The Pembrokeshire Herald 16/08/2024

Accusations against pair ‘too unsavoury’ for open court Man

A FORMER Pembrokeshire dog trainer has appeared before magistrates charged with possessing extreme pornographic images of a person performing intercourse or oral sex with an animal.

Rachel Brown, 54, of Picton Place, Haverfordwest is jointly charged with tree surgeon, Jason Birch.

The offence is alleged to have taken place at The Barn, Little Dumpledale Farm, Haverfordwest on November 30, 2022.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates were handed a graphic written summary of the case together with photographs, after Crown Prosecutor, Sian Vaughan, stated the facts of the case were ‘too unsavoury’ to be read in an open court.

No pleas were entered by the defendants.

Ms Vaughan went on to say that at the time of the alleged offence, both defendants were living at the farm, where Brown carried out dog training classes.

There were also a number of holiday cottages at the property, which were advertised as being ‘dog friendly’. Ms Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates that there are suspicions that some of the animals depicted in the images belonged to the defendants.

After considering the facts, magistrates declined jurisdiction. Brown and Birch will now appear before a judge at Swansea Crown Court on September 13.

Motorcyclist hospitalised following collision on A477

A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to hospital after a collision with a car on the A477 in Pembrokeshire last Friday evening, prompting a road closure that lasted over three hours.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:25 pm on the stretch of road between Sentry Cross and Johnston. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, and the injured motorcyclist was transported to hospital. Authorities have confirmed that the injuries sustained are not believed to be life-threatening.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated, “We received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorbike and a car on the A477, between Sentry Cross and Johnston, at around 9:25 pm on 9 August. One person was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.”

The road remained closed until 1:00 am as recovery crews worked to clear the scene. The A477 has since been reopened to traffic.

admits to assaulting child after consuming alcohol

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted to consuming seven cans of alcohol before assaulting a child, a court heard.

Paul Heathfield, of London Road, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to a charge of battery. The incident occurred on 15 September last year at an address in Carmarthenshire, involving a six-year-old child.

Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini told the court that Heathfield had been drinking before the assault took place. “He had drank seven cans of alcohol,” Ms Carpanini explained.

Heathfield was interviewed by police on 13 October, during which he denied the allegations against him. Initially charged with child cruelty, Heathfield maintained his innocence on that count. However, the prosecution accepted his guilty plea to the lesser charge of battery on 9 July.

The court was informed that the 43-year-old defendant has 12 previous convictions for 16 offences.

In mitigation, defence counsel Robin Rouch stated that Heathfield was deeply remorseful for his actions. “There’s no excuse for what he did,” Mr Rouch said. “It’s something he bitterly regrets.”

Judge Geraint Walters, in his sentencing remarks, expressed disappointment over the defendant’s behaviour. “It’s a great pity that you acted in this way. Anybody watching that would have been disturbed,” the judge said. “I put this down to the fact that you had one too many of those cans that day. Even a momentary loss of control can have serious consequences.”

Heathfield was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including a requirement to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities.

Paedo caught with 1000 indecent images branded ‘sad man with sad fantasies’

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been condemned as “a sad man with sad fantasies” after authorities uncovered nearly 1,000 indecent videos and images of children, including newborn babies, in his possession.

Matthew Wood, 30, was found guilty of possessing a vast trove of child sexual abuse material after police seized multiple electronic devices from his home on Coronation Avenue on 28 September 2022. Prosecutor Caitlin Brazel revealed that the items confiscated included phones, laptops, computer towers, and an iPad.

Wood admitted to having indecent images of children and cooperated with police by providing access to his devices. During an interview, he further directed officers to two additional computer towers that had not been found during the initial search.

Wood claimed that the images were sent to him through a group chat on the Kik messaging platform, stating that he was “merely curious about what could be found online” and had not viewed the material “for a number of years.”

In total, police discovered 102 images and 321 videos of Category

A, 248 images and 62 videos of Category B, and 212 images and eight videos of Category C, along with five prohibited videos of children and 20 extreme pornographic videos depicting bestiality. Additionally, it was revealed that Wood had distributed a Category A video on 1 February 2022, showing a baby, aged between 12 and 18 months, being sexually abused by a man.

Ms Brazel described Wood as an “active participant” in the group chats, where he sent disturbing messages expressing his intent to “rape all the subjects” of the images and videos, and voiced a desire to meet the person who sent him the videos so they could “tag team” a child.

Wood pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including distributing an indecent image of a child, three offences of making indecent images of children, possessing a prohibited image of a child, and possessing extreme pornography. These offences spanned from August 2018 to September 2022.

In mitigation, defence counsel Ian Ibrahim highlighted that Wood had no previous convictions and acknowledged that his client’s “good

character is now, of course, lost forever.” Mr Ibrahim also noted that Wood had been ostracised by his family, with his mother telling him not to return home, and that he had been attending sex therapy sessions voluntarily. Wood no longer claimed to have obtained the images “out of curiosity.”

Presiding over the case, Judge Paul Thomas KC expressed his deep concern over the material found on Wood’s devices. “The material that you had over a prolonged period of time on your various devices was utterly appalling,” he stated, adding that Wood’s participation in the chats was “extremely worrying.”

“You are a sad man with sad fantasies,” Judge Thomas continued. “If you have become a social pariah, you can hardly blame people for acting in disgust at the sort of images you were viewing.”

Wood was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete the Maps For Change programme and undertake 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Additionally, Wood must register as a sex offender.

An adorable new arrival at Folly Farm

IN a delightful surprise for visitors and staff alike, Folly Farm has welcomed its very first Macaroni penguin chick to its popular Penguin Coast exhibit. The chick, a male affectionately named ‘Ravioli’ by the keepers, is the latest addition to the zoo’s thriving penguin colony, marking a significant milestone as the only place in the UK currently home to this particular species.

The Macaroni penguins, easily recognisable by their striking yellow crest feathers, have been residents at Folly Farm since 2020. They originally arrived from ‘Living Coasts’ in Devon following its closure during the pandemic. Since then, they have become a firm favourite among visitors, although breeding success had eluded the keepers—until now.

Ravioli was first discovered during a routine morning check by the surprised penguin keepers, nestled safely under the watchful eyes of his parents. Concerned about the attention from other curious Macaroni penguins in the colony, the keepers made the decision to move Ravioli and his

Motorist was spotted drink-driving through Neyland

CONCERNS by a member of the public that a motorist had been spotted drinkdriving through Neyland resulted in a court appearance this week for Milford Haven kitchen porter Nathan Quiafo.

A call was made to police officers by a member of the public on July 26 after they observed Quiafo drive off in his vehicle whilst holding a can of lager.

Police officers located the vehicle in Riverside Avenue and Quiafo was seated in the driving seat. The vehicle was stationary, however its engine was running and the lights were on.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

parents to the ‘Penguin Nursery’—a quieter, off-display area of the enclosure where the chick could grow in peace.

Caz Davies, one of the assistant managers and penguin keepers at Folly Farm, shared her excitement about the new arrival: “We’re beyond thrilled that Ravioli is growing strong and continuing to do so well. This is so exciting for us as keepers. To welcome our first Macaroni penguin chick to the colony will hopefully mean we can have more successful breeding for this species, as well as with our Humboldt penguins, as part of the European Breeding Programme.”

Ravioli’s arrival is particularly noteworthy as the Macaroni penguins had not previously bred successfully at the zoo. However, with careful nurturing, the chick is now eight weeks old and gaining weight daily—encouraging signs that he will soon be ready to join the main colony once he has developed his waterproof feathers and learned to feed on whole fish.

Folly Farm’s Humboldt penguins, who have been at the zoo since 2013, have enjoyed considerable breeding success, with more than 40 chicks hatched as part of the European Breeding Programme for this vulnerable species. Now, with the successful hatching of Ravioli, there is renewed hope that the Macaroni penguins will follow in the same footsteps.

As for the name ‘penguin,’ it holds a special significance for readers in Wales. The word is believed to derive from the Welsh “pen gwyn,” meaning “white head,” a curious fact given that most penguins do not have white heads. Nevertheless, this linguistic link adds an extra layer of interest for those following Ravioli’s journey.

While Ravioli remains off display for the time being, Folly Farm is encouraging guests to stay tuned to their social media channels for updates and pictures of the adorable chick. The zoo looks forward to the day when Ravioli can make his public debut, much to the delight of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of this charming new resident.

This week Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates that Quiafo ‘was clearly drunk’.

Subsequent breathalyser tests confirmed he had 47 mcg of alcohol in his system.

The legal limit is 35.

Quiafo, who is employed as a kitchen porter at the Ty Hotel, MIlford Haven, pleaded guilty to being in charge of the vehicle when he was above the legal alcohol level, of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and of using the vehicle without third party insurance.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. His licence was endorsed with ten penalty points.

Drunk and disorderly in Haverfordwest’s Castle Square

AN UNEMPLOYED Haverfordwest man has been sentenced by magistrates after being found drunk and disorderly in the town’s Castle Square.

Officers were called to the square on July 27 where they discovered Jack Mills, 24, being aggressive towards members of the public.

“He was asked on several occasions to leave and he was clearly drunk,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“This resulted in him being arrested.”

Ms Vaughan informed the Bench that the offence took place within seven months of a Community Order being imposed on Mills for a previous conviction.

Mills, of Glebe House, Winch Lane, pleaded guilty to the charge. He was legally unrepresented and chose to say nothing to the magistrates in mitigation.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.

“The fact that this took place within seven months of a community order suggests a lack of recognition of the seriousness of the matter,” said the presiding magistrates when passing sentence.

Farmer prosecuted for unlicensed dog breeding

IN a case recently heard at Swansea Crown Court, Carmarthenshire County Council successfully prosecuted Tomos Davies of Rhydygors Farm for operating an unlicensed dog breeding business. The case marks a significant enforcement of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, aiming to ensure the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies.

The investigation began in October 2022 after Carmarthenshire County Council received allegations that Mr. Davies was breeding and selling litters of puppies without the required licence. Despite contacting the Council in January 2021 to inquire about obtaining a dog breeding licence and receiving a comprehensive information pack outlining the necessary steps and legal requirements, Mr. Davies failed to submit an application.

In February 2023, a Data Protection

Act request to several advertising platforms revealed evidence that Mr. Davies had been actively advertising puppies for sale. The data uncovered nine advertising accounts, including five registered in Mr. Davies’ name across platforms such as Preloved, Pets4homes, Kennel Club, Gumtree, and Freeads, and four accounts registered to a third party.

The advertising records showed that Mr. Davies had listed 11 litters of puppies for sale between April 21, 2021, and February 19, 2023.

The breeds advertised included Labradoodles, French Bulldogs, Labradors, Beagles, and Dobermans. Despite being fully aware of the licensing regulations, Mr. Davies continued his breeding operations without obtaining the necessary licence, prompting legal action by the County Council.

Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability,

commented on the case: “This successful prosecution underscores the importance of adhering to animal welfare regulations. Unlicensed breeding can lead to poor conditions for the animals involved. Carmarthenshire County Council will continue to enforce these regulations rigorously to protect the welfare of dogs and puppies.”

The Council urges all prospective dog breeders to familiarise themselves with the legal requirements and ensure they obtain the appropriate licenses before commencing breeding operations. In addition to the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 also apply to unlicensed dog breeding depending on the circumstances. These regulations are in place to safeguard the health and safeguarding of breeding dogs and their offspring.

We only Want the Land

The one asset we can’t live without needs a fairer hand.

Dig deep enough into many of the problems we face and you will soon hit land. Dig for solutions and you will unearth the same thing.

The land provides food, drink, materials for building, medicine, clothing and sites for housing. It recycles our wastes, holds communities and enriches culture. We share it with the rest of life on earth, it gives us ancestors and a grave.

It is unseen by many because our connections are broken, and its distribution is getting narrower by the day. Farms are being bought by foreign and corporate entities who will not live there or become part of our communities. Farmers and environmentalists are pitched against each other when they so need to be on the same side. Housing is bought and built by developers and owned by ever fewer people, the rest tied to exploitative rents.

An event in Newport is one of many attempts to heal and reveal the land based future we need. On Sunday 1st Sept. Carwyn Graves will share his great knowledge of historic land and farming in Wales, a time when farming was naturally wilder and more complete. The day starts with a tour of a productive organic veg farm run by a girl who returned to where she grew up, bringing her ecologist partner. Their land is a symphony to wildlife and productivity. This will be followed by cooking and eating together before the talk with Carwyn on his new book, Tir. (Welsh for land). See poster to book in.

My organisation, Grwp Resilience has been addressing the unfair distribution of land by helping groups in urban areas to get some land back to grow on together. We have set up or helped into existence at least seven new urban community gardens in recent years, four this year alone, and helped many more that existed already. They prove the point that absolutely anyone can learn to grow food,

Vicky Moller vickymoller@gmail.com

and enjoy it enough to keep at it, dal ati. But that it’s very hard to produce enough to sustain a family. That is why we need farmers!

This week was county show, the site is owned by a group of farmers. PAS -Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society has made available over an acre of their land for a community group to grow food on. Since 2022 the group of growers have been managing the land on their own with around 30 families having a patch of their own and room for more community uses. This was the first site that Grwp Resilience helped into existence, it has helped to inspire many more. We wish to thank the farmers’ organisation that made this possible, and the growers for doing all the work to keep it going and productive. If anyone wishes for their own Clwt or patch of land to feed their family in the Haverfordwest area, contact coordinator@parc-helyg.wales

Looking ahead at the future is murky and terrifying. In this atmosphere conspiracy theories spread like potato blight. We believe that getting people back onto solid ground with community ownership as the anchor to hold us together rewardingly . Cris Tomos in PLANED is doing heroic work in helping community purchases of assets to restore some of this solid ground to them.

For this to become more than niche, action will be needed from our governments. Grwp Resilience hopes to put communities and government in the same room to talk to each other and plan how to give us back the natural resources for a secure responsible unified future. One without compete to kill motivators and fossil fuelled destruction of life. Get in touch to help.

Eight rescues in six hours for local lifeboat crew

IN what is being described as one of the busiest days on record, Tenby’s lifeboat crews were called out eight times within a frantic sixhour period on Wednesday (Aug 14). The volunteer crews faced a series of challenging rescues, demonstrating their commitment and skill in responding to multiple emergencies along Pembrokeshire’s coast.

The first alert came just after 1:00pm when the Haydn Miller, Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat, was dispatched to assist two paddleboarders in distress off Stackpole Head. However, as the lifeboat made its way to the scene, a nearby vessel responded to the coastguard’s broadcast, safely retrieving the paddleboarders and returning them to Stackpole Quay.

Barely had the crew returned when, at 1:29pm, they were summoned again—this time to Broadhaven South, where a swimmer was reported to be in difficulty. As the lifeboat approached, it was confirmed that the swimmer had reached shore unaided, allowing the crew to return to station.

Less than an hour later, at 2:28pm, the lifeboat was called out for the third time, following reports of three people swept off the rocks at Manorbier. By the time the crew arrived, the swimmers had managed to get to shore safely, and no further assistance was required.

The fourth shout came just 45 minutes later, once again at Manorbier, where several swimmers were reported to be caught in a rip current. As the lifeboat crew prepared to launch, they were informed that local surfers had successfully rescued the swimmers and brought them back to the beach.

At 4:00pm, the fifth call of the day marked the first deployment for Tenby’s inshore lifeboat. The crew were tasked with searching for a missing fiveyear-old child last seen in the water off Castle Beach. Fortunately, as the

lifeboat launched, the child was found safe and well.

The inshore lifeboat was quickly called into action again at 4:22 pm, following reports of a person in difficulty near St Catherine’s Island. Upon arrival, the crew were relieved to find that the individual had already made it ashore safely.

The seventh call came at 6:05pm, with the all-weather lifeboat dispatched to Manorbier Beach to provide casualty care for an injured person. However, as the lifeboat neared the scene, it was reported that the casualty had been taken to hospital by other means.

The eighth and final call of the day came at 6:12pm, marking the most serious incident of the day. The allweather lifeboat was tasked to assist in a major search operation involving the Angle lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187, and multiple coastguard rescue teams. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) had been activated, believed to be somewhere in the Milford Haven area. The search led to the discovery of an upturned vessel with three people in the water nearby.

The Tenby lifeboat crew acted swiftly, deploying two crew members into the water to assist with the rescue of the casualties. After a medical assessment, one casualty was airlifted to hospital, while the remaining two were brought aboard the lifeboat, warmed, and transported to Milford Haven, where paramedics were waiting.

The all-weather lifeboat finally returned to station at 9:45 pm, concluding an exhausting day for the dedicated volunteer crews. This day of high drama along Pembrokeshire’s coast highlights the essential service provided by Tenby’s lifeboats, whose

A HUGE EMERGENCY SERVICES RESPONSE AT MILFORD MARINA

THE SCENE at Milford Haven Marina on Wednesday evening (Aug 15) was one of intense activity and concern, drawing a significant number of onlookers to the quayside. Around 7:00pm, the marina was transformed into a hub of emergency response, with around a dozen vehicles from various services lined up. These included

an ambulance, two ambulance rapid response vehicles, multiple police cars, two Coastguard trucks, and a Port Authority vehicle. The presence of so many rescuers created an atmosphere of urgency and tension.

As the emergency vehicles arrived and crews prepared for the incoming lifeboats, a crowd began to gather on the quayside. People watched anxiously, their eyes fixed on the water, awaiting any sign of the lifeboats that had been dispatched to rescue those in distress. The activation of a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) had triggered this large-scale, multiagency operation, and the sight of so many emergency vehicles and personnel only heightened the gravity of the situation.

The drama unfolded in real-time as the lifeboats approached, and emergency crews prepared to receive the casualties. The crowd, a mix of locals and visitors, stood quietly, aware of the seriousness of the situation but also captivated by the rare sight of such a large emergency response. The moment the lifeboat crews brought the casualties ashore was tense, with everyone holding their breath, hoping for a positive outcome.

The scene was a stark reminder of the dangers of the sea and the vital role of emergency services. The large turnout of vehicles and personnel, combined with the crowd of onlookers, created a powerful image of community and response.

crews remain ever ready to respond to those in peril at sea.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Police seal off Neyland industrial unit following major cannabis bust

AN INDUSTRIAL unit in Neyland has been cordoned off by police since Saturday (Aug 10), following the discovery of a significant cannabis cultivation operation. Officers have been maintaining a presence at the site throughout the weekend, with specialist forensic teams combing the scene for evidence. This marks the third substantial drug-related raid in the West Wales area in recent weeks.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police informed The Pembrokeshire Herald: “On Saturday afternoon, August 10, officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a property located in the Honeyborough Industrial Estate, Neyland.”

During the operation, police uncovered a substantial amount of cannabis along with drug production equipment. Flamur Vengo, 41, has been charged with the production of cannabis and is scheduled to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court today.

The ongoing investigation highlights the continued efforts of Dyfed-Powys Police to tackle drugrelated crime in the area.

Man admits to meat cleaver threats and assault charges

A 29-YEAR-OLD man has confessed to multiple charges, including threatening two women with a meat cleaver and committing assault.

Daniel Phillips, of no fixed abode, appeared before Swansea Crown Court where he faced six charges related to incidents that allegedly transpired in the Milford Haven area earlier this month.

On July 4, Phillips was accused of making death threats towards a woman and extending similar threats concerning a second woman. The court heard that these threats involved the use of a meat cleaver, instilling significant fear in both victims.

Further charges were brought against Phillips for battery and the strangulation of the second woman on 6th July.

Standing in the dock, Phillips pleaded guilty to all six charges laid against him.

Presiding over the case, Judge Geraint Walters ordered the preparation of a presentence report to provide a comprehensive overview ahead of sentencing. The judge scheduled the sentencing hearing for 5th September.

In the interim, Phillips has been remanded in custody.

Council gives congratulations to all learners

TODAY marks a significant milestone for learners across Pembrokeshire as they receive their A-Level and Vocational Qualifications results, Pembrokeshire County Council said.

The Authority wrote: “The Council extends our congratulations to all learners for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

“This achievement is a testament to their commitment and resilience, especially during some challenging times.

“We also want to acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering support of families, teachers, and school staff. This encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in helping learners reach this important day.

“To the learners, whether you achieved the grades you hoped for or faced unexpected challenges, please remember that this is just one step in your journey. There are many paths to success, and today’s results are just the beginning of future endeavours.”

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham said: “We congratulate all learners on their achievements. Continuing the transition back in to

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

external examinations has been a challenge that these learners have met successfully.

“The achievements of learners are to be commended and celebrated. I would like to wish them every success for their futures.”

The Council encourages learners to take pride in their accomplishments and look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

For those who may need additional support or guidance, resources are available to help them navigate their next steps and this will be available at schools.

Once again, congratulations to all learners and their families. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and wish you continued success in all your future endeavours.”This achievement is a testament to their commitment and resilience, especially during some challenging times.

We also want to acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering support of families, teachers, and school staff. This encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in helping learners reach this important day.

To the learners, whether you achieved the grades you hoped for or faced unexpected challenges, please remember that this is just one step in your journey. There are many paths to success, and today’s results are just the beginning of future endeavours.

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham said: “We congratulate all learners on their achievements.

Continuing the transition back in to external examinations has been a challenge that these learners have met successfully.

“The achievements of learners are to be commended and celebrated. I would like to wish them every success for their futures.”

The Council encourages learners to take pride in their accomplishments and look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

For those who may need additional support or guidance, resources are available to help them navigate their next steps and this will be available at schools.

Once again, congratulations to all learners and their families. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and wish you continued success in all your future endeavours.

A-Level results show drop in top grades

WALES’s Education Minister, Lynne Neagle, has congratulated learners across Wales who have received their A-level, AS, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate and vocational qualification results this morning.

29.9% got the top A* and A grades, which, although down on last year (34%), was what the exams watchdog called part of a “glide-path back” from higher results during the pandemic.

On a visit to Coleg Cambria in Wrexham, the Cabinet Secretary met students collecting their results.

Ms Neagle said: “Today is a big day for everyone receiving their results across Wales. I want to congratulate all the students, as well as our fantastic teachers and school and college staff, for all their hard work leading up to today.

“This year’s exams mark the final step to pre-pandemic arrangements. This year, for the first time since the pandemic, A-level and AS Levels exams and assessments took place with the same arrangements as pre-pandemic.

“The results are what we hoped to see and are broadly similar to pre-pandemic outcomes.

“Each and every one of you receiving results today should be tremendously proud of your achievements. Today is a testament to your resilience and perseverance.

“Whatever your plans are for the next step in your life, I wish you all ‘pob lwc’. There are many ways to continue your learning. Some of you may be about to start an apprenticeship or a new job, or maybe you have secured a place at your chosen university, including some of our great institutions here in Wales.

“But if you need advice on what to do next, there’s plenty of information and support available to you, through your school or college as well as the Young Person’s Guarantee which offers a range of options.”

STEADY RETURN TO PRE-PANDEMIC GRADES

Over the last three years, there has been a transition back towards pre-pandemic arrangements.

In 2023, the aim was for outcomes to be

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

broadly midway between those for summer 2022 and 2019. In 2022, the aim was for outcomes to be broadly midway between those for summer 2021 and summer 2019 2024 is the final year of the transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements. Future grade boundaries will generally rise as the pandemic’s impact diminishes and Wales returns to established performance standards.

• There were 32,385 A-level entries for summer 2024, 2.3% fewer than summer 2023, and 42,630 AS-level entries.

• 10.1% of candidates achieved an A*w – less than last year (13.5%) – but more than before the pandemic (8.9% in 2019)

• Girls continued to outperform boys at most A-level grade points – by 0.5 percentage points at A* and A and 6.6 percentage points at A* to C.

• Mathematics, biology and psychology are still the most popular subjects

• The biggest proportional increase in entries since 2023 was for the Welsh language (up from 185 to 230) and further mathematics (540 to 605)

• The biggest decreases were in geography (1,040 from 1,285) and Spanish (125 from 150)

Margaret Farragher, chief executive of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), said: “While the pandemic is now behind us, we must acknowledge that this group of students faced disruption during their education and pay tribute to their resilience.”

Nicola Fitzpatrick, Interim Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said: “NEU Cymru congratulates all students who received their A-Level, AS level, and other Level 3 qualification results today. They have kept going through the pandemic and through years of austerity. Their determination and resilience, alongside the efforts of educators, parents and carers who support them, deserve great credit.

“It is really unhelpful to compare results from one year to the next. Different methods

of assessment have been used, different levels of pandemic disruption have been experienced, and Qualifications Wales has implemented different approaches to grading from one year to the next.

“For young people, it is really important to know that today isn’t the rest of your life – if you don’t get the results you want, there are plenty of options and choices.

“As Wales decides to review the post-16 offer, in terms of assessment, we have the opportunity to focus in on the wellbeing of young people, and the wellbeing and workload of education professionals. We need a system which supports wellbeing but doesn’t increase workload for staff. We look forward to working with everyone in the system on making this a reality.”

CONGRATULATIONS BUT BETTER FUNDING NEEDED

Plaid Cymru called upon the Labour Welsh Government to secure a fair funding deal from the UK Labour Government in order to invest in the education sector in Wales at all levels and ensure opportunities for young people across Wales to live and work in their communities.

It was revealed this year that Welsh universities are either undertaking or considering staff redundancies due to financial constraints.

Recent data also revealed that Wales had the lowest number of University applications from sixth-form students in the UK, with just 33.8% of 18-year-olds in Wales applying to study at University compared to a UKwide figure of 41.9%. Application rates dropped furthest in some of Wales’s most disadvantaged areas.

Headteachers in Wales have warned there is ‘nothing left to cut’ amid financial pressures on schools, stating that children’s education will suffer as a result.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Finance, Culture and the Welsh Language Heledd Fychan MS said: “Plaid Cymru would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to every student across Wales receiving their A Level and AS Level results today.

“Many students will now go on to further full-time education, whilst others will be looking at apprenticeships, full-time work or alternative options. It’s important that whatever path our young people set out to follow, there must be ample opportunities and jobs for them here in Wales.”

Tom Giffard MS, Shadow Education Minister, said: “Congratulations to students receiving A-Level results today and the teachers and support staff who have worked incredibly hard.

“It is a testament to the determination and achievement of both staff and pupils to accomplish all they have despite Labour’s cuts to the education budget, a change to the curriculum and a reduction in teachers.

“To all of those students, there are an abundance of options available, including university, apprenticeships and the job market. The world is your oyster.”

Tom Giffard added a cautionary note: “It is a worrying to see that students from a disadvantaged background are being left behind by Labour, with the attainment gap widening. The Welsh Government must come forward with a plan to close that gap.”

In court for ‘aggressive behaviour’ towards woman and child

A 40-YEAR-OLD Milford woman has appeared before magistrates on Tuesday (Aug 14) after admitting assaulting a 14-year-old child, and the child’s mother, during an altercation in Haverfordwest town centre.

Tania Lawler began behaving aggressively to the victims after she was seen ‘speeding towards them’ in a car near to the Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on January 30,

“The victims were driving in a vehicle when they saw several parties come speeding towards them,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“The defendant got out and became aggressive towards them, grabbing the mother by the collar.”

Footage of the incident was captured by the child on her mobile phone.

Lawlor, of Waterloo Road, Hakin, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to assaulting the 14-year-old by beating and an additional charge of assaulting the child’s mother by beating.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution, the matter was adjourned for a full probation report to be prepared.

Lawler will be sentenced by Haverfordwest magistrates on September 3 and was released on unconditional bail.

Jury retires in case of Richard Lewis, on trial for serious sexual offences

THE JURY in the case of Richard Lewis, a 49-year-old man from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, has retired to deliberate the verdict on a series of serious sexual offence charges at Swansea Crown Court. The jury began their deliberations at 11:20am on Monday (Aug 12) after the judge delivered a comprehensive summing-up of the case.

Richard Lewis, Slade Lane, Haverfordwest, stands accused of multiple counts of sexual assault against a girl under the age of 13. The charges relate to incidents alleged to have taken place between 16 July 2004 and 15 July 2013, involving a girl aged between 4 and 8 years old at the time.

According to the prosecution, Lewis is accused of intentionally penetrating the young girl’s vagina with his fingers on multiple occasions. Lewis is also on trial for attempting to engage in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under the age of 13 between 16 July 2004 and 15 July 2023. In this instance, it is alleged that Lewis, being over the age of 18, attempted to touch the girl, aged 12, with the intent to penetrate her vagina, again with his fingers.

As the jury retires to consider their verdict, the public and those involved in the case now await the outcome.

Banned from driving after smoking cannabis

A SAUNDERSFOOT man has been fined over £700 after being found to be just half a microgramme over the prescribed legal cannabis limit.

Rafal Widalski, 41, was stopped by officers on January 29 as he drove his Mercedes B200 through Picton Place, Haverfordwest.

A drugs swipe proved positive,while a subsequent blood test carried out at the police station revealed he had 2.5 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.

Widalski, of St Brides Lane, Saundersfoot, pleaded guilty to the charge of drug-driving and was legally represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.

”Being just 0.5 microgrammes over the limit is so small he might not even be guilty of the offence,” he said. “But it happened a long time ago, he’s been fully compliant with the police and is a man of completely clean character.”

Rafal Widalski was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Top destinations for College students following A-Level success

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE

A-level and Diploma students will shortly be heading off to some top university destinations including Oxford and Cambridge after achieving outstanding results this summer.

Almost 200 students are now getting ready to take up their university places studying everything from aerospace engineering to paramedic science, law and game design at universities across the UK.

A-level student Louis Chadd (AAA*) will be taking up his place at the University of Oxford to read Chemistry while Seren Rhys-Cowen, is heading to the University of Cambridge to read Geography.

Further A-level successes include: Jack Springer (AAAA), Newcastle University to read Medicine; Oliver Hesse (AAAA), University of London to read Computer Science; Hywel Mansell (AAAA), UWTSD to read Primary Education; Andrew Scott (AAAB), University of Warwick to read Engineering; and Gwenna Maycock (A*AAA), Royal Veterinary College, University of London to read Veterinary Science.

Further A-level student university destinations include: Bath, Durham, Exeter, and Liverpool.

Proving that the Diploma route is a credible alternative to A-levels, BTEC Protective Services learner Ole Davidson achieved Distinction* grades

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

and is heading to Durham University to read Politics and International Relations while Health & Social Care learner Ruby Toom who achieved BAAA* grades, is heading to Cardiff University to read Adult Nursing.

Other vocational success stories include Thomas Bowen who is heading to UWTSD (Swansea College of Art) to study Illustration and Devon Badham who is heading to the University of the West of England to study Business and Management with fellow Diploma students taking up places across the UK to study a range of subjects including Engineering, Musical Theatre, Visual Communication, Midwifery, Architecture and Football Studies.

This year also saw great results for adult learners studying on the Access to Health and Access to Bioscience programmes with university offers being accepted to study a wide range of nursing, caring and medical related degrees.

After receiving this year’s results, College Principal Dr Barry Walters commented: “There have been some tremendous success stories this year with learners progressing to a diverse range of degrees, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud of both our A-level and our vocational learners

who have worked extremely hard showing perseverance and commitment in pursuing their goals. Throughout their time in College, they have been supported by an exceptional team of teaching and support staff, who go above and beyond to help learners to reach their intended destinations.

“We wish them all the best of luck and hope that they will keep in touch as they progress through their studies and into their future careers.”

For further information on the courses available at the College contact Admissions on 0800 9 776 778 or go to pembrokeshire.ac.uk/courses

Henry Tudor School congratulates Year 13 pupils on A Level results day

THE HEADTEACHER, Mrs Kite and the Governing Body of Ysgol Harri Tudur/ Henry Tudor School have said they would like to congratulate all Year 13 pupils on their A Level results today and to also sincerely thank all the members of staff who prepared pupils for these exams.

The school said in a statement: ”The resilience, hard work, perseverance and determination to succeed shown by this Year 13 cohort, has been rightly reflected and rewarded in the A Level and BTEC results today, especially in light of the earlier challenges and disruptions to their education that they experienced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Similarly, we are also pleased with the effort of our Year 12 students and look forward to welcoming them back in September, to complete their second year of study on A Level , applied A’ Level and BTEC courses.

Almost all of our Year 13 cohort have achieved a set of results which will enable them to take up their places at universities in England and Wales. Pupils will be taking up their very well deserved places on diverse and exciting degree courses ranging from Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering, Archaeology to Social Work and Marine Zoology,

There have been some outstanding results awarded to a large number of students, some achieving combinations of 3 A*s and 3A’s, as well as many highly personal success stories.

We also have pupils whose successes

see them progress onto Further Education courses, exciting gap year opportunities, Degree Apprenticeships and into the world of employment. We are proud of all our Year 13 pupils, whatever their destination or future ambition.

We all send our huge congratulations and wish each and every one of our Year 13 students all the very best of luck for

their sustained and future success. We hope that they will continue to achieve great things and make a positive difference to society and the world of work in the future.

We would also like to sincerely thank and recognise the contribution and support of the parents of our Year 12 and 13 pupils.”

Cardigan man jailed for over 9 years after terrorism investigation

47-YEAR-OLD man, Gareth Waite, from the Cardigan area, has been sentenced to nine years and nine months following a three-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Following an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, Waite was found guilty of four offences of disseminating a terrorist publication contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006, and two offences of possession of material of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

He had also previously pleaded guilty to one offence of support of a proscribed organisation, namely National Action, contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

DCI Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales said: “We welcome the sentence handed down by the court today”

“This concludes what was a detailed, thorough, and complex investigation over many months by officers from CTP Wales, assisted by colleagues in Dyfed Powys Police.”

Congratulations to Ysgol Bro Preseli pupils on outstanding A Level and AS Level results

YSGOL Bro Preseli has released a statement saying they are “delighted” to congratulate the pupils of Ysgol Bro Preseli on their A Level and AS Level results. The excellent grades achieved this year are a clear testament to the hard work, dedication and

commitment of our pupils and staff.

The school said: “With 40% of all A Level grades awarded at A* or A we are extremely proud of you all. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, the support of their families, and the

exceptional commitment of our teaching and support staff.

“Well done to everyone involved in making this success possible!

“As the only fully Welsh Medium Post16 education provider in Pembrokeshire, we take immense pride in offering highquality education through the medium of Welsh. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to all parents / guardians and pupils for your continued support.

Your belief in the value of Welsh medium education has been instrumental in our success as a school.

“As our pupils take the next steps and broaden their horizons, we wish them every success. We are confident that their strong roots will empower them to thrive on their journey through life.

Congratulations once again to all our pupils—we are extremely proud of your achievements.”

Poppy Bryant who achieved A*/A*/ B/ C Luke Allen , achieved A*/A/ B/ B

Haverfordwest High proud to congratulate A Level students

ON A LEVEL results day, Mrs. J. Harries, Headteacher at Haverfordwest High said: “Once again I am very proud to congratulate 6th form students at Haverfordwest High VC School for their outstanding achievements in their A level and AS level examinations. As a staff and Governing Body we recognise that this is a result of their hard work and determination throughout the academic year. My thanks go to the staff for their commitment but also to the parents and carers for their continued support and to the pupils for choosing HHVCS for their 6th form studies and for their perseverance and ability to step up to the demands of A level courses.

“Many students are continuing their education at their chosen universities covering a range of subjects including Physics with Astrophysics at Manchester; at Cardiff subjects including Medicine, Biomedical Science, Radiography, Business Management; Sociology at University College London and Politics at London School of Economics to name but a few. Some of our students have the results that will equip them with pursuing other avenues including gap years, apprenticeships and the world of work, including peripatetic music teaching.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

“AS results for our Year 12 students were also very encouraging with some exceptional results from many.

“Many congratulations to them all.”

The Headteacher said she would also like to thank the Governing Body and Trustees for their never ending support of the school and our strive to continue to improve the provision and

outcomes for our pupils.

“Whatever their destination, we wish our students all the very best for the future and look forward to hearing of their progress in the future.” she added

Ysgol Greenhill congratulates pupils on A Level students on results day

AT YSGOL GREENHILL SCHOOL

Headteacher David Haynes said: “On behalf of the governors and staff of Ysgol Greenhill, I would like to congratulate all pupils receiving their richly deserved A/L3/AS results today.

“I am immensely proud of our outstanding young adults, who have not only achieved the grades required to move on to the universities of their choice, but the way in which they have enhanced their wider skills and personal qualities during their time in the sixth form. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the committed teachers, support staff and our families who have provided exceptional support for our pupils during their time at the school.

“Notable successes include Head Prefect Bethan Evans, who achieved two A* and two A grades and will study medicine at Cardiff University.

“Georgie Kidd who attained one A* and three A’s and will move on to Queen Mary University of London, to study English and European law. Megan Haysom achieved one A*, two A’s and one B and will progress to Imperial College London, to study medical biosciences.

“Angwen Williams gained three A’s and one B and will study English literature at Cardiff University. Alex Young achieved three A’s and one B and will progress to Cardiff University to study biomedical sciences. Outstanding results were achieved by Cara Evans

(one Distinction and two Merits) and Rudy Poole (three Merit passes) in Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.”Angwen Williams gained three A’s and one B and will study English literature at Cardiff University.

“Alex Young achieved three A’s and one B and will progress to Cardiff University to study biomedical sciences. Outstanding results were achieved by Cara Evans (one Distinction and two Merits) and Rudy Poole (three Merit passes) in Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.”

Jobcentres boost jobseeker success with employer partnerships

THROUGHOUT July, the DWP staff in the Pembrokeshire Jobcentres have offered full support to jobseekers, helping them improve their chances of moving into employment.

The goal is not only to secure a job but to ensure that this initial move becomes the first step in building a career in their chosen field.

This approach works exceptionally well when there is a strong relationship with employers who are recruiting. Therefore, the employer and partnership team in the Jobcentres are working tirelessly to build good relations with employers. They do this by further advertising vacancies, inviting employers to job fairs, and offering space in the Jobcentres for interviewing applicants. Additionally, they discuss employer needs with the Work Coaches. This collaboration enables Work Coaches to better understand the skills and qualifications required by applicants, allowing them to offer support and training at an early stage.

Recently, Jobcentre staff supported Oakwood Theme Park with their recruitment for the summer period, resulting in many jobseekers who volunteered for interviews being offered jobs. The relationship with Bluestone

Resort continues positively, with the employer conducting regular interview sessions in the county’s Jobcentres.

The NHS, the largest employer in Wales, is currently facing a shortage of staff at all levels, a situation often highlighted in the news. The HR Team of the Hywel Dda UHB, which covers the Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion counties, holds regular information sessions in the eight Jobcentres in these areas. These sessions provide customers with information about the many and varied job roles available, not only in hospitals but also in some pharmacies and GP surgeries. The available roles include not just medical positions, but also opportunities in administration, IT, portering, customer service, cleaning, catering, and more.

There are, of course, many other employers, both small and large, who still need staff. All jobseekers are encouraged to use job websites and social media platforms to seek out opportunities that suit them. A recent announcement for Pembrokeshire highlighted the Pembrokeshire Creamery in Haverfordwest, which expects to bottle more than a million litres of milk each week. With additional funding provided by HSBC Bank,

nearly £20 million has been invested in the Haverfordwest site to process Welsh milk that is farmed, bottled, and sold in Wales. The development of Pembrokeshire Creamery was initially supported by the Welsh government and Pembrokeshire County Council when they formed a joint venture to create the Pembrokeshire Food Park.

Fred Hatton of the DWP Employer and Partnership Team said, “It can be a full-time job to seek out the ideal job, make a successful application, and then impress the employer at interview. The next phase of the process is to continue to impress the employer during the first few months in work.”

He continued, “Estimated vacancies in the UK in the three months to July were 884,000. The key focus for all Jobcentre staff is to help people achieve financial security through work. Providing individually tailored support to jobseekers is a springboard to financial independence and a route to building a better life for themselves and their families. Turning this aim into a reality is the role of every locally based jobcentre Work Coach. Underpinning this, our employer and partnership teams continue to work with businesses to fill their vacancies, which in turn contributes to growing the economy.”

Police receive funding to target antisocial behaviour

POLICE officers are spending more time in the areas worst hit by antisocial behaviour across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys thanks to an injection of cash from the Home Office.

Dyfed-Powys Police, with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has received almost half a million pounds to combat antisocial behaviour (ASB) across the force area in a dedicated response known as Operation Ivydene.

Through Operation Ivydene, ten areas – known as ASB hotspots – will receive an extra 11,000 hours of police patrols over the next eight months.

Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said: “Antisocial behaviour can have a serious impact on the quality of life on people who want to go about their daily lives.

“These hotspots have been selected as the areas experiencing the highest volumes of violence and antisocial

behaviour (ASB) offences and based on local intelligence.

“The patrols aim to provide a reassuring presence to help people feel safe while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.”

There will be about 27 hours per week of hotspot patrols in each of the areas – which are in addition to regular police patrols – which will also involve use of specialist resources, such as drones, depending on the issues being targeted.

Officers are also conducting surveys in the hotspots to help the force better understand and address the concerns of those living there.

‘Antisocial behaviour’ is a broad term which includes behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a member or members of the public. Criminal and non-criminal behaviours such as littering, vandalism, public drunkenness, aggressive dogs, or noise nuisance may also be considered ASB.

The patrols will focus on tackling issues in the areas within:

• Carmarthenshire – Tyisha, Elli, Llanelli town, Carmarthen town and Ammanford.

• Ceredigion – Aberystwyth and Aberaeron.

• Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest town centre and Tenby town centre.

• Powys – Newtown East and Brecon.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has secured nearly £1 million from the Home Office to collaborate with Local Authorities and Dyfed-Powys Police on initiatives aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).

He said: “ASB can have an overwhelming impact on its victims and, in some cases, on the wider community.

“An effective response to antisocial behaviour requires innovation, strong partnerships between local agencies, and a mindset that puts victims first. These ASB Hotspot initiatives aim to achieve just that.”

Over the next eight months, monthly monitoring will be underway and submitted to the Home Office. Outcomes that will be reported on include hours of visible foot patrols, weapons recovered, number of arrests, number of ASB powers used, and number of stop searches.

Earlier this year, the government announced that every police force in England and Wales will receive at least £1 million to ramp up patrols to tackle violence and disorder, targeted in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour (in February 2024).

It followed the successful piloting of the approach in 10 areas, which saw more than 80,000 hours of patrols in the six months since it launched.

80th birthday bash raises £2,250 for Wales Air Ambulance

LES JONES, upon reaching the grand age of 80, decided to mark his milestone birthday with a charity event like no other. The celebration, which took place at The Quay, featured a lively BBQ where the fashion of the day was red boiler suits—a nod to the iconic attire associated with rescue services.

The event was not only a celebration of Les Jones’ 80 years but also an opportunity to give back to a cause close to his heart: the Wales Air Ambulance. Guests were encouraged to donate, and the response was overwhelming. By the end of the day, the party had raised an impressive £2,250 for the lifesaving charity.

A cheque presentation was held at the event, with Les Jones proudly handing over the funds to representatives of the Wales Air Ambulance. In the photograph

capturing the moment, alongside Les Jones and his wife Anne, were key figures including Rhys Watkins, Mike May, the regional fundraiser for the charity, Steve Watkins of the Cresselly Arms, Patrick Jones, and Noel Evans. Also in attendance was PC Malcolm Richards,

MIKE EDWARDS

TRAVELLING to Llanelli is a bit like dying.

You know you’re approaching your final destination, and you feel afraid about what horrors await on arrival. More to the point, the closer you get - say, as far as Pontiets - you feel brain death’s onset as your senses shut down. Then you arrive in Llanelli, and it’s not as bad as you think.

It’s worse.

Never mind the famous little saucepan boiling on the fire. You arrive in the aftermath of kebab armageddon. The streets are strewn with rubbish of such quantity and variety that the casual visitor can only suppose they’ve missed the international litter festival.

The amount of salad on the street and the number of sky rats and gulls picking their way through it reminds me of an explosion in a salad factory. If five a day assures long life, some of those gulls are going to live to be 500, or at least long enough to see the food containers on the pavement degrade into their constituent chemicals.

That’s not to say that Llanelli doesn’t have its highlights. There’s the road to Burry Port, for example, not to mention the town centre’s potential use as the blasted heath for a massive open-air production of Macbeth.

There is also the Wetlands Centre. It is fab.

Its designers have taken much of what makes Llanelli a flood risk, namely salt marsh, swamp, and silt, and turned it into something wonderful. Not far from the shattered and slowly being recovered evidence of Llanelli’s industrial past is a space that transports you from urban blight to a haven for nature.

My beloved and I strolled around the paths and boardwalks, not because we are interested in birds or birdwatching but because we occasionally enjoy seeing something you can’t see in Pembrokeshire.

While our county has a small share of post-industrial vileness, it doesn’t have a large open site that isn’t full of tourists. By and large, if tourists end up in Llanelli, it’s because they’ve got catastrophically lost looking for Llansteffan or Rhossili. For that reason alone, the Wetlands Centre is worth a visit.

You can stroll around in peace, and the nearest you’ll get to hear a Scouse or Brummie accent is the plaintive mating call of the Lesser One-Eyed Scarlets Fan, whose haunting cry of “Ev’ree tieyam, ref-ah-ree’ is carried on the breeze and echoes among the reed beds. At the end of our visit, we drove a short distance and stopped to admire the view across the Loughor Estuary and towardsPenclawdd. On the other side of the Loughor Bridge, the road to Swansea lay.

adding a touch of officialdom to the occasion.

The success of the event is a testament to the generosity of Les Jones’ friends, family, and the local community, all rallying together to support a vital service that saves lives across Wales.

We got back in the car and headed back towards Llanelli’s town centre. We agreed that it didn’t matter how bad Llanelli is; there’s far worse, not far away.

New report highlights positive impact of Cadet Forces in Wales

A NEWLY published independent report has shed light on the significant benefits that participation in cadet forces brings to young people, adult volunteers, and the wider community across Wales. The study, titled ‘Getting an Edge: The Impact and Value of the Cadet Forces in Wales,’ was conducted by academics from the University of Northampton and commissioned by The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

The report, led by Professor Simon Denny, alongside Professor Richard Hazenberg and Dr Claire PetersonYoung, presents compelling evidence that involvement in the cadet forces offers young people in Wales a distinct advantage over their peers in terms of social mobility, educational attainment, and employability. According to the findings, cadets who have been part of the forces for two years or more acquire valuable skills, experiences, and qualifications that give them an “edge” when applying for further education or employment opportunities.

Professor Denny, the lead author of the report, emphasised the unique benefits for economically disadvantaged young people. He stated, “Young people that are or have been in the cadet forces for two years or more have developed attributes and gained skills, experiences and qualifications that give them a clear advantage – an ‘edge’ – over their non-cadet peers, in applications for further and higher education and for employment. This edge is particularly important for those young people who are economically disadvantaged.”

The report also highlights the positive impact on adult volunteers, who gain valuable skills and qualifications through their involvement with the cadet forces, often leading to improved career prospects.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

However, the study also draws attention to a concerning disparity: the proportion of secondary-school-age children in Wales who are members of the cadet forces is lower than the UK average. Currently, only 2.4% of eligible children in Wales participate in the cadet forces, compared to 4.2% across the UK. The report suggests that there is significant potential to increase the number of cadets in Wales, which would allow more young people to benefit from the opportunities offered by the programme.

Another key finding of the report focuses on the wide range of vocational

qualifications that can be achieved by both cadets and volunteers. The authors argue that additional funding could expand these opportunities in Wales, further integrating the cadet forces into the Welsh educational ecosystem. The report advocates for investment by nonMinistry of Defence budget holders, given the substantial benefits that these qualifications bring to young people.

Professor Denny further stressed the broader societal value of the cadet forces in Wales, stating, “The cadet forces in Wales provide outputs and outcomes that help achieve Welsh Government policy objectives in the areas of child poverty, education, preparation for employment, and health and wellbeing. The cadet forces are important for their

members, and to the nation of Wales. It is vital that the contribution of the cadet forces to Wales is clearly articulated and understood by policy makers, educational leaders, and employers.”

The findings of this report underscore the vital role that the cadet forces play in supporting young people in Wales, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As the report suggests, increasing participation and investment in the cadet forces could amplify their positive impact, benefiting not only individual members but also the broader Welsh society.

For further information, or to view the full report, please visit the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales website.

Carew Castle’s Weekend of Weaponry and Warfare returns

AN ACTION-PACKED weekend of living history, weaponry and warfare awaits visitors to Carew Castle this bank holiday, as Historia Normannis living history group transports one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular visitor attractions back to the 12th century.

The three-day spectacle, which is free with normal Castle entry, will feature a medieval encampment showcasing traditional skills, along with astounding combat and weaponry displays.

Other highlights will include a medieval Fashion Show at 12 noon each day, along with a Shire Court session at 2pm, which will highlight the strict and often harsh enforcement of medieval laws.

Manager of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Daisy Hughes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Historia Normannis back to Carew this coming bank holiday. The Weekend

of Weaponry and Warfare promises an unforgettable history lesson on the living conditions of a 12th century army on the march.

“In what promises to be an exhilarating three days, visitors will also have the chance to handle replica artefacts and hone their own warrior skills with Have-a-Go Archery. Please note that a small charge will apply for some of the activities.”

Carew’s Weekend of Weaponry and Warfare will take place on Saturday 24 August to Monday 26 August, between 10am and 4pm each day.

Further information about this event, including the full schedule for the weekend, can be found at www. carewcastle.com.

To discover other events taking place within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, please visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/ events.

Pembrokeshire County Show 2024 closes on a high note

THE Pembrokeshire County Show, Wales’ largest and most celebrated agricultural event, has successfully wrapped up its twoday extravaganza, leaving behind a trail of fond memories and a sense of accomplishment. The show, held at the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, saw a vast array of activities and displays, drawing in crowds from across the region and beyond.

The first day of the event opened under a blanket of sunshine, with thousands of eager visitors flocking to the showground. The clear skies and warm weather created the perfect atmosphere for attendees to immerse themselves in the rich rural heritage that the show offers. From the vibrant livestock competitions to the bustling food stalls, the showground was alive with energy, as people of all ages explored the attractions.

This year’s event held special significance as it marked the 240th anniversary of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS), an organisation that has long been the backbone of the show. The Society, with its deep-rooted history, took extra care in curating an event that paid homage to its past while seamlessly

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

integrating modern elements. The result was a show that not only celebrated tradition but also embraced contemporary trends, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

Day one was a resounding success, with large crowds filling the showground and creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The weather played a crucial role in drawing people out early, with traffic building up as early as 7:30 a.m. Visitors were greeted with a myriad of activities, from interactive displays to live entertainment, making the most of the glorious weather.

Among the notable attendees was Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, who made her first official visit to Pembrokeshire since being elected. Ms. Morgan spent the day touring the showground, expressing her admiration for the event’s organisation and the resilience of the community in bringing the show back to its full glory post-pandemic. “It’s a really lovely day this year. Things have been building back up to pre-pandemic levels. It’s been wonderful. Lots of people are here from Pembrokeshire and beyond.

It has been brilliantly organised,” she remarked.

The First Minister was particularly impressed with the livestock exhibitions, which are a cornerstone of the show. “One of my favourite parts of the show is seeing the livestock. It’s amazing to think about all the work that has gone in over generations to ensure an animal is in peak condition,” she added. Her presence underscored the importance of the show, not just as a local tradition but as an event of national significance.

Adam Thorne, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and a third-generation arable and beef farmer, officially opened the show from the main ring. Reflecting on the event’s success, he highlighted the indispensable role of volunteers. “We’ve got 200 voluntary stewards across all the sections, and the show just wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said, emphasising the community spirit that underpins the event.

As day one drew to a close, anticipation was high for the second day, despite forecasts predicting less favourable weather. True to the forecast, day two greeted attendees with rain, but this did little to deter the

crowds. The showground remained busy, and some car parks even reached full capacity, leading to visitors being redirected to other entrances. The resilient spirit of the show’s visitors shone through as they donned raincoats and umbrellas, determined to make the most of the day.

Show director and trustee Delme Harries echoed the sentiments of many when he spoke about the show’s evolution over the centuries. “Before the pandemic, we had eight full-time show staff, and that’s now down to two, so we are lucky to be able to rely very heavily on volunteers and are conscious that we must involve the next generation as well,” he explained. Mr. Harries also noted how the show has adapted to changing times, embracing social media and responding to the growing demand for quality, locally-made goods while staying true to its agricultural roots. One of the standout attractions this year was Aquarius, a magnificent White-Tailed Eagle with a two-metre wingspan, brought by the British Bird of Prey Centre. Aquarius captivated visitors with her impressive size and grace, symbolising the efforts to reintroduce these majestic birds

to Welsh skies. Alongside Aquarius was the Centre’s newest addition, a baby Snowy Owl, which charmed the crowds with its sleepy demeanor. These birds were a hit among both children and adults, adding a unique element to the show’s already diverse offerings.

The poultry competition made a triumphant return this year, after being absent in recent years due to the pandemic and avian flu concerns. The competition attracted 600 entries, ranging from individual birds to crafts and eggs, delighting both participants and spectators. “Although this year’s entries are half of what they used to be, they are double what we expected because we went ahead at the last minute,” said poultry show secretary Bethan Clarke. Her satisfaction with the turnout reflected the broader sentiment of the event, which managed to exceed expectations despite the challenges.

Food lovers were well catered for at the Welsh Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell. The Hall showcased over 40 local producers, offering everything from cider to cheesecake. Regular cookery demonstrations drew large crowds, as attendees were eager to learn from local chefs and sample the delicious offerings. This celebration of Welsh food and drink has become a highlight of the show, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage and the innovation of its producers.

The showground was a hive of activity throughout the two days, with the Country Market shopping area featuring 60 stalls selling unique, artisan products. Families and children were well catered for, with a range of activities including rugby skills sessions with the Scarlets, Little Legs Football, and the always popular Panic Circus Big Top, which offered free fun and games for all ages.

The Countryside Park was another popular area, where visitors could engage with the British Bird of Prey Centre’s exhibits, including talks on Eagle Reintroduction Wales and the chance to meet some of the Centre’s residents up close. The Ferret World exhibit and the gundog display team led by Wales’ top handler, Meurig Rees, also drew large audiences, offering a glimpse into traditional country life. These exhibits provided educational and entertaining experiences, highlighting the rural traditions that are at the heart of the show.

Live entertainment played a crucial role in maintaining the lively atmosphere of the event. Pure West Radio broadcasted live from the showground, with their stage featuring live music, competitions,

performances, and special guests. The radio station’s involvement ensured that there was never a dull moment, keeping the energy high throughout both days of the show.

As the second day drew to a close, the much-anticipated judging of sheep and pig classes took place, concluding with the supreme horse championship. Despite the rain, the competitions were fiercely contested, with participants showcasing the best of Welsh livestock. Thursday also saw the Ladies Day reception in the Members’ Marquee, where guests donned their finest attire and enjoyed Prosecco, all while raising funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). The event was a highlight of the second day, adding a touch of elegance and charity to the proceedings.

Reflecting on the event, the organisers were pleased with the overall success of the show. “The community spirit and the support from volunteers have been incredible,” said Delme Harries. “Despite the challenges, we’ve had a fantastic show, and we’re already looking forward to next year.” The Pembrokeshire County Show has once again proven why it remains a cornerstone of Welsh rural life. The blend of tradition, community, and entertainment, coupled with the resilience of both organisers and attendees, ensured that this year’s event was a resounding success.

As the final visitors made their way home, the showground began to quieten, but the memories of the past two days lingered. The Pembrokeshire County Show continues to be a beacon of rural culture, and as the organisers look ahead to next year, the future of the show seems as bright as ever, rain or shine.

Sunglasses and flags at the Principality Building Society stand (Pic: Herald)

Dilly’s Chocolates triumphs at Pembrokeshire County Show

DILLY’S Chocolates Triumphs at Pembrokeshire County Show: A Sweet Journey of Passion and Craftsmanship

Dilly’s Chocolates, a cherished local confectionery in Pembrokeshire, has won the prestigious Best Food or Drink Product award at the Pembrokeshire County Show. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and passion of owners Stephen John Penney and Dilys Sarah Penney, who have poured their hearts into creating exceptional chocolates since the business began in 2018.

Dilys’s journey into chocolatiering started as a passion project. After training with renowned chocolatiers like Mark Tilling, a two-time UK Chocolate Master, and Julie Sharp at the Callebaut Academy, she and Stephen established their chocolate kitchen in Pembrokeshire. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality quickly earned Dilly’s Chocolates a loyal following.

For chocolate enthusiasts, Dilly’s Chocolates offers an array of indulgent options. Their selection boxes, available in packs of 6 or 12, feature flavours like Raspberry & Rose, Gin & Lemon, Honey & Almond, Whiskey & Vanilla, and Honey & Saffron. Each piece is hand-decorated to reflect the unique taste inside. For traditionalists, Dilly’s also provides classic dark and milk chocolate selections.

Chocolate bars are another highlight of their range, with seven flavours available in both milk and dark chocolate, plus the crowd-favourite Caramel Gold. From Salt & Pepper Caramel to Dark Orange & Mocha, there’s a flavour for

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

everyone.

In addition to their selection boxes and bars, Dilly’s Chocolates offers stick boxes and love spoons, each bursting with delicious flavours.

The Penneys also specialise in catering for special events. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or party, Dilly’s Chocolates can create bespoke chocolates with personalised packaging to make any occasion extra special.

Dilly’s Chocolates are available at various locations across Wales, including Vincent Davies in Haverfordwest, Chapel Chocolates in St Davids, and Bluestone Resort in Narberth. Cardiff residents can find them at Wally’s Delicatessen and Pugh’s Garden Village, among other places

For those visiting Milford Waterfront, a trip to Dilly’s Chocolates’ shop at Agamemnon House is a must. With parking available on Mackerel Quay, it’s an ideal spot to pick up a luxurious treat. With their recent victory at the Pembrokeshire County Show, Stephen and Dilys Penney are excited for the future. Their journey from a passion project to an award-winning business is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and love for chocolate. As Dilly’s Chocolates continues to grow, there’s no doubt that more sweet successes lie ahead.

To arrange customised orders, customers can contact them directly at customer@dillyschocolates.co.uk or by phone at 07866 534860.

FUW’s message to First Minister at Show

THERE was one clear message for the new First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS as the Farmers’ Union of Wales met her on the showground. The Sustainable Farming Scheme must consider economic, social and environmental sustainability on an equal basis at its very core, the FUW Chair said.

Gerwyn Williams’ message came as he and other Union officials prepared their inaugural meeting with Eluned Morgan MS in her new role as First Minister of Wales at the Show.

“This will be an opportunity for us, as a Union, to formally congratulate Eluned Morgan on her appointment and we’ll make full use of the meeting to convey the most important message from the industry, as we reach this important milestone of setting out a brand new agricultural support scheme for Wales. The new scheme needs to be accessible and achievable for all active farmers in Wales.

“We must, by working together, create a scheme that works practically for agricultural businesses, which meets the government’s own principle of ensuring value for money while at the same time supports farmers to produce food, protect the supply chain and protect the environment.

“For this to be achieved, we will be urging the First Minister to build constructive relations with the UK Labour Government so that Welsh agriculture receives the right level of financial support, to underpin the economic viability of our industry.”

Gerwyn Williams, a council tenant farmer near Letterston, relays his message following a report by the Commission for Welsh speaking Communitiesthat recommends that the Welsh Government ensures that the Welsh language is central to formulating the agricultural policy.

The report titled ‘Empowering communities, strengthening the

Welsh language’ published by the Commission, on behalf of the Welsh Government, at the Eisteddfod last week recommends: ‘There should be support for the family farm, and the principle of the importance of the family farm should be reflected in other policies such as environmental policy.’

“The report states that 43.1%* of the agricultural, forestry and fishing industry workforce speak Welsh - the highest proportion of Welsh speakers of all economic sectors in Wales.

“This is another reason for ensuring that the Sustainable Farming Scheme is designed in collaboration with the industry. It will be an additional boost to the Welsh Government’s ambitious target of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

“Any proposals for future policy which compromise Welsh farm businesses, farming communities or Welsh agriculture in general would represent a significant threat to the

industry within which the greatest percentage of Welsh speakers is preserved,” Gerwyn Williams concluded.

Taf Valley Coaches celebrates success at County Show 2024

TAF VALLEY COACHES has much to celebrate following an outstanding day at the Pembrokeshire County Show. The local business was awarded the prestigious title of Reserve Champion for Best Small Motor Trade Stand, an accolade that highlights their commitment to excellence and community engagement.

The Pembrokeshire County Show, a highlight in the region’s calendar, saw a fantastic turnout yesterday, with Taf Valley Coaches standing out among the competition. The team was thrilled to receive the recognition, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication.

With their recent win adding to the festive atmosphere, Taf Valley Coaches continues to be a favourite among showgoers.

Recorder concert will be composer’s unique tribute to his birthplace

A PEMBROKESHIRE-BORN composer’s unique tribute to his birthplace will be performed by recorder players at Picton Castle in September.

The Picton Recorder Ensemble has been specially formed for this concert, which takes place at 5.30pm on Saturday September 14th. They will be sharing the concert with La Volta, the well-known local renaissance ensemble.

The wide ranging programme explores composer Lyndon Hilling’s Welsh heritage, but the main reason for the concert is to perform his suite ‘Picton’ – written in 2020 to celebrate his parents’ 70thwedding anniversary – at Picton Castle.

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Three movements: ‘Picton Point’, ‘Crafty Woods’ and ‘Picton Castle’, describe the castle and its surrounding landmarks. Lyndon Hilling was born at Picton Castle in the 1950s while his father, Duncan Hilling, was head gardener there. His compositions for recorders are widely performed in many

countries of the world – from the UK to Japan and America to New Zealand.

Said Lyndon: “The players are coming from all over South Wales to take part in this very special occasion. We have a full recorder orchestra using seven sizes of recorder – from the tiny sopranino to the tree trunk sized contra bass.

“The ensemble can produce a surprising variety of tone colours

and this will be the very first time that anything like it has ever been heard at Picton!”

La Volta have performed before at Picton Castle and will be playing Tudor music on a wide range of early instruments, including cittern, curtal, crumhorns, recorders, viol and harp. Tickets are available online through TicketSource, or on the door @ £10 (cash only).

Exchange trip for Haverfordwest young people to German twin town

LAST month 20 young people from Haverfordwest Youth Club travelled to Oberkirch in Germany, which has been twinned with Haverfordwest since 1989.

The European adventure was fully funded through the Taith programme for international learning exchange for Wales, funded by the Welsh Government.

The five day visit to Oberkirch provided young people, accompanied by their youth workers, with the opportunity to experience a new culture, establish new friendships and contributed to their personal, social and educational development.

For some of the young people it was the first time they had experienced European travel and culture.

The group participated in a busy programme of activities, including historical visits, a trip to nearby Strasbourg, an outdoor pool and were fortunate to be invited to a reception at the Rathaus (Town Hall) where they were extended a warm welcome by the Mayor, Bürgermeister Christoph Lipps and Nicole Trayer, Head of Staff.

On the last day, the group visited Schauenburg Castle ruins, where they enjoyed a spectacular view high above the town of Oberkirch. Feedback from

the young people indicated that what they particularly liked about Oberkirch was the cleanliness, the friendliness of the people and the beautiful views and landscape.

Liz Griffiths, Community Youth Team Manager, said: “The experience of participating in this international learning

exchange programme has enriched the cultural, travel and learning experiences of the young people. They were excellent ambassadors for Haverfordwest Youth Club, and our friends in Oberkirch commented on their good manners and how well they represented their home town”.

Members of Haverfordwest Youth Club are looking forward to welcoming the young people of Oberkirch on a return visit to Haverfordwest in 2025.

Pembrokeshire Youth provides experiences, opportunities, information, advice and personal support for young people aged 11-25 years.

Playday Pembrokeshire celebrates record turn out

MORE than 2,500 children, young people and families enjoyed a day of fun, creativity and community spirit at Playday Pembrokeshire at Llys y Frân earlier this month.

The national day celebrating the importance of playing to children’s’ development was coordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council and supported by community organisations and groups from all over the county.

Children enjoying archery, circus skills, crazy bug racing, fun football, house building, climbing, craft, art and much more.

“We are thrilled with the success of Playday Pembrokeshire 2024. It was uplifting to see so many families enjoying themselves and embracing the spirit of play. This event truly highlighted the importance of play in fostering creativity, learning, and community bonds.

“We would like to thank all those that contributed to making this event a success, including volunteers, and participants. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making next year’s Playday even more memorable,” said Alys Lewis Play Officer Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mark Hillary and Clare Sturman from Llys-y-Frân said they were delighted to be part of the day. “We’re immensely proud to host this wonderful event alongside Pembrokeshire County Council,” they added.

Playday was established in 1987 and takes place at locations across the UK on the first Wednesday in August. It is an ongoing campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives, focusing on a particular issue each year.

New Welsh crime drama ‘Cleddau’ wraps filming in Pembrokeshire

AFTER a year of filming, the much-anticipated Welsh crime drama Cleddau/The One That Got Away has wrapped production in the picturesque town of Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire. This six-part series, slated to premiere on S4C later this year, has captured attention not only for its compelling narrative but also for its deep ties to the Welsh landscape and culture. The drama, named after the River Cleddau that runs through Pembrokeshire, is set against the stunning yet rugged coastal backdrop of West Wales, which plays a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and tension of the story.

The plot centers around the shocking murder of a nurse in Pembroke Dock, a crime that reverberates through the small community, reopening old wounds and casting doubt on a long-standing conviction. As the investigation unfolds, the possibility of a copycat killer emerges, adding layers of complexity and suspense to the narrative. The series follows DI Ffion Lloyd, played by Elen Rhys, and DS Rick Walters, portrayed by Richard Harrington, as they navigate both the professional challenges of the case and the personal tensions that arise from their

past relationship as former lovers. This dual focus on the crime and the emotional dynamics between the characters promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The series boasts an impressive Welsh cast, including Rhian Blythe, known for her work in Y Golau and Craith/Hidden.

The drama is penned by Catherine Tregenna, a celebrated Welsh writer with a distinguished career that includes work on The Bench, Law & Order UK, Lewis, and DCI Banks. Tregenna’s return to Welsh television is particularly noteworthy as she brings over 25 years of experience in crime drama, crafting a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful.

Directed by Carmarthenshire-born Sion Ifan, who helmed all six episodes, the series promises to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally powerful viewing experience. Ifan’s direction is expected to capture the stark beauty of the Welsh landscape, which serves as more than just a backdrop but an integral part of the story’s atmosphere. The production has been supported by Creative Wales, underlining its cultural significance and the

importance of Welsh-language content in the global market.

Produced by Blacklight Television in collaboration with Banijay Rights, the series is set to reach a global audience, with an English-language version being made available for international viewers. This dual-language approach reflects the growing international interest in Welsh noir and the broader trend of Welsh-language productions gaining recognition beyond Wales. The production team, including executive producers Phil Trethowan and Ben Bickerton, has expressed excitement about the series, highlighting its ability to keep audiences guessing until the final moments.

The involvement of Banijay Rights in

intricate storytelling and the evocative use of the Welsh landscape. As anticipation builds for its release, Cleddau/The One That Got Away is poised to be a landmark series for S4C and a significant contribution to the genre of crime drama, showcasing the strength of Welsh storytelling and the growing influence of Welsh-language television productions worldwide. This drama, rich in both narrative depth and cultural significance, is more than just a crime thriller; it represents a milestone in Welsh television, with its blend of compelling characters, tense storytelling, and stunning visuals making it one of the most eagerly awaited series of the year. As viewers prepare for its release, Cleddau/ The One That Got Away is set to captivate

PRINT SIGNS BANNERS VEHICLES DESIGN

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story

CHLOE AYLING, the British glamour model who was kidnapped in 2017, has expressed her hopes that a new television series based on her ordeal will encourage people to refrain from doubting victims based on their reactions to traumatic experiences.

Ayling was abducted after arriving in Milan, Italy, for what she believed was a modelling job. Instead, she was held captive in a farmhouse near Turin while her kidnappers demanded a €300,000 ransom. Six days later, she was released at the British Consulate in Milan.

The upcoming six-part series, Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story, will recount her abduction, her time in captivity, and the subsequent court case that led to the imprisonment of her kidnappers. Polish nationals Lukasz Herba and his brother Michal Herba were convicted by an Italian court for the crime.

Speaking ahead of the show’s release this week, Ayling highlighted the importance of

challenging the public’s initial reactions to victims. “I hope it encourages people not to doubt victims based on the way they react to a traumatic experience, based on the way they dress, their job, or what they did to survive,” she said. “I hope it encourages people to look deeper than headlines, not to judge a situation or story based on what you read, not to be so easily influenced by media, and to keep an open mind before jumping to conclusions.”

Ayling faced harsh scrutiny following her release, with headlines suggesting that she had fabricated the ordeal and accusations in court that the incident was a “publicity stunt.”

She hopes that the new drama will allow viewers to see her story from her perspective, emphasising that many crucial details were not fully revealed at the time, including aspects of the court case.

“It’s important for me that people can now see all of those key details based on years of extensive research and not a

warped version of the truth,” Ayling added.

The series, written by Georgia Lester—who also worked on Killing Eve—draws from research, interviews, legal proceedings, and Ayling’s autobiography, Kidnapped: The Untold Story Of My Abduction. Domina actress Nadia Parkes portrays Ayling in the drama, alongside Adrian Edmondson from A Spy Among Friends and Nigel Lindsay from The Capture.

Ayling revealed that she has watched the series a few times and believes it does a “really good” job of capturing her experience.

“(It) gives a great insight into what happened, how it happened, how long everything dragged on for, and how I was wrongly treated,” she said. “It even taught me a couple of things I didn’t know from the court transcripts.”

Following her kidnapping, Ayling appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

The series launched on Wednesday on BBC Three, catch up on BBC Iplayer.

Alien: Romulus

AS summer rolls in, a refreshing dip in the water often sounds inviting.

However, after watching the latest “Alien: Romulus” final trailer from 20th Century Studios, you might reconsider venturing into any murky liquids.

Following last week’s IMAX teaser, a chilling two-minute preview has surfaced, and it’s safe to say it’s the most intense trailer yet. This disturbing clip is packed with never-before-seen footage, extended set pieces, terrifying underwater scenes, and a particularly gruesome chest-burster moment—not for the faint-hearted or anyone who’s just had a heavy meal. (For those needing to brush up on the “Alien” franchise, our streaming guide for the Alien movies has you covered.)

“’Alien: Romulus’ takes the phenomenally successful ‘Alien’ franchise back to its roots,” the synopsis reads. “While scavenging the far reaches of a

derelict space station, a group of young space colonisers encounter the most terrifying life form in the universe.”

The film features an ensemble cast, including Cailee Spaeny (“Civil War”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), and Aileen Wu. Directed by Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) and written in collaboration with Rodo Sayagues (“Don’t Breathe 2”), the screenplay is based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett.

This unsettling trailer offers a closer look at the eerie interiors of the abandoned Romulus Space Station, now a breeding ground for the infamous biomechanical creatures of the “Alien” universe, including the spider-like, impregnating Facehuggers.

Cinematographer Galo Olivares (“Gretel & Hansel”)

shines through in this preview, with his shot framing enhancing the visuals that pay homage to the original “Alien” director of photography, Derek Vanlint. The deep shadows, reflective metallic surfaces, and sporadic bursts of saturated colour heighten the atmospheric tension.

One intriguing detail revealed in the trailer is a cutaway to a computer interface displaying the name MU/TH/UR 9000. Fans of the franchise will remember that the Nostromo’s 2.1-terabyte AI mainframe computer in the original “Alien” was nicknamed “Mother,” with the official designation MU/TH/UR 6000. Since “Alien: Romulus” is set in the 57-year gap between 1979’s “Alien” and 1986’s “Aliens,” the appearance of the MU/TH/ UR 9000 is a subtle nod to the passage of time, a detail sure to delight hardcore fans of the series.

“Alien: Romulus” creeps into cinemas on 16 August.

Flamingo Bingo returns to the Hangar

PREPARE for an unforgettable night as Flamingo Bingo takes over The Hangar in Milford Haven once again on August 24th. Gone are the days when bingo was just for grandmas in quiet social clubs –this event promises an electrifying experience with smoke machines, music, and confetti cannons.

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

The games feature the classic bingo format, with five rounds offering two chances to win – a full line and the first full house. The fast-paced nature of the game requires focus, but with intermittent dance breaks, the entertainment never falters.

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

Unlike the stereotypical image of silent bingo halls, this event infuses music into the game. Classic songs like Mousse T’s “Horny” blast through the venue, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Every time the number 69 is called, the crowd erupts into dance, making the entire Hangar come alive with smiles and positive energy.

Throughout the night, false calls and unexpected moments add an element of unpredictability to the

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

GAMING

ALRIGHT, my fellow cosmic voyagers, I’ve got a confession that might surprise you – F1 Manager has never quite revved my engine.

And that’s odd, considering I’ve been a Formula One fanatic for as long as I can remember, and I’ve clocked more hours in Football Manager than is probably healthy. The official F1 management games making a comeback after two decades should have been a match made in heaven for me. But, alas, it just never clicked.

The reason? I never really felt in control. Yes, you’re supposed to be running an F1 team, but the game always limited you to taking over an existing team, its drivers, and all its pre-set facilities. It felt more like house-sitting than building something truly your own. But, my friends, that’s changing with F1 Manager 2024.

This time around, they’ve introduced the headline feature: Create a Team. You can finally start your own team from scratch, with a

sandbox-like setup where you can either pick a legacy story that adjusts your budget and car performance or go fully custom.

For my playthrough, I chose a middle-of-the-road approach, wanting room to grow without being totally hopeless at the start. One issue, though – you can pick any driver, no matter your budget, which can be unrealistic. I’d prefer a system where reputation matters from the beginning, making it more satisfying to build a team that attracts top talent over time. I settled on an Oceania dream team with Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson – room for growth, but not too shabby to start with.

One of the new mechanics is a mentality system, which means managing the happiness of your drivers and staff affects team performance. It’s a neat addition that adds some depth, alongside an overhauled sponsor system where you can engage in activities for extra cash, though it might cost you in race prep. Customization options

HOROSCOPES

ARIES It won’t be a boring day. Startling, for sure, shocking, maybe, but definitely not boring, humdrum, or run-of-the-mill. Your first surprise will likely arrive via either a coworker or someone else you see on a daily basis. Either way, they won’t be acting even remotely close to the way they usually do. Of course, you being you, you’ll enjoy the change and encourage it. Hey, it’s your job to be a sparkplug. Might as well have fun with it.

TAURUS

For the past couple of weeks, you’ve been thinking that you might have a secret admirer, and you’re absolutely right. Your mystery suitor will let those feelings slip today, in a very minor way, so minor, in fact, that if you weren’t as sharp as you are and you didn’t pay attention as well as you do you might not notice it. As it is, you’ll need to decide whether to ignore the slip or have some fun, which depends on your relationship situation.

GEMINI

You are completely in control of how a situation plays out today.

If you get your back up and start spouting a stream of defensive excuses, the spiral will take a decidedly negative nosedive. If you take the higher road and respond with fairness and equanimity, you’ll engineer a mutually satisfactory conclusion. It’s your choice. Are you going to do what’s right?

CANCER

You should know by now that perfection doesn’t exist and that sacrificing your precious free time in pursuit of it isn’t worthwhile. Readjust your expectations and relax a little. Focusing only on the big picture doesn’t necessarily make you lazy. Sometimes it’s the smart way to approach a task. Today, you can feel free to look at things through a larger lens. Don’t worry about figuring everything out to the last decimal point.

LEO

Your instincts are accurate, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should rely just on them today. It’s important to recognize situations in which you should let the indisputable facts guide your actions or you could make a minor mistake that has major repercussions. Anything involving money, travel, or other people should have you looking for ways to confirm your gut reaction.

VIRGO

There’s a difference between being understanding and being naive.

If you feel that someone out there has been doing their best to work you, don’t take it for a single second longer. Put your foot down and announce that the game has officially come to an end. You’ve gone out of your way to do everything you could for all the people around you. If that generosity hasn’t come back to you, call a timeout. Enough is enough.

LIBRA

You definitely need time to devote to your work, there’s no doubt about it. You could even end up doing some unexpected overtime for the next day or so thanks to someone else’s willingness to blow off their own workload. You’re also feeling the longing, and it’s a strong one, to be alone, even if it’s just for a little while. That’s what evenings are all about. You may have to wait until later to get the solo time you crave, but it’s on its way.

for your car’s livery are a bit clunky, and I think Frontier could learn a thing or two from Codemasters here. Another new feature is the driver affiliate system, which lets you set up a driver academy to develop young talent. It’s a nice touch, though I’ve yet to see the long-term benefits.

Once you get to race weekends, it’s back to the familiar F1 Manager routine, with the same setup system and race strategy management. Mechanical failures add some excitement, and there’s now an option to simulate sessions if you’re not in the mood to play – though that seems a bit redundant.

If you’re content managing an existing team and already own F1 Manager 2023, you might want to save your money. But if you’ve been waiting for a more personal touch, Create a Team makes F1 Manager 2024 the most compelling version yet. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid step forward. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a championship to win.

SCORPIO If anyone can deal with tough times, it’s you. So when a dear one mentions a last-minute problem that’s really got them floored, you’ll do for them what you’d do for yourself under similar circumstances: You’ll help them come up with possible solutions, and remind them that the unexpected detour around an obstacle often turns out to be better than the original path.

SAGITTARIUS

One of the best traits anyone can possibly possess, especially in times like these, is adaptability. You have that quality down pat, and it’s certainly going to come in handy. The last thing in the world you were ever expecting is exactly what you can expect right now. Fortunately, you’re always open to new and exhilarating experiences, so you won’t mind at all, but you may be called on to help a friend who isn’t quite so flexible.

CAPRICORN

Taking two steps backward for every one step forward is an exasperating way to spend your day. Sometimes, though, despite making your best efforts, events conspire to send you back to the drawing board again and again. Does your plan need modification? Perhaps you’re being too ambitious or trying to bite off more than you can comfortably chew in one session. Look for ways to simplify, but don’t give up. You’re on the right track.

AQUARIUS

You definitely woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Just make sure that your self-confidence doesn’t devolve into arrogance. If you rely completely on your own devices, you may miss a wonderful opportunity to make a significant connection. The sound of your own voice may be music to your ears, but only by listening to others can you broaden your experience and expand your perceptions beyond your usual boundaries. Be open to the possibilities.

PISCES

When it comes to relationships, you’re anything but predictable now. In fact, if there’s a different or unusual way to do something, if there’s any way to push the envelope just a touch to see how much your loved ones are willing to put up with, you’ll find it today. Don’t make a habit of this behavior, because they won’t put up with it forever. For now, though, it’s kind of exciting. Not that they’d ever admit it.

WITH EDDIE THE GAME GURU

Thank-you readers for your nominations

AT the Pembrokeshire Herald, we’re thrilled to embark on a special mission to support and uplift our local businesses, all thanks to your enthusiastic nominations during our recent Facebook campaign!

Over the next four weeks, we’ll be shining a spotlight on these incredible businesses, celebrating their unique offerings and contributions to our community.

Supporting local businesses is vital for many reasons. When you shop locally, you help to strengthen the local economy by keeping money within our community. This not only supports business owners and their families but also creates job opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship. Local businesses often provide unique products

and services that you won’t find elsewhere, adding character and diversity to our area.

Moreover, local businesses are more likely to give back to the community. They sponsor local events, support local charities, and contribute to the overall well-being of the place we call home. By supporting them, you’re also fostering a sense of community pride and connection.

Every four weeks, we’ll introduce you to a new group of these local stars, giving you an inside look at what makes them exceptional. But that’s not all – after this initial showcase, we’ll continue the excitement by highlighting even more outstanding businesses. Stay tuned and join us in celebrating the heart and soul of Pembrokeshire’s vibrant local economy!

What Next for the Tories in Wales?

WHAT started as a stunt in an Agricultural Show has turned into a full-scale crisis for Tory Senedd Leader Andrew RT Davies, writes Jonathan Edwards

In the sort of engagement exercise often used at such events, Mr Davies invited visitors to fill two jars, one supporting devolution and one calling for the Senedd to be abolished.

As we approach 25 years since the creation of a devolved government in Wales, some would say it is a perfectly reasonable question to ask. However, it obviously opened old wounds in the Tories in Wales over a question that many in the party deemed settled.

Mr Davies is a bull in a china shop type of politician.

However, as a leader, his statements and political actions have serious consequences.

By questioning the legitimacy of the Senedd, senior Tories in Wales have baulked at the potential implication of the direction he may be heading. Will there now be a move against him amongst his Senedd colleagues and the wider party? Who knows, but obviously, matters are not happy in the party in Wales, which is unsurprising after being wiped out in the General Election.

When parties are unhappy, leaders often face double scrutiny from their own camp, and clarion calls for a fresh start become deafening.

What really interests me is that the growing row highlights a major strategic dilemma facing the Conservatives in Wales after the events of July. Heavy election defeats inevitably lead to introspection.

The wider UK party is undertaking that process via a prolonged leadership election. In Wales, senior party figures must be pondering where exactly they go from their current position, particularly in the context of a fastapproaching Senedd election.

The Tories face an unenviable task.

From an organisational point of view, they have lost 12 MPs—some of whom were serious big hitters like Stephen Crabb, James Davies, David Jones, Simon Hart and David TC Davies. The party has a serious organisational hole to fill and a loss of substantial staffing resources.

Strategically, it also faces a threat from its right flank in the growth of Reform. I suspect this new landscape is what really led Mr Davies to ask the good people of the Vale if they supported the Senedd’s abolition.

He and others in the party are probably thinking primarily about how they can take on the Reform threat and reunite the political right.

The problem with that strategy is whether the Tories can seriously outReform Reform.

As a historian in a past life, what always struck me about the Tories is that they were great reformists when the times required a change of direction. Robert Peel and Benjamin Disraeli, in the 19th Century, completely remodelled the party as the franchise was extended. Thatcher remodelled the Tories completely on the back of the stasis of the 70s. She was so successful that every other UK party continues adhering to her philosophy forty years later.

I am sure future historians will argue that Boris Johnson remodelled the Tories during the 2017 – 19 Parliament. However, they will probably argue he wasn’t as successful as Peel and Disraeli, as his attempts at realignment proved to be politically and economically unsustainable.

Standing still for the Tories in Wales is no longer an option.

The easy option would be to fight on a Reformist platform.

What alternative is available to the Tories other than moving further rightward and being more devo-sceptic?

I wonder whether the party is prepared to be bold.

A potentially game-changing approach could be planting its tanks on Plaid Cymru’s lawn and proclaiming that the next Tory UK Government will use Brexit freedoms, favour fullfat devolution, and support devolving the major job creation leavers of VAT, Corporation Tax, and full income tax powers to Wales. The party in Wales could also declare semi-independence from the wider UK party, making the Senedd Leader the Welsh Leader while retaining close organisational and financial links.

In doing so, it would then be possible to achieve two strategic aims.

Moving the political debate in Wales onto tax and spending will make the economy a more natural Tory territory. The current focus in Wales on the debate being dominated on how to manage public services alone falls into Labour’s lap.

Secondly, the Tories will be able to compose a narrative of how they will

improve the living standards of the Welsh people via the fiscal firepower at their disposal and gather the support of those likely to vote at the Senedd election who will likely be drawn towards Reform.

If the Tories were to make such an offer, the other parties would have to respond. Such a strategy would help the Tories entrench in the electorate’s minds that Labour is a status quo force in Wales.

It will also create a world of trouble for Plaid Cymru, which favours tax devolution but has no coherent idea about how to use taxation powers.

Some in Plaid favour a Republic of Ireland model, lowering taxes to increase competitiveness and attracting foreign direct investment and rich entrepreneurs. The majority of the party’s activist base favours a Scandinavian model with far higher levels of taxation. If the Tories applied a new and bolder approach properly, they could split Plaid Cymru in half.

On such a platform, the Tories could reasonably argue that they are the most pro-devolution party going into 2026 whilst supporting the Union.

It would throw a hand grenade into the lead-up to the election debate in Wales leading into 2026.

It’s the sort of realignment that sits completely at ease with their party’s Peel, Disraeli, and Thatcher traditions. It would place financial accountability at the heart of the political debate in Wales—the cornerstone of Conservative political philosophy.

Badger and the Big Blue

ELSEWHERE in this week’s edition and online at herald.wales, Jonathan Edwards makes an interesting suggestion about how the Conservatives could regroup in Wales in time for the 2026 election.

The former Carmarthenshire MP’s proposal is intriguing. Badger isn’t going to disagree with his analysis.

Instead, Badger wants to expand upon it and offer his take on one issue that Jonathan touches upon.

The Conservative Party is the most successful election-winning political machine in history.

Their success stems from two disparate threads: a straightforward central philosophy alongside an ability to adapt and evolve.

Conservatives believe the state should interfere as little as possible in people’s lives, institutions matter, rights exist under the law, and reform (change) must happen when allowing the status quo to continue is indefensible.

Badger believes the Conservative failure is down to neglecting those basic truths and replacing them with a cult of economic materialism.

The Conservative Party, at least in Westminster, has become ever more exercised about what a “true Conservative” is and who is and isn’t one. Instead of offering certainty, the Conservatives trapped themselves in delivering perpetual revolution, constant chopping and changing, and the sort of doctrinal arguments that doomed Labour to 32 years of opposition in the last 45 years.

If the Conservatives were worn out after fourteen continuous years in power from 2010 onwards, and Badger is far from convinced on that point, they have only themselves to blame. If anything wore out the Conservatives in government, it certainly wasn’t the burden of legislative change enacted since David Cameron entered Downing Street as Prime Minister. Their lasting legislative achievements are few and almost all instantly forgettable.

No, readers. What wore out the Conservatives was their endless infighting and backstabbing.

Fourteen years of briefing, counterbriefing, unnamed sources close to x or y, anonymous allies of a or b, and the radicalisation and division of the traditional Conservative right by the Brexit disease. Combine those with the psychodrama of being in office but not in control of events, cronyism

on an epic and corrupt scale, and the low calibre of too many MPs and ministers.

Crikey, Moses, readers!

The Conservatives are less a political party than a nervous breakdown.

And yet.

And yet, readers.

You cannot write off the Conservatives.

Turn back to the early years of the twentieth century. The Conservatives were swept from power by the “Liberal Miracle” of 1906, when their leader, Arthur Balfour, gambled on the Liberals’ perceived inability to win a majority.

The Conservatives lost 246 seats out of the 402 they held before Balfour’s gamble.

And back they came.

When Attlee won in 1945 and embarked on restructuring public services, he did so on the basis of plans drawn up during the Second World War by the Conservativedominated National Government. The Conservatives lost 189 seats in 1945.

This time, they were back in power within six years.

In 1997, the Conservatives lost 178 seats.

This time, they were out of office for thirteen years.

They came back and held office for fourteen years, topped off by beating Labour so badly in 2019 that it finally

Now, readers, please consider the 2024 General Election.

Conservative politicians, especially former Cabinet ministers, have offered competing versions of why the Conservatives lost.

Badger has set out one reason above, but he’s going to expand on one more and torpedo some of the more crackers suggestions he’s read.

The Conservatives are too concerned with abstract economics than real lives.

Growth is important as a measure of relative economic success. However, growth did not make voters more positively inclined towards the Conservatives because their wages fell while the cost of living rose.

UK economic growth delivered no discernible positive benefit to too many.

Public services - especially those upon which those on modest means depend - became measurably and visibly worse between 2010 and 2024. The success of Conservative welfare reforms could be measured in the number of people dependent on food banks to survive or make ends meet. Meanwhile, while wages declined in real terms over more than a decade, the Conservatives pissed on voters’ shoes and told them it was raining.

Over the last seven years, in particular, the UK has become a

shabbier and unkinder place.

At the heart of that was the perpetual revolution in the Conservative Party.

Politicians who had nothing to do with classical and pragmatic conservatism battened onto the Conservative Party like true parasites—giving nothing in exchange for their relationship but poisoning the host. Like all revolutionaries, they needed to prove their loyalty by finding enemies within. And find them they did: shirkers, scroungers, remoaners, Muslims, immigrants, and - in the end - each other.

The need for constant news, which increased the pace of change by heightening the drama and highlighting opposed views over consensus, brought the parasites into the fold. As time passed, it exposed their shallow, selfserving, and ultimately nonsensical contradictions. Old Etonians and Oxbridge graduates posed as the legates of the masses against the establishment. The privileged and wealthy railed against “hidden elites” and posed as champions of “the ordinary working people of this country”. The establishment turned against the establishment because they despised tradition while claiming to defend it.

In the end, people like that are less politicians than they are “a turn”. They amuse for a while, but their schtick goes stale, and they feel the need to reinvent themselves by becoming ever more performatively outrageous.

It doesn’t take much to imagine Boris Johnson as the boy at the back of the class lighting his farts, does it? It doesn’t take much to imagine him burning down the chemistry lab for attention once fart-lighting loses its charms, either.

The Conservative Party experienced both Boris Johnsons, the buffoon and the arsonist. And then the membership saw the smouldering mess he left behind and dropped Liz Truss on top of it like napalm.

After the predictable disaster of Truss PM, Rishi Sunak was left trying to create an administration and a winning narrative out of cinders.

This time out, if Conservative Party members elect a leader who appeals to them instead of the electorate, they won’t even be left with ashes.

came to its senses and remembered that without power, a political party could not serve.

Ukraine’s high-stakes gamble on Russian soil

Ahoy there, ye scallywags and seadogs of Milford Haven! It’s yer ol’ mate Stephen Seagull squawkin’ from the docks, with more news than a fishmonger’s got scales. Now, I ain’t usually one to flap me wings about affairs far from our shores, but this here business with Ukraine and Russia has got me feathers all ruffled.

Now, listen up! Ukraine’s gone and done what no one’s dared since the days when the world was still fightin’ in black and white – they’ve poked the Russian bear right in its den. A surprise attack on Russian soil, mind ye! And not just a bit of squawkin’ or feather rufflin’, but a full-blown incursion. Aye, ye heard right, 1,000 square kilometers

if ye believe Kyiv’s cawing, though the Russian side’s squawkin’ about a smaller patch.

Zelenskiy, that bold seafarer captaining Ukraine’s ship, he’s got the wind in his sails with this one. “War is comin’ home to Putin,” he squawked. And it’s no light thing to be sayin’, mind ye. It’s a risky voyage, but one that’s got everyone’s beady eyes watchin’.

Even the big birds across the pond –aye, the Americans – are takin’ note, droppin’ another 125 million clams worth of arms into Ukraine’s nets.

Now, what’s clever here is how they caught the Russians napping. Like a bunch of fishermen dozin’ off with lines in the water, only to wake up with their catch stolen right out from under ‘em!

Ukraine’s hit a soft spot, see, a part of the Russian coast that wasn’t expectin’ trouble, and they’ve gone and made a right mess of things for old Vlad.

But here’s the rub – what’s the plan, eh? Zelenskiy says he’s lookin’ to stop cross-border shelling, but there’s more to it, I reckon. Could be a bit of misdirection, could be they’re tryin’ to complicate Russia’s supplies, or maybe they’re just lookin’ to lift spirits back home and remind the world they’re not goin’ down without a fight. Whatever it is, it’s a bold move, no doubt.

But, like any sailor worth his salt knows, a bold move on the high seas can turn into a rough squall real quick. Holdin’ onto this new territory will be tougher than a seagull hangin’ onto

a chip in a gale. And if they’ve bitten off more than they can chew, well, it could all come back to bite ‘em in the tail feathers.

So, where does this leave us? On the edge of our perches, that’s where. What happens next could shape the tides of this whole conflict. Will Putin come swoopin’ back with a vengeance? Or will Ukraine’s bold gamble pay off, shiftin’ the winds in their favor? Only time’ll tell, me hearties. But for now, let’s keep our eyes sharp and our beaks to the wind, ‘cause this tale’s far from over.

Until next time, keep yer wings dry and yer beaks sharp!

Stephen Seagull, over and out!

Concern for animals across Wales

PETS CORNER

The RSPCA is warning pet owners across Wales to be extra-vigilant this summer with fears of pets being targeted in deliberate weapon attacks –and wildlife also in the firing line.

Across England and Wales there were 896 incidents reported to the RSPCA involving air weapons between 2020 and 2023 – with 66 of these reported in Wales.

Eight of these incidents in Wales were reported from Neath Port Talbot, seven from Conwy, six from Rhondda Cynon Taff and five from Caerphilly.

The warning comes as the RSPCA’s ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer campaign continues to raise vital funds supporting the charity’s work to tackle animal cruelty.

New data from the animal charity also has revealed that the number of cats shot with an air gun, catapult/slingshot or crossbow – across England and Wales – has more than doubled in the first six months of this year (44), compared to the same period in 2023 (18).

Overall, there has also been a 23% year-on-year increase in the total number of animals targeted by weapons across England and Wales, up from 300 in 2022 to 370 last year.

Crossbows are the weapon which has seen the biggest increase in its use in attacks, with 11 incidents in 2023, compared to seven in 2022. Catapult/ slingshot incidents also show an upward trend (27 to 28).

With the RSPCA receiving more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year, the charity has released the heartbreaking figures as part of the No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal.

RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said: “Weapon attacks are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg.

“It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ like this – or to harm them for target practice, and sadly we receive too many reports across Wales.

“While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly the RSPCA’s experience shows that there are people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with guns, catapults and crossbows. These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.

“But we are doing all we can to change things. As more and more police forces

are seeing worrying levels of weaponsrelated incidents, we are helping to develop Operation Lakeshot, a police-led partnership initiative initially established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police, which aims to tackle these worrying crimes against wildlife.”

Incidents involving weapons reported to the RSPCA this year include:

An x-ray of a hedgehog taken to a vet after being found wounded in a garden in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, revealed an air gun pellet embedded in his shoulder. Sadly, the wild animal had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds. April 2024.

A swan rescued by the RSPCA was found to have had a pellet lodged inside his head. X-Rays on the male swan found in May in a pond in Tredegar, discovered a pellet in his head whilst investigating the fishing litter lodged down his neck. He had also been found with a fishing line around his leg. Sadly the swan was put to sleep on welfare grounds after rescuers trying to remove the hook – found that it had penetrated the oesophagus and had caused an extensive infection in the neck which could not be treated.

X-Rays on the male swan found on Thursday 23 May in a pond in the Cefn Golau area in Tredegar, discovered a pellet in his head whilst investigating the fishing

litter lodged down his neck. He had also been found with a fishing line around his leg.

Narla, a three-year-old cat from Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, was shot in the abdomen and the pellet ruptured her spleen. Luckily, thanks to expert veterinary care, she survived her ordeal. April 2024.

A peacock was fatally wounded after being shot six times with an airgun in Shropshire. The bird was found with pellets lodged in his leg and several other areas following the shooting in the village of Hinstock near Market Drayton. January 2023

Geoff added: “Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals – severe injuries often leading to death. And what we deal with probably only represents a small part of a much wider problem, as not all cases will be reported to the RSPCA directly and there may be situations where animals injured and killed by these weapons are sadly never found – especially in the case of wildlife.

“This is why we need our supporters to back our RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal campaign so we can tackle this horrific trend and continue to take action against cruelty.”

New TB Board established for Wales

NEW Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board has been established for Wales and is the latest development in reaching the shared goal of a a TBfree Wales.

The news was confirmed today by Huw Irranca-Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, ahead of a week attending agricultural shows across Wales.

It follows the formation of the Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group in April and completes the governance structure for the programme set out in the TB Eradication Programme Delivery Plan published in March 2023.

Speaking ahead of travelling to the Anglesey Agricultural Show and Pembrokeshire County Show, the Cabinet Secretary said: ” I am particularly happy to make this announcement as it shows our clear commitment to listening to industry and placing partnership working at the very centre of the Bovine TB eradication programme.

“Since my appointment I have been keen to meet farmers, vets and industry and listened to their concerns regarding the burden and anxieties of TB. Recognising the impact on farmers, their families and their businesses is at the forefront of my mind.”

Board members will be confirmed in due

course, but the Cabinet Secretary said he intended for the Board to largely be made up of farmers from different parts of Wales and people from farming backgrounds. The Board will be chaired by a farmer.

Officials representing three, key industry organisations – the National Farmers Union Cymru, Farmers’ Union of Wales and the British Veterinary Association Welsh branch – will also be appointed.

There will also be the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales and a member representing

the Welsh Government and the Animal and Plant Health Agency respectively.

The Board will meet quarterly and provide strategic advice to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.

Early priorities for the Board will include considering the Technical Advisory Group’s advice in relation to the six-yearly review of Wales’ TB eradication targets and exploring how to improve communication and engagement with farmers and vets.

Swansea couple cultivate a haven for wildlife

YELLOW clusters of Kidney Vetch and the tiny daisy-like flowers of the Chamomile jostle for position among the summer’s colourful arrivals at a specialist nursery dedicated to aiding nature recovery in the Welsh countryside.

Barry and Sandra Stewart had little experience of cultivating wildflowers when they established Celtic Wildflowers near Swansea but they filled gaps in their knowledge by drawing on free advice and services available through Farming Connect’s horticulture team and are now leading suppliers of around 300 species.

Barry said: “We feel like we have been taken under Farming Connect’s wing, that we have this little support network to tap into when we need a helping hand.’’

The business has the Marsh Fritillary butterfly and Devil’s-bit Scabious, the food source of this rare insect’s offspring, to thank in part for its origins.

Barry had been invited in his capacity as an ecological consultant to grow the plant to provide habitat for this endangered butterfly as there were no growers producing it in sufficient quantities in Wales.

The Stewarts grew around 5,000 to plant on a site near Hirwaun where the

Marsh Fritillary naturally occurs.

Barry recalled: “We planted them in pretty horrific conditions in the middle

of winter and went back to inspect them nine months later and were gob smacked by their survival, they had not

only survived but they were in flower and had increased the ecological value of the site.’’

Soon he was asked to grow plants for other pollinators that were in decline, including Kidney Vetch for the Small Blue butterfly.

“Once we started growing, within 18 months we had 250 species under way,’’ says Barry.

“It was like a revolution, people were saying “my goodness, people are growing Welsh native plants’’. People really got on board and it gave us the impetus to go further.’’

After a year of cultivating pollinator species, the Stewarts introduced trees and shrubs and now grow most of the native species found in Wales.

They put much of their success down to their employees and volunteers, Nancy Minopoli, Laura Norman, Corrinne Bennow and Angela Reed, and Sandra’s step-father, Jeff Lewis, and also credit the Farming Connect horticulture team led by Sarah Gould for stepping in when they need extra support.

“If Sarah thinks there is an opportunity for us, she will make us aware of it and will do her very best to help us access it,’’ says Sandra, a former primary school teacher.

Farming Connect advice workshop

FARMING CONNECT’S

Welsh Sheep Genetics Project (WSGP) is helping to facilitate major change in a large-scale sheep flock.

The Rhug Estate near Corwen had been running a flying flock of 3,750 North of England-type mules but is now transitioning to a closed flock of Welsh ewes.

It is using performance recorded tups to produce its own crossbred replacement ewe lambs and the type of finished lambs that the business sees as key to future profitability.

Electronic identification (EID) – based technology is playing a significant role, providing data to help manage breeding decisions while allowing the farm to close its flock and breed its own replacements.

Farm manager Emyr Owen says an advice surgery with independent sheep and beef adviser Matt Blyth, arranged and funded by the WSGP, has been integral in the decision to overhaul the whole EID performance recording system.

“That meeting with Matt was a massive help, it got the conversation going,’’ Emyr recalls. “It has been fantastic to have that support.’’

Making the switch to a Welsh ewe was in part because the breed is proven to thrive in the region in outdoor lambing systems.

Historically the lowland Rhug flock has lambed indoors from 15 March but going forward only triplet-bearing ewes will lamb indoors.

The remainder will be lambed outdoors, from the end of March to April 15, to better match the estate’s grass growth curve.

“We have an amazing shed for lambing and want to maximise live births so it is

sensible to lamb triplets indoors but for the rest of the ewes it will all be done outside,’’ says Emyr.

Texel and Charollais tups were previously used but for the 2024 lambing season it was Abermax, Aberblack, Hampshire Down and Primera, all performance recorded.

Recorded Welsh rams were also purchased at the Prohill sale in 2023; these purchases were based on physical correctness and figures, and with consistency with the type of Welsh ewe the team at Rhug is aiming to produce.

The Welsh ewes were sourced from farms that are performance recording, with all three flocks part of the WSGP.

The Rhug flock has also joined the WSGP. “We are really thankful to be part of it, and buying the ewes from farms that are performance recording means we have gained a couple of years straight off the bat,’’ Emyr says.

EID is very much part of the new sheep system on the Rhug Estate.

A new weigh-head was purchased, support by a 40% grant from the Welsh Government’s Small Grants Efficiency Scheme.

“We had been using a weighhead for the cattle for years but had nothing for sheep,’’ Emyr explains.

It is used in conjunction with a stick reader and integrated with Agriwebb software.

“The plan is to become a completely paperless business,’’ says Emyr.

Lambs are tagged at weaning and data including daily liveweight gains and slaughter weights are recorded and monitored.

The benefits of this are already being seen, says Emyr. “We have a young shepherd in

Amidst a busy week on the Farmers’ Union of Wales stand at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod, work behind the scenes carries on, including our political engagement on behalf of our members.

charge of lambing the Welsh ewes and he has been using the stick reader to add comments about any ewes or lambs he has concerns about so that we can avoid breeding from problem animals.’

The ambition is to run the flock in three groups in an ABC system. The sheep in the A group will be those that are ‘faultless’ as they will produce the replacements for the nucleus Welsh ewe flock.

Emyr says the trait that is being most closely monitored is ewe body condition score. “BCS tells us so many things in the metric, and we can simply build protocols and key performance indicators around it.’’

In the 2024 lambing season the scanning percentage in the indoor lambing ewes averaged 185% and 160% in the outdoor lambing flock. For the Welsh ewes it was 135% but, as two thirds of these were yearlings, the goal is to increase this to 150%.

Five hundred pure bred Welsh ewe lambs will be retained this year as replacements while a big proportion of the fat lambs will be processed on-farm and sold through the Rhug Estate farm shop. The remainder will be marketed through Pilgrims, ABP or Ruthin livestock market.

Although the journey to improving flock genetics and profitability is in its early stages Emyr says his confidence in the targeted outcomes is embolden by the support received through Farming Connect and the WSGP.

“One hour workshops are such a good idea from Farming Connect, for most people an hour is all that is needed but there is more support available from other parts of the Farming Connect programme if required.’

This week we welcomed Daniel Zeichner MP, newly appointed Minister of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), along with, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, newly appointed Deputy First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, with local MP for Blaenau Gwent Nick Smith, to our regional Vice President Brian Bowen’s farm near Tredegar.

Bringing together Rural Affairs representatives from both the UK and Welsh Governments on a typical family farm in Wales is significant in the FUW’s lobbying efforts for Welsh agriculture. It allowed us to demonstrate some of the most pressing issues facing Welsh family farms, how they tie in across both parliaments, and more importantly, how they can be addressed.

Our Vice President’s son, Karl Bowen, who farms alongside his father, was passionate in portraying how the younger generation of farmers is feeling. Not only concerned about their future, but disrespected and dismissed for the benefits they already bring to society in terms of food production and management of the countryside. He informed the Minister that the industry needs ‘a light at the end of the tunnel’ and stability to move forwards.

The persistent Welsh weather drove us into the house for a cuppa, where

we took the opportunity to have further open and frank discussions. We covered a range of topics, including future funding for agriculture and rural development in Wales, the need for an effective bovine TB eradication strategy, the Control of Agricultural Pollution ‘NVZ’ regulations that are causing many businesses a real headache, and the need to prevent livestock attacks by increasing enforcement powers through legislation.

The Minister was grateful for the opportunity to understand the real challenges facing Welsh family farms at a grassroots level. This was the first of what we hope will be more regular meetings with the new DEFRA team, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with both governments to represent the views of our members on behalf of the industry and the rural economy here in Wales.

At Wales’ annual cultural event, down in Pontypridd, we must extend our gratitude to the staff, members, partner agencies, sponsors and the public themselves for a fantastic week of showcasing the best of what Welsh agriculture has to offer from the Eisteddfod. From Welsh beef and lamb cooking demonstrations, local Welsh produce tasters, panel sessions on a variety of food, farming and conservation matters, the stand was a hive of activity throughout the week.

Children had a wonderful time creating bug houses, colouring farm scenes, crafting with wool and cloth and leaving with FUW bucket hats and sunglasses. Both were definitely needed all week to keep the variable Welsh weather at bay. Diolch pobl Pontypridd a’r cyffiniau!

Tesla faces recall over unlatched bonnet

TESLA has issued a software update for more than 1.8 million vehicles in the US to fix a faulty notification system for unlatched bonnets, also known as hoods in the US.

In a recall notice, US safety regulators said, external a flawed part meant the cars might not be able to detect and alert drivers when the front cover piece is unlatched, risking it flying fully open when the car starts moving.

Tesla started investigating the problem in March, after complaints of “unintended hood opening events” emerged in China, where the part was made.

The recall affects a significant number of vehicles made by the company in recent years, including certain Model 3, Model S and Model X cars made since 2020.

Tesla’s investigation found the issues were more prevalent in China than in Europe or North America, “for reasons unknown”, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents published about the recall.

In the US, the company said it knew of just three reports potentially related to the problem, and was not aware of any accidents or injuries.

This month, “out of an abundance of caution while all engineering studies continue, Tesla made a determination to voluntarily recall affected vehicles,” according to the NHTSA documents.

Tesla had started sending the software update to customers in June. Just 1% of the vehicles involved in the recall are actually likely to have the defect, according to the notice.

It is the latest recall notice to involve Elon Musk’s electric car company, which

has ramped up production dramatically over the last few years.

The biggest involved safety updates for its auto-pilot system for more than two million cars late last year.

In 2021, the company also faced a recall

related to faulty bonnet latches, some of which were misaligned and put the piece at increased risk of popping open.

In that case, the recall targeted about 119,000 Model S luxury sedans and required reassembly of the secondary latch.

POLITICS

Welsh Tory Leader accused of ‘race

ANDREW RT DAVIES, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, faces accusations of engaging in “Islamophobic race-baiting” following comments made in an article for GB News. The Muslim Council of Wales has strongly condemned his remarks, calling them “ham-fisted attempts at dog-whistle racism.”

In the GB News article, Davies expressed concerns about children being “forced to eat halal school lunches” after a constituent claimed that non-halal meat was unavailable at her daughter’s school in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. However, the school has since clarified on social media that this claim is incorrect.

The Muslim Council of Wales responded to Davies’ article with a strongly worded statement, criticizing his comments as inflammatory and dangerous. “At a time when we need politicians to show moral leadership, Andrew RT Davies is engaging in Islamophobic race-baiting,” the Council said. “Such remarks may increase online engagement for Mr. Davies but have real consequences on our streets and in our mosques.”

The Council further emphasized the

potential impact on Muslim children returning to school, many of whom already face bullying and discrimination. “Mr. Davies’ public and misleading campaign on halal meat will undoubtedly affect Muslim pupils,” they added.

Natasha Asghar, a South Wales East Senedd member and a Muslim within the Conservative group, addressed the controversy by asserting that the Conservative Party is not Islamophobic. She encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out to her or other members of the Senedd, stressing her commitment to fostering peace and community cohesion.

Andrew RT Davies’ Response

In response to the criticism, Andrew RT Davies defended his actions, stating that he had merely sought assurances from the local authority that a non-halal meat option would be available for students. “As an elected member, it is my responsibility to ask legitimate questions on behalf of my constituents,” Davies said. He dismissed attempts to link his concerns with recent public disorder as “irresponsible.”

Davies also highlighted his ongoing efforts to engage with various religious and community

groups, including Sikh constituents who have specific dietary restrictions related to ritually slaughtered meat.

Leadership Stability Questioned

Amid the growing controversy, some within the Conservative Senedd group have privately expressed concerns about Davies’ leadership. One member mentioned that his recent social media posts are becoming increasingly “difficult to defend” and warned that his position could become “untenable” if this continues, potentially leading to a leadership challenge.

This follows a recent post by Davies questioning whether the Senedd should be abolished, which sparked disagreement among several senior party members. His predecessor, Paul Davies, and former group leader Lord Nick Bourne both publicly opposed the notion, stating that it has never been Conservative Party policy to abolish the Senedd.

Despite the internal unrest, it is not believed that a leadership challenge is imminent, as there is currently no clear candidate to replace Davies.

-baiting’ by Muslim group

Top Welsh Tory unfazed amid leadership controversy

ANDREW RT DAVIES, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, has stated he does not believe his leadership is under threat despite growing criticism over his recent remarks and the conduct of a member of his party.

Mr Davies has come under fire for his comments concerning halal meat and the future of the Senedd, as well as his handling of inappropriate language used by Conservative MS, Laura Anne Jones. Jones was recently ousted from Mr Davies’s shadow cabinet following the revelation that she used a racist slur to describe Chinese people in a WhatsApp message. She is also currently under police investigation regarding her expenses.

Despite these controversies, Mr Davies appeared to dismiss the idea of suspending Ms Jones, telling BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that none of his colleagues had proposed such action. He noted that Ms Jones had issued “a full and wholesome apology” for her use of what he termed “wholly inappropriate language.”

“What do we do these days?

Do we take people out and tar and feather them, or do we accept an apology, understand that people learn the lessons from their mistake, and move on?” Mr Davies queried.

The Welsh Conservative leader’s remarks come as concerns grow within his party over his social media conduct. Some members of the Conservative Senedd group have privately voiced their unease, with one member reportedly considering calling for an emergency meeting before the end of the summer recess in September.

One party insider described Mr Davies’s social media posts as increasingly “difficult to defend,” suggesting that if the situation continues to deteriorate, his position could become “untenable,” potentially leading to a leadership challenge.

In a separate incident, Mr Davies faced accusations of “Islamophobic race-baiting” from the Muslim Council of Wales.

The allegations stemmed from a GB News article penned by Mr Davies, in which he argued that

WITH ANDREW LYE

fortunate to be a member of a party that now has 72 MP’s. It’s the largest number for over 100 years..

We now have a Labour Government with a majority of 174 and the Conservative’s Conservatives have just 121 MP’s. Over 40 fewer seats than in 1997, when Tony Blair had a landslide victory.

With all the problems of the violence and rioting over the last couple of weeks, the media seems to have hardly approached the Liberal Democrats for comment, yet always seem to seek out the leader of a party with just 5 MP’s.

With former PM Rishi Sunak having resigned as leader of the Conservatives, 6 contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, to replace him - James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Mel Stride, Kemi Badenoch, Dame Priti Patel and Tom Tugendhat. They all think they have what it takes to restore their party to the the position the Conservatives think they were born for to govern the United Kingdom. But what they forget, in my opinion, is that most of them are the reason their Party is in the dire straights its in! Still, that’s their problem. Not mine to worry about.

children “should not be forced to eat halal school lunches.” The article followed a complaint from a constituent in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, who claimed nonhalal meat was unavailable at her daughter’s school. However, the school later refuted the claim, stating on social media, “The statement that all meat options are halal only is incorrect.”

Mr Davies has vehemently denied the race-baiting accusations, insisting that his concerns were purely about providing choice.

Further criticism has also come from within his own party. Lord Nick Bourne, a former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, criticised Mr Davies for a social media post in which he questioned whether the Senedd should be abolished. Mr Davies later clarified that neither he nor his party supports the abolition of the Welsh Parliament.

As the summer recess continues, the pressure on Mr Davies shows little sign of abating, with questions remaining over how long he can maintain his leadership amidst the ongoing controversies.

On the road in my work, I listen to LBC News and at the week-end, LBC released research from Savanta, a market research company showing that 7 in 10 British voters say that the Conservatives are currently “unelectable”, with that number including a staggering 4 in 10 (42%) who voted Conservative at the recent July election. This suggests a “huge gulf between the Conservative and Labour Party brands”, which will make for sobering reading for the 6 vying to replace Rishi Sunak. I would see it more as a poisoned chalice.

The same poll showed 19% of those surveyed said they felt the Conservatives were electable. The figures come as the Tory party is engulfed in an a protracted leadership election, due to conclude on the 2nd November.

Chris Hopkins, the Political Research Director for Savanta said the figures were “not surprising”.

He told LBC “for a party that is leaderless and directionless at the minute will feel unelectable, but it does go to show the uphill task a new leader and the party does have”

Some of the issues highlighted by potential voters include just 15% of those asked saying they felt the Conservative Party was united, compared with 54% who believe Labour are united. Mel Stride, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, who is standing to be leader said that the most important issue facing his party was “unity”.

He told LBC “we had a very poor election result, and there are some very deep lessons for us. Firstly we need to unite our party, and secondly we’ve got to regain that reputation for competence and delivery”

Chris Hopkins from Savanta told LBC “there is going to likely be a battle for the soul of the Conservative Party over the coming months” “Things can get really divisive, and a little bit nasty. It will ultimately be up to the winner to try and unite, but also the loser to be as magnanimous as possible and try and work with the new leader. Given some of the personalities standing, you can see that potentially happening, but you can also see it not happening”

Though worrying for the Conservatives, the results do raise some question marks for the Labour Party with just one in three saying they thought the party “keep their promises”, that figure was also just 17% for the Conservatives.

Whilst the public were split on whether Labour “stands up for people like me”, with 43% saying they felt Sir Keir Starmer’s party do, and 39% saying they don’t.

I cannot see any of the current generation of Conservative MP’s becoming PM. In my eyes, they are the past and the reason they are in the wilderness. If they want to restore their name, it will be a new face and the party will need a complete overhaul as the survey said, they are unelectable. The Tories will have their 6th leader in 8 years, by Christmas. What hope do they honestly have ?

For the Liberal Democrats, we have the opportunity to show what we can say and achieve in the 5 years of this Parliament and maybe replace the Conservatives as the second party at the 2029 General Election. I can but dream that the Tories are like the Norwegian Blue parrot in the Monty Python sketch.

BLUE VIEW

WITH CLLR RHYS JORDAN

IF THERE’S one place where the pulse of the nation beats strongest, it’s not in Westminster or Whitehall: it’s in the local pub.

There’s something uniquely British about the pub, a place where people from all walks of life gather, pint in hand, to discuss everything from the weather to the woes of the world. If our government spent more time in these community hubs, they might finally understand what the British people truly want: a small state that leaves them alone to get on with their lives.

The UK has a proud history of individualism, of people working hard to carve out their own path. But recently, there’s been a growing sense that this ethos is under threat. Many feel the state has become too intrusive, too eager to meddle in things it doesn’t understand. What people are craving is a return to a smaller state, one that respects their autonomy and trusts them to make their own decisions.

This isn’t about being anti-government; it’s about recognising that the state should have its limits. The British public wants a government that ensures public safety, provides essential services, and supports those genuinely in need. But beyond that, people want to be left alone to live their lives as they see fit.

Recent riots and protests have highlighted how divided our country has become. The true causes of these disturbances are often oversimplified by those in power. Too often, the narrative is reduced to a battle between the far left and the far right, a convenient dichotomy that absolves the government of any responsibility.

But the reality is more complex. The anger spilling onto our streets is not driven by ideological extremism; it’s fuelled by frustration with a system that feels rigged against ordinary people. The British public is tired of seeing those who work hard being punished while those who don’t are rewarded.

This brings us back to

Tory under fire for racist slur

the pub. If our politicians listened to the conversations happening in these everyday settings, they’d hear a common refrain: “It’s just not fair.” People are fed up with a system that seems to reward idleness and punish productivity. They see it in the welfare system, where those who refuse to work often seem better off than those who do. They see it in the tax system, where the burden falls disproportionately on the “working poor” the backbone of our economy.

This is precisely why the Conservatives failed. They promised a smaller state and more opportunities for hard-working people, but delivered the opposite: more red tape, higher taxes, and a welfare system that still favours those who contribute the least. The disconnect between their rhetoric and actions became glaringly obvious, and the British people noticed.

With a Labour government, the question arises: are they any different? The answer, unfortunately, seems to be no. Labour’s platform, focused on expanding the role of the state, is just as out of touch with what the public wants. More government intervention and higher taxes won’t solve the issues ordinary people face it will only exacerbate them.

Labour may present itself as the party of the people, but they’ve missed the message coming from the pubs, kitchens, and workplaces of Britain. The British people don’t want more government in their lives; they want less.

The British people want a government that listens, understands, and respects their desire to be left alone. They want a system that rewards hard work and doesn’t punish those who strive to succeed. If our politicians spent less time in Westminster and more time in the local pub, they might just start to get it. If they don’t, the Conservatives will continue to fade, and Labour will find itself walking the same path to irrelevance.

A CONSERVATIVE politician representing South Wales East in the Senedd has come under heavy criticism after using a racist slur in a WhatsApp group chat.

Laura Anne Jones, a Tory Member of the Senedd (MS), used a highly offensive term in reference to Chinese people during a conversation about the Chinese-owned social media platform, TikTok. The comment, which has sparked outrage, was exposed by the news website Nation.Cymru.

Ms Jones has since issued a public apology, stating that the language she used was “unacceptable” and that she “deeply regrets” her choice of words. “I sincerely apologise for any offence this has caused,” she said.

Her fellow Conservative MS, Natasha Asghar, who also represents South Wales East, expressed her anger and embarrassment over the incident. “Language like this is unacceptable at every level,” Ms Asghar said, adding that she was “positively livid” about Ms Jones’ use of the slur.

In response to the controversy, two Conservative MSs have informed BBC Wales that they believe Ms Jones should be stripped of the party whip and removed from the Conservative group. However, the Welsh Conservative Party has declined to comment on the matter.

This incident adds to recent tensions within the Welsh Conservative Party, as Ms Jones has already faced criticism and scrutiny. In June, she was removed from her position as the party’s culture

spokesperson after texts from her phone appeared to show that she had asked an employee to inflate expenses claims.

The WhatsApp exchange about TikTok, where Ms Jones remarked, “No chinky spies for me!” has caused significant backlash. It remains unclear when the message was sent.

This apology comes at a time when the leader of the Conservative group in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, has been accused by the Muslim Council of Wales of “Islamophobic race-baiting” following an article he wrote about halal meat in schools. Mr Davies has categorically rejected the criticism.

Plaid Cymru has also condemned the language used by Ms Jones, describing it as “vile” and “completely unacceptable.” They have called on the Conservative group in the Senedd to “reflect on their recent behaviour and understand that their actions and words have consequences.”

Ms Jones, who has represented South Wales East since July 2020, remains embroiled in controversy. She was previously the subject of a police investigation concerning allegations of impropriety surrounding expenses, leading to her removal from the shadow cabinet. Despite these issues, she remains a member of the Conservative group in Cardiff Bay.

A solicitor representing Ms Jones has stated that she is confident any allegations regarding her expenses are “entirely misconceived.”

Prison learning and skills policy for Wales

A NEW Welsh Government policy sets out how learning and skills will be improved in Welsh prisons.

Better Learning, Better Chances: prison learning and skills provision in Wales sets out, for the first time what the delivery of learning and skills will look like. The policy aims to inspire and engage with prisoners and help them get ready for employment, gain independence and contribute to wider society. Prisoners who find work on release are less likely to re-offend than those who do not. Investing in learning and skills is key to promoting and developing a culture of rehabilitation in our criminal justice system.

Many current and former prisoners have benefitted from Welsh Government schemes to find employment. A learner, who served a sentence in a Welsh prison, gained training through the ReAct+ funding.

He said: “I am really enjoying this and never thought I’d have a chance to gain practical,

accredited skills within a prison setting and I am really looking forward to progressing on further”

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “Prisoner learning and skills provision is vital for rehabilitation. Prisoners are often disadvantaged within society, and this new policy gives them the chance to develop the necessary skills needed to thrive in employment.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits that this will provide for the learners, our criminal justice system, and the wider community.”

The Welsh Government has worked in partnership with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Wales, prisoners and prison leavers, education providers and third sector organisations to co-design the policy.

Publishing this policy is the last remaining action from the recommendations of the Hanson report, meaning all recommendations from the report are now complete.

Westminster is entrenching its control over Wales’ green energy assets

WALES is sitting on a growing pile of green gold, but you wouldn’t know it.

This is because the vast profits generated by the Crown Estate’s renewable energy assets, such as offshore wind, are not flowing into Welsh communities.

They are not being invested in our crumbling public services. They are not going to our schools or our hospitals.

Nor are they being used to invest in our infrastructure, such as our antiquated, piecemeal, badly functioning and generally inadequate rail network.

These profits are flowing out of Wales and into the coffers of the UK Treasury and the Royal Family.

The Crown Estate, which has a £16bn portfolio of land and seabed across Wales, England and Northern Ireland, recently posted a record £1.1bn in profits, surging by more than £658 million during the year ending March 31.

This largesse, which is in no small part derived from substantial payments made by companies to reserve a patch of the seabed to eventually build their wind turbines on, is up from £443 million the previous year.

Though Wales is missing out on the bonanza, this does not mean there aren’t any winners.

The British monarchy gets to cream off 12% of this cash in the form of the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. The surge in Crown Estate profits means the royal family will get a boost of more than £45 million.

This 53% increase means that their revenue will jump from £86.3 million in 2024/2025 to £132 million in 2025/2026.

According to officials, this financial boost will be used to help fund the final stages of the £369 million renovation of Buckingham Palace, as well as fund the luxurious lifestyle of the royal family. Welsh wind turbines will power the rotors of royal helicopters.

Meanwhile, Wales’ public services are set to continue to be starved of funds by Westminster. While YesCymru does not take a view on whether Wales should continue to have a monarchy postindependence, it does question the priorities of the Westminster establishment in its allocation of funds.

Welsh control of Welsh assets means the profits can be allocated to Welsh priorities.

YesCymru has long called for control of these assets and the profits generated by them to the Senedd. This commonsense position is also supported by the vast majority of Senedd members.

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

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

LETTERS & NOTICES

TRUTH AND DECEIT

DEAR SIR

All UK citizens should honor the courage of the Chartists in 1839, who risked transportation for life or death by musket fire in Newport while advocating for universal male suffrage— the cornerstone of a just and equitable government in Britain.

By 1927, most political parties in the UK—Liberal, Labour, Communist—had embraced the principle of universal suffrage, at least for the House of Commons.

The Conservative Party, however, stood apart, favoring an additional vote for graduates of Oxford and Cambridge.

Today, many nations hold democracy as a universal benchmark by which all countries

should be judged, a standard of moral integrity. Yet, it is either naive or deliberately misleading to claim that Britain is as democratic as other transparent nations. Nowhere else on Earth, except in Britain, do 92 hereditary aristocrats still wield power in the legislature, voting for each other in the House of Lords.

The majority of Lords are appointed by committee, a process that makes no pretense of being democratic, and exists only as a temporary measure accepted by non-Conservatives to challenge Tory policies without disrupting progress.

The fact that 92 privileged descendants of 12th-century barons still have a role in governing Britain is solely due to the Conservative Party’s opposition to full democracy. The gross dishonesty that has characterized Conservatism aims to attract the most self-serving

parties and alongside the media, have used migrants and Muslims as scapegoats for the economic crises facing the general public. The authorities, including the police and courts, have also not taken the threat of the far right to our society seriously enough.

We need change in our political system that will ensure respect for all members of our society and an end to the antimigrant and Islamophobic blame game. We need to provide safety and solidarity to all the communities affected by this wave of violence.

The economic deprivation of huge numbers of UK citizens was never caused by refugees and migrants seeking a safe refuge from violence; violence often caused by British and US military interference and occupation of their lands. After the bank crashes in 2008, instead of taxing the wealth and profits of the super rich and the financial sector, governments cut public services and spending. Decades of these cuts led to a huge rise in the gap between rich and poor. The bottom 50% of the UK population owns less than 5% of the wealth and the top 10% almost 60%, with the top 1% alone holding almost 25%. Prioritising the wealth and profits of the financial sector and big corporations has led to massive inequality in our society and growing frustration and anger.

Successive conservative ministers have used increasingly ugly and appalling language, representing asylum seekers and poor people as subhumans and enemies: Suella Braverman talked of ‘swarms’ and ‘invasions’ of refugees, and described homeless people living on the streets as making a ‘lifestyle choice’.

and unprincipled individuals, and it is this dishonesty that has led to Conservative Lords and MPs historically supporting inhumane practices—from slavery to the current neglect of society’s most vulnerable.

Britain must learn to distinguish between truth and deceit.

C. N. Westerman

HORRIFIED ABOUT THE RACIST VIOLENCE

DEAR SIR

Like many people in the UK I am horrified about the racist violence we see erupting in our streets. We have to understand that it has been building up for a long time. The Conservative government, along with politicians from other political

This emerging divisive and racist propaganda and the ensuing demonisation of ethnic minorities has hidden the true causes of the growth in poverty and had a corrosive influence on our political system.

The new government must now deal with these farright, racist and anti-migrant narratives; acknowledge that structural racism continues to lead to gross inequalities in housing and employment; and understand how our finance-led extractive, exploitative economic model comes from our history of slavery and colonialism. They have to put an end to the current system that enables a small rich elite to exploit people and environment for their selfish, greedy profit. We need radical change now, moving from a growth at any cost economic system to a stable state economy within the limits of a finite planet. We must all act together to stop the hatred and division that is eating away at a safe, fair and secure future for us all.

Angie Zelter

PICTURE OF THE WEEK!

Death Notices

JUNE EVANS

EVANS June of Rugby, formerly of Goodwick, passed away peacefully at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on 19th July 2024, aged 95 years.

Beloved mother to Marion and David, much loved Granny to Thomas, Matthew, Angharad and James, Joanna and Marcus, and friend to many.

The funeral has already taken place in Rugby, but a service of Thanksgiving for June’s life will be held at St Gwyndaf’s Church, Llanwnda on Saturday August 24th at 11 am.

VERONICA GOMER HOWELLS

HOWELLS Veronica Gomer SAUNDERSFOOT The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday 4th August of Mrs Veronica Gomer Howells, aged 83 years of The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot. She was much loved by her late husband Danny, Ian and Karyn (Son and daughter-in-law), Graham and Zuby (Son and partner), Robert and Kim (Son and daughterin-law).Treasured Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Much loved Sister of Brenda and Cherished Aunt. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 3rd September at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 2.30pm. There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired for The Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E.C. Thomas

& Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 & 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson. co.uk

IAN WHEELER

WHEELER Ian Sutton Peacefully on the 8th August 2024 at home, Ian passed away surrounded by his loving family. Much loved husband of Pat. Devoted Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. He will be much missed by all who knew and loved him.

MICHAEL POWER

POWER Michael Goodwick

Peacefully on Wednesday 31st July at Parc y Llyn Nursing Home, Michael of Goodwick. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral service on Tuesday 20th August at the Church of the Holy Name, Fishguard at 11:30am followed by interment at Llanwnda Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Cancer Research UK’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

MICHAEL POWER

WALTER Dorothy Herbrandston

The death occurred peacefully at her home on Friday 9th August of Mrs. Dorothy Walter, aged 96 years of Little Castle Grove, Herbrandston. Dearly loved wife of Peter, devoted mother

to Kim, Andrew & Debbie and an adored mother-in-law, grandmother & great grandmother. The funeral service will take place on Friday 23rd August at 10am at St. Mary’s Church, Herbrandston followed by interment in the churchyard. Floral tributes welcome, or donations if desired may be sent to Cancer Research UK or Children in Need. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

DOROTHY WALTER

WALTER Dorothy Herbrandston

The death occurred peacefully at her home on Friday 9th August of Mrs. Dorothy Walter, aged 96 years of Little Castle Grove, Herbrandston. Dearly loved wife of Peter, devoted mother to Kim, Andrew & Debbie and an adored mother-in-law, grandmother & great grandmother. The funeral service will take place on Friday 23rd August at 10am at St. Mary’s Church, Herbrandston followed by interment in the churchyard. Floral tributes welcome, or donations if desired may be sent to Cancer Research UK or Children in Need. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

DAVID CLIVE WALTERS

WALTERS David Clive MILFORD

HAVEN The death occurred suddenly but peacefully at home on Sunday 4th August 2024 of Clive Walters, aged 77 years of Houghton, Milford Haven. Devoted Husband of Jennifer. Dearly loved Dad of Jane and Gemma and adored father in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. The funeral service will take place on Thursday 22nd August 2024 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am. There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for Sightsavers. A charity that provides eye healthcare worldwide. c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

RICHARD MICHAEL JOHNSTON EASTHAM

EASTHAM Richard Michael Johnston Dwrbach Peacefully at his home on Saturday 3rd August, Mike of Dwrbach, Fishguard. Husband of Anne, father of Cedric and Jane. Funeral service on Wednesday 21st August at St David’s Cathedral at 12 noon followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth at 1:45pm. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Pembrokeshire Historical Society’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRY

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

VAN

SPORT

Welsh athletes shine at Paris 2024

WELSH athletes have delivered a historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, achieving their best results to date.

A record-breaking 33 Welsh competitors, including 19 Olympic debutants, represented Team GB and secured a total of 13 medals—three gold, three silver, and seven bronze.

Record-Breaking Achievements

The 2024 Games marked several significant milestones for Welsh sport. Anna Hursey became the first Welsh athlete to compete in table tennis at the Olympics. Ella Maclean-Howell made history as Wales’ first Olympic mountain biker. Jasmine Joyce stood out as the first British rugby player to appear in three separate Olympic Games. Ruby Evans was the first Welsh gymnast to compete at the Olympics since 1996. Matt Richards was part of the first swimming team to successfully defend an Olympic relay gold with the same quartet

of swimmers. Elinor Barker became the most decorated Welsh woman in Olympic history, winning her fourth medal. Emma Finucane achieved the unprecedented feat of winning three medals at a single Olympic Games.

Medal Highlights

Welsh athletes achieved notable success across various events. Matt Richards and Kieran Bird won gold in the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay, while Emma Finucane secured gold in the Women’s Team Sprint. Harry Brightmore also contributed to the gold tally with a victory in the Men’s Eight. Silver medals were earned by Matt Richards in the Men’s 200m Freestyle, Ollie Wynne-Griffith in the Men’s Pair, and Elinor Barker in the Women’s Madison. Bronze medals were won by Eve Stewart in the Women’s Eight, Matt Aldridge in the Men’s Four, Becky Wilde in the Women’s Double Sculls, and Elinor Barker, Jess Roberts, and Anna Morris in the Women’s Team

Pursuit. Emma Finucane also added a bronze in the Women’s Keirin, and Jeremiah Azu contributed to the bronze medal in the Men’s 4x100m Relay.

National Lottery’s Impact

The remarkable success of Welsh athletes at Paris 2024 underscores the vital role of the National Lottery in supporting Welsh sport. For nearly 30 years, National Lottery funding has been crucial in enabling athletes to train fulltime, access world-class coaching, and benefit from advanced medical support. This funding also supports grassroots clubs and the development of premier sporting facilities, including the Geraint Thomas Velodrome in Newport and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The achievements of Welsh Olympians not only showcase their exceptional talents but also highlight the essential contribution of National Lottery support in advancing sporting excellence.

Paralympians prepare for Paris

THE Paris Paralympic Games are just just around the corner and Wales’ top para athletes are entering the final countdown.

Last time around, at Tokyo 2020, the 21 Welsh athletes in ParalympicsGB brought home an impressive 14 medals.

Here some names to keep an eye on in 2024…(Part1)

ARCHERY

Jodie Grinham

AGE: 31 • FROM: HAVERFORDWEST

Jodie Grinham is a archer who competes in the compound archery events. Despite being born with an underdeveloped right arm, she has excelled in her sport, showing immense skill and determination. Grinham has represented Great Britain at the Paralympic Games, where her precision and focus in archery have made her a standout competitor.

TAEKWONDO

Matt Bush

AGE: 35 • FROM: ST CLEARS

Matt Bush is a British Paralympic taekwondo athlete who made history as one of the first Paralympic taekwondo competitors when the sport debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Competing in the +75kg category, Bush has overcome the challenges of

competing with a disability to become a top contender in his sport, known for his power and tactical skills.

ATHLETICS

Aled Sion Davies

AGE: 33 • FROM: BRIDGEND

Aled Sion Davies is a Welsh Paralympic athlete who specialises in throwing events, particularly the shot put and discus. Born with a congenital limb deficiency, he has become one of the most successful Paralympians in his field. Davies is a multiple-time Paralympic champion and world record holder, known for his incredible strength and technique.

Sabrina Fortune

AGE: 27 • FROM: MOLD

Sabrina Fortune is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the F20 classification for shot put. She has made a significant impact in athletics, winning a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships and a bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Fortune is admired for her power and consistency in the shot put event.

Harrison Walsh

AGE: 28 • FROM: SWANSEA

Harrison Walsh is a Welsh Paralympic athlete who

transitioned from able-bodied sports to Paralympic athletics after a serious injury. Specialising in the discus throw, Walsh has quickly made his mark, showcasing his strength and determination. His journey from football to athletics is a testament to his adaptability and perseverance.

Funmi Oduwaiye

AGE: 20 • FROM: CARDIFF Funmi Oduwaiye is a rising star in British Paralympic athletics, specialising in the shot put. Competing in the F64 classification, she has shown great promise with her powerful performances. Oduwaiye’s commitment to her sport and her rapid progress suggest a bright future ahead.

EQUESTRIAN

Georgia Wilson

AGE: 28 • FROM: ABERGELE

Georgia Wilson is a British Paralympic equestrian who competes in para-dressage. Despite facing challenges due to cerebral palsy, Wilson has become an accomplished rider, earning medals at the European Championships and representing Great Britain at the Paralympic Games. Her skill in dressage highlights her deep connection with her horses and her technical expertise.

LOUIS REES-ZAMMIT made a strong impression in his NFL debut for the Kansas City Chiefs during a pre-season game, taking on multiple roles: kick returner, kicker, running back, and a member of the punt coverage team.

His first play as a kick-returner saw him catch the ball in his own end zone, where he made a smart decision to kneel, advancing the ball 30 yards downfield. Later, ReesZammit made a one-yard gain in the third quarter and followed it up with a three-yard catch in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his ability to transition his rugby skills to American football.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Rees-Zammit excelled on special teams, notably tackling Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell after a six-yard punt return, marking his first NFL tackle. He also showcased his kicking ability with a powerful kick-off that reached the Jaguars’ nine-yard line.

A pundit praised Rees-Zammit’s debut, stating, “He ticked every box in his first game, showing everything he can do at the NFL level. From covering kicks to making a tackle and catching a pass, it was a solid start. He’s adjusting to the speed and intensity of the game, and I believe he’ll only continue to improve and make a greater impact.”

Rees-Zammit’s debut has set the stage for a promising NFL career, with many eager to see how he continues to develop in the sport.

NFL debut for Rees-Zammit

Stunning upsets and tight battles

THIS WEEK in the Pembrokeshire First Division, the latest set of matches delivered shocking upsets, crucial victories, and significant ramifications for the title race and relegation battle.

The round saw league leaders Neyland suffer a jaw-dropping defeat, while Carew capitalised to keep their title hopes alive. Here’s a closer look at the action.

Tish shock Neyland in a huge win

Tish delivered one of the most astonishing results of the season by thrashing the reigning champions and league leaders, Neyland, by a staggering 70 runs. In a low-scoring affair, Tish were bowled out for just 101, with Tom Williams (15), Phil Llewellin (14), and Andrew Pawlett (15) the only batsmen reaching double figures. Despite their modest total, Tish’s bowlers produced a masterclass, skittling Neyland for a meager 31 runs. Andrew Pawlett had a day to remember as he took 6-14 and was simply unplayable. While Williams took two wickets without conceding a run to ensure a memorable victory for the village.

This result is a significant blow to Neyland, who have appeared invincible for much of the season. With Carew breathing down their necks, the

pressure on the champions is beginning to show.

Carew crush Llangwm to maintain title pressure

Carew continued their relentless pursuit of Neyland with a resounding 209-run victory over Llangwm. Carew’s batsmen were in fine form, posting an imposing total of 285 for 7. Rhys Davies led the charge with a superb 57, while Tim Hicks (71) and Adam Chandler (33) provided solid support. Llangwm’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Dom Asson (2-24) the only bowler to emerge with respectable figures.

In response, Llangwm collapsed under the weight of the chase, being bowled out for just 76. George Waters was the star with the ball, claiming remarkable figures of 5 for 6. This dominant victory ensures Carew remains hot on Neyland’s heels as the title race heats up.

Narberth edge Haverfordwest in relegation clash

In a crucial relegation battle, Narberth secured a vital two-wicket win over Haverfordwest, who now find themselves staring down the barrel of relegation. Haverfordwest managed a modest 115 all out, with Paul Tough (39) and Adam James (20) making notable

contributions. However, Narberth’s bowlers, particularly Matthew Johns (4-5) and Loui Davies (4-28), kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

Narberth’s chase was far from straightforward, as Haverfordwest’s bowlers fought hard, with Clive Tucker (3-29) and Chris Phillips (2-17) causing problems. But a composed 43 from Ben Quartermaine and a steady 17 not out from Johns guided Narberth to 119 for 8, securing a tense victory that significantly boosts their survival chances.

Saundersfoot snatch victory in a Nail-Biter against Cresselly

In a match that went down to the wire, Saundersfoot secured a thrilling two-wicket win over Cresselly. Cresselly were bowled out for 130, with Tom Murphy (30) and Alax Bayley (20) the main contributors. John Mansbridge was the standout bowler, taking an impressive 5 for 19.

Saundersfoot’s chase was a tense affair, with wickets falling regularly. However, vital contributions from Gareth Edwards (31) and Danny Caine (20) saw them scrape home with 131 for 8. Charlie Arthur (4-20) led a valiant bowling effort for Cresselly, but Saundersfoot’s lower order held their nerve to claim the win.

These results have left the league

table finely poised. Neyland’s shock defeat opens the door for Carew, who are now within striking distance of the top spot. At the other end, Narberth’s crucial win over Haverfordwest has kept them in with a chance of avoiding the drop. Haverfordwest join Narberth in the drop zone currently, with Tish and Llangwm the two teams who are catchable realistically.

With just a few matches remaining, the Pembrokeshire First Division promises more drama as the battle for the title and the fight for survival continue to intensify.

Whitland triumph in high-scoring contest against Lawrenny

Whitland emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair against Lawrenny, winning by 14 runs. Whitland posted a competitive 182 for 8, with Jonathan Thomas (50) and Geraint Jones (43) leading the charge. Lawrenny’s Geraint Jones (4-41) bowled impressively but couldn’t prevent Whitland from reaching a challenging total.

In response, Lawrenny made a spirited effort, with Will Nicholas leading the chase as he made 64. However bowlers Jones, Thomas and Newton shared 8 wickets between them and were instrumental in sealing the win for Whitland, who remain comfortably mid table.

Division 2: Thrilling battle for top spot

THE LATEST round of Pembrokeshire’s Second Division cricket matches saw dominant performances and a thrilling battle for the top spot, as Herbrandston held onto their lead despite pressure from Burton. With the promotion race all tied up the focus is now on who will win the title and who will avoid the drop.

Herbrandston vs. Llechryd Herbrandston 239/5 (20) beat Llechryd 123 all out (5) by 116 runs** League leaders Herbrandston cemented their place at the top of the table with a comprehensive 116-run victory over Llechryd. Batting first, Herbrandston posted an imposing total of 239 for 5, thanks to brilliant contributions from Jack Nicholas (90) and Charlie Malloy (82). Despite a good bowling effort from Tom Lewis, who picked up 3 wickets for 44 runs, Llechryd’s chase faltered. Dean John led Herbrandston’s bowling attack with figures of 3-25, helping to bowl out Llechryd for just 123. This dominant performance earned Herbrandston 20 crucial points,

while relegation threatened Llechryd managed only 5 points from the encounter, this means they currently occupy a relegation place and are 8 points behind Johnston who sit just above the drop zone.

Hook vs. Johnston

Hook 295/4 (20) beat Johnston 72 all out (3) by 223 runs

Hook sir firmly in mid table and perhaps underachieved so far this season however Saturday they showcased their batting prowess in a massive 223-run victory over Johnston. Aled Phelps was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant 134, wellsupported by brother Rhys Phelps’ unbeaten 64. Hook piled on the runs, ending at 295 for 4. Johnston’s reply was lackluster, with only Nick Davies (25) providing some resistance as they were skittled out for 72. Aled Phelps capped off a phenomenal all-round performance with figures of 6-8, ensuring Hook picked up a maximum 20 points, while Johnston had to settle for 3 points. A result that means Johnston’s fight for survival looks set to go the the bitter end.

Johnston sit one place above the drop zone and eight points ahead of Llechryd.

Lamphey vs. Carew II

Lamphey 143 all out (7) lost to Carew II 194/9 (19) by 51 runs

Carew II secured a solid 51run victory over bottom of the table Lamphey in a competitive match. Ian Sefton anchored the Carew innings with 63, guiding his side to 194 for 9. Lamphey’s David Blackwell was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 56 runs. In response, Lamphey struggled to build momentum, with only Rob Mathias (36) and Andy Tait (31) offering significant contributions. Carew II’s veteran Barry Evans was instrumental with the ball, taking 4-33 to ensure his team claimed 19 points, while Lamphey managed 7 points.

Llanrhian vs. Pembroke

Llanrhian 152 all out (7) lost to Pembroke 153/8 (18) by 2 wickets

In a nail-biting finish, Pembroke edged out Llanrhian by 2 wickets in a thrilling low-scoring affair. Russell

Watkins’ 66 helped Llanrhian reach a total of 152, but Pembroke’s bowlers, led by Billy Wood (3-23), kept them in check. Pembroke’s chase saw contributions from Archie Hillier-Wood (49) and Phil Jones (37 not out), guiding them to a narrow victory. The match earned Pembroke 18 points, with Llanrhian picking up 7 points.

Pembroke Dock vs. Burton Pembroke Dock 161/9 (9) lost to Burton 171 all out (18) by 10 runs Burton kept the pressure on Herbrandston with a hard-fought 10-run victory over Pembroke Dock. Batting first, Burton posted 171, with Morgan Scale top-scoring with 40. George Smith was outstanding with the ball for Pembroke Dock, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs. However, Burton’s bowlers, led by Dan Ridge (4-23), restricted Pembroke Dock to 161 for 9 in a tense finish. This victory allowed Burton to gain 18 points, while Pembroke Dock took 9 points from the match. The Dock aren’t safe from the drop yet and the next three games will decide everything.

Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire League Table

RESULTS 10/08/2024

Carew (285-7) beat Llangwm (76) by 209 runs

Cresselly (130) lost to Saundersfoot (131-8) by 2 wkts

Haverfordwest (115) lost to Narberth (119-8) by 2 wkts

Lawrenny (168) lost to Whitland (182-8) by 14 runs

St Ishmaels (101) beat Neyland (31) by 70 runs

Herbrandston (239-5) beat Llechryd (123) by 116 runs

Hook (295-4) beat Johnston (72) by 223 runs

Lamphey (143) lost to Carew II (194-9) by 51 runs

Llanrhian (152) lost to Pembroke (153-8) by 2 wkts

Pembroke Dock (161-9) lost to Burton (171) by 10 runs

Burton II (154-3) beat Hook II (150-4) by 7 wkts

Fishguard (97-2) beat Kilgetty (96) by 8 wkts

Narberth II (162) beat Haverfordwest II (106) by 65 runs

Neyland II (101) lost to Cresselly II (105-4) by 6 wkts

Stackpole (96-0) beat St Ishmaels II (92) by 10 wkts

Carew III (29-0) beat Pembroke Dock II (26) by 10 wkts

Llangwm II (26) lost to Hundleton (273-7) by 247 runs

Llechryd II (0) ab v Lawrenny II (0)

Pembroke II (182-6) beat Llanrhian II (122-6) by 60 runs

Saundersfoot II (272-8) beat Laugharne (153) by 119 runs

Haverfordwest III (151-2) beat Crymych (147-6) by 8 wkts

Whitland II (182) lost to Herbrandston II (178-8) by 50 runs

Kilgetty II (0) ab v Whitland III (0)

Llechryd III (67) lost to Haverfordwest IV (181-5) by 114 runs

FIXTURES 17/08/2024

Carew v Cresselly

Lawrenny v Neyland

Llangwm v St Ishmaels

Saundersfoot v Narberth

Whitland v Haverfordwest

Burton v Pembroke

Herbrandston v Carew II

Hook v Pembroke Dock

Johnston v Lamphey

Llechryd v Llanrhian

Cresselly II v Burton II

Haverfordwest II v Fishguard

Narberth II v Hook II

Neyland II v Stackpole

St Ishmaels II v Kilgetty

Carew III v Llangwm II

Hundleton v Lawrenny II

Llanrhian II v Llechryd II

Pembroke Dock II v Saundersfoot II

Pembroke II v Laugharne

Crymych v Whitland II

Haverfordwest III v Cresselly III

Lamphey II v Haverfordwest IV

Pembroke III v Hundleton II

Whitland III v Llechryd III

Paralympians prepare FOR PARIS