The Pembrokeshire Herald 10/01/2025

FLAVIU NAGHI,

Veterinary manager jailed for £50,000 work fraud

A FORMER veterinary surgery manager who stole £50,000 from her employers has been jailed for three years.

Charlotte Devonald, 44, of Cromwell Road, Milford Haven, abused her position of trust at Animal Doctors veterinary surgery in Clydach, Swansea Valley, by diverting cash takings into her personal bank account

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and misusing a company fuel card.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Devonald carried out the thefts over a two-year period between November 2020 and November 2022 while earning an annual salary of £35,000. Despite being entrusted with financial responsibilities, including payroll, banking cash takings, and managing supplier payments, she systematically stole from the surgery.

The theft was uncovered after discrepancies in financial records were flagged by the surgery’s accountants.

Further investigation revealed that Devonald had made multiple cash deposits into her personal account, ranging from £100 to £1,000, and had fraudulently spent over £5,000 on the company’s fuel card, including buying fuel for friends.

In a police interview, Devonald denied wrongdoing and claimed others had access to the office safe. However, she later pleaded guilty to theft and fraud by abuse of position on the day her trial was due to begin, after

one of the business owners returned from Australia to give evidence.

During sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC described Devonald’s actions as a “brazen and cynical breach of trust” and criticised her for not telling her daughter about the prosecution and the likelihood of imprisonment, calling it “another example of your cruel selfishness.”

An impact statement from the surgery’s owners detailed how the thefts left the business in debt to suppliers and HMRC, forced valued

staff to leave, and caused severe emotional and financial strain.

Defending, Jon Tarrant said Devonald was a “fragile and isolated” woman who struggled to confront the reality of her actions. He added that she expressed remorse and asked for her love to be conveyed to her daughter.

Devonald was sentenced to three years in prison and will serve half her sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Man charged after tragic death of six-month-old baby

A MAN accused of causing the death of a six-month-old baby in a multi-storey car park in Tenby while allegedly under the influence of drink and drugs has appeared in court.

Flaviu Naghi, 33, from Wigan, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance following the incident on Thursday (Jan 2).

The victim, baby Sophia Kelemen, from Leigh in Greater Manchester, was visiting the popular seaside town with her family when she was struck by a Nissan Qashqai on the ground floor of the car park near Sainsbury’s.

Sophia was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries, including a broken pelvis and a brain bleed, but tragically died the following day (Jan 3).

Her devastated family have since launched a fundraising appeal to help repatriate her body to Romania. Writing on GoFundMe, Sophia’s aunt, Adriana, said: “Never in a million years would I have thought I would have to write a post like this. A seemingly ordinary day turned into our family’s worst nightmare.”

She added: “Despite the efforts of the doctors, Sophia could not cope with the impact, the surgery, anaesthesia, and the brain bleed. All the injuries were too much for her fragile heart, which eventually gave out.”

The family is hoping to raise £7,000 to cover funeral costs.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the car park, with emergency services flooding the area and a helicopter hovering overhead. One bystander said: “I saw loads of blue lights and people

gathered. It was clear something very serious had happened.”

Naghi appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (Jan 4) and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on February 7.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our thoughts remain with

Sophia’s family at this incredibly difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.”

Naghi was also arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving and remains on bail for those offences.

The investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.

Tragic: Sophia could not be saved following the incident in Tenby (Image: DPP)

Animal Doctors veterinary surgery in Clydach, Swansea Valley

Cabinet to vote on flood prevention scheme

ON MONDAY, January 13, the County Council’s Cabinet will decide whether to make an application to the Welsh Government to fund works to reduce the risk of flooding at Lower Priory and Havens Head.

The proposed scheme focuses on the Havens Head culvert.

It is recommended that the Cabinet approve the application after spending time and money investigating the project’s viability.

If the Council’s application succeeds, it must part-fund the project from its capital budget.

Lower Priory and Havens Head have suffered from extensive flooding in recent years. In 2018, a row erupted after heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise rapidly, threatening residential properties and businesses along the low-lying area of the partially reclaimed salt marsh and river valley. Milford Haven Port Authority, which had built over the former marshy area at Havens Head, was accused of being responsible for the damage after building over and tarmacking a substantial area of formerly tidal soakaway.

The Council and residents blamed the Port Authority. The Port Authority denied liability.

However, after the Port Authority invested in improved flood prevention and water attenuation measures, similar inundations have been avoided, despite several instances of even heavier rainfall than that which caused extensive flooding in 2018.

Now, the Council proposes to step in with further measures to reduce the risk of flooding even further.

The estimated total cost of construction is £1,657,861. The total amount requested from the Welsh Government is £1,409,182, which amounts to 85% of the cost of construction.

Within its formal expression of interest, the Authority has requested £845,510 for the financial year 25/26 and £563,672 for the year 26/27.

If its application is successful, the Authority will be invited to apply for funding for the construction phase of the scheme through the Welsh government’s Flooding and Coastal Erosion Management grant stream.

The Welsh Government has supported the scheme to date, including fully funding the preparation of a Full Business Case and design stages. However, grant funding is not guaranteed, as the scheme will compete with other demands for funding from the same pot from other areas of Wales affected by flooding. Given that many of those other areas are more populous (and form part of Labour’s electoral core vote), the Welsh Government may choose to allocate resources to them instead of Milford Haven.

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A sticking point for the current administration could be councillors’ preparedness to invest in capital projects. The Council’s Cabinet has received much criticism over its approach to capital projects, including some ill-informed and disingenuous

posturing that suggests grant funds for building things can be used to fund services.

Whether councillors believe that putting the brakes on this potential capital project is justified depends on whether a majority of them think reducing the risk of flooding is worth the hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money that the Council must contribute to it if it proceeds.

Jon

The Priory Inn pub has flooded time and time again.

Emotional moment: Ian Bannister from Lower Priory clearly upset by the damage caused in a flood a few years back. He is speaking to the then MP Stephen Crabb

Council suffers major funding cut

THE FUNDING of schemes already underway has been threatened by the change in government in Westminster.

The Labour administration has changed the criteria for funding under the Shared Prosperity Scheme, meaning that Pembrokeshire has suffered a cut in funding from it of over 40%. The change means that some projects must either be shelved or reduced in scope. As projects

previously part-funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund include controversial schemes such as the new pedestrian bridge in Haverfordwest town centre, opposition councillors on Pembrokeshire County Council will be delighted at the loss of central government funding for the county.

The UK Government has already announced that the Shared Prosperity Fund will close in March 2026. Although

Labour claims it will undertake a review of local growth funding beforehand, that sounds more like a loaded rifle cocking with each passing day.

If funding falls to a Barnett consequential level (i.e. strictly pro rata to the English settlement) from 2026- 27 onwards, the result would be a massive cut in public investment and capital projects undertaken by all Welsh councils. As the Welsh Government has

kicked local government finance into the long grass until after the next Welsh Parliamentary election in 2026, there is a void and uncertainty over future funding settlements beyond that date. Moreover, the Welsh Government’s magic circle of mutual back-scratching with its Valleys and urban councils means Pembrokeshire and other rural areas are likely to suffer major real-terms funding reductions across the board.

Neyland council faces backlash as residents demand unity

MONTHS of turmoil at Neyland Town Council have culminated in frustration among residents, who are now calling for councillors to work together as a cohesive body.

The tension escalated following concerns that yet another town council meeting will be postponed next week due to the agenda not being published within the statutory three-day period. In response, residents have formed the Neyland Community Action Group to push for accountability and improved cooperation among councillors.

“For a long time now, there have

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been issues within our local council,” said Leah Unwin, a concerned resident.

“I think it is time we came together as a community to push for some resolution.

“As it stands, there have been no meetings since October. No meetings mean agenda items are not dealt with, and the public cannot ask questions.

Holding meetings is the most basic requirement of a council.

“As a town, we pay £100,000 per

year for the local council to exist, directly from our council tax. We deserve a council that works for us.

“I am not personally concerned with the reasons for the deterioration in relationships within the council. The council is one body; it is up to them to work together. If they can’t, they need to ask themselves whether it is fair to us, the community, to continue in their roles.

“I feel strongly that any action taken against the council should be done collectively.”

This week, tensions among

councillors reached a new low when Cllr Mike Harry sent an email to Cllr Brian Rothero, describing him as “an odious oaf.” Harry dismissed Rothero’s questions as “garbage” and criticized his alleged supporters, saying, “His cronies at the Foresters bar are hardly people of high respect in the community, so I’m not bothered by their opinions.”

The Neyland Community Action Group is now encouraging residents to share their views on what actions should be taken to address the ongoing dysfunction.

Police pay out hundreds of thousands in compensation claims

NEW figures reveal DyfedPowys Police has paid out £324,000 in compensation over the past five years, following nearly 200 claims made by members of the public.

A Freedom of Information requests show a whopping 186 claims were lodged against the force between 2019 and 2024, with compensation payments peaking in 2021/2022 at £138,111. Claims included allegations of unlawful arrest, financial losses, personal injury, and failure in duty of care.

In 2019/2020, 36 claims were made, with nine settled. The following year, 22 claims were lodged, with nine again resulting in payouts. Numbers rose to 38 claims in 2021/2022, with 11 settlements, before dropping

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slightly in 2022/2023 to 36 claims and eight payouts. However, the most recent figures for 2023/2024 show a significant rise, with 54 claims and seven settlements.

Lucy Parker, a solicitor from JF Law, said: “Claims against police forces highlight the importance of accountability. Issues such as wrongful arrest, assault, and negligence must be addressed seriously.”

Nationally, UK police forces have paid out millions in compensation, with property damage from botched raids cited as a frequent reason. Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.

Community calls for change: Residents express frustration with Neyland Town Council

Homeless man avoids jail after supermarket assault

A HOMELESS man narrowly avoided jail after assaulting a security guard at Morrisons in Haverfordwest.

Michael Carruthers, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal food and assaulting security guard Maxwell Opoku, causing him to fall and injure his shoulder.

In court, Carruthers’ solicitor highlighted his client’s homelessness and ongoing struggles.

Carruthers was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 28 weeks, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and £200 compensation to Mr Opoku.

He must also pay £185 court costs and a £154 surcharge.

Drink-driver crashes car

AN AMBLESTON motorist was disqualified after crashing his car into a hedge while over twice the drink-drive limit.

Andrew John, 59, collided with a signpost and hedge near Clarbeston Road on November 2.

He was handed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days and was banned from driving for 22 months.

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

Breath tests revealed 89 mcg of alcohol in his system; the legal limit is 35. John pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without a valid licence.

Man jailed after breaching restraining order

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed for breaching a restraining order just three weeks after being sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

Zachariah Roberts, 23, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, was prohibited from contacting Briony Smith.

However, police found evidence

of contact via a GPS tracker and discovered Smith’s belongings at Roberts’ property on January 6.

Roberts pleaded guilty to breaching the order and was sentenced to six weeks in custody, serving half in jail and the rest under supervision.

He was also ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Man brandished chainsaw outside store

A MAN brandished a chainsaw outside a Pembrokeshire shopfront after grabbing a child and their scooter.

Rhydian Morse, of Precelly View, Grondre, Clynderwen, was seen behaving aggressively at the Premier store in Clynderwen on December 3.

Witnesses described him as rude and increasingly erratic before he grabbed a child’s scooter and pulled their hood over their head.

He then removed a chainsaw from his car boot, started it, and waved it around before leaving.

Morse pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour, criminal damage, possessing an offensive weapon, and assault.

Judge Layton ordered a psychiatric assessment ahead of sentencing on February 25.

Morse was granted conditional bail, restricted to his home address, and banned from the Premier store.

Judge rejects ‘long johns’ excuse for tag tampering

A CLAIM that long johns caused the failure of an electronic alcohol monitoring tag was dismissed by District Judge Mark Layton.

Kieran Williams, 27, of Pwllhai, Cardigan, had been ordered to wear the tag for 120 days as part of a community order issued in August.

The probation service reported two

instances of tampering with the device.

Despite Williams’ solicitor suggesting the tag had been affected by long johns, Judge Layton said, “You obviously tampered with it, and that’s not acceptable to the court.”

Williams was ordered to carry out 20 hours of unpaid work and pay £60 probation service costs.

Driver fled police with babies in car during high-speed chase

A COURT judge was shown footage of a Pembrokeshire motorist speeding away from police with two babies and an unbelted passenger in his car.

Lewis Palmer, 22, of Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock, gave false details to officers before fleeing the scene at speed.

The court heard how his female passenger turned to tend to the children, aged four months and twelve

months, as Palmer drove recklessly through red lights.

Palmer pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, obstructing police, and driving without insurance. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, with 300 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. He was also disqualified from driving for three years and must take an extended retest.

Woman banned from contacting mother

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been barred from contacting her mother after assaulting her in front of young children.

Rhian Gillard, 31, of King Street, admitted placing both hands around her mother’s throat during an argument on June 25, 2024.

The court heard how Gillard also

ripped off her mother’s glasses and grabbed her hair during the incident.

District Judge Mark Layton described the incident as “serious” and requested an all-options probation report ahead of sentencing on January 28.

Gillard was released on conditional bail with the condition of no contact with her mother.

Reform to target Pembrokeshire seat after councillor resigns

POLITICAL group Reform is planning to contest a Pembrokeshire seat made vacant following the resignation of local county councillor Andrew Edwards during the Christmas period.

Unaffiliated county councillor for Haverfordwest’s Prendergast Ward Cllr Edwards had previously been a Conservative group member, leaving in 2023 when serious allegations of racist ‘slave’ comments emerged, following a recording where he was alleged to have said every white man should have a black slave.

Following that allegation Mr Edwards, a former magistrate and a school governor, withdrew from the political group and referred himself to the Ombudsman.

Cllr Edwards, who became a councillor in the 2022 elections, neither confirmed nor denied the allegation when previously asked

by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Instead, he confirmed a previouslyissued written statement which said: “I am aware of such serious allegations being made against me.

“This is why I have self-referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for an independent evaluation.”

Since then, Cllr Edwards has tendered his resignation over the Christmas 2024 period saying his position is “untenable” due to “family matters”.

Notice has now been given by Chief Executive William Bramble of a casual vacancy for the county councillor position for the ward.

Stuart Marchant of Reform, who stood as a 2024 general election candidate for the new seat of Westminster seat of Mid and South Pembrokeshire has said the party hopes to field a candidate.

Mr Marchant, who came third behind Labour and the Conservative in the election, has said: “Reform UK is preparing to contest this seat. We will need all the support we can get from those living within the Pembrokeshire County Council area to urgently request that an election be held.

“Anyone who wishes to support the campaign or be considered to

stand, please contact me so that I can ensure all eligible individuals are considered.”

Reform, through Mr Marchant, has since said: “We have two potential candidates and expect to confirm the selection next week.”

Councillor Andrew Edwards is no longer a magistrate the Magistrates Association have confirmed.

Looking to get elected: Reform’s Stuart Marchant

Resigned: Cllr Edwards

Council considers pulling the plug on Long Course Weekend

THE COUNCIL’s Cabinet will consider a notice of motion to end its support for the annual Long Course Weekend.

At December’s Council meeting, a notice of motion seeking to withdraw support from the event was considered and remitted to the Cabinet and the Services Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

The motion, submitted by Saundersfoot Councillors Chris Williams and former Cabinet Member for Finance Alec Cormack, acknowledges that Long Course Weekend has been a significant success in terms of showcasing our county and promoting physical activity. However, they claim that as the event has grown in scale, it has increasingly led to disruption for residents and businesses along the course, many of whom report inconvenience or loss of trade due to road closures spanning up to three days.

While Pembrokeshire County Council does not directly contribute cash to the event, it offers substantial “in-kind” support.

Cllrs Cormack and Williams say that, given the feedback from residents and businesses, public support for the event has diminished. Additionally, they say that in light of the Council’s ongoing financial pressures, it is no

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longer appropriate to allocate resources to support a profit-driven event at taxpayers’ expense.

They propose that PCC withdraws all support for the Long Course Weekend moving forward, ensuring that council resources are directed towards services and initiatives that directly benefit the wider community.

The event’s organisers, Activity Wales, have reacted strongly to the motion, pointing out the strong economic and social benefits provided by its presence in Pembrokeshire.

Activity Wales has also proposed significant changes to the event in 2025 to reduce the acknowledged disruption caused by the event in and around the village of Saundersfoot.

Activity Wales proposes an openroad format for the bike course in 2025, introducing a new single-loop route that

avoids Saundersfoot altogether. The organisers claim: “The open-road format decreases the logistical challenges of full road closures, minimising disruption to non-event traffic. This also helps communities in areas where there are two days of closures.”

They also propose spreading the event more widely around Pembrokeshire, anticipating that doing so will increase economic activity and community engagement across the county rather than focusing it on already busy tourism-heavy areas.

Supporting data show that the Long Course Weekend, which takes place during the tourism industry’s “shoulder season” (i.e. before the high tourism season), brings significant economic benefits to Pembrokeshire. The Long Course Weekend (LCW) alone generates nearly £8 million of economic activity in Pembrokeshire. If the Council withdraws its support from the event, Activity Wales says that a successful event, whose format originates in Pembrokeshire and is now used worldwide, would no longer be happening, affecting other Pembrokeshire events’ future viability.

As a first step, the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee will discuss the issue on Friday, January 10, before the Cabinet decides on the next steps on Monday, January 13.

The Council is considering pulling support due to budget constraints (Image: LCW)

A popular event in Tenby (Image: LCW)

Firefighters rescue pony from stream

AT 2:05pm on Monday (Jan 6), crews from Haverfordwest Fire Station responded to an incident in Merlin’s Bridge, Haverfordwest, where a Shetland pony had become stuck in a stream.

Although the pony was not in distress, the cold water posed a significant risk, and urgent intervention was required to

prevent further harm.

With assistance from the RSPCA, the fire service’s animal rescue team utilised specialist equipment and their expertise to successfully free the pony from the stream. The animal was unharmed and safely returned to its owner.

The crew left the scene at 3:25pm.

Sentenced for assaulting police officer

A FORMER oil refinery worker has been sentenced after attempting to headbutt a police officer and urinating in both a police van and a holding cell.

“The violence he showed towards us was unacceptable,” stated one of the officers during the sentencing of Leighton James this week.

District Judge Mark Layton, sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, heard that at around 6:30pm on October 19, officers were called to James’ home in Middlehill, Saundersfoot, following reports of a domestic assault.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James said: “Upstairs, they found the defendant lying in bed with his hands under the covers. He began to resist arrest, refusing to be handcuffed. Due to his strong physical stature, officers anticipated difficulty in controlling him.”

As officers tried to restrain James, 51, he became increasingly aggressive.

“The officers were beginning to lose control,” Nia James continued. “He made a very deliberate and clear attempt to headbutt one of them and went on to virtually strangle him”

After being restrained and placed

Man avoided jail after punching police officer

A 58-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man narrowly avoided jail after punching a police officer twice in the face.

Police were called to a property on Dew Street just after 10:00pm on July 6, following reports of a male motorist involved in a road traffic collision.

At the scene, officers encountered Barrie Knight.

“He’d been to the Mariners to pick up a family member and clearly there’d been an incident,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“For some reason, the police came to his address, and [Barrie Knight] threw his fist towards one of the officers, who felt a sharp pain to his nose, where contact was made.”

Ms James explained that the officer was struck at least twice, although no visible injuries were caused.

“It was more luck than judgement that he wasn’t hurt, and this should not be tolerated,” she added.

When asked to provide a breath sample, Knight refused.

“He was taken to the police station,

where officers again tried to obtain breath samples from him, but there was a deliberate refusal,” Ms James continued.

Knight pleaded guilty to common assault of an emergency worker and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, was disqualified from driving for 18 months, and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer, a £154 court surcharge, and £85 in costs.

in the police van cage, James said he needed to urinate. When told he would have to wait until reaching the station, he urinated on the van floor.

Once placed in a holding cell, he again urinated on the floor in front of officers.

James pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal damage to the police van and cell, and one charge of assaulting an emergency worker by beating.

His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told the court: “He was completely intoxicated and knows his behaviour was appalling.”

James was sentenced to 14 weeks in custody, suspended for 14 months. He must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 90 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring.

He was also ordered to pay £390 compensation for the damage caused to the van and cell, £100 compensation to the officer, a £154 court surcharge, and £85 costs.

The Herald understands that Judge Layton emphasised the seriousness of the assault and the unacceptable nature of James’ actions towards police officers.

Paddleboard tour owner in court over deaths of four

A PADDLEBOARD tour company owner has appeared in court charged over the deaths of four people in Haverfordwest in 2021.

Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Aberavon, faces four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

The charges stem from a River Cleddau incident on October 30, 2021, which claimed the lives of Paul O’Dwyer, 42; Andrea Powell, 41; Morgan Rogers, 24; and Nicola Wheatley, 40.

Lloyd, owner and sole director of Salty Dog Co Ltd, organised the paddleboarding tour. Four others survived.

Defence counsel Owen Williams said Lloyd’s legal aid application had been rejected twice, and a third attempt was pending.

Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned the case until January 21 but warned Lloyd she may need to fund her defence privately if the application fails.

“It is in no-one’s interest for this to drag on,” said Judge Thomas. “Everyone wants finality.”

Emergency services were called at 9:02am on October 30, 2021, after reports of paddleboarders in distress at Haverfordwest weir. Mr O’Dwyer, Ms Rogers, and Ms Wheatley were declared dead at the scene. Ms Powell died six days later in Withybush Hospital.

Lloyd was charged on October 4, 2024.

Prosecutors described the case as “a tragic incident where four people lost their lives during a commercial paddleboarding tour.”

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS special crime division, reminded the public: “Criminal proceedings are active, and it is crucial that reporting or online commentary does not prejudice the trial.”

Flowers were laid at the scene in tribute to the victims.

Drink-driver caught after sparks fly from Volvo tyre

WHEN an off-duty police officer saw sparks coming from the rear tyre of a red Volvo on the A48 near Carmarthen, he immediately called 999.

The driver, Gavin Wilkes, 41, was later found to be over the legal drinkdrive limit.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Wilkes, of Upright Villas, Arlington Terrace, Braunton, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Breath tests revealed 66 mcg of alcohol in his system; the legal limit is 35.

Represented by solicitor Liam Francis, Wilkes was described as being ‘embarrassed’ and aware that his actions could cost him his employment.

Wilkes was disqualified from driving for 18 months, fined £400, and ordered to pay a £160 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Suspended sentence breached

A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Haverfordwest man who failed to comply with his suspended prison sentence.

In June last year, Jamie Norman, 39, was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for 18 months, after admitting stalking a woman during a four-week-long campaign.

This week, probation officer Julie Norman told District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that Norman, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, had failed to attend planned probation appointments, resulting in a breach of his suspended sentence. As a result, Judge Layton issued a warrant without bail for his arrest.

Garage owner faces rape charge

A HAVERFORDWEST garage proprietor has been dealt what has been described as ‘very stringent bail conditions’ after appearing before a district judge charged with rape.

Ceri Morgan, 61, of Haverfordwest Auto Centre, Cardigan Road, Haverfordwest, is accused of raping a woman, aged 16 or over, between November 30 and December 31, 2009.

This week, District Judge Mark

Layton declined jurisdiction in the case due to the seriousness of the allegation, and the matter was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings will commence on February 10.

Morgan was released on conditional bail with requirements to remain at his home address, observe a 7:00pm–7:00am electronic curfew, avoid contact with the complainant, and surrender his passport at Haverfordwest police station.

Kurtz praises ports for rising to the challenge

SHADOW MINISTER for Economy and Energy and Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, has commended Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferry operators in the Senedd for their exceptional response in managing increased traffic following severe disruptions at Holyhead Port.

The disruption, caused by Storm Darrah, brought winds of up to 96 mph in early December, causing widespread damage across Wales and significantly impacting Holyhead Port.

As one of the UK’s busiest ports, Holyhead typically handles 2 million

passengers annually and serves as a critical link to Ireland for commercial shipping and ferry services. In response to Holyhead’s temporary closure, Pembroke Port and Fishguard Harbour, along with ferry operators, stepped up to ensure the seamless movement of goods and passengers. Key vessels involved in this effort included Irish Ferries’ James Joyce and Isle of Innisfree, alongside Stena Line’s Stena Nordica and Stena Adventurer, which sailed from Pembrokeshire’s ports to

support transportation needs.

Samuel Kurtz, who previously worked onboard ships on the Fishguard to Rosslare crossing, said following a statement in the Senedd Chamber: “The performance of Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferry operators during this time of increased demand has been nothing short of remarkable. The contributions of vessels such as Irish Ferries’ James Joyce and Isle of Innisfree, and Stena Line’s Stena Nordica and Stena Adventurer, underscore the strategic importance of our region in maintaining Wales’ economic resilience and connectivity.

“While we look forward to

Holyhead Port resuming full operations, Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferries have proven their readiness to rise to the occasion, ensuring that Wales remains open for business. This southern corridor from Pembrokeshire to Rosslare has demonstrated its importance.

“This success is a direct result of the dedication, skill, and professionalism of the men and women who operate our ports and ferries. Their hard work deserves our deepest gratitude, as they have played a vital role in minimising disruption and safeguarding the flow of trade and travel during these uncertain times.”

£2.5bn steel strategy to revitalise UK steelmaking

THE UK Government has announced the creation of a new Steel Council, backed by up to £2.5 billion in funding, to secure the long-term future of steelmaking and protect steel communities across the country.

Chaired by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Jon Bolton, Chair of the Materials Processing Institute, the council brings together industry leaders, trade unions, and representatives from devolved governments to address challenges and develop a robust Steel Strategy.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council, we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward

£2.5 billion investment to secure growth

right across the country.”

The council, which held its first meeting on January 7, will act as a critical link between the Government and the steel industry. It aims to foster collaboration and ensure the workforce is central to plans for rebuilding the sector.

SAFEGUARDING A CRUCIAL INDUSTRY

The Steel Council includes key players such as Tata Steel, British Steel, and trade unions like Community and GMB. Its primary focus will be to support the upcoming Steel Strategy, which is expected to be published in spring.

Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, said: “The establishment of the Steel Council marks a defining moment for the future of steelmaking in Britain. This strategy is a once-ina-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term

investment and ensures steelmaking remains at the heart of the UK economy.”

Jon Bolton, co-chair of the council, echoed this sentiment: “The UK has all the essential elements to attract investment into the steel industry: demand, skills, technology, unrivalled research and development, and, critically, a supportive government. The council’s task is to detail the investment plan and establish a roadmap towards a rejuvenated, competitive, and environmentally progressive industry.”

COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NATIONAL SECURITY

The Government has emphasised the importance of the steel industry to both national security and economic growth. The Steel Council will continue to meet regularly following the launch of the Steel Strategy to ensure the effective use of the £2.5 billion funding.

Full Steel Council membership

includes:

• Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)

• Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)

• Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation

• Representatives from Tata Steel, British Steel, Liberty Steel, and other major steel companies

• Trade unions: Community and GMB

• Devolved government representatives from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

The Government’s Plan for Change aims to transform the steel sector into a sustainable and innovative industry while safeguarding jobs and economic stability for steel communities nationwide.

Isle of Innisheer arriving at Fishguard for the first time as part of a berthing trial (Credit @fishyleeks)

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Ferries step In to support Pembs ports amid Holyhead closure

THE ONGOING closure of Holyhead Port following damage caused by Storm Darragh last month has placed Pembrokeshire’s ferry ports at the forefront of cross-channel travel, with new developments enhancing their pivotal role in supporting Irish Sea routes.

Irish Ferries launched a temporary service today (Wednesday, January 8) from Pembroke Dock to Dublin, utilizing the Isle of Innisfree. The 7.5-hour sailing departs daily from Pembroke at 6:00am, with a return journey from Dublin at 8:30pm. This service is expected to run until January 16, when Holyhead Port is projected to reopen.

The Isle of Innisfree, previously a familiar sight on the Pembroke

Dock-Rosslare route, has returned to Pembrokeshire to temporarily serve the Dublin crossing. This addition complements the existing twicedaily sailings to Rosslare aboard the James Joyce, introduced last month to accommodate higher traffic due to her larger capacity.

FISHGUARD WELCOMES LARGEST-EVER FERRY

Meanwhile, Fishguard Harbour has also seen significant activity. The port recently welcomed its largest-ever ferry, the Stena Adventurer, to operate on the Dublin route. The vessel, described by ferry expert George Holland as a “game-changer,” marks the third new arrival to the port in just four weeks.

Adding to the excitement, the Isle of Inisheer conducted berthing trials at Fishguard on Tuesday, January 7. Experts speculate this is a contingency plan by Irish Ferries in case the Holyhead reopening faces delays. This vessel previously visited Pembrokeshire last September when it temporarily covered the Pembroke Dock-Rosslare route.

Mr. Holland, a leading administrator of the Irish Ferries Enthusiasts Facebook group, remarked: “Fishguard Harbour continues to be at the centre of unprecedented activity. The arrival of the Isle of Inisheer is a reminder of the critical role Pembrokeshire’s ports are playing during Holyhead’s temporary closure.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Irish Ferries has reiterated that January 16 remains the target date for reopening Holyhead’s Terminal 5 ferry berth, provided weather conditions allow. In the meantime, Pembrokeshire’s ports continue to provide essential links across the Irish Sea, maintaining vital connections for passengers and freight alike.

Fishguard’s current schedule sees the Stena Nordica making twice-daily sailings to Rosslare at 1:30am and 2:00pm, while the Stena Adventurer departs for Dublin at 9:00am.

As Pembrokeshire’s ports rise to the challenge, their resilience highlights the importance of flexible maritime infrastructure in navigating unexpected disruptions.

Hooking customers with a healthy seafood message

SEAFOOD restaurants and takeaways have an exciting opportunity to attract and engage customers by highlighting the numerous health benefits of their dishes.

That’s the message from three multiaward-winning businesses recognised for their innovative approaches to promoting the health aspects fish and shellfish.

As the New Year sparks a focus on healthier living, Towngate Fisheries in Yorkshire, Fish City in Belfast and Something Else Fishy in Dorset are leading the way in highlighting seafood as a nutritious choice. They hope to inspire others in hospitality to weave health-focused messaging into their customer engagement.

The businesses’ efforts are part of Seafish’s new Seafood for Life initiative, which champions the benefits of fish and shellfish while celebrating industry best practice. Profiles of the three businesses are featured in the health section of the Seafood for Life web hub, alongside a blog by registered dietician Juliet Kellow outlining 10 healthy reasons to eat more seafood in 2025. There is an accompanying downloadable factsheet. Businesses are invited to use these resources to help inform their own approaches to promoting seafood’s health benefits.

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Explaining his rationale for promoting the healthy eating aspects of fish in his fish and chip shop, Towngate Fisheries owner Mark Drummond said: “One out of 10 customers might be interested in health, but if you can get to that extra 10% of customers, that can mean the difference between a business breaking even or making a good profit.”

John Lavery, owner of Fish City restaurant in Belfast said: “Fish is a healthy, natural protein, often with little or no processing. Government guidelines recommend a minimum of two portions per week, so I believe, from a promotional point of view, this provides an opportunity we should focus on.”

Nicki Else runs Something Else Fishy in Dorset. She explained: “For us, it’s about showcasing the wide range of benefits of seafood and fitting a health message into that. I would encourage other businesses to do something like this because it builds loyalty from your customers – they trust you because you are knowledgeable.”

Seafish Chief Executive Marcus Coleman said: “The aim of Seafood for Life is to showcase the benefits of seafood and the good work of the UK

industry that produces it. We want to help businesses have informed conversations with their customers that encourage them to eat more fish and shellfish.

“As we begin 2025, we know many people are thinking about ways to be a bit healthier, so we’ve kicked off the

year with a focus on the nutritional benefits of seafood. We’re highlighting great examples of businesses which are already successfully promoting the health aspects of their dishes and offering resources for the industry which we hope will inspire and inform their own activities.”

£10m to transform town and city centres across Wales

THE CABINET SECRETARY for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, has made £10m in Financial Transaction Capital available to fund regeneration projects across the country.

The Transforming Towns Loans programme supports local authorities with town and city centre regeneration projects and has allocated more than £62m since its launch in 2014.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce the number of vacant and underutilised sites and buildings to diversify our town centre offers and increase footfall.

The funding also encourages more sustainable uses for empty premises, such as leisure, key services and conversion to town centre residential, and help to prevent some of the activity from being relocated to edge of town development.

The Cabinet Secretary said: “Our Transforming Towns Loans programme improves the places where people live and work, creating a sense of place and vibrant high streets.

“Empty and disused buildings are a wasted resource in our communities, and our town centre funding will create job opportunities and bring life back to high streets and disused and forgotten buildings at the heart of their

“I encourage local authorities to utilise this funding and look forward to seeing their plans to create job opportunities and bring life back to the

Local authorities have been invited to apply for the town centre loan funding to invest in their communities

and deliver regeneration regeneration projects. Applications for the 2024/25 round of loan funding closes on 10 January 2025.

town centres.

forgotten buildings in the heart of their communities.”

Land purchase opens door to new West Wales homes

A MAJOR developer has purchased land in Saundersfoot, clearing the way for it to bring new homes to the town.

Persimmon Homes West Wales secured planning permission to build 72 new, high-quality homes at Sandy Hill in the popular Pembrokeshire town back in July.

This agreement means all the pieces are in place for the builder to start works on site, with a view to having their first properties on the market this summer.

The scheme includes a mix of quality new one to four-bed detached and semi-detached homes as well as terraced houses and apartments that will help meet local housing needs and open the door to home ownership for more local families. The properties will be finished in render and stone.

Boasting a number of proposed community benefits, the development will bring a range of facilities to the local community, including an

equipped play area at the heart of the site, contributions to highway and active travel upgrades, and a dedicated active travel link that connects the site back to Sandy Hill Road.

The design also incorporates a sustainable drainage system with bio-retention areas and rain gardens, green technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as well as ecological enhancements to mitigate impacts on dormouse habitats and preserve existing trees and hedgerows.

As part of the housebuilder’s community contribution, Persimmon will also transfer 35% of the homes (25 in total) to a local housing provider for rent and shared ownership to help alleviate pressure on Pembrokeshire’s housing list.

The five-star developer donates £48,000 across Wales each year to good causes and much-valued organisations as part of its Community

Champions initiative. Recent local recipients include Saundersfoot Cricket Club, Saundersfoot Rotary Club’s Tenderfoot programme, and the 2025 Saundersfoot New Year’s Swim.

Welcoming the agreement, Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Managing Director, Stuart Phillips, said:

“We are delighted to have cleared this final hurdle that now means we can commence works at Sandy Hill to deliver much-needed new, highquality homes to Saundersfoot.

“Persimmon is determined to leave a positive and lasting legacy where we build and we look forward to working with the local community and its leaders as we bring forward these new homes.

“I want to give my thanks to everyone involved in the Persimmon team as well as the local planning authority for all the work they’ve put in to get to this point.”

MIKE EDWARDS

THE NEW YEAR is finally here. It’s out with the tired and drab familiarity of 2024, and welcome to the tired and drab novelty of 2025! When you think about it, dates and calendar markers are just handy place markers we use to define time. The world spins on its axis, orbiting the sun. Somewhere along the way, some smart aleck divided the day into 24 hours and, at least for Western and near-East purposes, the week into seven days.

In semi-retirement, these mathematically tidy divisions mean less and less with each passing year. When I was a young man, seconds seemed to stretch for minutes, minutes for hours, and days for weeks. Despite this, time rushed past me.

One minute I was a trim young chap with mighty shoulder muscles, and the next, a rather rumpled old codger with a paunch. Now, I’m painfully aware of time’s passage. Every day brings new indignities of joint pain and diminishing eyesight and hearing.

My beloved, on the other hand, shows no sign of slowing down, let alone acknowledging the infirmities and compromises age forces upon us. If you’re of a certain vintage, you will remember Linford Christie advertising some breakfast sludge or another while spouting the necessity of a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude).

My wife doesn’t have a PMA. Possessing a Positive Mental Attitude would be to acknowledge the possibility of having a negative one. As far as my darlingest one is concerned, that is impossible. It’s not that she sets around every day with a cheery and dopamine-fuelled grin on her face or a song in her heart. It’s more fundamental than that. Each day is a test to be smashed, a challenge to be overcome, an opponent to be beaten into submission. You don’t need positivity to achieve those ends. You only need bloody-minded selfconfidence and a brutal competitive edge. The satisfaction and joy come from seizing the day and winning it. For me, life is less a competition to be won than something far better than the alternative.

These considerations are at the forefront of my mind because this year, I will pass one of the milestone birthdays that, in my late parents’ day, served as a marker for retirement. I won’t be retiring. I’m not self-centred enough to believe that the world of work will stop spinning if I step off. No, I am confident that if I step off the world of work, I will stop spinning. There’s no nobility of spirit involved in carrying on working. It’s self-interest and self-preservation. Besides, if I were to spend more time with my wife, I’d be terrified that I would soon become a challenge to conquer or an obstacle to overcome. I’d rather not take that chance, especially at my age.

Local nurse awarded by The Queen’s Nursing Institute

MEGAN WARE, a Learning Disability Children’s Community Nurse in Hywel Dda University Health Board, was recently awarded the ‘Dame Elizabeth Fradd Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement’ by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

This prestigious award was presented to Megan in recognition of her hard work and achievements across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.

Megan was nominated by one of her lecturers in the University of South Wales. There were many reasons that helped influence her nomination for this award. She has enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to gain experience, develop and achieve. She helped with teaching year one community children’s nursing students in the Specialist Practitioner Qualification (SPQ), sharing her own learning from her clinical practice. Her innovation and encouragement have inspired others to feel confident within their future specialist practice and she has excelled clinically, achieving all the elements of the course to a high standard.

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Megan said: “I have always been passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives and I feel so privileged to be in the position I am as a nurse working with children with learning disabilities and complex needs. I was completely shocked to have won this award but feel proud at the fact that I have been recognised for my work and efforts in completing the course.”

Megan is also the first learning disability nurse in Wales working within a community children’s nursing team to complete her SPQ in children’s community nursing. The course prepares nurses to become a specialist practitioner following the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s standards of proficiency for community nursing specialist practice qualifications. The skills taught involve health education and health promotion, how to improve quality in healthcare settings, leadership, and management and more.

Sharon Daniel, Interim Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and

Experience at the health board praised Megan’s achievement, saying: “I am proud of Megan for obtaining this award and for being the first learning disability nurse to study for the Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Wales. It is testament to all her hard work and commitment to extending her knowledge as a nurse working with and benefiting children in our community.”

Megan plans on finishing her dissertation and completing her

Masters degree, which will help further her career.

This annual award is for the most outstanding student in the Specialist Practice Qualification in community children’s nursing across universities in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. The Dame Elizabeth Fradd Memorial Prize was established in 2024 to honour the legacy of Dame Elizabeth Fradd, a Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute and a distinguished children’s nurse.

Patient

Industrial event venue ‘Hangar’ up for sale in Milford Haven

AN exciting business opportunity has emerged in Milford Haven with the announcement that Hangar, an industrial event venue located on Thornton Industrial Estate, is now on the market. Known for its versatility and modern facilities, the space has become a standout feature in Pembrokeshire’s growing events scene.

VENUE WITH POTENTIAL

Hangar is fully licensed for alcohol sales and approved to host both live and recorded music events, as well as sporting showcases. Featuring a state-of-the-art 6m x 3m video wall, the venue offers an immersive experience for guests, whether for corporate gatherings, live music nights, or private functions.

The premises include a fully fitted bar, designed for efficiency and customer satisfaction, and a flexible layout that can accommodate private celebrations, conferences, and entertainment events.

Strategic location

Situated in the heart of Thornton Industrial Estate, Hangar combines industrial charm with an accessible location, making it an attractive option for event planners and visitors alike.

Ready for growth

Owner Steve Bartram highlighted

the venue’s growth potential, pointing out its appeal to entrepreneurs ready to invest time and expertise. With Pembrokeshire’s entertainment industry on the rise, Hangar is well-positioned to become a central hub for events in the region.

“This is a ready-to-operate business

with immense potential for someone with vision and passion for the events industry,” said Mr Bartram.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES INVITED

Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch directly to arrange viewings

and discuss further details.

For those with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a vision for growth, Hangar represents a rare and exciting investment in Pembrokeshire’s vibrant events sector.

Contact The Hangar on Facebook for more information.

The future of Memorial Pool in Cardigan remains uncertain

THE FUTURE of Cardigan’s wellused and much-loved Memorial Pool remains uncertain, with Ceredigion County Council unable to guarantee its inclusion in the proposed new wellbeing centre earmarked for the same site.

The pool, which served the community for over four decades, closed in March last year despite widespread local fundraising efforts. Trustees cited soaring energy costs, falling income, and substantial maintenance and repair expenses as reasons for its closure.

Since then, children have been forced to travel to Newcastle Emlyn, Crymych, or Llandysul for swimming lessons, while adults who relied on the hydrotherapy pool to manage arthritis and other chronic conditions have seen their health deteriorate.The closure has also dealt a blow to Cardigan Swimming Club, which previously had 50 junior members, and Poppit Sands Surf Lifesaving Club, whose winter training depended on the pool. Concerns are mounting that the lack of local swimming facilities will prevent children from reaching the standards needed for sea-based training, undermining water safety in a coastal town known for its busy beaches.

Residents have taken to social media to express their anger and disappointment at the council’s inaction. One resident wrote: “How can a coastal town like Cardigan not have a swimming pool? Teaching children to swim is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The council needs to wake up and prioritise our

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safety.”

Another frustrated parent said: “My son used to swim at the Memorial Pool every week. Now we’re travelling an hour for lessons. It’s exhausting and expensive. Why are families being left to pick up the pieces?”

Local campaigner Bethan Jones added: “The council’s lack of clarity is deeply worrying. We’ve heard nothing but vague promises and silence. The wellbeing centre sounds great, but it’s meaningless if a pool isn’t included.”

The council recently announced plans to develop a new wellbeing centre on the pool site, chosen over three other potential locations. The facility is set to accommodate Hywel Dda University Health Board services and other community health provisions. However, it remains unclear whether a swimming pool will form part of the plans.

A council spokesperson said: “The business case for the wellbeing centre is currently being developed. This work will identify the services that could be delivered at the centre and the facility mix required to accommodate them. At present, no decision has been made on what will and won’t be included.”

Despite repeated calls from the community for clarity, the council added that it is “unable to comment further at this time.”

With so much at stake for the health, safety, and wellbeing of local residents, the future of Cardigan’s much-missed Memorial Pool hangs in the balance. For now, the voices of concerned residents continue to grow louder, demanding answers and action from those in charge.

Exactly two years ago, The Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall have received a Capital Grant to undertake much needed renovation work.

The Sport Wales Capital Grant of £207,000 from Welsh Government was secured by Ceredigion County Council to fund essential capital works at Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall.

The grant enabled the Swimming Pool to upgrade its Pool Plant Equipment and Air Handling Unit, insulate the roof above the toddler pool and purchase new Pool covers.

Matt Newland, Chairman of Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall Trustees, said at the time: “The swimming pool and hall trustees are delighted to announce that we have received a grant from Sports Wales to carry out much needed works to the pool to enable it to continue running. The trustees would like to thank Ceredigion County Council for their assistance and support. Cardigan Swimming pool and hall is run by the trustees committee for the benefit of the community. It is an essential resource and this grant will help secure our future.”

Waste chaos continues in Pembrokeshire

PEMBROKESHIRE households are facing ongoing disruption to waste collections as the county council struggles with persistent ‘resource challenges’ following the festive period.

Residents across the county have reported overflowing bins and missed collections, with the council admitting approximately five per cent of collection rounds were disrupted last week due to staff shortages, vehicle breakdowns, and an increase in waste volumes.

A council spokesperson said: “The operational issues are resulting in many households not having their waste collected on their scheduled day. We are working to rectify this as soon as possible, but resource challenges remain.”

Residents are being urged to store waste and recycling materials where possible until their next scheduled collection. The council has also promised to keep its waste and recycling disruption webpage updated with the latest information.

Despite scheduling additional resources to cope with the expected increase in waste over Christmas, the council has been unable to meet demand. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, cabinet member for residents’ services, issued an apology to those affected.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents,” he said. “Staff have been working throughout the festive period to manage collections, but vehicle breakdowns and staff availability have significantly hampered our efforts.”

In a bid to ease the backlog, residents are permitted to place one additional black bag of waste out for collection on their first residual waste collection day after Christmas. Recycling centres remain open, but pre-booking is required.

LATEST DISRUPTION UPDATES: SATURDAY, 4TH JANUARY 2025:

• Milford Haven Area: Multiple streets, including Murray Road, Milton Crescent, Pill Lane, Warwick Road, Robert Street, and Dale Road, faced incomplete recycling collections due to resource issues. Some streets had food waste collected, while others saw partial or no recycling collections.

• St Ishmaels, Sandy Haven, Marloes, Dale, Talbenny, Hasguard, Walwyns Castle: Collections were either incomplete or missed entirely.

The council has advised affected residents to store recycling until the next scheduled collection day or take it to local recycling centres.

FRIDAY, 3RD JANUARY 2025:

• Haverfordwest and Surrounding Areas: Key streets and neighbourhoods, including Cherry Grove, Queensway, Prendergast, Merlins Bridge, and St Thomas Green, experienced widespread disruption to recycling collections.

• Rudbaxton, Poyston Cross, and

parts of Crundale: Missed recycling collections were reported, with limited recovery achieved.

The council has stated that recollection efforts will continue into the following week.

THURSDAY, 2ND JANUARY 2025:

• Stackpole, Manorbier, Freshwater East, Lamphey, and Monkton: Residents reported missed recycling collections, with some streets receiving food waste collection only.

MOVING FORWARD:

The council assures residents that efforts to clear the backlog are ongoing. However, persistent resource challenges mean delays may continue.

RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

1. Store recycling where possible until the next scheduled collection.

2. Pre-book slots at local recycling centres.

3. Regularly check the council’s disruption webpage for updates.

For real-time updates on waste collections, residents are encouraged to visit the Pembrokeshire County Council website. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the council works to stabilise services.

Theatre company in mourning for costume queen matriarch

PEMBROKESHIRE theatre

company FADDS has dropped the curtain on its annual post-Christmas pantomime following the death of costume matriarch Linda OgilvieDavies who died at Withybush Hospital on December 6.

The FADDS production company planned to open Aladdin later this month, however the production has now been postponed, as a mark of respect to Linda.

A native of Chicago, she moved to London where she worked for Jasper Conran as well as being a buyer for Harvey Nichols.

Following her move to Fishguard, she got involved with FADDS and spent the next 20 years creating costumes for all of the company’s shows. She volunteered at the theatre as well as at the local animal welfare shop and every Christmas, she allowed the town’s Christmas tree to be plugged into her electric supply.

“Linda would help everybody and quietly waved her magic wand, helping so many people without even realising it,” said theatre member, Sharon Jenkins.

“She really was a matriarch of the FADDS theatre group.”

This was endorsed by FADDS director, Jana Davidson.

“Not only was she our costume queen but she was also our matriarch, mentor, supporter and, most importantly our friend,” she said.

“She had a way of connecting with everyone, whatever background or age and was adored by the youth. Her no nonsense, firm but fair attitude was met with the highest respect from everyone, and she was adored by us all.

“She leaves an immeasurable hole

in our FADDS family, but we know she will shine down on us always, and her legacies will continue.”

Aladdin will be the company’s 30th pantomime at Theatr Gwaun. For information on when it will now be performed, visit FADDS Production Company on Facebook.

‘Collaborative effort’ to tackle fly-grazing

TRAFFIC was disrupted on January 7 after multiple loose horses were spotted on Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke. Motorists and pedestrians were urged to approach the area with caution as the horses roamed freely on the road and nearby residential areas, causing delays and raising safety concerns.

Pembrokeshire County Council recently announced that it has teamed up with Dyfed-Powys Police to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways, known as fly-grazing.

The move comes after a significant rise in incidents across the county, causing safety concerns and public disruption.

Over the Christmas period, both agencies will work collaboratively in an operational effort to address the issue.

This joint approach responds to ongoing community concerns and forms part of a wider initiative to enable partner agencies to deal more effectively with fly-grazing.

The situation comes just days after authorities announced their initiative to tackle the issue through a coordinated approach, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing fly-grazing concerns.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting enquiries@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or calling 01437 764551.

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

Council agrees change to long-term empty properties tax premium

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL have voted to revise and simplify the long-term empty properties council tax premium.

Previously the premium increased incrementally. However, Members agreed in December that from April 1st 2025 one rate of 300% will apply to all properties that have been empty for two years or more.

Cllr Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said:

“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

The premium is in addition to the standard council tax charge and applies to all three elements – Council, Police & Crime Commissioner and Town & Community Councils.

Council taxpayers who are renovating their properties can apply for a council tax exemption which can be applied to the property for a maximum period of 12 months if the property requires major repair works or structural alteration.

This exemption means that no council tax is payable for this 12-month period.

If the exemption has already been awarded taxpayers can apply for a discretionary discount, which can be

awarded up to the level of the longterm empty property premium. In such instances the standard council tax charge is still payable.

Each case is considered on its own merits and taxpayers are required to provide written details of the works required together with photographic evidence.

This discount is normally awarded

for up to maximum period of 12 months.

If you wish to apply for this discount, email revenue.services@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk or write to Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.

Pembrokeshire County Council is also participating in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme which will give owners of empty properties

access to a grant of up to £25,000 if their property meets the required criteria and further information on this grant can be found online: https://www. nationalemptyhomesgrant.wales Interest free loans are also availabe and further information on who is eligible can be found via https://www. pembrokeshire.gov.uk/private-housing/ empty-home-loans

The Liberal Democrats call for Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales

THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have renewed calls for the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales during a debate on the Crown Estate Bill in the House of Commons today.

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick urged that Wales be treated equally to Scotland, where the Crown Estate has already been devolved, arguing that Wales deserves the same economic benefits.

This follows a previous attempt by the Liberal Democrats to amend the Bill in the House of Lords before Christmas, which was voted down by Labour.

It is estimated that the Crown Estate will generate at least £1 billion in profit from offshore wind energy lease agreements in Welsh waters over the coming years.

David Chadwick MP said: “It is unacceptable that Wales continues to be treated as a lesser nation to Scotland when it comes to the devolution of powers.

“Labour promised change after the General Election, yet they seem intent on maintaining the status quo and depriving Wales of key tools to boost our economic success.

“If the income raised from renewables owned by the Crown Estate stayed in Wales, it would be of huge benefit to our local communities.

“The Liberal Democrats will continue to push Labour to change their mind on this issue as the Bill progresses through Parliament.”

Opticians fundraises to support local families

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship.

The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need.

PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season.

The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director Ellie Thomas-Wigley and optometrist Andrew Williams purchased wrapping paper and Sellotape, following guidance from PATCH, to support the appeal.

Ellie Thomas-Wigley says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of our team’s generosity and their commitment to helping the community. PATCH plays a vital role in supporting local families

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facing difficult times, particularly during the festive season, and we’re pleased to contribute to their important work.

‘Thank you to our customers and team for coming together to support those in need at such a critical time of year.’

Since 2008, PATCH has been providing support to Pembrokeshire residents by working with referral agencies such as health workers and social services. The charity’s Basics Bank offers immediate help to those experiencing crises, including job losses, benefit delays, or emergency situations like fire or homelessness.

To learn more about PATCH or to donate, visit their charity shop on Charles Street.

Specsavers Pembroke Dock is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ pembrokedock.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Tributes paid to former Tenby RNLI crew member Stuart Fecci

TENBY RNLI is mourning the loss of former Shore Crew member Stuart Fecci, who passed away recently. Stuart served aboard the Henry Comber Brown lifeboat until a tragic accident in 1988 resulted in the loss of his hand.

Despite the injury, Stuart remained a dedicated supporter of Tenby RNLI. The Fecci family has deep roots with the station, including Stuart’s son Samuel, who raised over £300 by completing the RNLI’s Mayday Mile walk in 2021.

Deputy Coxswain Jon Lewis, Stuart’s cousin who carries the Fecci name through his mother, paid tribute: “The last time I spoke to him, he greeted me in a packed Tudor Square as the largerthan-life character he was and shouted, ‘Coxswain Lewis!’ before continuing to congratulate me.”

Stuart will be deeply missed by the entire community. The thoughts of everyone at the station are with his wife Sally and his family during this difficult time.

Body slamming entertainment at the Torch Theatre!

FROM Port Talbot to Llanelli and Porthcawl to Lampeter, the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling are on the road around the country and are getting ready to rumble! They’ll bring their live body slamming family entertainment show to the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, for a one-night extravaganza that you won’t want to miss!

Since its establishment in 2005, Welsh Wrestling has cemented its status as the number one wrestling promotion in Wales, running top quality wrestling shows all over the country in some of the most prestigious venues and theatres. Throughout each year the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling perform in front of several thousand fans, guaranteeing each paying customer of all ages a fun, actionpacked, family night out.

Witness the wrestling extravaganza at the Torch that’s

guaranteed to get children (and adults) screaming and cheering for their favourite wrestler and making memories that last a lifetime. Pop down to the Torch and witness the glamour and chaos in this showcase of entertainment and athleticism in a memorable family night out.

The Welsh Wrestling Facebook page has information on its Wales tour with positive feedback from several audience members with one being quoted as saying:

“What a fantastic night. My two grandsons loved every minute of the show. A great show designed with families in mind. I will highly recommend this to all friends and family. Thanks for a great evening!”

Welsh Wrestling will be live at the Torch Theatre wrestling ring on Sunday 23 February at 5pm. Ticket prices: Family: £45. Adult: £15. Child: £12. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Torch Youth Theatre Returns for an Action Packed Term!

The Torch Youth Theatre spring term is preparing to welcome new and old members to join their weekly sessions held at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. The programme, for young people aged seven to 18, encourages them to understand what it is to be a theatre-maker.

Each week, young people are encouraged to build their confidence through age appropriate creative and engaging skill-building sessions, led by the Torch Theatre’s dedicated team.

“Torch Youth Theatre prides itself on developing the confidence of the young people we work with - it’s not just about performing but about helping them to develop their own skills and voices. We know that for many of our young people we provide a safe creative space where they can be themselves with likeminded people, and discover things they are passionate about, as well as forging lifelong friendships.” explained Tim Howe, Torch Theatre’s Youth and Community Senior Manager.

He added: “Amongst all the other exciting activities we have planned for our young people this term we’ll be announcing our follow up to the smash hit The Wind In The Willows. Watch this space.”

The Youth Theatre term costs £90 with Group 1: School years 3 and 4 meeting on Tuesday 4:00pm to 5:30pm; Group 2: School years 5 and 6 meeting on Wednesdays 4:30pm to 6:00pm; Group 3: School years 7, 8, and 9 meeting on Tuesdays 6.30pm to 8:00pm and Group 4: School years 10, 11, 12 and 13 meeting on Wednesdays 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

“We are happy to discuss making payment for all our youth theatre provisions more manageable. If there is a way which you would like to spread the cost which works better for you, please do get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help,” said Tim, who can’t wait for the sessions to start.

The Torch Youth Theatre supports young people’s mental health by providing a regular connection for young people with their peers, encouraging them to develop their imagination, and

providing the opportunity for young people to learn new creative, physical, and critical thinking skills.

Tim concluded: “Torch Youth Theatre is a welcoming space for everyone. We know that every young person develops at their own rate and ability is not always linked to age. We aim to make reasonable adjustments to our delivery to ensure that our young people can make the most of their experiences with us. We believe that the young people we work with have the power to make

their own stories and change how we all see our world.”

If this sounds like something a young person you know is interested in being part of then please contact the Torch Theatre’s Box office team on 01646 695267 and they will be happy to book you in for your taster session. The sessions start on January 14 and 15. For more information, please contact our Senior Manager: Youth and Community, Tim Howe tim@ torchtheatre.co.uk.

LA PALMA

LA PALMA is a Norwegian miniseries that follows the dramatic events surrounding the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The story centers on a Norwegian family vacationing on the island as they face the chaos of an imminent volcanic disaster and the looming threat of a catastrophic tsunami.

With just four episodes, the series captures the

tension and high stakes of a natural disaster.

The cast delivers solid performances, including Anders Baasmo Christiansen as Fredrik, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal as Jennifer, and Alma Günther as Sara.

The cinematography showcases the striking landscapes of La Palma and Tenerife, adding a visually compelling layer to the narrative.

Reception has been mixed, with some praising the series for its fast-

paced plot and gripping disaster scenes, while others critique its lack of emotional depth and character development. Despite these criticisms, the series quickly became popular, reaching top positions on Netflix charts in several regions.

For fans of disaster dramas, “La Palma” offers a concise, visually engaging experience, though it may fall short for those seeking deeper storytelling or intricate character arcs.

flight risk

“FLIGHT RISK” is an action thriller directed by Mel Gibson. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Daryl, a pilot tasked with transporting Air Marshal Madolyn, played by Michelle Dockery, and fugitive Winston, portrayed by Topher Grace, across the Alaskan wilderness. As the journey unfolds, tensions escalate, and trust erodes, revealing that not everyone on board is who they seem.

Wahlberg’s portrayal of Daryl marks a departure from his typical roles, presenting him

as a balding, unhinged hitman masquerading as a chatty helicopter pilot. This transformation has garnered attention, with critics noting the intensity and unpredictability he brings to the character.

The film’s direction by Mel Gibson has been highlighted for its suspenseful pacing and atmospheric tension.

The Alaskan wilderness serves as a stark and isolating backdrop, amplifying the film’s themes of mistrust and survival. Gibson’s ability to elicit strong performances from the

cast contributes to the film’s gripping narrative.

While “Flight Risk” has generated significant buzz, it’s important to note that there are no critic or user reviews available yet. This absence of early reviews suggests that audiences will need to experience the film firsthand to form their own opinions.

In summary, “Flight Risk” offers a compelling premise, a talented cast, and the directorial prowess of Mel Gibson. Audiences can anticipate a tense and thrilling cinematic experience.

Freedom Wars Remastered

FREEDOM WARS

Remastered revitalizes the 2014 PlayStation Vita classic, bringing its distinctive blend of action RPG mechanics and dystopian narrative to modern platforms.

Set in a future where overpopulation has led to draconian measures, players assume the role of a “Sinner” condemned to a million-year sentence, striving to earn freedom through perilous missions.

The remaster enhances the original’s graphics, supporting 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on platforms like PlayStation 5, delivering a more immersive visual experience. However, some character models and environments retain their original designs, which may appear dated to contemporary audiences.

Gameplay remains faithful to the original, with the “Thorn” mechanic—a grappling hooklike device—continuing to be a central feature. It facilitates dynamic movement and combat strategies, allowing players to zip across battlefields and engage enemies in varied ways. The remaster introduces qualityof-life improvements, such as an overhauled weapon crafting system that removes previous randomization, streamlining progression.

Despite these enhancements, some critiques of the original persist. The game’s mission structure can become repetitive over time, and certain control mechanics may feel clunky compared to modern standards. Additionally, while the narrative offers a compelling dystopian premise, it may not delve deeply enough to satisfy all players.

Multiplayer modes have been updated to reflect contemporary matchmaking systems, potentially enhancing the cooperative experience. The remaster also includes expanded voice acting, with English audio options, though some choices—like the text-tospeech modulation for android characters—might not resonate with everyone.

In summary, Freedom Wars Remastered successfully preserves the core elements that made the original a cult favorite, while implementing improvements to align with modern gaming expectations. It offers both returning players and newcomers an opportunity to experience its unique world and gameplay, though some dated aspects remain.

LIBRA

the lottery. Not many, but some.

An energy shift is going to occur over the next couple of days, and you’ll definitely feel it. Suddenly a weight will be lifted from your shoulders, a situation that just wouldn’t allow itself to be solved will easily untangle, and the person you’ve been trying in vain to reach, either figuratively or literally, will suddenly be available. It all starts today! That ought to send you out of the house this morning in a fine mood, right? And isn’t attitude everything?

SCORPIO

It’s never easy to argue with you. Whoever started out accusing you usually ends up thinking the whole thing was really their fault. But if you’re also involved on an emotional level, and if the Universe just so happens to have placed the verbal equivalent of an atom bomb in your hands, it’s an absolute exercise in futility. That’s the situation at the moment. Better warn any innocent bystanders to step aside before you begin.

SAGITTARIUS

Generosity is your middle name and everyone who knows you knows it. Don’t let that wonderful quality come between you and a dear one, though. Although it sounds like it might be tough to turn something wonderful into something tricky, if you’re too good to someone else, your sweetheart could easily become jealous. Fortunately, you’ll have a lot of good stuff to pass around. Spread it out evenly, with maybe just a tad more directed toward your special one.

CAPRICORN

So you thought you were serious before, and totally unwilling to crack a grin, much less let anything slide? Well, batten down the hatches, because you ain’t seen nothing yet. That was practice. You’re now fully prepared to do whatever it takes to grab hold of the steering wheel and hang onto it, especially if you feel that whoever is currently driving isn’t up for the challenge. Go ahead. By late tonight, you’ll have arrived and you’ll be ready, willing,

Badger and the Hot Needle of Inquiry

BADGER is a firm believer in democracy and the democratic process. Badger opposed holding a referendum on EU membership, but not because he held any love for the EU. He now briefly explains why.

We all have the chance to participate in elections to the House of Commons, whether as voters or candidates. When we elect MPs, we (supposedly) elect the candidate who we feel will do the most good for our communities. We elect them to make decisions. Referenda allow MPs to wriggle off the hook of their responsibilities. It suggests MPs are too cowardly to vote in accordance with their beliefs and prefer sheltering behind the line that “they were only obeying orders” when legislating based on a plebiscite.

You either make decisions based on your beliefs or you don’t. Voters are not human shields under which to hide your principles. If you can’t stand up for yourself and your core beliefs, you stand for nothing.

Even worse are those who undergo a Damascene conversion after backing the losing side in a referendum. Converts always make the biggest zealots because they have to prove their fealty to the dominant political direction.

Take Liz Truss, for example. In the 2016 campaign, she was a huge advocate for remaining in the EU before scuttling so far to the opposing view that she fell off the electoral map while simultaneously entering low Earth orbit on the Good Ship Lollipop.

We had an election in July. We do not need another one because Elon Musk says we should or because Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have made us long for the golden days of Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt.

When an opposition party presses a government for action on something or pledges to do something when it takes power and then enters power, voters are entitled to feel betrayed when it doesn’t deliver. Farmers, the WASPI campaigners, pensioners, and the nation of Wales are just a few of those who were told one thing

when Labour wanted their votes and then shat on once Keir Starmer got his mitts on the key to Number Ten.

As Gordon Brown allegedly said to Tony Blair in the midst of mimsy strop over the latter’s refusal to do the decent thing and resign in his favour:

“There is nothing that you could ever say to me now that I could ever believe”.

Take the demands for a National Inquiry into so-called “grooming gangs”. Robert Jenrick, who stood for the Conservative Party’s leadership last autumn, has fearlessly been demanding action over something he was silent about when he was in a position to do something about it.

That does not let the Labour Party off the hook. They were all for holding an inquiry while in opposition. Keir Starmer asked for one in one form or another nine times, even while Professor Alexis Jay’s IICSA panel was hearing evidence after 2016.

Readers, you will have heard a lot about Professor Jay’s Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. It was huge and detailed specific incidents of grooming gang activities. Some former ministers recently claimed that the Conservative Cabinet did not introduce the recommendations in the 2022 Report

because “they did not go far enough.”

Pray, readers, scour the Parliamentary record to find one instance of a Conservative Cabinet minister saying that at any point between October 2022 and July 2024. Be assured, readers, you will find nary a word.

However, Labour’s confected sanctimony in its response is as offensive as the Conservatives’ attempt to direct public affairs at the whim of a billionaire South African/ American media magnate and allround dingbat.

From the moral high ground from which Keir Starmer surveys the realm, opposing him is sordid and unworthy. He is wrong - so are the Conservatives - but Mr Starmer’s wrong is far greater.

Either the now-Prime Minister believed there should be a wider inquiry, or it was a ploy to deflect criticism of Labour councils’ roles in failing to protect children under their care. Or it was a cynical play for cheap headlines and publicity - and no political party is in a position to claim the moral high ground on that.

Even if you were prepared to give the Prime Minister the greatest benefit of the doubt, the stink of hypocrisy would be unavoidable.

There are those at the fringes of political debate who want to make political capital out of child sexual abuse for mean and bigoted ends. There are those whose motivations for demanding a National Public Inquiry have less to do with right and wrong than with right and left. Those people are scum.

Some believe we need a public inquiry into child sexual abuse because addressing it is morally imperative. Badger is one of them.

There should be a national inquiry into the prevalence of child sexual abuse, which should also deal with instances of “grooming gangs”. Badger is not interested in moral relativism, squaring the circle of cultural equivalence, or making allowances for “sensitivities”.

Sometimes, you must lance a cyst to excavate, expose, and eliminate the poison inside.

Criminal law punishes a range of offences, from the casual and almost trivial to those that outrage us all. Some things are evil by their very nature. Sexually abusing children is one of those things. Background and upbringing might conceivably mitigate how an offender came to commit an offence. However, they can never excuse an evil act. If the law means anything, it applies equally to all.

We don’t need a public inquiry to tell us that; however, we do need one to establish the prevalence of child sexual abuse, how it can be prevented, and what more can be done to support its victims.

Badger will guarantee three findings from such an inquiry: (1) most child sexual offences are committed by those already close to their victims; (2) the overwhelming majority of child sex offenders are white or ostensibly “Christian” (3) an infinitesimally small percentage of those from a non-European or nonChristian background account for a disproportionately large percentage of gang-related convictions.

None of the above points can be controversial because they are all incontrovertibly true.

AW! What a week to be perched on the docks, watching the human drama unfold. The squawking hasn’t stopped, and neither have the waves of chaos drifting over from across the Atlantic. Let me tell you, fellow gulls, the wind smells of trouble and it’s thrilling to some – terrifying to others. The humans? They’re in for a ride, and it’s one we gulls have seen before.

Here’s the gist: two big human egos are strutting about like they own the sky. On one wing, we’ve got Donald Trump, flapping towards a second term as US president. On the other, Elon Musk, cawing louder than ever on his shiny blue platform, where facts seem to be optional and provocation is the name of the game. If there’s one thing they both understand, it’s this: fear sells, and it sells big. They can smell it, thrive on it, and use it to their advantage.

These two? They’re bullies. Plain and simple. And let’s be honest, bullies love a crowd. The media, mesmerised by the show, has handed them a megaphone. It’s like tossing chips into the air – you’re only encouraging the frenzy. Trump’s enjoying the spotlight, fanning the flames of division with promises of an “America First” agenda that leaves allies and rivals alike flapping for stability. Meanwhile, Musk is turning his platform into a chaotic playground where misinformation and spectacle are rewarded more than truth.

Trump’s big moment comes on January 20, when he takes the helm again. His motto? “America First!” – which, to the rest of the world, sounds more like “You’re all on your own!” This isn’t just politics; it’s a deliberate shake-up of the rules-based global order that’s kept the human flock relatively steady

for decades. And Musk? Well, he’s busy playing puppet master, pulling strings and relishing the chaos. But, mark my words, there’s only room for one top gull in this flock. These egos will clash, probably over money –because humans love a good scrap about budgets. In the end, it’s not about ideology. It’s about power.

But don’t be fooled, my featherless friends. Trump and Musk’s taunts are mostly for show. Trump promised a big wall last time – didn’t finish it. This time? He’s waving maps of Greenland, dreaming of annexations, and throwing out threats that make the headlines but rarely stick. Musk, on the other beak, dreams of a world built in his image – a scary thought if you ask me. He’s not interested in democracy, collaboration, or even compromise. It’s all about his vision,

his control, his rules. Of course, liberals are squawking in outrage. But here’s the trick: bullies thrive on that. It’s their favourite snack. Outrage feeds their narrative, gives them energy, and keeps them in the headlines. The challenge for everyone else is survival. Politics isn’t just a street fight; it’s a delicate dance. Even under the toughest rulers, there’s room for manoeuvre, for holding your ground without drawing too much attention. History has proven this time and again. Internationally, it’s a mess of feathers. Canada’s Justin Trudeau just stepped down, partly because his flock wasn’t sure he could handle Trump 2.0. His finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, jumped ship earlier, citing concerns about Trump’s tariff threats and the growing instability in US-Canada relations.

Meanwhile, European countries are trying to dodge Trump’s talons, navigating between being his poodle or his next tariff target. It’s a tightrope walk, and not every nation will keep its balance.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Humans have seen this kind of storm before. History is full of big personalities with even bigger ambitions – some of them as unhinged as a seagull after a bag of chips. Think William Randolph Hearst or Lord Northcliffe – media barons who wielded immense power, spreading chaos and misinformation, much like Musk does today. Yet democracy, like us gulls, is resilient. It’s taken a beating and come back before. The question is, can it survive this latest attack?

The truth is, the skies may be stormy now, but storms eventually pass. What humans need to remember is that resilience isn’t about avoiding the storm – it’s about learning to fly through it. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. In a world of bullies, it’s the little compromises that keep the ship afloat. Stick together, adapt, and maybe – just maybe – the skies will clear again.

So, here’s my squawk of advice: stay alert, keep your chips close, and don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Politics is messy, chaotic, and often unfair, but it’s also the art of survival. Even the biggest bullies can’t control everything. Their reigns end, their power wanes, and the world moves on. It always does. Until next time, keep your wings steady and your eyes sharp. The world’s a wild place, but there’s always room for hope.

Stephen Seagull, signing off from Milford Haven Docks!

Dogs Trust welcomes MS’s proposed bill on pet abduction

A BILL that would make pet abduction a specific criminal offence in Wales was debated in the Senedd this afternoon.

The proposed legislation, brought forward by Carolyn Thomas, MS for North Wales, aims to align Wales with existing laws in England and Northern Ireland, where the Pet Abduction Act became law in August 2024.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, has welcomed the debate, emphasising the importance of recognising pets as sentient beings capable of experiencing emotional trauma.

Currently, pet theft in Wales is treated similarly to the theft of inanimate household items, such as phones or bikes. The proposed bill seeks to change

this by acknowledging the emotional bond between pets and their owners.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Owen Sharp, said: “We are pleased to see the proposed bill on pet abduction being discussed in the Senedd. Recognising the emotional bond between pets and their owners is a vital step forward in tackling this distressing crime.

“For years, Dogs Trust has called for stronger penalties to deter those who exploit the theft of beloved pets, and we welcome the progress being made on this issue in Wales.”

He added: “The abduction of a pet is an incredibly traumatic and heart-breaking experience. For many, pets are muchloved members of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing their

whereabouts, is devastating.”

Practical steps for pet owners

Dogs Trust has issued advice to help owners reduce the risk of pet theft:

• Ensure your property boundaries are secure to keep intruders out.

• Do not leave your dog unattended in public places or in cars.

• Be cautious about sharing pet photos on social media and check privacy settings.

• Always keep your dog in sight when off the lead and ensure they have good recall.

• Make sure your dog is microchipped and wears a collar with an ID tag.

If a pet is stolen, Dogs Trust advises owners to:

• Report the theft to the police immediately and request a crime reference number.

• Notify your local authority dog warden.

• Inform your microchip database provider.

• Contact local rescue centres, animal charities, and vet practices.

• Monitor online pet sale platforms and report any suspicious activity.

• Use resources like DogLost, which offer free advice and support for reuniting pets.

For further guidance on preventing pet theft and what to do if your dog is stolen, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogtheft-advice.

School transport disruption sparks concerns over gritting priorities

SCHOOL transport services in Carmarthenshire faced significant disruption on Wednesday (Jan 3) after icy conditions and a lack of gritting on key routes caused delays and diversions across several rural areas.

Jones Login Coach Travel reported widespread issues on their school routes, with roads around Login, Efailwen, Llanglydwen, Hebron, Glandwr, Llanboidy, and Llanfallteg particularly affected. Managing

Director Endaf Jones revealed that many of these roads have been downgraded to secondary gritting routes, meaning they are no longer prioritised for overnight gritting.

Mr Jones said: “We do our best to cover the routes and, where possible, advise on our social media of what is happening. However, we cannot contact individual parents or guardians about the status of school routes.”

The downgrade from primary

to secondary gritting routes has raised serious concerns among parents, drivers, and local businesses. Mr Jones urged residents to write to Carmarthenshire County Council and the School Transport Department to highlight their concerns and push for the reinstatement of these roads as primary gritting routes.

“Without proper management of water drainage spilling onto roads, which then freezes, and without consistent gritting

services, school transport routes will face regular disruption if freezing temperatures persist,” Mr Jones added.

Local parents expressed their frustrations on social media. One parent, Helen Bantock, said: “It’s hard for you to tell us when we need the info, and this causes a lot of parents stress. I’ve written to the school to ensure no late mark is given as our son takes pride in being on time.”

Another commenter, Samantha Fish, asked for clarification on where to direct concerns. Jones Login advised contacting Carmarthenshire County Council Roads Department and copying in the School Transport Department.

Residents and businesses are now being urged to raise their concerns directly with the council to ensure rural school routes are given priority gritting status, reducing delays and ensuring the safety of schoolchildren and drivers during adverse weather conditions.

The council has been contacted for a comment.

Childcare scheme criticised for ‘failing those who need it most’

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S childcare scheme has been criticised by a local politician failing to help vulnerable parents.

Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday, Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds accused the Welsh Government of “missing the mark” on childcare costs and claimed that their current offer “disadvantages our most vulnerable.”

According to statistics from the Bevan Foundation, around 190,000 children in Wales are currently living in relative income poverty. And more than half of those children live in a family where there is at least one child between the ages of 0 and four years-old.

Another report from Oxfam Cymru revealed that 92% of parents felt as though they could not afford to pay for childcare fees.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have now called on the Welsh

Government to commit towards a universal childcare system for families across Wales.

The party claims that by helping to lower childcare costs, more parents will be able to return back to work to help better provide for their children.

Commenting on the need for affordable and accessible childcare services, Mid and

West Wales MS Jane Dodds said that “It should be obvious that by cutting down on childcare costs, we can move towards eradicating child poverty.”

Across Wales thousands of parents are being forced to decide between paying extortionate childcare fees or leaving work to look after their children themselves. And

regardless of what decision they make, these parents and their families are still left financially worse off.

The Welsh Government’s current childcare scheme misses the mark completely, instead of relieving pressures on parents, they are closing the door on them.

Current eligibility rules mean that our most vulnerable are left disadvantages, while those who do qualify are often unable to access support due to a lack of availability.

Pumping more money into a childcare offer that doesn’t work isn’t the answer and it’s time the Welsh Government realised this.

What we need is a universal healthcare system that works for every family here in Wales, a system that ensures that every parent is able to access affordable childcare services when and where needed.”

Political Stonewalling on Budget Measures is Not Good Government

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) has criticised Treasury Ministers for political stonewalling against consideration of any reasonable changes to the Budget measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 2024.

Since the Budget statement on 30 October, the TFA has been in ongoing and detailed discussions with Treasury, HMRC and DEFRA officials, including DEFRA Ministers. However, the Treasury Ministerial team has afforded the TFA only one short meeting with the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury with the Chancellor of the Exchequer herself nowhere to be seen.

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, said “It is fair to say that our discussions with Government, particularly at official level, in the wake of the October Budget were productive, open and goodnatured. There appeared to be a willingness from Government to understand the concerns of the farming industry about the changes proposed to Agricultural and Business Property Inheritance Tax reliefs (APR and BPR) and a willingness to consider where incorrect assumptions had been used in developing those proposals. Equally, there was a willingness from the farming industry’s perspective to understand the policy objectives

behind the changes and to offer better routes to achieve those goals.”

“We are now at the stage were everything that could be said has been said and we now need Ministers to show the necessary leadership in taking the next steps. With a technical consultation planned for this month in respect of the impact of the changes on Trusts, that would represent an ideal time for the Government to look at some of the issues raised by the industry without specific commitment at this stage. However, that needs a level of political willingness which is currently absent. Such stonewalling is not a good way to conduct government. Good Government is about understanding legitimate concerns and finessing policies accordingly. The stubborn refusal against making any changes will be a detriment to us all,” said Mr Dunn.

The TFA has suggested a list of technical issues that should be included within the January consultation as follows:

• Understanding the right level of the APR/BPR threshold.

• Whether the APR/BPR threshold should be transferable between spouses and civil partners.

• Necessary changes to the taper on the Inheritance Tax residence nil rate band on

estates valued at more than £2 million.

• A provision allowing exempt transfers on a shorter timeframe for older individuals.

• Whether landlords letting secure tenancies of 10 years or more should have access to a higher zero rate band in line with the proposals contained within the Rock Review into agricultural tenancies.

“We understand that it is the Government’s intention both to raise revenue and to stop cash rich individuals from acquiring assets to avoid tax. Alongside the proposals which the TFA has

tabled, the Government should be looking to restrict the availability of Capital Gains Tax Business Assets Rollover Relief as the principal means to achieve its policy goals. However, that will need to await a further fiscal event. We have shown willingness to work within the bounds of what we understand Government policy to be. The Government should show its strength by being willing to look at the reasonable adjustments we have proposed rather than displaying its weakness by using its Parliamentary majority to force its MPs through the voting lobbies on the back of a badly thought-out approach,” said Mr Dunn.

Holiday lets near Iron Age farmstead approved

A CALL to convert barns at a redundant north Pembrokeshire farm close to an Iron Age defended farmstead to holiday lets has been approved by county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Ariana Grammaticas and Alewyn Muntingh sought permission for the conversion of two farm buildings at Pencraig Fawr, Llangolman, to three holiday lets.

A supporting statement through agent GMW Design said: “The existing farm is now redundant, the need for livestock and farming is no longer a requirement, my clients wish to utilise the existing farm buildings in a more efficient and long-term use to provide holiday accommodation.

“The buildings’ use for farming is redundant and it is considered that the building is of a style and scale that would lend itself to Holiday accommodation with little alteration to its current form. They have the benefit of having their own curtilage, with a little improvement to the site surrounding they lend themselves comfortably for conversion.

“The vision for the conversion proposals is a development that fits comfortably within the existing area without the need for reconstruction or external alteration to facilitate the conversions. The buildings are located off a former farmyard area and close to the existing farmhouse of Pencraig Fawr.”

Pencraig Fawr is some 250 metres from Pencraig-Fawr Camp, a scheduled ancient monument defended farmstead, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC – AD 43), an officer report says.

It adds: “Cadw have raised no objection

to the proposal with respect to any potential impact upon the heritage asset nor how it is experienced, advising that intervening topography, buildings and vegetation block all views between the monument and the buildings for which conversion is proposed. The access track is within the identified significant view and passes close to the asset.

“However, no changes are planned

to this route and the proposal is unlikely to generate a significant amount of traffic. As such, the proposed development will not have any significant adverse impact upon on the way that the monument is experienced, understood, and appreciated and consequently will have no impact on the setting of scheduled monument.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Farming Connect roadshow to advise farmers on succession planning

AS WELSH farming families consider the implications of the UK government’s plan to limit 100% agricultural and business relief for inheritance tax (IHT) to the first £1m of value, Farming Connect is launching a roadshow of events across Wales to help businesses consider different options for protecting their assets including succession planning.

The Autumn Budget on 30 October included significant proposed changes to IHT rules and these will impact many farm businesses.

Demand for the advice available through Farming Connect is anticipated to be high as a result therefore it is holding 10 events where experts in farm IHT issues and succession planning will provide important guidance on the planned measures and advise on how farmers can mitigate the effects of the change.

They will include Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones, of Agri Advisor, who says the changes further emphasise the importance of timely and effective succession planning.

For example, the seven-year rule still applies which means someone could transfer an asset at least seven years before their death, without having to pay IHT on that asset. These are referred to as Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs)

“The changes could lead to more transfers between generations before death but reservation of benefits rules apply and therefore this must be considered carefully,’’ says Dr Llewelyn Jones.

“If these rules are broken, for example if the gift donor is still benefiting in some way from the estate, for example living in the farmhouse, it may be referred to as a “failed PET” and will then become subject to IHT.’’

She anticipates heavier scrutiny on valuations and a greater need to have assets valued.

Until now, farmers will have been advised to essentially “keep farming” for as long as possible to qualify for Agricultural Property Relief (APR).

“This will apply possibly to assets that they are seeking APR and Business Property Relief (BPR) on, including those assets within the £1m cap’’

says Dr Llewelyn Jones.

However, there will be changes to the legal advice previously given as a result of the Budget and she strongly advises farmers to seek professional advice and put a plan in place.

“For some, small changes will enable them to maximise the new IHT regime and the reliefs available but for others significant planning and consideration will be required with some difficult decisions to be made,’’ says Dr Llewelyn Jones. Solicitors, accountants and land agents will be on hand to answer questions.

A comprehensive package of support is available through Farming Connect including facilitated family succession meetings; a succession review to assess the tax position and subsidised business and legal advice. For more information contact your local Development Officer, or call the Service Centre.

The schedule of events is as follows:

• 20/01/25 – Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen SA31 1LG

• 21/01/25 – Monmouthshire Livestock Centre, Raglan, NP15 2B

• 22/01/25 – County Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BW

• 27/01/25 – The Barn, Moody Cow, Bargoed Farm, Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron, SA46 0HL

• 28/01/25 – Maesteg Golf Club, Maesteg, CF34 9PR

• 03/02/25 – Coleg Cambria – Llysfasi, Llysfasi, Ruthin LL15 2LB

• 03/02/25 – Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, LL55 1AY

• 05/02/25 – The Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown, SY16 2BQ

• 10/02/25 – Hafod a Hendre, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY

• 11/02/25 – Rhyd-y-main Hall, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AS

• For further details visit https://businesswales. gov.wales/farmingconnect/whats-on

WITH the children returning to school this week, Christmas already feels like a distant memory. This is particularly true for farmers who spent most of the holiday period again enduring the spates of bad weather and continuing with the day-to-day work on the farmyard.

Indeed, these long hours were highlighted last week in the Farmers’ Weekly annual Sentiment Survey of the farming sector, which found that, on average, farmers take just over seven days a year away as holiday per year. Interestingly, it was farmers in Wales that took the shortest breaks, with 29% of respondents saying they had no time away at all in a year.

Looking back at 2024, unsurprisingly perhaps, the survey identified the greatest challenge facing farmers of the past 12-months was extreme weather. Of the record 767 respondents to the survey, 40% of farmers saw weather as the main challenge (up from 31% last year). This will come as little surprise for Welsh farmers, who will recall last winter’s deluge of wet weather which caused havoc both for crops and during lambing. More recently, of course, we’ve seen storms Conall and Darragh usher in their own challenges - from flooding to damage to buildings and vehicles. With the climate and weather becoming increasingly extreme and unpredictable, how the sector learns to endure and adapt to these challenges will be key over the coming years.

Beyond the weather, it will come as little surprise to Welsh farmers that the second cause of concern for farmers was government policy. A fifth of respondents saw this as the greatest challenge

to the sector (up 16%), with concern in Wales particularly sizable.

Considering the unrest and frustration seen across Wales and beyond over the past 12 months, the results of this survey are no surprise to Welsh farmers. Again, the concerns echoes discontent in the sector following the initial Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals, as well as the Welsh Government’s inaction over bTB and the introduction of the NVZ regulations which ignored the advice of Farmers and Natural Resources Wales.

Whilst progress has been made in the interim regarding the revised SFS proposals, much of this has been overshadowed by the UK Government’s proposed reforms to inheritance tax. This has caused frustration and a feeling of betrayal within the farming sector. Too often we’ve seen governments at both ends of the M4 impose a top down approach to law-making which has led to anger and disillusionment within the sector.

Considering concerns surrounding the extreme weather, government policy, and many other challenges, perhaps it’s unsurprising “demoralised” came out on top in the survey when farmers were asked how they feel about life in the agricultural sector.

However, despite the pessimism in the sector, it is crucial we do remember the crucial work Welsh farmers undertake on a daily basis in producing high quality food and safeguarding the environment. With a new year in front of us, the Farmers’ Union of Wales will continue to fight to ensure Welsh agriculture sectors’ concerns are heard loud and clear.

BMW Group UK leads the premium segment in 2024

BMW Group UK has reported combined registrations for BMW and MINI totalling 172,240 units in 2024, with over a quarter of these being fully electric. The BMW brand recorded 125,265 registrations (+12 per cent), securing its position as the UK’s leading premium automotive brand with a 22.6 per cent share of the premium sector. Battery electric vehicles (BEV) accounted for 26.9 per cent of BMW registrations and the brand registered more plug-in hybrid vehicles than any competitor in the premium segment, marking another year of strong growth in electrified models. MINI registered 46,975 units in the UK, with BEV registrations up 55 per cent on 2023, reflecting the successful launch of the new MINI product family.

“Our performance in 2024 reflects the strength of our product line-up and the dedication of our retailer network,” said David George, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group UK and Ireland. “The BMW brand leading in the UK premium segment, coupled with over a quarter of BMW Group UK registrations being fully electric, demonstrates how innovative product and exceptional customer experiences continue to drive our success.

“BMW will start a new chapter in 2025 with the introduction of the Neue Klasse. The first model of a new generation of vehicles will bring groundbreaking technologies to our line-up, striking new design and further accelerate our electric mobility journey,” George added.

The BMW i4 led the brand’s all-electric sales growth with 12,953 registrations, up 45 per cent year-over-year. The first full year of sales for the BMW i5 saw 3,825 vehicles registered across both the Saloon and Touring models, with particularly strong uptake from corporate and fleet customers. The iX1 remained a firm favourite, achieving 5,790 registrations, while the first-

ever BMW iX2 recorded 2,819 registrations in its first ten months on sale. With an extensive BEV line-up now spanning every major vehicle segment, BMW secured 20.4 per cent of the total premium BEV market in the UK last year and recorded an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in BEV registrations.

In addition to its all-electric success, BMW’s wider model portfolio continued to perform strongly. The BMW 1 Series was the brand’s UK best-seller, with over 24,450 registrations (+7 per cent), following a midyear update that introduced a refreshed design and new technology, including the introduction of BMW Operating

System 9 and mild-hybrid efficiency enhancements. The BMW 3 Series also benefited from updates, with the 330e plug-in hybrid now offering up to 62 miles of electric range (WLTP, combined) and faster charging capabilities, contributing to a 31 per cent increase in 3 Series registrations last year.

BMW experienced significant growth in its luxury class models, with a 48 per cent increase in 7 Series registrations, which includes the all-electric BMW i7. The BMW XM saw a 184 per cent rise in registrations compared with 2023, reflecting strong customer demand for bold design and innovative technology in the luxury and performance sectors.

Audi UK accelerates transformation with a strong 2024

Audi UK recorded 122,431 vehicle sales in 2024, placing the brand third in the overall market with a market share of 6.3 percent.

Despite challenging market conditions, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales remained strong, with a total of 24,216 BEVs sold in 2024 - equating to a record share of 20 percent of Audi UK’s overall sales. The Audi Q4 e-tron was the second best-selling BEV in the UK with 17,622 examples sold.

Audi’s lineup of plug-in hybrid TFSI e models once again performed strongly with 12,399 sales. Combined with the number of BEVs, almost one in three new Audis sold in 2024 had a plug.

José Miguel, Director Audi UK said: “Audi has embarked on its most ambitious new model initiative and appetite for our growing lineup of fully electric e-tron models remains strong. Throughout 2025 our model portfolio will continue to be renewed with allnew versions of some of the brand’s key models, such as the Audi Q5, while the arrival of the fully electric Audi A6 e-tron family broadens our BEV offering and takes the brand into new segments with class-leading technology.”

Eluned Morgan: ‘2025 is the year of more pace, more action, more results’

FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has pledged to deliver tangible results in schools, healthcare, and road repairs before the Senedd term concludes in spring 2026.

Speaking in the Senedd’s Siambr, the Welsh Labour leader emphasised her government’s focus on delivering outcomes that matter to the people of Wales.

Eluned Morgan told Members of the Senedd: “Our priority isn’t about making speeches in here – it’s about making a difference out there, in our hospitals, in our schools, in our communities.”

By the end of the Senedd term, the First Minister committed to:

• £400m more to support NHS service delivery and staff pay.

• £175m towards modernising NHS infrastructure.

• Repairing thousands of potholes and pavements.

• Increased investment in sports, culture, and heritage.

• £40m to support people with additional learning needs.

• £144m to sustain the flagship apprenticeship programme.

• Bringing buses under public control.

• Restoring school attendance to pre-pandemic levels.

• Providing targeted literacy and numeracy support for every school.

• Ensuring every secondary school has a plan for mental health and wellbeing.

After fourteen years of Conservative governments reducing Welsh budgets, the First

Minister welcomed the partnership with the UK Labour Government, which last October delivered the largest funding settlement for Wales since devolution.

Eluned Morgan highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two Labour governments, saying it marks a turning point for Wales’ future.

While Plaid Cymru offers “empty promises” and Reform UK relies on “snappy slogans,” Eluned Morgan stated that Welsh

Labour is focused on meaningful action.

She said: “Together, we’re building a Wales that works. Where our NHS delivers. Where our kids have more chances. Where our communities thrive. Where good jobs grow.

“This conversation doesn’t end here. It’s just getting started.

“And every day, my promise stays the same – I will deliver for Wales, and I will deliver for you.”

New templates for social housing launched

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT hopes a next-generation pattern book will help deliver more sustainable and affordable homes across Wales.

Tai ar y Cyd, a collaboration of 23 Welsh social landlords, has produced a groundbreaking pattern book that will help make building homes in Wales more sustainable, energy-efficient and cost-effective.

It includes layouts for 15 house types and 18 variants ranging from 1-bedroom flats and 4-bedroom houses to fully wheelchairaccessible bungalows and flats.

The new pattern book’s

benefits include higher-quality homes, economic regeneration, faster construction, the use of lowcarbon materials, cost certainty, reduced waste, and less disruption to communities.

A design guide is also being launched to support design teams using the pattern book in designing high-quality developments that complement the local area and context.

The new homes will utilise natural materials, including timber sourced increasingly from Welsh forests and manufactured in Welsh factories where possible.

The homes are also designed

to meet both Welsh Development Quality Requirements and Welsh Housing Quality Standards.

This approach ensures that investment in new homes contributes to local economic regeneration by supporting local businesses and creating green jobs and training opportunities.

The pattern book and design guide will be officially unveiled on January 15 at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea campus.

Ahead of the launch, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, visited Celtic Offsite in Caerphilly, a social enterprise within the United Welsh Group that manufactures timber homes from their factory.

The Cabinet Secretary said: “Tai ar y Cyd represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building sustainable and affordable homes here in Wales.

“We know that there is a real need for good quality and energy efficient homes across our

communities, and this innovative pattern book gives developers the tools they need to build homes more quickly and deliver against our target of building 20,000 affordable low-carbon homes by the end of this Senedd term.

“I am proud that we have been able to support the delivery of these resources to support our local economies, grow the number of skilled jobs across Wales and increase the number of affordable homes.”

Richard Mann, Group Chief Executive of United Welsh, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our timber frame factory, Celtic Offsite.

“The standardised housing designs from Tai ar y Cyd will enable us to be more efficient in our manufacturing processes so that we can build more homes at a faster rate for housing associations and local authority partners.

“We look forward to using the designs to build more muchneeded homes for people to enjoy across Wales.”

WITH ANDREW LYE

had 4 years of Trump dominating the news most days from 2017 - 2021. Since he won the election in November, he and his fellow billionaire buddy, Elon Musk have dominated the news and even led to the resignation of Canadian PM Trudeau on Monday, because of the fears of facing increased trade tariff’s promised by Trump, once he is inaugurated. Trump even called for Canada to become the 51st state of the US and referred to Trudeau as Governor, rather than PM.

A similar promise was made of trade tariff increases on imports from Mexico and other nations and Trump has repeated calls on his desire to buy Greenland from Denmark and he wants the US to take back control of the Panama Canal.

So we now have Trump and Musk firing off all sorts if wild accusations and promises. If one wasn’t enough, we now have 2 creating carnage on the world stage and things can only get worse.

Responding to Elon Musk’s latest post on Twitter (or X) in which he suggested that America should “liberate the people of Britain” and overthrow the government, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“People have had enough of Elon Musk interfering with our country’s democracy when he clearly knows nothing about Britain. It’s time to summon the US ambassador to ask why an incoming US official is suggesting the UK government should be overthrown.

“This dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric is further proof that the UK can’t rely on the Trump administration, and it’s in our national interest to rebuild trade and security ties with our allies in Europe.”

On Monday, PM Starmer rightly defended robust debate, but said “it must be grounded in facts, not

lies”, in reply to Musk’s untruths about his role in dealing with child sexual exploitation. Starmer is careful in that the aim is to spread disinformation, create division and erode trust.

At the week-end, Musk spread disinformation about child sexual abuse and grooming gangs. UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting inferred that Musk’s attention seeking was exhausting as well as reckless. He lacked any understanding of British Law or the 2022 child abuse enquiry. The Conservatives have now called for a national enquiry, when they had 2 years of being able to take action themselves. Obviously this is because Reform is breathing down the necks of the Tories and Labour and Badenock faces the possibility of being the last Conservative Party Leader.

The other week, Reform looked like they were going to get a $100m donation from Musk, but it now looks like Musk has fallen out with Farage as Farage said he didn’t support Tommy Robinson being released from prison. Musk in return said Reform needed a new leader as Farage wasn’t up to the job.

So with everyone firing off untruths etc, I wonder how long Trump and Musk will remain, best buddies. Already it looks like Trump is in the shade, as Musk has taken the limelight. And what will happen to Farage and Reform? 2025 (and the following 3 years) certainly looks like we are on one bumpy ride. Equally, the unforgiveable comments Musk made about Labour Minister, Jess Phillips, reminds me of the toxic rhetoric that contributed to the murder of Jo Cox MP, by an extremist during the Brexit campaign. Thanks to Trump, Musk and Farage, our politics is sadly in a dark place and I support Ed Davey’s call for the US Ambassador to be called in by the Foreign Secretary.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

The City is No Golden Goose

FOLLOWING the Great Recession of 2008, Gordon Brown reinvented himself as the saviour of the global economy, writes Jonathan Edwards.

One of my favourite economists, Paul Krugman, praised him in the New York Times on October 12, 2008, as having “defined the character of the worldwide rescue effort…”

The Labour Party naturally jumped on this as a narrative to preserve Brown’s reputation while neglecting to highlight that the policy effectively meant throwing the kitchen sink at stopping the banks from going under in the form of public loan grants and guarantees equating to 100% of GDP— around £1.4trillion at the time.

It also failed to mention the role that the New Labour philosophy of light touch regulation of the City played in creating the conditions for why the UK population found themselves having to bail out the bankers. Brown’s strategy was to let the City run rip in the hope that it would generate sufficient revenues to redistribute. The City ballooned in its relative importance to the UK economy, resulting in gross sectoral and geographical imbalances. It was a disastrous approach, which effectively meant that people in poorperforming economic areas such as Wales didn’t enjoy the bounty years and ended up paying the price of the recklessness of the bankers.

George Osborne briefly flirted with my suggestion in the Commons that Icelandic-

Coles

style prosecutions be brought against bankers and politicians responsible for the crash. However, Westminster did little to curb bankers’ excesses. Gradually, as the years passed, restrictions, such as those on bonuses, were removed.

Chancellor Reeves was a central banker before becoming an MP, and you would hope she would understand the need to avoid the moral hazard of private financial enterprises thinking they can act with impunity. Of concern, therefore, is that she has gone further than the reforms introduced by the previous Tory Administration in December 2023, which removed all protections put in place following the 2008 crash.

It could be argued that the Brown strategy had an element of rationality behind it and generated annual GDP growth of around 3%. Compared to today’s stagnant economy, the Chancellor would give her right arm for such a performance, even if it was as geographically concentrated as under Brown in the Southeast of England.

If Brown can be excused for being taken in by the hype of the self-proclaimed masters of the universe, the current Chancellor has no similar defence. Her decision to change the remit of the Financial regulator (the Financial Conduct Authority) to promote financial sector growth rather than solely protect consumers is a worrying development.

Fifty prominent economists, including another rock star economist, Joseph Stiglitz, have warned that history repeatedly shows that the financial sector can only grow beyond a certain point by taking ever more risks. They also argue that an over-emphasis on the banking sector sucks talent away from potentially more productive enterprises as well as directing finance at assets such as houses inflating their value as opposed to investing in meaningful business activity.

DJ Davies my political hero, made similar warnings in his 1931 masterpiece, The Economics of Welsh SelfGovernment.

Even if the Chancellor placed turbochargers under the financial sector, wealth inequality would likely increase geographically and personally. The Labour strategy of fiscal transfers to poor-performing areas failed during the New Labour ‘boom’ years, and there is no reason to think it will work now.

The UK’s inequality of wealth distribution is one reason that the far right is in ascendency. How does the UK Government expect the left behind to react?

Regrettably, Westminster is hooked on high finance. The City is no golden goose, as it likes to see itself. However, due to Westminster’s cowardice, the City holds a golden gun to the collective head of the UK population.

What did Marx say about history repeating itself?

Repeating Gordon Brown’s mistakes: Rachel Reeves moves to deregulate financial services further.

Jon

jon.coles@herald.email

A decade of cuts hits sport and culture

A SENEDD Committee report launched this week shows that, after a decade of cuts, Wales ranks third lowest among European countries in terms of spending per person on recreational and sporting services and second lowest for cultural services.

The report of the Senedd’s Culture and Sport Committee details the severe impact of a decade of funding cuts on Wales’s culture and sport sectors. The Committee has taken evidence from many key organisations across Wales that have raised serious concerns.

The report underlines the importance of culture and sport in enriching lives, supporting communities, and improving physical and mental well-being. It calls for immediate action to prevent further deterioration in these vital sectors and highlights an urgent need for a strategy.

Delyth Jewell MS, Chair of the Committee, said: “For too long, culture and sport have been treated as ‘nice to haves,’ facing relentless funding reductions that have left these sectors brittle and under-resourced.

“The recent cuts in the 202425 Welsh Government budget, compounded by inflation and rising costs, have had a profound impact. We must tackle this to

ensure that spending per head on culture and sport becomes comparable with other nations.

“Culture and sport are vital threads in the fabric of what makes life worth living: they enrich the human experience, and not merely luxuries to be enjoyed during times of plenty.

“Without significant changes, Wales risks being left behind in cultural and sporting achievements, endangering our national character and the wellbeing of our communities.”

Miranda Ballin from Valleys Kids, a charity that provides support, advice and opportunities to people of all ages in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “Valleys Kids works in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Europe. They bore the brunt of austerity, the cost-of-living crisis and, previously, Brexit. For many of our young people and older adults, their involvement in the arts is a lifeline.

“Reduction in funding for the arts impacts on our local emerging artists, our freelance community and above all the participants themselves - being part of the arts gives people a creative voice, at a time when it’s most needed, we can’t afford to lose that now.”

Lisa Davies, Chief Executive of Tanio, an organisation that provides access to a range of creative activities and interventions to different communities, shared her concerns: “Reductions in Welsh Government funding for culture and the arts have impacted every part of what we do: it has reduced the number of activities we can offer to people in deprived communities and has changed the content of the activities we can provide. It has also greatly affected our staff, as we can offer fewer freelance work opportunities to our network of artists.”

Nia Wyn Evans from community theatre, Arad Goch added: “With the costs of everything such as wages, electricity, travel costs, and living costs increasing so quickly, and the money coming in staying the same or decreasing - it’s impossible to make ends meet. There must be a compromise.

“Our main aim as a company is to provide theatre to as many children and young people as possible - but these numbers are going to decrease due to the length of our trips and our ability to go to different locations.”

The report makes several key recommendations and calls for the Welsh Government to: Increase funding: Increase funding for culture and sport until spending per head is comparable with similar nations.

Preventative spending: In future budgets, introduce a ‘preventative’ category of spending to recognise and properly fund the value of culture and sport in improving physical and mental well-being.

Strategic support: Develop a collaborative cross-department strategy for funding culture and sport, ensuring these sectors are recognised as key to achieving the goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

BLUE VIEW

PAUL DVAIES MS

STARTING

the New Year on the Wrong Track

It will come as no shock to Pembrokeshire Herald readers that Transport for Wales has come under fire for its poor running of train services across Wales once again. Recent media reports have confirmed that over 600 trains travelling to Swansea and west Wales were cancelled in a twelve-month period and understandably, the provider has come under fire from rail users.

Now, according to a Freedom of Information request submitted to Transport for Wales, in the 12 months between October 1st 2023 and September 31st 2024, 654 trains travelling to Swansea and west Wales were cancelled. These services include those terminating at Swansea and those intended to reach stations further into west Wales, such as Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.

I know that rail services to Pembrokeshire have been a significant problem for many years now and it doesn’t seem as if much is likely to change in the short term. Residents from communities right across the county continue to tell me that they’re frustrated and angry with services being terminated at other stations, like Carmarthen, leaving them at the mercy of a rail replacement bus or in some cases, stranded at the station for long periods of time and reliant on friends or family to pick them up. Constituents have also contacted me about the lack of cleanliness on trains, the lack of seats onboard and the fact that in some cases, services don’t stop at stations like Clarbeston Road, despite requests being made to do so. Services are not good enough and changes need to be made.

It’s 2025 and people living in Pembrokeshire are as disconnected from the rest of the UK as ever. There should

be a conscious effort by the Welsh and UK Governments to make it easier for people to travel by public transport and yet in Pembrokeshire, rail services are still few and far between and bus services are practically non-existent.

The Welsh Government’s Transport Strategy sets a target for 45% of journeys to be taken by public transport or active travel by 2040. That’s only fifteen years away and if the past few years are anything to go by, then we’ve got a long road ahead. Whilst Ministers focus on their Metro plans, communities in west Wales are neglected and the reality is that for people living in Pembrokeshire, it’s easier to hop in the car than it is to travel on public transport.

Sadly, whether you live in Boncath, Brawdy or Burton, your public transport options are extremely limited and despite the Welsh Government’s push for more people to travel on public transport, nothing has changed to make it easier for people to do so in west Wales. I’ve raised this with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales but the Welsh Government doesn’t accept that west Wales is being left behind.

I’ll keep campaigning for action on this issue in 2025 until we’re finally on the right track and residents in Pembrokeshire can have a public transport system to be proud of.

Facing the final curtain: Theatres and theatre groups suffer massive cuts in budgets

Delyth Jewell: Chair of the Senedd’s Culture and Sport Committee

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

LETTERS & NOTICES

SHELTERBOX

DEAR SIR,

When there’s so much conflict and so many disasters around the world, it can be hard to know how to support.

As we start the new year with more people than ever displaced from their homes, at ShelterBox we’re appealing locally for volunteers to join us in making sure no-one is left without shelter after disaster.

Like many charities, the one I work for relies on volunteers in the local area to raise vital funds and awareness of our work and the people we serve.

At ShelterBox, our volunteers have a global impact and make a tangible difference to the lives of people uprooted by conflict, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather like drought, flooding, and tropical storms.

One of the first disasters that ShelterBox responded to was the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. Our response, 20 years ago, was only possible because of people willing to volunteer their time. And it’s no different today.

Our work continues at scale, supporting people around the world whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. Right now, we’re supporting people affected by Cyclone Chido and by conflict in countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we’ve reached more than three million people across around 100 countries since we were formed 25 years ago by Rotary volunteers.

Every contribution is just as crucial as it was when we first started - whether it’s fundraising, hosting events, delivering talks to school children and community groups, or sharing our work on social media.

Volunteering with ShelterBox offers a special opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and gain insights into the humanitarian sector. The roles are very flexible around your skills and the time you can give. If you think it might be for you, we’d love to hear from you. Contact me directly via jennifersandiford@shelterbox. org or visit shelterbox.org/

PICTURE OF THE WEEK!

BY PETR UHER

volunteer/ambassadors to find our more.

Jenn Sandiford Community Volunteer Engagement Officer ShelterBox

COMPENSATION TO WIND ENERGY COMPANIES

DEAR SIR,

In his letter (20 December), L. Jenkins criticised the payment of compensation to wind energy companies when their electricity cannot be used due to insufficient national transmission line capacity. However, he failed to note that these payments are not exclusive to wind

energy companies. Last year, the majority—76%—of such payments went to gas-fired power stations, not wind farms [1].

Mr. Jenkins also omitted that onshore wind farms provide the cheapest power, closely followed by solar and offshore wind farms. Electricity generated from gas-fired power stations, such as Pembroke Power Station, is three times more expensive. According to the latest Department of Energy figures, the cost of onshore wind is £38/MWh compared to £114/ MWh for gas [2].

Additionally, the cost of electricity is currently dictated by the price of gas, despite wind energy being far cheaper [3]. Scrapping this outdated and unfair pricing system would

significantly lower electricity bills for households across the UK. Last year, wind energy accounted for 26% of UK electricity generation, just behind gas at 28%. With more wind-generated electricity coming online this year, it is expected to become the UK’s single largest electricity source. This remarkable progress is one of the key reasons UK electricity generation is now cleaner than ever.

Far from being “the greatest con of the 21st century,” as Mr. Jenkins claimed, wind energy is a vital tool for reducing climate-changing emissions and lowering electricity bills.

Gordon James Whitland

Death Notices

MR FRANK HARRIES, BEM

PEMBROKE DOCK

Pembroke Dock has lost one of its oldest and best known and respected residents with the death on Sunday January 5th of Mr Frank Harries, of Imble Lane.

Countless friends and acquaintances throughout his home area and from much further afield learned with great regret of his death. Aged 95, Frank passed away at Apley Lodge where he had been in respite care for three weeks.

A ‘Dock Boy’, Frank was born in Llanion but spent his formative years in Gibraltar where his father was twice stationed with the Army. Frank’s mother was originally from Malta and he retained a strong family connection with Gibraltar all his life. He spoke fluent Spanish. Frank did National Service in the Army and locally worked first for the Admiralty in the old Dockyard and then at the Davies Steel factory before joining the Prudential Insurance Company. He was ‘the man from the Pru’ for over 30 years.

A lifelong member of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke Dock, Frank began his involvement in fundraising for charitable causes by staging variety shows in the church schoolroom, helped by his brothers.

For close on 20 years, assisted by his wife Tess, Frank wrote and produced an annual variety show, raising £65,000 for local and national charities. And as a Rotarian he took on arranging Rotary’s Cardiff Philharmonic concerts, events which raised some £70,000.

For many years he was chairman of the Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital which raised considerable

funds under his stewardship.

Older residents will remember him as the bingo caller twice weekly at the old Albion Hall, raising funds for church and cricket club. Frank was also involved with Round Table and was a former President of Probus and a life member of Pembroke Dock Cricket Club. He took a great interest in the history of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock and was President of Pembroke Historical Society.

In recognition of his charitable work and raising an estimated £200,000 for charity, Frank was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2014.

Frank was the senior member of the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and its longest serving chorister. He joined the choir in 1954, less than two years after it was formed, and gave a lifetime of service to choral singing. He was Choir Chairman for several years. He was ever present at practices and concerts – an example to all by his commitment to the choir – and his still fine tenor voice belied his 95 years.

For many years he was tenor soloist, staging with the late Owen Jones and Gordon Davies. His time with the choir included multiple Welsh Association concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and trips to Germany, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Frank was predeceased by his wife Tess in 1998. Deepest sympathies are extended to son Martin, daughter-in-law Christine, granddaughters Fiona and Michelle and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral is being arranged by John Roberts and Son, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

CAROLINE WILLIAMS

Peacefully on 23rd December,

Caroline of St. Davids.

Beloved daughter of Mary and the late Reverend Clifford Williams, dearly loved sister of Monica, a much-loved relative and friend.

Funeral service Tuesday 14th January at 11.30am at St. Davids Cathedral.

Donations if desired to RSPB, c/o W.G.Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 62 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU

JOAN OWENS

PEMBROKE DOCK

The death occurred peacefully on Tuesday 17th December 2024 at Withybush Hospital of Mrs. Cynthia Joan Mary Owens, affectionately known as ‘Joan’ aged 96 years of Laws Street, Pembroke Dock.

Beloved wife of the late Wyndham. Dearly loved Mum to John and Motherin-law to Susan. Treasured Grandma and Great-Grandma. A dear Aunt and Great-Aunt.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 17th January 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am.

There will be flowers. Donations in memory of Joan may be sent to a charity of your own choice.

Funeral arrangements are being carried out by E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH.

ANTHONY GLYN JONES

TAVERNSPITE

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Thursday 26th December of Anthony Glyn Jones,

affectionately known as ‘Tony’ aged 80 years of Tavernspite.

Beloved Husband of Ann. Much loved Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle and Great Uncle.

Funeral Service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday 31st January at 11.30am.

No flowers, Donations in memory of Tony, if so desired will be for Wales Air Ambulance c/o E.C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth (01834) 831876 & 21, Main Street, Pembroke (01646) 682680 or via www. ecthomasandson.co.uk

ROGER JOHN WOOD

HENLLAN AMGOED (FORMERLY OF MARTLETWY)

The death occurred peacefully at home on Monday 23rd December of Mr Roger John Wood, aged 81 years, of Ardwyn, Henllan Amgoed, Whitland, formerly of Pryce Moor, Martletwy.

‘A Life well lived’ Much loved husband of Susan. Dear Dad of Jason and Kirstie and father-in-law to Joanne and Tim. Loving Grampy of Jack, Josh, Kizzie and Henry.

‘Always in our hearts’

Funeral Service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday 24th January 2025 at 12.15pm. There will be family flowers only with donations if so desired for Parkinson’s UK c/o E.C.Thomas and Son Funeral Directors Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth (01834) 831876 & 21, Main Street, Pembroke (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

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Wales face France in opener

The 2025 Six Nations Championship is set to begin earlier than usual, with the first match scheduled for Friday, 31st January. Wales will face France under the lights at the Stade de France in Paris, marking an exciting start to Europe’s premier rugby tournament.

This year’s tournament opener is a significant departure from tradition, as the Six Nations typically begins during the first weekend of February. Last year, the championship started with Ireland hosting France on Friday, 2nd February.

Wales, led by head coach Warren Gatland, will aim to reverse their fortunes following a disappointing campaign last year, which saw them finish bottom of the table with the dreaded wooden spoon. Gatland’s side faces a tough challenge against France, one of the world’s top rugby nations, as they look to kick off their campaign with a much-needed victory.

Ireland, coached by Andy Farrell, were crowned champions in 2024, though their hopes of securing a Grand Slam were thwarted by England. This year, Farrell will step aside to focus on his role as head coach of the British and Irish Lions ahead of their summer tour to Australia. Former Scarlets star Simon Easterby will lead the Irish squad for the 2025 Six Nations.

Wales’ representation in the Lions squad is expected to be their lowest in over two decades, with just a handful of players likely to make the cut. Among the top contenders are Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, and Josh Adams, who will hope to impress selectors during the tournament.

The opening fixture between France and Wales is the only Friday night match of this year’s competition, setting the stage for a thrilling championship as fans eagerly anticipate the action-packed weeks ahead.

SIX NATIONS FIXTURES

ROUND ONE

Friday January 31:

France v Wales: 8:15pm

Saturday February 1

Scotland v Italy: 2:15pm

Ireland v England: 4:45pm

ROUND TWO

Saturday February 8

Italy v Wales: 2:15pm

England v France: 4:45pm

Sunday February 9

Scotland v Ireland: 3pm

ROUND THREE

Saturday February 22

Wales v Ireland: 2:15pm

England v Scotland: 4:45pm

Sunday February 23

Italy v France: 3pm

ROUND FOUR

Saturday March 8

Ireland v France: 2:15pm

Scotland v Wales: 4:45pm

West Wales rugby Round-up

PREMIERSHIP DIVISION

Evans’ Last-Minute Try Secures Dramatic Win for Narberth Narberth 15 - Ystrad Rhondda 14

Former Welsh prop Rob Evans proved the hero for Narberth with a last-minute try that clinched a dramatic victory over Ystrad Rhondda. Coming off the bench late in the game, Evans capitalised on a powerful forward surge, emerging from the pile of bodies to score the decisive points.

The win marks Narberth’s fourth triumph in five matches under head coach Liam Gadd, further distancing the team from relegation concerns. It was a poetic reversal of fortunes for the Otters, who lost by a single point, 37-36, to Ystrad on the opening day of the season.

Fly-half Jonathan Rogers starred in the first half, scoring a try, converting it, and adding a penalty to give Narberth a strong start. However, Ystrad Rhondda led 14-10 with just 13 minutes to go. Evans’ late intervention secured Narberth a welldeserved victory, showcasing their resilience in tight encounters.

Narberth Squad: Ashley Sutton, Harry Fuller, Hedd Nicholas, Harrison Griffiths, Lewys Gibby, Jonathan Rogers, Alex Williams, George Rossiter, Kyle Hamer, Ryan Rees, Will Blackburn, Sam Martin, Josh Hamer, Tom Powell (Capt), Caleb Salmon.

Replacements: Rob Evans, Tom Clarke, Guto Jones, Sam Davies, Roy Osborn, Osian Evans, Llew Jones, Rhys Harris.

DIVISION ONE (WEST)

Tenby United Dominate as Promotion Rivals Slip Tenby United 35 - Kidwelly 7

Tenby United strengthened their promotion push with an emphatic 35-7 win over Kidwelly, completing a league double over their opponents. The Seasiders capitalised on slip-ups by promotion rivals Aberystwyth, who narrowly lost to Burry Port, and St Clears, who suffered a heavy defeat.

A blistering first-half performance saw Tenby lead 29-0 at the break, with tries from Dan Colley, a penalty try, Liam Price, and Gwion Jones. Kidwelly managed a solitary converted try by Dale Ford in the second half. However, Tenby capped the game with a superb final-play break from Price, setting up Jones for his second try. Lloyd Thomas added the conversion to seal an impressive victory.

Tenby United Squad: Gwion Jones, Matthew Lewis, Gethin Bradney, Tom Edmonds, Jordan Asparassa, Lloyd Thomas, Fletcher Broadhurst, Ethan Morgan, Kyle Rossiter, Joe Poole, Luke Dedman, Alex Jenkins, Tom Barrass (Capt), Jack Brown, Dan Colley.

Replacements: Hywel Baker, Charlie Patching, Jake Roberts, Liam Price, Jack Gooding.

DIVISION TWO (WEST)

Setaro Inspires Laugharne to HardFought Win

Laugharne 19 - Milford Haven 7 Laugharne overcame a spirited Milford Haven side to secure a 19-7 victory. The home team started

strongly, with an interception try from Nico Setaro followed by scores from Adam Davies and Carl Smith. Milford Haven’s Dan Jenkins hit back with a try converted by James Trueman, but despite sustained pressure, they were unable to add further points.

Milford Haven Squad: Robbie Jones, Dan Goodridge, Dan Jenkins, Aaron Cookson, James Trueman, James Williams, Dan McClelland, Luke Ryan (Capt), Ryan Williams, Aaron Mayne, Ethan Aldred, Jay Goodall, Zac Davies, Ieuan Davies, Dewi Williams.

Replacements: Dylan Evans, Andrew Sinton, Chris Treiver-Jenkins, Dean McSparron.

Carmarthen Athletic Outclass Fishguard & Goodwick

Carmarthen Athletic 28 - Fishguard & Goodwick 10

Fishguard & Goodwick held their own in the first half, trailing just 8-5 at the break. However, Carmarthen Athletic pulled away in the second half to secure a commanding 2810 victory. Scrum-half Max Jones and second-row Rhys Lewis scored for the Seagulls, but Carmarthen’s defence proved impenetrable after the interval.

DIVISION THREE (WEST)

Tycroes Edge Past Haverfordwest to Extend Lead

Tycroes 14 - Haverfordwest 10 League leaders Tycroes fended off a determined Haverfordwest challenge to record a narrow 14-10 win. Connor Thomas scored an early try for Tycroes, while Rhys Tench

added two penalties to maintain the lead. Haverfordwest skipper Karl Busch responded with a try, converted by Jack Codd, but the Blues couldn’t convert their territorial advantage into further points.

Cardigan Crush Amman United in 12-Try Rout

Cardigan 76 - Amman United 0 Cardigan delivered a masterclass in attack, running in 12 tries to thrash Amman United 76-0. The Teifisiders’ forwards dominated, allowing their half-backs to orchestrate a freeflowing game. Shaun Leonard stood out, converting eight tries and amassing 21 points.

DIVISION FOUR (WEST)

A

Narberth Athletic Breeze Past St Davids

Narberth Athletic 36 - St Davids 0 Narberth Athletic secured a comfortable 36-0 win over St Davids, maintaining their strong league position. Tries from Iestyn Doble, Stephen J. Brown, Jack Tucker, Jac Norcross, and Luke Conbeer highlighted a dominant performance, with Shane Rossiter adding four conversions.

Dreigiau Emlyn Overcome Llangwm with Late Surge

Dreigiau Emlyn 32 - Llangwm 7

Dreigiau Emlyn defeated Llangwm 32-7, pulling away in the final quarter after a competitive first half. Yale Grice scored a try for Llangwm, converted by Breig Matthews, but Emlyn’s superior fitness and attacking flair told in the closing stages.

VIKINGS RUN RIOT TO CLOSE GAP AT THE TOP

Hakin United 11 – Herbrandston 0 Hakin United put on a devastating display of attacking football, thumping bottom-placed Herbrandston 11-0 to move within one point of league leaders Goodwick United, whose match was postponed.

Shane Walsh stole the show in the first half with a sensational hat-trick, while Kieran King added a fourth. After the break, Jack Britton scored twice from the penalty spot and completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish. Further goals from Leon Luby, Jay Kilby, and two from substitute Ashley Bevan rounded off a dominant performance.

Herbrandston remain rooted to the

MANDERWOOD PEMBROKESHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE MANDERWOOD

CAREW RESERVES EDGE

PAST LAWRENNY

Carew Reserves 2 – 0 Lawrenny

Carew Reserves secured a crucial 2-0 win over Lawrenny, keeping themselves clear of the relegation zone. Charlie Perkins and David Lewis scored for the hosts in a match they controlled from the outset. Lawrenny, who remain at the bottom of the table, were unable to find a response and now face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Carew’s victory provides them with a much-needed boost in their fight to stay clear of danger.

FISHGUARD HAMMER

NEYLAND

Fishguard Sports 9 – 1 Neyland

Fishguard Sports delivered a devastating performance, thrashing Neyland 9-1 in a one-sided affair.

foot of the table, still searching for their first points of the season, while Hakin’s relentless form keeps the pressure on Goodwick at the top.

SWIFTS STUN PENNAR IN DERBY THRILLER

Pennar Robins 1 – Monkton Swifts 3 Monkton Swifts pulled off a stunning late comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over local rivals Pennar Robins at Bush Camp. With the game evenly poised, two goals in the dying minutes turned the tide and handed the Swifts a vital win.

Pennar had claimed a narrow 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but this time it was Monkton who prevailed. The Robins took the lead in the first half through

former Monkton striker Jamie Wilkes, who finished clinically after Dan James’s setup. However, Monkton equalised just before half-time when Gareth Finnegan’s assist allowed Connor Davies to slot home.

The second half was a tense affair until the 88th minute, when substitute Jonathan Lee converted another Finnegan assist to put the Swifts ahead. Dylan Davies sealed the win in stoppage time, leaving Pennar to rue missed opportunities.

The result moves Monkton out of the relegation zone, while Pennar stay in fifth place.

TENBY SNATCH LATE EQUALISER

Tenby 3 – Clarbeston Road 3

Tenby salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw with a stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Kieran Allen against third-placed Clarbeston Road at the Clicketts.

The home side led 2-1 at half-time, thanks to goals from Daryl Williams and Fraser Finlay, with Jake Booth scoring for Clarby. In the second half, Laurie Haworth equalised before setting up Ben John for what seemed like the winner. However, Allen’s late heroics ensured Tenby took a hardearned point.

BRIDGE AND TISH SHARE THE SPOILS

Merlins Bridge 2 – St Ishmaels 2

Merlins Bridge and St Ishmaels

played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with both teams displaying flashes of quality but unable to claim a decisive winner.

The Wizards struck first, with Josh Thomas scoring after a flowing move down the right involving Harvey Dalton and Tom Gwilliam. St Ishmaels responded swiftly through Adam Kingsbeer’s neat finish at the near post.

After the break, Tish took the lead when Brennan Devonald’s header was parried by the keeper, allowing Finlay Armstrong to finish from close range. Merlins Bridge equalised late on, with Gwilliam firing home from a crowded penalty area after a corner from Tom Jago.

CRUCIAL WIN FOR CAREW AGAINST MILFORD UNITED

Carew 5 – Milford United 1 Carew secured a critical 5-1 victory over Milford United, with Marcus Griffiths bagging a brace to help push the Rooks up the table and heap further misery on relegationthreatened Milford.

Milford took an early lead through 16-year-old Joey Jones, but Carew responded swiftly as Griffiths equalised. A goal from James Hinchliffe and an own goal by Sam Davies left Milford trailing 3-1 at half-time. Shaun Whitfield added a fourth after the break, and Griffiths completed his double to seal the win.

The home side were relentless in attack, with Haydn Hughes, Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Jack Griffiths each scoring twice, and Stephen Lewis adding his name to the scoresheet. Neyland’s lone goal, scored by Jack John, was merely a consolation as Fishguard dominated from start to finish.

The emphatic victory keeps Fishguard in the promotion race, sitting third in the table with an impressive five games in hand on league leaders Hakin United.

NARBERTH ROLL OVER CAMROSE

Camrose 0 – 4 Narberth Narberth maintained their title charge with a commanding 4-0 win over Camrose. The visitors showcased their attacking prowess, with goals from Steffan Williams and Josh Jones among the highlights of the match.

The result leaves Narberth wellpositioned to challenge for top spot, especially with three games in hand over Hakin. Camrose, despite their efforts, struggled to cope with the visitors’ sharpness and were unable to mount any meaningful challenge.

HAKIN SURVIVE SOLVA TEST

Solva 2 – 4 Hakin United Reserves Hakin United Reserves overcame a spirited challenge from Solva to secure a 4-2 victory and remain top of the division. Solva’s Montie Lavin and Joseph Shaw found the net, but goals from Ben Aldred, Corey Riley, George Wheeler, and Bobby Jenkins ensured Hakin claimed all three points.

The result sees Hakin retain control of the table, though Narberth, with games in hand, continue to keep the pressure on in what promises to be a thrilling title race.

MANDERWOOD PEMBROKESHIRE LEAGUE 2024/2025

Fixtures 11th January 2024

Division

Division

Division

Athletic

Pembroke Boro Res v Newport Tigers

Pennar Robins II v Monkton Swifts III

Tenby II v Prendergast Villa

Division 5

Hundleton Reserves v Milford Athletic Res

Kilgetty III v Haverfordwest CC Res

Letterston Res v Lawrenny Res

Manorbier United v St Clears Res

Milford United III v Broad Haven Res

Solva Reserves v Narberth Reserves

WALES FACE FRANCE IN OPENER