The Pembrokeshire Herald 28/06/2024

Dodgy plates MS suspended by labour

THE LABOUR PARTY has suspended one of its Senedd members after a photograph emerged showing their vehicle with fake number plates.

Jon Coles Jon.coles@herald.email

Rhianon Passmore, the MS for Islwyn, has been “administratively suspended” from the Labour group for fourteen days while an internal investigation takes place.

A Labour Party statement says, “The Labour Party takes the conduct of our elected representatives extremely seriously, and all complaints are investigated in accordance with the Party’s complaints procedures.”

A photograph taken in the Senedd car park shows Ms Passmore’s vehicle with a number plate hanging off the front with a second, and different, numberplate exposed underneath.

The loose number plate fell off when Ms Passmore drove out of the Senedd car park. When she returned, her vehicle displayed different number plates on

its front and rear.

One of the number plates is unregistered. The second is for an untaxed vehicle.

While the Labour Party conducts its investigation, the allegations against Ms Passmore constitute a criminal offence that the Police may also want to investigate.

Rhianon Passmore was first elected to the Welsh Parliament in 2016.

In 2018, she was suspended from the Senedd for fourteen days for failing to provide a breath sample after being stopped for suspected drinking and driving. She pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to supply a breath test.

There are different number plate offences, the approach to which depends on the Police and

Milford Haven fisherman admits to strangling partner’s mother

prosecutors’ approach and the circumstances of any alleged offence.

Drivers using noncompliant number plates or failing to display number plates are subject to a fine of up to £1,000. However, drivers can also be charged with a more serious offence of fraud and forgery under s44 of the relevant law for using fake plates.

An entirely innocent explanation for the number plate row is also possible, whereby Ms Passmore placed a personalised plate over the car’s original registration mark. While that would not address the failure to tax the vehicle or possibly register the changed registration mark, it places the allegations firmly into cock up rather than conspiracy.

New swan family graces Milford Marina

THE MARINA has recently become home to a charming new swan family, much to the delight of local residents and visitors. The well-known swan couple, often spotted gliding gracefully through the marina, have welcomed five adorable cygnets. However, it is currently understood that four of the young swans are thriving.

The proud swan parents, who have been a familiar sight at the marina for the past few seasons, are known for their elegance and serene presence. Their new brood has quickly become the talk of the town, with onlookers frequently gathering to catch a glimpse of the fluffy cygnets following closely behind their parents.

Swans are a fascinating species, often symbolizing grace and beauty. They are known for their lifelong monogamous bonds, a rarity in the animal kingdom. This strong pair bonding is evident in the attentive care both parents provide to their

offspring, ensuring their safety and teaching them vital survival skills.

Interestingly, swans have a unique communication system involving a variety of vocalizations and physical displays. These include hissing, grunting, and even a trumpet-like call. Their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 2.4 meters, and their majestic flight patterns make them a spectacular sight, especially when seen against the backdrop of Milford Haven Marina.

Local wildlife experts are monitoring the new swan family to ensure their wellbeing. They advise residents and visitors to admire the birds from a respectful distance, allowing the cygnets to grow and thrive in their natural environment.

The arrival of the cygnets has brought a sense of joy and renewal to the community. The swans’ journey from nesting to raising their young serves as a beautiful reminder of the wonders of nature that exist in our own backyards.

JAKE Bowman-Davies, a 26-year-old fisherman from Lighthouse Drive, Llanstadwell, has been warned he could face imprisonment after admitting to strangling his partner’s mother.

Previously, BowmanDavies appeared in court in January facing multiple violent charges.

The charges stemmed from an incident in Milford Haven on December 17, where he was accused of assaulting his partner and damaging her mobile phone.

Additionally, he faced accusations of strangling his partner’s mother and assaulting her father on the same day. Bowman-Davies had denied all these charges initially.

After being granted bail, Bowman-Davies breached its conditions and was subsequently remanded in custody. On June 20, he

returned to Swansea Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence of strangulation.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue stated that the guilty plea was acceptable and requested that the remaining charges be filed without further action.

Bowman-Davies is now scheduled to return to court for sentencing next month.

Judge Wayne Beard ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared and remanded Bowman-Davies back into custody. He warned the defendant, “All options will be open to the judge that passes sentence.”

Bowman-Davies’ admission and the gravity of the offence have left him facing the possibility of a significant custodial sentence.

The court awaits the final decision in July.

Denies crashing into concrete bollards

A HAVERFORDWEST woman has appeared before magistrates after allegedly crashing into five concrete bollards and a stone wall after drinking alcohol.

Leah Harries, 29, of Gerald Road, Haverfordwest was charged with drink-driving following the alleged incident at City Road, Haverfordwest in the early hours of February 17.

“It was 1.25 am and reports were made to the police about a single vehicle road collision,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“The vehicle, a Volkswagen Golf, had been travelling at speed and had taken out approximately five concrete bollards and had damaged a stone wall.

“Residents saw a male get out of the passenger’s side of the vehicle, and a female get out of the driver’s side.”

Ms Baker went on

to say that when police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the male standing beside the vehicle, while the defendant had left the scene, “Leah Harries was then found at her address following a short search of the area,” said Ms Baker. “When interviewed, she admitted that she was the person driving the vehicle and provided breath samples at the police station which gave a reading of 56 mcg.”

The prescribed legal limit is 35.

However Harries denies the charge of drink-driving. Her solicitor, Mr Michael Kelleher, told the court the defendant had consumed the alcohol after returning to her home following the accident.

The matter was adjourned to August 15 when Harries’s trial will take place. The defendant was released on unconditional bail

Major exercise underway at Castlemartin

The Ministry of Defence has announced the commencement of “Exercise Iron Storm,” a significant military training operation taking place at Castlemartin Range over the next two weeks. The exercise, which started on June 24 until 5th July, aims to enhance the operational readiness of the UK’s armed forces.

Since the start of the operation there have been plenty of loud bangs heard far and wide.

Also, residents have noticed aircraft operating

locally, including this Boeing Chinook filmed passing Tenby on Wednesday (Jul 26).

This critical exercise will enable troops to be trained for any future operational requirements, both within the UK and overseas. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes the importance of this exercise in maintaining the nation’s defense capabilities.

Residents near Castlemartin Range are advised that live firing will occur from Monday to Friday. The firing schedule is set to start at approximately 09:00

hrs and conclude at 18:00 hrs. However, on Monday, 24th June, and Tuesday, 25th June, night firing will extend until 03:00 hrs. Although these times mark the earliest and latest possible firing hours, not all days will adhere strictly to this schedule.

In addition to live fire exercises, military vehicles will be active over the weekends, further contributing to the comprehensive training agenda. The Ministry of Defence has also planned a public briefing prior to the exercise, scheduled for 18:30 hrs on 13th

June at Castlemartin Camp (SA71 5EB). A post-exercise briefing will be held on 10th July at 18:30 hrs. Pre-booking is not required for either event.

The Ministry of Defence told The Pembrokeshire Herald it appreciates the local community’s continued support and understanding during “Exercise Iron Storm.” This exercise is a vital part of ensuring that the UK’s armed forces remain highly trained and ready to respond to any threats.

Woman hospitalised as car overturns

A WOMAN has been taken to hospital following a car accident on a main Pembrokeshire road

The incident occurred yesterday morning, Tuesday, June 25, when the woman’s vehicle veered off the A4076 at Steynton Road, near Milford Haven, and collided with a tree. The crash happened shortly before 7.35am.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with police closing the A4076 road in both directions. Drivers were

advised to take alternative routes to avoid the closure.

Initially, the road was shut from Neyland Road to the B4325 Coombs Road. The closure was later reduced, restricting traffic from Neyland Road to Skomer Drive.

The road remained closed until 10.15am.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was transported to the hospital for treatment. Details about her condition have not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police

provided the following statement: “Police were called just after 7.35am on Tuesday, June 25, to a report that a car had left the A4076 at Steynton Road,

Milford Haven, and collided with a tree. The female driver has been taken to hospital. The road was closed and reopened at 10.15am.”

Election hustings cancelled

A PALESTINE support grouporganised general elections hustings saw only four of Ceredigion’s seven candidates offering to attend, and just two able to do so on the day.

Ceredigion Palestine Solidarity Campaign, with Heddwch Ar Waith, had organised the June 25 hustings to take place at Cardigan Guildhall, saying: “This General Election has been called at a moment when Palestinians are confronting the darkest moment in their struggle for liberation. Climate concerns, war in Europe, and the more than 100 armed conflicts across the world further endanger global stability and our economy.

“These are core electoral concerns for many Ceredigion Preseli constituents.

“This hustings is an opportunity for you to put your questions on these core issues to our General Election candidates.”

With a July 4 date

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

set for the general election, candidates for the new Ceredigion Preseli seat are: Ben Lake for Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat Mark Williams, Welsh Labour’s Jackie Jones, Conservative Aled Thomas, Tomos Barlow for the Green Party, Karl Robert Pollard for Reform UK, and Taghrid Al-Mawed for the Workers Party of Britain.

The hustings, saw just four of the seven confirmed candidates agreeing to attend: Taghrid Al-Mawed, Ben Lake, Tomos Barlow, and Mark Williams.

On the eve of the meeting, this was reduced down to Mr Barlow and Mr Lake, with the other two candidates unable to attend, for work and health reasons, leading to it being cancelled at the eleventh hour.

Dinah Mulholland, chair of Ceredigion Palestine Solidarity Campaign, a former Labour general election

candidate, said the decision was taken not to hold a hustings after the number of candidates was reduced to two.

“The whole issue of Palestine has been completely wiped off the news during the election; nearly all the candidates are avoiding the issue,” said Dinah, adding: “Local democracy has been undermined over this.”

She added: “I really would’ve liked to have done something, even if it was recorded answers with the candidates.

“There’s such a strong history here [in Ceredigion] of radical

movements, they’ve got a really strong radical base; all of these people are the same people who have an innate support for the Palestinians. These voters are not hearing any debate about this issue, and not hearing the candidates’ views.

“When I was candidate in 2017 and 2019 I would attend every hustings, that’s what you do here, you go to all the hustings, it’s a really valuable way for people to get to know you and see you under pressure.

“If you can’t cope with the hustings you can’t cope with Westminster.”

Labour leaflet broke charity commission guidelines

AN ENDORSEMENT

given by a trustee of a local charity to Mid & South Pembrokeshire’s Labour candidate has fallen foul of Charity Commission rules.

One of Henry Tufnell’s recent election campaign leaflets features an endorsement from Sue Denman, a trustee of the Pembrokeshire charity Solva Care.

The leaflet includes a photograph of Ms Denman with the caption, “Sue, Director, Together for Change, Solva.”

The endorsement raised eyebrows among some who received the leaflet, leading two people to contact this newspaper, concerned that electoral rules had been broken.

Their concern arises because The Charity Commission for England and Wales, which governs charities like

since 2017.

Solva Care, has clear guidelines stating that charities must remain independent from party politics and trustees must not encourage support for any political party.

Though Together For Change (TfC) is not a registered charity, it operates under the auspices of Solva Care, where Denman has been an associate trustee

TfC, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, must adhere to strict rules about political activity.

Ruth Bates, head of communications for the National Lottery Fund in Wales, clarified in an email, “We do not fund certain types of political activity, particularly party-political activity, and we are confident that Solva Care is not using our grant to fund any such activity or

Hammer wielder denies ‘permanent obsession’

A COURT has heard how a woman is ‘constantly looking over her shoulder’ after a man was seen waving a hammer and spitting at a CCTV camera installed in her property.

“I feel extremely intimidated,” the woman said in a victim impact statement read out to Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“I’ve done nothing wrong, but I’m concerned that this man has a permanent obsession with me, and feel I have to keep looking over my shoulder.”

Listening to the statement was defendant Jackson Hanley, 29, of Parc-y-Ddraig, Penybryn, Cardigan, who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the CCTV camera by spitting and of using threatening, abusive and insulting words and behaviour likely to cause harassment to the female during the incident at Castle Terrace, Narberth, on March 10.

“The complainant was the owner of the flat which the defendant attended,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker. “There had been issues previously, so the victim installed a CCTV camera.

“That night, [the defendant] turned up and

campaigning.

“We have reminded all grantholders of the rules around the Period of Sensitivity provided by the Charity Commission.”

abour party guidelines for campaign materials stress the importance of meticulous proofreading and centralised approval.

A party spokesperson noted, “One person must have the final say in signing off such material.”

A Charity Commission spokesperson confirmed that no action would be taken against Solva Care but stated that the trustees would receive regulatory advice and guidance regarding political activity.

Despite efforts by our journalist to contact Henry Tufnell and Sue Denman for comments, neither has responded.

called the complainant ‘a dirty f whore’. As he said those words, he waved a hammer at the camera and spat at it. As a result, the complainant now fears for her safety.”

Video footage captured by the CCTV camera was shown to the magistrates.

Hanley was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd who stressed that his client has no previous convictions.

“The complainant has said that the defendant has an obsession with her, but nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

“There has been a longstanding, ongoing dispute between the two parties as a result of nonpayment of wages and on this particular day, he hadn’t been paid for doing a day’s work.

“No threats were made directly to the complainant, however he accepts that his behaviour captured on camera was completely inappropriate.”

Hanley was fined £160 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £64 surcharge. An application to impose a restraining order which prevented Hanley from having further contact with the complainant was rejected by magistrates.

Shortage of taxis leads to driving ban for Honda driver

A SHORTAGE of taxis in Tenby town centre two nights before Christmas resulted in a disqualified driver jumping into a parked Honda Jazz and driving towards his home in Manorbier.

Following unsuccessful attempts to hail a taxi shortly before 4am on December 23, Mark Powell, 39, made the reckless decision of walking over to a former employer’s car and driving off.

“He walked to the Pay and Display car park where the victim’s car was parked,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He knows the victim, and he knows that [the victim] sometimes leaves the keys in the car when he wants it washed. The defendant was well aware of this, so he took the vehicle.”

But Ms Baker said the decision was made

despite Powell having been disqualified in June 2023 following a conviction of drink-driving.

“That night he was in town, he couldn’t get home, so he took a friend’s car who he’s known for a considerable length of time,” said Powell’s solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“No damage was caused and the car was returned the following day.” Powell, of Dewing Avenue, Manorbier, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle which had been taken without the owner’s consent, of driving whilst disqualified and of driving without insurance.

Powell was sentenced to a 12-month community order during which he must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £85 court costs and a £114 surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for six months which will be added to his current disqualification.

Nicola Lund Journalist

Man arrested for assault after woman found wounded

POLICE confirmed this week that they are investigating an incident which occurred in the early hours of Sunday (Jun 23) in Pembroke Dock.

The police said that a 47-year-old woman was taken to hospital after being found with injuries on Pembroke Road, Pembroke Dock.

Witnesses at the scene described seeing a “pool of blood” on the pavement.

Detectives were seen doing door-todoor inquiries with local residents to collect statements from anyone who heard the disturbance or saw anything happen, The Herald understands.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

After being treated, the woman was later discharged.

Speaking on Sunday, a resident living nearby the location of the incident, who spoke on condition of not being named, said: “We haven’t really been told anything yet, but the are loads of police here, and it looks like quite a serious incident has happened.

“The road was been closed off since the early hours of the morning with police tape. The pub is on the corner, and this happened just on the other side of the road of the side of it, just near where by neighbours had their wall repaired.

“Its quite frightening as we seem to be having a lot of trouble in the Dock at the moment, I hope that everyone involved is okay.”

The police have asked for help in piecing

together what happened. Officers have asked that anyone with any information that could help with their

investigation report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the

non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org. Quote reference: DP20240623-044

RNLI rescue struggling jet skier

St Davids RNLI were requested to launch at 4.20pm on Wednesday (Jun 26) after a 999 call by a member of the public to the Coastguard reporting a person in the water off Porthgain. The casualty was seen struggling to get onto a jet ski and subsequently lost sight of them, causing concern for their welfare.

Whilst the all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley

was proceeding to the location, the Coastguard put out an “any vessels in the area” request for help. A local boat responded and assisted the casualty and jet ski into Porthgain harbour, where they were met by HM Coastguard –St Davids.

Upon arrival at Porthgain harbour entrance, the charity’s lifeboat and volunteer crew stood by providing communication assistance for the

Coastguard until it was deemed that the casualty was safely ashore. Will Chant, RNLI Coxswain for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, says: ‘The casualty had drifted a long way from where they initially came off the jetski and was fortunate that a vessel local to the vicinity could respond so quickly. Without the intervention of this boat, and the initial call from a member of the public, the outcome could have been quite different.’

A dying capital resuscitated

Haverfordwest iconic buildings and extraordinary pioneers – Alchemy for revival

Locals have been circulating images of their capital’s decay, sharing dismay, and shouting at councillors to do something.

It is not a local issue. Globally the grandeur of the past has been torn down and replaced with upright shoebox and sometimes lozenge shaped buildings which reflect nothing of us, neither craftsmanship, culture, faith, nor local materials. The universal boxes have only the soul of corporations if there is such a thing.

And they produce no joy, consumerism yes but cultural or community life, not so much. Things get bought at pace, GDP graphs zig zag upwards and downwards, while the consumers sicken and go mad and the earth dies.

Our children are sacrificed on the alter of an obsolete God of greed. Wars are currently stoked to feed the insatiable beast consuming the earth and civilisation.

Out of the gloom emerge local champions. Richard Blacklaw Jones is a known figure in Haverfordwest. Jones the Bones is his osteopath name, but he is as multifaceted as the Elizabethan men of old. Brought up in a monoglot Welsh household, his bright beautiful mother died happy without the benefit of the English language, he went to be a policeman in London, assuming it a worthy career. Dismayed by the rampant racism he refused to take part in (his colleagues called him Trostsky!) He returned to practice, write about and chair Osteopathy in the UK. He is a pioneer and artist, and created meaningful art out of the detritus of humanity transformed by the sea into smooth and gleaming pearls for his sculptural collages.

His passion is recreating a future out of his land, people and materials. He organised organic conferences 30 years ago where, listening to the needs of farmers, he initiated an abattoir in Pembrokeshire – the least obvious location. He asked his long list of farmers and butchers to invest, and trusting him, they all did. I was asked too, and seeing this amazing list of local investors I joined them. The Welsh Assembly (senedd), also super impressed, trebled the sum and an abattoir arose, bucking the trend of closures. This lasted many decades. When it finally closed all us original investors met with the buyer, he decided then and there to return our money, moved to honour our unswerving commitment to local farming.

Richard knows all the hidden steps and lanes connecting the fabric of the

Vicky Moller vickymoller@gmail.com

historic town like the muscles of his body. He felt the town’s decay and abandonment while public and private money went on modern shopping centres and buildings unrooted in any local soul. Instead of moaning he tried to buy the dying buildings back to restore them. Tried, got support from investors but blocked by the powers who preferred them removed as too bothersome and expensive to repair. This effort fruitlessly absorbed years of his life, until…

Haverfordwest Heritage was founded by Richard and team in spring last year. They have acquired their first building, Temperance Hall, with funding and plans for its future uses.

But before this, another pioneer, Gitti Coates, bought the gigantic post office building and with her team, and heroic struggles against all forms of adversity, mostly from above, created a cultural meeting centre. Iconic central Haverhub is now the beating heart of the town. It holds events of all kinds, day and night, hot desking spaces and a modest café. It has catalysed the stirrings of civic resurrection for the town and is the first reason some consider returning to their birth town, working remotely.

There are two more groups buying back and developing old buildings. On Monday I gathered these four groups of pioneers together to begin collaboration. A great moment. Stories of their pioneering ventures to follow.

Over to Our Heritage website for why this matters – honour the past, protect the future.

“Haverfordwest’s dense concentration of historic buildings tells the story of nearly 1000 years of human activity from the 12th century castle to the quayside where sugar ships navigated into the town as late as 1936.

But Haverfordwest is not the vibrant town it was. Several of our town’s heritage buildings have been out of use and degrading for many years. Fifteen structures in the town are on the Heritage at Risk Register.

The town centre has declined with many premises vacant, or in meanwhile use by charities.

21% of the town’s class-A premises are vacant, almost double the national average (PCC Retail Survey Data 2022). This is due to a combination of reasons, including the rise in internet shopping and the exodus of commercial and retail businesses to out-of-town locations, and high rent and rates (The South West Wales Regional Plan for Regeneration, 2018).

Many of these vacant buildings are iconic anchor sites within the townscape, with tremendous place-making potential as demonstrated by Haverhub – the reopening of the old Post Office as the vibrant and popular community space.

Our neglected heritage buildings are a visible bellwether of the town’s fortunes. Unused and left to deteriorate further they reflect the decay in the town. But renovated and reopened they could be a critical catalyst helping to improve the town.”

Closed and battered doors

Even charity shops failing

Haverhub

Community raises funds for former teacher’s court fine

THEPEMBROKESHIRE community has successfully raised the funds needed to cover the court fine of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones within just 24 hours. The GoFundMe campaign, launched to support Jones after his conviction for assaulting a child at

Ysgol Caer Elen, has met its £600 target. Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, had pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the

difficulties faced by teachers in maintaining discipline without physical interaction. Jones, described as mortified by the incident, resigned from the teaching profession following the altercation where he pushed a pupil who was being cheeky and rude.

The court fined

and support. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the pressures of maintaining discipline in modern educational environments.

What h appened In Cou Rt

A FORMER Ysgol Caer Elen teacher has appeared before magistrates for sentence after admitting assaulting a ten-yearold child in the school playground.

Jones £400, with additional costs and a surcharge bringing the total to £645. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate deeming it inappropriate.

The fundraiser, organised by Andrew Phillips, saw an outpouring of support from the community, quickly surpassing its goal. Donations flooded in from parents, colleagues, and local residents who felt the punishment was too severe for what they considered a minor incident.

Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community, and I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and this support means the world to us.”

The rapid success of the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and the high regard in which Jones is held. Supporters emphasised his dedication to teaching and lamented the loss of a valued educator from the profession.

This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on Jones but also sends a powerful message of community unity

The child ran towards a group of boys, and once again Mr Jones reached out to grab him.

“By now the boys were all calling him names, saying he was a child abuser and a paedo,” the pastoral behaviour support officer said in her statement.

“The child was also seen rubbing his jumper back and forth across the back of his neck. I don’t know if the mark on his neck was a result of this, or was simply made worse by the way he kept rubbing his jumper”

The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was seen running away from Samuel Jones on the morning of November 14 as he played with his friends on the school playground.

In a police statement given by one of the school’s pastoral behaviour support officers, she described the child as being ‘cheeky’.

“He was being cheeky to Mr Jones, who kept telling him to stop being silly and to give the ball back,” she said.

“The boy had kicked the girls’ ball over the fence and he was refusing to give it back. He kept saying ‘No’.

“Mr Jones kept telling him to give back the ball and shouted at him, but [the child] kept refusing.

“It had turned into a cat and mouse chase and [the child] was laughing and smirking and trying to dodge Mr Jones as he tried to stop him.”

As the child attempted to run past Samuel Jones, who have his address as Hayston View, Johnston the 40-year-old reached out and grabbed him by the back of his jumper.

“He had it around the shoulders and mid sleeves, and the child was bent forwards as he’d been running. But then he got loose and ran off again.”

Mr Jones then left the playground and when he returned, the boys began calling him names.

“One of the boys was heard calling him a fat c***,” the support officer said in her statement. Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating.

He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher.

“This is the difficulty that a teacher or a learning assistant has these days,” he said. “When a child is being cheeky, rude or refusing to do what he is being asked to do, an adult should avoid touching the pupil.

“My client is mortified at what occurred and has since resigned from the teaching profession -so we’ve lost a teacher.

“The children were heard saying ‘We’ll make sure you’ll be in trouble for this’, and unfortunately this is what’s happened.”

After considering the mitigation, magistrates fined Jones £400 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £160 surcharge.

No compensation order was made against the victim.

“We have considered it, but we don’t deem compensation appropriate,” commented the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Woman to appear in court over son’s murder

A THAI woman accused of murdering her seven-year-old son is set to appear in court next month.

Papaipit Linse, 43, of Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest, is charged with the murder of her son, Louis Linse, at their home on 10 January.

Following her initial appearance at Swansea Crown Court in February, it was determined that Linse was not fit to enter a plea due to her mental health condition.

During the February hearing, defence counsel Dyfed Thomas referenced a psychiatric report, indicating that Linse might regain fitness to plead after a period of reassessment. Consequently, she was transferred to a secure mental health unit for ongoing care and observation.

On 26 June, the case was brought back to court, where it was agreed that Linse would return for another hearing on 17 July. The court proceedings have been adjourned multiple times to accommodate the necessary psychiatric evaluations.

The tragic incident drew significant attention when Dyfed-Powys Police and paramedics were called to Linse’s residence

shortly before 10.45am on 10 January. Upon arrival, emergency services found the young boy deceased, prompting an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

An inquest into Louis Linse’s death was opened by HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, on 19 January but was subsequently adjourned pending the outcome of the police investigation.

The community of

Haverfordwest remains in shock as they await further developments in this heartbreaking case. Linse’s upcoming

court date will likely provide more clarity on her mental state and the legal proceedings moving forward.

Drug dealer admits cocaine possession at police station

SCOTT COWDERY, a 31-year-old resident of Wesley Place, Trecwn, appeared at Swansea Crown Court this week, where he faced charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Cowdery admitted to being found with 7.7 grams of cocaine on May 13, which he intended to sell. Following his guilty plea, he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 12. The incident leading to Cowdery’s arrest occurred at Haverfordwest Police Station after he had been apprehended on May 13 for stealing food from the Premier Stores on Market Street.

This arrest was not Cowdery’s first brush with the law. Cowdery had previously appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced for six shoplifting offences and one charge of assault by beating of an emergency worker. The magistrates heard that on January 31, Cowdery stole three bottles of spirits worth approximately £80 from Tesco in Haverfordwest. He also admitted to stealing groceries from Iceland in Haverfordwest on March 18 and 21, valued at £16.05 and £29.05 respectively. Additionally, Cowdery took razors worth £99.98 from Boots at Withybush

Retail Park and razors worth around £80 from Boots in Pembroke Dock.

Furthermore, Cowdery was charged with attacking a police officer at an address on Vine Road in Johnston on July 22 last year. He pleaded guilty to all the offences.

On May 21, Cowdery was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £310.61 in compensation to the affected stores, £100 to the assaulted officer, and £170 in costs.

Man smashes doors to chase down mum in tavernspite incident

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, Ivor Poulson, from Tavernspite near Whitland, violently broke through two locked doors with a crowbar to chase down his mother after an argument, before proceeding to destroy a bathroom cabinet in front of her. The dramatic event was recounted at Swansea Crown Court, where Poulson faced charges of affray and criminal damage.

Prosecutor Matthew Murphy revealed that Poulson, who had been living with his mother, had consumed alcohol on the evening of June 2. Following an argument, Poulson threatened his mother with what was described as a wrecking bar.

In a bid to escape, the defendant’s mother retreated to her bedroom and locked the door, subsequently locking herself in the bathroom. Despite her efforts, she could hear Poulson shouting “Open the door” and banging on it, prompting her to call 999.

Murphy detailed how Poulson used the crowbar to smash a hole in the bedroom door, reaching in to unlock it. He repeated the same action with the bathroom door. Once inside, Poulson stood menacingly with a crowbar over each shoulder, questioning his mother’s actions before smashing a cabinet with one of the tools.

Police arrived swiftly and arrested Poulson, who chose to remain silent during the interrogation. “The defendant was reckless as to whether serious

injury would be caused to the complainant,” Murphy asserted, highlighting Poulson’s ignorance of what lay behind the doors he was demolishing.

Poulson, with two previous convictions, pleaded guilty to both charges at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. Judge Geraint Walters, upon reviewing the case, noted, “It’s perfectly plain from everything I have read that this defendant has profound difficulties – some of his own making, some not of his own making.”

The court was informed that Poulson had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which David Singh, in mitigation, suggested was a significant factor leading to the confrontation. Singh described the incident as an “appalling confrontation,” expressing Poulson’s deep regret over his actions towards his mother.

Judge Walters addressed Poulson directly, condemning his behaviour: “You don’t need me to tell you, but this is an appalling piece of behaviour towards your own mother. The reality here is you were going through a mental breakdown at the time.”

Poulson received a two-year community order, including 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement. Judge Walters concluded, “It’s time for you to see if you can continue to salvage your relationship with your mum.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Coastguard spotlight

THE WORK of HM

Coastguard will be spotlighted at the Tuesday (Jul 9) meeting of the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group when the speaker will be Gregg Hayes.

The Group meets at Pembroke Dock

March for Gaza: rally against Israeli actions

Heritage Centre, Meyrick Owen Way, The Royal Dockyard, commencing at 7.30 pm.

Non-members are most welcome.

Further details from Chairman Graham Clarkson on 01646 689979.

Appeal following theft allegation

DYFED-POWYS

POLICE is investigating an allegation of theft which occurred between 10:35am and 10:50am, Sunday 12th May 2024.

Items totalling an approximate £2000 were stolen from the Dunelm store, Pensarn, Carmarthen

Officers have carried out all possible lines of enquiry, and are now appealing for help from the public.

They would like to identify the person in the CCTV image, who may have information that could help the investigation.

This can also be done either online at: https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

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

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference 24000437509

Anyone who knows who the person is, or if you believe you are pictured, contact DyfedPowys Police.

SOLIDARITY

with Palestine Pembrokeshire and the Stop the War Coalition Pembrokeshire have announced a significant protest set to take place this Saturday, 29 June. The

demonstration, titled ‘March for Gaza: End the Genocide, Stop Arming Israel,’ will begin at 1 PM in Castle Square, Haverfordwest. The event is supported by several regional groups, including the Ceredigion Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Carmarthen Palestine Solidarity Group, Swansea Palestine, FBU Wales, and PCS Wales.

In a powerful statement, Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The group cited data from the United Nations, revealing that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 9,500 women and 14,500 children. The group emphasised the severity of these figures, noting the dire situation facing the people of Gaza.

The statement detailed recent attacks, including the massacre of 274 Palestinians, with at least 64 children among the victims, in the Nuseirat refugee camp on 8 June. Furthermore, an Israeli airstrike on an UNWRA aid centre resulted in the deaths of eight individuals two

days ago, followed by another airstrike in Gaza City that killed dozens yesterday.

Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire criticised the lack of media coverage on these atrocities, pointing out that recent headlines have been dominated by the Tory betting scandal and other election news.

The group accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Force of committing war crimes, including the deliberate starvation of the Gaza population, crimes recognised by both the International Court of Justice and the United Nations.

The statement also condemned Western support for Israel, highlighting financial and political backing that enables the ongoing violence. Locally, the group pointed to the Dyfed Pension Fund, which has invested over £64 million in Israel, and the presence of Barclays bank, a supporter of Israel, at Pembrokeshire County Council’s County Hall.

The protest organisers were particularly critical of Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire

and Chair of the Conservative Friends of Israel. Crabb has made multiple trips to Israel and received £23,000 in donations from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In response to Crabb’s claim that his support for Israel is based on values of liberalism, tolerance, democracy, and freedom, the group questioned how these values align with what they describe as Israel’s 76-year campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people. As residents of Pembrokeshire, the organisers expressed their shame at being represented by Crabb and expressed hope that he will be voted out of office in the upcoming election on 4 July, allowing them to continue their fight for justice for Palestine.

The ‘March for Gaza’ protest will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, 29 June, in Castle Square, Haverfordwest. The organisers invite all supporters of Palestinian rights and justice to join them in their call to end the violence and bring attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Ascona’s Darren gets shortlisted

PEMBROKESHIRE-

BASED Ascona Group says it is pleased to announce that CEO and Founder Darren Briggs has been shortlisted in the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year’ category at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the achievements of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses. Over the years, The Awards have celebrated some extraordinary individuals, showcasing the very best in business and entrepreneurship across the UK.

Each year, the awards receive thousands of applications, underscoring the competitive nature and high standard of the competition.

This year’s shortlist showcases a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and employ approximately 20,000 people, highlighting

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

the critical role these businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.

The winners for each of the categories will be revealed at an awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, 18th November 2024.

Darren Briggs, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ascona Group, commented: “It is a great honour to be named amongst the finalists for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards

this year. I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and the recognition is a testament to everyone’s hard work, commitment, and ‘Team Ascona’ ethos over the years.”

Francesca James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, stated: “The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and their stories are a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of the UK’s business community. We are

thrilled to recognize their achievements and support their continued growth.”

Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank, the headline sponsor for this year’s awards, said: “It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from the incredible businesses that these awards champion really brings to life the important contribution that British entrepreneurs make to our economy.”

Fisherman admits to strangling partner’s mother

JAKE BowmanDavies, a 26-yearold fisherman from Lighthouse Drive, Llanstadwell, has been warned he could face imprisonment after admitting to strangling his partner’s mother.

Previously, Bowman-Davies appeared in court in January facing multiple violent charges.

The charges stemmed from an incident in Milford Haven on December 17, where he was accused of assaulting his partner and damaging her mobile phone.

Additionally, he faced accusations of strangling his partner’s mother and assaulting her father on the same day. Bowman-Davies had denied all these charges initialy.

On June 20, he returned to Swansea Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence of strangulation.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue stated that the guilty plea was acceptable and requested that the remaining charges be filed without further action.

Bowman-Davies is now scheduled to return to court for sentencing next month.

Judge Wayne Beard ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared and remanded Bowman-Davies back into custody. He warned the defendant, “All options will be open to the judge that passes sentence.”

After being granted bail, Bowman-Davies breached its conditions and was subsequently remanded in custody.

Bowman-Davies’ admission and the gravity of the offence have left him facing the possibility of a significant custodial sentence.

The court awaits the final decision in July.

Suspended jail sentence for obsessed stalker

A MAN who sent a woman 80 Facebook messages over 14 days, before contacting her friends and family to try and find out where she lived has been handed a suspended sentence.

Jamie Norman, of Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to stalking a woman after a four-week long campaign of messaging her, her former partner, and friends.

The 39-year-old’s actions culminated in him knocking every door on an estate in a physical search for the victim, after he made his own report to police that her friends were ‘keeping her away’ from him.

Dyfed-Powys Police officer DC Gmerek explained that on May 28 the suspect was swiftly arrested due to the severity and concerning nature of his offending.

“This was quite an unusual investigation as the offender himself contacted police when he claimed the victim’s friends were preventing her from being in contact with him,” she said.

“This was followed by a second call later the same day, in which he said he had further information about the victim’s address, and that he was going to knock doors in the area until he found her.

“This was clearly concerning behaviour, however at that point we were not aware of the extent of his behaviour towards the victim.”

Force control room call handlers received a report of a man calling at houses in an estate in Haverfordwest during the early hours of May 28, just hours after the suspect had himself contacted police.

CCTV footage showed it was Norman.

As enquiries continued, it was established that along with sending 80 messages to the victim –

the majority of which were sent over one day – he had contacted her friends to ask if he should ‘pursue’ her, and even told her mother he wanted to marry her.

“There was a large amount of evidence to consider, given the number of messages sent both to the victim and others,” DC Gmerek said.

“The evidence showed a high degree of obsession, including sexual elements and implicit threat, as well as the FOUR behaviours of stalking: Fixated, obsessed, unwanted and repeated.

“A charge for stalking involving serious alarm or distress was authorised.”

Norman admitted the offence and appeared in court on June 18th, where he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must carry out 250 hours of unpaid work, and complete a rehabilitation activity requirement.

DC Gmerek said: “Stalking and harassment can cause serious distress to victims, leaving them looking over their shoulder and questioning their safety.

“Norman’s victim expressed feelings of anxiety and fear, and felt compelled to change parts of her lifestyle as a result of his behaviour.

“It is a very brave step to take in reporting stalking behaviour to police, and I would like to commend the victim in this case for reaching out for support.”

Eliminating domestic abuse, stalking and harassment is one of Dyfed-Powys Police’s priorities, and officers are committed to supporting victims who come forward to report crimes.

If you need support for domestic abuse, stalking or harassment, please visit https://www.dyfed-powys. police.uk/advice/

Remembering Mabli one year on

THE

HEARTBROKEN grandfather of Mabli Cariad Hall, the eightmonth-old girl who tragically died after her pram was struck by a car, has spoken of the enduring pain his family faces. Mabli was hit by a white BMW outside the entrance to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest on 21 June 2023. She succumbed to severe traumatic brain injury at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children four days later.

Speaking to the BBC this week, Paul Sambrook, Mabli’s grandfather, expressed the family’s profound grief, stating it would take years before things felt “even half right”. Speaking outside Withybush Hospital, he said, “We’re a large family, we’re a close family, and to see everyone in the family go through the same pain is a very difficult thing to bear.”

He continued, “As a grandfather, the older member of the family, you mourn several times over. You mourn for the loss of your granddaughter but then you mourn for the loss of happiness that everyone else had.”

Describing Mabli as “full of fun” with “a lovely

laugh” and a “light in her eyes,” Mr Sambrook lamented the loss of her future. “She would’ve been a character, without a doubt. She was a character. I think that’s the awful tragedy. The loss of a life is one thing, the loss of the lifetime is the thing that hurts more.”

He shared fond memories of Mabli, recalling how she would distract him while he worked from home. “Very often she’d come and sit on my knee, while I was trying to work, and help me type various things. We’d end up watching some nursery rhymes or some dancing fruit. In the end, I’d give up trying to work. We used to have a lot of fun.”

In the wake of the tragedy, a purple heart has become a motif for the family, symbolising their love and loss. Mr Sambrook expressed gratitude for the support they have received, saying, “It’s been an inspiration despite the sadness.”

Mabli’s parents, Gwen and Rob Hall from Neath, laid tributes near the spot where their daughter was fatally injured. Supported by friends and family, they placed flowers, teddy bears, lights, and cards in her memory at a

tree near the hospital entrance. The family also attended a private memorial service at the hospital.

At the opening of the inquest into her death, the family released a statement describing their pain and grief as “indescribable”. They said, “During this terribly painful time, we still have no answer to the central question we inevitably ask regarding the tragic loss of our beautiful baby girl.”

The driver of the BMW, along with their passenger and a pedestrian who was also hit, suffered nonlife-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital. Dyfed-Powys

Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that specialist officers continue to support the family. No arrests have been made.

Hywel Dda Health Board’s Chief Executive, Prof Philip Kloer, extended his condolences, saying, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Mabli’s family at this time, she will always be remembered by us.”

As the family grapples with their grief, they find solace in the memories of Mabli’s short yet joyful life, while the community continues to offer its support during this heartbreaking time.

Welsh Lib Dems announce community ambulance plan

THE Liberal Democrats have pledged a £50 million-ayear emergency fund, to allow ambulance trusts to reverse closures of community ambulance stations and cancel planned closures. The pledge, at a Westminster level, would result in at least £2.5 million extra a year for Wales.

The announcement comes as last month’s ambulance waiting time data shows that 2,724 red calls (54%) and 9,845 yellow calls (64%) missed their 8-minute and 60-minute target response times respectively.

Red calls include the most life-threatening situation while yellow calls include strokes and heart attacks.

The data shows that Powys and Cwm Taf Morgannwg are the worst affected regions with red calls in both

health boards failing to meet the target response time in 59% of callouts.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated the additional £2.5 million a year could allow the Welsh Labour Government to open new community ambulance stations, particularly in rural parts of Wales where response times remain particularly poor.

This funding is in addition to the Liberal Democrats’ plan to invest in A&E to help end ambulance handover delays, with an upfront capital investment of £280m to expand urgent treatment centres and A&E wards and an additional £400m per year to add an extra 1,000 staffed beds in hospitals. Both of these plans would trigger consequential funding in Wales of £14 million and £20 million respectively.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat

Jane Dodds MS said: “Everyone should be confident that when they ring 999 in a life or death emergency, an ambulance will arrive in good time.

However, I am acutely aware that in many parts of Wales, especially in rural parts of Wales like where I live, this is simply not happening.

The evidence we have shows that this is costing lives and people are genuinely frightened that an ambulance won’t turn up if they fall sick or are seriously injured. We urgently need to change course.

The plans outlined by the Liberal Democrats would give extra funding to restore and open new ambulance stations

and to train and hire paramedics and first responders. This is in addition to our plans to fix social care and provide more GPs and primary healthcare appointments which would reduce the pressure on A&E departments and end the sight of ambulances queuing for hours outside of hospitals

because they are unable to drop patients off.

A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a fair deal on health, ensuring everyone can get the high-quality healthcare they need, when they need it and where they need it, whether they live in a city centre or a rural valley.”a

● An experienced MP: Mark represented Ceredigion in Westminster for over 12 years

● A MP who listens: Mark will stand up for our communities, businesses and public services

● A MP who acts: Mark has helped over 18,000 local people to solve problems from planning to benefits

● Fighting for rural communities: Lib Dems will cut rural petrol prices and want a fairer funding scheme for farmers

● More money for Wales: Lib Dems will give £720m extra funding to invest in health, care & education

● Cleaner seas and rivers: Lib Dems will impose tough penalties for polluting water companies

Leader

Brothers sentenced for assaulting ‘Eddies’ nightclub worker

TWO Haverfordwest brothers who assaulted an Eddies Rock nightclub employee were ‘taking out the sins of his brother’, a court heard this week.

Joshua and Kyle Hamer launched their attack on nightclub worker Alex Clancey at around midnight on December 16.

But according to the brothers’ solicitor, the Hamers carried out the assault after being told that their father had been attacked in the town’s Castle Square earlier that evening by Mr Clancey’s brother.

“They’d been out that evening but so, too, had their father who had been assaulted in Castle Square,” said solicitor David James who represented both brothers, who reside at Haroldstone Close, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest.

“[The father] was assaulted by Alex Clancey’s brother

that rendered him unconscious, so tensions were running high..

“When Josh and Kyle saw Alex, they obviously took it out on him. This was the wrong thing to do and they now acknowledge that they should not have taken out the sins of the brother on another brother.”

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker informed the magistrates that Alex Clancey has been employed at the Eddies Rock Nightclub for the past seven years,

“He’d started his shift at around 10.20pm that evening, and at approximately midnight, he was asked to cross to Eddie’s other business – Labyrinth – to collect some glasses and bring them back to the club,” she said.

“As he was walking across the road he heard several males shouting at him. He knew who they were. He was approached by the defendants and was pushed towards an

Warm Wales

old building that’s situated next door to Eddies, and within a couple of seconds, Kyle ran towards him and punched him to the left eye. As a result, he was in pain.

“This was a totally unprovoked attack.”

Meanwhile solicitor David James said that both brothers have ‘a strong worth ethic’. Joshua Hamer is employed as a tree surgeon for a local company while Kyle works for an industrial

mechanical engineering company based in Thornton, Milford Haven.

Both brothers pleaded guilty to joint charges of assault by beating

Kyle Hamer, 26, was fined £884 and ordered to pay £100 compensation

to the victim. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £354 surcharge. Joshua Hamer, 23, was fined £730 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £292 surcharge.

Rare minke whale spotted in Cardigan Bay

CARDIGAN BAY

has recently welcomed a rare visitor, exactly a year after the first minke whale sighting in a decade. On 20 June, the survey team at Sea Watch Foundation, a national charity dedicated to marine wildlife protection, spotted the minke whale.

The team of volunteer researchers was conducting a line transect survey, aimed at measuring the abundance and distribution of marine species, roughly eight nautical miles off the coast of Cardigan, within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation.

Monitoring officer Katrin Lohrengel first noticed an animal surfacing in front of their Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips boat.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

After the second surfacing, it became evident that the animal was not a dolphin but a minke whale. Minke whales, one of the smaller baleen whale species, can grow up

to 8.6 metres. They are distinguished by their pointed head, dark grey to black body with grey flanks, and characteristic white flipper bands. This sighting comes

exactly one year after the last recorded minke whale sighting in Cardigan Bay in over a decade. The volunteer researchers described the sighting as ‘unreal’.

“Minke whale sightings are so rare for us, we were simply not expecting it, certainly not on the anniversary of our last sighting,” said Ms Lohrengel.

“We stopped the boat and cut the engines, hoping we’d have at least another glimpse of it when it surfaced again.”

Unexpectedly, the whale surfaced behind the boat and swam slowly underneath, allowing the survey team to observe its every move under the water. It circled the boat for approximately ten minutes before moving off.

“It felt unreal,” Ms Lohrengel remarked. “All whale sightings are special, of course, but to be able to observe one at such close range on its own terms was simply amazing. We could not believe our luck.”

Prof. Peter Evans, the director of the Sea Watch Foundation,

added: “Minke whales can be very curious around boats. We’ve often had encounters like this in the Hebrides but never in Wales, so it was a wonderful experience for all involved.

“Over the past few weeks we have had some incredible wildlife encounters in Cardigan Bay, including Risso’s dolphins and hundreds of common dolphins. This highlights the diversity of species that use this area and underscores the importance of the Sea Watch Foundation’s ongoing survey work in the two Welsh Special Areas of Conservation.”

The Sea Watch Foundation encourages the public to report any whale, dolphin, or porpoise sightings via their website, seawatchfoundation. org.uk, or their Sea Watcher app to contribute to ongoing monitoring efforts.

West Wales firm fined £75,000 after man killed by escaped cow

A WEST WALES company has been fined £75,000 following the death of a 75-yearold man, Huw Evans, who was killed by a cow that had escaped from a livestock market. The incident occurred on November 19, 2022, at Whitland Livestock Market in Carmarthenshire, operated by J.J. Morris Limited.

Father-of-two Mr Evans was crossing the junction at North Road and West Street in Whitland when the cow, which was being auctioned, escaped from the market pen. The animal attacked Mr Evans, knocking him down and trampling him. He suffered multiple injuries and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales, where he succumbed to his injuries six days later.

A worker from J.J. Morris Limited was also injured during an unsuccessful attempt to recapture the cow. The cow eventually made its way towards Whitland Rugby Club and a railway line before being subdued and put down by DyfedPowys Police.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident and found that J.J. Morris Limited had failed to implement

essential physical control measures to prevent cattle from escaping. The HSE concluded that the company’s risk assessment was inadequate, referencing control measures that were not in place at the market.

J.J. Morris Limited,

based in Haverfordwest, admitted to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £5,047.55 in costs by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 20.

In court, Mr Evans’ son, Dafydd, expressed his grief, saying: “Dad was my best friend, and I miss him terribly. He was taken from us too soon. Losing dad has had a tremendous effect on both myself and my brother. Because of this incident, dad’s grandsons will never fully know him personally, and he will not see them grow up.”

Following the hearing, HSE inspector Rhys Hughes remarked, “This tragic incident was foreseeable and preventable. The risk posed by cattle escaping from the livestock mart should have been identified, and effective control measures implemented. The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance, which is readily accessible and outlines the requirements to safely manage cattle.”

Coastguard responds to coasteering injury

ON SUNDAY (JUN 23), HM Coastguard Fishguard responded to an emergency at the Abereiddy Blue Lagoon. The incident, which occurred at approximately 16:28, involved a casualty who had sustained a lower back injury while coasteering.

The individual was brought ashore on a paddle board and located on the beach, where HM Coastguard – St Davids was already in attendance. Coastguards assessed the casualty’s injuries and transferred them onto a stretcher, subsequently carrying them from the beach to the car park.

The RNLI St Davids Lifeboat was also tasked with attending the scene, providing vital pain

MIKE EDWARDS

I HAVE many failings, some of which I acknowledge. They are the things that make life more than a constant trudge towards the crematorium.

Among my more trivial failings is low cultural taste.

If an artist, filmmaker, or musician wants to send a message, they can stick a stamp on a postcard and write to me.

That said, compared to my beloved’s tastes, mine are so elevated that they struggle for oxygen.

It’s not surprising, really. The cultural clock stalled in rural Ceredigion somewhere between Herman’s Hermits burbling about Henry the Eighth and Mud banging on about Tiger Feet.

One of the reasons I dread old age is the thought of being stuck in a residential home where the soundtrack to my days is “golden oldies” radio.

The other day, we went to visit the wife’s cousin, Glenys, at the Bide-a-Wee Rest Home for Retired Gentlefolk. It was Glenys’s 80th birthday. Glenys had been incarcerated there after making one too many attempts to firebomb the local skate park and pick off local cats with her twelve bore.

When Glenys was a young woman in her midtwenties, The Rolling Stones were snarling, The Animals were feral, and Jimi Hendrix made his guitar scream and plead.

The soundtrack to her youth was definitely not Frank Ifield, Jim Reeves or Alma Cogan, but it was what she got.

Cruel and unusual punishment through cruel and unusual music.

If I live long enough to need such care, I will insist on Elvis Costello and The Jam. I will not tolerate Cliff Richard. I shall shun Brotherhood of Man. Great will be my rage if I am forced to listen to Smokie.

I will want my MTV. You should’ve seen Glenys’s face light up when my darling one unveiled a special treat for Glenys.

My wife has two musical tastes: absolute cheddar and heavy metal.

She’d brought Glenys two new CDs.

The first was “The Very Worst of Boyzone and Westlife” or something like that.

Glenys smiled when she opened it and made appropriately appreciative noises.

She rubbed her hands together in antic and malicious glee when she opened the second.

“Live at Leeds” by The Who.

One of the carers stuck her head around the door halfway through Substitute to ask if the music could be turned down.

Glenys glowered at her, knocked it down half a notch and smiled sweetly.

Then, the missus unveiled her secret weapon.

A pair of massive overthe-head headphones.

She plugged them into the CD player and slipped them over Glenys’s head. Glenys smiled and put her thumbs up. Never again would she be tormented by the sound of Distant Drums. Now, she could have Keith Moon.

teams

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

urgent review demanded over regulator’s handling of landfill site

AN “urgent review” is required into the actions of the environmental regulator following a barrage of complaints concerning the controversial Withyhedge landfill site, according to the Welsh government. This call to action follows a damning investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, which aired on Friday, alleging improper waste management practices at the site.

Residents living near the Withyhedge landfill site, located near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, have likened the overwhelming stench to “a stink bomb on steroids.” Their complaints reached a crescendo as the Dispatches programme brought to light accusations that unsuitable waste, including vials of blood,

had been disposed of at the landfill.

Despite the allegations, the company operating the site has vehemently denied these claims, stating that no unsuitable waste has been placed in the landfill. The company has, however, apologised to the local community for the persistent odour issues.

National Resources Wales (NRW), the country’s environmental watchdog, has stated it is actively working to address the concerns.

The whistleblower also mentioned materials known to produce hydrogen sulphide, such as plasterboard, being improperly discarded.

Another exemployee revealed that medical waste, including vials of blood, was delivered to the site daily. A third former worker corroborated these claims, adding that leachate—a contaminated liquid produced by landfill sites—was not correctly disposed of but was instead placed in holes in the ground. This leachate, the programme reported, could contribute to the hydrogen sulphide smell and pose environmental risks if it leaches into surrounding areas.

However, the spotlight has intensified on David Neal, the firm’s director, who has a history of environmental offences. Neal, who has been convicted twice for environmental crimes, is embroiled in controversy over a £200,000 donation from his company to the leadership campaign of First Minister Vaughan Gething. Neal received a suspended prison sentence in 2013 for illegally dumping waste on a conservation site and faced prosecution again four years later for failing to remove the waste.

First Minister Gething has consistently maintained that the donation rules were adhered to. However, the Dispatches programme’s claims have reignited scrutiny over Neal’s operations and his relationship with the Welsh government.

One anonymous former employee, who worked as a driver for Neal’s company between 2020 and 2022, alleged that recyclable materials, including tyres and syringes, were not sorted as required but instead were dumped directly into the landfill.

be ignored and urgent action must finally be taken,” he said.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, questioned First Minister Gething’s judgement in accepting a substantial donation from Neal, a convicted polluter. “Last night’s programme raises further serious questions about Vaughan Gething’s judgement in accepting a large donation from David Neal,” Iorwerth said. He also criticised the Welsh government for only now requesting an urgent review from NRW, despite longstanding concerns about Neal’s operations.

Public Health Wales has disclosed that its monitoring detected hydrogen sulphide levels at the Withyhedge site during March and April that exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Officials advised residents to keep their doors and windows closed when the odour is present and to seek medical help if they feel unwell.

In response to the Dispatches programme, a Welsh government spokesperson highlighted NRW’s responsibility to ensure landfill operators comply with stringent environmental and legal standards.

“Given the serious nature of the issues raised by the programme, we have asked NRW to urgently review what action it took to investigate and address the complaints raised directly with it since 2020,” the spokesperson stated.

Senedd leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, expressed frustration over the prolonged issues at Withyhedge.

“The evidence and allegations put forward last night in the Channel 4 programme regarding the first minister’s donor’s company cannot

Gareth O’Shea of NRW responded by stating that the regulator has been gathering information to decide if further enforcement action is necessary.

“Since the odour issues at the site were first identified in late October 2023, our priority has always been to ensure the operator takes the action required to remediate the most likely source of those odours as quickly as possible,” O’Shea said. He assured that NRW has maintained a significant regulatory presence on site and will continue to collaborate with Pembrokeshire County Council and Public Health Wales to address the issues at Withyhedge Landfill.

The operator of Withyhedge landfill reiterated its denial of dumping inappropriate materials, apologised for the odours, and highlighted its significant financial investments aimed at resolving the site’s issues.

As the Welsh government and NRW move forward with the urgent review, the residents of Haverfordwest and the surrounding areas wait anxiously for concrete actions to address the longstanding environmental and health concerns posed by the Withyhedge landfill site.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

A Welsh flavour at the Llandeilo Antiques and Vintage Fair

The next Antiques and Vintage Fair will be held at the Llandeilo Civic Hall on Saturday 6thJuly

Nestling into the Carmarthenshire countryside Llandeilo is a busy town ,lying on the outskirts of Carmarthen and just 15 minutes away from the end of the M4, it’s conveniently .The Civic Hall can be found right in the Centre of the town ,opposite the main Car park. Here you will find a bustling, vibrant Fair with lots of antiques and vintage on display. The variety is impressive ,with lots to keep your interest.There will be a number of outside stands to compliment the inside displays.Here you will find a good selection of gardening tools and pots.furniture and some unusual items.

The Llandeilo fair has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage on offer, including collections of rare Welsh pottery, art and textiles.

However one area of collecting that has become popular is the collecting of old miners snuff / tobacco boxes.

Snuff boxes date from a time when snuff taking was a popular habit, from 18th to mid 19th century. Snuff boxes could be exquisitely made and valuable; the cheapest were made from potato pulp or brass. The habit lingered on amongst the aristocracy and monarchy.

However there’s some debate as to whether the humble brass boxes that the Welsh miners carried were in fact to carry twist tobacco and not snuff. Miners commonly carried tobacco tins such as these, often containing ‘twist’, or chewing tobacco. Smoking was of course not permitted underground, and chewing tobacco provided an alternative. As well as allowing a lost tin to be returned, these details could presumably help with identification should the worst happen, and the owner be killed or badly wounded in a colliery accident.

Surprisingly, although mentioned in the list of commonly collected types of mining memorabilia on the NMMA’s website, there has been nothing written to date regarding either miner’s tobacco tins or snuff boxes.

These boxes were regarded as being fairly commonplace until collector’s fever became all pervasive and they became more difficult to find.

not really be used for snuff. They were too big, subject to splitting at the hinge, and liable to fall open after rough usage. The only other item they could conceivably been designed to hold was “Twist” chewing tobacco – being topped up daily from a larger brass storage tin kept in their owners’ homes. Twist’ is made from dark- fired leaf, which is then twisted or spun into

A typical Welsh miners’ tobacco or snuff tin bearing its original owners name and address - “A. E. BOON / 10 PRESTON ST. / ABERTILLERY”.This original is of brass and measures approximately 3 inches long and has a hinged lid . The majority of these tins belonged to miners. Most of the place names are colliery related, and the addresses – where they are marked –confirm this. However, there are rare ones for example with the name RADYR inscribed on the tin .RADYR use to be a large coal siding junction outside Cardiff. The nearest collieries to this location (Rockwood Colliery and Nantgarw) were some three miles away. There must have been a large number of manual workers ,not colliery related , who used these tins. Also some agricultural workers used them apart from when they were not allowed to smoke during the corn harvests.

Now, for what purpose were these tins really used? From their general appearance and size (typically oval of 75 mm by 45 mm by 20 mm deep) plus method of manufacture, they could

understand that miners in the northern areas took snuff extensively, and that chewing tobacco was kept in trouser or jacket pockets.

Both are rectangular and 2.5 and 3 inches tall respectively. The three number combination lock examples bears the name of “LEWIS POWELL” of

The obverse and reverse sides of a highly engraved 3 inch long brass tobacco tin. The obverse bears the name of the tin’s once owner “DAVID WATKINS” plus the date “1890”.

a long lengths. It was the cheapest tobacco available. Chewing tobacco also prevented the miners mouths from drying out from breathing in the dust-laden air of the mine.

A typical storage tin similar to many of those used in the homes of late C19th Welsh miners for storing “Twist” tobacco. This brass example measures approximately 6 inches tall by 2.5 inches diameter.

Some of the tobacco tins still retain the dark tobacco deposit, and smell sweetly pungent. So what about snuff? This was certainly used by the Welsh miners - but to what extent? Snuff was sold in small tins and so there was no need for any purpose-made snuff tin. I

In appearance the tobacco tins are usually oval, with some rectangular with rounded edges. They are made commonly of brass, of varying quality of construction from thin to quite substantive. The thin type dents and cracks easily, and there is almost invariably damage around the hinge to most of the brass tins with subsequent repair by soldering. This is a good area to examine for coal/ oil deposits to confirm mining use. The best quality – and scarcetins were made of nickel, and have better endured the years of use. A further type of extremely ornate and well-crafted brass tin exists which have complex locking mechanisms in place of their simple and usual tightly fastening lids. At least one of these examples also has a “dummy” spring-loaded opening button. If pressed down this unsuspecting brass button retracts allowing a steel pin to project out of its centre into the finger or thumb of the uninitiated!

“PORTH” plus the date “1902”. The second, four number combination lock example, has been styled in the form of a book. It carries a personal name plus the location name “TREHARRIS” on its reverse side.

Most of the more collectable surviving tins are punched (often quite crudely) with the miner’s name, year, and place of residence. The majority of these miner’s tins were produced between 1890 and 1928, but there must be earlier ones to be found and of course many later ones continuing to the closure of the collieries. Some have the miner’s full address – which is reflected in the purchase price today! Again, most have punched designs and patterns, many quite intricate. On some, the curved baseline guide marks made with a metal scriber can still be seen and on others the lines form part of the design. More rarely, with good quality tins the name of the manufacturer is also stamped inside the base of the tin. These manufacturers sometimes appear in commercial directories of the period listed as ironmongers, though they were not the only people to have made them. Some boxes were even made in colliery lamp rooms while

Two “fanncy” tobacco tins - Both have combination number locks and are elaborately engraved on all sides.

patterned, ready to have their ultimate owner’s details added in a final customisation stage.

A scarce example of

a tobacco tin bearing makers details on the inside of its bowl. In this case the maker is clearly stated as being one “THOMAS EVANS” of Treherbert, South Wales.

As with all collectibles in today’s markets the condition of antique tobacco tins greatly influences prices.However these little boxes that were shaped to easily slide into a pocket,are almost unique to Wales and Somerset and make ideal start to collecting a bit of Welsh history.

Glynda Speed who will be standing at the Llandeilo fair will be displaying an impressive collection of these rare welsh miners tins . This monthly fair doesn’t disappoint and people are amazed at the quality on offer of genuine antiques with a good representation of silver, jewellery and interior design pieces plus the specialised interests of militaria, coins and postcards, gardinaliaa and tools. There will be also collections of vintage textiles and always examples of welsh blankets

.Refreshments will be available and ample parking can be found opposite the hall.Doors open at 10 am until 4pm. Admission is just £2 Dogs are welcome at the fair.

others were custom made by local tinsmiths. It is further interesting to note that some boxes appear to have been made pre-

For more information follow Derwen Antiques on FB and Instagram , or go to the web site wwwderwen antiques. co.uk.

Popular dinosaur park gets permission to keep facilities open

A CALL to allow a south Pembrokeshire dinosaur park attraction to keep some of its facilities running has been given the thumbsup by county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Simon Meyrick of The Dinosaur Park, Gumfreston sought a certificate of lawfulness to keep three operational buildings at the park, a tourist attraction near Tenby which first opened in the mid-90s.

The certificate relates to three building at the park: a Covered Eating Area, a ‘Dinos Fun House,’ and an ‘Arachno Web’.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to stay at a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period, normally in excess of four years.

It added: “The covered eating area has been present almost since the opening of the Park in 1994; completion would therefore have been in 1995 / 1996 when it was used as an amphitheatre and home to puppet shows and fossil hunts.

Over the last 3 / 4 years the same structure has been re-purposed to form a covered eating area reflecting a changing set of priorities, firstly to act as protection from rain and sun reflecting climate change and secondly, to provide more space for families to sit in a more open environment while variations of Covid are still present.”

A supporting statement, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, said each building had been continuously operated since at least April 2020, a period of more than four years, for the purposes of seeking the certificate of lawfulness under the ‘four year rule’.

It said the ‘Arachno Web’ was issued with a Certificate of Conformation (European Rope Course Association) in July 2018, and the ‘Dino Fun House’ was constructed at the beginning of 2020 after the required timber had been delivered by Farmplus in

November 2019.

“Whilst there is a history of planning consents relating to the establishment of the Dinosaur Park and its development over recent years, no specific consents have been sought or granted for either the Covered

Seating Area, the Dinos Fun House or the Arachno Web. This application seeks to remedy the lack of those specific consents,” the statement added.

A report by officers, granting the certificate, stated: “It is considered that based on the

evidence available, on the balance of probability, that the buildings / structure edged red have been in operational use for a period in excess of four years preceding the date of the application for this certificate, and is subsequently immune from enforcement action.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Inaugural dewi sant mixed ability cup

A Mixed ability festival of rugby was organized by Pembrokeshire Vikings & Port Talbot Panthers.

Hosted by St Davids Rugby Club. Was held on Saturday 15th June.

St Davids rugby club., Pembroke Ladies Rugby Team, Pembrokeshire Vikings, Port Talbot Panthers, entered and all were named champions. The real winner on the day was rugby, the rain never dampened spirits. it never fails to amaze what a community rugby nurtures.

An excellent day out was had by all on the pitch and afterwards in the clubhouse, Sorted Ska Band got everybody dancing to late in the night . All teams are already looking forward to next year’s event!

Great to have Dom

Barrett cheering us on with 2 of his New York Welsh sponsored teams

.. Big thanks to Carl Powles, Jeff Pick. Big Jack Dudley , Andrew Meddings for putting this event together !!!

#pembrokepanthers

#pembrokerfc

#pembrokeshirevikings

#jerseyforall

#mixedabilityrugby

2 3 1 FIGHTING FOROUR LOCALNHS END SEWAGE DUMPS CUTTHE COST OF

Photos by Mira Angielczyk

Haverfordwest Business Circle champions

THE HAVERFORDWEST BUSINESS CIRCLE, established in 2014 by a dedicated group of independent businesses, is committed to revitalising the town. With a clear mission to enhance the ‘Haverfordwest’ brand, the Circle aims to improve the shopping experience for both residents and tourists, fostering a vibrant and thriving community.

The Circle actively promotes local businesses through their Facebook page, where daily advertisements highlight the diverse offerings available in Haverfordwest. They recognise the need for businesses to collaborate, addressing the town’s challenges collectively. “It is not enough to just promote our own business,” a representative stated, “we need to promote the town itself, providing shoppers and visitors with an enjoyable experience.”

This collaboration is key to the Circle’s strategy. By organising attractions and events, they aim to make visiting the town centre a delightful experience for all. The emphasis is on creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to shop locally.

Shopping locally is crucial for several reasons, and the Haverfordwest Business Circle is passionate about highlighting these benefits:

Economic Boost: Local businesses are the backbone of the community’s economy. When residents shop locally, they are effectively investing in their own town. The money spent in local

shops circulates within the community, leading to job creation, higher wages, and increased investment in local infrastructure and services.

Job Creation: Small businesses are significant employers within local communities. By supporting these businesses, shoppers help maintain and create jobs, providing livelihoods for their neighbours and contributing to lower unemployment rates.

Community Development: Local businesses are often more invested in the well-being of the community. They are likely to contribute to local causes, sponsor events, and support schools and sports teams. This fosters a sense of community spirit and cohesion.

Environmental Impact: Shopping locally can reduce the environmental footprint. Local businesses typically source their products from local suppliers, which means fewer transportation miles and lower emissions. Additionally, shopping locally reduces the need for largescale shipping and packaging waste associated with online shopping.

Unique Products and Services: Independent shops offer a variety of unique products that are not found in large chain stores. These products often reflect the character and culture of the area, providing shoppers with distinctive and high-quality choices. Furthermore, local businesses often offer personalised services, ensuring a

better customer experience.

Sustainable Growth: By supporting local businesses, communities can achieve more sustainable growth. Small businesses are more adaptable and can respond quickly to changing economic conditions and customer needs. This resilience helps create a stable and prosperous local economy.

The Haverfordwest Business Circle understands these benefits and strives to make them a reality for their town. By fostering a culture of local shopping, they aim to create a sustainable and prosperous future for Haverfordwest, ensuring that it remains a charming and dynamic place to live, work, and visit. champions local shopping for town’s prosperity

Keeping the Town Vibrant: A bustling town centre with thriving shops and services attracts visitors and

enhances the quality of life for residents. It creates a vibrant atmosphere where people want to spend time, contributing to the overall appeal and attractiveness of the town.

“The Haverfordwest Business Circle is a large group of businesses in and around the town of Haverfordwest. Our new map shows all the businesses within the group and where they are situated in the town.

As a group we are pleased with all the changes in the town... we understand that the works could cause disruption but believe the outcome will weigh in its favour.

Within the next few years, Haverfordwest will prove itself as the County Town it is.”

Sally Williams, HBC Chair

Stephen and his mates talk about the far right

CAW-caw, mates! Stephen Seagull here, perching high and keeping an eye on the latest flapping in the human world. Just the other day, me and the flock were hanging around down Milford Docks, squawking about this and that, when news hit that Donald Trump got convicted on all counts. What a commotion that caused!

We were pecking at some leftover fish and chips by the docks, the salty breeze ruffling our feathers. It was a typical day at Milford, boats coming and going, and us gulls watching over it all. When the news came through, I flapped over to the Harbourmaster to squawk about it. He gave me a knowing nod and a wink, clearly ready to join the celebration.

But not every gull in the sky was happy about it. One of the old feathers, let’s call him Grumpy Gull, started squawking back: “What a disgrace! The world’s laughing at us! Biden’s a clown!” He went on about gas prices, food prices, crime, and inflation, saying if I didn’t like it, I should fly off somewhere else.

Now, I might be just a seagull, but I’ve seen a lot from my perch. Humans, for all their fuss, spend less on food than any other creatures around. And

their fuel? Only the big gulls like Indonesians, Russians, Chinese, and Saudis guzzle it more cheaply. Inflation’s a pesky bugger, but it hit higher in Europe than in the US last year. And crime? Well, Trump’s 34 convictions surely sent the ex-president crime rate soaring!

But let’s be real, trying to change a gull’s mind

with facts is like trying to teach a crab to fly. What’s more interesting is how these so-called “patriots” squawk about loving their country but seem to hate everything it stands for. They back the justice system only when it suits them and flap about free elections only when their candidates win. Some even excuse the

ransacking of the Capitol like it was just another day at the beach.

They cluck about American cities being cesspools of crime and want to drill the earth dry, showing no love for the natural beauty they’ve been blessed with. They despise the international order their country helped build, hate paying taxes,

and grumble about the changing face of their nation.

What’s the America they love, really? Just a mirage of what used to be, all shiny and lilywhite.

Now, across the pond, the European flock isn’t as far gone. In France, the National Rally tries to hide its extremist core to get

votes, while Trump keeps promising wild things, like purges and military loyalty. But the essence is the same: they prey on the insecurities of the flock, claiming to offer control in a world that feels like it’s spinning out of control.

They say we’re weak, bullied by the EU, wokism, and green agendas. But isn’t it funny how they, who claim to be strong, are the ones squawking the loudest about being victims? This isn’t the mindset of the strong; it’s the desperate cawing of insecurity.

So, there we were, the whole flock, flapping and squawking about this pathetic display. The Harbourmaster chuckled as we debated, tossing the occasional chip our way. He knew the score – the world’s a complicated place, and seagulls like us have seen a lot from our high perches. We can spot the nonsense from miles away.

Fellow gulls, what do you think? Isn’t it pathetic, this constant chirping about greatness while claiming we’re too weak to face our own history and challenges? Let’s squawk it out and keep our feathers ruffled for the truth!

Until next time, keep soaring high and squawking loud!

Stephen Seagull

GENERAL ELECTION 2024

Simon Hart

Conservatives

SIMON HART is the Conservative candidate for Caerfyrddin and has a well-established political career, having served as the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2010.

During his tenure, Hart has held several significant positions, including Secretary of State for Wales and Government Chief Whip.

His campaign focuses on maintaining economic stability and improving local infrastructure. Hart emphasises his

martha o’neil

Labour

MARTHA O’NEIl is the Labour candidate for Caerfyrddin, bringing a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to social justice.

At 25 years old, O’Neil is a former policy adviser for the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Her campaign emphasises empathy and personal experience with hardship, aiming to connect with voters on a deep, personal level.

dedication to addressing specific local issues, such as opposing the construction of pylons in the Teifi and Towy Valleys, which he argues would detract from the natural beauty of the area.

Hart’s platform includes a commitment to supporting rural communities, ensuring that farmers and local businesses receive the support they need to thrive. He highlights his long-standing connection to the area, despite the new constituency boundaries, and aims to leverage his experience to benefit the residents of Caerfyrddin.

Hart’s campaign also addresses broader national issues, such as economic policy and public services, with a focus on practical solutions that can make a real difference at the local level.

O’Neil advocates for substantial changes to address the cost-of-living crisis, improve public services like the NHS, and ensure fair economic policies that benefit all segments of society.

O’Neil criticises the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and public services, highlighting issues such as high living costs and inadequate support for families. She promises to deliver better outcomes by pushing for a Labour government that prioritises the needs of ordinary people.

Her platform includes specific policies to reduce energy prices, enhance healthcare access, and support education and social services, aiming to create a more equitable and prosperous community.

ann davies

Plaid Cymru

ANN DAVIES, the Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerfyrddin, brings a wealth of experience and a strong connection to the local community.

As a cabinet member on Carmarthenshire County Council, Davies has a deep understanding of both rural and post-industrial needs. Her campaign is built on the legacy of Gwynfor Evans, Plaid Cymru’s first MP, and she

aims to follow in his footsteps by providing honest and dedicated representation in Westminster.

Davies focuses on sustainable development and support for local businesses. She emphasises the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the area while promoting economic growth.

Her platform includes policies to support the agricultural sector, enhance public services, and ensure that rural communities have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Davies also highlights her commitment to fighting for the best deal for Caerfyrddin’s residents, promising to be a strong and vocal advocate for their needs and concerns.

nicholas Paul beckett

Liberal Democrats

NICHOLAS PAUL BECKETT is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Caerfyrddin, focusing on addressing the cost-of-living crisis, supporting local businesses, and promoting educational opportunities.

Beckett emphasises the need for practical solutions to local issues, such as improving healthcare access and ensuring that public services are well-funded and efficiently run.

Beckett’s campaign includes policies to support

economic growth through investment in local businesses and infrastructure.

He advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone’s needs are met through responsive and effective governance.

Beckett highlights his commitment to transparency and accountability in government, promising to work tirelessly to represent the interests of Caerfyrddin’s residents in Westminster.

Caerfyrddin

bernard Holton

Reform uK

BERNARD HOLTON represents Reform UK in the Caerfyrddin constituency. His campaign focuses on reducing government bureaucracy, promoting free-market principles, and ensuring more direct democracy.

Holton criticises the major parties for their economic policies and aims to offer a practical and straightforward approach to governance.

Holton’s platform includes supporting local businesses,

will beasley

WILL BEASLEY, the Green Party candidate for Caerfyrddin, is dedicated to environmental sustainability and social justice.

His campaign focuses on achieving net-zero emissions through innovative and accountable policies.

Beasley criticises the major parties for their inadequate handling of rural issues and positions the Green Party as a forward-thinking alternative that prioritises environmental

nancy cole

Womens Equality Party

NANCY COLE, the Women’s Equality Party candidate for Caerfyrddin, focuses on gender equality and social justice.

Her campaign includes policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap, improving healthcare services for women, and ensuring that public policies address the unique challenges faced by women and marginalised groups.

david evans

Workers Party

DAVID MARK EVANS, the Workers Party of Britain candidate for Caerfyrddin, offers a platform that reflects traditional Labour values.

He criticises the current Labour Party for straying from its roots and positions his party as a true representative of progressive economics and social justice.

Evans advocates for policies that promote economic

improving public services, and advocating for policies that prioritise the needs of ordinary citizens over political elites. He emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in government, promising to work towards a more efficient and responsive political system.

Holton also highlights his commitment to protecting individual freedoms and ensuring that government policies reflect the will of the people.

and community welfare.

Beasley’s platform includes enhancing public transportation, protecting natural habitats, and supporting local agriculture.

He advocates for sustainable development practices that do not compromise the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy and vibrant natural world.

Beasley also emphasises the importance of social justice, promising to fight for policies that reduce inequality and provide all residents with access to quality public services and opportunities for growth and development.

Cole advocates for systemic changes to create a more equitable society and believes that her party offers the most comprehensive solutions to achieve these goals.

Cole’s platform emphasises the importance of creating opportunities for women in all areas of life, from the workplace to healthcare to education.

She promises to fight for policies that promote fairness and equality, ensuring that all residents have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Cole also highlights the need for greater representation of women in government, arguing that diverse perspectives are essential for effective policymaking.

equity, support local industries, and enhance public services.

Evans’s campaign includes measures to increase funding for the NHS, improve education, and support workers’ rights.

He promises to address the economic challenges facing families and individuals by implementing policies that ensure fair wages and job security.

Evans also emphasises the importance of community engagement, promising to listen to the concerns of residents and work collaboratively to develop effective solutions to local issues.

Green Party

Mid & South GENERAL ELECTION 2024

Stephen crabb

STEPHEN CRABB, the Conservative candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, brings extensive experience and a strong local connection to his campaign.

Crabb, who has served as the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, emphasises his commitment to local issues and his track record of delivering results for his constituents.

His platform includes a focus on economic development, particularly through initiatives like the Celtic Freeport, which he claims will bring significant investment and job opportunities to the area.

Crabb is also committed to improving local infrastructure. He highlights his efforts to secure better broadband services and town center regeneration projects, which he believes are crucial for boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents.

His campaign stresses the importance of local industry, including farming and tourism, and he pledges to continue supporting these sectors

Healthcare is another major focus of Crabb’s campaign. He positions himself as a defender of local health services, criticising the Welsh Labour

Conservatives

government for what he describes as cuts to essential services.

He promises to fight for better healthcare access and to ensure that local hospitals and clinics receive the funding and support they need.

Crabb also highlights his efforts to address environmental issues, including securing funding for coastal protection and promoting renewable energy projects. He aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that new developments do not harm the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire.

alistair cameron

ALISTAIR CAMERON, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is campaigning on a platform of sustainable development and support for local industries.

Cameron emphasises the need for quality local jobs that offer fair wages, and he believes that investing in green industries is the key to achieving this goal. He advocates for the development of offshore wind and green hydrogen projects off the Pembrokeshire coast, which he argues will create sustainable employment opportunities and help combat climate change.

Cameron also focuses on improving healthcare access. He highlights the frustrations many residents face with long waiting times and difficulty accessing GPs, NHS dentists, and hospital treatments. Cameron promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that residents can get the care they need without excessive delays.

Support for established local industries like tourism and farming is another priority for Cameron. He

believes that these sectors are vital to the local economy and that they need more support to thrive. Cameron advocates for policies that make it easier for local businesses to trade with the EU, arguing that better trade relationships can help these industries grow and prosper.

Education and social services are also important to Cameron’s campaign. He pledges to work towards better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can meet the needs of all residents.

Cameron believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more vibrant and supportive community.

Henry Tuffnel

HENRY TUFNELL, the Labour candidate, presents a platform focused on change and renewal. He criticises the Conservative government’s handling of the economy and public services, arguing that their policies have led to economic mismanagement and declining living standards.

Tufnell promises a fresh start with a Labour government that will prioritise the needs of ordinary people over corporate interests.

Tufnell’s campaign emphasises the importance of cooperation between the UK and Welsh Labour governments. He believes that a unified Labour approach can bring better outcomes for Pembrokeshire, particularly in terms of economic development and public services. He advocates for policies that support local businesses and create good jobs, aiming to revitalise the local economy and reduce unemployment.

Healthcare is a central issue in Tufnell’s campaign. He promises to tackle the long waiting times and accessibility issues that residents face

under the current system. By working closely with the Welsh Government, Tufnell aims to ensure that everyone in Pembrokeshire has timely access to high-quality healthcare services. Education and social services are also key components of Tufnell’s platform. He pledges to invest in schools and social care, ensuring that these services are well-funded and can meet the needs of all residents. Tufnell believes that by strengthening these essential services, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.

cris Tomos

CRIS TOMOS, representing Plaid Cymru, focuses on strengthening Welsh autonomy and supporting local Welsh culture and language.

Tomos advocates for better local governance, arguing that local communities should have more control over their own affairs. He believes that this will lead to more effective and responsive governance, better reflecting the needs and priorities of Pembrokeshire residents.

Tomos emphasises the importance of sustainable development, advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability and protect natural resources. He supports initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that new developments do not harm the local environment. Tomos also aims to promote renewable energy projects, which he believes can create jobs and help combat climate change.

Healthcare is another key issue for Tomos. He promises to fight for better healthcare services and ensure that all residents have access to high-

quality care. Tomos argues that the current system is failing many people, and he pledges to work towards a more efficient and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of everyone in Pembrokeshire.

Education and social services are also important to Tomos’s campaign. He advocates for better funding for schools and social care services, ensuring that they can provide the support that residents need. Tomos believes that by investing in these areas, Pembrokeshire can become a more equitable and prosperous community.

Liberal Democrats

Plaid Cymru

South Pembrokeshire

James Purchase

JAMES PURCHASE, the Green Party candidate, focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice.

His campaign emphasises the need to address climate change and promote renewable energy. Purchase advocates for policies that support the development of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power, arguing that these initiatives can create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.

Purchase also highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. He supports measures to conserve local wildlife and natural landscapes, ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Purchase believes that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand, and he advocates for sustainable development practices that do not harm the environment.

Social justice is another key component of Purchase’s platform. He pledges to fight for policies that reduce inequality and ensure that

Green Party

everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Purchase advocates for better funding for public services, such as healthcare and education, and he believes that these services should be accessible to all residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Hanna anderson

HANNA ANDERSEN from the Women’s Equality Party focuses on gender equality and social justice. Her campaign emphasises the need to close the gender pay gap and ensure that women have equal opportunities in all areas of life.

Andersen advocates for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace and support women in achieving their full potential.

Andersen also highlights the importance of improving healthcare access for women. She argues that women often face unique health challenges and that the healthcare system should be more responsive to their needs.

Andersen pledges to work towards better funding for women’s health services and ensure that all women have access to high-quality care.

Social justice is another key component of Andersen’s platform. She advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that all residents have access to the

Womens Equality Party

resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Andersen believes that by addressing systemic inequalities, Pembrokeshire can become a more just and equitable community.

vusi Siphika

Independant

VUSI SIPHIKA is running as an independent candidate, focusing on specific local issues and aiming to represent constituents without party-political constraints.

Siphika’s campaign is less defined in terms of specific policies, but independent candidates typically emphasise direct community engagement and tailored local solutions. Siphika likely advocates for a more grassroots approach to governance, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and considered in decision-making.

Stuart marchant

MY political journey began in 2009, earlier this year I joined the Reform UK Party as I believed in Reform UK’s common sense policies for the United Kingdom and its people.

I am standing at this General Election because I have realised that we have been failed.

In Wales we have been and are being failed by the Welsh Labour Government and at UK level we have been failed by the Conservative Party.

The thought of Sir Keir Starmer using Labours Welsh policies as the blueprint for the UK scares me.

The management of our NHS and Schools and the way in which so much of our money is wasted is shocking.

The Conservatives have done nothing for Wales in my view. We have been forgotten and can no longer have any trust in any promise that they make.

On the other hand Reform UK are the only party that offer real change. Real change for all of the UK and its people.

Reform UK have a Contract with the People. A Contract that includes making work pay. A rise from £12,500 to £20,000 tax free earnings as well as reforming inheritance tax to take most homes outside of its scope while promising to always protect state pensions.

Reform UK also commits to protect and work to enhance the fishing fleet, an industry that should be prevalent in Pembrokeshire. We are also committed to farmers providing our food and protecting them in their challenging role while working with them to protect our own natural environment.

Pembrokeshire is a very special place to me. Living near Carmarthen I did share my address with Tenby and Amroth as part of the old constituency boundary. I was very pleased when I found that I could stand in this seat.

It is also because I feel that we have

a true chance to make things work for Pembrokeshire people. We are far away from London and Cardiff and our transport links are forgotten and left underfunded. Reform UK commits to improving rail and road networks in coastal areas and Pembrokeshire to my mind is the perfect candidate.

I would speak up and petition on behalf of our constituency at a National Level campaigning to end the 20mph speed limit, protect tourism and our environment. Also to strive to make farming and fishing a viable choice for young people and speaking up about failures we are blighted by under the Welsh Labour Government.

Britain is a great country but right now it is being failed by a political class that put other interests above that of the people. Reform UK are all committed to Wales and the UK and believe that our finest days lay ahead of us. Together we can save our country before its too late. Our Contract is clear and we promise it will put more money in the pockets of the people of Britain while improving our country. As your MP our consistency will always come first and I promise that Reform UK and myself are the only combination that can deliver the change needed.

GENERAL ELECTION 2024

ben lake

Plaid Cymru

BEN LAKE, the Plaid Cymru candidate, has been the Member of Parliament for Ceredigion since 2017 and is seeking re-election in the newly formed Ceredigion Preseli constituency. Lake’s campaign is built on a strong foundation of advocating for rural communities, enhancing local infrastructure, and securing increased funding for public services. He places significant emphasis on creating a sustainable economy that prioritises the needs of local residents over large corporations. Lake has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public

Jackie Jones Labour

JACKIE JONES is the Labour candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, bringing a robust focus on economic reform and social justice. Her campaign is centred around addressing the pressing issues of economic mismanagement, high living costs, and inadequate public services under the current Conservative government. Jones criticises the government for its handling of the economy and pledges to tackle the costof-living crisis head-on by implementing fairer economic

mark williams

Liberal Democrats

MARK WILLIAMS, the Liberal Democrat candidate, has a long history of serving Ceredigion as its MP from 2005 to 2017. His campaign is focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable development. Williams aims to reconnect with voters by offering practical and effective solutions to the challenges facing the community. He emphasises the need for improved public services,

aled Thomas

Conservatives

ALED THOMAS is the Conservative candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, bringing a background in agriculture and local governance to his campaign. Thomas emphasises his commitment to supporting rural communities, farmers, and local businesses. He criticises the policies of Labour and Plaid Cymru, arguing that they have failed to address the needs of rural areas effectively. Thomas pledges to focus

service and environmental issues, positioning himself as a champion for both local economic development and environmental sustainability Lake’s tenure in Parliament has been marked by his efforts to improve healthcare access, support educational institutions, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. He has been actively involved in addressing the challenges faced by rural communities, such as limited access to essential services and economic opportunities. His campaign also focuses on strengthening the local economy through investment in renewable energy projects and supporting small businesses. Lake’s platform includes a commitment to safeguarding public services, advocating for fairer economic policies, and ensuring that the voices of Ceredigion Preseli’s residents are heard in Westminster.

policies that benefit working families and vulnerable communities.

Jones highlights her extensive background in law and academia, which has equipped her with the skills to effectively advocate for her constituents. She is particularly focused on improving healthcare services, reducing energy prices, and enhancing educational opportunities. Jones also emphasises the importance of building a strong, local economy through support for small businesses and sustainable development initiatives. Her campaign promises a Labour government that works closely with the Welsh Government to deliver comprehensive and equitable public services, aiming to create a more just and prosperous society for all.

particularly in healthcare and education, and advocates for policies that support economic growth and social equity.

Williams’ platform includes measures to enhance local infrastructure, support renewable energy projects, and ensure that small businesses have the resources they need to thrive. He highlights his dedication to transparency and accountability in government, promising to work tirelessly to represent the interests of Ceredigion Preseli’s residents. Williams also stresses the importance of fostering a strong sense of community and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the political process

on economic stability, educational improvement, and infrastructure development.

Thomas’s campaign highlights his experience and deep connection to the local area, having been educated at Ysgol Y Preseli and worked extensively within the agricultural sector. He advocates for policies that support sustainable farming practices, enhance local business opportunities, and improve public services. Thomas promises to be a strong and effective voice for Ceredigion Preseli in Westminster, ensuring that the concerns of rural communities are prioritised and addressed comprehensively.

karl Pollard

Reform uK

KARL POLLARD represents Reform UK in the Ceredigion Preseli constituency. His campaign focuses on reducing government bureaucracy, opposing overregulation, and promoting freemarket principles. Pollard is particularly vocal about supporting the agricultural sector, which he believes has been unfairly blamed for many societal issues. He advocates for policies that reduce the regulatory

Tomos barlow

Green Party

TOMOS BARLOW, the Green Party candidate, focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice. His campaign is dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, if not sooner, through comprehensive and innovative policies. Barlow criticises the major parties for their inadequate handling of environmental issues and positions the Green Party as the best choice for those who

burden on farmers and local businesses, arguing that these measures are crucial for economic recovery and growth.

Pollard’s platform includes a strong emphasis on economic justice, promising to implement policies that ensure fair wages and job security. He criticises the current government for its handling of the economy and pledges to provide practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis. Pollard also highlights his commitment to supporting families and ensuring that public services are accessible and effective, aiming to create a more prosperous and equitable society.

prioritise ecological welfare and community health. Barlow’s platform includes enhancing public transportation, protecting natural habitats, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. He advocates for significant investments in renewable energy projects, which he argues will create jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Barlow also emphasises the importance of social equity, promising to fight for policies that address inequality and provide all residents with access to quality public services and opportunities for growth and development.

Taghrid al-mawed

Workers Party

TAgHRID AL-MAWED is the Workers Party candidate for Ceredigion Preseli, focusing on returning power to the local population and improving public services. Her platform includes policies aimed at revitalising the NHS, enhancing educational facilities, and supporting local businesses and farmers. Al-Mawed advocates for reducing reliance on imported food and rejuvenating

coastal towns to make them thriving hubs for local communities

Al-Mawed’s campaign emphasises the importance of community engagement and direct responses to local concerns. She promises to listen to the residents of Ceredigion Preseli and develop policies that reflect their needs and aspirations. Her platform also includes measures to protect and promote local culture and heritage, ensuring that the unique character of the area is preserved and celebrated. Al-Mawed aims to bring significant improvements to the constituency by focusing on practical solutions and grassroots involvement.

Vote for Badger!

NEXT week, you will have the chance to vote for the person you want to represent Pembrokeshire in Parliament.

As always, Badger will not tell you who to vote for or express his own opinion about the candidates’ relative merits.

It’s not that Badger does not have a firm view, but his vote is his own.

This year’s is Badger’s sixth national election as a columnist for The Pembrokeshire Herald.

In every election, his only advice has been simple: vote.

Taking sides matters. You may pick wrong, but the person who refuses to pick a side is ALWAYS wrong.

Badger adds that if you don’t vote, you can’t complain about the result. Boo-bloody-hoo if no candidate perfectly represents your views. You could always stand yourself and give voters the chance to agree with your wisdom and principles.

An election is your chance to vote for the candidate who would best represent our county, its people, and you.

You should vote with your conscience and your heart but also with your head.

You’re not electing a Prime Minister. Our electoral system is not presidential. It is a representative parliamentary democracy.

You will choose an MP. One MP among 649 others.

Badger strongly believes—based on history and experience— that in Mid & South Pembrokeshire, the MP on July 5 will be either

Henry Tufnell or Stephen Crabb. He also thinks the election for that seat is finely balanced.

In Ceredigion Preseli, Ben Lake will almost certainly win. The battle for second place is far closer than that between first and second.

Reform UK is likely to finish third in Mid & South Pembrokeshire.

Reform supports Proportional Representation so that voters’ wishes are more accurately reflected in the national parliament.

Badger believes that our current system of First Past the Post is not working, but PR is not the whole answer, especially if you want to retain that all-important constituency link between the represented and their representative. Take Mid & South Pembrokeshire.

Badger does not doubt that Reform UK would be the likely recipient of secondchoice votes from a significant number of die-hard Conservative or Labour voters in the county.

However, we do not have a proportional representation system. Even if we did, current vote shares would not serve a third party well, STV, the simplest form of PR, works on the principle that candidates are eliminated in turn from bottom to top, and their secondchoice votes are then redistributed.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth candidates’ vote share is usually so small that the likely elimination of the thirdplaced party would follow in short order. Only the redistribution of the thirdplaced parties’ votes would affect an election’s outcome.

However, in a purely proportional system, voters’ loyalties are far more fluid. One reason Labour resists STV is that it knows the edges of its vote are flakier than the Conservative one, more subject to swinging between different parties.

That effect was shown in 2019. Repelled by Corbyn and the Corbynistas’ posturing, many working-class Labour voters backed the Conservatives.

As Badger understands the opposition parties’ discussions about an election in 2019, and he has an excellent source, the SNP realised that Boris Johnson had little traction in Scotland but would hurt Labour’s core vote. The Liberal Democrats actually believed their great

leap forward was nigh. Labour believed it could build on 2017 without understanding how the political landscape had shifted.

Their collective delusion led to the opposition behaving like turkeys voting for Christmas and walking into an election being fought on Boris Johnson’s choice of ground: “Get Brexit Done”.

With Labour building middle-class castles in the air, workingclass voters deserted Labour and loaned the Conservatives their votes.

Some claim that PR means weak governments without a majority and the rule of compromise over decisiveness.

Bearing in mind the volatility of UK politics is partly to blame for

successive governments’ inability to plan and deliver long-term reforms to the industrial base, economy, and social programmes, Badger is inclined to conclude a little compromise is not a bad thing.

Suppose the UK had taken a more consensual and consistent approach to industrial strategy in the past. In that case, it might now have an industrial base instead of depending on foreign companies and vulnerable international supply chains.

Other countries have less politically volatile governance, and the benefits to their economies and industries are self-evident.

Mind you, look at Belgium; it seems to get by with a barely functioning national government and strong

federal structures.

There’s some sort of moral there.

The hubris of prime ministers with a large majority is an object lesson in the risks attendant to concentrating too much power in one party.

Cronyism, corruption, and a lack of challenge are endemic in any system in which one party has held the levers of power for too long.

In Wales, the impact of 25 years of one-party rule speaks for itself.

Badger is a keen student of politics and political history. He researches and reads widely.

While he did so recently, he came across this: “Housing is the first of the social services. It is also one of the keys to increased productivity. Work, family life, health and education are all undermined by overcrowded homes.”

Other manifesto pledges included a tax on windfall profits and this statement: “The value of our money has fallen ... and the confidence of the world in Britain has been impaired. Confidence and currency are interdependent, and restoring confidence through sound finance is one of the ways in which the value of our money may be sustained and the rising cost of living checked.”

There was also a pledge to reform the House of Lords and progress Scottish devolution.

Readers, I give you the Conservative Manifesto from 1951. It also backed a united Europe.

Churchill, eh, readers?! Bloody pinko commie, wasn’t he?

Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago in tenby

THE sensational duo, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago, have become two of the hottest stars on the music circuit, amassing a huge following in Ibiza and over fifty million streams on social media. Their unique combination of saxophone and DJ sets has set them apart in the industry.

Lovely Laura has perfected the fusion of the saxophone with soulful house music, making her one of the most recognisable figures in house music today. Her live performances and DJ sets seamlessly blend her saxophone skills with the energetic beats of house music.

Ben Santiago, the other half of this dynamic duo, is one of Ibiza’s most prolific DJs. He has played for the biggest brands and held residencies at renowned venues such as Amnesia, Ministry of Sound, Cream,

and Café Mambo. His impressive portfolio also includes performances for Café del Mar, Es Vive, Hed Kandi, Manumission,

the Elton John Show

gET ready to rock as the UK’s ultimate Elton John tribute returns to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.

Soul Street Production proudly presents their bestselling show, The Elton John Show, on Saturday, 13th July 2024. Sir Elton John, the iconic Rocket Man himself, has sold over 300 million records, making him the most successful singer-songwriter of his generation.

Known for his flamboyant style and an extensive repertoire of timeless hits, this

show promises an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia.

From classics like “Tiny Dancer” to the heartfelt “Your Song”, The Elton John Show revives the spirit of “Young Elton” with electrifying performances that capture his energetic best.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular tribute to one of music’s living legends. Book your tickets now for a night filled with music that will have you dancing in the aisles! Ticket Price: £25.00

Pacha, Space, Ibiza Rocks, and Ushuaia Beach Club Ibiza. Together, Laura and Ben have been mixing live sax

with Ibiza house anthems for over a decade, performing at top venues and festivals worldwide, including Creamfields

and Tomorrowland.

For the past two summers, the duo have electrified the Ibiza Rocks stage with their infectious energy and unique sound. They have performed at soldout Creamfields events, the exclusive Hard Rock Hotel, and Melon Bomb, a party created by Ben and fellow resident DJs, further cementing their skyrocketing popularity.

When they’re not dominating the club scene, Ben serves as the Musical Director for Berlin Fashion Week. This prestigious role sees him and Laura performing at fashion shows and private soirées for Dolce & Gabbana throughout Europe and Asia. Their popularity and sound continue to grow globally, bringing a fresh perspective to house music and meeting the demands of the current music scene.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this insanely popular duo live.

“terrifying”,

SOME critics have even declared it their favourite instalment in the franchise so far.

We are just days away from uncovering what silenced the world when A Quiet Place: Day One arrives in cinemas, marking the third entry in the franchise initiated by John Krasinski in 2018. This new chapter stars Joseph Quinn and Lupita

“tense”

Nyong’o, with Michael Sarnoski stepping in as director. Sarnoski also wrote the script, developing the story in collaboration with Krasinski.

Produced on a budget of $17 million, Krasinski’s A Quiet Place became a critical and commercial success upon its release in 2018, achieving a 96% rating

and “Raw”

on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $340.9 million worldwide.

A Quiet Place: Day One serves as the origin story and has already been screened for critics, some of whom are proclaiming it their favourite of the trilogy. Early reactions describe it as “a little less scary” but note that it “brings new thrills and nail-biting

suspense”. Additionally, there have been multiple commendations for the cat featured prominently in many of the marketing campaigns.

Although full reviews remain under embargo, these initial reactions suggest the film will be as well-received as the first two, both of which earned a Certified Fresh rating.

‘Back to the Future’ coming to Netflix

Back to the Future stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a California teen in the 1980s who is accidentally transported back to the 1950s in his mentor Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) DeLorean car/ time machine.

Because of his inadvertent blast into the past, Marty puts his future in jeopardy when he encounters his parents Lorraine and George (Lea Thompson and Crispin

Glover). Thomas F. Wilson also stars in Back to the Future as George’s bully, Biff Tanen.

RT critics gave Back to the Future a 93% “fresh” rating based on 111 reviews, while the sci-fi adventure comedy earned a 95% “fresh” Audience Score based on 250,000-plus user ratings.

Back to the Future debuts on Netflix on July 1.

‘Douglas is Cancelled’

The “coffee order scene” has become a common trope in television. Typically, it involves a person, often born before 1996 and who could afford property before 2000, entering a coffee shop and ordering a “large coffee, black”. They scan the shop nervously, as if being pursued. The barista, sporting a tattoo and trendy haircut, asks if they mean a “venti”. Blood pressure rises visibly. “Would you like any cream?” No cream. “Any alternative milks?” No. “Any syrup?” They notice the barista’s pronouns on their name badge. “Just give me the damn coffee!” they demand.

This scene aims to portray the coffeeordering character as the rational one, with the world around them seeming absurd. It’s a critique of modern coffee culture and the obsession with alternative milks and pronouns. This satirical commentary is prevalent in “Douglas Is Cancelled” (Thursday, 9pm, ITV1),

the latest work from Steven Moffat. The show attempts to explore multiple themes— some with moderate success—particularly the generational divide between those who grew up playing outside (Boomers, Generation X, and some of Generation Y) and those who grew up playing The Sims (late Millennials and Zoomers).

The series features several “coffee order scenes”, where young characters say things that are stereotypically youthful—like, “Don’t lie to me, I’ve already got anxiety today!”— prompting older characters to respond stoically, resulting in the younger ones becoming upset. This dynamic is repeated extensively throughout the four episodes.

“Douglas Is Cancelled” centres on Hugh Bonneville’s Douglas, a beloved newsreader with somewhat outdated views. The plot kicks off with his cancellation over a misogynistic joke overheard at a wedding.

His wife, a cunning tabloid editor who frequently discusses phonehacking while commuting from her skyscraper office, is portrayed by Alex Kingston. Their 19-year-old daughter frequently mentions “microaggressions”, adding to the generational tension. The cast also includes Karen Gillan as the talented but cold copresenter Madeline Crow, Nick Mohammed as the perpetually unfunny comedian, Ben Miles as a slimy TV producer, and Joe Wilkinson in a minor role.

The show touches on themes such as cancel culture, #MeToo, sexist and sexual power dynamics in the workplace, the insular London media bubble, and the tendency of young people to tweet impulsively. It may appeal to those who experienced ecstasy before 1996 and purchased property before 2000. However, for those more familiar with The Sims, it feels disconnected.

There’s potential in

exploring the generational gap between those who read Bridget Jones as a newspaper column and those who watched it on DVD as children. This divide is rich with possibilities, but the show’s approach— depicting exaggerated versions of young people who are easily offended and constantly on their phones—fails to capture this in a meaningful or humorous way. Moreover, the choice to feature all the young characters in a series addressing gender dynamics in media as women is questionable. Perhaps I’m focusing on the wrong aspects—after all, I do drink oat milk— but if one can overlook the clichéd “young people love emailing HR” scenes and the poorly written lines for Alex Kingston, there are some compelling titan vs. titan dialogues, uncomfortable grey-area scenarios in hotel rooms, a lengthy moral quagmire, and Hugh Bonneville playing his usual character.

gamIng

ALRIgHT, my lovely misfits and mavericks, gather ‘round for a tale of digital revolution, where our beloved CounterStrike: Global Offensive has, after a smashing 11-year run, been rather unceremoniously booted off stage in favor of its glistening successor, CounterStrike 2.

Like it or not, Valve’s steering us all towards this new shiny playground. Now, for the casual dabblers among us, CS2 might seem like CS with a facelift— tweaks to grenades here, spruced-up maps there, and alas, a disappointing void where fanfavorite modes used to be.

But for those of you who sharpen your skills on the daily, obsessing over every pixel and trajectory, CS2 might look the part but doesn’t quite nail the precision dance of CS ‘s movement and gunplay. Yet, my faith in Valve is unwavering—they’ve crafted an FPS that’ll, with time, outshine its predecessor.

For your everyday CounterStrike aficionado, CS2 feels more like a hefty CS patch than a full-blown sequel. Sure, it’s built on Valve’s swanky Source 2 engine with a bunch of tweaks, but at its core, it’s still the same old terrorists-versus-counterterrorists showdown, where your budget swells and shrinks based on your headshot prowess. Jump into CS2 and it’s familiar territory, as expected—this isn’t about reinventing the wheel with wallrunning or perks.

Transitioning from CS to CS2 is a breeze—your settings, binds, and all those precious cosmetics? They come along for the ride. As a returning player, I found my footing in no time—big

thumbs up for that. Newcomers, though, might find themselves a bit lost without proper guidance on aim sensitivity or crosshair adjustments. So, dear novices, you’ll likely need a guide or a seasoned mate to show you the ropes, as the game’s still rather shy on the tutorial front.

Now, your experience may vary if you’re in Casual matches— those chaotic melees of bodies and grenades can obscure the finer points of bomb defusal. But dive into Deathmatch, Competitive, or the new Premier mode, and CS2 captures that quintessential Counter-Strike essence. Guns have personality, and landing shots is still as satisfying as ever. CS is all about that tactical dance—reacting to your teammates’ movements and the sudden cracks of gunfire. Are you covering that blind spot? Is it time to rush B no stop? The answer is always a resounding yes.

Delve deeper, and you’ll notice the small changes making life a bit easier. The new inventory system lets you curate your weapons with a simple drag and drop—finally, both CT assault rifles in the buy menu if you fancy! The buy menu now shows your teammates’ purchases at a glance, and there’s a nifty refund button for those slip-ups or lastminute changes.

Visually, the game has had quite the makeover. Maps are brighter, more colorful, and those dark corners? Gone. Mirage’s palace gleams with a marble sheen, Overpass’s monster graffiti now splashes around with flair, and Inferno’s apartments are so posh you’d consider a weekend stay (noise complaints

notwithstanding). Goodbye to walls resembling hummus, and hello to vibrant new textures.

Grenades are another highlight—smoke grenades in CS2 curve around arches, spill out of gaps, and react dynamically to the environment. Explosions will clear the smoke momentarily, revealing any lurking enemies, and shooting through smoke now causes it to shift and potentially expose foes. These changes add layers of strategy for both casual and serious players alike.

However, not everything from CS has made the jump to CS2. There’s no Mac support, no Arms Race, no War Games, no lefthanded option, and some beloved maps like Cache and Train are missing. These will likely return in time, but it’s frustrating that we can’t just revert to CS to enjoy them. No wonder some feel like CS2 has split the game in half.

For the pros and serious players, CS2 has some catching up to do. Movement isn’t as smooth, spraying feels off, and the new server tick system—whatever that means—just doesn’t cut it. Even I, a lapsed serious player, notice the difference in accuracy and timing. Yet, despite these hiccups, I still find CS2 thrilling, and I bet most players will too.

Cosmetics and loot crates are still here, but if you’re not into that, the game won’t shove it in your face. Prime Status, which you get for free if you bought CS, unlocks competitive modes and queues with other Prime players, but the difference in player quality isn’t massive. And while I’m not a fan of the whole gambling aspect, you can easily ignore it if you wish.

ARIES If there’s anyone out there who’s innately equipped to handle conflict, it’s you. You’d never admit it, of course, but deep down you actually enjoy the thrill and the rush of adrenaline that battle conjures in you. So if you need to take a stand now, whether for yourself or for a dear one, it definitely won’t be a problem. Just warn any innocent bystanders before the chase scene begins.

tAuRuS Boredom is not on your schedule right now, thank goodness. Curiosity and competitiveness are taking up too much room to allow anything else! Take advantage of this buzzing energy to get a lot of things moving. It’s not the time for you to sit down and see things through from start to finish. Instead, you need to just begin projects you’ve been trying to get off the ground for some time now.

GEMINI Ready to put your money where your mouth is? Good, because you’ll get your opportunity today when someone who possesses a specialty comes along. Perhaps you’re wondering what to do about a relationship issue? Well, you probably won’t have to wonder much longer. Confrontation has a funny way of making things clear and forcing you to make a decision.

CANCER

It’s never easy giving out advice, whether it’s asked for or unsolicited. Either way, chances are good that they won’t actually take it, even after you’ve spent at least an hour reciting your best sales pitches. They’ll listen, then they’ll frown, shake their head, and recite a long, drawn-out list of reasons why they can’t possibly do what you’re suggesting. Every now and then, however, you get lucky. Give them at least five minutes before you decide to call it quits.

LEo No, it’s not like you to want to stay in. But at the moment, there’s nowhere you’d rather be and nothing you’d rather do than snuggle up with a dear one, either at your place or theirs, and make the world go away. Telling you not to let anyone talk you out your temporary hibernation is silly. When did you ever let anyone talk you in or out of anything, after all? Just say no gently.

VIRGo

Be prepared to be amazed by someone’s total selflessness today. You didn’t expect it from this person. For now, sit tight. Wait and see what’s in store. If it happens to come from an authority figure, you’ll be able to repay them in short order. And if not, repayment may not be necessary. This person just wants to see you live a happy, productive life.

LIBRa

You have the feeling that someone you’ve never really trusted is trying to get between you and the person or goal you’ve been actively pursuing. If you’re not sure, sit tight and don’t do anything that might embarrass either of you. If you are, and you’d better be absolutely sure, present your case to powers who will know how to handle this.

SCoRPIo

You are chock-full of clarity today, and you are able to get a handle on scheduling and other details with little if any guidance. This is a great day to start a new job, move to a new home, or do some international travel, because you will get the gist of what’s going on and what you need to do in the blink of an eye. The most foreign situations will seem comfortable right away, and you’ll be able to thrive in stimulating environments.

SAGIttARIuS

This day is well suited for action, but it isn’t so perfect for deep thought or contemplation. Your brain is a bit sluggish when it comes to new plans right now, but your physical self is ready to get moving. A new sport or active hobby sounds like a great idea. But concentration? Not so appealing. Don’t expect a lot of success in terms of understanding complicated ideas or strategies. It isn’t an ideal day to take a test or write a report, so if that was on your schedule, try to move it to another day.

CAPRICoRN

Today, you should be wary of people taking advantage of you. If you give certain people an inch, they will surely take a mile. It’s not that you shouldn’t be friendly and generous like you usually are. It’s just that you have to keep an eye out for people who are asking for too much too soon. Plan ahead of the needy people who might try to get on your good side. Have your boundaries set early so that when they cross them, you can remind them to step back and give you space.

AQuARIuS

An unspoken agreement is in danger of dissolving. It’s time to put things on paper or formalize them by some other means. This is not a show of mistrust. It’s a necessary act of security. If you want things to succeed, you have to cover your bases and think about potential problems. Your actions directly shape your future, so don’t hand power over to someone else. Even if other people deserve your blind trust,

wITH eddIe THe game guru

Grant funding drives policing research

REPRESENTATIVES

from academia and policing across Wales gathered on June 19 at the All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration (AWPAC) Research Symposium to discuss the collaborative research conducted through AWPAC.

Established in 2022, the All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration is a network for policing research in Wales. It brings together researchers from across Wales to address key challenges and work collaboratively to improve policing in Wales.

It brings together the four Welsh police forces, the offices of the

four Police and Crime Commissioners, and Wales’ nine universities, with support from the Wales Innovation Network (WIN).

Over the past two years, AWPAC has provided small grant funding to eight projects to address some of the key challenges in policing. The outcomes and findings of each of the funded projects were presented at the symposium.

Findings from a pilot service, Tabw, providing emotional support and advocacy for survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence

committed by police, will assist key services across Wales to improve their work with survivors.

Speaking at the symposium, Professor Elwen Evans KC, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: “The All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration is a great example of the impact joint working can have.

“It is encouraging “to see so many excellent projects receive funding through this network over the last two years, where police forces and universities across Wales have collaborated to address key challenges

and inform policies.

“I’m delighted to “Have the opportunity to support this research symposium, and I look forward to all that AWPAC will continue to do into the future.”

Superintendent Ross Evans, Dyfed-Powys Police Force, co-chair of AWPAC, said: “AWPAC

is a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas that can transform policing. The insights gained from academic research directly influence our policies and practices, ensuring that we are equipped to face current and future challenges.”

Dairy delight for 20,000 pupils joining union’s virtual live lessons

Around 20,000 primary school pupils have furthered their knowledge of farming thanks to live bilingual lessons and resources by NFU Cymru and NFU Education.

The curriculum aligned live lessons on Wednesday 19th June were part of NFU Cymru’s third annual Welsh Farming Week activities. It is the second time NFU Cymru and NFU Education have teamed up to deliver virtual and interactive live lessons, following the success of the English and Welsh ‘Lamb Diaries’ lessons held last year.

Titled ‘The Great Welsh Ice Cream Adventure/ Antur Fawr Hufen Iâ Cymreig’, this year’s lessons were led by two young dairy farmer hosts; farmer and gelato entrepreneur, Angharad Edwards (Pembrokeshire) and farmer, consultant and Nuffield Scholar Anna Bowen (Ceredigion). During the course of the two 45-minute lessons, Angharad and Anna gave pupils an insight into various food and farming practices including looking after cows, milking and turning milk into ice-cream. The lesson also highlighted the benefits of pollinators on farm, discussed how to grow strawberries

and had a quick look around a research laboratory working on a new agricultural project. The lessons finished with a live and interactive question and answer session, where pupils were able to quiz the two dairy farmers from their school classrooms.

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said: “I am extremely proud that NFU Cymru has again been able to facilitate these lessons for 20,000 youngsters. It is absolutely crucial that we engage with our school pupils, who are the next generation of consumers, about the food they consume and how it is produced. The fact that these lessons are curriculum aligned and bilingual is a win-win for teachers and pupils alike, while the crosscurricular tasks that are also available mean that learning can continue after the live lesson has finished.

“We are grateful to our fantastic farmer hosts, Angharad and Anna, whose passion and professionalism really excited and informed those tuning into the lessons. The pupils conjured up some wonderful questions during the lessons, which showed the quality of engagement that Angharad and Anna had

with their audience.”

Some of the feedback received:

“We all thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and are currently really enjoying completing the resources. The lesson was full of interesting information, it linked brilliantly to our current topic ‘Tyfu’ (‘growing’) but it was also perfect for our focus on careers this week. We honestly thought it was great - da

iawn!”

“All pupils enjoyed the lesson. The pupils were not familiar with the processes that go on behind the scenes with such common foods as milk and ice-cream.”

“The live lesson was engaging and captivating. The children were all engrossed and joining in. There were so many facts but delivered in a brilliant way that it wasn’t consuming. Talking to

the children after, they had absorbed so much information. We then spent the afternoon doing follow up work and making ice-cream so it was a full on experience which they have loved. Thank you!”

The lessons are available to watch again in English and Welsh and teachers can download free lesson resources and activities for their class on www.nfueducationlive. com

A happy bun has a happy tum!

have not considered the long-term costs of investing in food, vet care and adequate-sized accommodation.

THE RSPCA is urging rabbit owners to be aware that a poor diet risks wrecking the health of their beloved pet.

Ahead of Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) (June 24-28), the animal charity, along with its partners, wants owners to carefully consider the foods they offer their rabbits and ensure they take them to the vets for regular health and dental checks.

They say researching the welfare needs of one of the most neglected pets in the UK will pay off as common health problems, such as overgrown teeth which can hinder eating and prove fatal, can often be easily prevented.

Now - during Rabbit Awareness Weekowners will have the opportunity to download a digital pack full of advice, including tips on providing a healthy diet for their bunnies.

The lack of awareness for the welfare needs of rabbits is a major concern for vets who in a recent

PDSA report identified inappropriate diet as one of the five most important issues that needs addressing.

Rabbits have a complex digestive system and owners are storing up trouble in their hutches by failing to lay on simple feeds of grass, hay and leafy greens and pellets in favour of unhealthy muesli mixes. As well as causing problems with their guts, the wrong choice of food can cause dental disease, which has a big impact on rabbit welfare.

Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously and need to be worn down to the right length and shape with a diet of grass, hay and leafy plants which mimic what they would eat in the wild. Owners should provide their rabbits mainly (85%) with hay or grass and also feed greens, such as kale, cabbage or parsley (10%), along with 5% good-quality nuggets and clean drinking water.

RSPCA small animal welfare expert Dominika Jagoda said: “It is so important owners feed

While there has been a fall in the numbers arriving at the charity’s centres this year (up to the end of May) from 401 down to 264 for a similar period in 2023, there are still many rabbits waiting for new homes in private boarding accommodation (155 compared to 299) as rehoming rates from centres fall.

options have been really limited. We know the importance of rabbits having the same species’ company as they can show signs of depression and loneliness without it.

“However, as she is so attached to her human companions we feel she’ll benefit from being in a home environment potentially without another rabbit, instead of spending the rest of her life in our care.”

their rabbits the correct diet - unfortunately many don’t and that can lead to bad outcomes.

“Making sure that grass or hay make up a major part of your rabbit’s diet is vital for two very important reasons. It ensures that they have a healthy gut movement and it also takes care of their teeth which are growing constantly. The action of chewing long strand fibres of grass or hay wear the teeth down evenly in the way nature intended.

“If a rabbit isn’t eating enough hay it is constantly growing teeth and this can cause painful spurs that cut into the mouth, gums and tongue. A healthy diet means healthy bunnies.”

Making sure their rabbits are healthy should also pay off in the long run for owners as it can save money on costly vet care amid the cost of living crisis.

In recent years the RSPCA has seen a surge in unwanted rabbits at its animal centres partly because some owners

Between 2019 and 2023 the numbers of rabbits rehomed from RSPCA national centres dropped by 25% with many rabbits left waiting for new homes for months and even years.

Like Poppy, who has been in the care of RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch for two-and-a-half years and Coco and Lulu, who have been with RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District Branch for nearly a year. Poppy originally arrived at the RSPCA with her sister, Lily, who sadly fell ill and passed away with a respiratory infection. Poppy has recovered from the symptoms of the snuffles but will carry it for the rest of her life. She has grieved for her sister by finding comfort in a similarly coloured rabbit teddy bear, which she treats as her companion (pictured).

Staff at the East Anglian branch have been trying to find Poppy an indoor home with no other pets, or along with a neutered male rabbit who has a similar diagnosis.

Branch manager Zoe Barratt explained: As Poppy’s infection is contagious to other rabbits it has meant her

Female duo Coco and Lulu (pictured) are very shy and timid, which staff at the Cheshire branch think is why they remain with them after arriving nearly a year ago. They are medium to large-sized crossbreeds with lop characteristics and would suit an outside home with an owner who can take both on.

Branch volunteer Katie Farrie said: “Sadly Coco and Lulu have been with us since July last year through no fault of their own. We’ve had little to no interest in them at all, which is a real shame as they are beautiful rabbits. We suspect it may be because they are exhibiting very natural rabbit behaviour and are not that keen on human interaction.

“A lot of owners want rabbits they can cuddle and interact with, but we’re hoping someone who has a knowledge of how to care for rabbits properly can look beyond that and give them a lovely new home together.”

Previously, the RSPCA backed calls by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund for a rabbit breeding amnesty to help reduce the rabbit population and safeguard rabbit welfare.

NF u Cymru takes Welsh Food & Farming campaign to Cardiff city centre

NFU Cymru has taken its proactive campaign activities to the centre of Cardiff to champion the quality of Welsh produce directly to consumers.

The culmination of NFU Cymru’s third annual Welsh Food & Farming Week saw NFU Cymru bring a taste and view of Welsh agriculture into Wales’ capital, all whilst highlighting the union’s continuing Secure the Future of Welsh Food pledge campaign.

The Working Street area of Cardiff was transformed into a

Welsh food and farming hub on Friday 21st June. The eye-catching space was home to a large digital video van streaming picturesque scenes of Welsh landscapes, while lifesize model farm animals truly brought Welsh farming into the centre of Cardiff and drew attention from passersby. Cardiff shoppers were also provided with samples of delicious PGI Welsh Lamb, PGI Welsh Beef, Welsh milk, Welsh cheese and organic Welsh apple juice in order that they could get a true taste of the quality produce

coming from Welsh farms. Everyone who NFU Cymru engaged with on the day was encouraged to sign the union’s Secure the Future of Welsh Food pledge, which seeks to highlight the high volume of people in Wales who value Welsh produce.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “It was a real privilege to stand sideby-side with so many of our members in the centre of Cardiff today and proactively promote Welsh food and farming. Our work today has been another

timely reminder of the power and importance of speaking directly with our consumers and championing our role in feeding the nation, but also the high esteem in which the public holds Welsh food and the appetite that exists for people to learn about where their food comes from.”

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader added: “It has been a really rewarding afternoon engaging with so many members of the public and encouraging them to sign our important pledge campaign to

Secure the Future of Welsh Food. The levels of support we’ve had in Cardiff today have been extremely welcome and we will continue to promote the importance of this campaign far and wide.

“We also wish to thank those companies who have donated produce to support today’s public facing activities, particularly South Caernarfon Creameries for the selection of cheeses and Ty Tanglwyst Dairy for providing the milk samples.”

Visit nfucymru.org.uk/ SecureWelshFood or follow the #SecureWelshFood #DiogeluBwydCymru hashtags on NFU Cymru’s Facebook, X and Instagram accounts for more details on the Secure the Future of Welsh Food campaign, as well as to find farmer-facing and public-facing resources to support the cause.

NFu Cymru donates wellies to children’s community charity

FOLLOWINg its successful wellies display on the Senedd steps earlier this year, NFU Cymru has donated hundreds of pairs of children’s wellingtons to a Welsh community children’s charity.

Over 100 pairs of children’s wellies were donated to the Stephens and George Centenary Charitable Trust, who run Dowlais Community Centre in Merthyr Tydfil, by NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, NFU Cymru Poultry Board Chairman Richard Williams and NFU Cymru County Adviser Stella Owen, as part of the union’s Welsh Farming Week celebrations.

The wellies were originally collected by NFU Cymru as part of the union’s symbolic display on the steps of the Senedd in March. The emphatic display depicted the 5,500 jobs at risk within the immediate farming sector if the Sustainable Farming Scheme went

ahead in its current form.

As part of that project, the union pledged that the 5,500 pairs of wellingtons would be donated to charitable causes in Africa and the shipment of footwear is due to land on the shores of Africa in the coming days. However, such was the response to the appeal that NFU Cymru received well in excess of the 5,500 pairs originally requested, leading the union to donate the remainder to good causes in Wales, such as the Stephens and George Centenary Charitable Trust.

The Stephens and George Charitable Trust was set up 14 years ago to help young people in the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough raise their literacy standards and to make books accessible to all. This has now grown and the work the trust does today varies from community outreach in schools, reading help and a baby bookwork project. They also

run an alternative education programme which helps young people from primary and secondary schools who do not attend mainstream schools, a chess in schools programme, as well as one of the biggest children’s literacy festivals in the country.

The trust also run after school and holiday clubs with a #nophonesorcomputers policy which prioritises unplugged activities that encourages creativity, social interaction and physical activity. This scheme also utilises the outdoors and forest school as well as creative writing with authors and poets, learning about culture, environmental and skills such as cooking.

At the former Dowlais Train Station site there is also a community gym and the Railway café, offering coffee, cakes and light bites and a place to chat for members of the local community.

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader

said: “As part of NFU Cymru I get to meet some incredible people and organisations both in and outside the farming industry and this was no exception. The work that the staff and volunteers of the Stephens and George Charitable Trust do for the young people in their community is heartwarming to see, and the fact that we have been able to donate some of the wellies our members donated to us to them, will make such a difference to the users of their service.”

Amanda Williams, Charity Administrator said: “I’d like to thank NFU Cymru for their generous donation of wellies. As a charity we work with young people throughout the area, some of which have no support at home, but coming to our events makes them feel like part of something, and gives them a safe space to be themselves, while learning in new and exciting ways. We plan to pass on these wellies to those who need them at an upcoming event so they can get involved in outdoor

activities without adding financial pressure to their parents.”

NFU Cymru Poultry Board Chairman Richard Williams added: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit the Dowlias Community Centre to drop off these wellies. Seeing the passion the staff and volunteers have for their jobs and the children they work with was an inspiration and I would urge everyone to have a look at their website to learn more about their projects and upcoming

LAST week we met again with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies down in Cardiff. On the agenda was the Sustainable Farming Scheme, the Water Resources Wales Regulations and the next steps for bovine TB eradication. These meetings are an opportunity for us to speak directly with the Cabinet Secretary and his team to share our members’ views and push for change and development of policy within the industry.

Communication in this industry is key, and the regular meetings at the Senedd gives us the ear of the Cabinet Secretary and his team to relay grassroot issues affecting farmers on a day to day basis. Working together and sounding the drum on behalf of our members is of paramount importance to the workings of the Union.

This week, communication was also high on the agenda as we finalise our plans for the Royal Welsh Show. Organising our FUW itinerary is high on the agenda as we firm up arrangements and organise our themes, discussions and seminars for our annual shop window event. With the current weather in our favour, let’s hope the silage, bales and crops will be gathered well in advance of the 22 of July!

AThe media plays an important part in sharing some of the issues affecting agriculture. We’ve

been fortunate this week to engage some of our farming ambassadors to brush up on their PR skills. Standing in front of the camera and promoting the great work farmers do in producing quality Welsh lamb, beef and dairy products can be a difficult task. Training and upskilling our team to showcase Welsh farming at its very best and sharing our stories with the public is highly important. In this digital era, the media continues to be imperative in supporting us in reaching consumers, stakeholders and partners.

Speaking to the public is a tool used by our politicians too. Our hustings events continue this week, as we visit Aberaeron, Welshpool, Ruthin, Llangefni, Builth Wells, Raglan, Gowerton and Fishguard. A huge thank you to the teams who have worked hard in organising these events across the country, giving the General Election candidates the opportunity to share their policy ideas for agriculture and rural life.

By working with the YFC and NFU Cymru, we will have travelled the length and breadth of Wales by the time the 4 of July arrives. This is the opportunity for each and everyone of us to choose wisely, place our cross and endeavour to make a difference to our industry and farm businesses. Contact your local FUW office if you’re interested in attending the hustings organised this week.

NFu Cymru Next Generation Group visit Castell Howell Foods

MEMBERS of the NFU Cymru Next Generation Group recently visited Castell Howell Foods in Cross Hands to learn more about Wales’ leading independent food service wholesaler.

The group met with Edward Morgan, Group ESG Manager, who gave an outline of the journey Castell Howell has taken to get where they are today. From small rural farm beginnings in Carmarthenshire in 1988, Castell Howell Foods now have six depots across Wales with sites at Cross Hands, Porthmadog, Chirk, Avonmouth, Merthyr and a cash and carry in Carmarthen. All stock is kept at the main site in Cross Hands, being delivered by lorry to the other sites.

The family run

business is extremely proud of their rural Welsh roots and one of their core values is to supply and promote local produce as part of their offering to customers. Each year, the company invests millions of pounds on regional produce and services from Welsh suppliers and manufacturers, assisting in providing a platform for their products to reach the market.

Castell Howell has 800 colleagues, and their aim has always been to offer ‘The Complete Catering Solution’. Their product range comprises of over 14,000 lines and services allows them to meet their high standards.

The group were told about Castell Howell’s environmental credentials and how

they have a new carbon reduction plan that was introduced in January 2024. They are hoping for a gradual decrease, with emissions measured by kg of product sold.

As the company supply products to a number of schools and care homes in 17 of Wales’ local authorities they are constantly being asked about their environmental statistics.

Edward Morgan told the group that now decisions are made based 30% on price and 70% on other values, including the environment and social value, whereas 10 years ago, this would have been the other way around.

The group also heard about Castell Howell’s work with schools and how they are trying to create a demand for red meat, particularly

Welsh lamb, with children before they get to canteen age as they are the next generation of consumers.

During the morning visit, the group had an insightful tour around the depot and learnt that some of their top selling items are fresh Welsh milk, cream and butter, closely followed by Welsh beef, lamb and pork.

Leanne Davies, member of the NFU Cymru Next Generation Group said: “I’d like to thank Castell Howell and particularly Edward Morgan for the fascinating talk and tour around the depot. It was interesting to hear about their product lines, their environmental work and how the business plans to progress in the coming years.”

ChatGPt is now available in many Volkswagen models

V OLKSWA g EN models featuring the new-generation infotainment system are now also equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) of ChatGPT. The AI-based research tool is available in all new vehicles in the all-electric ID. family2, as well as in the new Golf3, new Tiguan3 and new Passat3. It can be accessed using the IDA voice assistant and offers a range of new options that go far beyond the voice control previously available. For example, customers can now have search results read out to them, and can interact with the car using natural language.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development: “Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratising technologies. As a volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to large numbers of people. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into the backend of our voice assistant, we are now offering drivers the opportunity to use

this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, thus underlining how innovative our products are.”

Current Volkswagen models already allow users to control the infotainment, navigation and climate control systems using the IDA online voice assistant. The vehicle is also able to answer questions about various topics. But with the introduction of

ChatGPT, the possibilities have expanded significantly: for example, AI can provide information on tourist attractions, report on past football tournaments or help solve maths problems. All of this works intuitively: the driver simply talks to the assistant in natural language, and there is no need for them to take their eyes off the road. Easy to use, no additional account

necessary. Volkswagen customers with an existing account for VW Connect/VW Connect Plus can use the IDA voice assistant as usual – they do not require additional access or an additional app. The digital assistant is launched by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. Only if a query cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system is it forwarded anonymously

to ChatGPT; the answer is then provided in the familiar Volkswagen voice. At no point does ChatGPT gain access to vehicle data. Questions and answers are deleted immediately in order to ensure optimal data protection. The online voice assistant can be deactivated either in the settings area of the Volkswagen app or in the infotainment system’s privacy settings.

the new BMW X3

and parking systems.

BOASTINg greater sporting appeal, visual impact, and versatility than ever, the new BMW X3 redefines the allrounder for everyday use, leisure activities, and trips away. The fourth generation Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) showcases a bold new design language, enhancing its exterior presence and dynamic elegance. Inside, highquality materials, generous standard features, advanced digitalisation, and the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect powered by BMW Operating System 9 create a premium ambience. The new BMW X3 also excels in driving pleasure, safety, and long-distance comfort, thanks to its meticulously tuned setup and comprehensive suite of semi-automated driving

The new BMW X3 heralds major improvements in efficiency and dynamic performance with its wide-ranging model line-up. The portfolio of powertrains comprises not just highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, but also a latest-generation plug-in hybrid system that enables the new BMW X3 30e xDrive (consumption, weighted and combined: 24.0 – 22.3 kWh/100 km and 256.8 – 313.9 mpg; CO2 emissions, weighted and combined: 26 – 21 g/km in WLTP cycle; fuel consumption with battery empty: 35.8 – 39.2 mpg in WLTP cycle; CO2 classes: with battery empty G – F; weighted and combined B) to achieve an electric range of 50 – 56 miles in the WLTP cycle. With a boost in power to 398 hp and dynamic performance capabilities that outclass its rivals, the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive M Performance model (fuel consumption, combined: 34.0 – 36.7 mpg; CO2 emissions, combined: 189 – 175 g/km in WLTP cycle; CO2 class(es) G –F) presents a compelling proposition.

The new model’s contemporary design and enhanced substance provide the perfect foundation for adding another chapter to the BMW X3 success story, which began over 20 years ago. Since pioneering the SAV segment in the premium midsize segment, it has played a crucial role in the increasing popularity of BMW X models and became the brand’s bestselling model worldwide in 2023. The new BMW X3 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) and Plant Rosslyn (South Africa) using a production process focused on conserving resources and circularity. Priced from £46,800 and available to order at BMW retailers in the UK from today, the first BMW X3 customer deliveries will start in the fourth quarter of 2024.

tesco grant helps fund cancer resources

THANKS to a £5,500 grant from Tesco’s Stronger Starts Scheme, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to fund Cancer Cloud Kits for use across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Cancer Cloud kits support parents and carers having conversations with children about a cancer diagnosis.

HSarah West, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Coordinator said: “Hywel Dda Cancer Information and Support Services (CISS) would like to thank Tesco Community Funding (Blue Tokens Scheme) for the grant to help with the purchase of Cancer Cloud Kits.

“The Cancer Clouds are award-winning toolkits

created for children and young people who are affected by their parents or carers being diagnosed with cancer. Providing information for children and young people can help them better understand what cancer means for them and their families.

“The kits can help improve communication within the family, they have tools to manage changes in family routine and tools to explore the emotional impact a cancer diagnosis brings. They are an invaluable resource to our CISS Team. Thanks to the funding, we can continue to offer emotional and practical support to families affected by cancer.”

Families can access these resources through the Cancer Information and Support teams at Glangwili, Bronglais, Withybush and Prince Philip hospitals.

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager for Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all that used the Tesco Blue Tokens to support our cause in stores across Carmarthenshire,

Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.

“Your donations are making a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff.”

General practice hangs on precipice in Wales

THE BMA’s deputy chair of Welsh Council issues stark warning about the ‘truly grim’ predicament facing GPs in Wales after years of severe cuts to funding.

Speaking at the BMA’s annual representatives meeting in Belfast, Dr Phil White, who is also a GP in North Wales, accused the Welsh Government of burying their heads in the sand about the crisis facing GPs and the potential impact this

will have on an already severely stretched NHS in Wales.

Addressing the BMA’s membership from across the UK he noted the BMA’s strength remarking on its recordhigh membership figures and the recent progress made by securing ‘three substantial pay offers’ to restore the significant pay loss for doctors working in secondary care in Wales.

Dr White said: “As a union we are stronger than ever, and we will do

what it takes to fight for the service we all believe in.”

“Despite this strength and progress made, the predicament facing general practitioners in Wales is truly grim. The service hangs on a precipice, the funding has been slashed and Welsh Government continue to bury their heads in the sand.

“Continuing to ignore the vital role that General Practice plays in the national health service

is a grave mistake. My message to Welsh Government is clear. Restore the proportion of the NHS budget which has been cut from General Practice or else it will collapse. If one part of the NHS crumbles, the rest will follow.

“Over the last ten years GPs have been expected to look after 33% more patients while the number of full-time GPs has decreased by 24%, with a fifth of all practices (nearly 100) closing their doors”

He spoke of the risks to patient safety and the personal toll it was taking on GPs with a survey showing that “80% of GPs fear their high workload is detrimental to patient care; morale is low, with many considering their exit.

“Practices are finding ways to stem rising costs – with many reducing existing staff hours or stopping recruitment entirely which all adversely impacts on workload. This is a crisis” he said.

“It is truly shameful, that GP surgeries are expected to run at a deficit, but health boards are simply bailed out by Welsh Government when they overspend” he added.

Referring to BMA Cymru Wales ‘Save our Surgeries’ campaign Dr White said “the public support for an appropriately resourced service is palpable. In a few short weeks, we gathered nearly 22,000 signatures on our Senedd petition, calling on Welsh Government for a rescue package.

Speaking of the bleak picture in Wales with record-high waiting lists rising he added:

“The NHS has been starved for years. Starved of investment, starved of doctors, starved of beds. The impact on patient care is plain to see. Ambulances queuing outside hospitals, patients deteriorating on waiting lists and patients stuck, waiting to be discharged but unable to move on due to a lack of

investment in social care.

“The impact on staff is clear too. The rising workload has become unsustainable and understandably, morale is low.

“Three years ago, we publicly called for significant investment in our health service as well as a radical shake-up to create a seamless service. The NHS, social care and community services must work in partnership to effectively meet the needs of patients. Today, I’m restating those calls – the public is behind us – but are the politicians listening?

Dr White ended his speech noting that doctors would continue to campaign for a better service for patients:

“Rest assured, using our collective drive and strength, we will continue to fight for an NHS which has the resources to enable our profession to deliver the care that the people of Wales deserve.”

SI ne SS

Local projects benefit from Sustainable Development Fund grants

Seven local projects have benefited from over £70,000 of funding through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund supports community-led projects in and around the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that contribute towards a reduction in carbon and help respond to the climate emergency.

In the latest round of funding, grants were awarded to Southern Roots Organics, Narberth Museum, and the Crymych Arms Community Pub to install Solar PV systems. Additionally, the Narberth and District Community and Sports Association received funding to upgrade their existing Solar PV system and

improve the energy efficiency of their squash court lighting. As well as generating new low-carbon electricity and offsetting higher carbon grid electricity consumption, these projects will reduce ongoing electricity costs for these organisations.

Cosheston Community Hall was another beneficiary, receiving support from the Fund to construct a bike shed. This project aims to encourage more people to cycle to the Hall, promoting sustainable travel within the community.

In Marloes, SDF funding has paved the way for the village clock to be retrofitted with lowenergy and Dark-Skiesfriendly illumination, which will reduce both energy consumption and light pollution in the area.

The VC Gallery also received funding to upgrade to more energyefficient windows and

doors, which will create a warmer community space and contribute to lower carbon emissions.

Jamie Leatham from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “These grants represent our continued commitment to addressing the Climate Emergency, supporting communityled projects that improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.”

“By funding initiatives like Solar PV installations, energyefficiency upgrades, and sustainable transportation solutions, we are helping our communities to reduce emissions, generate their own low-carbon energy, and raise awareness to promote a greener, more resilient future for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

The Sustainable Development Fund consists of money allocated from the Welsh

Government Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places Fund.

Further information

can be found at www. pembrokeshirecoast. wales/sustainabledevelopment-fund.

40% of Welsh SMEs had to stop or pause business due to lack of financing

MOST common activities that Welsh SMEs have been forced to pause include marketing, launching new products and production

15% of Welsh SMEs that looked to secure external finance were unable to access it

Biggest barriers in sourcing external finance were cost, not understanding the business and lack of flexibility with repayment terms

Over the next 12 months, Welsh SMEs believe sales, new product development, new market expansion and marketing will be areas of growth

With appropriate external finance, most SMEs believe they could grow their business by up to 29% in the next 12 months – significant increase from 19% in 2023

Two in five (40%) of Welsh small and medium sized enterprises (“SMEs”) have had to stop or pause an area of their business because of a lack of finance over the last couple of years. This is according to new

research1 commissioned by Manx Financial Group PLC (AIM:MFX), the financial services group which includes, amongst other operating subsidiaries, Conister Bank Limited (“Conister”), Conister Finance & Leasing Limited and Blue Star Business Solutions Limited.

The most common activities that Welsh SMEs have been forced to pause or stop because of a lack of financing were include marketing, launching new products and production.

Manx Financial Group’s research showed that nearly a third (31%) of UK SMEs as a whole have paused an area of their activity and while this has decreased from 40%2 in 2023, one in ten SMEs that looked to secure external finance and/or capital were unable to access it. In Wales this number was 15%.

The most popular external finance options for Welsh SMEs were short-term business loans and secured loans. The survey also highlighted that the biggest barriers faced by Welsh SMEs in

sourcing external finance and/or capital were that it was too expensive, they not understanding the business and there was a lack of flexibility with repayment terms.

Over the next 12 months, Welsh SMEs believe sales, new product development, new market expansion and marketing will be areas of growth.

The research showed that less UK businesses are anticipating stagnant growth over the next 12 months – just 25% this year compared to 27% in 2023 and 34%3 in 2022. Indeed, with appropriate external finance, most SMEs believe they could grow their business by up to 29% in the next 12 months, which is a significant increase from 19% in 2023.

Douglas Grant, Group CEO at Manx Financial Group PLC, commented: “Our research reveals a persistent challenge that SMEs continue to face: securing financing remains difficult. This limited access to finance poses serious risks for both SMEs and the broader UK economy, particularly

in terms of growth during uncertain times when support is most needed.

The economic impact is significant, as SMEs contribute to about half of all private sector turnover in the UK. Innovative solutions are urgently required to address this funding gap.

“As borrowing costs stay high, many businesses are experiencing their own financial crises. This financial constraint, coupled with a potentially unprecedented and volatile environment marked by ongoing geopolitical tensions, multiple elections, a tightening labour market, and persistent cost-ofliving challenges, poses obstacles to the prospects of SMEs and national economic growth.

“Although some SMEs have mitigated risks by locking in fixed-rate debt, many others are now struggling with increasing costs without a financial cushion. Government intervention is crucial to support SMEs, which are vital to the UK economy and, for some time, we have been advocating for a permanent governmentbacked loan scheme tailored to different sectors and incorporating both traditional and nontraditional lenders. Such a permanent scheme has the potential to play a pivotal role in unlocking economic resurgence for numerous companies, thereby sustaining the overall economy—especially as in an uncertain economic environment like the one we see today.”

‘Absolute chaos’ in food security presents high risk to consumers

THE NEXT government must prioritise food safety, says expert who investigated horse meat scandal

The UK is desperately in need of a food security policy to protect consumers and safeguard legitimate businesses, says a leading food expert.

According to Chris Elliott, Professor of Food Safety and Microbiology at Queen’s University Belfast and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security, a series of threats to food security are converging to create “absolute chaos”.

Professor Elliott – who authored the governmentcommissioned report into the 2013 horse meat scandal – told the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Conference on 19 June that there is an urgent need for the UK’s next government to appoint a dedicated Food Minister and to implement a robust food security policy.

He also slammed “scandalous” cuts to Trading Standards resources as a major threat to food safety.

Regulatory divergence in the wake of Brexit, disruption to global supply chains caused by the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the rise of online food retail have created a challenging environment for businesses and an increasingly risky state of play for consumers.

Among Elliott’s concerns are the withdrawal of legitimate importers from the UK market – as a result of the increased costs and paperwork brought about Brexit – which is creating new opportunities for unscrupulous businesses and rogue traders to bring non-compliant and potentially unsafe foods into the country.

Elliott cited the disjointed approach to food regulation and

monitoring as a key risk to consumers and legitimate businesses. He added that the government’s decision to scrap the LACoRS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) system in 2010, combined with sweeping cuts to Trading Standards services, has dramatically undermined the UK’s ability to ensure that food entering the country, being sold in shops and online, and reaching consumers’ tables, is accurately described and safe to eat.

Professor Chris Elliott said: “I think the cutbacks in the Trading Standards workforce are the first problem; those people are really at the coalface and understand the problems that are going on. That, and the disjointed nature of food monitoring surveillance governance in the UK, is scandalous to be

honest.

“For the last 14 years, the Conservative government has basically said, it’s a free market, don’t worry about it, because the food industry will take care of everything. Don’t worry if we import more, because imports are cheaper. So there has been no policy whatsoever. The UK currently imports nearly 50% of all the food that we eat, so everything that happens in other parts of the world will impact us.

“I know a company based in Spain who have taken the decision not to import anything into the UK anymore because it’s not a big enough market for them to deal with the amount of paperwork. If the good guys stop wanting to import stuff, the bad guys will step in, because the UK will be a much easier touch than Europe.

“People are realising

it’s now much easier to get food that is not of the same quality and standards into the UK, because we don’t have the same checks and measures, or the same network of exchange of information. There are lots of reports about dodgy meat turning up in Felixstowe, for example – and that’s just one of the consequences of becoming very isolated.

“There are also massive challenges out there because of our changing climate. That’s really driving some bad behaviours, even with good businesses. The overuse of pesticides and illegal pesticides, for example, is on the rise because producers are trying to deal with climate crisis situations and crop failures.

“Ten years on from the horse meat scandal, the large mainstream food manufacturers and retailers are much better in terms of the monitoring processes and defence

the challenges arising, but the rules are only as good as they are enforced; the decimation of qualified, skilled officers in this area needs to be reversed to allow this to happen.

“Without sufficient levels of officers working to ensure our food is produced and supplied to the highest levels of safety, effectively we are allowing decriminalisation by the back door. At CTSI, we are calling for the building back of Trading Standards services over the next four years, through funding of extra posts and apprenticeships. CTSI are also proud to announce that we are producing standalone module qualifications in feed and animal health, with a food one coming soon, to give local authorities and other stakeholders the opportunity to get staff trained quicker in these areas.”

mechanisms they have in place. But in our food system, there are the large players, and then there are the small players, and then there’s online – which is the Wild West. We have found a huge amount of food fraud online. They can basically sell whatever they want.

That’s what we’re up against.”

Jessica Merryfield, Head of Policy and Campaigns at CTSI, said: “Having safe food and a secure food supply chain is something we risk taking for granted but is fundamental to our health; we need safe food to survive as humans. The food supply chain and landscape has changed significantly, and will continue to do so, and those regulating the food chain need the resources to do so. This means having the legislative backing to allow officers to effectively deal with

Louise Hosking, Executive Director at the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH), said: “Food security, standards and sustainability are interconnected. The vastly evolving UK landscape from Covid-19 to climate change has created new emerging risks that have created fragility within the food system.

“CIEH’s 2024 manifesto outlines the need for the UK government to strategically deliver the National Food Strategy, with a mandate to ensure all policies related to food work together to deliver health and environmental benefits. At each stage of the food supply system, from food handling, preparation and delivery, environmental health professionals work to ensure that the UK’s has a stable and safe supply of food.

“In the lead up to the next general we urge the next UK government to create a fairer, more sustainable food system.”

cSParties duck big questions on tax and spending

LABOUR and the Conservatives are engaged in “a conspiracy of silence” over taxes and spending.

That’s according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies.

Meanwhile, the Greens and Reform offer financial policies that are “wholly unobtainable”.

THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM

The basic truth is unavoidable.

Debt is at its highest level in decades. Taxes are near the highestever level seen in the UK.

Yet public services are visibly struggling.

Despite these high tax levels, spending on many public services will likely need to be cut over the next five years if government debt is not to ratchet ever upwards or unless taxes are increased further.

An increase in debt interest payments equivalent to £50bn per year and increased pension spending contribute to the budget gap. Factoring in pledges to increase health and defence spending alongside a rapidly ageing population and a shrinking tax base, any incoming government would struggle to make the budget make sense.

IgNORINg REALITY

There is no magic pill to increase economic growth, which is chronically slow and poor. Add in the aftereffects of the pandemic and high energy prices, and the headwinds are strong.

However, both main parties largely ignore that economic reality in their manifestos.

Any incoming government’s choices boil down to two central decisions: either taxes will go up or public services will be cut. However, you would not

guess from reading their prospectuses or listening to their promises. They have failed even to acknowledge some of the most important issues and choices. As the population ages, these choices will become harder, not easier. We cannot wish them away.

Low growth, high debt, and high interest payments mean we need to do something quite rare just to stop debt spiralling upwards: we need to run primary surpluses. That means the government must collect more in tax and other revenues than it spends on everything apart from debt interest. Good luck selling that to the voters.

TAX AND SPEND

In line with their unwillingness to face up to the real challenges, neither main party makes any serious new proposals to increase taxes. Consistent with their conspiracy of silence, both are keeping entirely silent

about their commitment to a £10 billion a year tax rise through a further three years of freezes to personal tax allowances and thresholds.

Tax rises, such as they are, are all about increasing taxes invisibly on other people.

Almost all parties are quite confident they can raise £5 billion or more from “cracking down” on tax evasion and avoidance. Maybe. None makes much of the fact that, according to official estimates, most of the shortfall in what HMRC collects is not from big, faceless conglomerates but from self-employed and small businesses.

The Conservatives offer a further cut to the rates of employee and self-employed NICs.

Their two main tax pledges, concerning the pensioners’ tax threshold and the High Income Child Benefit charge, merely reverse changes made by Conservative chancellors in the last decade.

Labour set out a handful of small tax-

raising measures. The increase in tax will be large for some non-doms working in private equity, receiving income in the form of carried interest, sending their children to an expensive private school, and bequeathing them an offshore trust.

But there are very few such people, so the overall amount of money available is small.

THE ARMS RACE

The manifestos told us much more about what they wouldn’t do than what they would.

Tax locks—pledges not to increase specific taxes or tax rates— aren’t new. But this time, the parties have really gone to town. We’ve seen something of a tax lock arms race.

Both have tied their hands on income tax, NICs, VAT and corporation tax. The Conservatives have a long list of other tax rises and reforms that they wouldn’t do.

Labour has ruled out more tax options since the publication of the

manifestos. Taken at face value, Labour’s promise of “no tax increases on working people” rules out essentially all tax rises. There is no tax paid exclusively by those who don’t work. Tax locks will constrain policy if a future government decides that it does want to raise more money to fund public services. They also put serious constraints on longoverdue fundamental tax reform. Promises to deliver much-needed improvements to the NHS are essentially unfunded commitments. Both parties want to reverse nearly a decade of rising waiting times. Both reaffirm their commitment to the NHS England workforce plan. Build more hospitals. Expand mental health services. The list goes on. These “fully costed” manifestos appear to imply all this can be delivered for free. It can’t.

How would either party deal with court

Fairy tales: Parties’ tax and spend policies depend on magical thinking

system backlogs, overflowing prisons, and crises in funding higher and further education, social care, and local government? We have no clue.

Labour’s manifesto is chock full of reviews and strategies.

It contains a detailed diagnosis of ‘the problem’ in many areas and a welcome recognition that many of these issues are interrelated. For example, child poverty bleeds into pressures on mental health, schools, and homelessness. However, there is no sense of how Labour will find or spend the new resources it needs to address those issues.

THE OTHER PARTIES

No other party is in contention for office. Still, their manifestos matter, in part because they help set the tone of the debate.

The Liberal Democrats have bigger tax and spending policies than Labour and Conservatives. They want to raise taxes by £27 billion to fund a £4 billion boost to the working-age benefit system and a £23 billion boost to day-to-day public service spending.

They would increase investment spending to the tune of £20 billion a year.

Their tax rises would come largely from a combination of reducing avoidance, increasing capital gains tax, taxing banks, taxing flying, and taxing energy companies and technology giants. However, their proposed measures would be unlikely to bring in all the revenue they seek and would not be “victimless taxes”.

Direct taxes on average earners are historically low.

We raise far more from corporation tax and those on high incomes than we have ever done before. Not all large tax rises will only and always hit “unworthy” victims. Ones that do can also risk economic

damage.

Reform UK and the Greens offer much bigger numbers still.

The policies they outline will not be implemented. But their suggestion that they have radical ideas that can realistically make a positive difference, when in fact, what they propose is wholly unattainable, helps to poison the entire political debate.

Take Reform. They propose £90 billion of specific tax cuts and £50 billion of spending increases, “paid for” by a £150 billion package of measures that includes substantial, unspecified cuts in welfare and government waste.

If Reform wants a smaller state – a perfectly reasonable ambition – they should tell us how they will achieve it and in which utopia unfunded tax cuts have no negative consequences. Even the most anti-immigration Reform members cannot possibly believe that stopping the boats will plug the tiny hole immigration creates in the massive UK budget.

We saw the consequences of massive tax cuts with no detail on how they would be paid for in September 2022.

Are voters ready for Liz Truss on steroids?

On the other side, the Green Party sets out a vision for a much larger state. They propose a set of tax-raising measures that they claim would allow them to spend far more on public services.

The most scrutinised of these is a wealth tax - but this is, in fact, only a small element of how they say they would pay for additional spending. A large part is an additional £80 billion a year of borrowing, to be constrained only by its effect on inflation. A massive increase in borrowing when the economy is capacity-constrained, and the debt interest burden is already just that, a huge burden, would have unpleasant

consequences.

Their biggest proposal is a £90 billion a year carbon tax. Taxation is a good lever for helping achieve emissions reductions.

Any attempt to levy a carbon tax at that rate would have a fundamental effect on our economy. It would raise the cost of many essentials and be economically disruptive.

Much, probably most, of any money raised would need to be used to mitigate those effects and support those on lower incomes, not to fund other things. In any case, any effective carbon tax would reduce the amount of carbonbased activity and hence, eventually, raise a lot less.

SIZE ISN’T EVERYTHINg

Even much stronger growth – either as a result of policy or of luck – isn’t a get-out-of-jailfree card.

Suppose the next government gets really lucky and growth is half a per cent a year more than the OBR’s relatively optimistic March forecast. That is not impossible. But even that would do little more than allow the new government to avoid cuts to spending that are currently pencilled in. It would not create a spending bonanza of any kind.

If better growth materialises in the next Parliament—and it might—that will be largely due to good luck.

We should hope it happens. But hoping for the best is not a strategy.

If, instead, the OBR’s views were to move in an unhelpful direction, for example, towards those held by interest rate setters at the Bank of England, then the fiscal position could suddenly look even worse.

A key question to ask of those seeking our votes on July 4 is how they would respond to such bad economic news.

Put taxes up by

more?

Deepen those cuts to spending?

Or push back the date at which debt is forecast to fall?

We have not been told. The last Parliament clearly taught us that severe shocks do happen. It’s not unreasonable to ask how prospective governments would handle them.

THE KNOWLEDgE VACUUM

We need more efficient and effective public services and a government laserfocused on improving our economic performance.

The manifestos acknowledge those facts.

However, on the big issues over which governments have direct control—on how they will change tax, welfare, and public spending—the manifestos of the main parties are thin gruel.

On July 4, we will be voting in a knowledge vacuum.

If - as is likelygrowth forecasts are not revised up this autumn, we do not know whether the new government would stick roughly to the day-today and investment spending totals set out in the March Budget or whether they would borrow more or tax more to top them up.

We do not know what would be cut if they followed their spending plans. We do not know which taxes would go up. We certainly don’t know how they would respond if things got worse.

The choices in front of us are hard.

High taxes, high debt, and struggling public services make them so. Pressures from health, defence, welfare, and ageing will not make them easier.

That is not a reason to hide the choices or to duck them. Quite the reverse. Yet hidden and ducked they have been.

Sunak set to hit 50,000 small boats milestone

THE NUMBER of people crossing the English Channel in small boats during Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s tenure is poised to exceed 50,000 within the next 24 hours. This milestone comes as Sunak nears the end of his twentieth month in office, a stark contrast to the thirtyfive months it took his predecessor, Boris Johnson, to reach the same figure.

The UK government says it wants to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda to deter people from crossing the English Channel in small boats.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says if he wins the general election, the first flights will leave for Rwanda later in July.

But Keir Starmer has pledged to scrap the Rwanda scheme if Labour wins and would instead use counterterrorism powers to stop gangs smuggling people across the Channel.

As of Saturday evening, the tally of small boat arrivals under Sunak’s leadership stood at 49,709. With three Border Force catamarans already active in the Channel and favourable weather conditions predicted for the next day, the count is expected to increase significantly before midday on Monday.

Currently, 2024 is on track to be the most challenging year on record for small boat arrivals. The total number of arrivals this year stands at 12,646, with projections

indicating it will surpass 13,000 within the next 24 hours. This would be the first time such a figure has been reached before the midpoint of the year.

Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s Shadow Paymaster General, criticised Sunak’s handling of the situation, stating, “Rishi Sunak will always be known as the Prime Minister who broke his promises to Britain. He pledged to stop the boats, yet 50,000 people have made the crossing on his watch. This year is shaping up to be the worst ever for small boat arrivals.”

Ashworth also highlighted other areas where he believes Sunak has failed, including rising national debt, increased NHS waiting lists, and economic recession. He pointed out that Sunak’s promise to cut taxes resulted in the highest tax burden in 70 years and accused the Prime Minister of not maintaining integrity in Downing Street. On Sunday morning, three of the five Border Force catamarans were deployed from Ramsgate to assist with operations in the Channel. Additionally, RNLI lifeboats were in use. Historical data shows that 2024 has seen a 16% increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year, with the total number of arrivals since 2018 now standing at 126,968. Notably, nearly 40% of these crossings have occurred during Sunak’s premiership

LIBeRaL

serious threats we face. Around the world we are witnessing soaring temperatures leading to wildfires, floods, droughts and rising sea levels. These are affecting millions of people directly, and billions more through falling food production and rising prices. We need urgent action to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Liberal Democrats are committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 at the latest. We will take bold, urgent action to tackle climate change, cut energy bills and create hundreds of thousands of secure, well-paid new jobs. Some of these jobs will be in Pembrokeshire where we can provide maintenance and support for the new floating offshore wind industry.

Liberal Democrats would take a comprehensive range of actions to tackle the climate and nature crisis. This includes making homes warmer and cheaper to heat with a ten-year emergency upgrade programme, starting with free insulation and heat pumps for those on low incomes, and ensure that all new homes are zerocarbon.

renewable power so that 90% of the UK’s electricity is generated from renewables by 2030. This includes providing the necessary infrastructure in Pembroke Dock and the Cleddau Estuary to support the new floating offshore wind industry.

We would boost bus and rail services, for example by supporting rural bus services and encouraging alternatives to conventional bus services where they are not viable, such as ondemand services. As well as helping to tackle climate change, this would help many people who are unable to afford a car to travel.

Liberal Democrats would establish a ten-year plan for rail electrification to increase the number of passenger journeys covered by electric trains, investing in other zero-carbon technologies including batteries, and ensuring all new rail lines are electrified as standard.

We need to tackle the loss of nature. We would set meaningful and binding targets to stop the decline of our natural environment and double nature by 2050: doubling the size of the Protected Area Network, doubling the area of most important wildlife habitats, doubling the abundance of species and doubling woodland cover by 2050.

In order to restore the UK’s role as a global leader on climate change, Liberal Democrats would restore international development spending to 0.7% of national income, with tackling climate change a key priority for development spending. (Published by Alec Cormack on behalf of Alistair Cameron, both at St Non, Pleasant Valley, Stepaside SA67 8NY).

If you wish to discuss these issues, please contact me at Facebook: AlistairCameronPembs

twitter: AlistairPembs

Email: alistairc@traseweb.co.uk

Election Betting Row Hits Senedd

THE ELECTION betting scandal that hit the Conservative and Labour General Election campaigns over the last fortnight landed in Cardiff Bay this week.

Russell George, the Senedd Member for Montgomeryshire, is alleged to be one of several Conservative politicians and officials who placed a bet on the General Election date.

Mr George is under investigation by the Gambling Commission.

Labour’s campaign chair in Wales, Jessica Morden, said: “It took Rishi Sunak almost two weeks to take action on one of his Conservative candidate . How long will it take Andrew RT Davies to suspend Russell George?”

As Keir Starmer would know, the factual answer is that unproven allegations should not result in suspension. Moreover, betting by politicians on elections or their dates is not illegal. Unlawfulness and potential illegality would only arise if the person placing the bet had inside information on its outcome.

However, during a General Election, someone must wear a hair shirt, even if they’re innocent.

The allegations’ existence is enough to taint the campaign.

Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh

Conservatives, said: “Russell George has informed me that he has received a letter from the Gambling Commission regarding bets on the timing of the General Election.

“Russell George has stepped back from the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet while these investigations are ongoing.

“All other Members of the Welsh Conservative Group have confirmed that they have not placed any bets.

“I will not issue further comment on this ongoing process, recognising the Gambling Commission’s instruction for confidentiality to protect the integrity of the process.”

Russell George issued a personal statement: “Whilst I will cooperate fully with the Gambling Commission, it would not be appropriate to comment on this independent and confidential process.

“Doing so would only jeopardise and undermine the investigation. The Gambling Commission, not the media, has the responsibility, powers and resources to properly investigate these matters and determine what, if any, action should be taken.

“I have stepped back from the Shadow Cabinet while the investigation is ongoing. I have done this as I do not wish to be an unnecessary distraction

to their work.

“I will not give any further public comment on this until the Gambling Commission has concluded its work.”

However, the story’s emergence touches upon two interrelated factors that have a bearing on the Labour Party’s narrative.

Firstly, it appears - in fact, it is incontrovertible - that somebody in the Gambling Commission or someone with knowledge of its investigations is leaking stories to the media about their employer’s supposedly confidential investigations.

The existence of a letter to Russell George was known to the media in advance.

The questions that fact raises give considerable pause for thought about the investigation’s integrity.

Secondly, on the morning of Tuesday (Jun 25), the Labour Party announced it had suspended one of its candidates in an English constituency for betting on the election.

Kevin Craig, standing in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, bet against himself in the General Election.

In a statement, Mr Craig admitted that he had placed a bet against himself winning the seat a few weeks ago.

A spokesperson for Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said he would give back £13,000, which Craig paid for staffing costs.

Marsha de Cordova, another Labour candidate, said she would return the £ 2,436 Craig donated earlier this year.

Mr Craig’s suspension should have relieved pressure on the Conservatives.

In addition, the Labour Party and the two candidates’ choice to return his donations would have allowed the Welsh Conservatives to exert more pressure on Vaughan Gething.

The Labour Party’s return of over £115,000 to Kevin Craig, the director of a political lobbying company, is in sharp contrast to Mr Gething’s acceptance of £200,000 from a convicted environmental offender who is also under investigation for tax evasion regarding the waste dumped at Withyhedge.

However, the allegation against Russell George surfaced barely twelve hours later. Its emergence in the UK media spiked the Welsh Conservatives’ guns. That could be a coincidence. If so, it’s a very convenient one.

Without reference to any specific case, we asked the Gambling Commission whether it was investigating alleged leaks to the media regarding betting on the General Election.

We asked whether a member of staff suspected of leaking confidential information to the media would be suspended while an investigation took place. We have not yet received a reply to our enquiries.

The candidate donated more than £100,000 to Labour in the last few years. A spokesperson for Labour said it would return the £100,000 donated under Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Russell George: Senedd Member received a letter from the Gambling Commission

WG criticised in Museum probe

PROBLEMS

at the very top of one of Wales’ most prominent national institutions revealed significant weaknesses in how Welsh public bodies are governed.

The Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee is extremely concerned about the governance arrangements at Amgueddfa Cymru— Museum Wales.

The Museum failed to resolve a dispute between two senior people - the former President and Director General - at a £40,500 cost to the Welsh Government.

In total, the pay-outs to individuals and the legal costs of numerous tribunals have cost the public in excess of £750,000.

It’s the latest in a chain of financial and legal disputes involving Welsh public bodies and quangos in which the Welsh Government has become involved.

INFORMATION WITHHELD FROM MINISTER

The Committee examined the issues as part of its scrutiny of Amgueddfa Cymru’s accounts for 2021/22, which was published on Wednesday, June 26.

The Committee was alarmed to note that Ministerial Advice provided to the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport didn’t set out the “significant and full total value of the settlement”.

The Committee has serious concerns about the terms of the settlement. It considers that the Deputy Minister was placed in an invidious position because of the incomplete information provided in the advice given to her by senior Welsh Government civil servants.

The senior civil servants involved appear to have ignored Welsh Government policy on the process for approving settlements that differ from contractual provisions.

The Committee notes the case of the former Museum President. As a payoff, he received almost double his annual salary and was appointed to another high-profile public appointment despite the issues that arose during his tenure at Museum Wales.

FAILURES IN GOVERNANCE

During scrutiny of Amgueddfa Cymru’s accounts for 2021/22, the Committee was alarmed by evidence of failings within the organisation’s internal processes It raised questions about the Welsh Government’s involvement in the saga and how it intervenes when such issues arise at publicly funded institutions.

Mark Isherwood MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, said: “The Committee is deeply

concerned about the processes employed during the dispute between the former President and Director General, particularly the interactions between Amgueddfa Cymru and the Welsh Government.

“Further measures are necessary to prevent such issues recurring at any public body.”

Mr Isherwood continued: “The processes in place at the time were wholly inadequate.

“The matter should have been resolved at the earliest opportunity, avoiding significant unnecessary costs. The failure is amplified when one considers the grave financial problems facing Amgueddfa Cymru.”

QUESTIONS ABOUT PRESIDENT’S NEW JOB

The Committee questions the Welsh Government’s move, in the wake of the dispute, to appoint the former President, Roger Lewis, to a new role leading a governance review at Cadw.

While acknowledging the former President was not found to have breached the terms of his appointment, the Committee is concerned about the transparency of the process.

Mark Isherwood said, “The Committee questions the rationale of this appointment within the same culture and heritage sector, given the issues at Amgueddfa

THE £18bn spending gap in UK Labour’s recently published manifesto could wipe nearly £1bn from the Welsh Government’s budget

Cymru.

“The Welsh Government must adopt a more robust appointment system, with increased transparency and accountability around appointments like these in the future.

FUTURE CHALLENGES

Amgueddfa Cymru has had a new Chair and Chief Executive since September and November 2023, respectively. The Committee’s report recognises that Amgueddfa Cymru is now fully focused on the significant challenges it faces, which are a cause of great concern for the Committee.

Mr Isherwood says: “It is concerning to hear about the challenges facing Amgueddfa Cymru in meeting budgetary pressures, which is likely to lead to a significant loss of jobs at the organisation and a risk to our national collections and sites of national importance.

“In future scrutiny, the Committee will want to know how Amgueddfa Cymru is responding to these pressures, and how the Welsh Government is going to safeguard these vitally important sites and collections.”

The Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee has published its scrutiny of Amgueddfa Cymru’s accounts for 2021/22.

Its report is available online.

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth says: “Between Brexit lies on buses and Downing Street parties during lockdown, it is little wonder that trust in politics is at an alltime low. That’s why honesty is so critical in this General Election campaign, and that’s why Labour and the Tories’ conspiracy of silence on public sector cuts is so deeply disappointing.

“The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that whoever seizes the keys to Number 10 in two weeks’ time, at least £18 billion of cuts are coming down the line.

“Based on our population share, the equivalent cut to Wales’s public services implied by Labour’s spending plans is a staggering £935 million.

“Figures like this are difficult to comprehend so it’s worth examining some equivalent spending. A third of Wales’s total annual schools’ budget, the annual salaries of more than 25,000 nurses, funding for ten years’ worth of Universal Free Primary School Meals, almost the entire level of Welsh NHS spending on mental health, or more than twice the annual revenue funding for the entire Economy portfolio.

“There are 13 mentions of poverty

in Labour’s manifesto, yet seemingly not one policy devised to alleviate a problem which continues to cripple far too many communities. There’s not even a commitment to scrap the pernicious twochild benefit cap, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned will hit another 670,000 children throughout the UK by 2029.

“The spectre of an end to 14 years of Tory rule should inspire at least some hope in people longing for a fairer future, but that is regrettably not the case. By publishing a programme so devoid of compassion, Labour is promising more of the same and threatening to wipe almost a billion pounds from the Welsh economy in the process.

“This is no time for ambition is half measures. It was Labour’s own Aneurin Bevan who said that people who stand in the middle of the road get run over. The challenges are too great, and the stakes are too high for a change of government to represent little more than a change of furniture in Downing Street.

“We in Plaid Cymru know that this is not as good as it gets for Wales. That is why we are offering real change at this election. Not nudge along Westminster’s sliding scale of austerity, but bold strides to bring about the economic, structural and social transformation required to build a fairer, more ambitious nation.”

death notices

I N M EM o RIAM : C AR o L A NN Jo HNS o N

WE remember Carol Ann Johnson, who passed away on June 29, 2019, at the age of 66. Cherished companion of David ‘Dai’ Trem, Carol’s memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Carol and David shared seven beautiful years together. Those precious moments and the joy they shared will forever be remembered. Her legacy of love and happiness continues to inspire all who knew her.

David ‘Dai’ Trem and friends, Lynn, and Steve and Olwyn, fondly remember Carol’s radiant spirit and the joy she brought to their lives.

In loving memory, forever in our hearts. Xxxx.

Sy LVIA M ARGARE t M At HIAS

MATHIAS Sylvia

Margaret Passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on 6th June. She leaves to mourn Glyn her husband and a grown up family. The funeral service will held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, SA67 8UD on 28th June at 11.30am. Family flowers only but donations to Latch Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity via John Roberts & Son, 51 Bush St, Pembroke Dock SA72 6AN

M ICHAEL H ENRy (M IKE ) J ENKINS

JENKINS Michael Henry (Mike) Haverfordwest. Passed away peacefully at his home after short illness on Thursday, the 20th of June 2024 aged 89 years. Beloved husband of the late Gwen Jenkins and devoted father to the late Ian (Chipo) and the late Andrew. Mike was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral

service Wednesday 3rd July 2024, 1.45pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Mike can be made to RNLI or Paul Sartori Foundation and will be kindly received by Mr. Nigel John, 44 Heritage Gate, Haverfordwest. SA61 2RF Enquiries to W.G Bernard Mathias Funeral Directors, St. Davids 01437 720537

C HERy L A NNE H u GHES

HUGHES Cheryl Anne Spittal The death occurred peacefully at her home on Saturday 22nd June of Mrs. Cheryl Anne Hughes of The Close, Spittal. Devoted wife of Jeff and much loved mother to Darren, Cheryl will fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. The funeral service will take place on Monday 8th July at 11.30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. No flowers by request, donations in lieu if desired for the Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent direct to Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest,

SA61 1RP. Alternatively, donations can be made online at https:// paulsartori.org/how-todonate/ All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

Ru PER t Guy B a RR ett

BARRETT Rupert Guy June 1962 June 2024 Rupert died peacefully in Majorca on the 13th June after a difficult few months of ill health Leaving his adored partner, Helen. Beloved son of Pamela and Grahame. Brother of the late Andrew and Matthew. Father of Chloe

G E o RGE E DWARDS

EDWARDS George Stop & Call, Goodwick Peacefully on Sunday 16th June at Withybush Hospital, George of Stop & Call, Goodwick. Beloved brother of Dyfrig, Hazel, Eifion, Elfair and the late Evelyn, a much loved uncle, great uncle and great great uncle. Funeral service on Wednesday 10th July at Harmony Chapel,

Pencaer at 2pm. You are invited to wear orange or blue clothing, at George’s request. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

DAVID (DAVE ) E DWARDS

EDWARDS David “Dave”

Unexpected death of David Edwards of The Ridges, Redberth, Tenby (Dave) on 12 June 2024 is announced. Funeral to take place at Narberth Crematorium on Thursday 4 July at 2.30pm and afterwards at Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay.

Jo HN D EV o NALD

DEVONALD John

Letterston Suddenly on Saturday 8th June at Withybush Hospital, John of St David’s Road, Letterston. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. Funeral service on Tuesday 9th July at

Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 12:15pm. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250

aL an G E o FFRE y Coo K

COOK Alan Geoffrey Milford Haven The death occurred peacefully at his home on Saturday 22nd June 2024 of former Milford Haven Solicitor, Mr. Alan Geoffrey Cook, aged 95 years of Hayston Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven. Devoted husband of Pamela and much loved father to Ann, Lynette, Rosemary, Susan, Ben & Lucy and an adored grandfather and great grandfather. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 9th July at 11am at St. Ishmaels Parish Church, St. Ishmaels. Family flowers only. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

SEND youR LEttERS to:

tHE EDItoR, 11 HAMILtoN tERRACE, MILFoRD HAVEN, PEMBRoKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL uS At: editor@herald.email

S & no TI ce S

RELIANCE oF ELECtRICIty FRoM oVERSEAS

ACCORDING to gridwatch.co.uk, at 3:20 PM on Sunday, June 23, Great Britain relied on interconnector imports for 27% of its electricity. Specifically, this included imports from France (13%), Norway (5%), the Netherlands (3%), Belgium (3%), and Denmark (3%). This figure is concerning, considering it was a weekend with lower demand than weekdays. If we need to import over a quarter of our electricity on a quiet summer day, what will happen in a cold winter when our suppliers prioritize their home markets?

inland wind turbines (820 feet high). Such large projects are automatically approved by the Senedd, making it impossible to halt this land destruction. Wales can never reach net zero, nor can any developed nation, because wind doesn’t always blow at the right speeds, and the sun doesn’t shine at night or in poor weather. Existing renewables always require 100% near-instant backup from conventional, cheaper sources. In 20 years, the Welsh government’s legacy will be thousands of rotting, unrecyclable turbines on 2,000-tonne concrete blocks, dotting the landscape like giant scarecrows. Companies profiting from these turbines will eventually sell the sites to untraceable overseas entities.

One hopes England’s countryside does not suffer the same fate as Wales’. Keir Starmer is proud of Labour’s record in Wales, but if his goal is to replicate our nation, not only will the land be despoiled, but all socio-economic factors will continue to decline in comparison to other developed nations.

Terry Breverton

uNPRINCIPLED toRy VotERS

I remember the Conservative hatred of Labour’s ‘Universal’ NHS system, in 1947, financed wholly by Taxation, for the health of every UK citizen.

It began with the privatisation of staffing arrangements of overtime, etc , where it created deep resentment in NHS staff, because of great inequality, doled out by privatised firms, feeding like blood-suckers on the body of the NHS. But the pattern and corruption has expanded with successive Conservative Health Ministers, where large portions of Taxes nominated for the nation’s health, immediately are syphoned to private wealthy individual CEO’s, so that Frank Hester can donate £15 million to the Conservative Party, out of gratitude.

were rewarded by a UK Conservative Government with the Great Depression and soup kitchens, in a ‘Classdominated Society’, based on privilege of birth and opulence, with no ethical principles.

Britain today is still the only country on the planet, where 91 hereditary aristocrats, as in the 12th century, still play a role in the government of our country, because only the Conservative Party still opposes full democratic rule, for which Chartists were willing to sacrifice life and liberty, in Newport in 1839.

Ignorant Populism and dishonesty of the several forms of Media might explain the triumph of Boris Johnson’s Brexit and self-serving ‘Sovereignty’, whereby Britain aims to renege and reject those international judicial agreements we had previously signed, as with the United Nations, hoping to extend civilised values to every country.

That has been Conservatism for 200 years, a complete absence of any Ethical Principles, especially if we fancied that they did not suit us.

le

A mere 3% of our electricity came from wind farms. Another 8% came from biomass, primarily from the Drax power station, which imports wooden pellets from the destruction of American forests. On Monday, June 24, at 10 AM, we saw a similar pattern: interconnector imports from the Continent were at 24%, wind provided just 7%, and solar farms 15%. Without electricity from cheap gas (26%), nuclear (16%), and “ungreen biomass” (7%), we would face massive power cuts.

There are plans to cover a quarter of Wales with the world’s highest

Wales has cut down 2.9 million trees for just four wind farms in Carmarthenshire. It is difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain the true loss of trees and peat elsewhere. None of Wales’ ruling Labour politicians, nor the Green Party, the LibDems, or Ed Miliband, seem to understand basic economics or numeracy.

Unlike Wales, England has had a moratorium on inland wind farms since 2015. However, Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of Energy Security and Net Zero since 2021, remains a proponent of these costly machines.

Tories were defeated in their preference for an Insurance system, based on personal subscriptions.

For that reason, Conservative Governments have been destroying the Universal NHS model for 70 years, by privatising more and more sections, where taxation millions are allocated to the NHS, but are immediately diverted away from the nation’s health care, to become the shares, bonuses, profits, expenses, dividends, all paid to corporation shareholders who have no interest whatever in the Nation’s health. Their Tory lives have an opposite, self-centred motivation.

Even when Conservative Governments choose to direct millions of general taxation to the NHS, only a proportion of that goes to any medical benefit. Tory politicians have an obvious loyalty to corruption, as with money paid to Bank Directors. Unprincipled Tory voters, over generations, have been cheated by the politicians they select, the consequence of living without Ethical standards.

N Westerman

tHEy ARE

‘uNDECIDED’

I was born British in the1920’s, when the heroes of WWI

By the most astonishing double standards, the grossly immoral standards of present Conservatism, waging war on Trade Union citizens and the third baby of British families alike, were temporarily opposed by the very undemocratic privilege of the House of Lords, which past Conservatives had enshrined.

History must have a sense of humour, far above the appreciation of recent millions who voted for Brexit, because their bigoted prejudice prevents them cooperating with other nations, which was the honourable lesson of WWII, to achieve victory and world peace.

British Conservative voters have learned nothing but anger from their gross corruption of our nation.

They are ‘undecided’ if human society should now try Honesty.

Name and address supplied

PIc Ture oF THe week!

By Jonny Hirons

ServIceS CARAVANS

CAR PARtS

CAMERAS & PHotoGRAPHy

CLEARANCES

ELECtRICAL

HAIRDRESSING

FENCING, DRIVEWAyS AND LANDSCAPING FABRICAtIoN

RECLAIMED BuILDING MAtERIAL

RuBBISH AND WAStE REMoVAL PRoFESSIoNAL CAR WASH

SHuttERS & BLINDS StoRAGE tANKS

TSP or

England need to improve

gARETH SOUTHgATE has spoken about the pressure he and his players are under after a lacklustre goalless draw with Slovenia in Cologne.

Despite the result ensuring England topped their group with five points from three games, the Three Lions manager is puzzled by the level of scrutiny he is receiving, especially after being booed by sections of the fans.

Southgate acknowledges that he is managing in “an unusual environment” with England fans growing increasingly frustrated, despite the team qualifying and finishing top of Group C at Euro 2024. The team reached the last 16 in an uninspiring manner, struggling to a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.

England’s high-profile attacking players have underperformed in Germany so far, drawing criticism. Southgate believes that most of the negativity is directed at him rather than the players. While he is content to deflect pressure away from the squad, he feels the criticism is unwarranted.

“I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them,” he said in his post-match press conference. “But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it, but I’m very proud of the

players for how they’re operating within it.”

The Three Lions boss remained largely positive in his assessment of the match and was pleased with his side’s defensive performance. “I thought we were much improved with the ball,” he told ITV Sport. “We’ve created some good openings. At the moment, it’s hard work for us. We’re not quite getting that break in front of goal. I thought the boys that came on had a really good impact on the game and we’ve had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which has meant we end up topping the group. So, I understand some reactions, but it’s a strange environment we’re playing in.”

Southgate was particularly pleased with the impact of his substitutes. Kobbie Mainoo came on at half-time for Conor Gallagher, who had started in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer were introduced as the game progressed, with both involved in England’s best move of the night, although Palmer ultimately scuffed his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Southgate praised Palmer’s display, saying: “He did [bring something different]. [He was] very good. He finds space well, he’s got lovely techniques, he’s calm and you actually really fancied him when he got that chance at the end. They’re obviously really young players, so we’re balancing blooding them in a difficult environment,

but they had a really good impact when they came on and they used the ball really well for us.”

Southgate highlighted several positives, despite the challenges faced coming into the tournament. “So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues coming into the tournament. The likes of Marc Guehi and the way the defence have played has been a huge positive and something to build on. Today, we looked more dangerous, we had a good impact from our subs. We’ve just got to now convert our chances.”

Finishing first in the group offers several advantages for England. Depending on the outcomes of other groups, they might face the Netherlands in the last 16. However, they will be on the opposite side of the draw to Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal. Southgate, though, insists he is not concerned about the potential matchups. “It’s irrelevant. We’ve got to play well, and whoever we play, it’s going to be a really tough game. We shouldn’t be seduced by which half of the draw. We have to take a step at a time. Tonight was an improvement. We’ve got to improve to win in the next round, clearly. But we have topped the group, and that was the objective at the start.”

Neyland dominate Carew in crucial clash

THE first division once again delivered quality cricket and plenty of talking points, with the weather thankfully staying out of the equation.

Table leaders Neyland faced second-placed Carew in a crucial topof-the-table clash. Meanwhile, struggling Haverfordwest took on third-placed Cresselly in a match that both teams desperately needed to win for different reasons.

Neyland 193/7 beat Carew 95 all out

Starting at the top, reigning champions Neyland played Carew, with the Rooks knowing a win could significantly impact the table standings. However, Neyland had other plans. Carew won the toss and chose to bowl first, possibly influenced by Friday’s weather, which

might have made the pitch tricky. Neyland, however, put in a solid team effort to reach 193/7, a commendable total after being asked to bat first. Dai Davies made a gritty 23 from 76 balls, while McDermott-Jenkins (23), Webster (29), and Sean Hannon, who finished unbeaten on 50 from 53 balls, contributed significantly to Neyland’s score. All-rounder Jon Rogers took 2-36 from his 9 overs, and Rhys Davies bowled brilliantly, ending with 2-17 from 9 overs, including 4 maidens. Carew began their chase, but despite Gareth Lewis scoring 32 and Rogers adding 20, they were dominated by Neyland’s attack and were bowled out for 95.

Veteran Andrew Miller was the standout, taking 5-17 in a brilliant spell. Tom Pritchard also picked up three wickets, though he was more expensive, conceding almost seven

runs an over. This emphatic win for Neyland sends a strong message to the rest of the league that they will be tough to beat this year.

Cresselly 274/7 beat Haverfordwest 224/8

Like Carew, Haverfordwest won the toss and chose to bowl first against Cresselly. However, Cresselly were unperturbed, scoring a massive 274/7, thanks largely to a brilliant century from opener Phil Williams, who scored 109 from 123 balls. He was well-supported by number 3, Charlie Arthur, who added 71, including four sixes. Alex Bayley contributed a useful 39, ensuring his team set a challenging total for Haverfordwest to chase.

Mikey Jones continued his good form, scoring 42 while opening

for Haverfordwest. Unfortunately, both Field brothers fell for golden ducks. Jake Merry batted well, making 80 from 110 balls, while skipper Phillips (27) and Perera (23) added useful runs. Despite their efforts, they fell 50 runs short, ending on 224/8. It was a commendable effort from Phillips’ team, and it should give them confidence in the coming weeks.

Saundersfoot 271/3 beat Llangwm 133 all out

A fantastic century from Tom Mansfield led Saundersfoot to a big win over Llangwm. His 114 helped Saundersfoot to a huge first innings total, supported by Caine (41) and Cope (53*) in a strong all-round batting performance. Ollie Davies took two wickets but conceded 70 runs in his

spell, making it a tough afternoon for Llangwm’s bowlers.

The afternoon didn’t improve much for Llangwm. Matthew Kiff (44) and Davies (18) showed some resistance, but Llangwm were dismissed for 133. Tom Mansbridge impressed with the ball, taking 4-42, while Sam Franklin took 3-36. The win moves Saundersfoot into fifth place, while Llangwm remain second from bottom.

Lawrenny 90/3 beat St Ishmaels 89 all out

It was a day to forget for St Ishmaels, as they were dismissed for just 89, with Ryan Morton dismantling their batting order with a superb spell of 7-27. Jon Pawlett made 50 of the 89, finding batting easier than his teammates but lacking real support.

Lawrenny chased the target comfortably, losing just three wickets, with Harry Thomas scoring 51. Steve Williams impressed once again with the ball, taking 3-20.

Whitland 114/4 beat Narberth 111 all out

Narberth batted first in this match and managed only 111. Cian Rees and Geraint Jones each took three wickets in a crucial win for Whitland. Jordan Howell battled hard, reaching 41, while Ben Hughes also dug in for 31, but 111 was never likely to be enough.

Kevin Pearce and Geraint Jones ensured their team crossed the finish line, putting Whitland 11 points ahead of Narberth in the table and creating a gap between themselves and the relegation zone, currently occupied by Llangwm and Haverfordwest.

Johnston fall short against Burton despite strong start to season

Johnston have enjoyed a strong start to the season and were pleased with their results so far.

However, Saturday’s match presented their toughest challenge yet as they faced top-of-thetable Burton. Their task

was made more difficult by a shortage of available players, resulting in them playing with just ten men. Of all the teams to face with a player deficit, Burton would have been the last on their list.

Toby Hayman and Kiff, who have been

outstanding this season, were again among the runs, scoring 35 and 25 respectively. While these scores are relatively low by their high standards, Johnston would have been content to see both dismissed for under 50. However, this brought

Jonathan Venables to the crease, who took over the run-scoring mantle from the openers with a brilliant 118. He was well supported by all-rounder Jack Davies, who made 66. Despite Johnston’s persistent effort, they struggled as Burton

posted an imposing 273 for 4.

In response, Lee Summons led the way as usual with a typically classy 52. Unfortunately, the rest of the batting lineup failed to make an impact, and they were bowled out for just 122.

Morgan Scale, fresh from his interview with us, took a brilliant 5-22 with his spin. It was another excellent win for Hayman’s men, while Johnston will look to put this defeat behind them and bounce back next week.

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire league Table

RESuLtS 22/06/2024

Carew (95) lost to Neyland (193-7) by 98 runs

Cresselly (274-7) beat Haverfordwest (224-8) by 50 runs

Lawrenny (90-3) beat St Ishmaels (89) by 7 wkts

Saundersfoot (271-3) beat Llangwm (133) by 138 runs

Whitland (114-4) beat Narberth (111) by 6 wkts

Burton (273-4) beat Johnston (122) by 151 runs

Herbrandston (110-1) beat Lamphey (109-9) by 9 wkts

Hook (203) lost to Carew II (206-3) by 7 wkts

Llechryd (173-7) lost to Pembroke (174-1) by 9 wkts

Pembroke Dock (152) beat Llanrhian (93) by 59 runs

Haverfordwest II (151-6) lost to Kilgetty (152-7) by 3 wkts

Narberth II (74) lost to Burton II (225-6) by 151 runs

Neyland II (86-2) beat Hook II (85) by 8 wkts

St Ishmaels II (74) lost to Cresselly II (76-2) by 8 wkts

Stackpole (170-2) beat Fishguard (169-6) by 8 wkts

Carew III (155-6) beat Laugharne (154-6) by 4 wkts

Hundleton (328-5) beat Pembroke Dock II (112) by 216 runs

Llangwm II (242-3) beat Llechryd II (85) by 157 runs

Llanrhian II (131-6) lost to Lawrenny II (197-7) by 66 runs

Pembroke II (212-6) beat Saundersfoot II (152) by 60 runs

Crymych (231-5) beat Herbrandston II (119-9) by 112 runs

Haverfordwest III (107-1) beat Stackpole II (106) by 9 wkts

Laugharne II (103) lost to Cresselly III (104-4) by 6 wkts

Neyland III (48) beat Whitland II (49-3) by 7 wkts

Kilgetty II (123) tied with Hundleton II (123-8)

Lamphey II (186-3) lost to Pembroke III (187-1) by 9 wkts

Whitland III (47) lost to Haverfordwest IV (48-1) by 9 wkts

FIXtuRES 29/06/2024

Haverfordwest IV v Kilgetty II

Lamphey II v Llechryd III

Whitland III v Hundleton II

Herbrandston II v Cresselly III

Laugharne II v Haverfordwest III

Stackpole II v Neyland III

Carew III v Pembroke II

Hundleton v Llechryd II

Lawrenny II v Laugharne

Llanrhian II v Saundersfoot II

Pembroke Dock II v Llangwm II

Herbrandston II v Cresselly III

Laugharne II v Haverfordwest III

Stackpole II v Neyland III

Haverfordwest IV v Kilgetty II

Lamphey II v Llechryd III

Whitland III v Hundleton II

Neyland dominate Carew in crucial clash