hesitate to embrace success. If you struggle with doing that, work on changing your mindset.

AQUARIUS

You’ll feel the need to get a new vehicle. You could play the role of interpreter to decipher an unfamiliar message. You’ll debate with people who don’t have a good command of your native language. You’ll be extremely curious this week.

PISCES

Much to your surprise, you’ll find the solutions to your financial and sentimental problems. A promotion with a substantial pay raise is on the horizon. This will bring you great joy.

wITH eddIe THe gaMe guru

Ralf Little

Death in Paradise

BBC1, 9pm

The team find themselves split between Saint Marie and the island of Saint Auguste, attempting to investigate the death of a British tourist. When the team uncover a series of startling connections between the victim and other guests at the hotel they were staying at, they realise nothing is quite what it seems in this case. Neville prepares to make a huge next step in his life.

MONDAY’S

6.35

6.50 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 Countryfile. Charlotte Smith and Sean Fletcher explore Marlborough Downs in North Wessex.

8.00 Antiques Roadshow. Fiona Bruce pays a final visit to Ebrington Square in Derry/ Londonderry.

9.00 Death in Paradise. The team work between two islands to investigate the death of a tourist.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.25 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.30 Match of the Day 2.

10.50 MOTD: FA Cup Highlights. Action from the weekend’s quarter-finals.

11.30 Scrum V Six Nations Special. Including Wales v Italy. (R)

12.30 The Women’s Football Show.

1.15 BBC News.

6.15 Glorious Gardens from Above. (R) 7.00 Countryfile. (R) 7.55

Breakfast. 9.00 My Life at Easter with Sally Phillips. (R) 10.00

Saturday Kitchen Best Bites. 11.30

Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden. (R) 12.00 Sam and Shauna’s Big Cook Out. (R)

12.30 Super Small Animals. (R)

1.30 Tiger Dynasty: Natural World. (R) 2.30 Film: Alice Through the Looking Glass. (2016) Fantasy adventure sequel, starring Mia Wasikowska. 4.15 Flog It! (R) 5.00 Saving Lives at Sea in World War II. Dermot O'Leary uncovers the RNLI's efforts during the Second World War. (R)

6.00 Scrum V Six Nations Special. Including Wales v Italy.

7.00 Australia with Simon Reeve. The adventurer continues his Australian journey in Kakadu National Park. (R)

8.00 This Farming Life. Rachel and Camy find out how many of their ewes are pregnant. (R)

9.00 Forensics: The Real CSI. A 32-year-old woman is found murdered in a Coventry flat.

10.00 Film: Dunkirk. (2017) Drama, starring Kenneth Branagh.

11.40 Film: Phantom Thread. (2017) Drama, starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

1.40 Sign Zone: Question Time. (R) 2.40 Is University Really Worth It? (R) 3.40 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 James Martin’s Great British Adventure. (R) 6.30 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure. (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 ITV News; Weather.

12.45 Film: Three Men and a Baby. (1987) 2.45 Live FA Cup Football. Manchester United v Liverpool (Kick-off 3.30pm).

5.50 Deal or No Deal Celebrity Special. (R)

6.40 ITV News; Weather.

6.50 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

7.00 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars. With Tony Blackburn, Tim Vine and Megan McKenna. (R)

8.00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jeremy Clarkson hosts the quiz.

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother. AJ Odudu and Will Best present the latest from the house.

10.00 ITV News; Weather.

10.15 Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport. (R)

10.45 The Hunt for Raoul Moat. Fact-based crime drama, starring Lee Ingleby. (R)

11.40 The Hunt for Raoul Moat. The police close in on Moat. (R)

12.30 Shop on TV. 3.00 English Football League Highlights. (R)

4.10 Unwind. 5.10 Fletchers’ Family Farm. (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) 12.00 Dan Do. (R) 12.30 Tir Cymru. (R) 1.30 Ffilmiau Ddoe. (R) 2.00 Llanw. (R) 3.00 Ar Werth. (R) 3.30 Cefn Gwlad. (R) 4.05 Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol. Wales v Italy. 5.50 Pobol y Cwm Omnibws. (R)

7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon.

7.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol.

8.00 Am Dro! Walks in Llangollen, Llyn Ogwen, Machynlleth and Pembrokeshire.

9.00 Gogglebocs Cymru. (R)

10.00 Adam Price a Streic y Glowyr. (R)

11.00 Y Ditectif. (R)

11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 The King of Queens. (R) 6.50 Everybody

Loves Raymond. (R) 7.40 The Simpsons. (R) 9.30 Sunday Brunch. 12.30 Four in a Bed. (R) 3.05 A Lake District Farm Shop. (R) 4.05 Devon and Cornwall. (R) 5.10 The Dog House. (R) 6.10 Channel 4 News. 6.40 Inside McVitie’s. 7.40 The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer. 9.00 Hunted. 10.00 Gogglebox. (R) 10.55 Open House: The Great Sex Experiment. (R)

11.55 Walter Presents: Top Dog. 12.50 Film: Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) 2.40 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (R) 3.30 Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.40-6.10 Food Unwrapped. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 8.50 SpongeBob SquarePants. (R) 9.05

Entertainment News. 9.10 Friends. (R) 11.00 Holidaying with Jane McDonald. (R) 1.00 Inside the Tower of London. (R) 4.00 The Queen Mother: For King & Country.

5.55 5 News Weekend.

6.00 Stonehenge: Digging Up Britain’s Past. Helen Skelton and Alex Langlands explore the history of Stonehenge. (R)

7.00 Warship: Life at Sea. Documentary following life on board HMS Northumberland. (R)

8.00 The Tube: Keeping London Moving. New series. Following the work of Transport for London.

9.00 Amazing Railway Journeys with Nick Knowles. Nick travels through Slovenia and Croatia.

10.00 Mums Who Do Porn: Revealed. A look at the big business of older women in adult entertainment.

10.55 Swingers: Couples Wanted! (R)

11.50 Cam Girl Millionaires. (R)

12.45 Criminals: Caught on Camera. (R) 1.10 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.10 Eamonn & Ruth: How the Other Half Lives.

4.20 Car Pound Cops: Give Me My Car Back! 4.45 Divine Designs. (R)

5.10 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.35

Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Mixmups. (R)

BBC Four

7.00 Chopin Etudes Opus 25 No 12

7.05 Andre Previn: Who Needs a Conductor? – Omnibus 8.00 Inside Classical: Grieg’s Piano Concerto with Zee Zee 9.35 The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show 10.40 The Shamrock Tenors: St Patrick’s Night Concert 11.40 Steps of Freedom: The Story of Irish Dance

ITV2

3.05 Film: Peter Pan (2003) 5.15

Film: Flushed Away (2006) 7.00

Film: Evan Almighty (2007) 9.00

Family Guy 10.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live 11.05 Family Guy 11.35 American Dad!

ITV3

2.50 Foyle’s War 6.55 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 8.00 Vera 10.00 Foyle’s War 11.55 Agatha Christie’s Poirot

ITV4

3.20 Film: The Last Sunset (1961)

5.35 Film: Smokey and the Bandit (1977) 7.30 Live LaLiga. Atletico Madrid v Barcelona (Kick-off 8.00pm). 10.20 Film: The Blues Brothers (1980)

E4

6.00 Lego Masters New Zealand

7.00 Film: The Addams Family (1991) 9.00 Film: Knives Out (2019) Comedy mystery, starring Daniel Craig. 11.40 Celebrity Gogglebox

Film4

2.30 Kindergarten Cop (1990) 4.40 Rat Race (2001) 6.50 The Devil Wears Prada (2006) 9.00 War of the Worlds (2005) 11.20 Antwone Fisher (2002)

ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

TV 18.3.24 BBC1 BBC2

Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain

BBC1, 9pm

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice enjoy an epic road trip across Spain. In the first leg of their journey, they drive across the Andalusian region. After a very dramatic arrival in a hot air balloon, the Strictly duo touch down just outside Seville. After a day spent cruising on a yacht off the coast of Marbella, Anton and Giovanni walk the Caminito del Rey.

3.45 The

Bridge of Lies. 5.15 Pointless. (R)

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 SOS: Extreme Rescues. A crash in a remote spot brings emergency teams together.

7.30 EastEnders. Tension grows between Jack and Denise after her ultimatum.

8.00 Wynne’s Welsh 80s. Wynne Evans explores the BBC Wales archives of 1986.

8.30 Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis –Panorama. Alison Holt explores why many town halls across the UK are in financial crisis. (R)

9.00 Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain. New series. Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice enjoy an epic road trip across Spain.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Strike! The Women Who Fought Back. (R)

11.40 Have I Got News for You. (R)

12.10 The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok. (R) 1.10 BBC News.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.15 Bridge of Lies. (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 Edge. (R)

2.30 Take a Hike. (R) 3.00 Hidden Treasures of the National Trust. (R)

4.00 Cities: Nature’s New Wild. (R)

5.00 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Rob Deering, Katya Jones, Jayne Middlemiss and Phil Tufnell. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. New series. Michael Portillo embarks on an exploration of Britain’s southern counties.

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

7.30 Mastermind. The fifth semifinal of the quiz.

8.00 Only Connect Specials: Champion of Champions 2020. (R)

8.30 University Challenge.

9.00 Great British Menu: The Finals. The eight regional champions cook their vegan starter courses.

10.00 Alma’s Not Normal. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Darren McGarvey: The State We’re In. (R)

12.15 Film: Radioactive. (2019)

2.00 Sign Zone: Countryfile. (R)

2.55 Garden Rescue. (R) 3.40 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club. 3.00 Winning Combination. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00

The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. The Dingles get their test results. Aaron tells Chas a lie. Mandy discusses her relationship troubles with Belle.

8.00 Coronation Street. Max’s visit to Lauren’s dad in prison puts Roy at risk, Eileen disapproves of Sean’s secrecy, and Steve breaks news of Tommy’s departure to Tracy.

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother. AJ Odudu and Will Best present the latest from the house as the famous faces continue their third week under constant surveillance in the Big Brother compound.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Sharp End. Political discussion.

11.45 Sorry, I Didn’t Know. With Desiree Burch, Nick Helm, Tez Ilyas and Sikisa. (R)

12.05 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 Caeau Cymru. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05

Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Barry John: Cofio’r Brenin. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 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: Y Daith I Rwanda.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Gareth Bale: Byw’r Freuddwyd. (R)

10.00 Sgorio. 10.30 Dylan ar Daith: Thomas Picton. (R)

11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R)

6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (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 A Place in the Sun. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations. 9.00 24

Hours in A&E. 10.00 Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure. 11.05 Sky Coppers. (R) 12.05 Film: Name Me Lawand. (2022)

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) 2.15 Film: Infidelity Can Be Fatal. (2023) 4.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure. Dan Walker and Helen Skelton explore Cumbria’s Pennine Way. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00

Police Interceptors. Suspected lorry looters are reported at a service station in Trowell. (R) 7.55 5 News Update.

8.00

Traffic Cops. A motorcyclist is trapped under a car after a crash.

9.00 Coma. New series. Drama, starring Jason Watkins.

10.00 My Wife, My Abuser: The Secret Footage. The story of Richard Spencer’s ordeal at the hands of his wife Sheree.

11.30 999: Critical Condition. A man has sustained numerous injuries after being trapped in his car. (R)

12.30 Traffic Cops. (R) 1.20 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.20 Lighthouses: Building the Impossible. (R) 4.05 Car Pound Cops: Give Me My Car Back! 4.30

The Railways That Built Britain with Chris Tarrant. (R) 5.15 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.40 Entertainment News.

5.45 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Great Continental Railway Journeys 8.00 Write Around the World with Richard E Grant 9.00

The Greatest Tomb on Earth: Secrets of Ancient China 10.00 Murder on the Victorian Railway 11.00 Leonora Carrington: The Lost Surrealist

ITV2

5.00 Dress to Impress 6.00 Film: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) 9.00 Family Guy

10.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live 11.05 Family Guy 11.35 American Dad!

ITV3

3.40 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 5.55

Heartbeat 8.00 Vera 10.00 Maryland 11.00 Wycliffe 11.55 The Royal ITV4

3.40 Minder 4.50 The Professionals

5.55 Giant Lobster Hunters 6.55

The Motorbike Show 8.00 The Grand Fishing Adventure 9.00 Film: Everest (2015) 11.25 From Dusk

Till Dawn E4

4.00 Young Sheldon 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Married at First Sight Australia 9.00

Gogglebox 10.00 Celebrity Gogglebox 11.05 First Dates

Film4

2.55 Hobson’s Choice (1953) 5.05 Earth vs the Flying Saucers (1956) 6.45 GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) Action adventure, starring Channing Tatum. 9.00 The Italian Job (2003) 11.10 The Long Good Friday (1980)

Anton du Beke

TV 19.3.24

BBC1 BBC2 ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

Amanda Seyfried

The Dropout

BBC1, 10.40pm

You don’t have to be squeamish about having your blood taken to see why the idea of a machine that could give you quick and accurate results using little more than a drop would seem appealing. So, when the company Theranos claimed it could do just that, people flocked to invest. The problem was that the technology didn’t work. This drama sets out to tell the story of Theranos.

Ambulance

BBC1, 9pm

The series ends with a reminder of just how much pressure the ambulance service is under. It’s an hour into the night shift, and a call is coming through every 19 seconds. Trainee call-handler Sairah speaks to a distressed woman who has been assaulted by her boyfriend, which means that police will also need to be dispatched to get the quickest response time.

6.00 Breakfast. 9.30 Crimewatch Live. 10.15 Critical Incident. (R)

10.45 Animal Park. (R) 11.30 Homes Under the Hammer. (R)

12.15 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.00 BBC News at One; Weather.

1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

1.45 Doctors. 2.15 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 The Bidding Room. (R) 4.30 Bridge of Lies.

5.15 Pointless. (R)

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. With Lauren Laverne and Jermaine Jenas.

7.30 EastEnders. Jack and Denise have a breakthrough.

8.00 Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr. The remaining designers create activity centres for school children visiting Chester Zoo themed around the wildlife of Brazil, India and Madagascar.

9.00 Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon. Stacey and the team help the Yates family declutter.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Feast of Football. A preview of Wales’ vital Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland.

11.10 The Dropout. New series. Drama starring Amanda Seyfried.

12.00 The Dropout. (R) 12.50 Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel. (R) 1.55 BBC News.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.15

Bridge of Lies. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon. (R) 9.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00

Impossible. (R) 1.45 First Minister’s Questions. 2.45 The Edge. (R) 3.30 Take a Hike. (R)

4.00 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands. (R) 5.00 The Manor Reborn. (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Rob Deering, Katya Jones, Jayne Middlemiss and Phil Tufnell. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys.

7.00 The Hairy Bikers Go West. The duo visit Dorset and Devon, meeting a blacksmith and searching for biltong. Last in the series.

8.00 Saving Lives at Sea. The crew respond to reports of a small boat in the middle of the shipping lanes.

9.00 Great British Menu: The Finals. The eight finalists compete to win the fish course.

10.00 Newark, Newark.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Film: Just Mercy. (2019) Fact-based drama, starring Michael B Jordan and Jamie Foxx.

1.25 Sign Zone: Great British Menu. (R) 2.25 Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr. (R) 3.25 This Is BBC Two.

6.30 Escape to the Country. (R)

7.15 Bridge of Lies. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (R) 8.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 9.00 BBC News.

11.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 The Edge. (R)

2.30 Take a Hike. (R) 3.00 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands. (R) 4.00

The Manor Reborn. (R) 5.00 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Rob Deering, Katya Jones, Jayne Middlemiss and Phil Tufnell. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. The importance of the nation’s railways.

Repair Shop. Items include a pair of running shoes, a bulldog-shaped table and a barrel organ. (R)

9.00 Ambulance. Ambulances queuing outside hospitals leave patients stranded. Last in the series.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 BBC Wales Live. Weekly show featuring hard-hitting stories and in-depth interviews.

11.10 Boarders. Jaheim and Leah compete in the Carruthers Challenge. (R)

11.55 Boarders. Rebellion is in the air as the fundraiser approaches. Last in the series. (R)

12.40 Things You Should Have Done. (R) 1.40 BBC News.

7.00 Digging for Britain. A Roman mosaic found on farmland in Rutland. (R)

8.00 Great British Menu: The Finals. Eight finalists compete with the main course, with guest judge Dame Laura Kenny.

9.00 Bring the Drama. The three actors going into the final showcase are revealed. Last in the series.

10.00 Live at the Apollo. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Unspun World with John Simpson.

11.45 Forensics: The Real CSI. (R)

12.45 Sign Zone: Make It at Market. (R) 1.30 Great British Menu. (R) 2.30 Bring the Drama. (R) 3.30 This Is BBC Two.

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

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

2.00 Fletchers’ Family Farm. (R)

3.00 Winning Combination. (R)

4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Amit forms a cunning plan.

8.00 Wales This Week. How wellequipped the people of Wales are to cope with the so-called AI revolution.

8.30 The Mart. The final market before the onset of the lambing season. (R)

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Live Eviction. AJ Odudu and Will Best announce the latest celebrity to be voted out, before the unlucky contestant waves goodbye to their housemates and gives the lowdown on their experience.

10.30 ITV News; Weather.

11.00 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

11.15 The Hunt for Raoul Moat. The manhunt results in a stand-off on a riverbank in Rothbury. Last in the series. (R)

12.10 Shop on TV. 3.00 The Jonathan Ross Show. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.10 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure. (R)

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 Fletchers’ Family Farm. (R)

3.00 Winning Combination. (R)

4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Rodney warns Pollard off Amit.

8.00 Coronation Street. Amateur sleuths target Roy during a vigil for Lauren, Paul’s new PA struggles to understand him, and Dylan pleads guilty at his hearing.

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother. Highlights of another 24 hours in the Big Brother house as the celebrities react to the latest eviction.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Peston. Political magazine show, hosted by Robert Peston.

11.40 Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport. Virgin Atlantic’s punctuality record is put in jeopardy. (R)

12.05 Shop on TV. 3.00 Holidays: Get Away for Less – Tonight. (R) 3.25 Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes in 12 Hours. (R) 4.00 Unwind.

5.05 Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Sain Ffagan. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Cymoedd Roy Noble. (R) 1.30 Pobol y Penwythnos. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Am Dro! (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Cegin Bryn. (R)

6.30 Sgorio. (R) Newyddion S4C.

7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Rownd a Rownd. 9.30 Ffilmiau Ddoe. (R)

10.00 Astrid: Murder in Paris.

11.05 Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel. (R) 11.40 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (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 A Place in the Sun. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 999: On the Front Line. (R) 9.00 The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer. 10.00 Murder in the Alps. (R) 1.05 Remarkable Places to Eat. (R) 2.00 The Last Leg. (R) 2.55 The Simpsons. (R)

6.00 Cyw. 11.00 Dysgu Gyda Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Colleen Ramsey: Bywyd a Bwyd. 12.30 Heno. 1.00 Byd o Liw: Arlunwyr. 1.30 Parti Bwyd Beca. 2.00

Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Y ’Sgubor Flodau.

4.00 Awr Fawr. 5.00 Stwnsh.

6.00 Caeau Cymru. (R)

6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R)

7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Pobol y Cwm.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Gogglebocs Cymru.

10.00 Sgorio Rhyngwladol: UEFA Euro 2024.

10.30 Y Byd ar Bedwar: Y Daith I Rwanda. (R) 11.20 Dim Byd i’w Wisgo. (R)

11.55 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R)

6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (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 A Place in the Sun. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It. (R) 9.00 The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer. 10.00 Naked Attraction. 11.05 Open House: The Great Sex Experiment. (R) 12.10 My Uncle Is the Green River Killer.

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) 2.15

Film: Finding a Killer. (2023) 4.00 Scotland’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure. The pair begin the next leg of their journey atop Stoodley Pike Monument. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00

Wonka: The Scandal That Rocked Britain. A look at the disastrous Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow. (R) 7.55 5 News Update.

8.00

Dogs Behaving (Very)

Badly. Frenchies that terrorise passers-by and a houseguest-hating chihuahua. Last in the series. 9.00 Coma. Simon is hailed a local hero, but suspicions quickly rise.

10.00 Film: The Girl in the Basement. (2021) Premiere. Crime thriller, starring Judd Nelson.

12.05 Inside the Force: 24/7. (R) 1.00 PlayOJO Live Casino Show.

3.00 Lighthouses: Building the Impossible. (R) 3.50 Car Pound Cops. (R) 4.15 The Railways That Built Britain with Chris Tarrant. (R)

5.05 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.45 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (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) 2.15 Film: To Kill a Stepfather. (2023) 4.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure. Dan Walker and Helen Skelton explore the Yorkshire Dales. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Shop Smart, Save Money. Gaby Roslin and Ortis Deley check out a budget barista experience.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Air Fryers: Do You Have the Right One? How the latest kitchen gadgets have gripped a nation.

9.00 Coma. Simon takes matters into his own hands to get his family to safety.

10.00

Ambulance: Code Red. A man sustains a serious leg injury after a forklift accident. (R)

11.05 999: Emergency Call Out. (R)

12.05 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. (R) 1.00 PlayOJO Live Casino Show.

3.00 The Secret World of Your Rubbish. (R) 3.55 Car Pound Cops. (R) 4.20 The Railways That Built Britain with Chris Tarrant. (R) 5.05 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News.

5.45 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

BBC Four

7.00 Great Continental Railway Journeys 8.00 To the Manor Born

9.00 How Britain Won the Space Race: The Story of Bernard Lovell and Jodrell Bank – Timeshift 10.00 Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle –Storyville

ITV2

4.55 Dress to Impress 5.55 Film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) 9.00 Family Guy 10.30 Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live 11.35 American Dad!

ITV3

3.40 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Vera 10.00 Maryland 11.00 Wycliffe 11.55 The Royal

ITV4

3.45 Minder 4.50 The Professionals

5.55 Giant Lobster Hunters 6.55

The Motorbike Show 8.00 The Grand Fishing Adventure 9.00 Film: Red Heat (1988) Action thriller, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Belushi. 11.10 All Elite Wrestling: Rampage E4

4.00 Young Sheldon 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30 Married at First Sight Australia 9.05 Gogglebox 10.05 Celebrity Gogglebox 11.05 First Dates

Film4

3.35 Samson and Delilah (1949)

6.20 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) Seafaring drama, starring Russell Crowe. 9.00 Bloodshot (2020) Scifi thriller, starring Vin Diesel. 11.10 Undergods (2020)

BBC Four 7.00 Bombay Railway 8.00

Himalaya with Michael Palin 9.00

Rise of the Nazis: The Downfall 10.00 Hotel du Lac 11.15 Anita Brookner on Art: 100 Great Paintings

ITV2

3.55 One Tree Hill 4.50 Dress to Impress 5.45 In for a Penny 6.15

Film: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) 9.00 Family Guy

10.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live 11.05 Family Guy 11.35

American Dad!

ITV3

3.40 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Vera 10.00

Maryland 11.00 Wycliffe 11.55 The

Royal

ITV4

3.40 Minder 4.50 The Professionals

5.55 Giant Lobster Hunters 6.55

The Motorbike Show 8.00 The Grand Fishing Adventure 9.00 Film: The Blues Brothers (1980) 11.45

All Elite Wrestling: Collision E4

4.00 Young Sheldon 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks

7.30 Married at First Sight Australia 9.00 Gogglebox

10.00 Celebrity Gogglebox

11.05 First Dates

Film4

3.05 The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) 4.45 Gift Horse (1952) 6.50 I, Robot (2004) Sci-fi thriller, starring Will Smith. 9.00 Olympus Has Fallen (2013) Action thriller, starring Gerard Butler. 11.20 Logan (2017)

Isaac Boateng

Carrie Fisher: A Life in Ten Pictures

BBC2, 9pm

While Carrie Fisher will always be known as Princess Leia in Star Wars, she was much more than just an actress who happened to have her hair styled into a bagel-bun. Fisher, who died in December 2016, is the subject in the first of a new run of A Life in Ten Pictures, and we follow her life from her childhood in California, through to her film debut in 1975.

confronts Avani about selling vapes.

8.00 Dragons’ Den. Guest Dragon Emma Grede returns to the Den, joining the regulars to consider investing in a showercleaning initiative and a beauty price comparison app.

9.00 The Apprentice. The candidates create an advertising campaign for a new electric vehicle.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Match of the Day Wales. Wales v Finland.

11.10 Question Time. Fiona Bruce hosts the political debate from Middlesbrough. (R)

12.10 Newscast. 12.40 Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain. (R)

1.40 BBC News.

FRIDAY’S TV 22.3.24

6.30 The Bidding Room. (R) 7.15

Bridge of Lies. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. (R) 9.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 The Edge. (R)

2.30 Take a Hike. (R) 3.00 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands. (R) 4.00 The Manor Reborn. (R) 5.00 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Rob Deering, Katya Jones, Jayne Middlemiss and Phil Tufnell. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo reaches Havant.

7.00 Digging for Britain. Alice Roberts views the earliest money made in Britain. (R)

8.00 Great British Menu: The Finals. Jessica Ennis-Hill is guest judge in the penultimate round.

9.00 Carrie Fisher: A Life in Ten Pictures. New series. Return of the documentary profiling famous faces.

9.55 Natural World. The work of staff at a jungle animal hospital in Guatemala. (R)

10.00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Bring the Drama. (R)

12.15 Sign Zone: Great British Menu. (R) 1.15 Dragons’ Den. (R) 2.10 The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth. (R) 3.10 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 Fletchers’ Family Farm. (R)

3.00 Winning Combination. (R)

4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase.

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Tom’s abuse escalates even further. Amit puts the pressure on Pollard. Mandy is furious with Marlon’s blunder.

8.30 Fraud: Ripping Off the Elderly – Tonight. Examining the financial abuse of older people.

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother. Famous faces move in together.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Face to Face. Adrian Masters talks to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.

11.15 The Mart. A look at the postlambing season restart of the weekly market. (R)

11.40 Sorry, I Didn’t Know. With Nabil Abdulrashid, Paul Chowdhry, Adjani Salmon and Sarah Keyworth. (R)

12.05 Shop on TV. 3.00 Barry Humphries: The Last Laugh. (R)

3.50 Unwind. 5.05 The Best of Saint & Greavsie. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Y Byd ar Bedwar: Y Daith I Rwanda. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Tir Cymru. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R)

6.00 Pobol y Penwythnos. (R) Newyddion S4C.

6.30 Dan Do. (R)

7.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

7.20 Sgorio Rhyngwladol. Wales v Finland (Kick-off 7.45pm).

10.00 Y Gêm. (R) 10.25 Llanw. (R) 11.25 Cymoedd Roy Noble. (R) 12.00 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (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 A Place in the Sun. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 The Dog House. 9.00

The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer. 10.00 Gogglebox. (R) 12.05 Hunted. (R) 1.00 First Dates Hotel. (R) 1.55 Car S.O.S. (R) 2.45 Film: Breaking In. (2018) 4.15 Couples Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.05 Kirstie’s House of Craft. (R) 5.15-6.10 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (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) 2.15 Film: Maid to Kill. (2023)

4.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure. Dan Walker and Helen Skelton explore the Pennine Way in Cumbria. Last in the series. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 A Yorkshire Farm. In Bala, North Wales, Erin McNaught takes charge of lambing for the first time.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Somerset: Wonder of the West Country. It is carnival time in Bridgwater.

9.00 Coma. Simon and Beth’s lies finally catch up with them. Last in the series.

10.00 Killer at the Crime Scene. A family who paid the ultimate price for confronting moped thieves. (R)

11.05 Making a Serial Killer. Series exploring what makes a serial killer tick. (R)

12.05 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords. (R) 1.00 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00 The Secret

World of Your Rubbish. (R) 3.50

Car Pound Cops. (R) 4.20 Sally Lindsay’s Posh Sleepover. (R) 5.10 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.45 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Bombay Railway 8.00

Morecambe and Wise: Fools Rush In – Omnibus 8.50 Eric & Ernie

10.20 Film: Here We Are (2020)

11.50 How Britain Won the Space Race: The Story of Bernard Lovell and Jodrell Bank – Timeshift

ITV2

4.55 Dress to Impress 5.55 Film: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) 9.00 Family Guy 10.00

Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live 11.05 Family Guy 11.35 American Dad!

ITV3

3.40 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Vera 10.00 Ruth Rendell’s Inspector Wexford: Road Rage 11.55 The Royal

ITV4

3.45 Minder 4.55 The Professionals

6.00 Giant Lobster Hunters 7.00

The Motorbike Show 8.00 The Grand Fishing Adventure 9.00 Film: Dr No (1962) 11.20 Film: The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) E4

4.00 Young Sheldon 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30

Married at First Sight Australia 9.00

Gogglebox 10.00 Open House: The Great Sex Experiment 11.05 First Dates

Film4

2.25 Von Ryan’s Express (1965)

4.45 The Wackiest Ship in the Army (1960) 6.50 The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Comedy drama, starring Meryl Streep. 9.00 Pig (2021) Drama, starring Nicolas Cage. 10.50 Ben-Hur (2016)

BBC1 BBC2 ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

Beyond Paradise BBC1, 8pm

Humphrey and Esther join the Shipton Abbott Players for a murder mystery rehearsal. Though Humphrey is only playing a detective, things turn from amateur to professional when the actor playing the victim is found dead with a real knife in his back. As the duo tackle the perplexing crime, they soon unravel a dark past that reveals hidden connections between the actors.

6.00

12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Hope Street. (R) 2.30 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R)

3.45 The Bidding Room. (R) 4.30 Bridge of Lies. 5.15 Pointless. (R)

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Hosted by Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp.

7.30 Amy Dowden’s Dare to Dance. Amy helps plan a dance routine at a 75th anniversary Windrush Day event.

8.00 Beyond Paradise. New series. A murder mystery rehearsal becomes all too real for the victim.

9.00 Would I Lie to You? A compilation of the best bits from series 15. (R)

9.30 Not Going Out. Lee becomes a competitive dad when Benji takes up football. (R)

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 The Graham Norton Show.

11.30 RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK Versus the World. A highstakes dance-off competition is staged - Strictly Come Prancing. (R)

12.30 Film: The Wife. (2017) 2.00 Weather for the Week Ahead. 2.05 BBC News.

6.30 The Bidding Room. (R)

7.15 Bridge of Lies. (R) 8.00

Sign Zone: Antiques Roadshow. (R) 9.00 BBC News. 12.15

Politics UK. 1.00 Impossible. (R)

1.45 The Edge. (R) 2.30 Take a Hike. (R) 3.00 Super Cute Animals. (R) 4.00 The Manor Reborn. (R)

5.00 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Rob Deering, Katya Jones, Jayne Middlemiss and Phil Tufnell. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo visits the Transport Research Laboratory in Wokingham.

7.00 Hairy Bikers: Teatime Treats. Dave and Si make the perfect Victoria Sandwich. (R)

7.15 Scrum V Live. Ospreys v Munster (Kick-off 7.35pm).

9.30 Great British Menu: The Finals. It is the final banquet where the winner will be decided. Last in the series.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 How To with John Wilson.

11.35 How To with John Wilson. The film maker investigates how to keep his packages secure. Last in the series.

12.10 Film: Pain and Glory. (2019)

1.55 Sign Zone: Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis –Panorama. (R) 2.25 Martin Compston’s Norwegian Fling. (R)

2.55 Our Flag Means Death. (R)

3.25 This Is BBC Two.

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

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

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 Fletchers’ Family Farm. (R)

3.00 Winning Combination. (R)

4.00 Tipping Point. Game show, hosted by Ben Shephard. (R) 5.00

The Chase. Quiz show, hosted by Bradley Walsh. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. Ruth Dodsworth and Sean Fletcher explore one of Wales’ oldest mining sites.

7.30 Emmerdale. Liam is delighted when Ella agrees to go on a date.

8.00 Coronation Street. Billy fears that karaoke will expose Paul’s slurred speech.

9.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Live Final. AJ Odudu and Will Best announce the winner, and also look back at some of their best bits. Last in the series.

10.30 ITV News; Weather.

11.00 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

11.15 Film: Mr & Mrs Smith. (2005) Comedy adventure, with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

1.10 Shop on TV. 3.00 Barbara Knox at 90. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 Raymond Blanc’s Royal Kitchen Gardens. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Codi Hwyl America. (R) 12.30 Heno Aur. (R)

1.00 Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel. (R) 1.30 Cegin Bryn. (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) Newyddion S4C.

7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Cefn Gwlad. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Am Dro! (R)

10.00 Yn y Lwp. 10.30 Wil ac Aeron: Cowbois Tecsas. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R)

6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (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 A Place in the Sun. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.30 Michael Mosley: Secrets of Your Big Shop. (R) 8.30 Travel Man: 48 Hours in Trieste. 9.00 Gogglebox. 10.00 The Last Leg. 11.05 Film: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. (2004) 12.55 Film: Stuber. (2019)

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) 2.15 Film: Killer in the Cabin. (2022) 4.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 The Tube: Keeping London Moving. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. A pursuit enters rush-hour traffic in Manchester city centre. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 The Railway Map of Britain. How the invention of the railway changed the UK and the world.

9.00 Susan Calman’s Great British Cities. The comedian explores Cambridge.

10.00

Draining the Thames: What Lies Beneath. Exploring London's history through relics found under the Thames. (R)

11.05 The Kennedys: Money, Murder & Marilyn. The family’s rise from poor Irish immigrants to an allpowerful dynasty. (R)

12.30 Criminals: Caught on Camera. (R) 1.05 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00 The Secret World of Your Rubbish. (R) 3.50 Car Pound Cops. 4.20 Divine Designs. (R) 5.05 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.45 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Top of the Pops 9.00 Roy Orbison at the BBC 9.35 Film: Roy Orbison: In Dreams (1999) 11.05

Roy Sings Orbison 11.35 Roy Orbison: One of the Lonely Ones

ITV2

3.55 One Tree Hill 4.50 Dress to Impress 5.50 In for a Penny 6.20 Film: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) 9.00 Family Guy 10.30 Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live 11.35

American Dad!

ITV3

3.45 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 5.55 Heartbeat 8.00 Vera 10.00 Ruth Rendell’s Inspector Wexford: Road Rage 11.35 The Royal

ITV4

3.45 Minder 4.50 The Professionals

5.55 Giant Lobster Hunters 7.00

The Motorbike Show 8.00 Film: Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

10.00 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite E4

4.00 Young Sheldon 5.00 The Big Bang Theory 7.00 Hollyoaks 7.30

Modern Family 8.00 Taskmaster

Bleeped: Champion of Champions 2024 9.00 Film: Knives Out (2019) Comedy mystery, starring Daniel Craig. 11.35 Naked Attraction’s Best Naughty Bits

Film4

1.30 True Grit (1969) 4.10 The Karate Kid Part II (1986) 6.30 The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Disaster thriller, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid. 9.00

The Mechanic (2011) 10.50 Fantasy Island (2020)

Carrie Fisher

Kris Marshall

Y dd I on

Cofiodd Ymgyrchydd Gwrth-gaethwasiaeth o Abertawe

PRIFYSGOL Cymru Y Drindod Dewi Sant (PCYDDS) yn nododd Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod ar 8 Mawrth, drwy rannu stori ysbrydoledig Jessie Donaldson o Abertawe, a frwydrodd yn ddewr yn erbyn caethwasiaeth yn America oddeutu 170 o flynyddoedd yn ôl.

Yr Athro Elwen Evans, KC, Is-Ganghellor y Drindod Dewi Sant, yn siaradodd am waith Jessie er mwyn dathlu a thynnu sylw at gyflawniadau, cyfraniadau, a gwytnwch yr athrawes a’r ymgyrchydd gwrthcaethwasiaeth.

Cynhelir y ddarlith yn Ystafell Ddarllen y Brifysgol yn Adeilad Alex yn Abertawe, a hon yw’r ddiweddaraf mewn cyfres flynyddol newydd gan PCYDDS mewn cydweithrediad â Rhwydwaith Menywod y Brifysgol.

Thema Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod 2024 yw Ysbrydoli Cynhwysiant.

Meddai’r Athro Evans: “Mae Jessie wedi’i disgrifio’n arloeswr, a

frwydrodd am gyfartaledd a newid, nid yn unig yng Nghymru, ond hefyd yn UDA. Ar un adeg disgrifiwyd ei stori fel un a oedd ‘wedi mynd yn angof.’ Fodd bynnag, mae hynny wedi newid erbyn hyn, gyda phlac glas i gydnabod yn falch ei chyfraniad yn Abertawe.

“Trwy arddangos naratifau amrywiol megis un Jessie, gallwn ni ysbrydoli pobl eraill tebyg iddi i rannu eu gwaith, gan feithrin cymdeithas fwy cynhwysol a grymusol.”

Mae’r plac glas a gyflwynwyd i waith Jessie i’w weld ar wal allanol Adeilad Dinefwr y Brifysgol yng nghanol y ddinas.

Fe’i dadorchuddiwyd yn 2021 ar 19 Mehefin – dyddiad y cyfeirir ato hefyd fel y ‘Juneteenth’, sef y dathliad hynaf hysbys o ddod â chaethwasiaeth i ben yn yr Unol Daleithiau.

Teithiodd Jessie i Ohio yn y 1850au i gadw tŷ diogel ar y ‘rheilffordd danddaearol’ enwog, ac roedd mewn perygl o gael dirwyon a dedfrydau o garchar am gynnig

lloches a diogelwch i gaethion wrth iddynt geisio dianc o daleithiau’r de i ogledd America.

Cyflwynwyd yr enwebiad am blac glas i Gyngor Abertawe gan yr hanesydd diwylliannol o Abertawe, y ddiweddar Athro Jen Wilson, sylfaenydd Treftadaeth Jazz Cymru, sydd wedi’i lleoli yng Nghanolfan Dylan Thomas yn y ddinas yn rhan o PCYDDS.

Bu’r Athro Wilson yn cynnal ymchwil i fywyd Jessie dros nifer mawr o flynyddoedd, yn cynnwys ymweld nifer o weithiau â Chanolfan Ryddid Genedlaethol y Rheilffordd Danddaearol yn Cincinnati, a meddai ar y pryd: “Yn 57 oed gadawodd Jessie Donaldson Abertawe i ddechrau bywyd hynod o wleidyddiaeth ryngwladol ar raddfa fawr, a’i thŷ hithau ar lannau Afon Ohio oedd y trydydd o’r tai diogel Cymreig i gaethion ar ffo.

“Gydol Rhyfel Cartref America bu Jessie yn gweithio wrth ochr ei ffrindiau, gan alluogi ffoaduriaid o’r planhigfeydd ar draws yr

afon i geisio rhyddid.”

Yn dilyn y ddarlith bydd seremoni wobrwyo hefyd i nodi a dathlu cyflawniadau menywod ar draws y Brifysgol.

Meddai Caroline Lewis, Pennaeth (interim) Canolfan Dysgu Proffesiynol ac Arweinyddiaeth y Brifysgol ac un o’r menywod a sefydlodd Rwydwaith Menywod y Brifysgol: “Ar Ddiwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod rydym yn falch iawn o allu dod â chydweithwyr at ei gilydd i gydnabod

cyflawniadau’r gorffennol tra byddwn hefyd yn edrych ymlaen i’r dyfodol ac i dynnu sylw at waith y rheini sy’n gweithio i ddatblygu cymdeithas fwy cynhwysol.

‘Yn y digwyddiad, byddwn hefyd yn dathlu’r rheini a enwebwyd am wobr ‘Menywod y Flwyddyn’ Rhwydwaith y Menywod, gan nodi’r cyfraniad anhygoel y bydd cydweithwyr yn ei wneud yn barhaus i drawsnewid addysg a thrawsnewid bywydau i’n staff a’n myfyrwyr,”

Mae Taith Tractor yn codi dros £2,000 ar gyfer y Gronfa Dymuniadau

Cododd Taith Tractor Nadolig Cwm Gwendraeth swm gwych o £2,344.11 ar gyfer y Gronfa Dymuniadau.

Mae’r Gronfa Dymuniadau yn apêl sy’n cael ei rhedeg gan Elusennau Iechyd Hywel Dda, elusen swyddogol Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda. Mae’r apêl yn rhoi cyfle i blant a phobl ifanc â chyflyrau sy’n cyfyngu ar fywyd ac sy’n bygwth bywyd a’u teuluoedd wneud eiliadau hudolus y gellir eu cofio am byth.

Cynhaliwyd y daith tractorau ar 17 Rhagfyr 2023 ar draws Cwm Gwendraeth.

Dywedodd Nigel Davies ac Anwen Davies, trefnwyr y digwyddiad: “Cawsom ddiwrnod ardderchog, daeth cymaint i’n cefnogi, roedd yn llethol. Cawsom lawer o hwyl ac roedd gweld wynebau’r plant i gyd yn rhoi boddhad mawr.”

Dywedodd Ra-

chel Brown, Arbenigwr Chwarae Gofal Lliniarol Pediatrig, “Da iawn i Anwen, Nigel a’r tîm ar daith tractor llwyddiannus. Diolch yn fawr am ddewis cefnogi’r Gronfa Dymuniadau a chodi swm gwych. Bydd yr arian yn ein helpu i barhau i roi’r cyfle i’r teuluoedd rydyn ni’n eu cefnogi gwneud atgofion hudolus gyda’n gilydd.”

Dywedodd Nicola Llewellyn, Pennaeth Elusennau Iechyd Hywel Dda, elusen swyddogol Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda: “Mae cefnogaeth ein cymunedau lleol yn ein galluogi i ddarparu gwasanaethau y tu hwnt i’r hyn y gall y GIG ei ddarparu yn nhair sir Hywel Dda a rydym yn hynod ddiolchgar am bob rhodd a dderbyniwn.”

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y Gronfa Dymuniadau, ewch i: https://elusennauiechydhyweldda.gig. cymru/ymgyrchoedd-a-

digwyddiadau/y-gronfadymuniadau/ I gael rhagor o fanylion

am yr elusen a sut y gallwch chi helpu i gefnogi cleifion a staff lleol y

GIG, ewch i www.elusennauiechydhyweldda.org. uk

The programme helping unemployed become ‘work ready’

A GROUP of 12 unemployed people from Pembrokeshire have taken the first steps to securing a job in the engineering construction industry after beginning a Trainee Maintenance Operative Work Ready Programme.

The cohort, aged 18 and over, will gain recognised industry skills and accredited qualifications as part of a 16-week programme, with 12 guaranteed job roles at the end.

On successful completion of the programme, they will secure jobs with Altrad Services and be deployed on the Valero Refinery in Pembroke.

Work Ready is a collaborative and cofunded partnership between the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), a college or training provider, local employers and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Pembrokeshire

programme is being delivered by Pembrokeshire College and Providence Training and is co-funded by the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.

Additional Work Ready programmes are running across the UK this year, including in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cumbria, Hampshire and Teesside.

They have been developed to create a pipeline of new entrants and help address skills gaps in the engineering construction industry, with the ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool predicting a 28% increase in demand for workers by 2028.

ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey said: “The pilot Work Ready programme in Pembrokeshire in 2023 was a big success with all learners who completed the programme gaining employment. It shows the

real benefits of adopting a collaborative approach.

“The ECITB’s strategy, Leading Industry Learning, sets out our plans to grow new entrant pathways, like Work Ready, into the engineering construction industry.

“The Pembrokeshire programme further demonstrates the steps the ECITB is taking to grow capacity within the industry and I wish learners the best of luck on their journey to securing jobs with Altrad.”

Referrals for the Work Ready programmes came via DWP’s Jobcentres, with unemployed candidates being put forward for interview.

As well as being introduced to skills related to health and safety, rigging and mechanical joint integrity, the programme also involves learners achieving a Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations or equivalent qualification.

Pembrokeshire

College Principal Dr

Barry Walters added: “It’s great that industry, Pembrokeshire College and the ECITB are once again working together to get individuals into work. This programme has been tailored to meet the requirements of industry and fill the gaps in the workforce.

“The 16-week programme represents a fantastic opportunity for the cohort to be directly recruited to work with Altrad upon successful completion.

“The engineering industry is thriving in Pembrokeshire and we are delighted to be part of a programme that provides these opportunities to those looking to upskill and gain employment.”

Altrad combined forces with the Northern Competency Cluster, which included the ECITB, to help nine trainees gain employment in Teesside last year.

Tony Jester, Executive Vice President of Operations at Altrad, said: “The Teesside

pilot enabled trainees to acquire essential skills and knowledge, equipping them for roles within the engineering construction industry.

“The training provided not only fosters a more skilled and capable workforce, but also serves as a crucial stepping stone towards building a robust talent pipeline.

“This strategic initiative has not only met the immediate skills requirements of the industry, but has also positioned it for long-term success by cultivating a pool of skilled professionals.”

Donna Mulvihill, Head of Learning & Development at Altrad, said: “I am pleased that the programme’s triumph has prompted the expansion and replication of the model in other areas, underscoring its effectiveness as a scalable solution to address regional skills gaps and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.”

TI on

Dogs Trust issues advice for Dog Theft Awareness Day

WITH pet theft reported to be on the increase in the UK, Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, has issued guidance to owners in a bid to prevent much loved dogs from being separated from their families.

This week is Dogs Theft Awareness Day, and according to a recent report by Direct Line, 2,290 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2023, a six per cent increase on 2022.

However, despite the very distressing nature of having a dog stolen, pet theft is not a specific crime. Currently, the crime of stealing a dog is treated in the same way as the theft of household items such as phones and bikes, without considering the huge emotional impact losing a pet has on families and individuals.

For many years, Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in Cardiff and Bridgend, has called for harsher penalties to deter those who profit from the theft of dogs. Earlier this year, a Private Members Bill, that has cross-party support received its second reading in the Houses of Parliament. If successful, this would see Pet Theft become a specific offence.

To help owners reduce the risk of their dog being stolen, Dogs Trust has issued the following advice:

• Ensure your house and property boundaries are secure – keep your dog in and intruders out.

• Keep an eye on your dog when they are in the garden and

never leave them unsupervised.

• Do you post pictures of your dog on social media? If so, regularly review your privacy settings and make sure your address can’t be identified from your posts.

• When exercising your dog, always keep them in sight and pay attention to what they are doing. If exercising your dog off lead, make sure they have good recall and come back to you when you call them, regardless of where they are.

• Never leave your dog unattended in a public place - even if it’s just for a minute.

• Likewise, never leave your dog alone in a car. As well as the risk of being stolen, they can also easily overheat, even if the weather is cold or mild.

• Make sure your dog is searchable

in case the worst should happen. Ensure your dog is wearing a tag with your name, phone number and address on it, and make sure your dog is microchipped. Let your database provider know if any of your contact details change, and keep up-to-date, clear photos of your dog, making sure to show any distinctive features.

If the worst does happen and your dog is stolen, you can feel helpless and have no idea where to start looking for them. Dogs Trust suggests the following:

• Report the theft to the police straight away. Make sure you get a crime reference number and insist that your dog is recorded as stolen and not missing.

• Report the theft of

your dog to your local authority dog warden.

• Notify your microchip database provider.

• Ask local rescue centres, animal charities and vet practices to keep an eye out for your dog.

• Monitor places thieves may try to sell your dog, like pet websites, pet shops and notice boards. Notify the police immediately if you come across anything.

• Use missing and stolen animal websites such as DogLost which help to reunite missing pets with their owners by offering free advice and support.

Maria Murray, Associate Director Prevention and Community Engagement at Dogs Trust says:

“Having your beloved pet stolen is an extremely stressful, often heart-

breaking experience. For many owners, pets are members of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing where they are, is devastating.

“It’s disappointing to hear that pet theft is on the rise, but by following a few simple tips, you can reduce the chances of this despicable crime happening to you. Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a public area, and if you are walking them off lead, always keep them in sight. You should also be careful with what details you share online about your canine companions.

“Not only is it a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped and to wear an ID tag while out in public, but these two simple steps will also help to get your dog home to you as quickly as possible if the worst does happen.”

For more information, visit www.dogstrust.org. uk/dog-advice/life-withyour-dog/outdoors/dogtheft-advice

PROUDLY SPONSORING

The nutritional value of meat should be considered when comparing carbon footprints

THE nutritional value of meat must be considered when comparing carbon footprints – that is the key message from a recent study between Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Queen’s University, Bangor University and the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). The scientific paper, published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, focused on different lamb production systems, from low-input pastoral systems to higher-input systems for the latter ‘finishing’ period. To date, no studies have explored the effect of finishing diet on the carbon footprint of lamb meat on a nutritional basis. This work was conducted using data from the Welsh Lamb Meat Quality project.

HCC’s Future Policy and Project Development Executive Dr. Eleri Thomas, who co-wrote

the scientific paper, said: “We have been working with Queen’s University, Bangor University and AFBI for this paper and the results are great news for the sector. We know that lamb production systems are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, particularly emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, current metrics used to express the carbon footprint of lamb seldom consider its nutritional density and contribution to balanced diets in humans.”

Lamb can be a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play an important part in human health. Data were collected from 33 farms that finished lambs on one of four distinct diets: forage crops, grass, concentrates, or grass and concentrates. These data were then used to estimate the carbon footprint of lamb

produced from each system. The level of PUFAs in two important cuts of lamb were then monitored, to determine the carbon footprint per unit of omega-3 PUFA. When a conventional mass-based functional unit was employed, lambs finished on grass diets had on average the highest carbon footprint, however, when omega-3 PUFA content was accounted for, the grass diet had the lowest carbon footprint for cuts from the loin.

Market Intelligence, Research and Development Senior Officer for HCC, Elizabeth Swancott, said: “Typically, carbon footprint assessment of farms use mass-based units, which can be useful for comparing efficiencies of different farming systems, however, they do not reflect how farming systems impact the nutritional differences of the final product. This study demonstrates the importance of considering nutrition

when expressing and comparing the carbon footprints of nutrientdense foods such as lamb.”

This approach will help inform discussions around the optimal diets for lamb production systems from both a human nutrition and environmental sustainability perspective.

The full paper can be accessed here: https://www.frontiersin. org/articles/10.3389/ fsufs.2024.1321288/full

Chancellor Blocks Tax Change That Would Have Delivered More

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is bitterly disappointed that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has closed the door on the idea of restricting Agricultural Property Relief from Inheritance Tax only to those landlords prepared to let on a long-term basis.

For many years the TFA has argued for change in the taxation rules under which rural landlords make decisions about letting land to encourage longer term and more secure Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs). Those changes would have enhanced the ability of the let sector of agriculture to meet the dual challenges of achieving productivity growth, as part of our food security and delivering environmental outcomes for landscape, biodiversity and tackling climate change.

Achieving those joint goals is a huge challenge when the average length of FBT agreement, covering half the tenanted land in

England and Wales, is only just over three years and when over 80% of all new tenancies are let for five years or less. To change that dynamic, the TFA argued that landlords, who now have unrestricted access to Agricultural Property Relief on any land that they let, should only have access to valuable inheritance tax relief if they let for more than 10 years. However, the report of the Rock Review into agricultural tenancies argued that the bar should be set slightly lower, at 8 years.

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, said “Whether the bar was set at 8 years or 10 years, restricting agricultural property relief from inheritance tax would have been the right thing to do. What is the public benefit of that massive state support to the landlord sector if it continues to offer such restricted security of tenure.”

“Everyone agrees that longer term tenancies provide the best basis for funding investment, delivering

productivity gains and securing environmental objectives. Long term agreements also mitigate against the use of land in environmentally damaging ways by those who may only have a short-term interest and who will seek to exploit that interest to the detriment of long-term and wider public benefits. However, what is clear, is that this cannot be left to market forces alone. The market is not delivering sustainable agreements and this market failure could have been addressed through the changes the TFA had proposed to inheritance tax relief,” said Mr Dunn.

“Sadly, a coalition of organisations with a vested interest in maintaining the maximum degree of flexibility in bringing land to the marketplace have managed to persuade the Treasury to keep the status quo. Instead, the Government has churned out the usual platitudes and warm words about the need

for more longer-term agreements, but without any concrete plans, or ideas for how that is to be achieved,” said Mr Dunn.

“The tax changes which the Chancellor

has today rejected had the near unanimous support of TFA members who are at the sharp end of running tenanted farm businesses right across England and Wales. The decision made today by

the Chancellor and the Government shows a disappointing disregard for the true needs of the tenanted sector of agriculture,” said Mr Dunn.

Two key calendar events have recently been celebrated. International Women’s Day and Mothering Sunday. In what has traditionally been seen as a male dominated industry, agriculture is, without doubt, totally dependent on women and always has been. Granted women have not always been given credit for the critical role they play within the sector, but isn’t that true of most industries?

What is important today is to acknowledge the imperative role women have on our farms, our businesses and the sector, as a whole. You only need to cast your eye back to the historical role women played during the Second World War as the need to grow more food at home and increase the amount of land in cultivation. With many agricultural male workers joining the armed forces, women were needed to provide a new ‘official’ rural workforce. The Women’s Land Army was reignited at the beginning of the Second World War as women were recruited to boost UK’s food production. At its peak in 1944, it’s thought that 80,000 women were working across our rural landscape.

Born and raised on an upland beef and sheep farm myself, I know full well that women were already playing a pivotal role in agriculture before any official Land Army was established. Centuries of women have milked cows, lambed sheep, reared chicks and fattened pigs on farms. This is in conjunction with child rearing, feeding the family on a shoestring, carrying out laborious household chores and inputting extensively into the close-knit community, culture and language of rural Wales.

Personally, I think the future for women in agriculture is positive. We’re seeing change for the better and more acceptance of changing roles within the sector.

News that an agricultural university, like Harper Adams has registered a 41.3% uptake on female agricultural students during 2022/23 in comparison to 23.6% a

decade ago, is thrilling.

FUW is always looking at opportunities to guide, promote and encourage women to succeed within agriculture. We’re fortunate to have strong female staff members and representatives who understand the industry inside out. We’re proud of the fact that 65% of the FUW business group staff are women. A diverse, skilled workforce with the ability to work together has been key during these past hectic weeks. The Sustainable Farming Scheme has seen staff going the extra mile to support concerned members, to guide people through the process and to work with our Welsh farmers, partners and key organisations for the good of the industry.

One female staff member who was recently interviewed to discuss women in agriculture, was Gemma Haines, FUW’s Glamorgan Deputy County Executive. A beef and sheep farmer from Bridgend, Gemma is chair of FUW’s Young Voices in Agriculture committee who meet during the year to discuss policy, projects and interests. She combines her FUW County Exec role of supporting FUW members with farming at home and a busy family life. Another accolade to Gemma’s bow is the determination she has shown to re-visit her Welsh language skills. Her recent BBC Radio Cymru interview about women in agriculture was a great personal achievement to her. Llongyfarchiadau

Gemma!

Another key staff member, Interim Head of Policy, Hazel Wright will soon move on to pastures new. Hazel has worked with us for 14 years, and will leave a big hole to fill when she leaves. Many farmers will have had contact with Hazel over the years, especially with her expertise on TB and animal health. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well for the future and acknowledge the important role she has played and the tremendous contributions she has made to the FUW. Diolch Hazel!

Record NFU Cymru response signals ‘major overhaul needed’ to Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals

A record consultation response from NFU Cymru members is a ‘clear indicator of the need for major overhaul’ to Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, the union has said.

Over 6,700 farmers responded to the Welsh Government consultation via the NFU Cymru website, more than doubling the previous highest response received by the union for any such engagement exercise.

Over the course of the 12-week consultation period, NFU Cymru engaged with over 5,000 farmers and supply chain partners at roadshows, county meetings, board meetings, market visits and other events.

The levels of stress and anxiety the consultation has engendered within the farming community will have escaped noone. Welsh farming is in the midst of an upswell of emotions that has not been witnessed since devolution.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “We’ve received an unprecedented response to this consultation and the overwhelming strength of feeling from our members is a clear indicator that the current proposals need a major overhaul. The proposals must move beyond a scheme focussed predominately on the delivery of

environmental outcomes and instead become a genuine agricultural policy that underpins food production, resilient agricultural businesses and rural communities, alongside and in harmony with our environmental obligations and ambitions.

“We live in uncertain times, a war in Europe, unrest in the Middle East, political instability, and trade flows around the world under threat – food security can no longer be taken for granted. Population growth, climate change and increasing competition for finite resources make it a matter of increasing strategic national interest to ensure that our country can feed itself. Food is a public good and the Sustainable Farming Scheme must be more explicit in its support to maintain and enhance food production against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile world.

“Farmers need stability to underpin the continued supply of safe, high quality, affordable food from Wales. They need stability to invest in their businesses, to invest in efficiency gains and in the environment. Stability provides opportunities for farming families to plan for the next generation, it keeps farmers farming and keeps rural communities and our language thriving. A longterm stability mechanism is also needed to ensure

provide equal access to all active farmers in Wales, including tenants and commoners, and provide fair reward for those managing our most precious landscapes and habitats. The universal baseline payment must go beyond costs incurred / income foregone calculations and incentivise the actions that Welsh Government asks Welsh farming to deliver for society.

Welsh farming remains competitive with farmers in the UK, EU and globally. It must be an integral element of the final Sustainable Farming Scheme.

“The findings of Welsh Government’s most recent impact assessment modelling for the scheme continues to send shockwaves throughout the industry - 5,500 jobs lost, a £200m hit to farm business income, 11% less livestock in Wales, without even considering the impact beyond the farm gate. A truly shocking scenario, this cannot happen, it must not happen. No government, with the information it has to hand, could surely consent to this? A policy is needed that protects jobs in farming and the supply chain. No decisions on the Sustainable Farming Scheme can be undertaken until Welsh Government has undertaken a full socioeconomic assessment of the impact of its proposals on Welsh farming, rural communities and the supply chain. If necessary, the SFS should be paused and delayed until such time as we can be sure that it can deliver the same level of stability to farming, the supply chain and rural Wales as the current support arrangements.

“The universal baseline payment must be non-discriminatory to all farm types, sectors and locations. It must

“Mandating 10% tree cover on farm will be an insurmountable barrier for too many. A just transition is needed for farming families. We have world class science institutions on our doorstep, we need to make use of their expertise and intrinsic knowledge of Welsh farming systems, our soils, our grasslands, cropping and field boundaries, to provide us with alternatives to deliver outcomes that help us achieve net zero agriculture whilst maintaining our productive capacity, allowing us to be truly world leading in the production of climatefriendly food.

“We must get this scheme right. Neither farming families nor government can afford to have a scheme that fails to deliver on our shared ambitions for food, nature and climate. We need a scheme that underpins food production, our farmed environment, our communities, our language and culture for our generation and those that follow in our footsteps. NFU Cymru’s consultation response sets out the union’s framework for a future farming policy for Wales. It measures Welsh Government’s proposals against our own, we highlight the legitimate concerns raised by our members as part of this consultation process and provide a pathway for a way forward. We want to work with the Minister and Welsh Government to get this right – we must get this right.”

Rewriting the EV rulebook: All-new Dacia Spring

IT’S official! The AllNew Dacia Spring will have a launching price from just £14,995 onthe-road, making it the UK’s most affordable new electric car by a margin of thousands of pounds.

Available to preorder now by placing a £99 deposit via Dacia’s website, the All-New Dacia Spring continues its Europe-wide legacy of quashing the traditionally high purchase price that many UK drivers say stops them from making the switch to an EV.

Rewriting the EV rulebook, the price also places Dacia’s all-electric supermini comfortably inside the UK’s top 10 most affordable new cars, regardless of how they are powered.

The five-door supermini debuts in the UK with a choice of midrange Expression or topof-the-range Extreme trim levels and offers a range of up to 137 miles (WLTP mixed cycle) or 186 miles* (WLTP urban cycle).

With demand for the All-New Spring expected to be high, those who

pre-order guarantee to be amongst the first to get behind the wheel.

As well as locking-in the £14,995 on-the-road launching price, pre-order customers get an extra helping of value with a complimentary £250 towards accessories, public charging, or a contribution for a home charger through Mobilize Power Solutions. This choice recognises that everyone has different requirements. For added simplicity, customers choose from the trio of extras at the point of preordering.

Spring comes with a choice of a 45 hp, or a more powerful 65 hp/48 kW motor, which coupled with its lightweight design that makes it the only fully electric car in Europe under one tonne, ensures good performance around town and on the open road. Using its 7kW charger, the compact 26.8 kWh battery can be charged from 20% to 100% on a suitable domestic outlet in less than 11 hours, or in just four hours on a 7kW wall box.

Starting from

Expression trim, available with the Electric 45 or 65 powertrain, standard equipment includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, height-adjustable 3-spoke steering wheel, Media Control system with USB port, speed limiter, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls, central locking

with remote control, electric front windows, rear parking sensors, 12V socket, manual air conditioning and 15-inch wheels (only on Electric 65).

The Extreme trim, exclusively paired to the Electric 65 powertrain, adds copper interior and exterior finishes, electric mirrors and rear

windows, the Media Nav Live multimedia system with 10-inch centre screen, two USB ports and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a bi-directional charger allowing you to use the All-New Spring as a power source for external appliances.

M o T or S

The all-new Škoda Superb Estate

ŠKODA’S flagship ICE model enters a new generation: the all-new Superb Estate has seen its dimensions increased once more and presents itself with a smartly evolved look and a wide range of new technologies. Boasting a drag coefficient of cd 0.25 and a choice of six modern powertrain variants, the flagship ICE model is more efficient than ever. Outputs range from 150 PS to265 PS. The powertrain line-up includes a plug-in-hybrid with an electric range of more than 62 milesand a 1.5 TSI with mild-hybrid technology, a first for the Superb.

Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto, says: “Our customers are our priority, and we listened intently to their wishes while developing the next generation of our flagship model. The result is a product that delivers more value in terms of features, user experience, and comfort. The all-new Superb Estate not only

provides additional space but also introduces new electrified powertrains. It is easier to use thanks to our new Škoda Smart Dials and a voice control system soon to be further improved through the integration of the AI chatbot ChatGPT. More extensive connectivity and new assistance systems round off this evolution to perfection.”

Exterior design: LED Matrix beam headlights and details in Unique Dark Chrome

The new Superb Estate is instantly recognisable by its distinctive, octagonal radiator grille and sharply drawn LED Matrix beam headlights featuring the new Crystallinium design element. The optional LED rear lights with animated indicators feature a Coming/ Leaving Home function (standard on SE L and L&K).

A special visual highlight is provided by exterior details in Unique Dark Chrome, for example a new 2D logo on the bonnet and the lettering on the tailgate. With a drag coefficient of cd 0.25 the

all-new Superb Estateis the most aerodynamic Škoda estate car ever. The finetuning of the body design and numerous specific tweaks have helped reduce its drag coefficient by 15 per cent and added to the model’s distinguished looks.

New interior with 13inch display, a tidy centre console and +30 litres of luggage space

The interior of the Superb Estate features a free-standing infotainment display measuring 13 inches and a tidy centre console, as the selector lever has moved to the steering column. A head-up display is available as an option for the first time. The Škoda Smart Dials and the voice assistant Laura, soon to be complemented by ChatGPT, make light work of controlling numerous vehicle and infotainment functions, providing information that goes beyond the car’s ecosystem. New elements include 15-watt wireless fastcharging and simultaneous

ventilating of a smartphone, as well as back-friendly Ergo seats with ten pneumatically controlled massage cushions. The Superb Estate also features the new range structure with Design Selections, themed option packages and individual options. The Superb is well equipped for long distances, with a luggage capacity of 690 litres – 30 litres more than its predecessor. Headroom has also increased. Wider range of powertrains than ever before, even more advanced aerodynamics

The six modern, efficient powertrains also include a new-generation plugin hybrid featured in the Superb Estate iV. The 1.5 TSI engine combines with an electric motor to provide a system output of 150 kW (204 PS) and now offers an electric range of more than 62 miles on the WLTP cycle. On top of that, the 1.5 TSI is also available with mildhybrid technology – a first for the Superb. Moreover, there are also two other petrol engines as well as two diesel units on offer. Their

respective top variants (265 PS and 193 PS) come with all-wheel drive as standard. The new Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus) blends comfort and driving dynamics, while the secondgeneration LED Matrix beam headlights provide even better illumination of the road ahead.

New Superb Estate primed to continue the success story

The all-new Superb Estate, produced at the Volkswagen Group plant in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, is set to build on the success of its predecessors. Škoda first offered a Estate as part of the second modern Superb generation in 2009. In the model’s third modern generation, this body style took off: the 2016 Estate had a share of around 54 per cent of a total of around 860,000 vehicles produced. In Germany, Škoda’s largest single market worldwide, more than 90 per cent of all Superb vehicles delivered to customers were Estates. The Superb Estate has also earned its share of the numerous international awards won by the model series.

MINI Plant Oxford celebrates start of production of New MINI Cooper

March 11th 2024 sees the start of production for the new, fifth generation MINI Cooper at the home of MINI, Plant Oxford.

Associates at MINI Plant Oxford were joined by Head of MINI, Stefanie Wurst for a special on-site event in

which the first three-door model was driven off the production line by Charlie Cooper, grandson of the legendary John Cooper, whose heritage inspired the Cooper moniker.

Commenting on the start of production, Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI said, “This milestone

underscores the commitment to our roots while propelling us into a dynamic future of driving. Plant Oxford is the heart of the MINI brand, and today, as we witness the birth of this new chapter, we renew our pledge to craftsmanship and the thrill of motoring.”

Dr. Markus Grüneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon said, “We are delighted to welcome the new MINI Cooper to our lines in both Oxford and Swindon. The new MINI Cooper is an incredibly important car for our team and UK manufacturing. We are proud to produce this iconic car, loved all over the world.”

The new MINI Cooper is the latest generation to be built in the UK, with all three BMW Group UK manufacturing sites contributing to production: BMW Group Plant Swindon produces body pressings and subassemblies, while the latest highly-efficient three and four-cylinder petrol engines are built at BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire. Finally, these parts come together at MINI Plant

Oxford where body shell production, paint and final assembly take place.

Since the launch of the first modern MINI in 2001, over 4.4 million MINIs have been produced in Britainincluding 150,000 MINI Electric models which were built between 2019 and 2023.

With its high level of flexibility, competitiveness and expertise, the MINI Oxford plant plays an important role in the BMW Group’s production network, and is currently preparing to build two new all-electric MINI models from 2026. The BMW Group will then have invested a total of more than 3 billion GBP in the Swindon, Hams Hall and Oxford plants.

Announced last month, the new MINI Cooper arrives as the third member of the new

MINI family, joining the MINI Cooper Electric and the new MINI Countryman. Available in two model variants: the MINI Cooper C and performance-enhanced MINI Cooper S, the latest three-door merges traditional brand values with innovative, future orientated technology.

The model’s exterior silhouette features clear surfaces, short overhangs and a compact bonnet which combined with a contrasting long wheelbase, achieves the typical MINI proportions. Moving inside, the interior is minimalistic, with the entire cockpit focussed on just three elements: a revolutionary circular OLED display, the new Vescin steering wheel and the toggle bar.

The MINI Cooper will be priced from £22,300 RRP with first customer deliveries in spring 2024.

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THH eal

Report highlights paediatric care crisis

PAEDIATRICIANS in Wales are calling for urgent government action after a report showed huge demand and disproportionately long waits for crucial children’s health services.

The report, ‘Worried and waiting: A review of paediatric waiting times in Wales’, examines data from 2016-2023 and highlights the grave state of paediatric waiting times in Wales.

The findings show that in November 2016, the total number of ongoing paediatric waits was 7,096.

In November 2023, there were 11,514, a 62.3% increase. This compares to a 7% increase in waits for rheumatology, a 52.6% increase in trauma and orthopaedics, and a 57.4% increase in Ear, Nose, and Throat waits during the same timeframe.

The standard NHS target is for 95% or more patients to wait less than 26 weeks to start treatment; however, this target has not been met

since February 2020.

There has been limited progress in reducing the total number of children waiting this year, however waiting times hit a record high first and are still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels.

Waits over 36 weeks rose 40.2% between November 2022 (858) and November 2023 (1,203). As of November 2023, 6,785 under18-year-olds were waiting over a year for treatment, and 1,229 were waiting over two years.

Long waits also disproportionately affect the developing child, compared to adults, have a major impact on vulnerable families and exacerbate long-term health inequalities.

Delayed treatments may affect physical milestones, communication skills, social development, educational outcomes, confidence and resilience, and mental well-being.

When asked about waiting times, one

young person said: ‘I want to feel like they’re aware I’m waiting and not forgotten.’

Although a difficult read, the report also contains key policy recommendations that ensure children and young people receive care promptly, in the right place, and by the right professional.

RCPCH Officer for Wales, Dr Nick Wilkinson, said: “Lengthy waits are unacceptable for any patient, but for children and young people, the waits can be catastrophic, as many treatments must be given by a specific age or developmental stage.

“It is not the same as for adults: if you miss the right window to treat a child or wait too long, the consequences may endure for years or become irreversible.

“In recent months, we’ve heard about children missing school, quitting sports, becoming isolated, and missing out on the important aspects of a healthy, happy

2023, the number of children waiting on the paediatric pathway increased from 1,299 to 1,526, an increase of 17%, compared to a 4.5% decrease nationally in Wales over the same period.

The same report showed that over 595 under-18s are waiting over a year for treatment, and 66 are waiting more than two years.

Outpatient figures are no better, with an increase from 183 in June 2023 to 335 in January 2024, with more than twelve months’ wait time.

Samuel Kurtz said: “These figures are concerning, especially as they appear to be moving in the opposite direction to an improving national trend.

childhood. Long waits are bad for children and bad for our society.

“While there has been some positive progress near the end of 2023, current demands and pressures on services are unsustainable. Urgent investment across the entire children’s workforce, such as improved access to child health data and a greater focus on prevention as a form of intervention, is greatly needed. Any and all investments that support child health are of high value—a healthy child is more likely to become a healthy adult, and thus, it makes good economic sense for society.”

Local Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS have expressed their concern over the length of time children are waiting to receive treatment in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Figures published in the report show that between November 2022 and November

“Hywel Dda University Health Board must address the situation as soon as possible before longterm damage is done to children’s health in West Wales.

“It is not right that some of the most vulnerable in our society are not getting the health care that they need. I will be raising this with the Health Board to establish what changes are possible to turn this situation around.”

Paul Davies added: “I was shocked to learn about the lengthy waits experienced by under-18s to access health care in our local hospitals. Behind those figures are children who desperately need support and treatment.

“It’s distressing for anyone to experience a wait of over two years, let alone children, so efforts must be made now to reduce waiting times. I’m grateful that the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Wales has brought this issue to our attention.

“Samuel and I will challenge the Welsh Government on these deeply disappointing figures.”

Swansea mum ‘unable to have sex’ following TVT mesh scandal

A MOTHER-OFTWO who has been left with debilitating life-long pain and unable to have sex with her husband has settled her medical negligence claim against Swansea hospitals that failed to advise her of the risks associated with TVT mesh – following support from law firm Lime Solicitors, which is dealing with more than 50 live cases relating to the controversial device.

Nancy Ellison says that had she been properly advised of the risks associated with the procedure – which were well-documented at the time – and shown alternative available options, she would not have consented to the surgery.

The 57-year-old first started leaking urine when coughing in 2010. As time went on, her symptoms deteriorated and she was having more accidents, which stopped her from going out. She initially visited her GP in April 2012 and was referred to a

consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, who she saw on multiple occasions over the next few months, the last time being in February 2013.

Despite being told that clinical review was necessary to assess her symptoms and chasing on multiple occasions, Nancy received no further communication from the gynaecology department until she was seen again in January 2016. Later that spring, she was offered TVT mesh and had surgery at Singleton Hospital in October 2017, aged 50.

Nancy was seen postoperatively for the first time in June 2018 after she noticed the stitches were unravelling. An examination confirmed the mesh was protruding through her vagina, and the gynaecologist said the procedure had gone “very wrong”. Multiple reviews and infections later, Nancy had the exposed mesh removed in September 2018.

Lime Solicitors’ medical negligence claim against the

Swansea Bay University Health Board, which runs the hospitals, found that that Nancy was lost to follow-up and there was a failure to trial medication prior to being offered surgery. It also revealed she was not appropriately consulted of the material risks of the procedure, which was performed in the absence of informed consent.

Nancy, of Swansea, said: “I remember asking the gynaecologist the success rate of TVT mesh. He said he had done this for 12 years and only 12 people had minor problems. He didn’t tell me of any downsides and did not say what could go wrong. Had I known there were complications or other, less invasive options, I would have tried them before going straight to an operation.

“I tried to have intercourse with my husband around six weeks after the surgery, but he could feel the mesh inside me and said it felt like a cheese grater to him. He started to urinate blood and

I used to do like taking the grandchildren to school and it feels like somebody else, a different person, did this.”

Lime Solicitors, which represented Yvette GreenwayMansfield in the largest known settlement for vaginal mesh, is continuing to fight for dozens of women left with life-changing complications by the net-like implant, which acts like a hammock to support the urethra. Figures suggest there were 127,000 mesh implants between April 2008 and March 2017, but campaigners believe the actual number is higher.

caught an infection. We no longer have sex because it’s too painful and embarrassing.

“My incontinence is so bad that I have to wear pads all day and all night. All I do is leak. I can be sat down and the pad will be filling up without me realising. I am often dehydrated as I leak so much fluid. I have tried drinking more but it makes me leak more, so I stop and end up getting dehydrated and feeling ill – it’s a catch 22 situation.

“Before the incontinence, my social life was active. I would take my grandchildren out, go walking and I loved swimming, but I haven’t been for several years as I have to wear nappies. I haven’t walked my dog since having the mesh inserted because it’s too painful.

“I feel people do not realise what you are going through. People just think I am being grump but they don’t know that I don’t want to move or laugh in case I wet myself. I look back at the things

Maryam Abdullah, medical negligence associate at Lime Solicitors, who led the claim, said: “For years, women have been given the option of surgical mesh insertion as a solution for prolapse and incontinence. As a result, many women have found themselves in excruciating pain from mesh that has eroded, contracted and protruded into other areas of the body.

“Hospital trusts owe a duty of care to ensure they obtain patients’ fully-informed consent to any surgical procedure and advise of the likely risks that could arise as a result. However, in our experience, many gynaecologists have proceeded to surgery prematurely before exhausting all behavioural and medical options.

“There is a real lack of knowledge when it comes to mesh and those affected are made to feel like the pain they are going through and the symptoms they are experiencing are not bad – there is almost a disbelief from medical experts. We have worked on many cases where doctors have deemed to know what is best for women instead of empowering them to make their own choices and decisions.”

SI ne SS

Welsh trailer firm hooks up with Celtic cousin

A Welsh trailer maker has hooked up with a Celtic cousin to form a new partnership.

Cornwall Farm Machinery has been appointed as a distributor for Ifor Williams Trailers (IWT) which has a global reach through its marketleading products.

Rob Hattam, the general manager of Cornwall Farm Machinery, said the tie-up makes great business sense because of the shared interests and overlapping customer base of the two companies.

Formed in 2010 and about to mark its 15th anniversary next year, Cornwall Farm Machinery has become a ‘go-to’ dealership for the agricultural community right across the county.

It has built a solid reputation for supplying tractors, walk-behind mowers, balers, fertiliser-spreaders, rakes, quadbikes and other top brand farm accessories.

Rob said: “We offer the best machines in the business. Farmers’ livelihoods depend on the reliability of the machines we supply so it’s important that we provide them with the names they know they can trust.

“The addition of Ifor Williams Trailers range to our repertoire can only reinforce that confidence. We’re very excited to be working together with the IWT team.”

The Ifor Williams Trailers products will be sold from Cornwall Farm Machinery’s main depot in Truro, conveniently located off a main road at Carland.

It will be the official supplier for the large central and southern areas of Cornwall.

The company also operates a parts outlet for agricultural machines based in Longrock, Penzance, and it has a Country Store at the Truro depot supplying equine, pet, clothing and footwear, tools and

hardware, garden and Stihl products.

Like IWT it is an independent familyowned firm, employing a 19-strong workforce offering the complete package from initial inquiry to sales and after-sales support services.

It is a key business for the county in which recent figures revealed 33,000 people are employed in the agrifood sector, double the average rate for other counties in England.

Rob, who has been with Cornwall Farm Machinery for eight years, is delighted that they have joined Ifor Williams Trailers’ 50-strong network of distributors across the UK.

IWT has global reach with its market-leading products – made in its six factories in Denbighshire and Flintshire, in North Wales. They are sold in outlets across Europe and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

First established in 1958, it is Britain’s largest manufacturer of trailers up to 3500kg gross weight, delivering trailers for a wide variety of purposes.

It invests heavily in research and development to produce the most sought after trailers designed to meet the needs of real people doing real jobs.

The best-selling IWT

range includes livestock, horsebox, general duty, tipper, plant, flatbed and box van trailers, as well as car transporters and pick-up canopies. Its customer base is also wide, encompassing farmers, show jumpers, tree surgeons, builders and plumbers.

Its products are used by market traders, community organisations and on occasions charitable causes and even hot air balloonists.

Its network of UK distributors is bolstered by a growing number of overseas distribution agents with exports now accounting for about a quarter of IWT sales.

Rob Hattam said the IWT brand is synonymous with quality and professionalism: “They are without doubt a market leader at home and abroad. You will see their trailers wherever you go in the world.

“Professionalism and product reliability are so important to us here at Cornwall Farm Machinery and that’s why it is mutually beneficial for us to work closely togethe.

“We’re delighted to hear that Ifor Williams Trailers have invested £10 million in creating a new Genuine Parts Hub which will have a huge impact in terms of the rapid delivery of genuine spare parts.

“The IWT range also fits seamlessly

with other products we distribute like the internationally renowned Case IH tractors brand, also known for their robust quality.

“Becoming an official Ifor Williams Trailers distributor dovetails nicely with everything else we are about, our existing customer base is a perfect match for the IWT range and it is a big draw for new customers.

“We are really excited about this new partnership because there is so much potential to build on. Ultimately our aim is to provide the agricultural community in Cornwall with the machines which exactly meet all their needs.

“We will be supplying most customers from stock for the wide product range of trailers, so waiting times for all model variants will be minimal and we will have quick access to the Genuine Parts at competitive prices.

“The exceptionally high quality of their range is reflected in the unsurpassed high trade in values secured when customers part exchange their old Ifor Williams trailer for a new Ifor Williams trailer.

“The reliability of their trailers coupled with their attention to detail in design and manufacturing, has ensured that generations of families have chosen Ifor Williams Trailers as

their preferred trailer brand, time and time again.”

Ifor Williams Trailers sales manager Lois Wynne is delighted that they have signed up Cornwall Farm Machinery as their newest distributor.

She said: “We’re delighted to be working with the progressive and positive sales team led by Rob Hattam at Cornwall Trailer Centre, the new subsidiary of Cornwall Farm Machinery

“This is a flagship company in Cornwall, deservedly very successful and with an admirably professional approach to all that they do.

“From our perspective they’re well-known for the high standard of their customer service which gives us the confirmation and confidence that they will look after our customers exceptionally well.

“We already have a distributor in the north of Cornwall and now it is time to invigorate our presence in the mid to south areas. Cornwall Farm Machinery is ideal for helping us achieve that task, well located in Truro, with easy highly visible access.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both parties to grow sales and expand on our already enviable reputations for first class products and first class service.”

Business confidence soars despite output decline

WELSH business confidence has surged to its highest level since November 2021, despite facing output challenges in February. This optimism in the private sector shines against a backdrop of modest economic contraction, according to the latest NatWest Wales PMI® Business Activity Index. The index, which dipped from 49.9 in January to 47.5 in February, highlights a modest reduction in activity – marking the most significant decrease since the previous October. Notably, this places Welsh firms alongside those in the North East as the jointlowest performers in the UK, primarily attributed to subdued customer demand and ongoing supply chain difficulties.

Despite a continuous ninth-month decline in new orders, February saw the slowest pace of this downturn, with

some businesses noting early signs of recovering demand conditions.

However, the enduring cost-of-living crisis continues to suppress sales, creating a fractional downturn in new business that contrasts with a modest expansion across the UK.

Remarkably, February witnessed a significant uplift in business confidence among Welsh private sector companies. This renewed optimism, the most robust since late 2021, aligns closely with the broader UK trend. Businesses are buoyed by prospects of product range extensions, customer base expansions, and anticipated stronger client demand.

However, Welsh firms reported a seventh consecutive month of workforce reductions, although the rate of job losses has slowed considerably, marking the softest drop since August 2023. Despite efforts

to enhance efficiency and manage costs by not replacing voluntary leavers, the reduction in staff numbers remains significant, outpaced only by Yorkshire & Humber across the UK.

Furthermore, Welsh companies have seen an ongoing decrease in outstanding business since May 2022, with February’s contraction marking one of the sharpest declines. This reduction in backlogs of work underscores the broader challenges faced by the region’s private sector.

On the inflation front, Welsh firms experienced an accelerated increase in average cost burdens during February, with input prices climbing due to higher raw material costs and rising wages. This upturn in inflation, although less severe than the UK average, was the sharpest since May 2023. In response, Welsh companies raised their

selling prices significantly, with service providers leading this charge as they passed increased costs onto customers.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Regional Board, reflects on the dual nature of the current economic landscape for Welsh businesses. While acknowledging

the sharper fall in output and the weight of supply chain issues on production capacity, Shipman highlights the fractional easing in the decline of new business and the buoyant business confidence. This optimism is underpinned by strategic expansions and marketing investments, despite the uptick in

inflationary pressures driven by higher wage and imported goods prices. Shipman notes the continued trend of costcutting through workforce reductions, even as business confidence strengthens and the pace of job shedding eases, signalling a cautious yet hopeful outlook for the Welsh private sector.

SP ol ITI c

VelY LIBERAL

W ITH ANDReW lYe

government has damaged our economy.

Last week’s Budget scraped the bottom of the barrel and we urgently need a General Election to kick the Conservatives out of power, if we are to see a revival of the economy.

People are facing a catastrophic hit to their living standards and the Budget offered nothing to the millions of people left waiting in pain for treatment from the NHS.

The public will see this for what it is: nothing more than a desperate deception that will be wiped out by the soaring cost of living and years of unfair Conservative tax hikes. People are sick and tired of this government’s chaos and mismanagement. We need a General Election now.

Jeremy Hunt’s Budget includes an £8bn tax bombshell for pensioners, analysis from the Resolution Foundation has revealed.

All 8 million taxpaying pensioners will see their taxes increase due to the freezing of income tax thresholds. This will leave the average taxpaying pensioner £1,000 worse off by 2027-28, – or an £8 billion collective hit.

Responding to the analysis, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “Buried in the small print of this Budget is a disgraceful £8 billion pensioner tax bombshell.”

“People who have worked hard and done the right thing all their lives are being hammered by Jeremy Hunt with years of unfair tax hikes, leaving them an average of £1,000 worse off each.”

“This Conservative government has shown their true colours,

pensioners are not their priority. They would rather cut taxes for the big banks than look after those who have given so much for so long to our society.”

Aside from the Budget, we learnt that the taxpayer was used to pay Science Minister, Michelle Donelan’s legal costs and damages relating to academic Prof Sang’s libel action against her. The Liberal Democrats have call on the Minister’s pay to be docked, to repay the taxpayer.

The £15,000 could have funded 5,928 free school meals or 357 GP appointments for people who are seeing their public services crumble.

DSIT have now confirmed they paid £15,000 in damages but have still not revealed the full legal costs.

Commenting Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “This is nothing short of a scandal and we still don’t know the full legal costs.”

“If Michelle Donelan had a shred of integrity left, she would pay for this bill out of her own pocket instead of asking taxpayers to pick up the tab. If she refuses to do so, Rishi Sunak should dock her pay.”

“This news will come as a kick in the teeth to people who are seeing their finances clobbered by the cost of living crisis while local health services are on their knees.”

“This is yet another scandal that proves it’s time to kick this sleazeridden Conservative Government out of office for good.”

People are sick and tired of the this Government and the only people who do not seem to realise are the Government, themselves. We need a General Election now.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

New revelation rocks Gething

VAUGHAN GETHING may likely become Mark Drakeford’s successor, but the smell around him and his campaign to do so continues to stink out Welsh politics.

For those living under a rock, Mr Gething accepted a staggering £200,000 from a landfill company linked to the revolting stench emanating from the Withyhedge landfill site in Haverfordwest.

This week, NRW revealed that he lobbied the regulator on the company’s behalf over enforcement action in another breach. The same year, 2016, Mr Gething accepted a fivefigure donation from the company for his failed leadership campaign against Mark Drakeford.

While no wrongdoing can be attributed to Mr Gething or the company concerned, the donations’ timing and size have led to questions about his integrity and political judgement.

If he becomes First Minister, Mr Gething’s Government will have

the final say over a controversial planning application that benefits the company concerned.

If Mr Gething—or his Labour colleagues in the Senedd—can not see that is a problem, their reputation will be in the skip. It will likely be sunk under a pile of detritus at Withyhedge with other rotting waste.

If a UK Cabinet member behaved similarly, the Labour Party would demand their resignation.

Mr Gething’s colleagues are mute.

The fact that those who have worked closest to him oppose his election as Labour’s Welsh satrap speaks volumes about their regard for him. However, after the Labour election results, any misgivings will vanish. Those opposing Mr Gething will keep quiet and praise him in the way he appears to expect is his due.

The allegations will not go away.

With the scent of blood - or illegally disposed-of waste - in their nostrils, the Welsh media will keep digging.

As with illegally disposed of waste, trying to cover up the mess will only make matters worse.

The Welsh Government is the only UK administration without a register of lobbyists. Welsh ministers meet with lobbying firms and their clients all the time. However, provided the ministers class those meetings as “informal”, they don’t have to disclose who they met and what they discussed.

It appears that informality is the rule in Cardiff Bay. Several years ago, this newspaper asked for a record of all meetings between Welsh Government ministers and civil servants and the staff of the lobbying firm Deryn Consulting. Our inquiry covered a three-year period.

Deryn Consulting prides itself on being Wales’s leading PR and lobbying company. Its directors include former Welsh Government advisors and AMs. The company gives the strong impression of

being better connected than the National Grid.

Its website claims, “Established in 2012, Deryn brings together senior-level, crossparty experience in campaigning, government relations, and politics in Wales. We want to talk to you about how we can help engage with communities, civic society, and decisionmakers at every level.”

Astonishingly, the Welsh Government had no record of any meetings between Welsh Government ministers and representatives of Deryn Consulting.

That cannot be compatible with Deryn’s claims about its reach.

If one accepts the Welsh Government’s response to a Freedom of Information Act request as true, Deryn never meets with Welsh Government ministers.

That’s odd, as Deryn claims its firm can: “Advise you on how best

to deliver change—to build support for your ideas, to shape your communications, and to navigate the complex world of government and politics in Wales.”

That’s some going without ministerial contact, especially when considering Deryn’s list of clients.

Deryn is not breaking the rules. It lives within those that prevail in Cardiff Bay. The company’s list of declared clients can be seen because it voluntarily publishes it on a register.

Welsh Government ministers, their apparatchiks, and civil servants? That’s another matter.

When Julie James and Jeremy Miles stepped back from participation in any Welsh Government decision about its entanglement in the Green Man Festival and the fiasco about

Gilestone Farm, it was not because they had done anything wrong. The pair attended a party hosted by a Deryn Consulting director, representing the Green Man Festival. A director of the company behind the Festival also attended.

Once their presence was publicised (although not before), Ms James and Mr Miles stepped back from any involvement in future Welsh Government decision-making relating to Gilestone Farm.

They understood that for a decision to be robust and hold up if challenged, the mere appearance of bias would be enough to cause problems.

Not so, Vaughan Gething. After all, he signed off spending £4.25m of public money on a bird’s nest on a flood plain without a business plan and all the relevant information.

WITH JACKIE JONES

‘Trust in us’ can sound like empty words and promises when uttered by some politicians.

Promises to cut taxes or red tape, when exactly the opposite has happened. Assurances that a party will eliminate sexual harassment within its ranks, but it continues. Or to condemn racism when it is so obvious to all.

We must do better. We must eliminate these tendencies that drag us all down a road to the lowest possible levels and give permission to some to perpetrate hate. There is no hope or aspiration on that route.

Although, as he failed to check on Wales’s preparedness in four years as Health Minister before Covid, perhaps he wouldn’t have checked the information had it been presented to him.

Mr Gething’s blase acceptance of an unprecedentedly large donation from a donor of dubious reputation is not a matter for him and his conscience. It goes to the heart of the reputational standing of the Government he wants to lead.

The Welsh Government’s standing with the Welsh public isn’t great. Most voters are indifferent to it and the Welsh Parliament.

Many Welsh voters could barely name the regional MSs who supposedly represent them.

But people know enough to be repelled by the stench of rot and decay.

I’m not pretending that Labour has all the answers. That would be foolhardy. But it’s time to give Labour the opportunity to change the country for better. In the early 2000s, when Labour was in government, we passed the Equality Act 2010. It consolidated and updated many pieces of discrimination legislation. That Act, in my opinion, was the high watermark for levelling us all of up. What do I mean? It embedded anti: racist and ethnicity, religious, harassment, disability, age, sex into action plans, policies and laws (amongst other things). It made public services (like the NHS) and

companies face up to their obligations to all of us as citizens of this country. It gave each one of us responsibility to look after our community and our neighbours. It started to change the way we thought about our workmate or person on the street. Respect and dignity were its values. It brought change. Every one of us, regardless of any characteristic, has the right to live in and with dignity.

That, to me, is at the core of what we need to bring back into politics. I mean that living a life in dignity ensures a child does not go to bed hungry, or a person with disabilities does not lie in bed for hours on end without being helped. It means an end to foodbanks and a country where everyone can thrive. That is what I think Labour should strive for and, if elected to government, achieve. That is the only way we will turn the country around from under this dark cloud of depression that this Conservative government has blanketed us under for far too long.

But we need your help to do it. Together, we can change this country for better. Give Labour the opportunity to prove that we are the party to prove to you that we can truly change this country for the better. Join us. Vote for us.

THE COAL mining industry was once the lifeblood of the industrial revolution however it appears that former miners are being left destitute, in part, due to a Westminster Government policy.

Last week, a campaign group for former miners reported that the UK Government was continuing to take half of surplus funds from the Mineworkers’ Pension scheme, despite promises in 2019 to end the practice.

The “arrangement” –which has been branded “antithetical to the government’s stated aim of redressing socioeconomic inequality and ‘levelling up’ left-behind communities” –has seen the UK Government pocket £4.2 billion from the scheme while the majority of former mine workers receive around £50 a week – or less.

Given Welsh miners’ role in shaping Britain’s legacy as a major economic power during the industrial revolution, this is a damning indictment.

In his 1994 book, “Collieries of Wales: Engineering and Architecture”, Historian Stephen R. Hughes argues that Wales was central to the industrial revolution, which saw the development of new technologies such as underground tramways for transporting coal, and the iconic steam engine.

Such was the scale of Wales’ role in the industrial revolution that at its peak, Cardiff Docks saw 2.5 million tonnes of coal exported out of South Wales. The entire coal industry in Wales helped power Britain’s economy and its’ status as a global power.

Even up until the first half of the twentieth century, the coal industry endured.

However, despite the vast wealth generated from coal, iron and slate production in Wales – minerals, resources, and profits were extracted from Wales, for the primary benefit of Westminster coffers.

Workers were exploited for low pay and compelled to work in dangerous and unsafe conditions. Accidents were common and accounted for around 25% of all occupationrelated deaths between 1885 and 1949, according to the 2007 book,

“Miners’ Lung: A History of Dust Disease in British Coal Mining” by Arthur

McIvor

and Ronald Johnston.

One of the worst tragedies included Senghennydd in 1914, which saw 439 men and boys killed.

In 1914, the president of the South Wales Miners’ Federation noted that “while machinery and other measures adopted in the production of coal had enormously increased the output, it was appalling to think that neither the application of science nor anything else appeared to have been able to cope with the terrible disasters in the Coalfield and the serious accidents to workmen taking place in the mines”.

Perhaps, it is tempting to suggest that lack of scientific initiative was not at the heart of the industry and the establishment’s inability to “cope” with the numerous tragedies that beset the coal mining community.

While the coal mining industry in Wales has largely dissipated, the evidence of neglect of these communities, and other similar industries in Wales continues.

From the current UK Prime Minister being “unavailable” to attend urgent talks to discuss the loss of 2,800 jobs at Tata Steel’s plant in Port Talbot, South Wales to the large number of “high risk” coal tips in Wales, the contempt Westminster displays towards Wales is breathtaking.

And, while some might suggest that the legacy of neglect is attributable to any one political party, it is worth noting that the scheme bestowing 50% of surplus funds from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme to the UK Government, was established in 1994.

In the years since, we have seen two consecutive Labour Governments who could have abolished the scheme.

A fully autonomous Wales, with all levers at its disposal, provides the only chance of putting the interests of Wales’ communities above those of Westminster, which continues its culture of exploitation, while leaving the most vulnerable behind.

Elin Jones rules WG legislation ‘outside powers’ CONTROVERSY

over Labour and Plaid Cymru’s plan to ram through Senedd reform continued this week.

The Senedd’s Presiding Officer, Elin Jones, announced plans to compel political parties to rig the closed candidates lists that underpin the parties’ wish to stitch up Welsh elections were outside the Welsh Parliament’s powers.

The Labour/Plaid proposals provide that if a political party puts forward a list of two or more candidates in a Senedd constituency, they must ensure that:

• At least 50% of their candidates are women (known as the ‘minimum threshold’), and

• A woman must immediately follow all candidates who are not women unless they are last on the list (known as the ‘vertical placement criteria’).

The Bill proposes introducing rules at the constituency level and across all constituencies represented by a political party.

Suppose a political party puts forward candidates in two or more constituencies.

In that case, the Bill forces it to ensure that the first or only candidate on at least half the lists submitted by a party must be a woman (known as the ‘horizontal placement criteria’).

The proposed legislation sidesteps a row on transgender women by ignoring the issue altogether. Instead, it appears to allow self-declaration.

As part of the nomination process, candidates must state whether they are women. This statement will be used to enforce the quotas.

Constituency Returning Officers (CROs) will take these statements

at ‘face value’, meaning that they will not investigate whether the information provided by a candidate is correct. That would mean a candidate declaring themselves a woman IS a woman.

It is an effort to sidestep the provisions of the Government of Wales Act (2006), which reserves legislation about gender recognition to Westminster.

On such shallow semantic games is Welsh democracy advanced.

However, on Monday (March 11), Llywydd Elin Jones said the Labour/ Plaid legislation crossed the line into powers reserved to Westminster on a separate basis.

As with every Bill, the Llywydd must assess whether the Senedd has the power to make that law (this is known as legislative competence).

The Wales Act 2017 allows the Senedd to legislate on matters not reserved to the UK Parliament. A provision in a Senedd Bill cannot modify the law on reserved matters.

Ms Jones said: “In my view, the provisions of the Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill, introduced on March 11, 2024, would not be within the legislative competence of the Senedd because the Bill:

a. relates to the reserved matters of equal opportunities; and

b. modifies the law on reserved matters, namely the Equality Act 2010.

In other words, the Bill proposes a law in an area of legislation controlled by Westminster.

The Llywydd’s view on legislative competence does not affect whether or not a Bill can be introduced.

It is the first time the Llywydd has stated that she considers proposed Welsh Government legislation wholly outside the Senedd’s legislative competence.

That is despite the

Member in charge of the Bill, the Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt MS, stating in an explanatory memorandum: “In my view, the provisions of the Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill, introduced by me on March 11, 2024, would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru.”

The Bill could still be passed, but the UK government’s attorney general or the Welsh government’s counsel general may challenge it in the Supreme Court.

The latter is unlikely. The former would be certain.

It is not as though Mark Drakeford’s Cabinet are unaware of the risk. It chose to separate gender quotas from the rest of its plans to increase the size of the Senedd and rig Wales’s electoral system precisely because the gender quota scheme is legislatively dubious. If it had the courage of its convictions, it would have included them in the rest of the Bill.

Picking an argument with the Westminster Government would be on brand for Welsh Labour only as long as a Conservative Government remains in power.

As an example of seeking a distraction from its failures, a row on a constitutional issue would be ideal for the

Labour Party in Wales to stir up national feeling and hostility to the Conservatives (i.e. “the English”).

Nevertheless, a potential UK Labour Government is unlikely to hand a Cardiff Cabinet everything (or much of anything) on its shopping list. It is unlikely to regard reworking the UK’s complex equalities legislation as a high priority when bread-andbutter issues dominate political discourse.

Darren Millar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for the Constitution, said: “There are huge question-marks over the legitimacy of this legislation and whether the Senedd has the competency to legislate in this area.

“Regardless of the answers to those questions, the Welsh Conservatives will oppose this Bill.

“We believe that candidates should be chosen and elected to our national parliament based on merit, not because of their selfidentified gender, biological sex, sexuality, race, religion or disability.

“While we all want to see greater diversity in our politics, we will always reject any system which seeks to pit one aspect of diversity over another.”

£1m to create a network of car clubs

WALES’s departing Deputy Climate Change Minister, Lee Waters, has announced the Welsh Government will invest £1m to create a network of car clubs to connect rural communities.

The move is part of plans to meet ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions.

The Government wants public transport, walking, and cycling

trips to account for 45% of journeys by 2040.

The announcement builds on steps the Welsh Government has already taken to improve accessibility in rural communities, such as the response-led Fflecsi bus service.

The car club schemes, which provide an easy and affordable way for people to share the benefits of using a car without the cost of owning

committed to seeing public transport, walking and cycling trips account for 45% of journeys by 2040 (up from 32% in 2021).

“Achieving this in rural areas will require a different approach than most urban areas.

“Car clubs are an easy and affordable way for people to share car use without the cost of owning one.

“This funding will help create a network of car clubs in rural communities across Wales. I look forward to seeing the real difference that will make in widening transport options and, over time, reducing our carbon emissions.

Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Transport Minister, repeated her Party’s claim that the Welsh Government has banned road-building.

It hasn’t. However, the Welsh Government has significantly tightened the criteria for granting permissions for new road-building projects.

Mr Waters previously said the Welsh Government must take an alternative approach to transport in rural Wales and acknowledged - to howls of protest from Plaid Cymru and ecoactivists - that cars would be the principal form of transport there.

BLUE VIEW

WITH STEPHEN CRABB MP

THE economic picture is looking brighter which is good news for households and businesses across Pembrokeshire.

Last Wednesday (6 March), the Chancellor delivered his Spring Budget providing an overview of the Government finances, forecasts and crucially, the delivery of key economic priorities. The extraordinary spike in prices that we have seen since the Russian invasion in Ukraine has created major economic difficulties. But there is now light well and truly at the end of the tunnel - inflation has fallen, growth has been more resilient than expected and debt is forecast to fall.

have decided to slash business rate support. It is little surprise that pubs, bars, and restaurants in Wales are closing at a faster rate than in any other part of the UK when such ill-judged decisions are made.

one, will be delivered in rural communities across Wales, including Newtown, Llanidloes, Welshpool, Machynlleth, Crymych, Cwmllynfell, Kilgetty, Llandovery and Llandrindod Wells.

Speaking on a visit to one of the newly funded car club schemes in Llandeilo, Lee Waters said: “To meet our legal carbon emissions targets, the Welsh Government is

Undeterred by what she knows to be the facts, Ms Ashgar said: “While investment in car clubs is welcome, how does the Deputy Minister plan to implement this when he’s banned new road construction?

“Labour’s ludicrous road-building ban will cut communities off and punish motorists.

“The Welsh Conservatives would reverse Labour’s anti commuter policies and get Wales moving.”

That is all very well as pre-General Election tub-thumping, but it doesn’t address the Deputy Minister’s announcement.

Jeremy Hunt’s decision to further cut National Insurance contribution rate from 10% to 8% effective from April is a positive step in the right direction. It is estimated that the 2p cut will be worth approximately £450 a year for someone on a £35,000 full-time salary. This means more money in people’s pockets, helping to boost household finances and employment in our county. The Chancellor’s decision to freeze fuel duty for another 12 months, maintaining the 5p cut announced last Autumn is also very good news for a rural county like Pembrokeshire with so many people reliant on a car for travel.

The hospitality industry is the backbone of sustaining a thriving and vibrant Pembrokeshire economy – and I was very pleased to see that alcohol duty will be frozen until February 2025 which will be of direct benefit to pubs such as The First and Last, and The Cross Inn in Pembrokeshire.

But with much policy devolved to Welsh Labour Government, Ministers in Cardiff have the power to make decisions on industry support. Many local businesses should be looking forward to the start of a new season, and I was extremely disappointed to see that Welsh Government

Farming is also another vital sector which has been ignored in Cardiff, despite it being a Welsh Labour Government responsibility. It has featured heavily in both local, and national news – and many Pembrokeshire farmers made the journey to the Senedd last week to voice their concerns about Welsh Governments policies which are threatening the viability of the industry. Farmers feel let down on NVZ rules, the Sustainable Farming Scheme and TB and understandably so. I spent last Friday afternoon with farmers in South Pembrokeshire at Poyerston Farm listening to their concerns and hearing exactly why these policies are so damaging.

Farmers concerns are falling on deaf ears, and Ministers in Cardiff need to wake up before it’s too late.

The UK budget also came in the same week as Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) were looking to agree their own budget. The eyes of the national media were focused in on the decision at County Hall as it was suggested that Pembrokeshire would see the largest council tax rise of any county in the UK.

While the final increase of 12.5% is not as high as the figure expected - thanks to the council dipping into their financial reserves, it will still be a major increase for householders in Pembrokeshire who will be paying more for less council services which will have to be heavily cut. I will be working with all Government’s –Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government - to ensure that the financial impact on our community is heard and encouraging the right decisions to be made.

death notices

R EGINALD J OHN

PALMER

PALMER Reginald

John Pembroke

Dock The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, following a brief illness, of Mr. Reginald Palmer of Pembroke Dock. He was 93. Devoted husband of Gill, he will be fondly remembered by many as the proprietor of Palmer’s Shoe Shop in Dimond Street. The funeral will take place on Tuesday 19th March with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 11.30. am. Family flowers only please. All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

R

ICHARD J OHN

(N AT ) N ICHOLAS

NICHOLAS Richard John (Nat) Fishguard

Peacefully at his home on Saturday 2nd March, Nat of Dan y Bryn, Fishguard. A beloved father, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral service on Friday 22nd March at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 10:45am. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons

Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

Do R oth Y M ARY (M ARY ) Ree S

REES Dorothy Mary

“Mary” On 1st March 2024, passed away peacefully at home, aged 85 years of

Tregony, formerly of Carters Green, Angle, Pembroke. Beloved wife of John (dec’d), loving mum of Jan and Liz and grandmother of Will and Georgie. Funeral service 3.00 pm, Wednesday 20th March 2024, Trelawny Chapel, Penmount Crematorium.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Mary for British Heart Foundation may be made via memorygiving.com or by retiring collection.

Funeral director W J Beswetherick and Son Ltd, Central House, Fairmantle Street, Truro TR1 2EQ Tel 01872 274021

R ENA T UCKER

TUCKER Rena Waterloo, Pembroke Dock. The death occurred peacefully at The University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff on Thursday

29th February of Mrs. Rena Tucker of Waterloo, Pembroke Dock. The much loved and devoted wife of Peter, she was 85 and will greatly missed by all her family. The funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised but all enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

S HEILA F OULKES J ONES

FOULKES JONES

Sheila Milford Haven

Sheila passed away at Withybush Hospital on 22nd February 2024 aged 87 years. Beloved sister to Merril, Aunt of Wendy and Jeremy and great aunt of Jake, Alex, Michael and Gabriel

and dear friend of Dorothy. Sheila will be greatly missed by all her family and her friends at The Third Place in Milford Haven and beyond. The funeral service for family and close friends will take place on Thursday 21st March at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11.30am followed by a service and celebration of her life at 1.30pm at The Third Place, Nantucket Avenue, Milford Haven for everyone who would like to remember Sheila. Family flowers only and donations in lieu of flowers if so desired to Compassion UK or Cross Rhythms charities please. Further enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven.

Telephone 01646 693180.

Cliffo RD h e NRY C OLE

COLE Clifford Henry Pembroke The death occurred peacefully at Ashdale Care Home, Pembroke on Wednesday 28th February of Mr. Clifford Cole of Poyer’s Avenue, Pembroke. He was 94. The funeral will take place on Friday 22nd March with a service at Monkton Priory Church at 1.30.pm followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 3.15.pm. Family flowers only please. All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

le TT er S & no TI ce S

PIc Ture oF THe week!

REFORMERS OF toDAY

DEAR SIR, TODAY, many reformers are discussing Britain’s place in the history of Slavery, so that our next generation can learn to live by some higher principles in the future.

Slavery had played a significant part in Roman economics, and Spanish Conquistadors ruling the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries, had enslaved the native inhabitants, most especially to mine gold, their obsession.

These natives made disappointing slaves when they died so readily, which later led several nations to favour the idea of purchasing negroes from Arabian traders who purchased them from inland African tribal leaders, in exchange for cheap Western geegaws, delivered in chains to famous West African ports.

All ‘Civilised’ countries, even extreme Feudalism, like Russia, had not permitted ‘slave societies’, where generations of slaves became the property of slave owners, like dogs, for 1400 years.

So today’s Right wing politicians, most notably Nigel Farage, have delivered his version, that Britain was only one of many nations introducing first the oceanic Slave Trade, and then Black Slavery into our Colonies for half a century, and the first to give it up. In his view Britain should get some credit, since Britain had the most powerful navy, which later dissuaded other ‘Slave Trade’ across oceans.

The truth is that only the British Conservative Party, in power, ever voted for the inhuman Slave Trade and Colonial Slavery, for half a century, opposed by Quakers, Methodists and Whigs.

Whigs considered it was necessary to use taxation of British citizens, to bribe slave owners and Conservatives with £20 million in 1833, paid of

course to slave owners and not a penny to a slave, for Conservatives not to oppose Whigs’ determination to outlaw Slavery once more.

We can learn if we choose.

Name and address supplied

eleCtRiCitY IMPORT DEPENDENCE

DEAR SIR, AT 14.55 on 8 March, gridwatch.co.uk gave the following GB Fuel type power generation percentages. As usual in cold spells, there is an element of coal generation at 1%, but we are also dependent upon 23% of our electricity upon interconnector supplies from Europe (- France 7+3+3 = 13%; Netherlands 3%; Belgium 3%; Denmark 2%; Norway 1% and Eire 1%). At any time, with cold continental weather, these imports may not be available, leading to deaths from cold weather.

The National Grid cannot

cope at present, owing to the focus upon massively subsidised intermittent renewables. Just how is this country supposed to be able to charge the tens of millions of electric cars being forced upon us, especially at night or on cloudy days with little or no solar supplies, and wind that is too high or too low? VW is presently being sued for millions because a battery fire in a Porsche affecting thousands of cars on a ship carrying cars; such fires are not uncommon in electric cars, scooters, bikes and wind turbines and spread incredibly rapidly because of the intensity of heat; fire brigades have been told to stay upwind of the carcinogenic smoke from electric batteries, which is almost impossible to extinguish; electric cars are 50% heavier on average than comparable petrol or diesel cars, causing more road damage, carcinogenic tyre particulates, potholes and potential accidents by damaging floors in multistory carparks; electric cars have been reported as being uncontrollable and dangerous, needing police action to stop them; a broken-

down electric car needs a low-loader to pick it up as it cannot be moved to the hard shoulder - major traffic jams will follow on all roads from lanes to motorways; mining of the rare earths needed for their batteries are causing massive environmental disasters; the cars are far too expensive; there is no way that millions of drivers will be able to charge them at home, living in apartments or flats; power leads snaking over pavements for home chargers will cause accidents; there will never be enough electricity in the grid to power all the planned demand; hundreds of thousands of public charging points will be needed; car insurance is far higher, with some cars being difficult to insure; and if lorries and buses are electric, how will they be moved when they break down?

Yours in despair,

Terry Breverton

FRHistS FRSA FIC FCIM

A tug in the night by David Lee

Friday

DEAR SIR,

Assuming it is not too late, the UK Government can stop the closure of Port Talbot by funding green biocoal production in Wales.

Tata would get green subsidies which would make steel making profitable and 2500+ jobs would not be lost. In fact more jobs would be created.

This process would also allow Tata to evaluate a process that does not require any alteration to

existing steel making while allowing politicians to keep an accelerated net zero agenda.

There are 3 stages we would suggest for Port Talbot:

1) Import starch/oil rich plants and make it into biocoal identical to fossil coal/coke. This is the only very fast way to solve Port Talbot’s problem. Coke can be created with pyrolosised bio-oil and biocoal.

2) Build accelerated

indoor growing units on any kind of available land, which would create new jobs and the biomass needed to make the steel works self fuelling

3) Consider low cost marine based flue gas extraction sending C02 to the grow units and using a light reactor to split the methane into more C02 for the grow units and hydrogen for the hydrogen cell power system that powers the grow units and coal conversion. This would create a green process more sustainable than electric steel making (see power station image below).

Our Chairman David Weaver was making e fuels from bagasse up to 2016 but we moved away to focus on food, liquid e-fuels and hydrogen.

Only when we realised that the green agenda would effectively be sacrificing steel jobs unnecessarily and were closing power stations when there is not enough electricity, did we refocus on solid biomass.

Tata were involved in the liquid fuels programme back in 2010 but our contact has left.

Please look at this idea so we can make steel making green, more profitable with much less disruption but also because the Welsh or UK Government is capable of saving jobs if it wants to.

Kindest regards

John Gallagher

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Clarby into the next round of the Senior Cup

Clarbeston Road hosted Fishguard Sports in the Senior Cup. The hosts started as favourites and will have aspirations of reaching the final of this competition. As expected Clarby started the brighter but unable to take the chances they created.

Ben John was given a chance to open the scoring but his header was straight into the keepers hands. Tom Withers also had a chance but his volley was blazed over the bar.

George Thomas making his first senior start headed just wide of the far post from a Julz Ward Cross –unfortunately just after that he was forced off with a knee injury replaced by Rob Morgans.

Fishguard had their best spell up to half time without creating anything too clear cut but Adam Lawrence had a half chance but was unable to hit the target, and it was goalless at

the break.

Just two minutes into the second half Clarby broke the deadlock, a good cross in and ball fell to Sub Rob Morgans who prodded home from 6 yards under the

body of Pepper in the Fishguard goal.

Clarby continued to create more chances but were unable to convert and Fishguard nearly grabbed an equaliser on 70 mins when a curling

corner bounced off the top of Mansells bar much to the relief of the hosts.

The game was tied up after 77 mins when Matt Ellis volleyed home from just inside

the box made it 2-0 and sealed the win for his team. Another impressive win for Fox’ team and they’ll be a team nobody wants to face in the next round of this competition.

Goodwick tightens grip on Division One title

MANY took objection to Herald Sport’s claim that the division one title was already decided a few weeks ago. However Saturday’s win for

Goodwick United has strengthened that argument. We won’t say it’s over as a contest yet, but who would bet against Goodwick now. It

was yet another comfortable victory for O’Sullivans men in what is on paper one of the hardest games of the league season.

Goodwick United 3-0

Hakin United Hosts skipper Scott Delaney opened the scoring just before half time after a fairly tense first half, in which is visitors saw three

players cautioned.

Rhys Jones scored his 15th and 16th league goals of the season, as his second half brace secured the three points for the home team. Goodwick United now sit top of the table on 41 points and without losing a league game all season.

Hakin are in second two points adrift, however having played four more games than the league leaders. Form would suggest Goodwick are likely to win those games, which would put them fourteen points clear at the top of the league. There is however no guarantees in football, although I doubt many around the county foresee anything other than Goodwick United becoming league champions. To achieve this undefeated would be a huge success for all involved.

Manderwood PeMbrokeSHIre league results

09/03/2024

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

Thrilling cup tie ends in extra-time victory

A CRACKING

cup tie took place in the quarter final of the Pembs league division 2 cup on Saturday between Camrose and Merlins Bridge Reserves at Folly Fields. Having already beaten the home team twice in the league, Merlins Bridge certainly started as

favourites and brought a good following to support their team.

The pitch looked in great condition with the home groundsman making sure the pitch was freshly rolled in time for kick off and the home team were optimistic that they could continue their good form this season and beat the

Bridge at the third time of asking. Both squads were looking good and had nearly full strength squads to choose from.

Referee Marty Jones delayed kick off for five minutes as Camrose had lost the match balls!

However when the game did kick off it started with a bang.

Danny Llewellyn, Jordan

Raymond and Joe Haworth seemed on top form and it only took two minutes for Haworth to score a well deserved goal. Bridge looked shell shocked and Camrose continued to press for the remainder of the half.

It was only the sterling work of the Bridge midfield and defence that kept the score to the

one early goal!

Half time 1-0 to Camrose and fully deserved!

The second half started much better for the Bridge with Ash Beck having a fantastic game in the centre of the park, dominating play and pulling the strings in an attempt to get his team back into the game. Camrose held on well and always looked dangerous with Llewellyn, Raymond & Haworth causing no end of issues with their energy and quality.

Seemingly ending at 1-0 in a tight encounter despite Bridges continued dominance of the second half, the game changed completely with just over ten minutes to go when Camrose sub Martyn Tweedie scored a fantastic goal to put the home team 2 up with little time left!

This resulted in Bridge making a few subs and throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at Camrose and just 5 mins later they grabbed a lifeline when super sub Mike Canton grabbed a goal from a free kick! This only spurred the away team on and with

vocal support from the sidelines centre half Morgan Richards scored a last minute goal to send the travelling fans wild, and the tie into extra time!!

Both teams were clearly tired at this stage but Referees man of the match Ash Beck continued to dominate midfield and despite chances for both teams during the extra periods, it was Beck himself that bagged the late winner with a goal direct from a corner in the 112th minute!

Heartbreak for Camrose who deserved better, but fantastic spirit and resolve from a determined Bridge team who now should fancy their chances of going all the way.

A highly competitive game played in fantastic spirit with not a single booking during the entire match and both clubs deserve credit for that.

A fantastic tie and highly entertaining cup tie between two great teams and grassroots football at it’s very best!!

The match was officiated by popular Pembrokeshire ref, Marty Jones pictured.