The Pembrokeshire Herald 12/04/2024

Former mayor accused of making child abuse images

FORMER Pembroke

Dock mayor Terry Judkins has appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with making 52 Category A images of a child.

The 55-year-old is accused of making the indecent images between September 27, 2018 and August 5, 2021 at an undisclosed location in Pembrokeshire.

Mechanic lands four-figure fine

His solicitor informed magistrates that the ‘unsolicited images’ were found on Judkins’ device, however the defendant was unaware of their presence.

Following a request from the Crown Prosecution, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the case and the matter was sent to Swansea Crown Court where proceedings against Judkins will resume on May 10. He was released on unconditional bail.

Judkins, of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, is further charged with making two category C images between the same dates, and of possessing a prohibited image of a child. He is further charged with possessing eight extreme pornographic images of a person performing an act of intercourse with a live or dead animal between January 1, 2010 and August 5, 2021. Judkins appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this morning, Tuesday, April 9. No pleas were submitted to the offences.

Police in appeal for information following attempted robbery

DYFED POWYSPOLICE is investigating an attempted robbery which occurred in the Withybush Retail Park/ Stepney Terrace area of Haverfordwest at approximately 3.20pm on Saturday, 16 March 2024.

The victim, a 24-year-old man, was walking through the underpass when three teenagers wearing black or dark coloured clothes allegedly demanded his mobile phone. He did not sustain any injuries.

Two boys, aged 15 and 14, and one girl, aged 14, were arrested on suspicion of robbery on 16 March in relation to the incident, and have since been released on police bail.

A COURT has heard how a police officer was headbutted outside the Quins Rugby Club in Pembroke Dock by a man described as being ‘extremely hostile and aggressive’.

Offices were called to the premises on March 24 following reports from members of the public who had became concerned at the behaviour of Brodie Boswell.

“He was extremely hostile and aggressive from the start,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He said he would assault anyone who tried to stop him from going into the rugby club, but he was clearly under the influence of alcohol, slurring his words and being unsteady on his feet.”

Ms Jackson said that Boswell was told repeatedly by family members, as well as his friends, to leave the premises.

and headbutted him to the top of his head, causing initial pain.”

A victim statement was read out to the court, prepared by PC Smith.

“All too often police officers are subjected to assaults and threats,” he said. “But it’s never acceptable to assume that assaults on police officers or police staff should be tolerated.”

Boswell, of Colley Court, Monkton, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place and to assaulting an emergency worker by beating.

He was represented in court by Fenn Richards.

“Somebody else had been fighting at the event, but the officers walked towards [the defendant], assuming that he had been the person involved,” she said. “He became very stressed and startled, as he was the person who had first been assaulted. But this is not an excuse for what happened.”

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

Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact DC 1134 Charman online https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk or by calling 101.

Quote reference: 24*260096

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

Quote Ref: 24*260096

“But he remained there,” she continued. “When he was approached by PC Smith, the defendant assaulted him by pushing him to the chest. And when he was placed in handcuffs the defendant lunged towards [the officer]

Ms Richards added that Boswell is employed as a mechanical fitter at an oil refinery in Grimsby, He was fined £800 and ordered to pay £50 compensation to PC Smith. He must also pay a £320 court surcharge and £85 costs.

A bridge too far?

• Claimed maintenance savings illusory

• Council never spent a penny maintaining bridge

PEMBROKESHIRE

County Council did not estimate maintenance costs for or commit to maintaining the existing pedestrian footbridge over the Western Cleddau.

The Council acquired the existing footbridge from the previous owners of the Riverside Shopping Centre in Haverfordwest in 2020.

MAINTENANCE AND MISDIRECTION

Last week, an extraordinary cabinet meeting approved a controversial plan that includes replacing the footbridge.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Alec Cormack, claimed building the new bridge would save the local authority £14,000 per year in maintenance costs.

That is an impressive sum.

Or it would be if the Council ever intended to spend £14,000 maintaining the existing footbridge.

Following the Cabinet meeting, we sought clarification about those maintenance costs and how they were calculated.

We can now confirm that when the Council completed its purchase of the Riverside Shopping Centre, it knew the existing footbridge needed replacement.

That was never discussed in the public

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

sections of cabinet meetings or in the public documents when the decision was reached. The commercial confidentiality attached to the purchase decision meant that documents dealing with that aspect of the purchase were not made public. That is not unusual or exceptional. However, that position was not in the public domain when the Cabinet approved the Riverside purchase.

It follows from the above that the truth is that saving £14,000 a year is only realistic if the Council were to maintain the current bridge for the rest of its useful life.

It never intended to do so. Logically, therefore, any savings are notional and not actual.

As maintenance costs increase the longer a capital asset goes without maintenance, any future maintenance costs would be higher than might otherwise be the case.

For example, suppose you own a car, and its maintenance bill is £400 a year. If you don’t maintain the car, the eventual cost of repairing any damage will likely be much higher than otherwise. You might end up writing off the car and being forced to buy a new one.

The answers to our questions reveal that since the Council bought

the Riverside Shopping Centre in 2020, it has spent nothing on maintaining the existing footbridge.

A Council spokesperson confirmed: “In May 2021, the Cabinet resolved that an application for the Levelling Up Fund be approved for submission to the UK Government for consideration, which included the proposal for the new bridge.

“In November 2021, we were notified that the Authority had successfully secured LUF funding.

“As a result –given that the existing Bridge was going to be replaced, and in line with the wider vision for the town centre, no maintenance work has been carried out – because the existing Bridge is due to be replaced.

Since Alec Cormack only became a councillor in 2022, it follows that if officers briefed him that maintenance costs would be “saved”, he was either misled or misinformed. That ship had sailed by the time he became Cabinet Member for Finance in May 2022.

REPLACEMENT

BRIDGE FULFILS

A DIFFERENT PURPOSE

The Herald understands that a likefor-like replacement footbridge would cost around £200,000.

Whether that cost

represents an accurate estimate - and it seems low - there is a striking difference between the costs of replacing like-for-like and the ambitious and vastly more expensive project to which the Council is now committed.

In fairness, the replacement bridge is one part of a much wider enhancement that ties in with the Council’s Welsh and UK Government-backed plans to regenerate Haverfordwest Town Centre.

In addition, although the Westminster Government’s Levelling Up Fund was widely trailed as spreading economic benefits across the UK, a major part of that “Levelling Up” is focussed on projects to improve public spaces. As a slogan, therefore, “Levelling Up” suggests more direct intervention in local economies than the schemes it supports.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council told us: “In 2021, an estimated quote for repair works for the existing bridge was obtained from a specialist painting company, albeit that was an estimate and did not include cost for a number of items, and was based on a number of assumptions.

“The estimate was obtained in the context of the shopping centre purchase, not about preserving the existing bridge. Separate thinking

went into enhancement and improvement, culminating in the successful LUF bid.

“Notwithstanding, it is noted that, in theory, maintenance work might provide 5-10 years elongated service life.

“The proposed Bridge will have 120 years’ service life. The specification for the new bridge includes the use of a Fluoropolymer paint system on the steelwork, which provides a 60-year coating life as opposed to the shorter service life referenced above.”

Councillor Aled Thomas, the Conservative Group spokesman for Finance, told The Herald: “This project is yet another example of this poorlyled administration playing fast and loose with the public purse.

“It’s about time the leader was honest with the public about this project’s long-term maintenance and interest costs and issued an apology for seemingly misleading the public by saying repairing the existing bridge would cost more than this ‘Instagramable’ nightmare.

“It’s evident that in recent years PCC have totally forgotten that the

point of local government is to deliver good basic services, and that needs to change at the May Annual General Meeting before our finances spin further out of control at the expense of the taxpayer.”

LACK OF CLARITY PLAGUES COUNCIL

If the Council had been clearer earlier about the need to replace the existing footbridge - for example, by presenting a clear figure for a like-forlike replacement—and the scope and intent of

the Levelling Up Fund application, it might not have been plagued by controversy about the issue since.

Instead, the affair has become muddled with the benighted Haverfordwest Transport Interchange Project, which the Welsh Government funds.

Despite their separate funding streams, the Council could have been much clearer that the multi-million-pound projects were integrated and designed to deliver its regeneration aims.

Instead, officers

and Cabinet members have been wrongfooted by poor information provided to the public and councillors.

The Council blundered into a row over the cost of the Transport Interchange, failed to learn lessons from that experience, and has blundered into another avoidable case of foot-inmouth.

Predicting savings predicated on spending money you never intended to spend is just the latest example of that phenomenon.

Motorist found on cocaine derivative

A COURT has heard how police officers followed a motorist into the Vincent Davies car park, Haverfordwest where he was found to be driving under the influence of the cocaine derivative, Benzoylecgonine.

Jamie Davies, 31, was seen driving his silver Toyota Yaris along the A40 on the afternoon of October 14, 2023.

Officers carried out a roadside drugs swipe which proved positive

and Davies was taken to a police custody suite where further blood tests were carried out. These showed he had 64 ug/L of the cocaine derivative in his system. The prescribed legal limit is 50.

Davies, of Mill Bank Close, Farnham, pleaded guilty to the charge. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £32 surcharge and £85 costs.

Motorist ordered off the road

MERLINS Bridge motorist Claire Evans has been ordered off the roads for 12 months after admitting driving a white Fiat Panda while she was over the legal drugdrive limit.

Police stopped the 26-year-old just before 4pm on October 20 as they observed her driving her vehicle along St Issels Avenue.

“When officers spoke to her, she admitted being a cannabis user who’d last used it the previous weekend,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive and Evans was taken to the police station for

further blood tests to be carried out. These gave a Tetrahydrocannabinol reading of 5.3; the legal limit is 2.

Ms Jackson informed magistrates that the tests also confirmed that methadone was present in her system at the time of the offence, however the reading was under the legal limit.

“There was no accident, and there were no aggravating features,” said her solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“This is a very vulnerable lady who uses cannabis as a coping mechanism.”

Evans was disqualified from driving for a total of 12 months. She was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.

Rusty condition of existing footbridge (Pic PCC)

Independent inquiry into child sex abuse commissioned

WE have reported on this story for years, but in a very significant development this week, Caldey Island Abbey has taken a decisive step by commissioning an independent review. It is to investigate allegations of historical child sex abuse. The announcement was made by Father Jan Rossey, the superior of the Abbey, underscoring a commitment to addressing historical concerns.

Leading the inquiry is Jan Pickles, a former assistant police and crime commissioner with South Wales Police. This move comes after persistent demands for a thorough examination of the allegations, particularly those voiced by Kevin O’Connell, who has been at the forefront of campaigning for justice since 2019. O’Connell, alongside other alleged victims, claims to have suffered abuse on Caldey,

a serene isle off Tenby’s coast in Pembrokeshire.

Kevin O’Connell expressed cautious optimism regarding the announcement, viewing it as a significant, albeit initial, step forward. His relentless advocacy

through the Caldey Island Survivors’ Campaign, which he established, has been instrumental in bringing these issues to light.

The inquiry also sees Maria Battle, the former deputy children’s commissioner for Wales, stepping in as the safeguarding lead. Battle stated that the inquiry

is currently in the phase of “awaiting outcomes,” with an emphasis on transparency and public disclosure of the findings. She relayed Father Jan’s hope to engage with all affected parties, reinforcing the Abbey’s openness to listening and learning from these experiences.

Herald report from

2018

Father Jan Rossey addressed the gravity of the allegations, acknowledging that Caldey Abbey has faced disclosures and allegations in the past regarding inappropriate behaviour of some monastic community members towards children. He affirmed

the Abbey’s unwavering dedication to creating and maintaining a safe environment for visitors, residents, and employees alike, through the implementation of robust safeguarding measures.

This inquiry follows a troubling backdrop, notably the case of Father Thaddeus Kotik. Kotik passed away in 1992 without facing charges, despite accusations of abusing children between 1977 and 1982. In March 2017, six of Kotik’s alleged victims received compensation from Caldey Abbey in an outof-court settlement, with more individuals coming forward since then.

The Abbey’s decision to embark on this independent review marks a pivotal moment in its history, reflecting a broader acknowledgment within institutions of the need to confront and rectify historical injustices.

Tom Sinclair

What happens to our food Waste

Landfi LL p o LL ution to e nergy s o L ution

Pembrokeshire has awoken to the disaster of human and animal sewage damaging our waterways. But what of our other waste streams?

Jamie Ashe reports

We arrived at our second recycling facility to a jollier vibe, more farmer biologist than James Bond. Stormy down anaerobic digestion (AD) plant near Bridgend is where all our food waste goes and some commercial waste. Lorries dump their load into a concrete pit about 7m X 10m with a second one in case the first needs maintenance. A tanker with liquid waste from a cheese factory arrived while we waited. A hydraulic ram pushed the waste to a conveyor and up it went and was dropped into a huge blender which chopped up the little bags of food waste we put in our caddies, and added liquid – water or wey from the tanker of dairy waste.

A centrifuge then spun the wet food waste, flinging it through holes on the sides. The plastic bags we line our bins with did not pass the holes, they were compressed removing moisture and then spat out into a pile. The bags would go off to the Cardiff energy to waste place down the road. So in fact it doesn’t matter if you use biodegradable or plastic bags for putting food waste in as it all gets burnt for energy.

Out of the sides of the centrifuge poured a gloopy chopped up food soup. We were taken round to see it flowing down the pipe, it was brown puke colour and you could see lumps in it. A couple of our group held their noses because of the smell. I slightly gagged at the ‘puke of wales’ flowing past. The building had overhead air extractors sending smelly air through a container of wood chip seeded with bacteria which broke down the smells, as a result there was no smell outside.

The gloupy soup was then pumped into huge tanks, each about the floor area of an olympic swimming pool and 17m high. Here it would undergo anaerobic digestion

and gas would collect in large domes above it. The domes would rise and fall depending on how much gas had collected.

There were 3 of these giant silos and gas could be pumped between them to equalize storage or one could be emptied in case of maintenance. Lightning had hit one producing a large flame but it could be isolated by closing valves so no gas from the other tanks caught fire.

After a final extraction chamber the gas was ‘scrubbed’ by spraying water which removed sulphur which could damage the gas engine. Engines in shipping containers burnt the gas powering a shaft to turn a generator. The energy output was 3 mW in total.

The by-product of the process is a liquid fertilizer pumped into 2 lagoons on an adjacent farm. A tenant farmer uses it to fertilize 4500 acres of land owned by the AD plant. He grows a variety of food crops but also a small area of maize to feed the AD plant if there is a shortage in food waste for a few days and maize also helps reduce the acidity of the food waste.

The AD reservoirs where essentially large stomachs and needed the right bacteria to digest the food. The manager told us that each huge ‘stomach’ had developed different taste and did well with different feedstock. One did really well when fed bread. These huge round silos with green domes on top suddenly appeared like sentient beings with personal preferences!

The site produces waste heat, enough to heat a housing estate via a district heating system. If it was in Germany or Sweden this would have happened but for some reason not in Britain. I suggested heated green houses growing tomatoes etc. Another idea was a large domed ‘world’ containing heated swimming pools and tropical plants. I often thought our Bluestone swimming pool, instead of being in the National Park and heated with good land used to growing miscanthus and willow should have been near Milford Haven power station which is sending all its waste heat into the Estuary.

But at stormy down AD plant as i stood around the pit of food waste

bags and breathed in the pungent air the saying “where there’s muck there’s money” came to mind. The constant output of 3000kw would be worth at least 13.6p per kwh which would be an income of £10,000 per day or £3.6million per year. On top of this would be the gate fees for collecting the waste which would be even more.

If Pembrokeshire residents could compost their own food waste it would save the council a lot of money in staff time, fuel costs and gate fees to get rid of it. A third of our council tax bill goes on recycling and environment. The more we compost at home the better, but food waste could create gas close to home if it it was easier for farmers to receive domestic waste. The cost and barriers to a licence make this impossible so instead it is driven all the way to Bridgend. Or it could simply be composted locally with heat and soil fertility for our use.

Not long ago food waste was just thrown in with all the rubbish which went to landfill causing rats and polluting leachate. The stormy down AD plant technology came from Germany they even have a guy called Wolfgang who comes over to tell them how to be more efficient. It was 2019 that Cris Tomos as cabinet member brought in our household separation system, placing Pembrokeshire as the lead recycling county in Wales and Wales became second best in Europe.

There is great scope for export of AD and waste to energy technology and expertise and general waste management systems around the world. Just as the technology matures and becomes available we are seeing massive species loss and climate change catastrophes gathering pace. It feels like we are in a last minute effort to save the planet from destruction.

I feel privileged to live through these times and see recycling really take off in Wales. As the place where the industrial revolution started it feels right that it is the place which leads the way in tackling the huge global environmental problems that industrialisation has caused.

Unite members to fight job losses and blast furnace closure

AROUND 1,500 Tata steelworkers based in Port Talbot and Newport Llanwern have voted decisively for industrial action over the company’s plan to close its blast furnaces and shed 2,800 jobs.

It is the first time in over 40 years that Port Talbot steelworkers have gone on strike.

The ballot for strike action by members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, closed today with workers voting in favour of industrial action over Tata’s ‘disastrous’ plans. This was despite Tata threatening the workers with the loss of enhanced redundancy pay if they did.

Unite said Tata has other choices after the union secured a commitment from Labour that it will invest £3 billion in UK steel, compared to the £500 million pledged by the current government.

Convicted shoplifter given final chance

A CONVICTED shoplifter who refused to attend probation appointments following a community order has been given one final chance by magistrates.

Scott Cowdrey, 30, appeared beforeHaverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning via a video link from Swansea prison, after being remanded in custody following his arrest by officers earlier in the week, Probation officer Julie Norman informed the court that Cowdrey had failed to attend an appointment at the probation office as well as an additional appointment to carry out unpaid work.

“The community order was imposed in December 2023 and will last for 12 months for an offence of shoplifting,,” explained probation officer Julie Norman. “But on both occasions he failed to attend.”

Meanwhile his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, said his client is eager to resume his appointments with the probation service “If he’s given another opportunity, he will attend,” he said. “He hasn’t been helping probation, but he understands that he’s very lucky to have another opportunity. Probation are still prepared to work with him and they haven’t given up on him. As a result, he’s prepared to work with them.” Magistrates agreed to allow the community order to continue but have also ordered him to carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was ordered to pay £60 costs.

“I urge you strongly to engage with the probation service, because they can help you,” commented the presiding magistrates when imposing sentence.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an historic vote. Not since the 1980s have steel workers voted to strike in this way. This yes vote has happened despite Tata’s threats that if workers took strike action, enhanced redundancy packages would be withdrawn. Unite will be at the forefront of the fight to save steelmaking in Wales. We will support steel by all and every means.

“Other EU countries are transitioning their steel industries while retaining and growing their capacity because they know steel has a bright future – a tenfold increase in demand is predicted in the coming years. In the UK, Tata’s plans and those of the government reflect the short-term thinking of a clappedout disinterested government marking time to a general election.

“In contrast Labour have done the right thing and committed £3 billion to UK steel following intense discussions with Unite.

“The average age of a Unite Port Talbot worker is 36. Workers and the communities of Port Talbot and Llanwern are looking to the years ahead. They know that

with the right choices steelmaking capacity and jobs can be kept and the benefits of growing the industry grasped.

“In the crucial weeks to come, Tata’s workers and Unite will put up picket lines to prevent the company from taking this disastrous path.”

At the Tata plant in the Netherlands, the blast furnaces are being kept open and jobs protected as the company builds an electric arc furnace and invests in hydrogen DRI technology. In Germany, a single plant produces more steel than the whole of the UK industry put together.

Dates for strike action scheduled to cause maximum impact will be announced soon.

Unite Wales regional secretary Peter Hughes said: “Tata has employed everything from bribes to threats to discourage our members from industrial action. They will not be intimidated into standing by while Tata attempts to carry out an act of devastating industrial vandalism against their jobs and communities, inflicting untold harm on the Welsh economy and the UK’s national interest.

“Our members have their union’s absolute support in striking to stop these cuts – Unite is backing them every step of the way.”

steelmaking capacity would make Britain an outlier on the G20, and would weaken national security in an increasingly uncertain world. That’s to say nothing of the devastation that would be wrought on communities built on steel in South Wales and beyond.

“Tata’s plan is bad for jobs, bad for the environment and bad for Britain. It’s unviable, undeliverable and unacceptable, and our members won’t be bullied or intimidated into accepting it.

Meanwhile steelworkers’ union Community has urged its members to take a stand in support of the steel industry as it launches its ballot for industrial action at Tata Steel UK today.

The union is balloting members in response to Tata’s bad deal for steel, a proposal which would remove the UK’s virgin steelmaking capacity and result in the loss of thousands of steel jobs. The bulk of the job losses would be at Port Talbot and Llanwern, with further losses at other Tata Steel sites across the UK.

Community has highlighted that Tata’s proposals for decarbonisation on the cheap would lead to the closure of Blast Furnace 4 at Port Talbot, the pausing of steel production for three years, the closure of Llanwern’s cold mill, and the building of an untested 3mt Electric Arc Furnace with no secured scrap supply.

Community Union General Secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Tata’s bad deal for steel would be a hammer blow for our steel industry. It would see vital skilled jobs lost, and dirty steel products imported from overseas. The loss of primary

“Industrial action is always a last resort for any worker, but our members know that we now have to fight to save our industry, and we must every tool at our disposal to apply pressure on Tata to change course. We are urging our members to vote ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’ for industrial action, and we urge the company to look again at our MultiUnion Plan – a credible alternative to Tata’s plan which safeguards primary steelmaking capacity and avoids compulsory redundancies.”

Community’s National Officer for Steel, Alun Davies, said: “Steelworkers now have a chance to be a part of history and to take a stand to protect our vital steel industry. No steel job is safe under Tata’s bad deal for steel, and it’s imperative that we all band together as one at this critical time.

“Future generations will ask what we did in when our jobs and communities were threatened by Tata’s and the Government’s dirty and damaging deal which leaves no steel job safe. We’ll be able to proudly answer them that we did not go gently into the night, that we stood up for our proud industry, and that we took action to forge a future for steel when it mattered most. That’s why we are asking our members to vote ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’ in the ballot which opens today.”

The ballot opens today, 11th April, and will run for a month.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

WG bought £4.25m farm without vital survey

FORMER Economy

Minister Vaughan

Gething did not have a wildlife survey when he decided to press ahead with the £4.25m purchase of a farm.

A Freedom of Information Act request published on the Welsh Government’s website did not directly answer whether the Welsh Government commissioned a wildlife survey relating to Gilestone Farm.

Instead, the response said the Welsh Government did not hold the requested information.

That is—at best— an equivocal answer. It could lead the casual reader to conclude that the Welsh Government once held such a vital document but no longer holds it.

Plans to lease the Farm, the purchase of which was heavily criticised in an Audit Wales report, foundered earlier this year when it emerged ospreys nested at the site.

The Welsh Government was criticised for “buying the most expensive bird’s nest in the world”.

The Herald sought clarification about the meaning of the Welsh Government’s response to the Freedom of Information request.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government told us: “Whilst no wildlife survey was carried out prior to purchase, the RSPB have confirmed no ospreys would have been

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

noted regardless, as they had not begun nesting at the site before summer 2023.”

The presence of ospreys before summer 2023 is neither here nor there.

When spending such a significant amount of public money, the Welsh Government could have and should have commissioned a wildlife survey to establish whether any protected species would be affected by the land’s planned end use.

Doing so should be vital before investing public money in a significant project, no matter how much it purportedly meets Labour’s broader “policy aims.”

Instead, the Welsh Government unthinkingly spent scarce resources without crucial information.

As purchases go, it’s like buying a house without a survey. You can do it, but you’d be a bloody fool if you did.

The Welsh Government cannot wriggle away from that point by claiming it did not know what use the land would be put to.

Those behind the Green Man Festival engaged with the Welsh Government for several years before the land’s purchase.

A company intended to take the lease of the site was incorporated

weeks BEFORE that purchase’s completion.

In a report published last year, Audit Wales criticised the conduct of the Welsh Government’s purchase of Gilestone Farm over the open market price.

The report and subsequent examination of the acquisition by a Senedd Committee revealed that the Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, ignored protocols regarding the Farm’s purchase and was either kept in the dark by Welsh Government civil servants or blind to the lack of a workable business plan and the reality of the Green Man Festival’s intentions for the land.

Audit Wales also ridiculed suggestions that there was no pressure to spend the money used to buy the Farm, which emerged from an underspend during the financial year. Instead, Audit Wales said the idea that the money had to be spent in short order or be lost was wrong and that undue haste was used to circumvent commercial considerations or an assessment of risk.

Without simple presale checks, the purchase looks even riskier and more rushed than Audit Wales identified.

The Welsh Government bought land with a tenant already planning to take over its running, even though the prospective tenant had neither a business plan nor a funding case

Dock duo sentenced for Aldi meat theft

A PEMBROKE

DOCK duo has appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being caught stealing meat totalling almost £150 from the town’s Aldi supermarket.

Joseph Valmont and Andrew O’Brien were arrested on April 6 after staff at Aldi observed them acting suspiciously.

meat into their trolleys before placing it into their bags. Aldi staff confirmed that the value of the meat amounted to a total of £144.97.

Ms Jackson informed magistrates that the offence was committed shortly after Valmont was given a 12-month conditional discharge by Llanelli magistrates for a similar offence of theft.

prepared.

The Green Man Festival was never going to relocate to Gilestone Farm. Instead, a company headed by one of the Festival’s organisers would have taken a tenancy and redeveloped it to accommodate training facilities.

The Welsh Government’s purchase followed several years of secret negotiations with the Green Man Festival’s operators.

The Festival gets subsidies directly from the Welsh Government and a host of other Welsh Government agencies and arm’s length bodies. However, it is also partly owned by a multi-millionpound ticketing agency.

Welsh Government civil servants – and ministers – met with the Festival organisers, planning to give it even more public money and subsidies to boost Labour’s rural policies and polish its green credentials.

However, Welsh Government civil servants and Labour ministers ignored issues about the land, including its situation on a large flood plain, environmental issues, and pre-existing rights over the land.

Under Mr Gething’s less-than-vigorous scrutiny, the Welsh Government paid way more than the asking price for land on the market at a much lower price for a protracted period without being sold.

“Staff noticed the two defendants pushing two trolleys around the store, and holding bags,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told the court.

“They were then seen leaving the store without paying for their groceries.”

The store manager followed Valmont and O’Brien, who both live in Pembroke Dock, into the store car park.

“He asked them to empty their bags, but Valmont started touching his pockets and began giving them verbal abuse, and swearing,” continued Ms Jackson.

“The manager didn’t feel he was getting anywhere, so he told them to go away and someone would be in touch with them.”

However CCTV footage, later retrieved by the manager, showed both defendants placing

“My client knows he’s been silly and until this incident, he’s been doing really, really well,” said Valmon’ts solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

Meanwhile Michael Kelleher, representing O’Brien, stressed that the offence had been committed as a spur of the moment decision,

“There was very little planning involved and it was done on the spur of the moment,” he said.

“He accepts equal responsibility for what happened, and has described it to me as sheer stupidity.”

Valmont was ordered to pay a total of £445.48 comprising £220 in fines, a £48 surcharge, £85 costs and £72.48 compensation to Aldi.

O’Brien was fined £120 in addition to a £48 surcharge, £85 costs and £72.48 compensation.

Two hospitalised following RTC on A477 near Llanddowror bypass

FOLLOWING a multi-vehicle collision on the A477 near the Llanddowror bypass, two individuals were transported to hospital by ambulance services on Sunday afternoon (Apr 7).

The incident led to considerable disruption, affecting the westbound

carriageway for around three hours.

Dyfed-Powys Police were alerted to the accident involving several vehicles shortly before 14:15 BST on the day. They reported that two persons required hospital treatment following the incident.

Police officers

remained on the scene to oversee the recovery of two vehicles and to ensure the thorough clearance of the road.

Traffic on the affected stretch of the A477 resumed normal flow shortly after 17:15 BST, once the road was declared clear and safe for travel.

Tenby RNLI Coxswain Phil John retires after 30 years of service

AFTER thirty years of dedicated service, a distinguished coxswain from a Pembrokeshire

Royal National Lifeboat Institution station is setting sail towards retirement.

Phil John, the esteemed Coxswain of the Tenby lifeboat, has formally announced his departure, set for May. John’s lineage boasts a strong connection to the RNLI; his father, Johnny, also served with distinction as a crew member. Embarking on his noble journey in 1994 as a volunteer, Phil dedicated sixteen years to volunteering before ascending to the role of a full-time coxswain in 2010, taking over the helm from Alan Thomas.

Throughout his tenure, Phil John’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have been

as a deputy coxswain for Tenby RNLI.”

pivotal in numerous lifesaving missions at sea.

A representative from Tenby Lifeboats RNLI took to Facebook to honour Phil’s remarkable career, stating, “Spanning over three decades, his tenure includes 14 years at the forefront as our full-time Coxswain. Phil’s brother, Rob, continues the family’s legacy, serving diligently

The news of his retirement has reverberated throughout the station, with both officials and volunteers extending their heartfelt gratitude for his substantial contributions. They collectively celebrate his distinguished service and extend their best wishes for his future endeavours.

Pic courtesy of Dave Bolton creative Images

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Second home owner says holiday let rules killed his business

A Pembrokeshire retiree, who has a seaside holiday let, says the introduction of the Welsh government 182-day rule for holiday lets has ‘killed’ his business, forcing him to rent it out full time instead.

Retired geologist Dr John Roobol, originally from Milford Haven, has been successfully letting The Anchorage, Sandy Haven for 16 years.

He now feels the combination of Pembrokeshire County Council increasing the second homes tax premium to 200 per cent, along with a change in Welsh government criteria where holiday lets must be filled for 182 days a year in order to qualify for business rates has “destroyed” his business.

Last April, the business rate level was moved from 70 to 182 days, which Dr Roobol says he’s never exceeded, meaning he would pay the treble council tax rate on his holiday let.

Referring to the first point, he said: “According to local estate agents many are now selling their holiday homes and the people leaving are saying they will not be back. What prosperity we know in Pembrokeshire is now threatened.”

On the 182-day rule, he added: “The huge

rates increase has destroyed my business. To survive I must now cease tourist letting and switch over to full-time long-term letting. This problem is being faced by others across Wales,” he said.

“It has been a pleasure to meet the excited families arriving after long drives to their much-awaited summer holidays. Many know little about Pembrokeshire so

I have written a book about it.”He added: “The trade had previously benefitted by having small business ratings making them exempt from paying council rates. Initially the requirement was to let for 70 days a year.

“On April 1, 2023 the Welsh Assembly raised this to 182 nights per year. This is not possible for most of us because of the long, dark, cold, wet and windy winter weather that we experience for

six months each year.

“I have never rented for more than 153 days per year, and choose not to bring tourist families here in winter. I have two properties here, one in which I lived and paid rates and the other to rent out as a small business, rates exempted.

“I will now switch to renting my “tourist” house to full-time family rent. This way I will be paying single rates on each property. This will lose ten tourist beds.”

A call to potentially lower the 182-day rate in Pembrokeshire was heard in December in a notice of motion submitted by Councillor Huw Murphy, who asked for a reduction to 140 days, saying: “In the current economic crisis PCC need to use every tool at its disposal in supporting these businesses to survive and thrive.”

The notice, heard at the county council’s Cabinet, was not supported, members

hearing from cabinet member for corporate finance Councillor Alec Cormack that the responsibility to justify the increase lay with Cardiff, with a distinct lack of data to make an informed decision at the moment.

Members agreed to review the situation after 12 months, and to write to the Welsh government raising concerns about the issue, as well as requesting information about how the change in days is working.

Tributes from family of Owen Lewis, who died in A40 collision

THE FAMILY of a man who sadly passed away following a road traffic collision in Carmarthenshire have said his “tragic and untimely death has been felt throughout the community.”

Owen Lewis, aged 36, was involved in a collision on the A40 near to Carmarthen Showground on Monday, April 1, 2024. His family has issued a statement to say: “Owen was a kind, polite and much loved

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son, brother, brother-inlaw, uncle, and friend, who was always happy to help anyone.

He enjoyed his daily work on the family farm and with the family’s agricultural contracting business.

Owen’s tragic and untimely death has been felt throughout the community.

He will be sadly missed, and will always be in our hearts.”

The investigation team continue to appeal for witnesses who may have information or dash cam.

If anyone may have been travelling along the A40 at around 4.45am on Monday, April 1, please contact us, quoting reference 24000302552.

Online https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Port of Milford Haven continues to invest

THE Port of Milford Haven is making a series of strategic investments to strengthen its position as the UK’s largest energy port and further expand its diversification across hospitality and tourism and renewable energy thanks to a £40m finance package from HSBC UK.

The Port, which is an independent trust port with no shareholders, is using the funds to

expand its world class pilotage capability through investment in a new world class pilot transfer vessel as well as in additional highly skilled staff and modernised assets and infrastructure.

Forming part of the Port’s longterm diversification strategy, the funds have also enabled the redevelopment of a

vacant retail unit which is now occupied by McDonald’s as well as the refinancing of Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel – a 100-bedroom hotel in Milford Haven operated by Celtic Collection. With around 100,000 visitors a year already visiting the cafes, restaurants and array of independent retailers, the new, awardwinning four-star hotel, is supporting the Port’s ambition to develop the town as a leading destination to live, visit,

play and enjoy.

At the Port’s Pembroke Port facility, the funding is being utilised to modernise the historic dockyard to attract developers of marine renewable technologies and their supply chains. The current ambition of 16.5GW of installed floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea with potential of up to 24GW by 2050 will require over 1,000 turbines to be built, deployed, operated

and maintained. With 10 new turbines a month needing to be built for the next 20 years, there is a huge opportunity to anchor the supply chain in Pembrokeshire and create productive, wellpaid jobs.

Across the business, the Port has also invested in a number of sustainability initiatives including expanding its electric van fleet and installing LED lighting, further driving the business to become

Net-Zero ahead of the Government’s target of 2050.

Jonathan Chitty, Chief Financial Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, commented: “It’s an exciting time for the business as we firm up growth plans for the future, all of which are creating and enabling well-paid jobs across the region. We’re really pleased that our investments in Milford Haven have already created over 180 jobs. As proud custodians of the Milford Haven Waterway, we’re investing to improve safety, resilience and sustainability, not just for our own business, but for the coastal communities we support and for our future generations.

“HSBC UK has been imperative in making this happen by understanding our business needs both now and into the future and working tirelessly to provide the optimum financing package for us.”

Simon Williams, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven play a very important role in the economic stability of the region, with the Waterway supporting over 5,000 jobs in Wales. It’s great to see the Trust Port’s diversification into renewables and leisure, creating even more jobs that support the local economy.”

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Big wheel plan met with both enthusiasm and skepticism

TENBY’S serene landscape may soon embrace a monumental addition, reminiscent of the Mumbles’ famed attraction. The proposition for a new Observation Wheel in Tenby, pitched by Henry Studt of Studt’s Events, the visionary behind the Mumbles Big Wheel, has caught the attention of the local council and community alike.

The proposed wheel stands at a striking height of 40 metres and is envisioned to illuminate the town with over 10,000 lights, boasting the capacity to carry 144 visitors across 24 cabins. This ambitious project aims not only to augment Tenby’s allure as a premier tourist destination but also to replicate the success seen in the Swansea resort.

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However, the proposal has been met with a blend of enthusiasm and skepticism by Tenby Town Council. During a council meeting last Tuesday, members expressed a keen interest in the idea but voiced concerns over the lack of detailed information provided in Studt’s initial proposal.

Town Clerk Andrew Davies relayed the council’s position, highlighting a cautious optimism towards the project. “Councillors were intrigued by the suggestion,” Davies commented, “but felt the proposal was too light on details to make an informed opinion.” The notion of transforming the historic resort into a ‘Disneyland’-esque attraction has sparked a debate on the balance between enhancing tourist appeal and preserving the town’s character.

The council has resolved to delve deeper into the discussion, accepting Studt’s invitation for a more

detailed meeting to explore the feasibility and potential impact of the Observation Wheel on Tenby’s landscape and heritage. As Tenby stands on the cusp of a potentially transformative development, the

coming discussions will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of this beloved seaside town.

Contractors sought for repair of rock fall hit section of coastal path

CONTRACTORS are being sought for the repair of parts of a popular Pembrokeshire coastal path, closed after being hit by a series of landslips, with hopes expressed it will reopen by the summer holidays.

The coast path between Wiseman’s Bridge and Coppet Hall/Saundersfoot, known as the Tramway, experienced ‘substantial rock falls’ late last year and in January.

The January major fall happened at the Coppet Hall end of this section of path, while the November landslides were closer toward the Wisemans Bridge end of the path.

having a huge impact on the businesses in Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall as well; I do hope grant-funding will be forthcoming, if not I do hope it can be added to the council’s capital programme.”

The tender exercise, Wisemans Bridge Cliff Failure Repair, at Sell2Wales (gov.wales), is open until April 9, detailing “Works for the reinstatement of the Coppet Hall/Wiseman’s Bridge active travel route/national cycle route4 pathway following two landslides within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park”.

The Tramway path is part of the Wales Coast Path and goes through three tunnels between Saundersfoot and Wiseman’s Bridge.

Any grants secured

At the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members head the cost of works was estimated at £600,000, with grant funding actively pursued, but, as-then unsecured: a Welsh Government Active Travel Grant of £300,000, National Parks Partnership £250,000, and SUSTRANS £50,000.

for the works on the Wisemans Bridge to Saundersfoot route will have the effect of reducing the council’s funding requirement, members were told.

“If we do not restore

the route, it could lead to process to permanently close this section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and a National Cycle Route,” members heard.

At the Cabinet

meeting, local county councillor Alec Cormack moved approval of the scheme, which was backed by fellow members, saying: “I do hope we can get this open by July, it’s

The safe, level footpath, accessible to all, is the busiest section of public right of way maintained by Pembrokeshire council, with more than 481,000 users recorded in 2021.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

‘Alien’ telecoms mast refused

PLANS for an “alien and incongruous” 20 metre telecoms tower within “one of the most splendid landscapes in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park” have been turned down by planners.

Applicants

Cornerstone – in a Prior Notification application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – sought to install a 20-metrehigh, timber-clad telecoms tower on land opposite the National Trust car park at Trehilyn West, Trefasser, near Goodwick, north Pembrokeshire.

The site is within the Pen Caer Registered Historic Landscape, located between the two Iron Age hill forts of Garn Fawr Camp and Garn Fechan Camp, both Scheduled Monuments, with two Grade II-listed buildings located within 200 metres of the site.

The tower would also be within view of what is known as John Piper’s cottages, where the influential 20th century artist, author and stained-glass designer stayed to paint the surrounding landscape.

In 2013 one of his paintings of Garn Fawr sold at auctioneers

Christie’s for in excess of £37,000.

A heritage statement on behalf of the applicants said the tower’s impact on the overall significance of the Registered Historic Landscape would be ‘slight’ and ‘minor,’ with no objection raised by Cadw.

However, the national park’s building conservation officer Rob Scourfield recommended the application for refusal stating: “The mast will have a significant impact on the setting of a number of listed buildings, chiefly Garnfawr and Studio Cottage both of which sit within one of the most splendid landscapes of the National Park.”

A report for park planners highlighted a lack of engagement over the proposal: “A significant number of objections have been received to the proposed siting and design of the mast, and whilst not relevant to the decisionmaking process, to the lack of engagement with the community council

and local residents.

“The applicants would be recommended to engage in a more meaningful way with local residents and community council to discuss potential alterative sitings for the provision of this mast.”

It added: “The proposed base station, monopole and antenna would occupy an elevated position close to both Garn Fawr and Garn Fechan.

“The remote landscape would mean that the structures would be clearly visible and would have an adverse impact upon the special qualities of the national park, nearby listed buildings and ancient monuments by introducing an alien and incongruous feature into the landscape.

“The addition of timber cladding may contribute to the harm in providing a structure which looks neither like a utilitarian piece of infrastructure, nor which there is any detail provided for how the timber cladding would be added, what timber would be used, whether it would be treated, and how it would be maintained.

MIKE EDWARDS

I BOW to nobody when it comes to a love for cricket.

When people talk about it in Pembrokeshire, one name comes to mind.

Melvin Helmet.

Melvin has been a mainstay of Martletwy United FC and Coedcanlas Cricket Club for over sixty years.

His exploits on the field have become the stuff of legend.

In his youth, an exciting forward who once scored seven goals against Landshipping in the prestigious Pisgah Cup, as time passed, Melvin became a canny midfielder whose ability to pick out opponents’ ankles and genitals with his studs made him respected and feared from Cresswell Quay to Jeffreyston.

“This has the potential to exacerbate the negative impact of the mast in this location.”

The scheme was refused on the grounds “it will appear as a prominent and discordant landscape feature within the PenCaer Landscape Character Area and is thus contrary [to policies].”

One of those raising concerns about the scheme before the application was refused was Llandruidion resident Jill Rowley, who said: “This mast will be visible for miles and is considered to be to the detriment of this iconic area.

“It is within a stone’s throw of the Piper Cottages the famous artist who painted the area.

“There has been no consultation with the local community council, there has been no notice posted in the area, which I understand is a legal requirement for all planning projects.

“No-one locally seems to have heard about it. This is a travesty for this iconic landmark.”

sandwiches, we shared many yarns about times gone by and his memories of some of the real characters he’s known.

“Back when I started playing, times were really tough. Young lads were leaving the village to work in the refineries and what-not. They’d get their heads turned by the bright lights of Hundleton and Maidenwells, and that’d be it. They’d never be seen again.

“It meant those left behind had to work twice as hard to make up. Laying all those mantraps and luring travellers to a hideous fate wasn’t easy, but we managed.

“When Barry Shin introduced tinned pork luncheon meat to the village, it greatly improved our diet.

He became synonymous with Coedcanlas Cricket Club, where he started playing junior cricket under the watchful eye of characters such as Billy Shin and the muchmissed Larry Anthrax.

Melvin, a bowler of skilful medium pace and a hard-hitting opening batsman, helped Coedcanlas CC become one of the most feared sides in local cricket. This was mostly because the team ensured fair play by travelling everywhere with loaded shotguns.

And who’s to say the game wasn’t the betterr for the threat of imminent death if a Coedcanlas batsman was the victim of a debatable bowledout decision?

Batting down the order these days, Melvin still takes a keen interest in the Coedcanlas side.

Last season, as we shared Coedcanlas’s traditional tea of spam and banana

“Despite that, I can’t help feeling the kids miss out on the smell of roasting “long pig” wafting on the breeze on a summer’s evening.”

And who was I to argue?

“Larry Anthrax shared his knowledge with us young people. We used to have so many laughs when he told us about how he used to put razor blades in the edges of his bat to ensure wicketkeepers stood back and about the time he accidentally severed Edgar Snott’s jugular vein playing a late cut.

“How we laughed! Even Edgar briefly saw the funny side.

“It’s not like that now, of course. It’s all about “technique” and “skill”. I can’t help but think that diminishes the game.” I can’t help

thinking about how much today’s youngsters have missed out on and how much they could learn from real Pembrokeshire gentlemen like Melvin Helmet.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

29 homes planned for Pembrokeshire village development

A SCHEME for 29 houses, including two affordable units, in the north Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels, close to the Ceredigion border, has been submitted to county planners.

Whitland-based Obsidian Homes Ltd, through agent Amity Planning, is seeking permission for the development and associated works on agricultural land off Longdown Bank, towards the south-east of the village.

A supporting statement says: “We have a clear vision for this development site to provide 29 muchneeded houses for the area along with providing affordable houses which again are much needed within the region.

“The scheme provides affordable housing units for the local population as well as open market sale units all contained within the site. The affordable units, in terms of architectural style and materials used, are completely indistinguishable from open market tenure. Affordable properties are located alongside the open market sale units to ensure a cohesive and mixed community of new residents.”

The units proposed range from two to fivebedroom types, which the applicants say will “go a long way to meeting the stock required in the local area,” with seven per cent of them, two, affordable units.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

The scheme submitted – within the settlement boundary for St Dogmaels –follows a 2022 preapplication inquiry, addressing issues of pedestrian connectivity, landscaping, the impact on the Welsh language, and the mix of housing, the applicants state.

The applicants conclude: “This development will act as a natural continuation of the village and provide much-needed housing stock for the area alongside affordable units meeting the needs of local community. This comprised of residential development for up to

29 dwellings, green / blue infrastructure including new areas of green space that will incorporate ecological mitigation and habitat creation, retained woodland and trees, sustainable drainage features, trim trail informal play and recreation space.

“Sustainable drainage and ecology will play a key role in this scheme and the attenuation features will become an attractive place for residents. All the main design elements of this application have

been considered and incorporated into this proposal.

“The units proposed range from two to fivebedroom types and will go a long way to meeting the stock required in the local area. This, coupled with seven per cent affordable units, will create a community and foster relationships between this new development and St Dogmaels as a whole. These affordable units are located alongside the open market sale types and are architecturally indistinguishable from

open market sale types.

“Extensive areas of existing woodland and significant trees have been retained and incorporated into a green swathe running along the eastern boundary of the site. These form the framework for the development, with residential blocks running in line with the sloping contours.

“A new public open space will feature buffering the development from the east. This will incorporate a range of informal play spaces as

well as a small trim trail like walk for residents as well as featuring swales and attenuation features.

“The development will reflect the character of St Dogmaels in terms of scale, massing and the range of materials used. Materials used across the site reflect those found in the context of the site helping to form a natural urban extension to St Dogmaels.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire p[lanners at a later date.

Motorhome parking trial rejection ‘would take business away’

A proposed trial scheme for overnight motorhome and campervan parking at some of Pembrokeshire’s car parks would boost the tourist trade by attracting members of a 37,000-stong organisation, a specialist promotion group has said.

Members of the council’s cabinet at their February meeting backed a proposal for a trial run “Pembs Stop” scheme at four car parks. They are North Beach in Tenby, Goodwick Moor in Goodwick, Townsmoor in Narberth and Western Way in Pembroke Dock.

The “Pembs Stop” trial areas, which are available for up to two nights, would have operated year-round at £10 a night for a trial 18-month period, with strict criteria, and was expected to start in July. The planned trial even received national coverage, with a discussion on a phonein programme on BBC Radio Wales.

But local tourism businesses have said the proposals will harm them.

Concerns about the trial have also been raised by the official tourism industry group for Pembrokeshire, Visit Pembrokeshire.

Di Clements,

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Conservative Group leader on Pembrokeshire County Council, successfully called for the matter be sent to the council’s April 9 policy and pre-decision scrutiny committee for further discussion, later submitting a successful motion recommending cabinet does not progress with the scheme.

Speaking at the meeting in favour of the trials, was Steve Haywood of CAMpRA UK Ltd, a 37,000-strong organisation that promotes the yearround recreational use of motorcaravans through the provision of motorcaravan aires.

The word “aire” is short for the French term “aire de service”, where motorhome and campervan users may stop overnight either for free or for a small fee.

Mr Haywood told committee members: “I can fully understand the concerns, but you need to understand the difference between touring motor caravans and a caravan.

“Since Brexit came in, we are now restricted to 90 days in Europe and 400,000-plus motor caravan owners now spend a minimum of

six months a year in the UK. That’s why we’ve particularly seen an increase in the market.

“We, like thousands of members, are very excited when we hear about this trial. We mix between aires and campsites, the aire is like a B&B and a campsite is like a four-star hotel. If you come to south Wales you want to stay in south Wales, we could be there

for two months, spending money, in those areas we will include campsites.

“If we stay close to a town we will spend money in the town, the pubs and restaurants where we will have a meal. By preventing overnight parking – and this has happened in Conwy –we moved, and the local businesses lost out.

“96 per cent of motorhomes would

pay to use an aire, it’s not freeloading, it’s about providing a safe, authorised place, focusing vehicles where you can control them. We will definitely be visiting Pembrokeshire if this goes ahead.”

Mr Haywood finished by saying the organisation was currently in discussions with 34 councils in the UK about potential sites, adding:

“We’re not in competition with campsites; by preventing us staying overnight you’re taking business away.”

Ms Clements’ call for the mater to be referred back to cabinet, with a recommendation it is not progressed, was supported at the meeting by eight votes to three. The matter will now be considered by cabinet at a future date.

Paul Davies Calls for Landfill Operator’s Licence to be revoked

A call to revoke the licence of the site operator at Withyhedge landfill site has been made by local Senedd Member Paul Davies.

Mr Davies has written to the First Minister and Natural Resources Wales, calling for the licence to be revoked as the operator has failed to resolve the odour issues at the site, despite promising to do so by the 5th April.

Concerned constituents have raised their frustration and disappointment with Mr Davies, who has now called for the Welsh Government to intervene and for the operator’s licence to be revoked.

Mr Davies said, “I’m extremely disappointed

that the situation has not been resolved by the 5th April, as was promised by the operator. Constituents have contacted me to say that the problem still remains and given that actions to date have not solved this matter, then it’s only appropriate that the licence is revoked.”

He added, “The ongoing odours coming from the site are having a huge impact on people’s lives and it’s not acceptable.

Despite talk of action, little progress has been made and people are still suffering. It’s time now for the licence to be revoked so that the community can live without having to endure these awful odours any longer.”

Coastal adventures and home revelations

BBC WALES is set to enchant viewers with a fresh slate of programming that spans a rich tapestry of Welsh culture, lifestyle, and adventure. Leading the charge are Wales’s beloved presenters, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page, who will take audiences on a scenic journey with their new show, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page: Lost at Sea. This program promises to be a celebration of the Welsh coastline, packed with culinary expeditions, musical interludes, and the spirit of discovery aboard their motor yacht.

Nick Andrews, Hea of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, expressed excitement over the diverse array of new and returning series that aim to mirror contemporary Welsh life in all its vibrancy. From the

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nuances of cooking and music to the intricacies of interior design and the rustic charm of sheep shearing, there’s an offering for every palette. Lost at Sea will see Evans, celebrated as 2023’s Celebrity MasterChef winner, and Page delving into Wales’s coastal treasures, from quaint fishing villages to bustling towns, unearthing unique dining experiences and cooking up storms themselves.

Another anticipated return is Wales’ Home of the Year, now in its third season with a special Christmas edition on the horizon. Judges Owain Wyn Evans, Mandy Watkins, and Glen Thomas will traverse Wales to spotlight homes that stand out for their architectural and design

ingenuity, culminating in the crowning of Wales’ Christmas Home of the Year.

In a gripping narrative departure, Hunting Mr Nice will chronicle the life of Howard Marks, a Welshman turned notorious cannabis smuggler. This two-part series for BBC Two and iPlayer is set against the backdrop of the War on Drugs, featuring exclusive interviews that piece together Marks’ enigmatic existence.

Music aficionados can look forward to Kelly Jones with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, where Kelly Jones, famed for his Stereophonics legacy, will premiere new solo work alongside timeless hits, reimagined with orchestral flair.

Chris Cooks Cymru introduces viewers to Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts, who embarks on

a culinary journey across Wales, celebrating local cuisine against stunning landscapes and communal cookouts. The ineup also boasts a slew of returning favorites and new ventures that explore Welsh life’s breadth, from the competitive spirit of sheep shearing in Rockstar Shearers to the heartfelt community

project in Dream Team, and the spiritual and ecological explorations of Skanda Vale Life.

Nick Andrews lauded the lineup, highlighting the joy and impact talentfronted shows have on audiences. With such a rich and diverse offering, BBC Cymru Wales is poised to keep viewers hooked to their screens, celebrating Welsh

culture, heritage, and the universal themes of exploration, creativity, and community spirit. These shows are expected to roll out on BBC Cymru Wales and iPlayer in the coming months, promising a blend of entertainment, insight, and celebration for viewers across the UK.

Plans for new Pembrokeshire ‘staycation’ dog daycare kennel

A resubmitted scheme for a twicerefused south Pembrokeshire dog boarding and day care centre, later dismissed on appeal, has been lodged with county planners.

Michelle Bramwell, of Little Langdon, near Kilgetty, has resubmitted re-sited plans for a commercial dog boarding and day care centre with upgrade to access, parking and ecological enhancements at Little Langdon following the previously-refused application and appeal.

Kilgetty-Begelly Community Council support the application but asked for conditions relating to the access and increase in traffic at times be considered. A supporting statement by agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “Two previous applications to establish such a facility have recently been refused by the council with the latter application having also been dismissed at appeal in October 2023.

“In dismissing the appeal, although the Inspector concluded that such a business in this location could be acceptable in principle, the Inspector expressed concerns over the scale, siting and visual impact of the proposed development and how possible outdoor noise disturbance from associated activities could be satisfactorily controlled, such as through mitigation measures.

development and how possible outdoor noise disturbance from associated activities could be satisfactorily controlled, such as through mitigation measures.

acknowledged by the appeal Inspector, was that with the proximity of several local visitor attractions it would provide a useful service to their customers, amongst other clients.

“In dismissing the appeal, although the Inspector concluded that such a business in this location could be acceptable in principle, the Inspector expressed concerns over the scale, siting and visual impact of the proposed

A supporting statement by agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “Two previous applications to establish such a facility have recently been refused by the council with the latter application having also been dismissed at appeal in October 2023.

Key changes include re-siting the development away from the lane, changes to the appearance, a reduction in size, and planting and landscaping, said Hayston.

It added: “One of the key benefits of such a proposal, as fully

“As part of the appeal application, it was contended that with staycation on the rise and the increase in pet ownership, boarding kennels and day care services are in demand.

“The proposal would allow tourists to visit, knowing their dogs can

board within a reasonable distance of their holiday accommodation. It would allow tourists to visit nearby attractions which quite often have no-pets policies, such as Oakwood, Manor Wildlife Park, the Dinosaur Park, Heatherton and Folly Farm.

“Further, there is a B & B facility at Langdon Farm Guest House located a short distance to the south of the application property which has a no pet policy.

“In our view, the

establishment of this boarding kennels and day care facility would only benefit the economy of the local area”

Hayston said that support for the application had been received from local holiday businesses including Celtic Holiday Parks, Reynalton; Hill Park Caravans, Pentlepoir; Stone Pitt Holiday Park, Begelly; and Langdon Guest house nearby.

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

NRW to check Withyhedge Landfill compliance

IN FEBRUARY, NRW served a Regulation 36 Enforcement Notice on RML, the operator of Withyhedge Landfill requiring them to complete a number of actions in response to identified permit noncompliances which were linked to fugitive landfill gas emissions and offsite odours.

In recent weeks we have visited Withyhedge Landfill on a number of occasions to check progression with actions in the Notice, and to ensure that this work has not created other problems.

By close of play on 5 April 2024, the operator is required to have completed preparatory work, capping, and gas infrastructure installation on a previously uncapped waste mass. The work set out in the Notice has the purpose of containing and collecting landfill gas being produced in this area.

On Monday 8 April 2024, NRW will be attending Withyhedge

Landfill to assess compliance with the actions required by the Notice, and inspect all

other areas of the site. We will then consider the findings internally, and discuss with Pembrokeshire County Council and Public Health Wales at our multi-agency meeting on 10 April. We will publish an update on next steps in due course.

As the onsite work progressed, we had anticipated that fugitive emissions would decrease and therefore odour reports would also subside. However, in recent weeks we have seen high volumes of reports and NRW officers

have confirmed offsite odours from the landfill on occasions.

Following a high number of calls on Tuesday 2 April, NRW officers attended the landfill and conducted an offsite odour assessment in surrounding communities. While landfill gas was detected at one location, the predominant odours detected at that time were agricultural. However, in light of continuing concerns from the community, and the possibility that

our assessment didn’t coincide with the period of strongest odours, we will undertake further odour assessments over the coming days.

We will continue with a regulatory presence at the site linked with our priority of ensuring that the site is being operated and managed in compliance with the permit, especially in relation to emission control. Any enforcement action necessary will be taken in line with our Enforcement and Sanctions Policy.

Local project celebrates another year of taking outdoor learning back to its roots

AMID widespread concerns that a generation of young people are losing touch with the natural world, a unique collaboration between a National Park charity and a local energy firm is bucking the trend with an education project aimed at strengthening connections through practical experiences in the great outdoors.

The Gwreiddiau/Roots initiative, run by Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust with the financial support of South Hook LNG Terminal, was set up in 2020 to boost children’s knowledge of natural produce and the food networks that exist in their own community. Since then, the project has developed into a beacon of environmental education in the Milford Haven cluster of schools, and further afield. Over 5000 local students have been involved with 16 outdoor school areas having been enhanced, not to men-

tion over 800 trees having been planted.

Highlights of the previous year’s programme included midsummer overnight camping experiences, coastal mapping workshops, biodiversity workshops, river trips and participation in Blossom and Apple Day events at St Brides Orchard. Learning experiences were also enhanced through the involvement of partner organisations, such as Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools (PODS), Springboard, Roots to Recovery, Welsh National Opera (WNO), and Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (PMSAC).

A total of nine schools took part in Gwreiddiau/ Roots activities in 2023. These were: Johnston Community Primary School, Neyland Community School, St. Francis Catholic School, Coastlands CP School, Milford Haven Comprehensive School, Gelliswick VC Pri-

mary School, Hook Community Primary School, St Mark’s Church in Wales VA Primary School and Milford Primary School. Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, Katie Macro, said: “We are immensely proud of the progress made by Gwreiddiau Roots in 2023 and are excited to build upon this success in the year ahead. By continuing to work with schools and or-

ganisations, we aim to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and foster a deeper appreciation for our local heritage and natural resources.”

South Hook LNG’s General Manager, Hamad Al Samra, added: “Our partnership with Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust is incredibly special. Through the Roots project, children are experiencing the wonders

of our local environment, and at south Hook, we are proud to be a part of these memorable learning experiences.”

Looking to the future, the Gwreiddiau/Roots project hopes to build on the good work done so far and pivot towards the River Cleddau, with its rich variety of habitats, biodiversity and heritage, as a focal point for curriculum and community engagement.

To learn more about outdoor learning programmes available to schools, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/ for-schools-and-educators.

Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust is a registered charity, set up to help care for and protect the National Park. Further information about the work it supports can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.

Milford Waterfront Major Events Partnership

FOLLOWING on from its successful partnership in 2023, Milford Waterfront is supporting Milford Haven Round Table as its Major Events Partner this year.

The partnership means that the group of local volunteers will be supported in their calendar of events throughout the year, which will enable them to raise funds for local good causes, as well as creating fantastic events for visitors and the local community to enjoy.

Upcoming events this year include:

• The Big Beer Festival – Saturday

25th May

• Milford Haven Carnival – Saturday

6th July

• Fireworks Extravaganza

Event – Tuesday 5th November

Speaking about the partnership, Natalie Hunt, Destination Manager at Milford Waterfront said: “We are very pleased to be continuing our strong partnership with the Milford Haven Round Table. The events they arrange for Milford Haven are always showstoppers that bring so much fun to the area. We are sure everyone will join us in our excitement to bring them back this year!”

Rob Allen, Chair of the Milford Haven Round Table added: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Milford Waterfront for their unwavering support of Milford Haven Round Table. Their commitment to community involvement enriches our events and fosters stronger connections within Milford Haven. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with them on future endeavors to further enhance our community together.”

More information on upcoming events at Milford Waterfront can be found here: www. milfordwaterfront.co.uk/ whats-on.

UK Invests £1.5 Million in Future of Zero-Emission Shipping

THE UK Government has announced a £1.5 million initiative dedicated to establishing zeroemission shipping routes that link the UK with key European countries. Maritime Minister Lord Davies of Gower, representing this visionary commitment, is in Wales today, specifically visiting the Port of Milford Haven, to highlight the scheme.

The Port of Milford Haven, known for its strategic importance and historical significance in the maritime industry, serves as a fitting backdrop for the launch of the fifth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5). This initiative is focused on fostering feasibility studies that aim to fast-track the development of ‘green corridors’. These corridors will facilitate the use of green fuels and power charging systems by vessels, ensuring cleaner travel for passengers and freight alike. An essential aspect of these studies is the exploration of additional regulatory measures necessary for the maritime industry’s shift towards decarbonisation, aligning with the UK’s

net-zero commitments in a manner that does not impose further costs on taxpayers.

This ambitious project envisions the creation of zero-emission shipping routes connecting the UK with the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland, heralding a new era of eco-friendly and economically beneficial maritime transport.

During his visit to the Port of Milford Haven, Lord Davies highlighted the dual benefits of this investment, stating, “Investing in zeroemission routes to and from the UK not only fosters a greener maritime sector but also lays the foundation for enduring sustainability, job creation, and economic growth.” He underscored the importance of this funding as a pivotal step towards realisƒing the UK’s aspiration of

establishing international zero-emission routes by the mid-2020s. The collaborative spirit of this initiative is further exemplified by the supportive remarks from Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, who lauded the green shipping corridors initiative between the UK and Norway, emphasising the long-standing maritime relationship between the two nations and

their cooperative efforts since the Clydebank Declaration in 2021.

This initiative gains momentum from its announcement at the London International Shipping Week in 2023, further advancing the UK’s leading role in the Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors, a significant global movement initiated at COP26. This movement aims at cultivating zeroemission shipping routes

worldwide, marking a pivotal stride towards sustainable maritime logistics.

Funded as part of the broader £206 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, this initiative sees Ireland and the Netherlands offering match funding, while Denmark and Norway contribute through information sharing and collaboration facilitation.

With competitions for international collaborations opening in the spring and summer of 2024, this initiative promises a cleaner, greener maritime future. It has garnered support from across the maritime and innovation sectors, with industry leaders recognising the pivotal role of green corridors in the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.

Lord Davies’s visit to the Port of Milford Haven not only symbolises the UK Government’s dedication to pioneering a sustainable maritime industry but also sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the realm of zero-emission shipping, promising a more sustainable and economically vibrant maritime future.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

National Parks need a lifeline

THE CAMPAIGN for National Parks has carried out a health check of nature recovery in Wales’ National Parks and made some worrying discoveries.

This year is the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. These iconic landscapes contain a vast array of precious habitats and wildlife. Theoretically, they should be our natural environment’s most highly protected and healthy parts.

However, the Campaign for National Parks’ health check, carried out across Wales and England, discovered nature is struggling for survival due to issues including habitats, species, water quality and wildlife crime.

• Only 19% of lakes in Wales’ three national Parks achieved good overall status in 2021, and only 44% of the rivers.

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

• Fewer than a quarter, 23% of Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in National Parks in Wales are in a favourable state for nature

• In 2022, the amount of sewage released from storm overflows within the boundaries of National Parks in England and Wales totalled 7,367 days. The National Parks most badly affected (according to hours of spills) are Dartmoor, Eryri, Lake District, South Downs and the Yorkshire Dales.

• Wales’ three National Parks have the potential to hold 29,431,000 tonnes of carbon content, the equivalent of three times Wales’ total CO2 annual emissions. However, in 2019, the Welsh Government estimated that over 70% of Welsh peatlands were degraded.

The poor state of nature is due to a lack of resources, data, and significant powers to make the necessary systemic change.

That’s why the Campaign for National Parks, with the support of Cymdeithas Eryri Snowdonia Society, the Friends of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is calling for urgent action to halt and reverse these declines so National Parks can properly contribute to the UK’s efforts in tackling the

nature and climate crises.

The TV presenter Iolo Williams said: “The National Parks of Wales hold a very special place in my heart.

“Having lived, worked, and filmed amongst them for many years, I have lost count of the endless hours spent tracking, admiring and promoting their special qualities and unique species.

“From the rare Snowdon Lily in Eryri to the choughs, puffins and stonechat of Pembrokeshire Coast, these treasured landscapes host a

glorious array of diverse species.

“Despite their protected status, nature is still in crisis across our National Parks.

“One in six species is at risk of disappearing from Wales, so we must do everything we can to protect and enhance wild spaces so that wildlife can thrive.

“The Campaign for National Parks has set out a programme for action, and we must stand together to get the Governments in Westminster and the Senedd to act.”

Ruth

(Policy and Research Manager,

for National Parks, and author of the Health Check) said: “Our National Parks are special places which are often the last refuge for many species on the brink of extinction.

“However, our Health Check has found that nature is in crisis even in these incredible places.

“The main causes of this crisis are the limited ability to influence what happens on most land in National Parks, particularly where it is privately owned, outdated legislation designed for a very different era and the fact that the funding available just doesn’t match the national role that National Parks are expected to deliver for nature recovery.

“The scale of the challenges we’ve identified also demands a series of major reforms aimed at transforming the way these areas are run to ensure that there is a much greater emphasis on nature recovery in all the decisionmaking relating to them.”

Civil Aviation Authority highlights importance of aerospace industry in Wales

CUTTING-

EDGE technology, aircraft maintenance advancements, and pioneering aircraft recycling initiatives were seen by the UK Civil Aviation Authority as part of its engagement in Wales this week.

The visit by the regulator’s Chair

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief Executive Rob Bishton, and the UK Civil Aviation Authority Board highlights the pivotal role Wales plays in shaping the future of air transport safety and sustainable operations.

GE Aerospace, British Airways Maintenance, Wales Air Ambulance, and ecube were all visited as part of the two-day engagement.

The visit coincided with a Civil Aviation Authority Board meeting held in Cardiff on

Tom Sinclair

Wednesday, and forms part of the regulator’s commitment to strengthening ties with its stakeholders across the UK’s aviation and

aerospace industry.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“The UK’s aerospace industry is always evolving, and the industry in Wales plays an integral role in this evolution. As

the regulator, it is vital that we keep pace with the rapidly changing technologies and needs of consumers in order to support our mission of protecting people and enabling aerospace.

“Our outreach work

in Wales and across the UK is more important than ever, and we continue to engage with all stakeholders across the country to make aviation safer, greener, and better for passengers and the public, both home and abroad.”

Sir Stephen, Rob Bishton, and Board members toured the engine test facility at the GE Aerospace site, which has been maintaining and overhauling Boeing and Airbus aircraft engines for more than 80 years. The Civil Aviation Authority delegation also saw how the British Airways outfitter British Airways Maintenance engineering team are overhauling and upgrading their airline’s 777 and 787 aircraft.

In addition, the Board saw the largest air ambulance operation in the UK, Wales Air Ambulance, and ecube, a global aircraft storage, disassembly, and recycling and upcycling company, visited as part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s commitment to a greener future in aviation.

Bradshaw

Campaign

Agricultural Society in search for county’s top progressive farmers

IF you farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourage you to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire County Show President, said, “We are looking for local Pembrokeshire farmers, under the age of 45, who can demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture. They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county. The competition welcomes all livestock and arable sectors to take part.”

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory. The third Baron served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944.

This year’s entrants must be fully practising

Last year’s winners of the Award were Mark and Caroline Davies of Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest. They milk 230 pedigree Holsteins through a fully automated system. They rear their own replacements and also have a small beef enterprise. The farm is all grassland and they follow a strict reseeding and liming policy to optimise the yield from their multicut silage system. The couple place significant emphasis on animal health, husbandry and breeding to maximise the efficiency of their system.

farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on 1 January 2024. Entries can either

be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Click here to

apply: Baron de Rutzen Award | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

The

closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

A gull’s eye view on Britain’s path forward

AHOY, my feathered friends and human counterparts! Stephen Seagull here, perched atop the highest cliff, casting my gaze over the tumultuous seas of change swirling around our dear Britain. In the midst of a storm brewed by Covid, Brexit, and the squeeze on our wallets thicker than a crab’s shell, Keir Starmer, that captain of the Labour ship, promised at the October conference a decade of national renewal. Squawk! What a vast ocean to navigate, with many a fish and foe alike.

The wise old owl, Simon McDonald, once keeper of the Foreign Office nest, has dropped a worm of wisdom in his recent book, chirping, “The essential first step is acknowledging you have a problem.” And my fellow sky-sailor, Will Hutton, flaps his wings in agreement, squawking, “It’s time to stop pretending Britain’s nest is lined with gold and fairness.” Echoing through the skies, Mark Sedwill, a hawk from days of governance past, calls out, “We can’t help the world if we’re flapping in the same storm.”

A vast flock, two-thirds of our nation, senses the storm brewing, feeling the winds blowing us off course, according to Ipsos. Yet, a stubborn few, snug in their nests, refuse to see the gathering clouds, preferring the comfort of the status quo, blind to the need for change. Squawk!

the global stage. Squawk! How this contradicts the lofty flights of fancy by Boris Johnson, who once promised to make Britain the greatest roost on Earth.

Since Johnson’s nest fell from the tree, the chatter has shifted from boastful squawks to a murmur of cooperation. But the echoes of greatness linger, not just in Conservative chirps but across the landscape, from promises of Great British Railways to Great British Energy.

As we spread our wings towards national renewal, let’s not confuse it with a mere preening for greatness. The task ahead is as vast as the open sea, a challenge not faced since the great rebuilding of 1945. It calls for a flock effort, not a solo flight into the sunset of greatness.

Let us embrace a vision of Britain that’s inclusive, where boastfulness and selfloathing find no perch. I sometimes dream of a day when we simply call our island Britain, shedding the “great” as we soar beyond rhetoric into a truly greater future.

In the squalls of debate over the Sedwill report, a feathered frenzy has ensued, especially over its proposal to molt the Foreign Office into something called Global Affairs UK. Caw!

Though the name might ruffle some feathers, the essence is not just about preening the Foreign Office but

rejuvenating the whole of British governance, and recognizing Britain not just for its past glory but for its present and future potential.

Yet, to the rightwing critters, this seems like a snatch at power,

a squawk in the dark blaming the liberal flock for Britain’s dive. Charles Moore, perched on his Telegraph pole, and Melanie Phillips, nesting at The Times, screech at the report’s perceived self-pecking, seeing it

as undermining Britain’s mighty roost.

But what really ruffles their feathers is the report’s challenge to the notion of British greatness, suggesting instead a more humble, team-player approach on

So, my fine feathered friends and grounded allies, as we navigate these changing winds, let’s remember: true greatness lies not in the squawk but in the action, not in the name but in the deed. Together, let’s flap towards that horizon, for a Britain that’s truly for all.

Squawk off,

*Stephen Seagull, The Pembrokeshire Herald*--

Doctor Badger Delivers Bad News

THE NEWS that BMA Cymru has suspended strike action will relieve Welsh ministers amid a blizzard of bad news about the Welsh NHS.

Accident and Emergency care is fragile.

Outpatient waiting times show no sign of ever reaching performance targets. Social care is a lottery. Staff shortages for clinical and care staff are chronic across Wales. Ambulance waiting times remain stubbornly long, especially in rural counties. Specialist treatment for those with the most serious eye conditions is in crisis.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government says it wants more patients to remain in their homes and communities, supported by families and primary care staff. However, the cornerstone of primary care, general practice, is crumbling, if not collapsing. NHS dental care provision is risible. Mental health care is, at best, hit and miss.

In 2018, former Carmarthenshire County Councillor Carl Harris made an acid observation about changes to primary care provision in Cross Hands.

Hywel Dda UHB had “temporarily” suspended the provision of some primary services in Cross Hands and Tumble. Then-Cllr Harris suggested that, to the Health Board, “temporary” seemed an elastic term.

Full services were returned to Cross Hands and Tumble in March this year.

At least they were returned.

Pembrokeshire’s residents know only too

well how meaningless “temporary” is when Hywel Dda UHB pulls the plug on services and claims an intent to return them. After stitchedup consultation after stitched-up consultation, Pembrokeshire knows that services are increasingly slashed, centralised, and inaccessible.

The cost of delivering care to sicker people living for longer has been shuffled from medical to social care, placing unbearable pressure on cash-strapped local authorities. Unlike health boards, councils must balance their budgets by law. The Welsh NHS, by contrast, is a money pit, swallowing resources and hungry for more.

During the Covid pandemic, then-health Minister Vaughan Gething wrote off health board debts. Only a short time later, health boards are buckling under crippling deficits that the Welsh Government insists they must bring under control. As with any service, the NHS has only one way of achieving that end: cuts, cuts, and more cuts.

“Transforming healthcare” means fewer specialist staff and a stampede to deliver the minimum care at the lowest possible cost.

The Labour Government in Cardiff Bay can try disguising or excusing its failure in any number of ways. It does. However, it is in charge.

Despite the mangrove thicket of Welsh NHS managerial and delivery structures and agonised pleas from successive Welsh health ministers that the NHS’s issues have nothing to do with them, responsibility for health policy and funding starts and stops at Cardiff Bay

and has done since devolution and the First Assembly in 1999.

The Welsh NHS is not alone in its struggles.

Health and social care infrastructure is creaking and crumbling across the UK.

Let’s be clear about that. Whatever political points are scored against Labour in Wales can be scored just as easily against the SNP in Scotland and the Conservatives in England.

The NHS’s problem is not political; it’s practical.

A care system devised eighty years ago is unfit for modern life and clinical practice.

The NHS was a financial blackhole from the outset.

When the NHS was founded by St Nye the Blessed (Labour Party Bible, Nonsense Edition), it was rapidly overwhelmed by demand. The reason for that would have been readily apparent had any effort been made to examine the pre-existing tapestry of insurance and locallybased subscription healthcare.

The NHS’s founders forgot about women.

Although pre-NHS, women were less frequently presented to medical services for economic reasons, the demand for healthcare by women was underestimated or ignored. Overnight, millions of women across the UK suffering from long-term conditions and in need of dental care or optometry services gained access to universal health care free at the point of delivery.

The demand meant that, almost as soon as it began, the NHS was

on the financial back foot.

The post-war baby boom from 1946 to 1963 put even greater strain on the system. More babies were delivered than ever before, and more babies and mothers survived birth due to better clinical treatment.

The inevitable outcome of improvements in healthcare meant the number of people living longer rose significantly. That also increased the demand for treatment.

Over the last fifty years, falling birth rates and rising life expectancies have compounded the financial problem by reducing the pool of taxpayers who fund the NHS and other public services.

Badger is saying that the NHS is not only in permacrisis but also incapable of meeting present and future service demands.

The NHS cannot endure in its current form or under its current funding arrangements.

Well, it could. However, it depends on taxpayers’ appetite to pay more for it through direct and indirect taxation.

The NHS is not “the envy of the world” or a good example of British exceptionalism. It is a lumbering, money-eating sacred cow.

Every one of us has an uplifting NHS story to tell. Politiciansespecially Welsh Labour - relentlessly praise the institution when recounting their clinical experiences.

How many times have you heard a politician say words along the lines of: “If it wasn’t for the NHS, I wouldn’t be here today...” or, “I know the value of the NHS because it looked after [mum/dad/delete as applicable] when they were dying.” Badger knows the

value of the NHS to him. It keeps him alive despite his best efforts.

All of that anecdotage means absolutely nothing.

The cold and hard fact is that, as an institution, the NHS is shot.

It was never intended to be a national sickness service, but it is.

It cannot deliver the best care because it doesn’t have the staff it needs and will never have the staff it needs.

Its physical infrastructure is falling abroad and has not kept pace with evolving levels of care.

The need to cut costs and corners is driving unsafe changes in clinical practice.

The NHS needs radical change to survive in any form.

It cannot continue in its current one.

It’s time to let go of the myth and embrace reality.

a T’S on

wHCuddFest 2024: A woodland extravaganza beckons

P EMBROKESHIRE is set to host a mesmerising woodland adventure as CuddFest 2024 promises an enchanting experience for all.

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of the forest, this event offers a weekend filled with live music, delectable cuisine, and engaging activities. Organisers have revealed a tantalising glimpse into what attendees can expect. From spellbinding live performances echoing through the trees to an array of gastronomic delights tantalising taste buds, the festival guarantees an immersive experience for all.

Families can partake in

playful games and capture cherished memories in the dedicated family area, while those seeking tranquility can find solace in the serene wellbeing zone.

Campers are invited to pitch their tents in the picturesque meadows adjacent to the woodlands, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings throughout the festival weekend.

Early Bird Weekend Tickets are currently available, starting at an enticing £40. These tickets include a camping pitch from Friday to Monday, with complimentary admission for children aged 0-4 when accompanied by a

paying adult.

The lineup for CuddFest 2024 boasts an impressive array of acts and activities to entertain attendees. Among the confirmed performers are The Swingin’ Nettles, Honeyfungus, Preseli Pete & the Bluestone Boys, Stephen Hallwood, DJ Escher, DJ Rob Why, and Gong Baths with G-Nature&Wellbeing. More surprises are in store, with tickets for these events starting from just £15.00.

CuddFest 2024 promises to be an unforgettable fusion of nature and harmony. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary woodland extravaganza!

Torch Theatre hosts Rave On: The Ultimate 50s and 60s experience

TORCH THEATRE is set to light up with nostalgia as it presents ‘Rave On: The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience’, on Saturday, 11th May 2024.

At a ticket price of £22.00, this show promises to take audiences on a whirlwind journey through the revolutionary decades of music.

Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening packed with hit after hit, adorned with vibrant vintage costumes, lively staging, and ample opportunities to dance the night away!

Bringing to life the iconic tunes of the 50s

and 60s, ‘Rave On’ boasts impeccable renditions performed by a group of immensely talented musicians deeply entrenched in the essence of those eras.

From the birth of Rock and Roll at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, to the electrifying British Invasion and beyond, ‘Rave On’ offers a musical odyssey that’s not to be missed.

Audiences can expect to groove to classics from legendary artists including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The

Beach Boys, and many more.

This musical extravaganza brings together top-notch performers from acclaimed West End productions like ‘The Buddy Holly Story’, ‘Million Dollar Quartet’, and ‘Dreamboats & Petticoats’, ensuring an authentic trip back to the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s. Don’t miss out on ‘Rave On’ – it’s a timetravelling experience like no other, guaranteed to transport you to the heart of the golden age of music in dazzlingly authentic style.

CuddFest 2024 is based on Denant Hil - Inbetween Tiers Cross and Haverfordwest

VISION YOUTH

THEATRE is thrilled to announce their next show will be SpongeBob The Musical - Youth Edition. The production will be performed at the Boulevard Theatre on July 19th and 20th.

“We are so excited to bring the world of Bikini Bottom to the stage with this vibrant and energetic musical,” said Drew Baker Creative Director of Vision Arts. “Our talented young cast can’t wait to start rehearsals and begin to capture the humor and

heart of the beloved SpongeBob characters, and we can’t wait to share this performance with the community.”

SpongeBob The Musical - Youth Edition is based on the iconic Nickelodeon animated series and features a talented ensemble of local youth performers. The musical follows the underwater denizens of Bikini Bottom as they face the impending doom of their world. SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and the rest of the gang must work together to save their home, proving

that even the smallest person can make the biggest difference.

Tickets for SpongeBob The Musical - Youth Edition are on sale now at www. boulevard theatre.com. Shows will take place on July 19th at 7:30 PM and July 20th at 7:30 PM at the Boulevard Theatre, Milford Haven.

For more information about Vision Youth Theatre and their upcoming productions, please visit ww.visionartswales. com or follow them on social media.

Mount Kimbe Sunset Violent

IN a musical journey spanning 15 years, UK duo Dominic Maker and Kai Campos of Mount Kimbie have navigated through various genres, from post-dubstep to postpunk, techno to R&B, and ambient garage to lo-fi pop.

The Sunset Violent offers a sleeker and safer progression from its predecessor, furnishing a robust foundation of fuzzy guitar and Korgs for Balency-Béarn and Maker’s melancholic vocals to soar. The quartet conjures a sonic landscape reminiscent of Sonic Youth or Young Marble Giants, infused with wizardry from the digital audio workstation (DAW), crafting songs akin to richly detailed dreams whose interpretations linger on the periphery of consciousness.

The album’s standout tracks exude a morose charm, with Balency-Béarn’s candid vocals floating over

Their repertoire includes DJ mixes, double albums, and notable collaborations with the likes of James Blake, Jay-Z, King Krule, and Travis Scott. Now, they venture into new territory with their latest offering: a gritty, shoegazy, postrock album titled The Sunset Violent. With the addition of new band members Andrea Balency-Béarn and Marc Pell, Mount Kimbie reintroduces guitars with amplified distortion, aiming to carve a niche reminiscent of Stereolab for a contemporary audience—an electrorock ensemble that balances familiarity with obscurity.

murky lounge-pop arrangements in “Dumb Guitar” and “Shipwreck,” injecting much-needed friction into The Sunset Violent. Her wistful, unadorned voice serves as an emotional anchor, complemented by Maker’s guileless contributions, akin to the role Oliver Sims perfected in the xx. Notably, King Krule’s baritone lends vibrancy to “Boxing” and “Empty and Silent,” showcasing deft lyricism from the famed curmudgeon. Yet, there are moments when The Sunset Violent meanders in search of vitality, as evidenced in tracks like “Got Me” and the initial half of “A Figure in the Surf,” where repetitive patterns and dry melodies tether the album’s ethereal ambitions.

“ALL

QUIET

ON THE EASTERN E SPLANADE

” defied the odds to materialise.

The Libertines, a band known for their combustible nature, faced tumult during the creation of their 2004 self-titled album. Over the ensuing decade, they navigated through turbulent waters, frequently making headlines. Despite brief reunions and the release of “Anthems

in 2015, the idea of recapturing their early 2000s essence on a new album seemed increasingly remote.

However, rejoice, for “…Eastern Esplanade” accomplishes just that. The album kicks off with “Run Run Run,” where Carl Barât croons, “It’s a lifelong project of a life on the lash,” rekindling the raw energy of their prime. The band immediately delves into introspection, portraying “part-time blaggers”

Camden’s streets. On “Mustang,” Pete Doherty vividly paints a picture of Traci, proudly clad in her Juicy Couture tracksuit, who indulges in drinks while her kids are at school and “rides Mustangs to her dreams.”

This album encapsulates the essence of The Libertines, capturing their signature sound and spirit with a nostalgic yet refreshing twist.

A GROUNDBREAKING initiative is shaking up the traditional landscape of a detention facility in Arkansas, offering a fresh perspective on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Sheriff Eric Higgins of Pulaski County has embarked on a bold experiment, envisioning a scenario with no locks, no officers, and increased autonomy for inmates. This novel approach aims to address the pressing issues of high incarceration rates and recidivism that have plagued the facility.

Confronted with the grim reality of the jail’s substandard living conditions, where inmates endure extended periods of isolation, Sheriff Higgins felt compelled to explore alternatives. Thus, a six-week programme was initiated to gauge the response of inmates

to this unconventional setup. Higgins recognised the need for a paradigm shift, acknowledging the inherent flaws in the existing system.

Central to Higgins’ initiative is the cultivation of self-reliance and communal responsibility among the incarcerated individuals. By entrusting them with their own well-being and that of others, the programme seeks to instil a sense of dignity and accountability.

The transformative journey of this experiment is set to be unveiled in the upcoming reality series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, April 10, exclusively on Netflix. In the teaser, glimpses of apprehension and hope flicker among the inmates. While some express concerns about potential disruptions by fellow inmates,

others view it as an opportunity for personal growth and familial reconnection through newfound freedoms.

Sheriff Higgins, in a statement to PEOPLE, articulates the underlying ethos of the endeavour. “This series delves into the myriad challenges faced by correctional facilities, including staffing shortages, overcrowding, and the pervasive stigma,” he remarks. “Despite these adversities, my team and I are committed to pioneering innovative solutions to enhance the safety of our environment and facilitate the rehabilitation of those under our care. Were there obstacles? Absolutely. However, I firmly believe that this odyssey will not only transform the lives of the participants but also challenge societal perceptions regarding incarceration and reformation.”

Amy Winehouse biopic: Back to Black

CRITIQUES are swirling around the newly released trailer for the forthcoming Amy Winehouse biopic, ‘Back to Black’, helmed by director Sam Taylor-Johnson and starring Marisa Abela as the iconic singer.

The spotlight has zeroed in on Abela’s vocal performance in a snippet featuring Winehouse’s rendition of ‘Stronger Than Me’ from her debut album ‘Frank’. Criticism has been sharp, with many expressing discontent over Abela’s singing prowess, contrasting it unfavourably with Winehouse’s distinctive style.

Some voices, yet to experience the full film, are fuming over Abela’s perceived inability to match Winehouse’s vocal allure. However, isn’t it reasonable to ponder: if capturing Winehouse’s magic were as simple as replicating her voice, what would set her apart? Moreover, it’s perplexing to witness such vehement criticism of a film based solely on a trailer snippet. What does

this trend reflect about the expectations within the music biopic genre, and perhaps, about us as consumers of such content?

A notable aspect is the gendered undertone in the backlash against Abela, while male counterparts escape similar scrutiny. The recent Elvis Presley biopic, ‘Elvis’, featuring Austin Butler, and glimpses of Timothée Chalamet in the upcoming Bob Dylan film, ‘A Complete Unknown’, haven’t sparked comparable outrage.

But let’s not veer off course; this isn’t just about individual performances but indicative of a broader issue.

Music biopics form a sprawling genre, encompassing diverse tales like TaylorJohnson’s ‘Nowhere Boy’ to successes such as ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ and ‘Ray’, and missteps like ‘The Doors’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

Yet, regardless of musical proficiency, what truly resonates in these films is the

depth of characterisation and storytelling.

It’s crucial to understand that music biopics aren’t mere impersonations or platforms for song recitals. They transcend into narratives that delve into the essence of human experience, beyond the artist’s talent. However, there’s a worrying trend towards reducing them to nostalgic singalongs, neglecting the depth and complexity of the stories they aim to portray.

Critics must recalibrate their expectations. Biopics shouldn’t be judged solely on vocal mimicry or song renditions but on their ability to encapsulate the essence of the individual’s journey. It’s about portraying the human behind the persona, not a theatrical rendition of greatest hits. Therefore, the success of ‘Back to Black’ should be gauged on its portrayal of Amy Winehouse, not solely on the accuracy of its musical performances.

FRIDAY’S TV 12.4.24

ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

Joe Lycett

Late Night Lycett

Channel 4, 10pm

The second series of the entertainment extravaganza begins (just an hour after the conclusion of Travel Man), as Joe Lycett returns to his home town Birmingham. In the first run, some of the biggest names in the showbiz world came to Digbeth to meet the host, with guests including Dame Joan Collins, Dame Joanna Lumley and Alan Carr.

BBC1 BBC2

6.00 Breakfast. 9.30 Morning Live.

10.45 Big Little Crimes. 11.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R)

12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Hope Street. 2.30 Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R) 3.45 The Bidding Room. (R) 4.30 Bridge of Lies.

5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. Live chat and topical reports, hosted by Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp.

7.30 Amy Dowden’s Dare to Dance. A football-mad bride and groom seek to impress with their first dance. Last in the series.

8.00 Beyond Paradise. A priest at a Catholic boarding school goes missing.

9.00 Have I Got News for You. Professor Hannah Fry hosts the satirical current affairs quiz.

9.30 Avoidance. Jonathan spies on Claire’s boyfriend and goes on an actual real-life date.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Film: The Heat. (2013) Action comedy, starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.

12.30 Weather for the Week Ahead.

12.35 BBC News.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain: Moments

That Shook Music

BBC2, 9.25pm

The events surrounding the death of the Nirvana frontman in 1994, combining footage captured by fans in Seattle and raw material from news crews reporting at the time. There is the poignant reaction from the electrician who discovered Kurt's body when installing a security system at his Seattle home and statements from police.

5.30

Today;

5.40 Celebrity Bridge of Lies. 6.25 The Weakest Link. Featuring Kirsty Wark, Nihal Arthanayake and John Barnes. (R)

7.10 Blankety Blank. With Ashley Roberts, Ugo Monye, Rob Rinder, Judi Love, Rev. Richard Coles and Joe Swash. (R)

7.45 Pointless Celebrities. Contestants include Georgia Steel, David Potts, Jasmine Harman and Laura Hamilton.

8.35 Casualty. A vulnerable Teddy is horrified when confronted with an unwelcome visitor.

9.25 Traces. The task facing McKinven is more daunting than ever, especially now that his wife Azra is joining the investigation. Meanwhile, Kathy's PhD student sees more than she should.

10.10 BBC News; Weather.

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

11.55 Film: Ghost Stories. (2017) Horror anthology, starring Andy Nyman and Martin Freeman.

1.25 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.30 BBC News.

6.15 Homes Under the Hammer.

(R) 7.15 Bridge of Lies. (R) 8.00

Sign Zone: Antiques Roadshow. (R) 9.00 BBC News. 1.00

Impossible. (R) 1.45 The Edge. (R)

2.30 Lose Weight and Get Fit with Tom Kerridge. (R) 3.00 Jay Blades’

Home Fix. (R) 3.45 Italy’s Invisible Cities. (R) 4.45 The Best Dishes

Ever. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Toby Anstis and Joe Sugg. (R)

6.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo visits the Isles of Scilly.

7.00 Grand Tours of Scotland’s Rivers.

7.30 MasterChef.

8.00 Gardeners’ World. Monty Don plants up a seating area filled with night-scented plants, and begins preparations to sow a new lawn, while Toby Buckland visits The Vann Garden.

9.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. The travellers’ last leg begins outside Eryri national park. Last in the series.

10.00 QI. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 Film: The Power of the Dog. (2021) Western, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

1.05 Sign Zone: NHS Patients Going Private: What Are the Risks?

– Panorama. (R) 1.35 This Town.

(R) 2.30 Our Flag Means Death. (R)

3.00 This Is BBC Two.

6.15 Hey Duggee. (R) 6.20 Go Jetters. (R) 6.35 Grizzy and the Lemmings. (R) 6.40 Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese. (R) 6.55

Monster Loving Maniacs. (R) 7.05

Shaun the Sheep. (R) 7.15

Pokémon Horizons. (R) 7.35

The Next Step. (R) 8.25 Blue Peter. (R) 8.50 Newsround. 9.00

Gardeners’ World. (R) 10.00

Operation Grand Canyon with Dan Snow. (R) 11.00 Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr. (R) 12.00 Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts. (R) 1.00 Shirley MacLaine: Talking Pictures. (R) 1.20 Film: Sweet Charity. (1969) 3.45 Race Across the World. (R) 4.45 Live Challenge Cup Rugby League. Hull Kingston Rovers v Leigh Leopards (Kick-off 5.00pm).

7.00 Inside Classical: Grieg’s Piano Concerto with Zee Zee. Performances of music by Dukas, Grieg and Rimsky-Korsakov. (R)

8.35 The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Wild Year. (R)

8.55 Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop. (R)

9.25 Kurt Cobain: Moments That Shook Music. The events surrounding the death of the Nirvana frontman in 1994.

10.10 When Nirvana Came to Britain. (R)

11.10 Foo Fighters at Reading 2019. (R)

1.10 Foo Fighters and More: Live Lounge Special. (R) 2.10 Film: Homeward. (2019) 3.40 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00

Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

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

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 ITV Racing: Grand National Festival. Coverage of day two from Aintree. 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. Sean Fletcher and Ruth Dodsworth meet a sand artist, explore an old woollen mill, and talk to a man who has built his own castle.

7.30 Emmerdale. Rhona’s fate hangs in the balance, Kerry is gutted and Ruby is incensed.

8.00 Coronation Street. Roy’s house guest turns out to be an impostor, Maria catches Gary lending Sarah a shoulder to cry on, Simon impresses Leanne with his business proposal.

9.00 The Twelve. The Crown raises questions about Kate Lawson’s provocative artwork, as well as revealing a complicated mental health diagnosis.

10.05 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.35 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.50 DNA Journey. Amanda Holden and Alan Carr delve into their family histories. (R)

12.05 Shop on TV. 3.00 Parkinson: The Final Conversation. (R) 4.45 Unwind.

6.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 6.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. (R) 8.25 Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show. 9.25 ITV News.

9.30 ITV Racing: The Opening Show. 10.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. 12.40 ITV News; Weather. 12.55 ITV Racing: Grand National Festival. The Grand National support races. 3.15 ITV Racing: Grand National Live. The 4.00 Randox Grand National Steeple Chase. 5.00 You’ve Been Framed! (R) 5.30 ITV News; Weather. 5.45 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase. With Dianne Buswell, Ria Hebden and Neil Morrissey. (R)

7.00 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Girls Aloud are the Star Guest Announcers for this two-hour finale, featuring Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, Tony Hadley, S Club and Kaiser Chiefs. Last in the series.

9.00 The 1% Club. Quiz, hosted by Lee Mack.

10.05 The Jonathan Ross Show. With Perrie Edwards, Frank Skinner, Hannah Waddingham, Johannes Radebe and Kasabian.

11.00 ITV News; Weather.

11.20 Olivia Attwood vs the Trolls. The former Love Island star explores the world of online trolling. (R)

12.20 Shop on TV. 3.00 The Larkins. (R) 3.50 The Twelve. (R) 4.45 Unwind.

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Gwyliau Gartref. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00

Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel. (R) 1.30 Cegin Bryn. (R) 2.00

Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Côr Cymru 2024: Corau Ieuenctid. (R) 4.00

Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Cymry ar Gynfas. (R) 6.30 Garddio a Mwy. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Hen Dy Newydd. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Nathan Brew: Un Eiliad Un Ergyd. (R) 10.00 Curadur. 10.30 Creisis. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 Work on the Wild Side. (R) 12.00

7.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. PC Martain Anderson stops a car thought to be linked to organised crime. (R) 7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 The Coastal Map of Britain. Documentary examining the rise and fall of the UK’s greatest ports, including a look at why the Romans chose London as the capital city.

9.00 Susan Calman’s Great British Cities. The presenter is in Bath, starting her journey at the famous Roman Baths. Last in the series.

10.00 Big Fight Live: Edwards vs Ory. Charlie Edwards v Georges Ory. 12.05 Police Interceptors. (R) 1.05

Entertainment News. 1.15 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.15 Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 4.00

Casualty 24/7: Every Second

A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.30 Michael Mosley: Secrets of Your Big Shop. (R) 8.30 Travel Man: 48 Hours in Lanzarote. 9.00 Gogglebox. 10.00 Late Night Lycett. 11.05 Film: American Pie 2. (2001) 1.10 Film: Crawlspace. (2022) 2.40 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. 6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Friends. (R) 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: A Deadly Invitation.

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.00 Stwnsh

Sadwrn: Oi! Osgar. 8.05 Seligo. (R) 8.10 Lego Ffrindiau: Amdani

Ferched! (R) 8.25 Siwrne Ni. (R) 8.30 Hei Hanes! (R) 8.50 Lego

DREAMZzz. (R) 9.15 Cic. (R) 9.35 Pigo dy Drwyn. (R) 10.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 11.00 Codi Pac. (R) 11.30 Garddio a Mwy. (R) 12.00 Teulu Shadog: Tymhorau’r Flwyddyn. (R) 12.30 Y Fets. (R) 1.00 Am Dro! (R) 2.00 Gwyliau Gartref. (R) 2.30 Siwrna

Scandi Chris. (R) 3.30 Y ’Sgubor Flodau. (R) 4.30 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 4.55 Adre. (R) 5.20 Stori’r Iaith. (R) 6.15 Mynyddoedd y Byd. (R) 7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon. 7.30 Prosiect Pum Mil. (R) 9.30 Cyngherddau Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru 2023: Welsh of the West End. (R) 10.00 Deuawdau Rhys Meirion. 11.00 Yn y Lwp. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.05 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 7.20 The King of Queens. (R) 8.40 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 10.40 The Simpsons. (R) 1.40 Four in a Bed. (R) 4.10 Worst House on the Street. (R) 5.15 The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer. (R) 6.30 Channel 4 News. 7.00 Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World. 8.00 Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker. 9.00 Film: Free Guy. (2021) 11.15 Film: Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. (1995) 1.05

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (R) 1.55 Couples Come Dine with Me. (R) 2.50 Car S.O.S. (R)

6.00 Milkshake! 8.50 SpongeBob SquarePants. (R) 9.05 Entertainment News. 9.15 The Yorkshire Vet. (R) 9.40 22 Kids & Counting. (R) 11.40 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (R) 2.45 Film: Richie Rich. (1994) 4.35 Film: Ocean’s Thirteen. (2007) 6.55 5 News Weekend.

7.00 Air Fryers: Batch Cooking Made Easy. Alexis Conran shows how the gadget can make batch cooking easier, and celebrities reveal assorted tips for using the air fryer. (R)

8.00 Secrets of the Royal Palaces. Behind-the-scenes tales of palace retreats.

9.00 How ABBA Won Eurovision. The story behind the Swedish band's victory in the contest in 1974 with Waterloo, which became a hit and catapulted them to international stardom.

10.00 1979: Most Shocking Moments. A look at key events in TV, film, showbusiness and politics in 1979. (R) 11.55 Britain’s Favourite 70s Sitcoms. A special celebrating the funniest sitcoms of the 1970s. (R)

12.50 Entertainment News. 1.00

PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00

Film: Grease 2. (1982) 4.50 Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.40 Entertainment News. 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends

8.00 Amazon with Bruce Parry 9.00

Wisting 10.30 Tommy Cooper at the BBC 11.00 The Art of Tommy Cooper 11.30 Parkinson: The Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd Interviews

ITV2

3.00 Film: The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021) 5.10 Film: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

SUNDAY’S TV 14.4.24

BBC1 BBC2 ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

Big Zuu

Big Zuu Goes to Mecca BBC2, 9pm

The chef and rapper makes a pilgrimage to Islam's holiest city on a personal spiritual journey to try to understand more about his faith and what it means to be a good Muslim. Arriving in Saudi Arabia, Zuu's first stop is the Red Sea port of Jeddah, where worshippers from overseas have arrived for their pilgrimages. Here he gets to grips with the culture, and experiences traditional Arab hospitality.

Jamie Oliver

Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals Channel 4, 8pm

Anything Channel 5 can do, Channel 4 can do… well, differently but just as well. The former has become obsessed with air fryers recently, launching numerous documentaries about them every week. Now the latter is jumping on the bandwagon by getting Jamie Oliver to teach us how to make the most of them. Each episode features numerous tips as well as a batch of recipes.

6.00 Breakfast. 7.35 Match of the Day. (R) 9.00 Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. 10.00 Politics Wales.

10.30 Animal Park Summer. (R)

11.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.00

BBC News. 1.10 Weather for the Week Ahead. 1.15 Songs of Praise.

1.50 Escape to the Country. (R)

2.20 MOTD Live: Women’s FA Cup. Manchester United v Chelsea (Kickoff 2.35pm). 4.50 Weatherman

Walking. (R) 5.05 SOS: Extreme Rescues. (R) 5.35 BBC News. 5.50

BBC Wales Today; Weather.

6.00 Countryfile. Anita Rani and Matt Baker take a trip along the Hardknott and Wrynose passes.

7.00 Mammals. How airbreathing mammals have adapted to a life in water.

8.00 Antiques Roadshow. Fiona Bruce visits Powis Castle, one of the grandest houses in Wales. (R)

9.00 This Town. Jeannie finds a warehouse where the band start to rehearse and forge an identity. Gregory schemes to keep his brother and Bardon safe.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.25 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

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

11.35 Film: The Duchess. (2008) Fact-based period drama, starring Keira Knightley.

1.15 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.20 BBC News.

6.00 Breakfast. 9.30 Morning Live. 10.45 Big Little Crimes. 11.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Doctors. 2.15 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country.

3.45 The Bidding Room. (R) 4.30 Bridge of Lies. (R) 5.15 Pointless. 6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 Weatherman Walking. Derek Brockway walks along the Anglesey coast.

7.30 EastEnders. George struggles to contain his emotions.

8.00 Blood Money. Wyre Davies investigates the infected blood scandal.

9.00 Blue Lights. New series. The team is faced with a crime wave that leads them into a loyalist estate.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Have I Got a Bit More News for You. Professor Hannah Fry hosts an extended edition of the current affairs quiz.

(R)

11.25 Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star. Eight aspiring make-up artists compete to be crowned Britain’s Next Make-Up Star.

(R)

12.25 The Repair Shop. (R) 1.25 Weather for the Week Ahead. 1.30 BBC News.

6.40 Countryfile. (R) 7.35

Breakfast. 9.00 Beechgrove

Garden. 9.30 Landward. 10.00

Saturday Kitchen Best Bites. 11.30

MOTD Live: Women’s FA Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City (Kick-off 12.00pm). 2.15 Marcus

Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen

Garden. (R) 2.45 Lose Weight and Get Fit with Tom Kerridge. (R) 3.15

Mammals. (R) 4.15 Live Challenge

Cup Rugby League. St Helens v Warrington Wolves (Kick-off 4.30pm).

6.30 Flog It! (R)

7.00 Wynne’s Welsh 80s. Wynne Evans explores the BBC Wales archives of 1988. (R)

7.30 Weatherman Walking. Pembrokeshire’s north coast and Offa’s Dyke. (R)

8.00 Burma with Simon Reeve. Part two of two. Simon ventures into Burma's highlands, where he attends a fire balloon festival, visits an elephant sanctuary, and goes in search of a rebel army. (R)

9.00 Big Zuu Goes to Mecca. The chef and rapper makes a pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest city.

10.00 Film: Free Solo. (2018) Following Alex Honnold on his quest to climb El Capitan without ropes or safety gear.

11.40 Film: Sorry to Bother You. (2018) Comedy, starring LaKeith Stanfield.

1.25 Sign Zone: The Bradford Aunties. (R) 2.15 Mandy. (R) 2.45 This Is BBC Two.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.15 Bridge of Lies. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: MasterChef. (R) 9.00 BBC News.

12.15 Politics Live. 1.00

Impossible. (R) 1.45 The Edge. (R)

2.30 The Edible Garden. (R) 3.00

Jay and Dom’s Home Fix. (R) 3.45

The Home That Two Built. (R) 4.45

Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer. (R)

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Diarmuid Gavin, Roo Irvine, John Kearns and Claire Richards. (R)

6.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo embarks on a trip along the western coast of Wales.

7.00 The One Show.

7.30 Beechgrove Garden. (R)

8.00 Rebuilding Notre-Dame: The Next Chapter. Lucy Worsley examines the restoration of the cathedral. (R)

9.00 Pompeii: The New Dig. New series. Following an archaeological excavation at the ancient Roman city.

10.00 Alma’s Not Normal. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Film: Nowhere Special. (2020) Drama, starring James Norton and Daniel Lamont.

12.45 Sign Zone: Countryfile. (R)

1.45 Meet the Roman Emperor with Mary Beard. (R) 2.45 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 James Martin’s Great British Adventure. (R) 6.30 Film: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (2005)

8.25 Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show.

9.25 ITV News. 9.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.

11.20 Raymond Blanc’s Royal Kitchen Gardens. 12.25 ITV News; Weather. 12.35 Film: 3 Men and a Little Lady. (1990) 2.30 Live Champions Cup Rugby. Coverage of a quarter-final (Kick-off TBA).

5.30 The Chase Celebrity Special. (R)

6.30 ITV News; Weather.

6.45 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

7.00 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars. Ben Shephard hosts as Harry Judd, Patrick Grant and Angela Barnes answer questions to win turns on an arcade-style machine in the hope of winning £20,000 for charity. (R)

8.00 Midsomer Murders. New series. When a survivalist is found murdered in his bombproof shelter, Barnaby unravels a dark conspiracy to reveal how far people will go to escape the end of the world.

10.00 ITV News; Weather.

10.10 The Olivier Awards 2024. Highlights of the ceremony celebrating the best of British theatre.

12.10 English Football League Highlights. 1.30 Shop on TV. 3.00 Raymond Blanc’s Royal Kitchen Gardens. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 Fletchers’ Family Farm. (R)

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

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

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

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

The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Rhona hopes for custody of Ivy, Suzy needs Kerry to pay up, and Jacob tries to hide news from Victoria.

8.00 Coronation Street. Dee-Dee’s efforts to keep Roy out of prison amount to nothing, and Adam leaves Alya to deal with a new client by herself.

9.00 Martin Clunes: Islands of the Pacific. New series. The actor returns to explore more of the region, beginning with Papua New Guinea, journeying west across the Pacific to the Trobriand Islands.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Sharp End. Political discussion.

11.45 English Football League Highlights. Action from the latest fixtures. (R)

12.55 Shop on TV. 3.00 Next Level

Chef. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.50 Penblwyddi Cyw. 9.00 Y Castell. (R) 10.00 Garddio a Mwy. (R) 10.30 Waliau’n

Entertainment News. 9.10 The Yorkshire Vet. (R) 9.35 Holidaying with Jane McDonald. (R) 10.20 Holidaying with Jane McDonald. (R) 12.20 Inside the Tower of London. (R) 2.20 Film: The Perfect Storm. (2000) 4.55 Film: Ocean’s 8. (2018) 6.55 5 News Weekend.

7.00 Air Fryers: Takeaways

Made Easy. Alexis Conran prepares some takeaway favourites using the kitchen gadget, featuring recipes covering fast foods, and classic Indian and Chinese cooking.

8.00 The Tube: Keep London Moving! Staff deal with an influx of visitors for Pride weekend.

9.00 Inside the Hilton: Park Lane. The sales team prepares to welcome the ambassador of East Timor. 10.00 When Classic TV Goes Horribly Wrong. Lessthan-perfect moments from the nation’s favourite shows. (R) 12.05 It’s A Royal Knockout: The Untold Story. (R) 1.00 Entertainment News. 1.05 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.05 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 3.50 Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 4.40 Great Artists. (R) 5.05 House Doctor. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. (R) 5.40 Fireman Sam. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

Siarad. (R) 11.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. (R) 12.30 Arctig Gwyllt Iolo Williams. (R) 1.30 Ffilmiau Ddoe. (R) 2.00 Llanw. (R) 3.00 Ar Werth. (R) 3.30 Guinness World Records Cymru 2024. (R) 4.30 Y Lein – Streic Friction Dynamics. (R) 5.35 Teulu Shadog: Tymhorau’r Flwyddyn. (R) 6.10 Pobol y Cwm Omnibws. Extended edition of the soap. (R) 7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon. 7.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. 8.00 Côr Cymru 2024: Corau Sioe. 9.00 Creisis. 10.00 Ar Brawf. (R) 11.00 Pobol y Penwythnos. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.20 The King of Queens. (R) 6.45 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.00 The Simpsons. (R) 9.30 Sunday Brunch. 12.30 The Simpsons. (R) 2.25 Film: The Golden Child. (1986) 4.10 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.15 Key to a Fortune. 6.15 Channel 4 News. 6.45 Inside the Superbrands. (R) 7.40 The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer. 9.00 Hunted. 10.00 Gogglebox. (R) 12.10 Walter Presents: Sweetheart. 1.05 Film: American Gigolo. (1980) 2.55 Car S.O.S. (R) 3.45 Grand Designs. (R) 4.40 Renovation Nation. (R) 5.30 Kirstie’s House of Craft. (R) 5.456.10 The Perfect Pitch. (R) 6.00 Milkshake!: 8.50 SpongeBob SquarePants. (R) 9.05

BBC Four 7.00 Britain’s Most Fragile Treasure

8.00 Flying Scotsman from the Footplate 9.00 Sir Neville Marriner at the Proms: Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony 9.55 Sir Neville Marriner: Schubert’s Symphony No 10 10.30 Richard Serra: Man of Steel – imagine.. 11.25 Henry Moore:

The Chase Celebrity Christmas Special

E4

3.50 The Big Bang Theory 6.05 Film: Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) Sci-fi adventure sequel, starring Shia LaBeouf. 9.00 Film: Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Comedy adventure, starring Taron

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Dim Byd i’w Wisgo. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Cymry ar Gynfas. (R) 1.30 Caeau Cymru. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Dirgelion afon Dyfi. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R)

6.00 Sain Ffagan. (R)

6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R) 7.00 Heno.

7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Cysgu O Gwmpas.

8.25 Garddio a Mwy. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Teulu Shadog: Tymhorau’r Flwyddyn. 9.30 Sgorio. 10.00 Y Lein – Streic Friction Dynamics. (R) 11.00 Dylan ar Daith. (R) 12.05 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 Work on the Wild Side. (R) 12.00

Channel 4 News Summary. 12.05 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. (R) 1.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals. 9.00 Murder Case: The Digital Detectives. 10.00 Rescue: Extreme Medics. (R) 11.05 Night Coppers. (R) 12.10 Surviving R Kelly. 1.05 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Friends. (R) 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: A Sister’s Grudge. (2021) 4.00 BargainLoving Brits in the Sun. 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 Robson Green’s Coastal Fishing. The actor explores the nation’s love of seafood. (R) 6.55 5 News Update. 7.00 Traffic Cops. A tip-off leads to a major drugs bust in North Yorkshire. (R) 7.55 5 News Update. 8.00 Springtime on the Farm. New series. Celebrating the work of farmers around the country. 9.00 Inside the Force. Officers respond to a report of a man brandishing a sword. 10.00 Accused: Did I Murder My Child? An Oklahoma woman accused of killing her child.

11.05 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. PC Mark Lee fights for his life after a driver deliberately runs him down. (R) 12.05 Traffic Cops. (R) 12.55 Entertainment News. 1.00 PlayOJO Live

Shaun Dooley

Changing Ends ITV, 8.30pm

Alan Carr’s semiautobiographical sitcom is finally making its way onto traditional TV following its successful debut on streaming service ITVX last summer; a second series is expected to appear on the platform in the coming months. Carr plays himself in present-day scenes, with Oliver Savell as a younger version of Alan; the story is inspired by his experiences of growing up.

The One Show. With Lauren Laverne and Jermaine Jenas. 7.30 EastEnders. Cindy searches for answers. 8.00 Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr. The remaining designers pair up to transform two Grade II listed shops in East Grinstead, battling the challenges that come with medieval buildings and planning regulations.

9.00 Tree on a Hill. With Glyn still missing and Ruth’s suspicions growing, Margaret and Clive start to crack. Herbie tells the truth about his relationship with Sylvia.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 imagine... Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now. An intimate look inside the world and creations of Pet Shop Boys.

12.10 Celebrity Bridge of Lies. (R)

12.55 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.00 BBC News.

WEDNESDAY’S TV 17.4.24

6.30 Money for Nothing. (R) 7.15

The Bidding Room. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: MasterChef. (R) 9.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00

Impossible. (R) 1.45 First MInister’s Questions. 2.45 The Edge. (R) 3.30 The Edible Garden.

(R) 4.00 Jay and Dom’s Home Fix. (R) 4.45

Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Diarmuid Gavin, Roo Irvine, John Kearns and Claire Richards. (R)

6.30 Great Coastal Railway

Journeys. Michael Portillo travels from Morfa Harlech to Aberdaron.

7.00 Your Home Made Perfect. A couple remodel their 1960s Southampton house. (R)

8.00 Saving Lives at Sea. RNLI crew members work to pull off the risky evacuation of a fisherman.

9.00 MasterChef. Six new hopefuls compete for a MasterChef apron.

10.00 Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh

Pop. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Film: Dirty God. (2019) Drama, starring Vicky Knight.

12.55 Sign Zone: Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr. (R) 1.55 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (R) 2.55 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00

Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV

Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 Riddiculous. (R) 3.00

Winning Combination. (R) 4.00

Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Kerry is in a panic about the cash.

8.00 For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond. New series. Carrying on the legacy left by the much-loved Paul O’Grady.

8.30 Changing Ends. New series. Alan Carr’s semi-autobiographical sitcom set in 1980s Northampton. 9.00 It’s Showtime! Documentary telling the story of a group of working-class men who got drunk one night and bought a racehorse – a decision that would change their lives forever.

10.20 ITV News; Weather.

10.50 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

11.10 DNA Journey. Comedians Joel Dommett and Tom Allen examine their respective family histories. (R)

12.15 Shop on TV. 3.00 The Jonathan Ross Show. (R) 3.55 Unwind. 5.10 Celebrity Catchphrase. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Bwrdd i Dri. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Pobol y Penwythnos. (R) 1.30 Teulu Shadog: Tymhorau’r Flwyddyn. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Ty am Ddim. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Cegin Bryn. (R) 6.30 Sgorio. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Ar Brawf. 10.00 Heliwr. 11.10 Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel. 11.45 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 Work on the Wild Side. (R) 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary. 12.05 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. (R) 1.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 Aldi’s Next Big Thing. 9.00 Night Coppers. 10.00 Danny Dyer: How to Be a Man. 11.05 Car Boot Kings. (R) 12.10 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 12.55 Taskmaster. (R) 1.50 Late Night Lycett. (R) 2.45 The Piano. (R) 3.40 Couples Come Dine with Me. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Friends. (R) 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.20 Film: All of You. (2021) 4.00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 Robson Green’s Coastal Fishing. The actor travels to the west coast of Scotland. (R)

6.55 5 News Update. 7.00 River Avon: Then & Now. Following the course of the Avon. (R) 7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Springtime on the Farm. Rob and Dave Nicholson welcome the arrival of a shire foal to their mare Blossom.

9.00 Michael Palin in Nigeria. New series. Michael Palin journeys across the West African country.

10.00 Accused. A case exploring the defence of insanity at the time of murder. 11.05 Inside the Force. Officers respond to a report of a man brandishing a sword. (R) 12.05 Coastguard: Search & Rescue SOS. (R) 12.55 Entertainment News. 1.00 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R) 3.50 The Cotswolds with Pam Ayres. (R) 4.40 Great Artists. (R) 5.05 House Doctor. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. (R) 5.40 Fireman Sam. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

John Hannah

Race Across the World BBC1, 9pm

The race continues in this consistently entertaining reality show as the teams head to Lombok - and less than five hours separate the pairs. After leaving Nara City, they must cross their first border into South Korea to reach the second checkpoint in the seaside town of Sokcho. It’s a leg of two halves, the first of which takes them through budget-busting Japan.

BBC1 BBC2

6.00 Breakfast. 9.30 Morning Live.

10.45 Big Little Crimes. 11.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R)

12.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45

Doctors. 2.15 Money for Nothing. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country. (R)

3.45 The Bidding Room. 4.30 Bridge of Lies. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. With Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas.

7.30 EastEnders. Patrick and Yolande clash on the day of the fundraiser after he finds her alone with Pastor Clayton. After some advice from Gina, Jay decides to tell his family what’s going on.

8.30 The Repair Shop. The team tackles a miner’s lamp that saved its owner’s life. (R)

9.00 Race Across the World. With less than five hours separating the teams, they leave Nara City and head to the second checkpoint in the seaside town of Sokcho, South Korea.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Film: Eddie the Eagle. (2016) Biopic of ski jumper Eddie Edwards, starring Taron Egerton.

12.20 Pointless Celebrities. (R)

1.10 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.15 BBC News.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.15 The Bidding Room. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: MasterChef. (R) 8.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)

9.00 BBC News. 11.15 Politics

Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R)

1.45 The Edge. (R) 2.30 The Edible Garden. (R) 3.00 Jay and Dom’s Home Fix. (R) 3.45 The Home That Two Built. (R) 4.45

Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer. (R)

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Diarmuid Gavin, Roo Irvine, John Kearns and Claire Richards. (R)

6.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.

7.00 Your Home Made Perfect. Two architects compete to remodel actress Jill Halfpenny’s flat. (R)

8.00 Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts. Andi organises an arts festival in Stoke-onTrent.

9.00 Surgeons: At the Edge of Life. Surgeons attempt to reconstruct a patient’s jaw.

10.00 Mammoth.

10.25 Harry Hill’s Lonely Island. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (R)

12.15 Sign Zone: Bring the Drama. (R) 1.15 Dragons’ Den. (R) 2.15

The Darkest Days: Israel-Gaza Six Months On. (R) 3.15 This Is BBC

Two.

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

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

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 Riddiculous. (R) 3.00

Winning Combination. (R) 4.00

Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Kerry has an admission.

8.00 Coronation Street. Bobby’s false story sends the police knocking on Daniel’s door, Alya deserts Adam in favour of a better job, and Sean and Dylan settle into their new home.

9.00 Professor T. Out of prison, the Professor is desperate to get back to his work at the university.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Peston. Political magazine show, hosted by Robert Peston.

11.40 Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport. Border force dog Jessie sniffs out thousands of pounds. (R)

12.05 Shop on TV. 3.00 Fly

Tipping: Britain’s Rubbish

Nightmare – Tonight. (R) 3.25

Ramadan: A Journey Across Britain. (R) 4.00 Unwind. 5.05 Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 11.00 Dysgu Gyda Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Colleen Ramsey: Bywyd a Bwyd. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Byd o Liw: Arlunwyr. (R)

1.30 Garddio a Mwy. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Arctig Gwyllt Iolo Williams. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Caeau Cymru. (R) 6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R) 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Y Sîn. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Alun, Chris a Kiri yn Seland Newydd. 10.00 Cysgu O Gwmpas. (R) 10.30 Teulu’r Castell. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 Work on the Wild Side. (R) 12.00

Channel 4 News Summary. 12.05 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. (R) 1.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations. (R) 9.00 Stacey Solomon’s Renovation Rescue. 10.00 Danny Dyer: How to Be a Man. 11.05 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Friends. (R) 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: Dial...For Murder. (2023) 4.00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 Robson Green’s Coastal Fishing. The actor explores the Pembrokeshire coast. (R) 6.55 5 News Update. 7.00 Shop Smart, Save Money. The team test car-cleaning products, portable blenders and electric shavers. 7.55 5 News Update. 8.00 Springtime on the Farm. Helen Skelton and Jules Hudson keep an eye on a pregnant miniature donkey. 9.00 The 1980s Supermarket: Posh Food Revolution. A look at how ice cream giant Walls launched Viennetta in the 1980s. Last in the series. 10.00 Inheritance Wars: Who Gets the Money? A Ming vase collection that shattered the lives of a lord’s children. (R) 11.05 999: Emergency Call Out. A team responds to a hit-andrun. (R) 12.05 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. (R) 1.00 PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00 Entertainment News. 3.05 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords. (R) 3.50 The Cotswolds

Alan Sugar

The Apprentice

BBC1, 9pm

Eleven weeks ago, we were introduced to the latest batch of budding entrepreneurs who were hoping to secure a £250,000 investment and become Lord Sugar’s new business partner. Now, after three months of whittling them down, the tycoon has identified his final two. They are now challenged to launch their business, create a new brand, and produce a digital billboard.

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends Channel 5, 9pm

The 15th series of his Great British Railway Journeys only ended on BBC Two a couple of weeks ago, and Michael Portillo is already off on his travels again. Over the next three Fridays, he will be taking viewers on long weekends to three of his favourite European cities. He begins in a place close to his heart - the vibrant and bustling Spanish capital, Madrid.

Weather.

BBC Wales Today; Weather.

The One Show. Live magazine show, hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp. 7.30 Amy Dowden’s Dare to Dance. A football-mad bride and groom seek to impress with their first dance. (R) 8.00 MasterChef. Four of the six contenders prepare a salad with Caesar dressing.

9.00 The Apprentice. Two finalists take on their last challenge to win a £250,000 investment. Last in the series.

10.00 The Apprentice: You’re Hired. Tom Allen meets this year’s winner. Last in the series.

10.30 BBC News at Ten.

11.00 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

11.10 Question Time. Fiona Bruce hosts the political debate from Buxton, Derbyshire.

12.10 Newscast. 12.40 Weather for the Week Ahead. 12.45 BBC News.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.15

Escape to the Country. (R) 8.00

Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. (R)

9.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics

Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R)

1.45 The Edge. (R) 2.30 The Edible Garden. (R) 3.00 Jay and Dom’s Home Fix. (R) 3.45 The Home That Two Built. (R) 4.45

Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer. (R)

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. (R)

6.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.

7.00 Your Home Made Perfect. A couple remodel their Croydon home, after choosing a design using virtual reality. (R)

8.00 Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder travel to the highlands of central Sri Lanka. (R)

9.00 Nelson Mandela: A Life in Ten Pictures. The African leader’s life story told through 10 images.

9.55 Penguin Post Office: Natural World. (R)

10.00 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Surgeons: At the Edge of Life. (R)

12.15 Pompeii: The New Dig. (R)

1.15 Sign Zone: Saving Lives at Sea. (R) 2.15 Beyond Paradise. (R)

3.15 This Is BBC Two.

6.15 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 7.15 Money for Nothing. (R)

Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Hope Street. 2.30 Money for Nothing. (R)

3.00 Escape to the Country. (R)

3.45 The Bidding Room. (R) 4.30 Bridge of Lies. (R) 5.15 Pointless. 6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 7.00 The One Show.

7.30 MasterChef. The third quarter-final.

8.00 Beyond Paradise. A woman is struck by an arrow straight through her shoulder.

9.00 Have I Got News for You. Alexander Armstrong hosts the satirical current affairs quiz.

9.30 Mammoth. Comedy, starring Mike Bubbins. PE teacher Tony Mammoth is back from the dead and united with his old job. He approaches it exactly the same way as he did in the 1970s. (R)

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Avoidance. Dan and Courtney fail at “gentle parenting” when tricked into looking after a friend’s children.

11.10 Dinosaur. Comedy starring Ashley Storrie. (R)

11.35 Dinosaur. Evie tries to impress Ranesh’s dad. (R)

12.05 Film: Magic Mike. (2012) 1.50 BBC News.

8.00 Sign Zone: Antiques Roadshow. (R) 9.00 BBC News.

1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 The Edge. (R) 2.30 The Edible Garden. (R) 3.00 Jay and Dom’s Home Fix. (R) 3.45 Home Is Where the Art Is. (R) 4.15 Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Diarmuid Gavin, Roo Irvine, John Kearns and Claire Richards. (R)

6.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo takes the train to the medieval walled town of Conwy.

7.00 Grand Tours of Scotland’s Rivers. Paul Murton explores the upper reaches of the River Tay.

7.30 Scrum V Live. Ulster v Cardiff (Kick-off 7.35pm).

9.30 QI XL. Sandi Toksvig looks at the topic of upbringing. (R)

10.15 Planet Earth: A Lion’s Tale. A lion cub and its mother struggle to find food in Kenya’s Masai Mara. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather. The latest forecast.

11.05 Film: Dark Waters. (2019) Drama, starring Mark Ruffalo.

1.05 Sign Zone: Martin Compston’s Norwegian Fling. (R) 1.35 This Town. (R) 2.30 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00

Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

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

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 Riddiculous. (R) 3.00

Winning Combination. (R) 4.00

Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Tom lashes out, Victoria makes a big decision, and Charity wants things to be normal.

8.30 Claim Your Cash? Britain’s Hidden Fortune – Tonight. Chris Choi investigates lost or dormant personal accounts.

9.00 The Twelve. Claire’s father is called to the stand as Nathan paints Kate as a sexual predator who groomed Claire before murdering her. Courtroom drama, starring Sam Neill.

10.05 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.35 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.50 Coast & Country. Sean Fletcher and Ruth Dodsworth meet a sand artist. (R)

11.20 The Olivier Awards 2024. Highlights of the ceremony celebrating the best of British theatre. (R)

1.15 Shop on TV. 3.00 The Twelve. (R) 3.55 Unwind. 5.10 Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show. (R)

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

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

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 Riddiculous. (R) 3.00

Winning Combination. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. Ruth Dodsworth and Sean Fletcher visit an owl sanctuary.

7.30 Emmerdale. Vinny is in a bad way.

8.00 Coronation Street. Max looks for proof linking Daniel to Lauren’s disappearance.

9.00 The Twelve. When the jurors are taken to Kate's house to observe a demonstration of the Crown's theory, it ends in disaster for the defence when someone tampers with Kate's studio.

10.05 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.35 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.50 The Jonathan Ross Show. With Perrie Edwards, Frank Skinner, Hannah Waddingham, Johannes Radebe and Kasabian. (R)

11.50 Sorry, I Didn’t Know. With Charlene White, Shazia Mirza, Jessica Fostekew and Stephen K Amos. (R)

12.15 Shop on TV. 3.00 The Twelve. (R) 4.00 Unwind. 5.05

Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Cais Quinnell. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Sain Ffagan. (R) 1.30 Cysgu O Gwmpas. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Iaith ar Daith. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Pobol y Penwythnos. (R) 6.30 Y Sîn. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Y Byd yn ei Le. 9.45 Côr Cymru 2024: Corau Sioe. (R) 10.45 Wil ac Aeron: Taith Rwmania. (R) 11.20 Grid. (R) 11.45 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 Work on the Wild Side. (R) 12.00

Channel 4 News Summary. 12.05 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. (R) 1.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 Wildlife Rescue. 9.00 Taskmaster. 10.00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (R) 11.05 Gogglebox. (R) 12.10 Murder

Case: The Digital Detectives. (R) 1.00 Hunted. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Gwyliau Gartref. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Y Sîn. (R) 1.30 Cegin Bryn. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Côr Cymru 2024: Corau Sioe. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Teulu Shadog: Tymhorau’r Flwyddyn. (R) 6.30 Garddio a Mwy. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Hen Dy Newydd. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Am Dro! (R) 10.00 Welsh Whisperer – Ni’n Teithio Nawr! (R) 10.30 Creisis. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 Countdown. (R) 6.50 3rd Rock from the Sun. (R) 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.30 Frasier. (R) 11.00 Work on the Wild Side. (R) 12.00

Channel 4 News Summary. 12.05

Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It: Brilliant Builds. 12.35 Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights. 1.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 A New Life in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 6.00 Four in a Bed. 6.30 The Simpsons. (R) 7.00 Channel 4 News. 7.30 Unreported World. 8.00 Bill Bailey’s Australian Adventure. (R) 9.00 Gogglebox. 10.00 Late Night Lycett. 11.05 Film: American Pie: The Wedding.

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.05 Milkshake! Secret Life of the Forest. 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Friends. (R) 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: Mother’s Stolen Memories. (2023) 4.00 BargainLoving Brits in the Sun. 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 Robson Green’s Coastal Fishing. The actor searches for scampi off the coast of Northumberland. (R) 6.55 5 News Update. 7.00 A Yorkshire Farm. Rob and Dave bring in a sheep scanner. 7.55 5 News Update. 8.00 Springtime on the Farm. Rob and Dave Nicholson treat a poorly ewe about to give birth. 9.00 The Hotel Inspector. Alex Polizzi helps Rachel, whose lodges site in Oxfordshire is haemorrhaging money. 10.00 Killer at the Crime Scene. (R) 11.05 Making a Serial Killer. (R) 12.05 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. (R) 1.00

PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00 Entertainment News. 3.05 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords. (R) 3.50 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. (R) 4.40 Great Artists. (R) 5.05 House Doctor. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. (R) 5.40

Fireman Sam. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys 8.00 The Bermuda Triangle: Beneath the Waves 9.00 Film: Sweet Charity (1969) Musical, starring Shirley MacLaine. 11.25 Parkinson Meets Shirley MacLaine 11.50 Shirley MacLaine: Talking Pictures ITV2 4.00 Dawson’s Creek 5.00 Dress to Impress 6.00 Celebrity Catchphrase 7.00 Family Fortunes

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.45 Friends. (R) 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: Scandal: My Daughter’s Secret. (2021) 4.00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Motorhoming with Merton & Webster. Paul Merton and his wife Suki Webster explore the UK. (R) 6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Wetherspoons vs Toby Carvery: Which Is Better. Phillippa Davis reviews some of Wetherspoons’ and Toby’s most popular meals. 7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Springtime on the Farm. There are births all around at Cannon Hall Farm. Last in the series.

9.00 Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends. New series. The presenter embarks on a series of visits around the world.

10.30 Abba: How They Won Eurovision. (R)

11.30 Abba: The Missing 40 Years. The story of what happened after the band split up 1982. (R)

12.55 Entertainment News. 1.00

PlayOJO Live Casino Show. 3.00

Entertainment News. 3.10 The Mega Council Estate Next Door. (R) 4.10 Great Scientists. (R) 4.40 House Busters. (R) 5.05 House Doctor. (R) 5.30 Entertainment News. 5.40 Fireman Sam. (R) 5.50 Pip and Posy. (R) BBC Four 7.00 TOTP: 1995 8.00 TOTP: 1986 8.30 TOTP: 1981 9.00 Pet Shop Boys at the BBC 10.30 Imagine... Pet Shop Boys: Then

ALRIGHT, MATE, let me tell you something about my recent gaming escapades. I’ve been diving deep into these simulator-style games like House Flipper and PowerWash Simulator, spending hours on end.

Now, on the surface, it might seem a bit odd, innit? Instead of tackling the real-life mess in my own humble abode, I’m getting down and dirty in a virtual world. It’s not exactly an escape from reality, it’s more like artificially fulfilling tasks I could easily be doing in the physical realm.

You see, I understand why folks find this odd. Trust me, I don’t need reminding from my missus or my extended family—they’re always quick to raise an eyebrow at my gaming choices. But after investing a hefty chunk of time into these games, I’ve come to appreciate their appeal. They’re not overly demanding; you make steady progress without breaking a sweat. There’s no need to rack your brains figuring out what to do next; you just slip into a state of flow and tick tasks off a checklist.

So, when I heard they were dropping a House Flipper 2, I was a tad skeptical. I mean, the original game pretty much hit the nail on the head, didn’t it? Sure, there was room for expansion, but it felt like something that

could’ve been built upon rather than replaced. But after giving it a whirl, I must say, there are some notable improvements in House Flipper 2 that justify its existence. It’s a smoother ride overall, aligning better with what these games excel at. However, in the process, it’s shed some of the charm of the original.

Most players will kick off with the new story mode, which delves deeper than its predecessor while still keeping things fairly basic. You start as a novice home flipper, inheriting your folks’ antiquated pad, with old mates dishing out starter missions. These tasks range from mundane to slightly less mundane—tidying up, unpacking boxes, you get the drift. The narrative bits didn’t exactly set my world on fire, but hey, at least they don’t hog the spotlight. As you progress, missions ramp up in complexity, from knocking down walls to decking out kitchens, giving you that real flipper vibe. Eventually, you’re flipping entire houses, calling the shots instead of just ticking boxes.

Now, House Flipper 2’s formula is a bit leaner compared to its predecessor. There are new tools and tweaks, mainly aimed at enhancing the gameplay experience. You can now easily replicate customized items with a few clicks, and

ARIES

You may need to negotiate skillfully in various contexts such as at work or with your friends or partner to achieve harmony. You’ll have to make compromises and adjustments to cultivate happiness in all your relationships.

TAURUS

At work, you may experience some confusion and conflict. This could prompt you to start thinking about a career change. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons and get advice from those closest to you.

GEMINI

You’ll find yourself in a position to stand out. This could transform your life in the long term. Your value will be highlighted in a variety of ways, boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence.

CANCER

You may decide to move soon, especially if the family home has proved too big since your children left the nest. In your relationship, change could strengthen or rekindle your passion.

LEO

Your outspokenness will be evident as you express openly what others think in silence. A secret could leave you perplexed for a while. The Full Moon will have a revealing effect. A revelation will show you the way forward.

VIRGO

If you’re struggling financially, you could discover some interesting solutions. You’ll finally get the opportunity to invest in a project dear to your heart or, at least, to redecorate your home.

LIBRA

This will be an active and dynamic week. You may need to shake things up with certain people. Even if you prefer keeping the peace, it’s time to assert your position to reestablish harmony with those close to you.

plumbing fixtures magically set themselves up—less hassle, more hustle. Some might miss the features that got axed, but truth be told, the core ones are still intact. House Flipper 2 does a bang-up job of letting you slip into that sweet flow state, where you only need to flex your brain muscles as much as you fancy. Plus, there’s a bunch of building challenges for those craving a bit more complexity, although I quickly grew weary of those.

But here’s the rub—I kinda wished House Flipper 2 nudged me to think a tad more during its story mode. Unpacking a box shouldn’t be as mindless as stacking stuff in a corner, right? And painting certain areas shouldn’t be the only criterion for a job well done. The new sandbox mode somewhat makes up for it, letting you craft houses from scratch and share your creations online for some real critique.

Despite its flaws, House Flipper 2 offers a smoother ride, a more engaging story mode, and a snazzier art style. There’s plenty of content to keep you occupied for ages, but those pesky bugs need sorting out, pronto. With time, House Flipper 2 might just evolve into the ultimate simulation title, but for now, it’s a work in progress, mate.

SCORPIO

Your talents will increase tenfold, opening the door to a spiritual awakening. You’ll develop a deeper perspective and greater empathy, allowing you to see things in a new light. The artist in you could also be revealed.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll have to deal with a multitude of emotions in a situation that requires you to keep your cool. You’ll find a creative solution to a financial issue. In love, keeping a smile on your face will help you preserve an existing relationship or attract a soulmate.

CAPRICORN

If you have a jam-packed week, make sure to space out your appointments to avoid scheduling conflicts and minimize the pressure. Time is precious; carefully manage yours.

AQUARIUS

You could decide to radically change your life on a whim. This transformation could involve going back to school or starting a new career in line with your deepest aspirations.

PISCES

The heart has its reasons, which reason knows not. Even if you try to rationalize a situation, your emotions will influence your choices. Sometimes, you must step out of your comfort zone to move in the right direction

on

Inew Y dd

Sioe seicedelig yn coffáu Ymgyrch Julie

GADAWYD cynulleidfaoedd y llynedd wedi eu syfrdanu wedi profi’r sioe gerddorol unigryw Operation Julie Dros bedwar degawd yn ôl, roedd cefn gwlad Gorllewin Cymru yng nghanol y “byst” cyffuriau mwyaf erioed. Arweiniodd ymchwiliad yr heddlu, Operation Julie, at arestio dwsinau o bobol, a darganfyddiad o gyflenwad o LSD gwerth £100 miliwn.

Gwanwyn nesaf, bydd drama gerdd hynod lwyddiannus Theatr na nÓg a Chanolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth yn dychwelyd, ac yn archwilio’r stori o’r ddwy ochr – o lygaid yr heddlu, a hefyd yr hipis a oedd wedi ymgartrefu yng Ngorllewin Cymru yn y gobaith o ledaenu eu syniadau mewn byd a oedd yn newid o’u cwmpas.

Mae’n bleser gan y cyd-gynhyrchwyr gyhoeddi bod llawer o’r cast gwreiddiol yn dychwelyd, gyda Dan Bottomley yn ymuno’r cast fel Alston ‘Smiles’ Hughes ar gyfer taith gyfyngedig o 8 wythnos fydd yn ymweld â theatrau ledled y wlad.

Mae Operation Julie yn ddrama gerdd sydd yn fwrlwm o ganeuon, drama a chomedi, ac yn adrodd hanes rhyfeddol yr hyn a ddigwyddodd yng Ngorllewin Cymru a’r cyffiniau yng nghanol y 1970au, pan ymgartrefodd hipis yn yr ardal yn chwilio am ffordd newydd o fyw, wedi ei hysbrodoli gan asid ac agwedd amgen at fywyd.

Pan ddarganfyddir cliw, ar hap, yn dilyn damwain car, aiff yr heddlu lleol ati ynghyd â ditectifs o bob cwr o Brydain i archwilio achos sy’n troi allan yn y diwedd i ymwneud â’r stash mwyaf o asid a ddarganfuwyd erioed, sydd yn dileu hyd at 60% o gyflenwad LSD y byd ar y pryd.

Ymhlith y prif gymeriadau mae

Richard Kemp a Christine Bott, cwpl sy’n byw ger Tregaron ac sydd wedi dod o hyd i ffordd o wneud yr LSD puraf welwyd erioed, a’r deliwr twyllodrus, Smiles, sy’n byw yn Llanddewi Brefi.

Mae fersiwn Theatr na nÓg a Chanolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth o’r digwyddiadau yn dilyn y stori o ddwy ochr y gyfraith, yn dilyn ymchwil yr awdur a’r cyfarwyddwr Geinor Styles, a aeth ati i gyfarfod a chyfweld ag amrywiaeth o bobl o’r cyfnod, gan gynnwys un o’r prif werthwyr asid, Alston ‘Smiles’ Hughes – a oedd yn rhan allweddol o’r gadwyn LSD o’i gartref cymedrol yn Llanddewi Brefi –ac Anne Parry, gwraig y diweddar Dditectif Ringyll Richie Parry.

Mae Operation Julie yn ddrama gerdd, ffurf y mae’r cwmni sydd, yn ôl aelod o’r gynulleidfa, “byth yn methu â chreu argraff”, yn hoff iawn ohoni.

Greg Palmer yw Cyfarwyddwr Cerdd Operation Julie a bu’n trafod chwaeth gerddorol seicedelig Smiles a’r recordiau a ddylanwadodd arno gydag e yn ystod cyfnod creu’r ddrama.

“Cyfeiriodd Smiles at nifer o fandiau’r cyfnod – Caravan, Hawkwind, Incredible String Band. Ers dechrau’r broses, rydw i wedi bod yn hynod o awyddus i adlewyrchu tuedd gerddorol y cyfnod ym myd sain y ddrama, gan gynnwys bandiau Cymraeg gwych y cyfnod megis Budgie a Man.”

Yn siarad heddiw, dywed Alston ‘Smiles’ Hughes fod y mudiad asid wedi ymwneud cymaint â ffordd o fyw cynaliadwy ac ymrwymiad i achub y blaned ag yr oedd yn ymwneud â theithiau seicedelig: “Roedden ni’n codi’r faner ac yn dweud edrychwch, edrychwch, mae hyn yn argyfwng.

“Ry’n ni [bodau dynol] yn gwario cyfalaf y byd, ‘dyn ni

ddim yn byw oddi ar y llog, ry’n ni’n gwario’r cyfalaf. Ac edrychwch ar gyflwr y byd nawr. Dylen nhw fod wedi gwrando – dylen nhw fod wedi blydi gwrando… Ar y pryd [yn y 1970au], roedd yna dal y cyfle a’r amser i

newid. Fe allen ni fod wedi newid llawer o bethau yn y gymdeithas, ac yn lle hynny aethon ni i’r ffordd arall, ar ein pennau i brynwriaeth fyd-eang.”

Mae Smiles yn gobeithio bod y ddrama’n adlewyrchu difrifoldeb ei ddyheadau ar y pryd, ond hefyd y llawenydd o fyw trwy gyfnod cyffrous: “Roedd yn amser bendigedig. Fe gawson ni gymaint o hwyl, gredech chi byth !”

More than 55,000 Welsh children* as young as 5 are hiding signs of distress from their teachers, according to a new report that reveals how parents perceive their children’s mental health.

Responses from 766 Welsh parents by Compass MIS (a school management information system) shows that a third (35 per cent) think their children’s mental health is fair or poor. Almost twice that proportion – 68 per cent – are concerned about it.

The findings also suggest a gulf between boys’ and girls’ mental health. Parents think that 28 per cent of their girls have worse mental health than last year, compared with 19% of their boys.

educa TI on Children hiding signs of distress from school

Almost two thirds of children (64 per cent) try to hide their mental health problems, with more than half (54 per cent) going to ‘great lengths’ to hide their feelings of unhappiness from others.

Girls in Wales are 15 per cent more likely to try and hide their feelings, say the parents surveyed.

The report also revealed that a quarter (26 per cent) of Welsh parents say that their children struggle with feelings of anxiety every two to three days, while for 12 per cent it is a constant and daily struggle. Two in five girls (40 per cent) have to regularly deal with their worries compared to a third (35 per cent) of boys, according to the parents who took part in the study which is published today.

Compared with last year, 15% of children in Wales are less trusting of others. Fourteen per cent are less able to deal with feelings of unhealthy perfectionism. And one in 10 (9 per cent) are less able to choose an appropriate response to life challenges. The Compass study showed that parents say that the main causes of anxiety among their children are

peer pressure (34 per cent), social media (30 per cent), hormonal / physical changes 28 per cent), not sleeping well (22 per cent), keeping up with schoolwork (21 per cent), meeting high expectations they set themselves (20 per cent), and meeting expectations set by school (19 per cent).

Parents say that the biggest concern for their boys is fitting in (32 per cent). For girls, the biggest worry is peer pressure (36 per cent), closely followed by hormonal changes (34 per cent) and social media (31 per cent).

More than two in five (44 per cent) of Welsh parents also said that they were aware of other youngsters in their children’s classes showing early signs of self-harm, bullying, anxiety, and unhealthy self-control. less than half of parents (42 per cent) think their children’s schools are well equipped to deal with the mental

health needs of the young people they are teaching.

Four in five (81 per cent) of parents say that they would like to see schools produce a termly mental health report in the same way they report on a child’s learning achievements, grades, and attitude in the classroom.

Claire Wensley, Compass’ head of sales for Wales, said: “Parents in Wales are extremely concerned that too many of their children are struggling with mental health issues. What’s more, they suspect that many of them are going to great lengths to hide their problems from their parents, peers, and teachers.

“The tendency of so many students to mask their emotional distress is particularly troubling as it creates barriers to early intervention and support. As every school leader knows, to address an issue you first must have the means to tackle it.

“These finding are a

stark warning that cannot be ignored. The continued gap in mental wellbeing between genders underscores an urgent need for intervention and comprehensive support strategies.

“Many in the community are looking to schools for support. And, judging from the responses to our survey, most parents really appreciate that teachers are doing as well as they can do in challenging circumstances to give students what help they can.

“But to be able to assess the state of their students’ wellbeing, schools have first to be able to accurately record behaviour, track it over time and allow teachers to analyse and report it.”

A copy of the Compass report – Disturbing currents: wellbeing and mental health of children in Wales – is available to download for free at www. compass.education/uk/

Dogs Trust supporting domestic abuse survivors

DOGS TRUST

the UKs largest dog welfare charity, is celebrating one year of supporting survivors of domestic abuse in Wales through its Freedom Project.

To mark the anniversary, Dogs Trust hosted a significant event at the Senedd building in Cardiff, where Members of the Senedd gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the Freedom Project in Wales. The event, held on Tuesday 16th May 2023, united key stakeholders, volunteers, and supporters to honour the initiative’s remarkable success in aiding dogs and their owners facing challenging circumstances.

The Freedom Project, launched in Wales just over a year ago, has been instrumental in providing temporary foster care for dogs whose owners are facing domestic abuse. By offering a safe haven for these vulnerable dogs, the project not only safeguards their welfare but also enables their owners to seek support and rebuild their lives without worrying about the welfare of their beloved pets.

Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce. In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, in 2019 Dogs Trust found that 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing

domestic abuse.

As many refuges are unable to accept pets, these important services give survivors the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their pets will also be safe and well cared for.

As well as Wales, the Freedom Project currently operates across the whole of Scotland and in 39 counties across England. To date, the Freedom Project has fostered 2500 dogs and helped 2201 people.

The Freedom Project Regional Manager for the Northwest of England and Wales, Joanne Jackson commented on the success of the Freedom Project in Wales:

“As we continue to see an increase in demand for our services, it is more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.

“Whilst we are pleased to have been able to help so many people in our first year in Wales, there is still very much a need for our service, and we urgently

need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this lifesaving work.

“Thanks to Dogs Trust supporters and representatives of Welsh government, local authorities, and partner organisations, we continue to expand the reach of the Freedom Project across Wales. By working together, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners, ensuring they can escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives with the support they need.”

The event at the Senedd building was filled with joy and gratitude as attendees reflected on the remarkable achievements of the Freedom Project in its inaugural year. Representatives from Dogs Trust shared heartwarming success stories of dogs and their owners who had benefited from the program, highlighting the transformative impact it has had on their lives.

Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, attended the event and expressed

her admiration for the Freedom Project’s vital work:

“Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project does such amazing work to support people and dogs to escape unimaginable situations. We know that not wanting to leave pets behind can be a barrier to so many people looking to flee domestic abuse, so to see Freedom already supporting people across Wales to reach safety with their beloved pets shows how important and literally life-saving this work is. To hear that nearly 40 dogs and 26 families have needed support since the project launched in Wales last year demonstrates the hard work and determination to support survivors of domestic abuse, from Dogs Trust and all of the partner organisations they work with.

“I’m so grateful to the staff and volunteers that help make the Freedom Project work here in Wales and would encourage anyone to sign up and offer their support, so that more people and pets can escape abuse and live the lives they deserve.”

In addition to celebrating the Freedom Project’s achievements, the Freedom Project team was on hand to provide information and guidance to event attendees and highlighted the support available, encouraging individuals to spread awareness and refer those in need to the service. Their presence further emphasised Dogs Trust’s commitment to extending the reach of the project and ensuring that those facing challenging circumstances receive the assistance they require.

Dogs Trust is looking to expand its team of dedicated volunteer foster carers. Foster carers must have some experience of caring for dogs and be able to commit to fostering a dog for at least six months, although holiday cover can be provided. All dog food and the cost of veterinary treatment are covered, and full support is provided throughout by the Freedom Project team.

Involvement in fostering through the project is always kept completely confidential to protect both the dogs and the foster carers. Dogs are not fostered within the area that the owner is from, and the foster carer will not know who the owner is or where they live.

For further information about the Freedom Project and Dogs Trust’s work in Wales, please visit dogstrust.org.uk or contact the Freedom Project team on 0300 373 0677.

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FPointers suggest future price stability in Beef market

The latest data suggests Welsh beef production is likely to see medium term price stability because supply is expected to tighten, Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) experts anticipate.

Statistics from British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) shows that the GB breeding herd stood at 2.7 million head in January 2024 - almost two per cent lower than January 2023 and a notable six per cent smaller when compared to January 2021.

However, in the short term, numbers may temporarily increaseand possibly impact on farmgate prices- before the expected tightening brings greater stability later in 2024.

This data, and the associated projections, are part of a new HCC report as part of the Between the Lines series, Beef Supply: Update and Outlook that considers the factors that impact on the beef sector’s supply, demand and price, now and in the medium term.

“The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlook forecasts a tight supply of beef on

the global market in 2024, with Ireland and the EU experiencing reduced production volumes,” said Glesni Phillips, HCC’s Market Intelligence, Analysis and Business Insight Executive and author of the report.

“As a result, beef continues to be in demand across the globe, which may provide support to the domestic market as opportunities for increased exports arise. The BCMS data suggest supply for the remainder of this year will be plentiful as the number of cattle aged 1230 months were up 2% compared to 2023. Cattle under 12months of age

as of 1st January were down 3% which suggest supply will be tight further down the line into 2025. In addition to this, a smaller breeding herd will lead to fewer calf registrations in 2024 and therefore fewer slaughter-ready animals becoming available into 2026 and beyond.”

On prices, the report reflects that average deadweight prices for prime cattle categories in England and Wales were strong during 2023 and remained above yearearlier levels for the entirety of the year. Steer average deadweight prices reached a high of £4.90 during midMay last year, but current

averages have surpassed this and reached £4.95 in March of this year – some 3 per cent higher than year-earlier levels, and a further 28 per cent higher than the longer-term fiveyear average.

Deadweight prices for cull cows were more volatile with averages for the first half of the year trending above year-earlier levels and the second half below 2022 levels. The cull cow average peaked at £3.87 at the end of May –which was some eight per cent higher than the same period in 2022.

“At the time of writing, current averages were trending around £3.46, an

increase of over 30p since the start of 2024 but below the corresponding period last year by some 35p,” said Glesni.

She said Defra data shows the UK produced 900,600 tonnes of beef and veal in 2023, a decrease of two per cent when compared to 2022 and the lowest annual volume produced since 2018. “HMRC state the UK exported almost 134,000 tonnes and imported around 291,200 tonnes of beef in 2023, a decrease of four per cent on 2022 levels.

Looking at demand, the market still contains positive signals. “Consumer experts Kantar reveal that over 80 per cent of British households bought beef at some point during the year.

“As cost-of-living pressures continue to influence consumer shopping and eating habits, mince sales continue to show strength in the retail sector. Looking at the total volume of beef sold at GB retail in 2023, mince accounted for 55 per cent of this volume, a notable uplift from 50 per cent in 2021,” said Glesni.

RamCompare progeny project seeks new commercial sheep flocks

THE UK’s leading progeny test for terminal sire breeds, RamCompare is currently calling out for commercial sheep farms across Wales to join the project and support its drive to improve sheep genetics across the country.

RamCompare is jointly funded by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and AHDB and works with partners across the supply chain to drive faster rates of genetic improvement in the UK sheep industry. The project provides data from commercial farms and abattoir records for genetic evaluations, delivered by Signet Breeding Services.

HCC’s Dr Heather McCalman, Research, Development and Sustainability Executive said: “We are keen to see more farms from Wales joining this pioneering work which uses on farm data to drive genetic improvement within the UK sheep industry.

“There are many benefits for the

farms involved in RamCompare including engagement in one of the UK’s leading sheep breeding projects, the provision of recorded rams for natural mating, funding to undertake AI and access to AI sires for a portion of the flock, as well as a farm payment.

“By utilising the best genetics available, flock performance and profitability can be significantly improved. Selecting breeding stock with high performance figures is widely recognised as the single most effective tool for increasing economic returns and efficiency of livestock production. With this in mind, I would encourage farms from across Wales with an interest in genetics and a willingness to record flock performance to appy.”

The new farms will join the project ahead of the 2024 mating season and will remain involved for two breeding seasons. The flocks will need to meet a set of criteria including keeping a minimum of

300 uniform breeding ewes and have a known flock health status.

Alwyn Nutting from Glascoed Farm, Aberhafesp, Newtown is involved in the project. He said: “Our interest

in using performance recorded stock began when we selected a bull based on figures some years ago. Our interest then moved on to achieving the best from our commercial flock. The project is enabling us to trial high genetic merit rams of different breeds which are selected on specific traits which are believed to best suit our system.”

process is now open and will close on Friday 3rd May 2024. More information can be found on the HCC website: www.hybucig. cymru

The application

IT IS a very busy period on our farms with both lambing and calving, now in full swing. We won’t discuss the weather, currently a very depressing subject matter!

With Easter holidays now over, we know that many families take this period as an opportunity to gather together and celebrate over an Easter lunch. A leg or shoulder of lamb is a firm favourite in many households and we hope that food shoppers the length and breadth of Wales remembered to check the label and purchased the best PGI status lamb in the world, Welsh lamb!

Local family run butcher shops will certainly have welcomed the meat sales boost with many supermarkets also placing Welsh Lamb firmly in the eye of their customers at the promotional fridges. We’ll have to wait for the Easter sale figures during the forthcoming weeks but let’s hope that there was a boost to sales.

Lamb fared well during the Valentine period, according to The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Whilst lamb is not classically associated with Valentine’s Day; this year saw the volumes bought increase by 5.7%. For Welsh sheep farmers it is very encouraging to hear that lamb outperformed the total meat, fish, and poultry market for the period in question.

We understand that a key driver of lamb’s performance was the success of added value products, things like marinated lamb already pre-prepared in foil trays or sous vide

products, which means vacuum-sealing food in a bag and cooking it in a precisely regulated water bath. Our butchers are doing a great job of providing these types of lamb products from their counters too, easy to cook after a busy day at work, and having the key advantage of being tasty and nutritious.

There was a slight increase in the volumes of stewing, leg roasting joints and mince purchased in the 2-week period of the lovers’ special day, but the added value products accounted for the majority of lamb sales growth this Valentine’s Day.

Hybu Cig Cymru has also offered some insight into great lamb prices at livestock markets in recent weeks. Peak consumption of lamb is usually seen during religious festivals and this year both Easter and Ramadan, the Islamic festival, occurred in March, driving up demand for both chicken and lamb.

This abnormal amount of wet weather is causing great difficulty for farmers across Wales, whether they are in the full swing of lambing or having to keep their dairy and beef herds indoors for a prolonged period of time. With such an extremely wet start to the year, we will likely see knockon impacts in terms of poor germination of crops and grasses and delayed silage cutting dates. The extent of these impacts will become clearer later in the year when stocks of animal feed run low and prices increase.

Let’s hope the weather improves for a spring across Wales that allows us to take advantage of these ‘lighter’ days.

Glyphosate ban would lead to difficult trade-offs

NEW modelling shows that some crops will have reduced yields if widely used herbicides are withdrawn, and alternative approaches to weed control offer mixed outcomes.

A new modelling study suggests that a ban on glyphosate could increase weed abundance and decrease crop yields. Although the environmental risks associated with this herbicide would be eased, alternative approaches to weed control have mixed outcomes for the environment, food production and profitability, although some show potential benefits.

Weed communities with evolved resistance to non-glyphosate herbicides were not projected to be disproportionately affected by removing glyphosate despite the lack of alternative herbicidal control options.

“Our findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of trade-offs if a ban were to be enacted,” said Rothamsted’s Dr Helen Metcalfe, who led the study.

“Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide, is linked with environmental harm and possibly human health issues, but its use is central to no-till farming approaches. Public pressure is now building for it to be replaced in agricultural systems. We wanted to find out what the implications of a ban might be.”

Glyphosate is widely used in arable farming. However, in regenerative systems focused on improving soil health, it is important for weed control in no-till stubbles and the management of cover crops and leys.

The environmental and health issues associated with glyphosate may trade off against some benefits of moving to more sustainable systems

that reduce tillage and integrate cover crops.

The study team modelled the impacts of discontinuing glyphosate use and replacing it with alternative weed control methods based on winter wheat arable systems typical in northwest Europe.

Crop rotations with more spring cereals or grass leys for weed control increased arable plant diversity. However, they produced less food compared to simpler rotations using glyphosate.

An increase in spring cropping also increases environmental risks associated with herbicides due to the high toxicity and bioavailability of chemicals typically applied to these crops.

Stale seedbed techniques, for example, delayed drilling and opting for ploughing instead of minimum tillage, had varying effects on weed abundance, food production and profitability.

Ploughing was the most effective alternative to glyphosate for longterm weed control while maintaining production and profit.

“Integrated Weed Management with more use of cultural control methods offers the potential to reduce chemical use but is sensitive to seasonal variability and can also have some negative environmental and

economic impacts,” said Dr Metcalfe.

“The uncertainty associated with the nonchemical approaches we tested supports the view that adoption of IWM requires multiple options adapted to the local environment. This will however require careful consideration and a strong founding in the principles of weed ecology and biology.”

In the study, introducing more grass leys or spring cereals into crop rotation inevitably led to decreased food production due to replacing highyielding crops with less productive alternatives. While the additional benefits of these diversified systems may outweigh the loss of food production in some cases, there may also be additional avenues to increase productivity.

For example, adding grazing animals to grass leys will provide additional revenue sources and improve soil structure and nutrient cycling.

The study team expected to observe the benefits of adjusting crop rotation for weed control. However, these did not consistently materialize in the simulations.

It was anticipated that introducing crops with very different management techniques from typical winter cereals would have allowed weed abundance to

fall. This is because the management operations required for these alternative crops will select a different weed community from that adapted to winter cereals.

“Although we saw increased environmental risks related to herbicides used in spring crops, the benefits of spring crops in improving biodiversity in general are clear,” said Dr Metcalfe.

“For instance, overwinter stubbles from spring cropping provide conditions for germinating crucial winter food sources for seed-eating birds. In addition, spring crops can provide breeding habitats and food sources for farmland birds.

“It is therefore important to consider these trade-offs when implementing such a strategy on farm.”

The study team hopes the modelling exercise will encourage more farmers to experiment with alternative weed control strategies.

“Many farmers are beginning to investigate how they can best control weeds with fewer herbicides. Simulation studies like this one can help to carefully assess any management changes, as it is not always possible to predict outcomes when so many variablesincluding the weatherare playing a key role,” said Dr Metcalfe.

UK specification and pricing confirmed for all-new Škoda Kodiaq

Škoda has confirmed final UK pricing and specifications for its second-generation Kodiaq SUV ahead of order books opening on 10 April, 2024.

The secondgeneration model builds on the considerable strengths of the original and adds a host of new features. The new Kodiaq will offer more space than ever before thanks to an even bigger 910 litre boot, a bold new interior concept that introduces Škoda’s innovative Smart Dials, plus a host of other new technologies and creature comforts. These include LED Matrix headlights and new Turn and Remote Park Assist.

Since its launch in 2016, the Kodiaq has become the benchmark large family SUV in its sector, combining sevenseater practicality with Škoda’s famed practicality and value. To date, more than 850,000 examples of the first-generation model have been delivered worldwide with the UK being the brand’s secondbiggest market; more than 55,000 Kodiaq models have found homes with UK customers since its launch.

The new Kodiaq

with be available with five drivetrain choices, including, for the first time ever, a plug-in hybrid drivetrain option with an all-electric driving range of more than 62 miles and rapid DC charging at speeds of up to 50kW. The PHEV drivetrain will be available with fiveseater variants of both trim grades, and will open for order at a later date. Customers will be able to choose between fiveand seven-seater models,

with two trim grades, SE and SE L available from launch. A new SportLine variant will join the line-up later in the year.

Kodiaq SE from £36,645 OTR

As customers have come to expect from Škoda, the new Kodiaq SE comes loaded with standard equipment including 18-inch Mazeno alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, heated front seats and KESSYkeyless start/stop system.

SE models come with Loft design selection as standard, along with a 13-inch satellite navigation touchscreen display, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and tri-zone climate control. The SE model also comes with a range of safety systems as standard, including Front Assist with braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Blind Spot Detection with door exit warning and Front Cross Traffic

Assist. SE models can be specified with five or seven seat layouts with the latter adding a variable boot floor to the standard specification.

Kodiaq SE L from £40,205

SE L models build on the generous specification of the SE and add 19inch Rapeto alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), AWL (all weather lighting system) and all-weather light with cornering function. SE L models also feature ecoSuite black design selection with perforated black artificial leather and real leather, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, electrically operated boot and keyless entry and start/stop system.

Exterior design

The all-new Kodiaq has been redesigned from the ground up, and introduces elements of Škoda’s new Modern Solid design language, a revised Škoda logo and a wide air intake below the grille, framed by two air curtains and a hexagonal grille. The grille can be specified with a striking LED strip made up from 14 lighting elements between the headlamps.

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Genesis, the premium luxury automotive brand, opens in Bridgend

GENESIS South Wales, part of the Sinclair Group has commenced its sales operations of Genesis cars in Bridgend, South Wales to cater for the growing demand for the new premium luxury brand from South Korea.

Following the news in the last year that The Sinclair Group had partnered with Genesis, The Sinclair Group has been actively onboarding its Genesis Personnel.

The New South Wales Genesis business will sell new and Certified pre-owned cars as well as providing after sales support for servicing and repairs for Genesis customers.

Backed by the Hyundai Motor Company, Genesis arrived in the UK in May 2021 with the opening of retail Studio concepts in shopping centres; the first in Westfield London, followed by Battersea Power Station in 2022 and then Edinburgh in 2023.

Since launch, the premium luxury Korean brand has been disrupting the market, providing customers with a different perspective on the car-buying journey, offering a “we come to you” service, as

well as quality, awardwinning cars. With five petrol and diesel cars launched in 2021, Genesis has since expanded its line-up with three further all-electric products.

The brand is expanding its touchpoints to allow for greater customer access and to cater for the growing demand and following on from its initial “we come to you” promise, Genesis South Wales is carrying this through for those customers that live within a 35-mile radius.

“We’re thrilled to have been selected as a Genesis retail partner and are dedicated to bringing the unparalleled Genesis experience to our Welsh customers. Work will shortly be underway to build our new state-of-the-art Genesis showroom, where we look forward to welcoming our customers and showcasing the extraordinary Genesis lineup.” - Lee Bryl, Sales Manager.

“This is a significant step forward for both the brand and our Genesis customers in South Wales” added Jonny Miller, Brand

Director at Genesis Motor UK. “Working in close partnership with The Sinclair Group we are increasing the access and touchpoints to Genesis as we continue on our growth journey. South Wales is a key area for us, and we look forward to seeing more Genesis cars on the road in the area.”

Genesis South Wales will become one of just seven retail partners across the UK appointed by Genesis and is now open for business.

Genesis studios and the unique experience they deliver are proving exceptionally popular with visitors and the team are delighted to see 5-star ratings on google.

Visitors have been praising the design of the studios, the friendly and knowledgeable team as well as the vehicles. GV70

The New Renault Captur: the B-segment car for living

RENAULT Captur is the B-segment “car for living”. It is versatile and multitalented, both compact on the outside (4.23m) and spacious on the inside, modular to adapt to the uses of modern families, equally at home in the city or off the grid. Its high driving position is appreciated by its owners, allowing easy access to the vehicle and good visibility of the road. All these qualities explain the success of a car that has sold over two million units in 90 countries around the world since its launch ten years ago.

New Renault Captur adopts the new design language initiated by Gilles Vidal, Renault’s Head of Design. Playing on light and matter with taut lines and precise detailing, the new language creates a more stylish and dynamic effect. With its new front end, New Captur gains a

more premium look.

New Captur will continue to set the standard in urban SUVs. New Captur maintains its versatility, two-tone body colours and generous interior space, along with a range of ingenious high-tech equipment.

Alongside these qualities, which are all part of its DNA, newgeneration Captur gains a range of new features. More expressive inside and out, the styling delivers a unique twist of elegance and sporting spirit with the new esprit Alpine trim. The cabin is showcased by new upholstery and new dashboard screens. Depending on the version, the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in provides the very best in on-board technology with Android Automotive 12, a world first in the B segment. The entirely new electronic architecture takes safety to new levels, with a range of latest-generation driving

aids.

New Captur will be offered with two engine choices, including the 145 bhp E-Tech full hybrid option. For enhanced driving pleasure and a more dynamic ride, the running gear has been revised and the power steering recalibrated.

Built at the Valladolid plant, New Renault Captur will be available from Q3 2024.

A more dynamic exterior design

Showcased by the new Ceramic Grey bodywork and esprit Alpine trim, New Captur takes on a more athletic look with premium styling. Featuring a new light signature and two-tone bodywork configurations, New Captur gains even greater appeal.

New front end

The new front end takes on a more elegant, technological look, with the Nouvel’R one-piece logo built into the multifaceted grille, and a higher, more horizontal

bonnet. All these details underline the stronger identity of New Captur.

The upper part of the grille creates a play of light, with its shapes in relief and the contrast between the dark glossy background and the transparent inserts. This sets off multiple reflections across the radiator grille, like a wave rippling out from the diamond in the centre towards the headlights and the bumper, with its tiny embossed parallelograms.

The front end features a horizontal air intake above the aerodynamic splitter, with another in the bumper. Two air inlets positioned on either side of the front end, next to the daytime running lights, contribute to aerodynamics and the cooling of the front brakes.

New light signature

The new front lights feature full LED technology as standard on all levels of trim. As with New Clio, the LED

daytime running lights take on a vertical halfdiamond shape, freely inspired by the brand logo. The headlights come to life in a new welcome sequence when the doors are unlocked remotely, creating a friendly, modern effect.

A more contemporary rear end

The rear light housing is now transparent, revealing the structure of the light units inside. Combined with the new logo and redesigned diffuser, this feature gives the rear end a more contemporary look with a higher level of perceived quality.

Three stylish levels of trim

The evolution trim features 17-inch alloy wheels and a matt black finish on the lower body and beltline with long, black front and rear skid plates. The higher techno trim features all-new 18-inch alloy wheels and a High Gloss Black finish on the lower

body and beltline. The new esprit Alpine trim is immediately identifiable, with its Ice Black logos, High Gloss Black window surrounds, 19inch wheels of specific design, aerodynamic splitter and front and rear skid plates with Slate Grey matt finish.

Two-tone bodywork

Six body colours are available: Arctic White, Oyster Grey, Diamond Black, Ceramic Grey, Iron Blue and Flame Red. The two-tone colour scheme, which is optional on techno and standard on esprit Alpine, is popular with customers, who can select Diamond Black for the roof and door mirrors.

A wide range of new exterior accessories

New Captur can be personalised with a wide range of equipment available on order or through the dealer network, including underbody lighting, sidesteps, towbars, bicycle racks and illuminated door sills.

eal TH

HService of remembrance for babies loved and lost

THE annual Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place on Saturday 27 April 2024 in Carmarthen.

The service, arranged by health board staff and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and provides an opportunity for people to reflect and to come together to pay respects.

The service will take place at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton

Terrace, Carmarthen SA31 3BT at midday on Saturday 27 April. Bethel Chapel can be found behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre on Picton Terrace with ample parking available.

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “This service of remembrance is an important moment in the year when parents and families who has been affected by the very sad experience of babies who

have passed away.

“Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and we hope this service allows parents and their families and staff to reflect and remember in a space surrounded by support and love, as they continue on their journey of separation and grief.

“The loss of a baby is overwhelming and emotional, but to meet others who are experiencing loss in a similar way can be helpful.

“As staff, when we initially meet families, it is often during the darkest days of days but to meet them again at this annual event months or years down feels really special and such a privilege as we share and support.

“We are grateful of the support and kindness of Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church who will be providing refreshments.”

The service will be suitable for multi-faith and those of no-faith. As well as an act of

remembrance, there will be prayers, readings, poems, and music for reflection.

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to Loved.Forever.HDD@ wales.nhs.uk by Tuesday 23 April 2023

Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or Euryl. Howells2@wales.nhs.uk

Schoolgirl raises over £500 for chemo unit

Begw Fussell, a Year 13 student from Efailwen, has raised a fantastic £580 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital.

Begw organised a concert in her local village chapel on 17th December 2023 to raise the funds.

Begw said: “It was an event to bring the community together. I live in a community with a lot of elderly people and putting on this event on meant they could all have the chance to enjoy each other’s company. Myself, Jess Robinson, Esyllt Thomas, Ffion Thomas and Sioned Llewellyn all performed.

“Over the past years

I have raised money for Macmillan, Paul Sartori, and for a local defibrillator which is now in full use.

“I have seen a big rise

in the amount of people I know battling cancer. I feel the Chemotherapy Unit in Glangwili supports so many families and individuals along their path to recovery. Two of my friends lost their mothers to cancer in the past years and I feel every chemo unit should receive the best support from their community, we’ll never know when we may need them.

“It was a very rewarding night. The community left lovely comments. Everyone is now asking when the next one is!

“Thank you to our music teacher, Eilyr Thomas, and to the whole community who are always ready to support me with all my fundraising events.”

Nicola Llewellyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda

University Health Board, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Begw for organising the concert and raising a fantastic £580.

“The support of our lo-

cal 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.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

BMA suspends strike action for talks with WG

BMA Cymru Wales has suspended forthcoming industrial action for Consultants and SAS (Specialist and Specialty) doctors following a constructive meeting with the Welsh government to resolve its pay disputes.

As a result of sustained pressure, including three rounds of industrial action by junior doctors in Wales, the Welsh Government has made a significant proposal to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes with all secondary care doctors, including Consultants, SAS and Junior doctors.

Since the meeting last week, the committees representing doctors from all three branches of practice have voted to enter pay negotiations based on this proposal.

The planned 48-hour strike by consultants and SAS doctors, which was to start on April 16, has now been suspended.

Junior doctors have paused plans to announce more strike dates whilst they enter negotiations with the Welsh Government.

The Welsh Junior Doctors Committee, Welsh SAS Committee and Welsh Consultants Committee will now engage in pay negotiations to reach deals which can be taken separately to their respective members.

Dr Oba Babs Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, co-chairs of the BMA’s Welsh Junior Doctors Committee, said: “This is a significant step forward. Sadly, we had to take industrial action to get here. Still, we are proud of members for demonstrating their resolve to pursue a fair deal for the profession.

“Although we are optimistic and hope

to resolve our dispute quickly, we remain steadfast in achieving pay restoration. Until we reach a deal, nothing is off the table.

“We will continue to work hard to reach a credible offer to members who will ultimately have the final say.”

Dr Stephen Kelly, chair of BMA Cymru Wales’ Consultants committee, said: “The Welsh Government’s recent efforts to reach an end to the pay dispute are encouraging, and so we have called off our planned strike for now whilst we allow time and space for negotiations to take place.

“We’re hopeful that we can reach a deal that sufficiently addresses years of erosion to our pay to help retain senior doctors in Wales but we remain ready to strike if we’re unable to do so during negotiations.”

Dr Ali Nazir, chair

of BMA Cymru Wales’ SAS doctor committee, said: “As a committee, we felt that this latest development goes someway to understanding the strength of feeling of our members. We will work hard to reach a settlement that sufficiently meets the expectations of our colleagues who have faced real-term pay cuts of up to a third since 2008/9.”

In August last year, the BMA’s committees representing secondary care doctors in Wales voted to enter into separate trade disputes with the Welsh Government after being offered another belowinflation pay uplift of just 5% for the 23/24 financial year.

SAS doctors on some contracts were offered as little as 1.5%.

The Welsh Government’s offer was the lowest pay offer any

government in the UK made, and it was less than the DDRB, the pay review body for doctors and dentists, recommended last year.

As part of their disputes, SAS doctors, consultants, and junior doctors carried out successful ballots for industrial action.

Since January this year, junior doctors in Wales have participated in 10 days of industrial action.

Vaughan Gething said: “We recognise the strength of feeling among BMA members and that industrial action is never taken lightly.

“This is a government that listens and engages to find solutions. I prioritised a meeting with the BMA directly alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Health to reinforce our commitment to that partnership approach.

“We currently face the most severe financial

situation in the devolution era, making our task far harder.

“Despite that backdrop, we have worked to identify a way forward that I hope will lead to the successful resolution of this dispute and ensure that doctors can return to work in NHS Wales.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health Eluned Morgan added: “Even in these very challenging circumstances, we have worked in social partnership with the BMA and NHS to maintain patent safety during industrial action.

“But the strikes have been very disruptive to the delivery of NHS services – none of us want to see doctors on strike.

“I am pleased the three BMA committees have agreed to pause further industrial action and begin formal talks with Welsh Government and hope we can bring an end to this dispute.”

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BBlack Pool Mill partners with Câr-y-Môr

Black Pool Mill restaurant is the latest dining destination to use Pembrokeshire seafood suppliers Câry-Môr. The community benefit society –based at St Davidsalready supplies top restaurants in London including Michelinstarred Mountain, which is ranked as one of the top restaurants in the UK according to Conde Nast Traveller.

Now, Black Pool Mill is proud to announce its exclusive fish supper night on April 18 which promises guests a true Pembrokeshire dining experience featuring some of the best locally sourced seafood from Câr-y-Môr. Situated on the banks of the Cleddau estuary near Canaston Bridge, the beautifully renovated Georgian Mill is the perfect setting for such an event.

With seared scallops, coconut and ginger steamed mussels and soft-shell crab burger all appearing on the menu, the evening underscores Black Pool Mill’s commitment to sourcing the highest quality produce while supporting local suppliers and producers.

Câr-y-Môr is Wales’ first regenerative seaweed and shellfish farm and is community owned. Currently it has a diverse membership of over 300 members from all walks of life and has created 14 fulltime jobs. In September last year, it secured a 20-year marine license for its offshore site, meaning it can continue to develop its two pilot farms in the seas off St Davids peninsula. Over the last two years Câr-yMôr has trialled growing different native seaweed and shellfish species, as well as learning the techniques required to operate an ocean farm.

While the seaweed side of the business is “the sexy side” according to Francois Beyers, Câr-y-Môr co-founder, the shellfish element is equally important. “They both go hand in hand,”

he explained. “We’re growing them together to recreate marine habitats. It’s like an underwater garden.”

The three-hectare site is part of a fledgling sector and one of only 12 farms in the UK. It’s hoped the sector could boost ocean biodiversity, produce sustainable agricultural fertiliser and provide year-round employment in areas that have traditionally been dependent on tourism.

What sets it apart is the fact they are growing in some of the cleanest waters in the world. “Ramsey Sound is classed as Grade A waters,” Francois explained. “It’s a rarity. It means you can eat them [shellfish] directly off the lines. That sets this seafood apart.”

In 2020, Francois, together with six family members, including his father-in-law – an established shellfish farmer, established Câr-y-Môr. A software developer and South African native, Francois harboured a passion for the marine world and its conservation, coupled

with a desire to instil the same values in his own children. This inspiration led him to seek a life by the sea. When his father-in-law stumbled upon the perfect site, two abandoned mussel farms in Pembrokeshire, the concept became a reality. Local knowledge and support proved crucial: “Without the support from the local community, volunteering their time and expertise to make this a success, none of this would have been possible,” Francois said.

Ocean farming –or the rather more wordy technical term ‘integrated multi-trophic aquaculture’ - means a mixture of different seaweed and shellfish species growing together to mutually benefit each other. But it’s not just a way of growing food with little human input, it also creates ocean habitat. “You’re creating a breeding ground for marine animals,” explained Francois who added that boat operators in the area have reported seeing more gannets diving, porpoises and

seals since the farm was established. “It’s become a bit of a haven,” he added. It’s a story that the likes of Tomos Parry and his team of chefs at Sohobased Mountain love to share. And it’s one the Black Pool Mill team are keen to highlight too. Sous chef Bertie Titterton helped devise the menu and said: “We are thrilled to partner with Câr-y-Môr to bring a taste of the sea to our guests through our special Fish Supper Menu. Pembrokeshire is blessed with an abundance of exceptional seafood, and we are proud to work with Câr-y-Môr to highlight the region’s culinary treasures.”

The Câr-y-Môr ocean farm is still in the early stages of its development and the shellfish are still maturing. In the meantime, Câr-y-Môr sources produce from local fishermen: “We have to rely on people who know the area,” Francois explained. “They are custodians of the sea, they know it better than anyone else.”

For those living and working in Pembrokeshire comes a greater understanding of it, Francois said. He added: “For the seafood lovers and the climate conscious and the people who have a love for the sea, I think they will understand what’s happening to our oceans.

“If you live close to it and work in it, you realise how massively our ocean is being affected. People increasingly want to support a community business and buy responsibly sourced seafood.”

Bertie added: “The menu was inspired by our global travels and using local produce to cook some of our favourite things, from sea bass en papillote to cured salmon. We hope diners enjoy it as much as we do.”

The Black Pool Mill fish supper is on April 18th. For more information about Black Pool Mill and its menus, visit www. blackpoolmill.com.

Workplace Recycling heaps more costs on businesses

ON SATURDAY, April 6, it became law for all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in Wales to sort their waste for recycling.

The Welsh Government, which has provided no extra funding or relief to those affected, claims the changes will increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration and to landfill.

The Workplace Recycling Regulations will require all business, public and third-sector workplaces to separate key recyclable materials like householders already do across most of Wales.

The following materials will need to be separated for collection and collected separately:

• Food

• Paper and card

• Glass

• Metal, plastic and cartons

• Unsold textiles

• Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment

The Welsh Government says that putting the recycling in different bins will improve its quality, making it more likely that Welsh businesses will use the materials instead of exporting them. It will not, however, end the practice of shipping waste to overseas landfills. There will also be a ban on:

• Sending food waste to sewer (any amount)

• Separately collected waste going to incineration and landfill

• All wood waste going to landfill

The Cabinet

Secretary for Climate Change, Huw IrrancaDavies, said: “Wales is already the best in the UK for domestic recycling and third best in the world.”

Mr Irranca-Davies continued: “We want to improve the quality and quantity of workplace

recycling. This is an important step towards reaching zero waste, reducing carbon emissions and tackling the climate emergency.

“We want to keep materials in use for as long as possible. With materials’ costs rising, keeping high-

quality materials in use will help our economy and support our supply chains.

“It will also improve the quality and quantity of recyclable materials collected from workplaces, which will in turn capture important materials to be fed back

into the Welsh economy.”

The Welsh Government has provided neither details of the extra costs to businesses or other affected organisations nor an estimate of the scheme’s purported economic benefits.

P ol ITI c S

vELy LIbERAL

held within the next 9 months, all parties have stepped up their campaigning for when the date is finally announced.

Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey says he thinks this election provides his party with an opportunity to capitalise on the Conservatives’ lurch to the right, and that the Lib Dems could become the new home for One Nation Conservatives.

“If you look at what we’ve been doing in local government, which is where we always build our foundation for future success, I think we’ve done a great job,” he said in an interview with The Yorkshire Post.

“Our challenge is convincing voters who are looking to not vote Conservative for the first time ever that we are the ones that share their values.”

“The coalition years were tough for the Liberal Democrats, managing to lose its left-leaning supporters who did not want the Tories in power, as well as its right flank the Conservatives were able to turn to their cause in the following years.”

However, Sir Ed said that these voters could help the party redraw the electoral map later this year.

“A lot of former Conservative MPs,

Independent investigation

councillors, feel that the Liberal Democrats share their views on the economy and how you should treat other people, how we care about the environment, and the understanding that our political system is broken here.”

It was only in the last week that the Liberal Democrats have called on the government to back down on plans to criminalise homelessness in the Criminal Justice Bill, after The Times reported ministers are facing a backbench rebellion from Conservative MPs on the issue.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, who led the cross-party campaign to scrap the Vagrancy Act which criminalises homelessness, commented:

“The heartless proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill risk bringing back the Vagrancy Act by the back door.”

“The government should listen to their own backbenchers and take a compassionate approach to tackling homelessness, instead of stigmatising and criminalising rough sleepers.”

“Sleeping rough is not a lifestyle choice. Ministers should focus on tackling the root causes of this crisis, not scapegoating the victims.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

A LEADING barrister will independently review the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales after the dismissal of an investigator.

The Ombudsman’s office investigates complaints made by the public about public bodies and councillors accused of breaking their codes of conduct.

Two of the Ombudsman’s principles are impartiality and independence.

A series of social media posts by former Head Investigator Sinead Cook suggested she breached guidelines on political impartiality.

Ms Cook used a Twitter account called @ SweetlittleSewandsew and posted messages using the aliases Schnade Cee and Smoogi Cookster.

In one addressing Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match of The Day, Ms Cook

asked why people “are not talking about the fact the Government is trying to pass a Bill which is incompatible with the Human Rights Act and morally reprehensible”, signing off: “F*** the Tories.”

Referring to Bridgend’s Conservative MP, Jamie Wallis, she wrote: “If the people of Bridgend didn’t have a sense of humour, he would never have been elected.

“He’s a joke.”

She lambasted former PM Boris Johnson as “entitled” and told TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp to “speak to your Tory buddies about feeding kids in England”.

She also accused former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell of being an “awful human being” who was “spouting Tory nonsense back in the 90s”.

The Twitter account has now been deleted.

Welsh Conservatives seized upon her comments, which included a post praising former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as evidence of political bias not only from Ms Cook but also on the part of the Ombudsman Service.

The key issue is not only actual bias but also the appearance of bias in decision-making.

Although Laboursupporting social media warriors pursued a reductive “Tories can’t take the truth” line regarding the scandal, it takes little effort to imagine how they’d react if the shoe were on the other foot.

Writing on the Conservative Home website, Andrew RT Davies said: “Cook’s conduct is particularly egregious because of the nature of her role.

“As the Ombudsman’s Head of Investigations, she was responsible

Michelle Morris: Public Services Ombudsman commissions independent investigation

into Ombudsman after bias scandal

for overseeing all complaints about local councillors in Wales. Political impartiality was, therefore, a prerequisite. It was the most important standard for her to meet.

“Cook’s actions fell far short of the standard required. Her comments, expressed while she was employed in her role, made her position untenable.”

Mr Davies continued: “Her conduct also has ramifications for others. Given her senior role, the public can’t have confidence in any decisions taken by the Ombudsman while she was in the post.

“The influence she had over others in her team and the culture she set means they, too, through no fault of their own, could not act with the impartiality required. Having made such explicit comments in a public forum, it is highly unlikely Cook would not have made similar, potentially worse comments, privately.” And there’s the rub.

would have to be revisited, revised, or even set aside.

Andrew RT Davies continued by claiming that the Ombudsman’s office was so contaminated that it could not survive in its current form and needed to be replaced by a new body.

The slightest suggestion of personal bias on an investigator’s part, and there is more than a suggestion in Ms Cook’s case, potentially undermines the conclusions of any investigation she conducted or supervised. There is a potential risk that sanctions imposed during Ms Cook’s employment

On Tuesday, April 9, the Ombudsman issued a statement that announced an independent review by James Goudie KC.

“Following the allegation of political bias made against a former PSOW officer, the Ombudsman has announced that an independent review will be conducted to provide assurance that

its code of conduct processes are sound and free from political bias and that lessons are learned from what has happened.

“The Ombudsman, Michelle Morris, fully accepts that PSOW must now rebuild trust in the organisation’s work on complaints against councillors.

“The remit will include reviewing discretionary decisions made by the former officer and her team, not to investigate complaints when applying the Ombudsman’s processes.

“The review will be led by James Goudie KC and is expected to report this summer.”

Last month

Vaughan Gething became leader of Welsh Labour and our new First Minister of Wales, following Mark Drakeford’s decision to stand down. I have worked closely with Vaughan for many years, and I am looking forward to his exciting plans to build Wales’ future.

a £1 kids meal with every adult main meal purchased costing £5.20 or more.

Offending Tweet: Former Head Investigator Sinead Cook’s cases will be re-examined

This month marks 25 years since the introduction of the National Minimum Wage, one of the greatest achievements of the last Labour Government. The minimum hourly rate has now risen to 2/3 of median wages, but there is still much to be done to tackle poverty and inequality.

Many families and carers are struggling with food costs across the Easter holidays. Too many are turning to foodbanks across the county, such as Pembrokeshire Foodbank, Trussel Trust in Narberth, Haverfordwest Foodbank, Patch in Tenby, Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Pembroke dock, Cardigan Foodbank, and other bodies fighting food poverty. Supermarkets offering family deals across the Easter holidays include: Morrisons Cafes offer one free children’s meal when you buy an adult meal over £4.50.

ASDA offer a hot meal and piece of fruit for children under 16 for £1 throughout the year.

Tesco offer a free sandwich, a piece of fruit, two snacks and a drink for kids with an adult food purchase in a Tesco café.

Sainsbury’s offer

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is holding an independent review into its workplace culture, along with the other Welsh fire and rescue services. This follows shocking failings found at the South Wales force, with a ‘toxic’ culture of abuse, and reported bullying and harassment in the North Wales force. Our firefighters do a difficult job under the worst of circumstances, and I hope this review will rebuild confidence and trust in this crucial service, helping it to provide an excellent workplace and service to the public.

While many of us are waiting impatiently for the Prime Minister to call a General Election, we do know that we have Police and Crime Commissioner elections on Thursday 2nd May. If you don’t have a postal vote, for the first time you must now take photo ID when you vote in person.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport or drivers’ licence, most concessionary travel passes, such as an older person or disabled person’s bus pass. You will be able to use expired ID if you are still recognisable from the photo.

If you don’t have one of the accepted forms of ID, you can apply for free ID online at www.voterauthority-certificate. service.gov.uk/.

Further details are at https://www. pembrokeshire.gov. uk/elections-andvoting/elections-2024

JOYCE WATSON MS, LABOUR SENEDD MEMBER FOR MID AND WEST WALES

YES CYMRU is calling for the ownership of castles in North Wales to be transferred to the people of Wales.

Many people will be surprised to know that the people of Wales do not own Welsh castles – the Crown Estate does.

We are backing a petition by Arfon Jones, calling for Welsh Government ministers to explore options for transferring the historic buildings from the Crown Estate, which currently owns them.

The Crown Estate still owns the castles of Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Denbigh, Harlech, Conwy and Flint despite the Welsh conservation agency Cadw being responsible for their management and maintenance.

Backing the petition is part of Yes Cymru’s campaign for control of the Crown Estate’s assets in Wales to be transferred from Westminster to the Senedd.

This follows a call from folk singer Dafydd Iwan for ownership of the castles to be transferred to Wales.

The Crown Estate is a corporation responsible for managing the monarchy’s substantial property interests.

Its profits go to the UK Treasury, with a substantial portion going to the royal family through the Sovereign grant. Its portfolio, which includes Regent Street, one of the world’s bestknown retail and tourist destinations, as well as part of St James’s in Mayfair, is worth a whopping £16bn.

The Crown Estate also owns vast swathes of Wales, including a staggering 65% of the Welsh foreshore and riverbed and more than 50,000 acres of land.

In recent years its income from assets in Wales has increased substantially because of the growth of offshore windfarms, which pay the Crown Estate to lease the sea bed.

The value of its holdings in Wales increased from £96m to over £853m between 2020 and 2023.

Yes Cymru Chair Elfed Williams said: “Many people would have assumed that since Cadw manages these castles, the organisation also held ownership of them in trust for the Welsh people.

“But astonishingly this is not the case. They are currently still under the

ownership of the Crown Estate, which is anachronistic, to say the least.

“We don’t live in feudal times anymore and the status of Wales’ castles should reflect that.

“That’s why YesCymru is supporting the petition to the Senedd by Arfon Jones. It calls on our national parliament to explore options for transferring ownership of historical assets from the Crown Estate to the Welsh Government.

“The status of the castles points to what’s wrong with the current system when it comes to ownership of Wales’ resources and assets.

“The profits from the Crown Estate’s assets in Wales aren’t going to where they should be. They should be invested in our communities and contribute towards running our public services

“Instead, its profits go to the UK Treasury in Westminster, with a substantial portion going to the royal family through the Sovereign grant, which just isn’t acceptable.

“Gaining control of these would help us put a strong and secure foundation in place for building the independent Wales we want to see.”

The petition says: “The castles at Caernarfon, Harlech and Denbigh as well as Tintern Abbey are owned by the Crown Estate.

“These buildings are iconic Welsh buildings closely associated with events in Welsh History especially Harlech Castle and Owain Glyndwr. “These buildings are important to our national identity and national memory and Welsh Ministers should explore options for transferring the ownership of these buildings from the Crown Estate back to the people of Wales.

“FOI request to CADW shows that Caernarfon, Harlech and Denbigh Castles along with Tintern Abbey are owned by the Crown Estate.”

For more information about Yes Cymru please visit: www.yes.cymru To sign the petition visit: https://petitions.senedd. wales/petitions/246053

WG working group wants a four-day week

A WELSH GOVERNMENT

“Working Group” has recommended piloting a four-day working week.

The working group endorses a twenty per cent reduction in hours for full-time-equivalent workers but no loss of pay.

The working group, a sub-committee of the Workforce Partnership Council, contained no private sector representatives.

The Workforce Partnership Council similarly excludes private sector involvement.

Although representatives of public sector trade unions, such as the PCS and Unison, favour introducing a four-day week, such a move would significantly

increase wage costs at a time when public sector budgets are undergoing a massive squeeze.

A trial that permitted only administrative staff to work four days at full pay instead of five would still need administrative staff present on other days. If the provision were extended to clinical staff in the NHS, it would create even greater chaos in the Welsh NHS than already exists.

However, despite the gross and ongoing shortage of fully qualified clinical staff in the Welsh NHS, the Working Group says that an approach which reserved the four-day option solely for administrative staff would provide little evidence of scalability to wider working environments.

Moreover, there is a risk that such an approach could be divisive.

One member of the Working Group said implementing a four-day week in their organisation would require the recruitment of an additional 179 fulltime equivalent posts to maintain service delivery.

The Working Group did not address where extra staff would come from or how the magic money tree in Cardiff Bay would fund either a pilot or its wider rollout.

Joel James MS, Shadow Minister for Social Partnership, said: “The major problem of the four-day working week is that it cannot be rolled out across every sector. A four-day week will create a two-tier working environment, with office-based

public sector workers obtaining a privilege that most private sector workers and many frontline public sector workers cannot enjoy.

“By introducing a four-day working week, the Labour Welsh Government would effectively reduce the hours worked by the public sector for the same pay. That is not the same as many fourday working trials in the private sector, which have simply allowed workers to work the same hours over four days instead of five days.

“The Welsh Conservatives propose that the same benefits of a four-day working week can be obtained by increasing workers’ flexibility to take time off to balance family life and other commitments.”

Gender debate’s “toxicity” undermines clinical care

THE INDEPENDENT

REVIEW of gender identity services for children and young people has published its final report and recommendations.

NHS England commissioned the Review to make recommendations on how to improve NHS gender identity services and ensure that children and young people who are questioning their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria receive a high standard of care that meets their needs, is safe, holistic and effective.

The report says that thousands of children and young people questioning their gender identity have been let down by the NHS. It also highlights the “toxicity” of “the trans debate” as contributing to a chilling atmosphere around clinical practice, where clinicians’ ideology trumped an evidencebased approach to the subject.

This article appears in the politics section instead of the health one, which underlines how socially and politically divisive the issue has become.

The Review’s efforts to gather evidence about the health outcomes of those who’d received gender identity therapies from the UK’s gender identity clinics were blocked by clinicians in them. As the Review was not conducted at the level of a statutory inquiry, it could not compel the evidence’s disclosure. However, and inevitably, Gender Identity Services’ failure to disclose the health outcomes of those treated by them feeds the narrative that they have something to hide.

Dr Hilary Cass, the paediatrician who chaired the Review, found the evidence base for the therapies underpinning medical intervention “remarkably small”. Moreover, few studies met standards for independence,

consistency, or rigour.

Of fifty studies on the use of puberty blockers, only one was of high quality. Similarly, of 53 on the use of hormone therapy, only one was of sufficient quality; even its evidence was inconsistent. Twentythree reports on clinical guidelines were muddled, inconsistent, and - in some casescontradictory.

Although doctors tend to be cautious about implementing new findings in emerging areas of medicine, Dr. Cass found that “quite the reverse happened in the field of gender care for children.”

The report describes what is known about young people seeking NHS support around their gender identity. It sets out the recommended clinical approach to care and support they should expect, the interventions that should be available, and how services should be organised.

The report also makes recommendations about the quality improvement and research infrastructure required to strengthen the evidence base underpinning care.

The review found that children and young people with autism, an autistic spectrum disorder, and underlying neuropathic conditions such as ADHD disproportionately presented to the Gender Identity Service. Dr Cass’s report recommends that more attention be given to their mental health and well-being before starting irreversible medical interventions.

Dr Cass stressed that her findings were not intended to undermine the validity of trans identities or challenge people’s right to transition. Instead, the findings should be used to improve the care of the fast-growing number of children and young people with gender-related distress.

However, she continued, providing appropriate and clinically sound care was made more difficult by the polarised public debate and the way opposing sides had “pointed to research to justify a position, regardless of the quality of the studies”.

Dr Cass added: “There are few other areas of healthcare where professionals are so afraid to openly discuss their views, where people are vilified on social media, and where namecalling echoes the worst bullying behaviour; this must stop.”

A media statement from Stonewall said: “What is important, above all, is that trans and gender-diverse children get the quality healthcare that they need and deserve. The Cass Review can play a vital role in achieving this aim if its recommendations are implemented properly.

“Many recommendations could have a positive impact— such as expanding healthcare provision by moving away from a single national service towards a series of regional centres while recognising that trans children and young people might

bLUE vIEW

WItH PAUL DAvIES MS

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Tax Tornado!

take many different treatment pathways. However, without due care, training, or further capacity in the system, others could lead to new barriers that prevent children and young people from accessing the care they need and deserve.

“We urge NHS England and policymakers to read and digest the full report and consider Dr Cass’ plea ‘to remember the children and young people trying to live their lives and the families/ carers and clinicians doing their best to support them.

“All should be treated with compassion and respect.”

Laura Anne Jones MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, said: “Conversations regarding the welfare of children must involve their parents. The wellbeing and health of children must come first.

“Instances of parental exclusion from key decision-making exercises are worrying. Trans guidance published by the UK Government does not apply in Wales because the Labour Government have chosen to approach this issue differently.

“Welsh Conservatives want Labour’s new education minister to adopt the Cass Review’s recommendations that pertain to schools into the new curriculum to ensure that parents and pupils are supported with common sense, fact-based guidance.”

When the news broke that Pembrokeshire County Council were planning to introduce a council tax increase, residents across the County were understandably anxious. The cost of living has increased significantly in recent years and people have been really feeling the strain – and so the prospect of facing a bigger council tax bill was a real worry. Here in Pembrokeshire, the local council had initially considered increasing council tax by 16.3%, and at one point, even 21%, which would have been the highest ever percentage increase in Wales. In the end, the council decided on a 12.5% rise – which is an annual increase of £167.44 for Band D properties.

Now, the Council tell us that there’s a funding gap of £31.9 million due to the costs of funding child and adult social care – and that the council tax increase is needed to pay for those vital services. That’s why my colleagues and I at the Senedd keep calling on the Welsh Government to recognise the distinct challenges facing rural local authorities and review the funding settlement to councils to ensure that it’s fair. Those calls continue to fall on deaf ears but we’ll keep pushing to make sure rural Wales is recognised and that councils in those areas get a fairer funding settlement.

In the meantime, taxation is the real buzz word of Pembrokeshire County Council. If they’re not busy taxing residents more in council tax –then they’re certainly busy taxing second homeowners and local businesses. Not every

second homeowner is a multimillionaire –many families have had a property in Pembrokeshire for decades – and it’s heartbreaking to hear people talk about selling their family home because they’ve been strong-armed into doing so by the council’s taxation policy. We’re led to believe that this will result in making local homes more affordable for local people but there’s absolutely no evidence that taxing one group of people, makes houses more affordable to others. It’s crude taxation – and it’s not helping anyone.

As for businesses, I’m regularly contacted by local tourism operators who are now paying 200% council tax premiums because their property isn’t meeting the new 182 day letting threshold. A 200% council tax premium could cripple a business and have serious implications for a sector that this county heavily relies on.

On every level –Pembrokeshire County Council is taxing someone or something.

As Winston Churchill once famously said, “a nation cannot tax itself into prosperity.” I certainly look forward to seeing the evidence from Pembrokeshire County Council that justifies their taxation policies and, in the meantime, I’ll fight tooth and nail against the increases – each of which, will harm our communities and our local economy.

death notices

Meredydd Owen Thomas

THOMAS Meredydd Owen

Pembroke The death occurred peacefully on Monday 1st April 2024 at Glangwili General Hospital of Mr. Meredydd Owen Thomas aged 73 years of Merchants Park, Pembroke. Dearly loved Brother, Uncle, Cousin and friend to many. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 17th April at Monkton Priory Church at 1:30pm followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 3:15pm. There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for Monkton Priory Church Organ Restoration c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

John (Jack)

Baillieux

BAILLIEUX John (Jack)

Peacefully at his home on Monday 25th March 2024 John (Jack) Baillieux of Haverfordwest aged 100 years. Beloved husband of the late Glenice, much loved father and father-in-law of Jean and Bill and loving grandfather and great grandfather. The funeral service will take place

on Thursday 18th April, 12:15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to Cancer Research UK may be sent c/o Mark Jenkins, 37 Milford Road, Haverfordwest, SA61 1PL. Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

Peter William

Stewart Cross

CROSS Peter William Stewart (Solicitor & Notary Public) - Fishguard Suddenly but peacefully on Monday 25th March at Glangwili Hospital, Peter of Fishguard. Beloved husband of Gwyneth, loving father of Kate & James, much loved grandfather of Isobel, Jac & Rufus and a dear brother & uncle. Funeral service on Wednesday 17th April at St Mary’s Church Fishguard at 2pm followed by interment at Llanwnda Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘RNLI’ or ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

Peter Davies

DAVIES Peter Pennar, Pembroke Dock. The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital surrounded by his family on

Friday 29th March 2024 of Mr. Peter Davies, aged 88 years of Military Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock. Dearly loved Peter will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 16th April 2024 at Pennar Community Church (Bethany), Pembroke Dock at 2:30pm followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock. There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for R.N.L.I (Angle) c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876.

Lynne Hewitt (Lynne) Evans

EVANS Lynne Hewitt

“Lynne” of Greenfield Close, Cardigan Road, Haverfordwest and previously of Robeston Wathan and Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire. Lynne passed away peacefully on March 28th aged 90 years. Beloved wife of the late Daniel Denis Evans, devoted mother of Helen and Stuart, loving nanny of Emma and Sian and a dear mother-in-law of Andrew. Much loved she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all her loving family and many friends. Funeral Saturday April 13th service 10.45 am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, may be made payable to Adams Bucketful of Hope and sent c/o Mrs. Helen Poole, 18, Greenfield Close, Cardigan Road, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 2QJ. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

Kenneth Alfred

‘Alf’ Scourfield

SCOURFIELD Kenneth Alfred ‘Alf’ Goodwick It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of their beloved Dad, who passed away on Friday 29th March, aged 97 years. Beloved husband of Bronwen, he was much loved and will be missed by his whole family. Funeral service on Monday 15th April at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1:45pm. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to the ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

Maureen Pattison

MAUREEN PATTISON In loving memory of Maureen Pattison a very special person tragically taken from us on April 14th 2020. Another year has passed but the loving memories are lasting and treasured. Everyday something always reminds

me of you and the times we enjoyed together. I always think about the times we had and though missing, you are always close, still missed, still loved and always remembered. Each year that passes without you here grows longer but my memories of you grow stronger. No longer by my side but forever in my heart. Loved and miss you forever. Husband Clive, daughters Gail, Collette, sister in law Pru and families.

Elizabeth Morris

MORRIS Elizabeth Narberth. Elizabeth passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 2nd April. Beloved wife John Lynn, much loved mother of Sian and Owen, and dear grandmother of Olivia and Phoebe. Funeral Service on Tuesday 16th April at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45p.m. No flowers. Enquiries to Ken Davies & Sons, Funeral Directors, Clynderwen.

Thomas Gwyther George

THOMAS GWYTHER

GEORGE of Denant Farm, Dreenhill The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest with his family at his side on Sunday March 31st 2024 of Mr Thomas (Tom) Gwyther George, aged 79 years of Denant Farm, Dreen-

hill. Beloved husband to Helen, devoted father to Claire, Andrew, Mark and Louise and grandfather to precious granddaughter Charlotte. Much loved, he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. The funeral service will take place on Friday 12th April at 3.15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Following the service, refreshments will be served at Denant Farm. Family flowers only. Donations if desired may be sent to The Paul Sartori Foundation, Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 1RP. All enquiries to Roy Folland and Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

John David Jones

JONES John David Penbanc, Fishguard. The family of the late John David Jones wish to express their heartfelt thanks to relatives and friends for every gesture of sympathy and kindness shown to them in their bereavement following the loss of a much- loved husband, father and grandfather. Thanks also to the Carers and to staff at Adferiad and Paul Sartori for their tireless care. Special thanks to the Reverend Geoffrey Eynon for conducting the service at Parc Gwyn, and to Mr Ceirwyn John for arranging the funeral with respect and dignity.

le TT er S & no TI ce S

PIc Ture oF THe week!

DEAR SIR,

Having lived through the atrocities of war, millions of Ethiopians are now facing emergency levels of food insecurity and hunger. The charity Mary’s Meals serves school meals to children in the Tigray region of the country, but sadly the stories we are hearing from Tigray are shocking. After the twoyear civil war, so many children are still out of school, and many of those who are in school can’t learn due to debilitating hunger.

Before the conflict Selemon and his parents lived a happy life. Now his father has suffered a mental breakdown and is unable to

support the family.

With no food at home, nine-year-old Selemon comes to school without eating anything and sits in class feeling hungry, instead of being able to focus on the lessons. He used to be bold and active in class, whereas now, he often seems to get confused when he’s asked a question. His teacher says: “He always gets sick. He even has a skin disease, which I think is a symptom of hunger. His family is one of the poorest.”

The past few years have stolen so much from Selemon. Mary’s Meals is striving to reach his community and start serving meals to the children in his primary school. Alongside our local partner, we are ready to ex-

pand our school feeding programme to more schools like Selemon’s but we urgently need more funds to do so. With your help we can reach these desperately hungry children with food and boost their chances of engaging with education again. You can provide them with hope of a brighter future. Please visit marysmeals.org. uk to give what you can to our Crisis In Ethiopia appeal – at just 10p a meal no donation is too small.

Matt Barlow, Executive Director, Mary’s Meals

As the Head of Trusts and Corporate Partnerships at international development organisation Sightsavers, I see many people taking action to drive positive social change. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery in South West England are among those whose generosity I applaud.

Since 2018 players across Britain have raised over £14 million for Sightsavers. This money has helped achieve numerous cataract operations, and eyesight tests for people in some of the world’s poorest countries.

My sincerest gratitude extends to the people of South West England for helping transform lives. Lives like Luyando, a young girl in Zambia who had

cataracts in both eyes, and was bullied at school due to her vision impairment. Her eyesight has been restored thanks to Sightsavers’ project offering free cataract surgeries and training local eye health staff. Our projects bring immense relief to countless families like Luyando’s, and are possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. We thank them for helping make our vision of leaving no one behind a reality.

Any readers interested in supporting our vision can visit www. sightsavers.org for more information.

Morna Lane Head of Trusts and Corporate Partnerships Sightsavers

Friday April 12th 2024

www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

For up to date news please check our social network channels

SerVIceS

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENtRy

CAMERAS & PHOtOGRAPHy

CLEARANCES

ELECtRICAL

FENCING, DRIvEWAyS AND LANDSCAPING

FABRICATION

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

HAIRDRESSING

HANDYMAN

OvEN CLEANING

TSP or

Fishguard relegated as Clarby march on

Clarbeston Road: 3

Fishguard Sports: 0

Clarbeston Road needed to win to keep up their push to maintain 3rd place in the League.Fishguard needed to win to ensure that they kept alive their slim chance of staying in Division One and avoiding relegation.

However, after failing to take the better chances of the first half, Fishguard were left to rue those missed opportunities when a much improved second half performance from the hosts which led to three goals without reply.

With the wet weather recently, the game had to be played on the reserve pitch in Clarby which was in good condition for a good game of football. However the strong winds meant that the

game never really settled early on. It was Fishguard that should have took the lead when Luke Thomas broke down the Fishguard left but his effort went agonisingly wide of Mansell’s right hand post.

Just before half time Clarby thought they had opened the scoring when Laurie Howarth broke beyond the Fishguard back line and rifled his effort past Pepper, but the game was called back for offside.

GOALLESS At tHE bREAK

Just six minutes into the second half, it was Ben John, Clarby’s top scorer, who broke the deadlock. Seemingly going nowhere in the corner, he was able to sharp turn, outwit Patrick Hughes and from the tightest of

angles his lashed effort somehow beat Pepper at the near post and into the roof of the net.

On 70 minutes the lead was doubled, this time from the spot. Jake Wesley broke into the box and he was tripped and down he went. Up stepped Laurie Howarth

Saundersfoot clinch grueling semi-final victory

IN A NAIL-BITING clash at Bush Camp, the home of Pennar Robins, New Hedges Saundersfoot secured their berth in the Fourth Division Cup final after an intense showdown against Angle.

The highly anticipated encounter witnessed both teams battling fiercely for a shot at glory.

Entering the match in second place in their league, New Hedges Saundersfoot faced off against the resilient fifthplaced Angle squad. The encounter promised to be a thrilling affair, with previous encounters between the two sides setting the stage for another hard-fought encounter.

On the heavy playing surface, both teams showcased their determination, with New Hedges Saundersfoot initially seizing the momentum. However, Angle soon found their rhythm and dominated proceedings in the first half, though resolute defending from NHSU denied them the breakthrough they sought.

As the second half unfolded, the match took a dramatic turn when a breakaway led to a penalty for Saundersfoot, and up stepped star player Jack Franklin. Jack tried to score over in Saundersfoot though as his effort sailed high! Things got worse for Saundersfoot as Angle

deservedly, and finally, took the lead with a great header by Rhys Allison, although Sam Franklin can consider himself unlucky with his effort to save the powerful header. Yet, Angle’s lead was short-lived as New Hedges Saundersfoot swiftly leveled the score through Oscar Miles, igniting hopes of a comeback.

With tensions running high and both teams locked in a stalemate, the match extended into extra time. In a pivotal moment, striker Adam Davidson delivered a stunning strike to give NHSU the lead, defying the odds and putting them on the path to a narrow victory.

to slot the ball home to Peppers right.

On 83 mins, player manager Matt Ellis l, fresh off the bench scored the third. A Howarth corner was knocked back by John and when everyone thought he would lash his effort. He calmly

side footed it into the top left stanchon to seal the win.

The defeat confirms Fishguard will play in Division Two next year, whilst Clarby enter a busy period of 3 games in 7 days as they travel to Kilgetty, Milford and Neyland

Robins and Seasiders on par

TENBY travelled to Milford United with both teams in more than comfortable positions in their return to the top division.

It was very windy at Marble hall and with both teams in good positions in the league and close on points, it was poised to be a tough battle. Both teams had key players missing and opportunities were given to second team players to step up.

Milford elected to play with the wind hoping to press Tenby into their own half, and on the 5th minute hosts midfielder Morgan Picton fired a 30 yard free kick into the Tenby net to make it 1-0 to the Robins.

Both teams carved out half chances and it looked like Milford would go in at the halfway mark 1-0 but Milford’s Wesley Hill had other ideas who robbed the ball from Tenby’s Daniel Storer in the 41st minute and drove towards Tenby’s goal and shot from 20 yards into the top corner giving Milford a 2-0 half time lead.

At the oranges hosts boss Steve Parks knew Tenby are a strong outfit and with the wind the young Robins will have their work cut out to stay in control.

As expected Tenby came out to make use of the wind. Milford’s defence stayed strong until the 62nd minute when a ball dropped to Rhys Morgan who tapped into Milford’s net to make it 2-1 Milford.

Both teams had half chances but Tenby will be disappointed with some of there finishing, squandering some great chances in front of goal. Milford thought the job was done but in the 92nd minute Sam Butler pounced on a ball that shot across Milford’s box and tucked the ball away at the back post.

The game ended 2-2 and on reflection was a fair result for both sides who drew 1-1 earlier in the season. With the season close to ending next week, both managers will be happy with their campaign so far and will look to be stronger next season.

Jasmine, Lleucu, Carys & Courtney: the Pride of Pembrokeshire

FOUR rugby players from Pembrokeshire are gearing up to take on Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations this weekend. Jasmine Joyce, Lleucu George, Carys Phillips, and Courtney Keight will represent Wales in this challenging match.

Wales Women’s head coach, Ioan Cunningham, is bringing back Joyce for the thirdround showdown against Ireland at Virgin Media Park in Cork on April 13 at 4.45pm. George, formerly with Crymych Ladies, is set to form a formidable partnership with Keira Bevan in the half-back position.

Carys Phillips, with roots in St Davids through her father, former Wales international Rowland Phillips, will join Sisilia Tuipulotu and Gwenllian Pyrs in the front row for this crucial fixture. Meanwhile, Keight from

Tenby will provide her contributions from the bench.

Adding to the excitement, Gwennan Hopkins is poised to make her debut for Wales, having been named on the bench for the upcoming match.

Coach Cunningham reflected on their preparations, stating, “We have put the fallow week to good use and had a thorough debrief of where we are after the first two games in this Six Nations campaign. The focus has been on putting the hard work in and looking at the good things we have done and what we need to tighten up on against Ireland in Cork.”

Highlighting Joyce’s return, Cunningham added, “Having a player of the quality of Jaz back is a real boost. She has that X-factor, and we will need all her experience against Ireland.”

Expressing anticipation for the challenge ahead, Cunningham concluded, “We know Ireland at home will be a real challenge, but it is one we are looking forward to, and we are determined to produce a performance to make everyone proud.”

The Wales Women’s team to face Ireland:

Jenny Hesketh, Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones (captain), Kerin Lake, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender (vicecaptain), and Bethan Lewis. Replacements include Molly Reardon, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones, Kayleigh Powell, and Courtney Keight.

Verstappen senior revs up: F1 star’s dad debuts at BRC in Wales

FORMULA 1 luminary

Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, is set to ignite the British Rally Championship (BRC) scene as he gears up for his inaugural appearance in the Severn Valley Stages, commencing at Llandrindod Wells today, April 12.

Jos Verstappen, a seasoned former F1 driver who pivoted to rallying in 2022, is poised to tackle the challenging Welsh terrain, embarking on over 62 miles of gravel in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.

Expressing his anticipation, Verstappen remarked to the BRC website, “We are very happy to come to Wales and the British Rally Championship. Renaud [Jamoul, co-driver] has done Wales Rally GB several times but for me, these stages will be the first.”

Having honed his rallying skills predominantly on tarmac events since

his initiation into the sport two years ago, Verstappen disclosed his transition to gravel following rigorous winter test sessions in the south of France. He shared, “After two test sessions in the wintertime in the south of France, we have decided to do our first proper gravel rally and as Renaud has some really good memories

in Wales, this rally was looking like the best one to start with.”

Drawing insights from seasoned rally driver Tom Cave during their pre-event test in Sweet Lamb, Verstappen expressed humility and ambition, stating, “We will get some good advice from Tom Cave during our PET [pre-event-test] in Sweet Lamb and we

will try to do our best. There is no plan in terms of performance because it will be my first time on gravel but for sure the target is to improve and be as close as possible to the top guys.”

BRC manager Reece Tarren lauded Verstappen’s entry into the championship, enthusing, “What a name to add to the already remarkable BRC entry this season. We have British, European and World Rally champions on the books this year and now, we have an F1 driver to add to the list.”

The ceremonial start of the BRC event will grace Llandrindod Wells in mid-Wales, with the adrenaline-fuelled racing spectacle unfolding the subsequent day.

Noteworthy mention goes to Englishman Chris Ingram and his codriver Alex Kihurani, who clinched victory in the opening BR round at the North West Stages on Saturday, March 23.

Courtney Keight

Jasmine Joyce

Carys Phillips

Lleucu George

Cymru fly high at top group b4!

IN AN EVENTFUL FEW DAYS, the Wales women’s national team has seen a changing of the guard, a triumphant return to historic grounds, and an impressive display of skill on the pitch. With a new manager at the helm, the team clinched two resounding victories, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in Welsh football.

Rhian Wilkinson, the newly appointed manager, wasted no time in making her mark, guiding the team to a stellar start in their quest for a maiden major international tournament appearance. Despite initial scepticism surrounding her appointment due to past controversies, Wilkinson’s leadership has already yielded positive results.

The team’s recent performances showcased a newfound attacking prowess and tactical flexibility under Wilkinson’s guidance. Notably,

her proactive approach to squad rotation and strategic substitutions reinvigorated the team’s playstyle, earning praise from both players and pundits alike.

“I am really proud of the team,” remarked Wilkinson, reflecting on their achievements. “This qualifying goes very quickly, and it is always about the next game. How do we keep building on these performances and raising our standards?”

As the team looks ahead to future qualifiers, they face another transition with the departure of long-serving captain, Ingle, who leaves behind a legacy of leadership and dedication. While her successor is yet to be named, candidates such as Angharad James and Hayley Ladd emerge as frontrunners for the role.

Meanwhile, the indomitable Jess Fishlock continues to etch her name in the annals of Welsh football

history. Becoming the first player to reach 150 caps, Fishlock’s enduring talent and unwavering commitment serve as inspiration for her teammates as they strive for glory on the international stage.

Reflecting on her milestone, Fishlock expressed pride in her achievements and gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country. With her sights set on further milestones, she remains a pivotal figure in Wales’ pursuit of success.

“In these two games, we’ve shown who we are, who we want to be, and what we can be in the future,” remarked Fishlock, encapsulating the team’s unwavering determination.

As the journey continues, Wales women’s national team stands poised to make history, propelled by a new era of leadership and a collective determination to reach greater heights.

Disney magic again?

WRExHAM, the footballing pride of north Wales, finds itself on the cusp of a long-awaited return to the third tier of English football, a realm it hasn’t graced since the 2004-2005 season.

Under the stewardship of Hollywood heavyweights Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and with the glare of the Disney ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary cameras capturing every pivotal moment, the club is poised to break this drought.

With just three fixtures left in the League Two season, Wrexham is keenly aware that securing two victories will solidify their berth in League One for the upcoming season.

And while this achievement seems tantalisingly close, it’s important to note that it’s not merely about ascending one tier but envisioning a journey that includes scaling two more echelons to reach the coveted Premier League.

The injection of capital from Reynolds and McElhenney, coupled with the astute management of Phil Parkinson and the scoring prowess of ‘Super’ Paul Mullin, has propelled Wrexham out of the doldrums and into contention for yet another milestone.

This not only augurs well for the club’s fortunes but also sets the stage for a fitting conclusion to the third season of Welcome to Wrexham.

Analyzing the Path to

Promotion: In dissecting the permutations for promotion, it’s crucial to understand the landscape of League Two. Unlike the National League, which offers just two promotion spots, League Two boasts three automatic promotion places, with an additional opportunity up for grabs via the playoffs for clubs finishing from fourth to seventh.

Presently, Wrexham finds itself in a promising position, occupying the second spot in the table with 43 games under their belt. Securing a top-three finish would guarantee promotion, thus alleviating the pressure of playoff uncertainties.

While Stockport County leads the table with 83 points, maintaining a four-point cushion over Wrexham with a game in hand, the focus for the Red Dragons lies on the teams occupying the third and fourth spots. After a commanding victory against Crawley Town, Wrexham sits comfortably in second place with 79 points, while Mansfield Town and MK Dons trail closely behind with 76 and 74 points, respectively.

The impending clash between Mansfield Town and MK Dons presents a pivotal moment, potentially altering the dynamics of the promotion race. For Wrexham, ensuring a tally surpassing 84 points becomes imperative, solidifying their position above at least one of the contenders and sealing a top-three finish.

ThE PRIDE OF PEMbROKEShIRE