The Pembrokeshire Herald 14/07/2023

Fishguard’s goodbye to Stena Europe

Jailed for knife possession

A HOMELESS man has been jailed after admitting having a knife and cannabis on him at Withybush Hospital.

Parker has a “formidable and extensive” record, with 67 previous convictions for 151 offences. These include possession of a bladed article – when carrying two axes down Main Street in Pembroke in 2014 – and three separate offences against previous partners.

unlikely hospital staff or the police would have become aware of the knife or the cannabis had he not declared them.

The court heard that his partner did not support the prosecution, and the pair were looking to reconcile when Parker was released from prison.

THE PORT OF FISHGUARD bid a fond farewell yesterday to Stena Europe, her final sailing to Rosslare was at 14:00 hrs on Thursday 13th July 2023. She then departed for Falmouth for dry-dock before picking up a charter on the Gibraltar Straits between Spain and Morocco.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

The Stena Nordica takes up the service this evening from Rosslare at 19:30 hrs. The daily departure times from Fishguard are 01:30 and 14:00 hrs, and the departure times from

Rosslare are 08:15 and 19:30 hrs. A massive thanks to Stena Europe and all her crew, past and present, for serving the route so well.

Locals were asked to

sound their car horns once or twice, if in the vicinity of the Parrog in Goodwick or overlooking the Harbour when she departed at approx. 2pm yesterday afternoon.

Mysterious banner triggers community curiosity

THE SKIES above Neyland and Pembroke Dock were unexpectedly disrupted by a small aircraft towing a banner carrying a poignant message that has left the local community abuzz with questions.

The banner, which read “Love you always RJ - sorry x,” has ignited curiosity as residents wonder about the identity of RJ and the reason behind the seemingly heartfelt apology.

Eyewitnesses were taken by surprise as the plane gracefully soared through the air, drawing their attention to the captivating message trailing behind it. Recognising the significance of the moment, several members of the public quickly snapped photographs of the spectacle and shared them across Facebook.

Jill Cooper commented on a video of the plane:

“We live just by the bridge and it flew round and round for ages. What an apology!”

The images swiftly triggered a wave of speculation and discussion among locals. The central

question on everyone’s mind: Who is RJ, and what could have transpired to warrant such a public and heartfelt apology?

Nathan Evans commented: “Nevermind who is RJ, I want to know what the other person has done wrong to have to hire an actual full size plane and banner to apologise”

Mr Griffiths said Parker was at Withybush Hospital “legitimately” and it was

Parker was jailed for 12 months for possessing the knife, and an additional two months for the assault. He received no separate penalty for the cannabis possession.

Stat dec reopens driving case

Mr. Niall Taylor, 73, of Haven Drive, Hakin, Milford Haven,, appeared before the court on July 10 to make a statutory declaration following conviction by a single magistrate for the offences of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance. The original conviction was made by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on June 14.

During the hearing, a statutory declaration was made.

Another charge involving the defendant, on the same date and location, relates to the use of the same vehicle without valid insurance. This is contrary to section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. The trial for this offence has also been adjourned to August 14 at 12:00 in Courtroom 1, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Garland’s motoring case reopened

Mr. David Huw GARLAND, 67, of Coombs Road, Milford Haven, appeared before the court on Monday (Jul 10) to make a statutory declaration following conviction by a single magistrate for the offence of keeping a motor vehicle that does not meet

Several people across Pembrokeshire began tagging friends with the initials ‘RJ’ to try and find the receiver of the banner.

However, despite the widespread curiosity and numerous online discussions, the identity of RJ and the precise nature of the apology remain unknown.

insurance requirements. The original conviction was made by Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 23rd May 2023.

During the hearing, a statutory declaration was made, and the case adjourned to Llanelli court on August 25, 2023.

Cerys Lafferty cerys.lafferty@herald.email

Milford Haven: Class A drug dealers jailed

IN A recent hearing at Swansea Crown Court, two individuals hailing from Milford Haven, Shane Lovell and Steven Cole, were sentenced to imprisonment for their involvement in the supply of Category A drugs, including heroin and cocaine. Judge Geraint Walters described them as “a cog in a much larger wheel” and emphasized the detrimental impact their drug supply had on numerous lives.

Addressing Lovell and Cole, Judge Walters acknowledged their firsthand understanding of the misery caused by addiction, particularly heroin. He stressed the importance of law enforcement targeting Class A drug users due to their involvement in criminal activities and the adverse effects they have on their communities.

The case against Cole unfolded when police officers, acting on intelligence, stopped his vehicle on December 6 near Robeston Wathen. Lovell, the sole passenger in Cole’s Seat Ibiza, was also present. During a search of Lovell, the officers discovered a wrap of heroin with a 12 percent purity, valued at £33, as well as a pipe containing a residue of diamorphine and cocaine.

Both individuals were apprehended and subsequently stripsearched upon arrival at Haverfordwest police station. Lovell was found to be concealing a brown substance wrapped in foil, along with three pieces of a hard white substance. Analysis confirmed that the seized substances consisted of 0.2g of heroin, valued at £26, and 0.86g of cocaine with a purity of 57 percent,

worth £110. Furthermore, Lovell removed a foil wrap containing 3.23g of heroin, valued at £384, from his anus.

A subsequent search of Cole’s residence yielded 0.3g of cannabis. Incriminating text messages discovered on their mobile phones provided further evidence of their involvement in drug supply activities.

The court learned that Lovell had been supplying heroin and cocaine between February and December 2022, while Cole acted as a “middle man” by agreeing to drive Lovell home after he had collected the drugs from another dealer in Swansea on December 6.

Both defendants, identified as long-time addicts, resorted to drug supply as a means of

financing their personal habits. Lovell’s defense counsel, Connor Evans, explained that his client’s motivations were primarily driven by his addiction and a desire to escalate it further. Evans added that Lovell procured additional items such as syringes and citric acid for his personal use. Lovell had battled drug addiction since the age of 14 but had managed to remain clean for four years through a combination of work and prescribed medication. However, a bout of septicaemia in early 2022 resulted in a six-week hospitalization and nearly cost him his leg. Upon returning home, he discovered his wife had become addicted, making it inevitable that he would relapse into his own addiction. With his ability to work compromised, sourcing and supplying drugs became the only means by which he could satisfy his addiction.

Cole, on the other hand, became involved in drug supply for similar reasons. He agreed to drive others involved in the drug trade in exchange for petrol money and drugs for personal use. Described as “the middle man” by his counsel, Hannah George, Cole played a facilitating role in the supply chain.

Shane Lovell pleaded guilty to charges of possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply, as well as two additional charges of supplying heroin and cocaine between February and December 2022. Steven Cole pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine, as well as possessing cannabis.

As a result of the court’s ruling, Lovell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, while Cole received a two-year and three-month sentence.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Welsh tourism’s international problem

WALES is “punching below its weight” as a destination for overseas tourists.

That’s according to a report by the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee published this week.

The Committee argues that Wales lacks an international profile and has failed to establish itself as an attractive brand for international travellers.

Local Senedd Member Paul Davies said, “The Welsh Affairs Committee report points to some longstanding issues facing Wales’ tourism sector –and the Welsh Government must seriously reflect on the recommendations in that report.

“In Pembrokeshire, local businesses continue to tell me of their frustration over the policies like the tourism tax and the changes to holiday let regulations. I continue to raise their concerns with Ministers at the Senedd at every opportunity.

“The Welsh Government tells us that it wants to work with communities, visitors, and businesses to achieve sustainable growth for tourism across Wales – but that will only happen when it starts genuinely listening to the industry and develops policies that work for it, not against it.”

WALES NOT ON TOURIST TRAIL

Although the Tourist Tax is possibly years from becoming a reality and might not be used by every Welsh local authority, the underlying figures don’t lie.

Of the 41 million international tourists that visited the UK in 2019, only one million visited Wales.

Of the total amount spent by international tourists, just 2% was spent in Wales.

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

57% of overseas visitors to Wales had not seen any marketing beforehand.

The Committee argues that VisitBritain lacks the knowledge and expertise to promote Wales successfully.

The Committee says the UK tourism body is not achieving all it can on behalf of the nation, nor is it sufficiently promoting Wales in its marketing materials.

Trying to develop a distinctive brand, on whatever basis, met with little consensus.

The Welsh Government promoted several initiatives before the pandemic. However, those did not feed through into greater international awareness of Wales among visitors to Britain.

The Committee urges VisitBritain and VisitWales to work together on an effective marketing strategy. It suggests VisitWales’s ties to the Welsh Government are a barrier to cooperation. It argues the body should be operationally independent of ministerial interference.

Tour operators do not include holidays in Wales in their packages, despite 27% of those tourists surveyed saying that they would consider taking longer trips if holiday packages were available.

The Committee describes this as “a major missed opportunity”. It says the Welsh Government’s introduction of its Tourist Tax represents a potential disincentive for visitors.

TRANSPORT THE KEY

Whether that is true or not is uncertain. However, there is no doubt that Wales’s appalling transport infrastructure plays a significant role in deterring

visitors.

Major tourist attractions such as North Coast Way, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia are hard to reach without a car. The poor condition of the Welsh roads network and risible train network makes attracting overseas visitors even more challenging.

Welsh Affairs Committee Chair, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, said: “Despite Wales’s countless and unique offerings ranging from sandy beaches and blue seas in Pembrokeshire to the fastest zip line in the world for thrill-seekers in North Wales, the nation punches below its weight in attracting international visitors.”

Mr Crabb continued: “The evidence our Committee received was clear: Wales lacks a distinct brand that can be marketed globally. UK organisations that should be responsible for promoting visits to Wales, such as VisitBritain, routinely overlook it in their marketing materials. and Tour operators fail to offer Wales as a holiday destination.

“The transport infrastructure puts international tourists off coming to Wales. The poor road network makes travelling to some special locations challenging. Is it any wonder Wales isn’t the global tourist destination it can be?”

Mr Crabb concluded: “These are missed opportunities for visitors to experience the best Wales has to offer, but also for businesses and local economies that would thrive with increased visitor numbers. We need a more concerted push to promote Wales and to identify its unique brand that can be sold abroad.”

MP calls to protect local journalism

PLAID’S Jonathan Edwards MP has expressed his concern over the BBC’s ‘Across the UK’ plan and the impact this will have on local newspapers.

Mr Edwards tabled a question to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport asking what assessment had been made of the potential

impact of the proposals on the sector.

Many in the industry have already outlined that the pressure on resources would make some local titles cease publishing.

Jonathan Edwards MP said: “I am very concerned regarding these plans and totally support the need to protect local news and the role local newspapers have

in our community. The sector is facing challenges as it is without the BBC using its power to undermine local news journalism. There is no replacement for local knowledge and understanding of local news and campaigns and I will be supporting the call for the BBC to change its course.”

Welcome to Wales: If you can get here...

Huw Edwards in hospital, says wife

Metropolitan Police said no criminal offence had been committed

THE WIFE of newsreader Huw Edwards has said he is receiving in-patient hospital care as she named him as the BBC presenter facing allegations over payments for sexually explicit images.

Vicky Flind, said her husband was “suffering from serious mental health issues” and was now receiving treatment in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police said no criminal offence had been committed by Edwards and that no further police action would be taken “at this time”, allowing an internal BBC investigation to resume.

In a message to staff, BBC director-general Tim Davie said that the corporation’s “immediate concern is our duty of care to all involved”.

After Edwards was named as the presenter at the centre of the allegations, multiple BBC colleagues and high-profile media personalities spoke out to support him.

Meanwhile on Wednesday evening, BBC Newsnight reported new claims from one current and one former BBC worker, who said they had received “inappropriate messages” from Edwards, “some late at night and signed off with kisses”.

Both said there was “a reluctance among junior staff to complain to managers about the conduct of high-profile colleagues in case it adversely affected their careers,” Newsnight said.

The Sun, which first reported allegations against the then unnamed presenter last week

claiming they had paid a young person tens of thousands of pounds for explicit images, said it had no plans to publish further allegations and would cooperate with the BBC’s internal investigation process.

In Thursday’s edition, The Sun’s front page focuses on Ms Flind’s statement and the paper says Edwards is facing further claims from BBC colleagues over “suggestive messages” sent on social media.

One former editor of The Sun said the newspaper had “inflicted terror” on the newsreader “despite no evidence of any criminal offence” and now faced “a crisis”.

David Yelland, who was in charge at the paper from 1998 to 2003, wrote on Twitter: “I wish @ thehuwedwards well.

“The Sun inflicted terror on Huw despite no evidence of any criminal offence.

“This is no longer a BBC crisis, it is a crisis for the paper. Huw’s privacy must now be respected.

“Social media also needs speedy reform.”

In his internal memo, Mr Davie said the words from Ms Flind were “a reminder that the last few days have seen personal lives played out in public”.

“At the heart of this are people and their families,” his message said.

“This will no doubt be a difficult time for many after a challenging few days. I want to reassure you that our immediate concern

is our duty of care to all involved.”

Mr Davie also referenced an earlier request from the Metropolitan Police asking the corporation to pause its internal investigation, saying: “It is important we now continue with this work.

“I want to be clear that in doing so we will follow due process.”

The Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday that no criminal offence had been committed by the presenter, and that no specific details or information about further allegations reported in the media had been provided to them.

The Sun’s Wednesday front page had run a story in which it claimed Edwards, who had not been identified at that point, had also broken lockdown rules during the coronavirus

pandemic in 2021, to meet up with another young person.

The newspaper said it has seen messages which suggest he had travelled to see the 23-year-old in February 2021, after meeting them on a dating website the previous November.

Father of five Edwards is the BBC’s highest paid newsreader, with a pay bracket of £435,000–£439,999, putting him fourth on the top 10 list, the corporation’s annual report revealed on Tuesday.

The presenter was last seen on BBC One’s News At Ten on July 5 when he co-presented a special edition live from Edinburgh as the King was honoured in the Scottish capital – and sources have made it clear to PA that Edwards, 61, has not resigned from the BBC.

The statement from his wife, a TV producer who has worked on BBC’s This Week politics show and Robert Peston’s ITV programme, Peston, to the PA news agency said: “Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues.

“As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years.

“The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future.”

She said that once the presenter, who has worked for the BBC for four decades, was well enough, he “intends to respond to the stories that have been published” and added that her husband was first told there were allegations “being made against him last Thursday”.

Ms Flind asked for privacy for the family and said: “I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation.

“We hope this statement will bring that to an end.”

In a statement on Twitter, Peston praised Ms Flind as “the kindest and most decent woman”.

“It has been difficult to feel what she and her family have been going through – and to read her statement that Huw has been hospitalised with acute depression,” he said.

Edwards has previously spoken about his mental health, revealing in a documentary in 2021 he had bouts of depression which have left him “bedridden” since 2002.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Body found not missing sailor Duncan Loungee

POLICE have confirmed that the body of a male in his sixties or seventies found on Freshwater West on Wednesday was not that of missing Essex sailor Duncan Loungee.

Mr Loungee went missing after setting sail from Plymouth at midday on 18 June

He was due to arrive in Baltimore, Ireland, on 22 June, but there had been no contact since his departure, prompting a search to be launched.

The missing Essex resident had undertaken many miles of sailing,

including single-handedly crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

The UK Marine & Coastguard Agency said:

“The search for the yacht Minke and its skipper, who was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge, from Plymouth to Baltimore, Ireland, has been stood down

His boat was found with the help of the Angle Lifeboat sixty miles off the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Speculation on social

media was that the body found was that of Mr Loungee – especially when the police confirmed the body was that of a male of similar age.

However, the police have now released a clarification to The Pembrokeshire Herald explaining they are certain that the body if not Mr Loungee – he is still recorded as missing.

The press release issued by the police yesterday, reads: “We are appealing for help to identify a body that was found on Freshwater West on Wednesday morning

Welsh Water to host drowning prevention day

Officers responded to a report at approximately 9.50am on July 12 and recovered the body of a

man. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

The man in his 60s or 70s, has white hair and beard and was found

wearing a

FAMILIES are being invited to try their hand at new activities under expert guidance and find out more about the work of emergency services across Wales at the event on 25 July.

World Drowning Prevention Day is held every year on 25 July. This year, Welsh Water will host the event which is being organised by Water Safety Wales – a collaboration of around 40 organisations across Wales with an interest in water safety. There will be demonstrations

showcasing the equipment and skills of emergency services, with the opportunity for the public to get hands on whilst learning about water safety.

The work being undertaken by Water Safety Wales - of which Welsh Water is an active member is to encourage safe participation in water sports that will be showcased at the event.

Dyfed Powys Police, HM Coastguard, Mid/West Wales Fire Service, Welsh Air Ambulance, Welsh Ambulance Service, Outdoor Partnership,

Forever 11 Charity, Swim Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and the RNLI will be in attendance. There will be a display on the water from Mid/West Wales Fire Service.

Last year saw a rise in accidental drownings and other water-based tragedies. The event on World Drowning Prevention Day will also see the launch of a new report by Public Health Wales, ROSPA and Water Safety Wales highlighting the problem of drowning in children and young people in Wales.

blue sailing jacket, an orange harness, chino trousers and brown shoes.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Still missing: Duncan Loungee (Image: SWNS)

Baby died from traumatic brain injury

IN A TRAGIC incident that unfolded outside Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, a baby girl lost her life due to a traumatic brain injury sustained when a car collided with her pram. The inquest into the incident revealed the devastating details of the accident that claimed the life of nine-month-old Mabli Cariad Hall.

On the morning of Wednesday, 21st June, Mabli was struck by a car while in her pram outside Withybush Hospital. Following the collision, she was immediately airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was then transferred to

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Tragically, despite the tireless efforts of medical teams, Mabli succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of Sunday, 25th June.

Hall from Neath was one of the pedestrians involved.”

Miss Sheridan further explained that Mabli was in her pram at the time of the collision and was initially taken to the accident and emergency department at Withybush Hospital. Subsequently, she was transferred to Cardiff and later to Bristol for specialized treatment. Regrettably, Mabli’s injuries proved fatal, and she passed away at 1:25 am on 25th June.

“The cause of death is severe traumatic brain injury,” stated Miss Sheridan, underscoring the gravity of the incident. She also revealed that the police have launched a comprehensive investigation, which is currently underway.

The driver of the car

Mabli Cariad

During the opening of the inquest at Haverfordwest County Hall on Tuesday, Carrie Sheridan, the coroner’s officer for DyfedPowys Police, provided details of the incident. She stated, “At 11:50 am on 21st June, police received an emergency call reporting a collision involving a car and pedestrians on an unclassified road outside Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

involved in the collision was also taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Following medical treatment, they have since been discharged from the hospital.

Devastated by the loss of their beloved baby girl, Mabli’s family expressed their immeasurable grief in a statement given to The Pembrokeshre Herald before the commencement of the inquest. They shared, “The loss of Mabli Cariad has changed all our lives

forever. The pain and grief we are suffering as a family is indescribable. During this terribly painful time, we still have no answer to the central question we inevitably ask regarding the tragic loss of our beautiful baby girl – ‘Why did this happen?’”

The family hopes that the ongoing police investigation and the inquest proceedings will provide them with the answers they seek. They also expressed a desire for the outcome of this process to contribute to

the prevention of similar tragedies in the future.

The acting senior coroner for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, Paul Bennett, extended his condolences to Mabli’s family. Considering the ongoing police investigation, he adjourned the inquest until 25th January 2024. This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

Crabb welcomes green light for Pembs Community Ownership Bids

PRESELI MP Stephen

Crabb has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to give the ‘green light’ to two bids from Pembrokeshire for the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund which will boost the rural communities of Crymych and Hayscastle Cross.

The UK Government has today announced that two projects from Pembrokeshire have secured, £454,250 of Community Ownership funding.

The successful bids from Preseli Pembrokeshire have come from Y Cross Caslai Community Benefit Society Ltd and the CPD Crymych Cyf, and had been backed by the local MP, Stephen Crabb on submission.

The money will now enable CPD Crymych Cyf (Crymych Football Club Ltd.) based in the village of

Crymych, to develop sporting and wellbeing activities in the area and to secure and safeguard the future of Tafarn Crymych Arms in Crymych.

Y Cross Caslai Community Benefit Society Ltd based in the village of Hayscastle Cross is the other bid that has given the ‘go ahead’ to purchase the local public house, Y Cross, to ensure that this this vital community amenity remains open.

Commenting on the UK Government announcement, Stephen Crabb MP stated,

“I am delighted that, not just one, but two Pembrokeshire bids have been successful in this round of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund. These projects will protect

the pubs in Crymych and Hayscastle Cross, and ensure they become important community hubs for future generations.”

“It’s been a pleasure to work with the committees and local volunteers behind these bids over the last few months. There is no doubt that teamwork has got these bids over the finish line.”

“We have already had success in the past with the funding for Haver Hub in Haverfordwest and Havards Store in Newport so it’s fantastic to see a further boost from UK Government direct into our community.”

The £150m Community Ownership Fund helps communities across the UK to take ownership of assets at risk of closure. The Community Ownership Fund helps to ensure that important parts of the social fabric, such as pubs, sports

clubs, theatres and post office buildings can continue to play a central role in towns and villages across the UK. It has already awarded £23.9 million to 98 projects across the UK including Haver Hub in Haverfordwest and Havards Store in Newport.

Secretary David TC Davies said: “I’m delighted to see community projects in Wales attracting about 11% of the total amount available from the Community Ownership Fund in this current round.

“That means that more valuable assets in Wales

are being saved for future generations. In many rural areas the pub is the lifeblood of the village, creating jobs and boosting the local economy, as well as providing locals with a place to socialise and come together. Congratulations to all the successful projects.”

Stephen Crabb MP: With members of the committee from CPD Crymych Cyf (Crymych Football Club Ltd) who are one of the successful bidders for the UK Government Community Ownership Fund.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

School Meals Row: Labour Blames Plaid

A ROW over the provision of Free School Meals to eligible children during the summer holidays has exposed cracks in the Cooperation Agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru.

Without any statement to the Senedd either in written or oral form, with just a few weeks left of the Senedd term and before the end of the school term, children’s charities, third sector organisations who support families, along with families themselves, heard in the media that free school meals during the school holiday will no longer be available for the most vulnerable children.

Children’s charities in Wales and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales are unanimous in their view that, as the cost-of-living crisis plunges even more Welsh families into poverty.

Beth Winter, Labour MP for Cynon Valley, tweeted that she was “shocked by the sudden decision to cut” free school meals during the holidays. Ms Winter said

she has written to Jeremy Miles and asked that Welsh government reverse its decision

DRAKEFORD BLAMES PLAID

During Tuesday’s

Plenary session, Wales’s First Minister, Mark Drakeford, confirmed provision would not continue over the summer.

Plaid MS Peredur Owen Griffiths questioned why that was the case.

In response, Mr Drakeford shifted the blame onto Plaid Cymru. He said that free school

meal provision was not a priority for Plaid in the Cooperation Agreement between it and Labour.

The First Minister said: “You can be sure that on this side of the Chamber, there is nothing we would want to do more than we can to help those families through the summer. But, in the end, our budgets are constrained, and when people declare priorities, they have to live with those they have declared.”

Mr Drakeford said the Welsh Government would support a Food and Fun programme by local authorities. That scheme will reach around 30,000 children. More than treble that number are eligible for Free School Meals.

EDUCATION MINISTER BLAMES EVERYONE

On Wednesday, July 12, Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams raised the issue with Wales’s Education Minister, Jeremy Miles.

Ms Williams queried the Welsh Government’s commitment to addressing child poverty. She asked why the Welsh Government sneaked out the Free School Meals decision without consultation.

Mr Miles said cuts to the Welsh Government’s budget meant it had to make choices. He blamed Plaid Cymru for failing to secure funding from the Welsh Government budget for Free School Meals.

He failed to say why the Welsh Government didn’t make a proper announcement or tell its

stakeholders about its decision.

Mr Miles’s words suggest the Welsh Government takes a restricted view of its obligations to child poverty and cannot find room in its large budget for a relatively small amount of its overall expenditure (£15m). Instead, it’s shuffled responsibility for delivery onto local authorities to deliver less and not reach all those in potential need.

The alternative reading is that if Plaid doesn’t specifically ask for something, Labour will not act, even when it knows it should.

Mr Miles’s and Mr Drakeford’s words support the second proposition.

The row comes the same week the Welsh Government wrote off £27m shifted into a tech development programme and a further £7m of its roads programme. The waste of those resources and its refusal to cost out other elements of its programme suggests a degree of comfort in feeding white elephants instead of children in poverty.

LABOUR MS SLATES DECISION

Labour MS Mike Hedges responded with frustration to the Welsh Government’s position.

Mr Hedges said: “I’m very disappointed that the Government are not providing free meals for children who qualify for free school meals during the summer holidays. Inevitably, children—even more their mothers, who will prioritise their children—will go hungry. Government is about priorities.

“I do not understand why £4 million can be found for a zip wire run by a private company in my constituency rather than feeding children in families in need. It is very late for the Government to change course now.

“Can I urge the Government to ask local authorities to fund free meals this summer from their reserves and pay for it in next year’s budget? Feeding poor children has to be a priority for a Labour Government.”

Instead of blaming Plaid Cymru, Jeremy Miles blamed Westminster.

MILES: “IT’S NOT LABOUR’S FAULT, WE’RE ONLY THE WELSH GOVERNMENT”

Plaid MS Heledd Fychan said: We’re talking about, potentially, 50,000 children and young people going hungry this summer. I don’t want to know whose fault it is.

“I want to know what the Welsh Government will do to ensure that that’s not the case and how you are working practically with partners on the ground to ensure that everybody can access food this summer.”

Mr Miles did not answer the question. Instead, he repeated it was Plaid’s fault, the Westminster Government’s, but definitely not the Welsh Government’s.

WELSH GOVERNMENT MUST GET SERIOUS SAYS PLAID MS

Speaking to The Herald, Sioned Williams MS said: “The decision to cut free school meals support to eligible children over the summer holidays without prior notice was disappointing and has left parents will little time to plan ahead as they struggle to make alternative arrangements or save to cover the costs themselves.

Plaid Cymru asks the Welsh Government to reinstate the provision over the summer.

“If the Welsh Government is serious about tackling child poverty and food insecurity, it could prioritise the spending needed to ensure our most disadvantaged children’s access to food. This decision contradicts the ambitions and priorities in the draft Child Poverty Strategy.

“The budget allocated to the joint commitments in the Cooperation Agreement is a tiny proportion of the Welsh Government’s overall spending. Whilst Plaid Cymru has consistently advocated holiday vouchers for free school meals, this does not form part of the cooperation programme agreed with Labour, and the recent decision to stop provision during the holidays was not taken by Plaid Cymru as part of the agreement.”

Jeremy Miles: Welsh Government not to blame for cutting Free School Meals for poorest children, claims Minister Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

£37,000 Pembrokeshire pot to help tackle food poverty

FINANCIAL awards to groups to help tackle food poverty in Pembrokeshire from a pot of Welsh Government money have been backed by senior councillors.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, at their July meeting, heard the council had again secured funding from the Welsh Government’s Direct Food Support Fund, amounting to £36,907.

The Direct Food Support Fund is intended to support an increased number of people facing food poverty by strengthening existing community food initiatives.

It may be used to fund

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

voluntary organisations, community groups and housing associations to develop or strengthen projects such as social supermarkets, community cafes, lunch clubs and community cookery classes.

Funding may also be used for specialist support for initiatives such as outreach work and to support community food organisations that are experiencing difficulties in operating effectively.

A report for members said close liaison was undertaken with Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary

Services (PAVS) in relation to the 202223 grant, and this will continue this year.

Officers will invite organisations in the Pembrokeshire Food Network, as well as those recognised in having an impact in alleviating poverty in Pembrokeshire, to apply.

Applications received will be appraised by officers with assistance from PAVS.

Members agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Social Care and Housing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding to award funding from the Direct Food Support Fund 2022-23.

Calls to monitor violence against school staff in Pembrokeshire

A call for the monitoring of incidents of violence against school staff in Pembrokeshire will be heard next week.

July 13’s meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council will hear a submitted question by Wiston county councillor David Howlett: “In the last few weeks, the Welsh media has highlighted the fact that over 5,000 incidents of violence against staff in schools were recorded by local authorities in Wales between 2018 and 2022.

“However, Pembrokeshire County Council was one of three authorities in Wales that said they did not hold this information and individual

schools should be contacted for this information – (PCC Freedom of Information Request 12927 dated 24/1/23).

“I am extremely surprised that this information is not seemingly monitored given the importance of the wellbeing of school staff.”

Cllr Howlett will also ask: “I would be grateful if the Cabinet Member could advise of the reasons why this information is not collated and monitored on a county-wide basis, and gives an assurance that in future this information will be collected and monitored.”

Tenby second home owner sells up due to council tax premium

A FORMER Tenby second home-owner says she is not alone in selling her property since the introduction of ‘extortionate’ council tax premiums.

Pembrokeshire is currently operating a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes, having previously introduced a 50 per cent council tax premium on second homes in 2017.

The former second home-owner, who wished to remain anonymous, had moved to Tenby some nine years ago, before the premium was introduced.

“I have sold my second

Bruce Sinclair

home in Tenby as I believe having to pay extortionate fees into a fund that gets allocated to various causes throughout the county to be wrong,” she said.

“I live in the beautiful countryside but after working for 40 years without a career break I fulfilled my lifetime ambition of buying a second home with a sea view.

“I made friends in the area, whereas the countryside does not provide company nearby.

Earlier this month,

changes were made to the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund established to use money from the premium, to provide grants to enhance the sustainability of local communities.

Grants distribution has historically seen 75 per cent targeted at local wards proportionate to the number of second homes, with the remaining 25 per cent at multiple ward strategic projects.

At the July meeting of Cabinet members agreed to instead adopt a countywide approach of larger and smaller schemes, of up to £15,000.

Local Democracy Reporter

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Coastguard rescues injured woman at Strumble Head

IN A SWIFT response to a distress call, the HM Coastguard team was deployed to Strumble Head on Tuesday (Jul 11) for a medical evacuation mission.

At approximately 17:07, the team sprang into action after receiving reports of a female casualty who had suffered a suspected ankle fracture while hiking along the coastal path.

Upon reaching the scene, the rescue team wasted no time in providing essential care to the injured woman. They skillfully stabilized her condition and diligently carried out observations to ensure her well-being until the arrival of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. The seamless handover between the Coastguard and the medical professionals allowed for a smooth transition of responsibility.

With the successful completion of the handover, the HM Coastguard team was able to stand down and safely return to their station.

Their professionalism and prompt response in this rescue operation exemplify their commitment to the

safety and welfare of those in need along the rugged coastal terrain.

The HM Coastguard plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of coastal communities and visitors, offering immediate

assistance in times of emergencies. Their expertise and dedication continue to be a cornerstone of coastal rescue operations, providing peace of mind to those who explore the scenic beauty of the British coastline.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Man who asked woman to withdraw statement avoids prison

IN A RECENT court case, Layton Nolan, a man accused of assaulting a woman and attempting to bribe her to withdraw her statement, has managed to avoid a prison sentence.

Judge Paul Thomas strongly condemned Nolan’s actions, labelling him a “cowardly bully” and describing his behaviour as both “pathetic” and “insidious.”

The sentencing, originally scheduled two weeks ago, was postponed after Nolan argued that his company would collapse, resulting in the loss of ten jobs if he were incarcerated. Taking this into consideration, Judge Thomas concluded on Monday, 10 July, that he could not send Nolan to prison.

During the court proceedings, Amelia Pike, Nolan’s defence attorney, claimed that the staff members were selfemployed but still worked under Nolan’s supervision. Judge Thomas expressed scepticism regarding Nolan’s employment practices, questioning whether this arrangement

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was an attempt to evade the legal obligations and responsibilities associated with employing staff.

Ms. Pike clarified that these individuals were indeed considered employees while the case was ongoing and that Nolan had been awaiting the outcome before finalising their employment status.

Details emerged during the trial, revealing that Nolan had assaulted the woman on four separate occasions between July and August of the previous year. The incidents ranged from spraying perfume in her eyes during an argument to pushing her, causing her to fall and injure her arm and thigh. In another incident, Nolan slapped her on the right cheek and kicked her leg. The culmination of the assaults occurred when Nolan drove erratically with the complainant and a young child in the car. Fearing for her safety, she exited the vehicle, prompting Nolan to assault her again.

The court was informed that Nolan subjected the victim to further physical abuse, including punching and slapping her legs while she cowered. Upon arriving at the Bluestone resort, a distressed complainant was pushed into bushes by Nolan, witnessed by a member of the staff.

Nolan, a 27-year-old residing on Victoria Road in Pembroke Dock, was found guilty of these assaults at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Prior to the trial, evidence surfaced of Nolan offering the complainant money in exchange for retracting her witness statement. This conversation was recorded, and it was later revealed that Nolan had also contacted the complainant’s sister, urging her to withdraw her statement as well.

Judge Thomas criticised Nolan’s actions, describing them as both pathetic and insidious. He sentenced Nolan to a suspended 26week prison term for a period of two years. In addition, Nolan will be required to complete the Building Better Relationships programme,

Svitzer tugs to operate in Greece

MILFORD HAVEN tug boat operator Svitzer, part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, has signed a 15-year agreement to service Gastrade’s Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System (Alexandroupolis INGS) LNG terminal, the first offshore LNG project in Greece.

Svitzer will apply its global terminal towage expertise and experience to rapidly set up towage services and support for advanced LNG operations at the new import terminal. This includes supporting a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) with a pipeline system connecting the floating unit to the Greek National Natural Gas Transmission System and onwards to final consumers in Greece and the

Balkans.

Svitzer will provide four new ASD tugboats, fully manned by Greek crew, to assist the FSRU and the carriers delivering LNG. Svitzer tug boats will provide berthing, un-berthing, navigation assistance, and

other terminal services including firefighting, pollution control, pilot and boarding party transfer. Svitzer will also provide support and station keeping services to the FSRU during initial installation.

The project marks Svitzer’s first entry into the Greek market and will see the company apply its knowledge and skills in the local environment.

Police probe assault allegation

DYFED-POWYS

POLICE has confirmed that it is investigating an incident that occurred at approximately 6pm on Monday, 26th June 2023.

Police received a report that a man was assaulted at the Victoria Road entrance to Milford Haven Marina.

The man did not require

hospital treatment.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation, is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys

Police, either online at: https:// bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys. police.uk, or by calling 101. If

you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP20230626-324

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

participate in a 30-day rehabilitation activity, and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Furthermore, the complainant was granted a restraining order against Nolan for a period of five

years. Judge Thomas emphasised that the decision to avoid prison was influenced by the potential impact on Nolan’s employees. Addressing Nolan directly, he expressed

hope that his time spent in custody had been unpleasant and warned him that he would not be granted another chance. Nolan responded, assuring the court, “100 per cent.”

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Foam pollution on River Cleddau raises concerns with locals

INCREASING volumes of foam have become highly noticeable on the River Cleddau in recent days, sparking worries about potential pollution. Mr. Bevis Musk, a concerned citizen, reached out to Ms. Clare Pillman, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and Prof. Steve Ormerod to bring their attention to the matter.

In his email dated 19th June 2023, Mr. Musk expressed his belief that the foam may have an organic origin, evident from its thick and three-dimensional appearance. The foam has a creamy white colour with a distinct brown shade, reminiscent of foams derived from algal blooms. Mr. Musk suggested that the warmer weather and rising water temperatures are likely contributing factors.

Despite the diligent efforts of NRW’s Lloyd Ayris, the definitive chemical composition and source of the anionic detergent foam remain unknown. Mr. Musk highlighted that NRW has been aware of this pollution since November 2022, leaving ample time for

analysis over the past seven months. To distinguish between the new foam and the anionic detergent foam, Mr. Musk recommended

determining the relative chemical constituents of both types of foam.

In a gesture of

assistance, Mr. Musk volunteered to oversee the necessary analyses at no cost, provided NRW provides the required resources to support Mr. Ayris.

In addition to the foam pollution, Mr. Musk shared new evidence gathered from conversations with local anglers. They reported unusually low fish catches, and in some cases, no catches at all. While acknowledging that this evidence may be considered anecdotal, Mr. Musk emphasised that the comments were unsolicited and coincided with his own observations of a lack of wading birds feeding on exposed mud during low tides. These observations suggest a potentially significant impact on delicate marine habitats and the associated food chains.

Expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceives as NRW’s inefficient allocation of resources, Mr. Musk called upon the organisation to fulfil its duty of protecting natural resources. He specifically addressed Ms. Pillman, reminding her that

he has written directly to her as the CEO, and expressed the expectation of receiving a response from her.

Photographs taken on 17th and 18th June clearly show the foam in the form of distinct “rafts,” displaying a cream and brown colouration. This differs from the previously observed sparkling white, almost twodimensional foam.

NRW is currently conducting investigations into the foam pollution, with laboratory results from Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) analysis expected to be available next week. Additional sampling for detergent in the Havens saline environment is scheduled for August, and NRW has indicated their willingness to arrange a meeting with Mr. Musk to discuss the findings in person.

The foam pollution on the River Cleddau and its potential environmental impact continue to raise concerns, as NRW strives to identify the source and implement appropriate measures to safeguard the river’s ecosystem.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Supermarket chain CK Foodstores accused of selling expired meat

A POPULAR supermarket chain, CK Foodstores, has come under fire after it was exposed for selling meat that was up to 13 days past its use-by date. The shocking discovery was made by S4C’s investigative program, Y Byd ar Bedwar, which found nearly 50 items being sold or displayed past their expiration dates in several CK Foodstores.

Selling products beyond their use-by date is not only an offence but also poses health risks to consumers. Consuming spoiled meat can lead to various illnesses and complications. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to adhere to proper food safety regulations.

MONITOR AND IMPROVE

CK Foodstores has pledged to “monitor and improve” its policies in response to the allegations. The supermarket chain operates over 30 stores across south and west Wales. While some stores may display the Nisa logo due to a partnership with the brand Nisa Local, it’s important to note that CK Foodstores independently owns and operates these establishments.

The investigation, which spanned nearly a year, focused exclusively on CK Foodstores. There is no suggestion that Nisa Local has been involved in the sale of expired food items.

During the probe, it was revealed that almost half of the 24 stores visited were selling products past their useby dates. Specific examples include a piece of gammon that was 13 days expired at

a CK’s store in Penclawdd, Swansea, and chicken drumsticks that were two days out-of-date at the St Clears store in Carmarthenshire.

Further instances of expired meat were found at stores in Birchgrove, Brynhyfryd, Burry Port, Cimla, Llandysul, St David’s, and Waunarlwydd.

PEMBROKESHIRE

In the Narberth store in Pembrokeshire, the investigative team even purchased a bag of gammon

misshapes that were sold a shocking 10 days past their use-by date.

This is not the first time CK Foodstores has faced legal repercussions for such violations. Last year, the supermarket chain was ordered to pay nearly £30,000 for selling expired food and displaying unsafe products in two of its Swansea stores.

Nathan Barnhouse, director of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), emphasized the importance of use-by dates in ensuring consumer safety. He stated, “A use-by

date is about safety. It may smell and look OK, but you won’t necessarily see the bacteria that could potentially make you ill. That could lead to hospitalization if you’re elderly, young, or have an underlying health condition. And just because you may have eaten food past its useby date in the past and been OK, you may not be so lucky in the future. Shops shouldn’t be selling anything past its use-by date.”

In response to the accusations, CK Foodstores issued a statement to the

program, expressing their commitment to customers and the communities they serve. They asserted that they would continue to enhance their policies and procedures to ensure customers receive quality items at reasonable prices. However, the company did not specifically address the allegations of selling expired products.

CK Foodstores said to the programme in a statement: “CK’s values all of its customers and the communities in which it operates.

“In recognition of its commitment to its customers, CK will continue to monitor and improve on its policies and procedures to ensure that its customers continue to receive quality items at reasonable prices.”

CK’s did not respond to the allegations of selling products past the use-by date.

The Food Standards Agency has highlighted the severity of selling meat beyond its use-by date, clarifying that it is not only a violation but also endangers public health.

As consumers, it is vital that we remain vigilant and demand accountability from businesses regarding food safety standards.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Ashmole & Co delighted to sponsor Wales YFC dance competition

MIKE EDWARDS

ASHMOLE & CO one of south Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to support Wales YFC through sponsorship of the dance competition at the Royal Welsh Show later this month.

Ashmole & Co have been working with the Welsh farming community since its inception in 1897. The firm is very passionate about the agricultural sector both professionally and personally, with many partners and staff having benefited greatly from being past or present members of Wales YFC. Supporting the future generation of farmers is extremely important to all the team.

The Royal Welsh Show is the highlight of the year for many YFC members. The event is packed full of competitions such as shearing, dancing, stock

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judging and flower arranging. The dance competition that Ashmole & Co are sponsoring will take place at 1pm on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, 25 July 2023.

Ceri Llwyd, Ashmole & Co’s Partner in the Llandovery and Llandeilo office, said, “As the Auditor of Wales YFC, we know the importance of this bilingual, rural, youth organisation in helping and supporting young people become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. It has been an honour to work with Wales YFC over many years assisting with their accounts and audit of the charity. We have developed an excellent working relationship and I very much hope that this will continue for years to come. We would like to wish

everyone competing at the Royal Welsh Show luck. We hope everyone enjoys the tremendous experience.”

The Wales Federation of YFC is a vibrant and lively charity which enthusiastically empowers young people to take responsibility and play an energetic role in their communities, whilst encouraging personal development through a wide range of programmes which the members have the responsibility of designing and managing. The organisation involves over 5,000 members between 10 and 28 years as well as many thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends. It is estimated that over 210,000 Welsh people have been members or participants over the organisation’s 80 year history.

Mared Rand Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Wales YFC, said, “The Royal Welsh

Show is the pinnacle of the year for YFC members and we look forward to seeing our members once again representing their counties and competing in a variety of competitions. Wales YFC will be showcasing the very best and the public will be entertained throughout the four days of the Show. We thank Ashmole & Co for their tremendous support to Wales YFC, as a charity organisation we depend on kind sponsorship to be able to provide activities and competitions for our members. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Wales YFC Centre during the Show.”

The 2023 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday 24 July – Thursday 27 July. The show is the pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar. Along with an exciting four days of livestock and equine competitions, the show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays. Representatives from Ashmole & Co will be present at the event. If you would like to arrange a meeting with one of our Partners during the show please get in touch with your local office.

Council takes legal action against 1,857 people

PEMBROKESHIRE

COUNTY COUNCIL were in attendance at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday (Jul 10) to take legal action against a large number of residents who have failed to pay their Council Tax this financial year.

On the lengthy list were the names of 2,236 defendants – however after 202 applications for Council Tax Liability Orders were withdrawn in court for various reasons, and 169 people settled at the last minute. In total 1,857 liability orders were rubberstamped by the magistrates. Each person subject to

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legal action will have their Council Tax bill increased by £70 to cover court costs

– a total of £129,990 for the local authority to cover the legal bill for the brief hearing.

In a simiar mass-hearing in May last year just 428

THE MISSUS has straightforward tastes in films. She’s watched every Star Trek movie ever made so many times my beloved mouths the actors’ lines along with them. The same with Indiana Jones. From raiding a lost Ark to locating a city of gold built by interdimensional space aliens, her familiarity with the material is second only to Harrison Ford’s.

There must, however, be no gratuitous physical violence. I mean, Nazis having their faces melted off or Benedict Cumberbatch popping a space admiral’s head is not really real. It’s more Tom and Jerry than The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

My darling does have blindspots and exceptions to her rule. For example, when it comes to (literally) eye-popping violence and gruesome ways of dispatching one’s foes, nothing beats a little bit of Denzel equalising the Russian mob or other felons. And then there’s Bruce Willis, an actor whose characters have been responsible for more evildoers’ deaths than the Nuremberg Trials and Eliot Ness’s Untouchables combined.

In my younger days, I occasionally wore a vest to remind her of Bruce Willis. Sadly the only way I matched him was with my receding hairline.

The worrying thing about the wife’s interest in films depicting horrendous acts of gory violence is my concern she will start to get ideas.

My life insurance policy is generous. Its terms, although labyrinthine, appear to countenance my departure from this life as nothing more than a subclause standing between my darling one and a

payout.

Every day I check the house for nail guns, staple guns, mantraps, caltrops, Semtex, thermite, exploding microwaves, fire pits, fire ants, Benedict Cumberbatch, and crystal skulls. I don’t fear tumbling hundreds of feet to my doom while my wife shouts “yippee-kiyay” from a tower block window because we live in a bungalow.

You can talk about explorers and extreme sports participants living on the edge. Still, nothing beats the nerve-jangling terror of wondering when a helicopter gunship will zip by and finish you off.

I don’t really think the wife is a homicidal maniac who spends her every hour plotting inventive ways to deliver me to the afterlife. If that were the case, she’d have polished me off long ago for the many ways I’ve accidentally found to irritate her. For instance, rolling my socks into a ball and practising off-spin bowling with them against the bathroom door.

I worry about how film heroes always find inventive ways to eliminate their enemies and their effect on the missus. It’s bad enough that she always wins when we play “Mousetrap” and “Cluedo”, but the idea she’s using them as a potential dry run places a certain edge on those games.

We watched the new Mission: Impossible film the other evening. The wife pointed out that Tom Cruise and I were the same age and not much older than Brad Pitt.

More worryingly, she wondered if I’d like to have a motorbike or take skydiving lessons. Like death, taxes and (her hero) Thanos, my wife is inevitable.

orders were made of the same kind.On Monday, 68 businesses were also made the subject of liability orders for failing to pay non-domestic rates.

I MPROVING

JOBSEEKER prospects will help to achieve the government’s priority to grow the economy. Work Coaches are playing a crucial role to support jobseekers develop their full potential by encouraging them to review their skill and abilities, while identifying barriers to starting, or progressing in the world of work. Importantly, specialist support is available for those aged 50 Plus, or with a health condition, so that they remain connected with opportunities, and for parents on Universal Credit, there are now increased childcare payments.

Fred Hatton from the Employer and Partnership Team in Pembrokeshire stated: - “We are well into the Summer and our hospitality and tourism sector is in the process of aiming to recruit to maximum numbers in order to cope with the demands of visitors and, of course, our local residents. Jobcentres are focussing on increasing the labour force to help businesses fill their vacancies so that those businesses thrive and contribute to the local and Welsh economy. DWP staff are linking up with employers, inviting them to come to our jobcentres to interview applicants, and to arrange any necessary preemployment training.”

Current employers continuing to use DWP services to recruit staff are Bluestone Resorts and Oakwood Leisure and after every visit, they have been able to make job offers to many of those who attend interviews. There will be a Bluestone open day at the resort on Saturday 29 July from 1000 to 1400 and everybody is welcome. It is important to state that, the more prepared the applicants are, the more research carried out on the nature of the business, the more likely they are to be

offered a job. Fred Hatton stated – “If jobseekers are unsure what to expect at interview, those who are benefit claimants should speak to their Work Coach in the Jobcentre, and others should contact Careers Wales.” Although more and more jobseekers are moving into employment in Pembrokeshire, there are still a great many jobs on offer across the whole range of sectors, care work, administration, retail, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, construction, land based work, green energy, and many more. Latest government statistics show that the number of benefit claimants in our county has had very little change since this time last year; this is encouraging as it shows the Pembrokeshire employment scene is buoyant with no decline since 2022. this time last year. Our work coaches provide every jobseeker with individual support, to help build confidence and develop new skills. We are encouraging people, whether they are single parents, young, 50 Plus, or those who have a health condition, to connect with their jobcentre to re-join the work force, or progress in their career. One of the DWP priorities is to ensure full support is given to those aged 50+ in order to assure a sense of worth and wellbeing in these valued members of our communities; their knowledge and skills in the workplace over many years are important to employers and often, with some free retraining, we hope to keep these workers in employment for their own wellbeing after the dent in the confidence of some due to the pandemic. The DWP efforts with the 50+ customers appear to be working very well in Pembrokeshire as the number of claimants in this age group has decreased by 9% since this time last year; this is a very positive and welcome figure showing that DWP efforts are

succeeding for this group. We know that by targeting personal support to every jobseeker, people gain the confidence to develop their abilities and skills to re-join the work force, or progress in their career. That’s why Work Coaches are working hard, ensuring jobseekers know how they can benefit from the huge amount of support available. This includes financial help coming soon through increased Universal Credit childcare payments.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman said:

“It’s encouraging to see inactivity falling, vacancies dropping, and employment on the up. To get prices down and help make mortgages manageable, we must halve inflation and grow our economy. To do that we are helping those who can, into work, and we recently increased the amount someone on Universal Credit can claim back for childcare to make working that bit easier.”

“Our new Midlife MOT website is also helping everyone to future-proof their finances, whether that’s looking at options for work, reviewing their skills or understanding their pensions.”

WALES STATISTICS

Wales

The number of people employed is at 1.435 million, down 6,000 on the quarter and down 37,000 on the year.

The employment rate (16-64) is at 71.9%, down 0.5%pts on the quarter and down 1.8%pts on the year.

The number of people unemployed is at 76,000 – up 24,000 on the quarter and up 18,000 on the year.

The unemployment rate is at 5.0%, up 1.5%pts on the quarter and up 1.2%pts on the year.

The number of people in workless households has fallen since October to December 2010 by 104,000.

Llangwmlitfest: Showcasing the riches of Pembrokeshire

Evans, and illustrated by the renowned Fran Evans (no relation).

‘Kevin’s book ‘My River’ is a collection of stories and starts with Kevin’s childhood on the Cleddau. It is beautifully written and testament to a special and disappearing world. We are really proud to be offering it and the support from the village has been tremendous.’

‘And for those who’d like to delve into the natural history of the Cleddau, Dale Fort’s Dr Steve Morrell is leading an exploration of the shore at Black Tar’.

‘THE LITFEST has inspired a lot of people to unlock the riches of memory and put pen to paper, says Michael Pugh, director of the Llangwm Literary Festival. ’This

year is no exception, and we are delighted to be showcasing a book written by villager, Kevin

Moving a little further afield, Llangwm (which sometimes feels more like a creative university campus than a village) is hosting writer David Moore, to shed light on the somewhat overlooked, but utterly brilliant Welsh woman artist, Ray HowardJones. Hot off the press, the book contains a vast array of Jones’ beautiful seascapes from around Marloes and Skomer, as well as well-crafted text to shed light on the work of a pioneering and talented artist.

And for those who prefer to go back even further in time, the festival is welcoming Dr Lloyd Bowen from Cardiff University to talk about Pembrokeshire three hundred and fifty years’ ago. Lloyd will be sharing his book ‘John Poyer, the Civil Wars in Pembrokeshire and the British Revolutions’. For those who are just starting writing, or even just thinking about it, the acclaimed and prolific Tenby writer, Judith Barrow, is hosting a session in which people can talk about their work and share the secrets of success.

In addition, there will be fun for all the family, poetry, music, books galore, art, events for children, foraging and lots more.

The Llangwm Literary Festival takes place between 11 and 13 August 2023 in Llangwm. For more information on the festival, please contact llangwmlitfest@gmail.com, or visit our website: www. llangwmlitfest.co.uk

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant helps bring community together

A UNIQUE project in Pembroke Dock ‘Tackling Loneliness’ is bringing the local community together with veterans.

An Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant of £20,000, in collaboration with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, has funded a Peer Mentor, who supports many people, not just veterans, at its former Catholic school site.

The funding also allowed the continuation of weekday Naafi breaks where participants can chat and enjoy the company of other veterans.

There is a focus on older veterans living in the local area, but all ages and people from all walks of life are now involved.

Peer mentor Kevin Stanley, a Royal Navy veteran, offers support in accessing digital platforms, paperwork, referrals, housing and benefits as well as a “friendly ear.”

As well as this support there are around 26 activities on offer throughout the week, ranging from knitting to IT

skills.

Steph Cross, VC Gallery Project Manager, said what’s unique at the Pembroke Dock centre is how closely residents and veterans support each

other, “they merge so well,” she added.

A food poverty grant has allowed for a weekly lunch to be offered, and this has been increasing in popularity, and the centre saw more than 450 people attending throughout May.

Volunteers prepare the lunch and The VC Gallery

works closely with PAVS to find people willing to volunteer for activities and lunches, with around 4,000 hours given across the organisation this year.

The Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant distributes funds raised by Second Homes Tax for new

projects to help address the negative impact of second homes and add value to communities.

“The VC Gallery is run as a community hub, supporting veterans and the community – it’s a big project. PATCH and Frame are use rooms here as well. We have around 1,000 engagements a month, lots of different people and these people probably wouldn’t have crossed paths necessarily,” Steph added.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvement and Communities Cllr Neil Prior said: “The Enhancing Pembrokeshire grants can make a real difference to communities, supporting a wide range of projects and schemes. I would encourage anyone working in their communities to find out more about what’s available.”

Armed Forces Champion Cllr Simon Hancock added: “It was inspiring to see the work being done in Pembroke Dock at The VC Gallery. The support for both

veterans and residents is something to be proud of.”

More information about the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant and its five well-being objectives is available on the Pembrokeshire County Council website. You can contact the Regeneration Team on 01437 775536 or via enhancing. pembrokeshire@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk to register your project and apply for an Expression of Interest form.

Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards emphasised the vital work that the VC Gallery does for Veterans and the Armed Forces Community.

She added: “The VC Gallery is the cornerstone for support for our veterans in Pembrokeshire. The great work that Kevin does as the Armed Forces Peer Mentor is vital for our Veterans wellbeing quality of life.’’

More information about the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust can be found online.

£84.2bn worth of foreign owned homes across England and Wales

THE LATEST research by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, estimates that foreign homeowners are sitting on £84.2bn worth of property across England and Wales, with all but one of the top 10 most valuable markets for foreign homeownership located within London.

Benham and Reeves submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Land Registry to ascertain

the number of properties across each area of England and Wales with the title registered to an overseas correspondence address, combined with Gov data on properties registered with an overseas company, before looking at the estimated total value of these homes based on current market values.

The research shows that there are an estimated 280,021 homes currently registered with an overseas correspondence address

or to an overseas company across England and Wales. With the average house price across England and Wales now sitting at £300,636, that’s an estimated £84.2bn worth of foreign owned homes across the nation.

Regionally, London is not only home to by far the highest number of foreign owned homes (103,425), but it also ranks as the most valuable market for foreign homeownership at £55.2bn.

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Pembrokehire pot holes

A third of people in countryside worried that poor road conditions are a barrier to rural living, NFU Mutual finds

allow them to pass when it is safe to pull over.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists

• Speed limits are not targets. Always drive appropriately and remember rural roads are likely to have hazards such as tighter carriageways, blind corners, and animals in the road.

NEW research by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual shows that almost one quarter of people –and just under one third of those living in the countryside – are worried that the quality of rural roads presents a barrier to country living.

The research comes during the most dangerous time of year on the UK’s rural roads, as uncertainty over increased harvest traffic leads to a significant increase in collisions.

The United Kingdom is in the middle of harvest season, with high volumes of agricultural traffic on the road throughout summer - including many tractors pulling heavy silage and grain trailers or wide agricultural machinery.

Unfortunately, the latest claims data from NFU Mutual shows that collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties were 52% more likely between the start of May and the end of September 2022 than in any other months. On average, there were 423 of these accidents per month during the silage cutting, hay making, and harvesting season, compared to 249 per month between October and April.

As well as an increase in agricultural traffic, the summer months also coincide with the school holidays and a greater amount of leisure traffic, with road users not necessarily used to rural roads, which can further increase the risk of accidents.

Andrew Chalk, rural road safety specialist at NFU Mutual, calls for greater awareness and respect from all rural road users:

“Rural roads come with unique hazards, including narrow lanes, fewer road markings and often less wellmaintained surfaces. NFU Mutual’s new research shows

that a significant number of people are uncomfortable on rural roads, and sadly this is only more acute as agricultural machinery traffic increases in summer.

“Our claims data shows that accidents involving these agricultural vehicles and third parties are over 50% more likely in the harvesting season, so it’s more important than ever that road users are patient and considerate for their fellow road users.

“Agricultural vehicles are generally large, wide and slow, which can tempt road users to overtake, but it’s vital that you remain patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so – when you can see a clear road ahead, there a no field openings, and you have space to pass. With narrow rural roads, you may need to wait for a suitable opportunity.

“Farmers and contractors cannot drive too quickly, but they will generally either be going a short distance to an adjacent field or will – and should – pull over to allow built-up traffic to pass.

Motorists and cyclists should be patient, give agricultural vehicles room to turn and not drive too closely to them, which can be dangerous and can obstruct your view before overtaking.

“It’s important to remember that rural roads are vital arteries for our agricultural industry, allowing farmers to bring in the harvest which helps feed the population, as well as valued spaces which allow us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“Mutual respect from those who use rural roads for work and for pleasure will ultimately help keep our motorists, cyclists, horse

riders and walkers safe this harvest season.”

NFU Mutual’s guide to respecting rural roads during this year’s harvest season

All road users

• Give plenty of space when overtaking. Vulnerable road users, such as walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists, should be given as much room as motorists where possible.

• Always check for other road users, particularly at the entrance of fields and junctions.

• Be patient with fellow road users and only overtake when it is safe for all road users.

• Consider where you park to avoid blocking field entrances or obstructing the road for wide agricultural machinery, such as combine harvesters, as they will often need to drive across two lanes.

• Be aware of mud on the road. Rural roads are essential to our farming industry and therefore some mud will be dragged from fields to the road.

• Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code.

• Avoid unnecessary distractions like looking at your phone or listening to music through headphones, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings.

Farmers

• Ensure all equipment is road worthy and pay particular care to things like trailers which may not have been used for months. Check brakes and indicators and

make sure you have reflectors and a beacon for your vehicle. Use the Tilly Checklist to inspect your trailer.

• Be aware of vulnerable road users or hidden junctions, making contractors aware of these junctions and commonly-used walking, cycling and riding routes.

• Familiarise yourself

and your contractors with the speed limits for your vehicles.

• If your agricultural vehicles leave mud in the road, remember to clean it up.

• When turning, indicate in plenty of time and check more than once for road users on your inside.

• Be respectful to fellow road users, but only

• Pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders should consider wearing appropriate clothing which enables them to be seen.

• Respect that rural roads are vital to our farming industry and expect to encounter tractors, farm machinery or animals in the road.

• Signal correctly and in plenty of time, whether you are a motorist, cyclist or horse rider.

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Treasure discovered from

FIVE treasure finds, including three hoards and two grave groups from the Bronze Age and Roman era, were declared as treasure on Tuesday 11th July 2023 by Patricia Morgan, the Area Coroner for South Wales Central.

A burial group from the Bronze Age consisting of a small gold penannular ring and fragments of a burnt wooden comb (Treasure Case 17.13) was unearthed by Rubicon Heritage Services (Red River Archaeology Group) during archaeological excavations in the St Nicholas and Bonvilston Community on 28th July 2017. The discovery was made as part of the archaeological work preceding the A4426 Five Mile Lane improvements road scheme, funded by the Welsh Government and executed by Cyngor Bro Morgannwg –Vale of Glamorgan Council. The two artifacts were found accompanying a human cremation burial in a small burial pit. The burial and the artifacts were meticulously recorded before being removed. A license was obtained from the Ministry of Justice, allowing the removal of the ancient human remains.

The gold penannular ring, measuring just 1.1cm in diameter, is a beautifully crafted piece decorated with a finely worked chevron or herringbone pattern. It represents an early example of a hair-ring, believed to have been used for hair decoration. The fragmentary wooden comb, with eight narrow and parallel teeth, is in a fragile state. It is an incredibly rare organic artifact that survived due to its charred state. These two objects, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age (13001150 BC), were carefully chosen as grave goods to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.

Adam Gwilt, the Principal Curator for Prehistory at Amgueddfa Cymru –Museum Wales, commented, “This cremation burial, with its accompanying gold ring and wooden comb, provides us with a glimpse into life and death during the Bronze Age. The gold ring is an early, wellcrafted, and small example of its kind, offering new insights into the development of hairrings as early forms of jewelry in Britain and Ireland. This grave is just one example of the wealth of prehistoric burial evidence being discovered across the Vale of Glamorgan, highlighting the richness, diversity,

and significance of this archaeology and enhancing our understanding of the past.”

Amgueddfa Cymru –Museum Wales is interested in acquiring this discovery after an independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee. The

artifacts will become part of the broader collection and archive from this archaeological excavation, which is destined for the national collection.

David Gilbert, the Project Manager for Rubicon Heritage Services (Red River Archaeology Group), stated, “The gold ring is undoubtedly the most eye-catching object accompanying the cremation. However, the

television or in films. This discovery emphasizes the significant contribution made by commercial archaeology to advancing our detailed knowledge of the history of Wales.”

Another Roman burial was excavated by Rubicon Heritage Services (Red River Archaeology Group) in April 2017, as part of the archaeological work preceding the A4426 Five Mile Lane improvements road scheme, funded by the Welsh Government and executed by Cyngor Bro Morgannwg –Vale of Glamorgan Council. The burial included a silver crossbow brooch, the remains of an iron sword, and hobnails from a pair of shoes. This find underscores the valuable contribution of commercial archaeology in expanding our understanding of Wales’ history. The silver crossbow brooch, over 300 years old, falls under the remit of the Treasure Act (Treasure Case 17.06).

Crossbow brooches, a common type of Roman bow brooch, are predominantly made of copper alloy, although examples made of silver or gold exist. The sword discovered belongs to the longer type used by the Roman army in the third and fourth centuries AD, corresponding with the dating of the brooch.

Evan Chapman, the Senior Curator for Archaeology at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, stated, “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first example of a Roman silver crossbow brooch found in Wales. Crossbow brooches appear to be associated with the late Roman army and civil service, possibly originally serving as badges of office. However, it has been suggested that elements of military dress, including crossbow brooches, were embraced by the wider elite. The presence of the sword supports the military connection in this case. Regardless of direct affiliation with the Roman army, the silver brooch indicates an individual of elite status.”

(Red River Archaeology Group), remarked, “The burial of a young man in military attire was an unexpected discovery within a Roman field system. The silver crossbow brooch found with the individual signifies his important status within the military or wider society. His death occurred sometime between the mid-3rd to late 4th century, during which the brooch had become a symbol of imperial administrators. Therefore, he was unlikely to have been an ordinary soldier and evidently possessed significant wealth. Isotope analysis also revealed that he was not from the local area but likely grew up further east, possibly from the Welsh borders or beyond. The question arises: what was this wealthy man doing on a farm in south Wales when he died?”

A Bronze Age hoard of tools and weapons (Treasure Case 20.22) was discovered by Richard Griffiths on 17th December 2020 while using a metal detector in a boggy field in the Coychurch Higher Community, Bridgend. The hoard consists of seven bronze artifacts, including four fragmented socketed axes, a spearhead, a palstave, and a casting jet. Dating back to the Late Bronze Age (1000800 BC), the hoard was originally buried in a small and isolated pit, likely as a religious offering to the gods. Relatively few hoards from this period are known in the uplands of south Wales, making this find crucial in enriching our knowledge of the people who lived in the area around 3,000 years ago.

An investigation of the findspot was carried out in August 2022 by a team from Amgueddfa Cymru and the Portable Antiquities Scheme Wales (PAS Cymru), with assistance from the finder.

most important artifact is what may initially seem more mundane: the wooden comb. It is an unparalleled find in Wales, if not the UK. Together, these objects add a human element to our work, highlighting their significance to the person buried with them. They demonstrate the attention to detail and pride in appearance often missing from depictions of prehistoric people on

Amgueddfa Cymru –Museum Wales is interested in acquiring these objects following an independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee. The artifacts will remain together with the rest of the finds from the excavations, which are already destined for the national collection.

Rachel Morgan, the Project Archaeologist for Rubicon Heritage Services

Richard Griffiths, the metal detectorist who discovered the hoard, expressed his excitement, saying, “I was thrilled to find this Bronze Age hoard, and it’s truly special to know that my find is now a part of our shared history. To think that I was the first person to hold these objects since the last person who used them, thousands of years ago, is a remarkable feeling. I enjoyed being involved with the museum archaeologists during their geophysics work and the small dig. It was fascinating to see how they carefully dug and recorded everything. The unexpected discovery of the buried spearhead added another

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Bronze Age and Roman era

interesting twist to the story!”

Chris Griffiths, a researcher at Amgueddfa Cymru, who led the investigation of the findspot, commented, “The opportunity to study the location of this hoard was invaluable, and we are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the landowner and Richard throughout this process. The discovery of a bronze spearhead during the investigation was the ‘icing on the cake,’ providing us with fascinating insights into how Bronze Age people interacted with this upland landscape.”

Amgueddfa Cymru –Museum Wales is interested in acquiring this find after an independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

David Howell, the Engagement Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru), stated, “For 25 years, the Portable

Antiquities Scheme in Wales has been working to preserve knowledge and information about Welsh archaeology. During this time, PAS Cymru has recorded over 90,000 artifacts, establishing connections with the metaldetecting community and finders in general, to ensure that information about Welsh archaeology and history is recorded and shared with the nation.”

A Bronze Age hoard (Treasure Case 21.15) was discovered by Peter Anning while metal-detecting in a pasture field in the Pontprennau Community, Cardiff, on 30th October 2020. The hoard was initially reported to Mark Lodwick through the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru). It includes four fragments of a blade from a single leaf-shaped sword and two casting jets, which were generated

during the casting of bronze artifacts in clay molds. The sword fragments belong to a type known as an Ewart Park sword, and one of the casting jets was created during the casting of a South Wales type socketed axe. These findings indicate that the hoard dates back to the Late Bronze Age, around 1000-800 BC. The artifacts were deliberately buried together in a small pit, most likely as a religious offering.

The Museum of Cardiff is interested in acquiring this hoard for its collection, pending an independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee. The sword would be the museum’s first of its kind and a valuable addition to their Bronze Age archaeology collection, which already includes a socketed axe. The casting jets will contribute to the narrative surrounding the production of such axes

in Bronze Age Cardiff. By acquiring this hoard, the museum will be able to expand their storytelling of this era and their collection from the Pontprennau area of Cardiff.

Chris Griffiths, a doctoral student at the University of Reading and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, commented, “It is rare to find multiple joining pieces of swords from south Wales, making this hoard from Pontprennau Community, containing four blade fragments from a single sword, a significant new discovery. Prior to burial, the sword appears to have been deliberately broken into pieces, with some missing fragments possibly being recycled to create other objects. The way in which this sword was broken, combined with the presence of two casting jets, suggests the involvement of a local

bronzesmith in creating this hoard, allowing us to imagine the lives of people who lived in this part of Cardiff around 3,000 years ago.”

A small hoard of Roman coins (Treasure Case 21.18) was found by Shawn Hendry and Chris Perkins in May 2021 while using metal detectors in a pasture field in the Glascwm Community, Powys. The coin group comprises six silver coins, known as denarii, ranging in date from 32 BC to AD 161. The coins feature representations of Mark Antony, as well as the emperors Titus, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius. The latest coin in the group could have been minted as late as AD 161, indicating that the coins were likely lost together between AD 145 and 165. Most of the coins were in circulation for a long period before they were

lost, and the earliest coin, belonging to Mark Antony (32-1 BC), is highly worn. The coins were probably lost as a small purse group or as a small hoard.

The Radnorshire Museum is interested in acquiring this hoard, following an independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Amgueddfa Cymru is a charity and a family of seven national museums and a collections center located across the country. The aim of the organization is to inspire everyone through Wales’ story, at the museums, in communities, and online. Admission is free, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government, and everyone is welcome.

To learn more about Amgueddfa Cymru’s seven museums, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Three prestigious awards for multi-million pound school project

THE £48.7m Haverfordwest High VC School building project has won three national awards in one week.

As well as scooping two awards in the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards 2023, it also won Project of the Year at the Education Building Wales Awards 2023.

Opened in September 2022, the school provides an outstanding learning environment for 1,750 pupils aged 11-18, together with first-class sports and outdoor facilities that benefit not only learners, but the whole community.

Jane Harries, Headteacher of Haverfordwest High VC School, said: “It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure working with the team from Pembrokeshire County Council, Morgan Sindall and their partners, including Atkins and many locally based contractors, on the project.

“Our amazing school is the result of four years of hard work and team work culminating in giving the pupils of Haverfordwest and our neighbouring areas the learning environment they deserve.

“The Awards are recognition of the collaboration and attention to detail that was given by all to this school building fully considering the needs of the pupils and staff.”

The Constructing in Excellent Wales awards were:

Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award:

Haverfordwest High VC School: Morgan

Sindall Construction, Pembrokeshire County Council, Aecom, Atkins, Dudley’s Aluminium Integration & Collaborative Working Award:

Haverfordwest High Voluntary Controlled School & Sports Facilities: Morgan Sindall Construction, Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest High VC School, Atkins, Whitehead Building Services, Pembrokeshire

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Leisure Services

The HHVCS project will now be shortlisted in the national Constructing Excellence awards in November.

Project Manager Paul Williams said the team were delighted. “To then go on to win the Project of the Year at the Education Building Wales Awards 2023 shows what a fantastic school has been provided for the pupils of Haverfordwest. It’s a great achievement from all involved.”

Robert Williams, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re honoured that our work on the Haverfordwest VC School project has been recognised with these three prestigious awards.

“Winning awards for Health, Safety & Wellbeing, and Integration & Collaborative Working really exemplifies our commitment to building a positive, safe, and collaborative working environment which facilitates the best possible outcomes for our projects. To win Project of the Year on top of that is a huge honour and a big thanks to the team who made it all possible.”

Simon Kneafsey, Atkins’ Architectural Project Director for HHVCS, said:

“The project was a perfect balance between the school’s community needs, the local authority’s educational vision, requirements of the new Welsh curriculum, budget constraints and delivery programme. Good teamwork and communication – one goal and it was delivered. Everyone is over the moon with the new school.

“The design of the school was driven by developing new and exciting, agile, digitally enriched educational settings which were to meet the needs of the emerging new Welsh Curriculum (independent

learning and problem solving). It provides a mix of traditional classroom environments as well as breakout spaces, large group teaching stairs, and AV (audio/video) systems that could double up as cinemas and immersive environments.”

The school was funded by Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “Given the many challenges that had to be overcome to successfully deliver this project, it is fantastic to see the hard work of everyone involved being recognised by winning these prestigious awards.

“My thanks go to all those who have, in whatever way, contributed to this achievement, which I hope is only the beginning of delivering outstanding learning environments for learners and communities across Pembrokeshire.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “It is a key focus of the Local Authority that health, wellbeing and sport are integrated throughout our services and the partnerships formed during this project have ensured that outstanding facilities for both our educational and community needs have been created.

“Working collaboratively with the school and Morgan Sindall we developed the Pembrokeshire Sports Village which already supports the school, the public, clubs and leagues for the county. An educationally focused campus during the school day and a thriving community hub serving both Haverfordwest and the whole county during evenings and weekends, it has ensured that our sporting landscape has been enhanced as part of this project.”

Pictured at the CEW awards are (left to right) Cllr Guy Woodham, Simon Kneafsey, Ree Amroota, Steven Richards-Downes, Jane Harries, Gareth Rees, Mike Thomas, Darren Thomas, Jon McCarthy and David Humphrey.

The Torch clothes swap is back!

FED-UP of your flipflops? Tired of your top, time to make a swap? Look no further than the Clothes Swap event at the Torch Theatre this July. Following on from two very successful clothes swap days in April and May this year, the Torch Theatre is pleased to be offering another such event on Sunday 23rd July at 2pm.

And for those of you who aren’t that sure what a Clothes Swap event actually entails, it’s an event open to all where people can exchange their clean items of clothing for some other used clothing in order to promote sustainable consumption, and it won’t cost you a penny!

Having first appeared post World War II when people couldn’t afford to buy new

clothes, Clothes Swap events have really taken off over the past few years around the globe, and Milford Haven is no exception.

“Our Clothes Swap events have been so popular so far that we’ve decided to introduce a bi-monthly event in our fabulous Joanna Field Gallery here at the Torch Theatre. These events are for all to enjoy and to help our planet,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community.

Tim added: “Community Clothes Swaps such as these can encourage socialising and relationship building bringing Pembrokeshire people together under one roof and where better place to host it than at the welcoming Torch Theatre. So come browse our clothes and see

what other treats we have available. Perhaps a drink of your choice from our kiosk or see what’s on in our cinema –make an afternoon of it!”

Torch Theatre is a registered charity and as a non-for-profit organisation, relies on the generous support of donors to continue providing for our community with events such as this clothes swap. If you are interested in supporting us, check out our website torchtheatre.co.uk or call our box office on 01646 695267.

The Torch Theatre will accept pre-loved children’s and adult’s clothes, shoes and accessories, and as long as you bring something along you can swap it for something else. So come on down on July 23!

National Survey results show shift to thrift

• 40% of people used a bus service in the past year, with 30% of that group using a bus at least once a week.

• 29% of people said they look after or give help or support to family members, friends, neighbours or others because of long-term physical or mental ill-health or disability, or problems related to old age.

as football, rugby and golf), and 6% participate in outdoor pursuits like rambling and kayaking.

In response to the

results, the Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans said:

“The National Survey results provide an important insight into how

people in Wales feel about different aspects of their lives. It will inform our thinking and actions as we continue to work to make Wales a better place to live.”

More people in Wales are buying secondhand and reducing their energy usage in a bid to save money, according to the latest results from the National Survey for Wales.

The results show a significant increase in the number of people minimising their energy use at home (75% compared to 62% last year), with cost being cited as the main force behind this.

In the face of a climate crisis - as well as the continued effects of cost-of-living increases - the numbers of people recycling and reusing goods also saw a positive jump. 53% said they were cutting down on buying brand new

items (compared to 46% previously) and 70% of people have either bought or been given second-hand items in the last 12 months, an increase from 57% in 2018-19.

Published today [Tuesday 11 July], the National Survey is a random sample telephone and online survey of over 11,000 people across Wales.

Interviews were carried out between April 2022 and March 2023 and cover a wide range of topics like health, environmental issues, transport and arts attendance.

Other key results include:

• 92% of those who had an NHS dental appointment in the last 12 months are satisfied with the care they received. 41% of the people who had not been to a dentist (either NHS or private) in the past 12 months had wanted an appointment.

• 34% of people in work say they work remotely for some or all of their working hours, with 16 to 24-year-olds less likely to work remotely than older age groups.

• 39% of people say they participate in sporting activities three or more times per week, an increase from 34% last year. 56% say they participate in fitness activities (such as fitness classes, swimming and running), 16% participate in sports or games (such

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Delve deep into Pembrokeshire’s enigmatic past at Carew Castle

CAREW CASTLE will host an exciting new event later this month, featuring a full day of educational and engaging activities for anyone interested in history and archaeology.

Unearthing History: Pembrokeshire’s Past has been organised in collaboration with Dyfed Archaeological Trust, who will be joined by several other local museums and history groups to provide a wide range of talks, displays of artefacts, museum collections, and hands-on archaeology activities for visitors of all ages.

The event will offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Pembrokeshire and learn about the archaeological discoveries that have shaped the region over time. During the event, visitors will have the chance to engage with experts and enthusiasts from various fields, as well as participate in activities, talks and a guided tour of the Castle grounds.

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Highlights will include:

• Hands-on activities for children and families, including a mock excavation pit for budding young archaeologists

• Interactive Horrid Histories talk, Knight School and Have-a-Go Archery

• Displays of artefacts from local history groups and museums

• A guided tour of the Castle, led by an expert guide who will share their knowledge and insights into the Castle’s history and significance.

• Manager of Carew Castle Daisy Hughes said: “We are thrilled to be hosting Unearthing History: Pembrokeshire’s Past at Carew Castle, and to be working with Dyfed Archaeological Trust and other local groups to bring

this event to life.

“We believe that this event will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to engage with the rich history and heritage of Pembrokeshire, and to learn more about the fascinating archaeological discoveries that have shaped our understanding

of the past.”

Organisations attending will include Dyfed Archaeological Trust, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Tenby Museum, Pembroke Town Walls Trust, The Tudor Merchants House, Pembrokeshire County History Trust, Kilgetty/Begelly History

Society, Pembrokeshire Prospectors and the Portable Antiquities Scheme Officer, along with Tomos Ll. Jones, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Community Archaeologist.

Unearthing History: Pembrokeshire’s Past will take place on Monday 24

July 2023 from 10am to 4pm at Carew Castle. The event is open to all ages and is included free with normal Castle admission. For more information, please visit www. carewcastle.com or contact the Castle directly at enquiries@carewcastle. com.

TrustMark welcomes first Scheme Provider in Wales

TrustMark’s newest Scheme Provider, NetRet, is its first to be based in Wales and is focused on supporting the housing sector to achieve its net zero goals through the likes of the Optimised Retrofit Programme.

Providing training (including NVQ level and vocational), guidance and certification, NetRet aims to help upskill the workforce within the social housing sector to overcome some of the supply chain and skills gap issues.

Businesses can register

with NetRet to become TrustMark registered, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to quality (PAS 2035), consumer protection and maintaining high standards. TrustMark

Registered Businesses with NetRet will also receive TrustMark’s Licence Plus registration.

NetRet will support the supply chain of products and services, working in partnership with the Welsh Government and Wales’ Academic community in the development of a Net Zero Workforce for Wales.

Simon Ayers, CEO, TrustMark said, “We’re delighted to welcome NetRet as a Scheme Provider, offering the opportunity for more businesses to upskill their people and help meet the challenges of decarbonising homes in Wales. Helping to grow the availability of trained, skilled workers able to carry out energy efficiency improvements in homes in Wales is to be welcomed and we look forward to working with NetRet.”

Andrew Partington, Head of Partnerships at NetRet commented, “As

a recognised TrustMark Scheme Provider, we ensure exceptional quality and standards at every stage of our service. Our commitment to accessible and best-in-class advice and guidance makes us the go-to partner for those who seek to make a positive impact on the environment and their communities. At NetRet, we are committed to creating a sustainable future by empowering individuals, contractors, and the housing sector with the skills and certifications needed for success. We’re dedicated to

safeguarding jobs, creating new business opportunities, and bridging the skills gap with the assurances of the TrustMark Scheme Provider status. “

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:

“The Welsh Government is committed to growing the skilled and diverse workforce Wales needs to work in the green jobs of the future, which will be crucial in helping us meet our net zero commitments and transition to a greener economy.

“So I very much welcome the launch of NetRet as

TrustMark’s first Scheme Provider based in Wales. Having a TrustMark provider in Wales is a great step forward in helping us deliver our future skills needs in the construction sector.

“The skills system in Wales is already supporting a broad range of construction specialisms, including new and emerging energy efficiency training. Through our Personal Learning Account programme, we’re investing £2m in a new Green PLA pilot to strengthen the offer even further.”

Tennis Wales report growth of the sport across the country

PARTICIPATION

figures released by Tennis Wales, the National Governing Body for tennis & padel in Wales, show an increase in adult and junior participation.

The Lawn Tennis Association for Britain (LTA) published GB participation figures for 2022 in February that showed sustained success in getting more people playing tennis, more often; with growth across all demographics, regions and nations of Great Britain, particularly amongst 1634 year-olds and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The latest LTA participation figures or Wales have shown that trend continuing in the country. It found that in the year to May 2023, 176,000* adults in Wales picked up a racket and played tennis at least once in the last 12 months, and that 71,000* adults played monthly.

These figures are a

significant increase from around 130,000* playing annually and 31,000* playing monthly in 2019, which was the start of Tennis Wales’ tennis ‘opened up’ strategy. Another positive is the number of women taking part in tennis activity each year, with more than 50,000* women playing annually on courts across Wales.

The number of children participating in tennis has also grown. 27,000* children currently play tennis each week while 154,000* play at least once a year. In addition, the sport has high levels of latent demand, with more than 50,000 school children wanting to participate and try tennis (Sport Wales, School Sport Survey 2023).

Jamie Clewer, Head of Participation at Tennis Wales siad: “These figures show how our sport has ‘opened up’ to new and returning players in the last few years. Our network of tennis courts across Wales includes public parks, tennis clubs, commercial facilities and community indoor tennis centres. Together we’re seeing amazing

participation rates in the game”.

Reflecting on the Sport Wales School Sports Survey figures he added: “We’ve provided free LTA Youth Schools teacher training to more than 650 Welsh teachers, and via the LTA Tennis Foundation, invested £250 into each school that has completed the training for tennis coaching and equipment.

“Our network of accredited tennis coaches are superb, welcoming children into the game through our LTA Youth programme in Wales, with fun games, and smaller courts and rackets”.

Tennis Wales’s strategy to ‘open up’ tennis includes an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan which has: Increased female participation and female workforce

• Seen direct investment into new Open Court disability coaching sessions

• Introduced tennis into more under-served

communities through LTA SERVES

• The creation of a Welsh Government funded anti-racist project

• Seen the launch of the first LGBTQ+ tennis club in Wales.

Elsewhere, a new National Facility Plan has prioritised capital investment into the game and is:

• Building low-cost indoor structures in areas of poor tennis provision

• Modernising tennis club facilities for the future

• Refurbishing public parks as

• part of a UK-wide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA

• Working with schools, colleges and universities to utilize school tennis courts

• Developing padel, with new padel courts being built

Crabb says Wales ‘punching below its weight’ in bid to attract visitors

POOR marketing, tour operators ignoring Wales and challenging transport connections are hampering aspirations to become tourist hotspot

Wales lacks a distinct brand with efforts to market the nation to international visitors failing, the Welsh Affairs Committee argues today in its report on ‘Wales as a global tourist destination’.

Wales punches below its weight in attracting international visitors. In 2019, of the 41 million international tourists that visited the UK, only one million visited Wales, and of the total amount spent by international tourists, just 2% was spent in Wales. The Committee heard that Wales’s lack of profile was a barrier to growing the international market, and

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was surprised to hear that of those surveyed, 57% of overseas visitors to Wales had not seen any marketing beforehand. The Committee argues that VisitBritain lacks the knowledge and expertise to successfully promote Wales, and as such, is not achieving all it can on behalf of the nation, nor is it sufficiently promoting Wales in its marketing materials.

It was clear through evidence gathering that Wales lacks a distinct brand, unlike other nations in the UK. Witnesses offered varying suggestions of branding for Wales, ranging from nature to history, myths and legends to the Welsh

language, with little consensus. The Committee urges VisitBritain and Visit Wales to work together on identifying a brand for Wales that can be marketed effectively. Marketing could be enhanced, the Committee argues, if the Welsh Government considered making Visit Wales independent, offering operational independence from Ministers.

There has been success in raising the profile – and boosting visitor numbers – through television and film. Disney+’s successful series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ has had a positive impact on visitor numbers., To capitalise on the series’ success, and to make the most of visiting tourists, the Committee recommends more effort is made to promote

visitor attractions close to Wrexham.

The Committee is disappointed that tour operators fail to incorporate holidays in Wales in their packages, despite 27% of those tourists surveyed saying that they would consider taking longer trips if holiday packages were available. This is a major missed opportunity, and an issue that could be further set back if the Welsh Government introduces a tourism tax deterring visitors.

A hindrance to tourism in Wales is transport infrastructure. During its visit to the USA earlier this year, the Committee heard that Wales’s poor transport infrastructure is deterring US tourists from considering Wales as a potential tourist destination. Major tourist

attractions such as North Coast Way, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia are hard to reach without a car, a journey made more challenging with the poor condition and lack of investment in the Welsh road network.

Welsh Affairs Committee Chair, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, said: “Despite Wales’s countless and unique offerings ranging from sandy beaches and blue seas in Pembrokeshire, to the fastest zip line in the world for thrill-seekers in North Wales, the nation punches below its weight in attracting international visitors.

“The evidence our Committee received was clear: Wales lacks a distinct brand that can be marketed globally. UK organisations that should be responsible

for promoting visits to Wales, such as VisitBritain, routinely overlook it in their own marketing materials. Tour operators fail to consistently offer Wales as a holiday destination. The transport infrastructure puts international tourists off coming to Wales, and the poor road network would make travelling to some special locations challenging. Is it any wonder Wales isn’t the global tourist destination it can be?

“These are missed opportunities for visitors to experience the best that Wales has to offer, but also for businesses and local economies that would thrive with increased visitor numbers. We need a more concerted push to promote Wales and to identify its unique brand that can be sold abroad.”

Welsh Energy Service projects could save or generate more than £320m

PROJECTS supported by the Welsh Government Energy Service are expected to generate more than £320m through savings and power generation according new results published today (Wednesday, July 12).

The Energy Service collaborates with public sector and community enterprises to reduce energy use, generate locally owned renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions.

The Energy Service released its annual report today which captured the impact results of all

projects since its launch in 2018.

So far, the Energy Service has supported nearly 300 projects which range from new installed renewables, to advancing energy efficiency work and zero emission vehicle fleet replacements.

The renewable energy projects alone have introduced 40.5MW of new capacity, equivalent to enough electricity to power 16,000 homes[1].

Poppy Potter, Head of the Welsh Government Energy Service, said “This year’s Energy Service projects have really shown the wider benefits of taking

action on climate change now. With such high energy prices, reducing energy use in our public buildings and generating local renewable energy is more important than ever. Switching from petrol and diesel to zeroemissions cars helps make the air cleaner too.

Our case studies show how economic and health benefits go hand in hand with the transition to net zero.”

The Energy Service helps public bodies and community enterprises by providing free technical, commercial and procurement advice.

Climate Change

Minister Julie James said, “The Welsh Government Energy Service programme is a critical part of our ambition to realise a Net Zero Wales by 2050. Since 2018, Public sector and community enterprises have achieved impacts that reduce energy use, generate locally owned renewable energy and lower carbon emissions. The Energy Service support has secured more investment and created savings to drive further action. The work so far provides a firm foundation to continue to build a Team Wales approach, involving everyone in tackling

climate change at speed in this climate emergency.”

Alongside the annual report, the Energy Service has announced further plans for its activities over the next four years.

This includes the £20m Low Carbon Heat Grant, designed to support local authorities implementing low carbon heat projects and accelerating the move away from burning fossil fuels for heat.

Alison Oliver, Directorate Manager of the Children’s Service Cardiff & Vale University Health Board said, “Having these energy improvements installed has made a

significant difference to the Children’s Hospital. It means we can care for our patients in an improved environment that offers them comfort and wellbeing.”

The Energy Service has been led by the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust for the past five years, along with a consortium of other organisations.

The two organisations have been selected through a competitive bidding process to continue to programme and deliver the second phase backed by £29m of funding over the next four years.

Pembrokeshire now ‘in a very different place’ after Audit Wales report

Pembrokeshire County Council “is now in a very different place” to when an Audit Wales report highlighted deficiencies in the wake of a £95,000 pay-off to its former chief executive.

The Auditor General for Wales issued Pembrokeshire County Council with a report in the Public Interest last January, which identified deficiencies in governance and decision making in relation to the way the council dealt with a departure payment made to former chief executive Ian Westley.

The council agreed an action plan to respond to this at a February 2022 extraordinary meeting.

Its Corporate Governance Improvement Plan 2022-24 contained 74 actions to address recommendations arising from a number of reviews and reports.

A follow-up Audit Wales report has been received by the council, with an additional recommendation before Pembrokeshire County Council’s July 13 meeting.

It states: “The council needs to assure itself and demonstrate that the actions it is taking to address the recommendations in our report in the public interest are sustainable

and will achieve the intended impacts.”

A council report for members states: “Audit Wales’ report shows that whilst the council

is making progress, more work is required on ensuring the intended impacts of the actions are being achieved and will result in sustained improvement for the longterm.”

The council will need

Call to reinstate kitchen at Tenby school

to make a formal response to Audit Wales additional recommendation by July 22, a draft response including: “Whilst the council is now in a very different place following the changes already implemented or

nearing conclusion, it is recognised that the simple absence of a problem is not of itself a source of reassurance that the actions taken have delivered on the intended outcomes, nor that the changes implemented

can be regarded as sustainable.

“Significant work has been undertaken in recent months to provide the necessary solid foundations for sustainable change through the development and revision of policies, procedures and the constitution, along with associated training and briefings etc.”

The report for members concludes: “Whilst the report is generally positive and notes that progress is being made, it also notes that, as an organisation, we need to do more work on systems that will give us assurance that positive change has been embedded.”

Members are recommended to note the contents of Audit Wales’ Stage 1 follow-up for its Report in the Public Interest and adopt the response to its additional recommendation.

The Auditor General had made eight recommendations to the council covering: roles and responsibilities, member/ officer relationships; decision making, termination payments, pay policy statement, procurement and use of external advisors, the council’s constitution, and adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Millbrook trout fishery plans expected to be refused

An application to build holiday chalets at a trout fishery in north Pembrokeshire, backed by county planners twice in a row, is expected to be refused at a full meeting of the county council.

final decision.

A call to reinstate a fully working kitchen at Tenby’s Welsh-medium primary school will be heard by county councillors.

Pembrokeshire County council’s full council, meeting on July 13, will consider a notice of motion by St Florence and St Mary Out Liberty councillor Rhys Jordan, entitled ‘Reinstating a fully working school kitchen and catering team at Ysgol Hafan Y Mor’.

In his notice of motion, Cllr Jordan will ask four points.

“A fully functioning kitchen

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

be reinstated within Ysgol Hafan Y Mor, fully equipped to provide warm, balanced meals to our students daily.

“A dedicated catering team be appointed, who would not only prepare these meals but also ensure they adhere to the highest standards of nutrition and hygiene.

“An immediate audit be conducted to identify the resources required for reinstating the kitchen and

appointing the catering team.

“In the interim, steps be taken to ensure meals arriving from Tenby VC School are delivered hot, meeting all required food safety standards.”

In the pre-submitted notice, Cllr Jordan added: “This proposed motion is not just about food. It is about ensuring the overall wellbeing of our students.

“A nutritious, warm meal can make a significant difference in their school experience, engagement, and learning outcomes.”

Plans to provide nine accommodation cabins and ancillary works at a former fishery business at Millbrook, Manorwen, Fishguard, were backed at the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council planning committee, despite being recommended for refusal for a third time.

At the April meeting, members of the county council’s planning committee said they were ‘minded to approve’ the application.

The cautious approval – made following a site visit proposed at the previous meeting – meant it returned for ratification in May.

Members were also told that any full approval at the May meeting would mean the decision, a departure from the adopted Local Development Plan, would need to be referred to full council for a

Officers have repeatedly recommended the application by Messrs L & C Williams –diversification of an existing agricultural holding and trout fishery business – be refused on the grounds it would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the character and appearance of the countryside.

The application will now be considered at the July 13 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, with a recommendation that the council does not endorse the resolution of the planning committee, adding: “The reasons advanced by the planning committee in support of the proposal do not outweigh the Development Plan policies which direct that planning permission should not be granted.”

The report adds: “Attaching significant weight to the limited benefits of the proposed development

scheme would therefore set an undesirable precedent, undermine consistency in decision making and would make it difficult for the council to resist similar development proposals on sites that fall outside defined settlement boundaries in the open countryside.”

In the event members agree to endorse the planning committee’s recommendations, a string of conditions is proposed, including occupation as holiday accommodation only.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

New food recycling campaign to push participation even higher

IN THE LAST three years Pembrokeshire has come top in Wales for recycling, but one area that needs improvement is the disposal of waste food that could be recycled but isn’t.

Overcoming the ‘yuck factor’ and recycling food waste is the focus of WRAP Cymru’s latest ‘Be Mighty. Recycle.’ campaign, which will be supported by Pembrokeshire to boost its recycling rates even higher.

This is the focus of the latest national campaign, funded by Welsh Government.

The campaign’s aim is to encourage residents in Wales to put all their food waste in their food waste caddy, so that it can be collected by their local council each week, then turned into renewable energy that powers Welsh

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

homes and communities

Analysis has shown that nearly 48% of what’s put in Pembrokeshire’s grey bags for non-recyclable waste could be recycled, and the highest proportion of this –nearly 17% – is food waste.

The majority of this waste had been edible but not consumed, along with inedible waste such as eggshells.

There are always occasions when veg goes bad, bread gets stale, or a forgotten packet of ham is overlooked in the fridge, and when that happens residents are being asked to empty it into a food waste caddy and recycle the packaging where possible, rather than using the grey bags.

WRAP Cymru’s ‘Be

Mighty. Recycle’ campaign includes funding for participating local authorities to ensure environmental policies and obligations continue to be met despite increasing financial pressures.

Keep an eye out for the campaign in Pembrokeshire on our collection lorries and across social media.

Councils in Wales must recycle 70% by 2025 to meet mandatory Welsh Government targets and may be fined if the targets are not achieved.

Further details on the most recent recycling levels recorded in Pembrokeshire, and the types of waste not making it to the relevant recycling container, are due to be published in the near future.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett: “Recycling

rates in Pembrokeshire have been increasing and we need to keep that momentum going. Kerbside recycling has seen significant changes in attitudes and recycling

practices but we can all do more.

“I’m sure many of us will admit to not always emptying gone off food into the waste caddy, it’s not a pleasant job!

If we can send more unused food for recycling rather than adding unopened packets to residual waste we can boost our recycling rates even higher.”

Start up loan helps independent wine shop in Pembrokeshire open its doors

boxes. And locally, he’s partnering with holiday lets and guest houses in the area to provide deliveries, something Dave hopes will be a popular service as tourism increases throughout the summer.

Feral Pig Wines is also host to weekly tasting nights, where customers can try an array of different wines and learn about their origins.

A WINE shop selling locally produced Welsh wine has opened its doors on the grounds of acclaimed boutique hotel, Llys Meddyg in Newport, Pembrokeshire, thanks to British Business Bank funding.

Feral Pig Wines has been established by trained sommelier and former restaurant manager at Llys Meddyg, Dave Cushley (40), building on his 17 years’ experience working in hospitality across the UK as front-of-house and restaurant manager.

The shop sells a range

of locally and sustainably produced wine from Wales, including Narberth-based Velfrey Vineyard and Carmarthenshire-based Hebron Vineyard, as well as an array of wines from smaller-scale producers across the world including Artisans Vignerons from Naoussa, Greece; Podere Canalino from Montalcino, Italy; Marcio Lopes from Vinho Verde, Portugal and De Sante from Napa Valley, USA.

Dave said: “I’ve set out to try and provide something unique, not only in the bottles we sell, but also the experience and story that comes with it. Our wine isn’t found in your local supermarkets, our stock is made up of much smaller scale, sustainably and organically produced wines and spirits, including those from just down the road in Pembrokeshire and elsewhere in Wales.

“Some people might wonder where the unusual name ‘Feral Pig Wines’ comes from. It follows the notion that a feral pig was

once a domesticated pig that has gone wild. Feral pigs are known to eat and destroy everything it lays its eyes on – including a vineyard. The idea that feral pigs could be wine pests resonated with me, I’d like to think the name is somewhat of a self-portrait.”

The business received a £10,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank in February 2023.

“The British Business Bank loan provided the funds I needed to be able to get my business up and running”, said Dave. “The cost of the stock itself came

to half of the amount alone, so put simply, without the financial backing I just wouldn’t have been able to get Feral Pigs Wine off the ground.”

As Pembrokeshire gears up for another busy summer season and footfall continues to increase, Dave intends to employ a couple of local people to help assist in the shop so he can focus on running other elements of the business including wholesale and consultancy.

Alongside this, Dave runs an online service for Feral Pig Wines, offering UK-wide delivery of wine

The British Business Bank Start Up Loans programme provides government backed loans of up to £25,000 per individual, up to a maximum of £100,000 per business, facilitated through delivery partners in Wales like Business in Focus based in Bridgend. In addition to finance, successful applicants receive free mentoring, access to resources and advice.

Jess Phillips, Senior Manager for Wales at the British Business Bank said: “Feral Pig Wines, a concept fuelled by experience and passion, is exactly why we support small businesses through our Start Up Loans programme.

“Dave’s business not only brings something new to the market in Pembrokeshire, but also supports sustainability and local producers in Wales. We wish Dave all the best for the future of his business.”

Tom Sinclair Editor@herald.email

Forever 11 charity to

FOREVER 11, a local charity, is organising a remarkable family fundraiser later this month with the goal of providing essential water safety training to children on beaches. The event, to be held at the Pembroke Dock Quins Rugby Club on 22nd July, promises an array of captivating stalls, activities, and events suitable for the entire family to enjoy.

Adding to the excitement, the talented Honeyfungus, renowned for their captivating performances at SaundersFEST, will be gracing the occasion with live music. Furthermore, attendees can look forward to a thrilling raffle featuring incredible prizes, including a weekend stay at Kiln Park, day passes to Folly Farm, inflatables, face painting, and a plethora of other enticing rewards.

For the youngest attendees aged under two, Squishies Soft Play will provide a delightful assortment of equipment for their enjoyment. As the day transitions into evening, the festivities will continue in the Quins Rugby Club function room, where a DJ and karaoke will keep the joyful atmosphere alive.

The Forever 11 Fun Day commences

at 12pm, with a modest entry fee of £2 per person and a token-based system for the stalls, priced at £1 per token. Please note that the event only accepts cash.

Forever 11 was established in memory of Zac Thompson, who tragically lost his life in July 2022. The charity’s primary objective is to raise funds to ensure young children can access crucial water safety training in case of emergencies. As a testament to their dedication, Forever 11 recently sponsored water safety training for year six students at Zac’s former school, preparing them for the upcoming summer holidays.

Forever 11 regularly organises complimentary water safety sessions for children aged eight and above, as well as for adults throughout the year. The charity also allocates funds to replace and repair water safety equipment across waterways in the county, while also acquiring defibrillators for locations near bodies of water.

Join Forever 11’s inspiring cause by attending the Fun Day, supporting their mission to safeguard children and promote water safety within the community.

host family fun day

Tywi Valley Open Studios 2023 •

July 29th – August

31 Artists & Makers all within 15 miles of Llandeilo Winner of the Carmarthenshire Celebration of Culture Awards 2019

6th

Tywi Valley Open Studios Arts Trail has been running since 2013.

31 Artists and makers are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their studios to share their working methods, show work in progress and completed pieces and some offering a chance to join in an artistic activity.

Most of the artists live in spectacular rural settings, using their creative imagination to make studios in such places as a shepherd’s hut, a railway carriage, sheds & outbuildings. One has joined Wales’ ‘One Planet Development Scheme’ to live off grid. Using the large fold out leaflet with map, visitors can explore our beautiful Towy Valley.

As one of the artists says, ‘’ I remember as a child entering an artists studio. This was so exciting, so ‘other ‘, the feel, the inspiration. Being able to see how it all happens was truly magical and set me forth on a long path of painting and singing.

In Adulthood, I still have a thrill to see a ‘personal’ space, a place of exploration, a place of work that is rarely shared. Artists love solitude to contemplate and evaluate thoughts, potters in turn develop shapes and forms with textures and glazes in much the same way. A felter may be discussing with themselves a new way of manipulating wool, a woodworker how best to enhance the beauty

of natural wood, the materials’ colours melded into pure joy. This is why it’s so exciting to visit an artist’s studio - it’s where the alchemy happens.

We are fortunate to have within our group very well known artists and makers and some for you to make your own discoveries. Studio visits stay in the memory. There is special atmosphere waiting to be shared.’’

Each studio is unique in what it has to offer. Artists will be demonstrating the current pieces on which they are working while some are also offering workshops and activities for visitors. Joining one

way to relax while learning something new. There are sculpture workshops, drop in pottery activities such as throwing a pot on a wheel or making a hand built pot, wet felting and willow making, as well as decoupage, collage, glass fusing, stone carving, furniture restoration, French polishing and metal forging sessions and watching the book binding process. Taking place in the first week of the school holidays, many activities are suitable for children - a myriad of possibilities can unfold during a visit to an artist’s studio.

The free brochures with a map are available from shops & cafes in Llandeilo & Llandovery, galleries and

Full details are on the website www.tywivalleyopenstudios.wales or use the QR code

The Lord Nelson

FEW buildings can truly say they lie at the heart of a community, in the 21st century especially, but The Lord Nelson on Hamilton Terrace in Milford Haven has more reasons than most to lay claim to that title.

It’s been beating away since its construction was completed in 1800, the then “New Inn” changed its name in 1802 after Lord Nelson himself visited the town.

Good times at ‘The Nelson’ hit full swing in 1879 when Milford’s elite danced the night away, believe it or not it was the first dance in Wales to be lit entirely by electric lights.

The Grade II listed building has stood strong for many years, whilst other staples of Milford Haven sadly fell by the wayside, The Lord Nelson kept those electric lights blazing and the drinks flowing.

But fast forward to 2023 and going out hasn’t been at the forefront of people’s minds, but doing their best to change that is local businessman James Findley and his business partner Justin Scale, who found great success with Coco’s, the popular restaurant he ran until recently down at Milford Marina.

When S.A. Brain put the building up for sale, many feared the end might be nigh for the building itself, worrying it may be converted into flats or, even worse, razed to the ground, but not one to sit back and rest on his laurels, James lept into action.

We caught up with James in the gorgeously decorated bar area and asked him what it was about ‘The Nelson’ that made him step in and actually buy the building himself: “Both Justin and I knew how important the building is, it’s at the heart of the town being over 200 years old and we definitely saw the potential. Yes, the building was in dire need of a massive transformation, something we’ve only just started really, but by doing that we

not only freshened the space up but the terrace bar actually allowed us to create 200 extra seats.

“We weren’t alone in thinking that previous owners had kind of rung the business out, it became stale and it needed someone to come along with a love for the building, an awareness of its history, and an understanding of the town as well.

“At The Nelson we can really flex our creative muscles and bring the town something fresh, exciting and, by creating nearly 40 jobs, it’s something that benefits the whole town too!”

So with a head full of ideas, James made the difficult decision to shut Coco’s so he could focus his efforts on breathing new life into one of Milford Haven’s most iconic buildings, according to James this felt like a natural next step, during our chat he told The Herald, “I’ll be honest, we outgrew Coco’s physically, plus we both wanted to move into running a hotel or a wedding and event venue, The Nelson gives us the chance to do those things and we found that opportunity really exciting.”

The new team at The Nelson have hit the ground running, the whole bar area has been given a fresh coat of paint and it exudes effortless class. The flooring has been changed, the natural wood, which is from a former roof, is there for all to see and it keeps the bar area looking fresh. The pictures that adorn the walls keep the strong colours from dominating and the overall result is a clean, modern atmosphere that is a real joy to sit in and enjoy a drink with friends.

Not content with just being a classy place to have a pint or two, The Nelson’s new menu is packed with delicious dishes, puddings and drinks that we’re sure will catch the eye of many hungry people, no matter the depth of their pockets. The new menu that James and his team have launched certainly caught our attention when we first saw it

www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk For up to date news please check our social network channels

on social media, we asked James what he had in mind when he started putting the menu together: “I think we both wanted to keep the menu modern and exciting. It was important to us that we create a family friendly space for people to enjoy.”

“The menu took a lot of research, I’m not going to lie, and we found the best way for us to keep prices down is to make as much of our food as possible in house. It means we can be as competitive as possible with our prices and that our diners get to eat quality locally sourced meals that are also handmade on the actual premises.

“We take the quality of our food VERY seriously” and, as someone who can remember the food down at Coco’s (and their exceptional Onion Rings), we can already vouch for that!

Appealing to locals and visitors alike, James intends to re-open the hotel side as an exciting

‘boutique hotel’ as well as being a venue for events and weddings.

We asked James if he was looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead, he told The Herald: “Oh yes, we’re very much in it for the long run, we see The Nelson as a project that might take us up to ten years to finish, maybe even twelve as we’ve only just started sorting out the bedrooms for the hotel side of things.

“I’m 32 and I see this as my retirement, so I’m driven to make The Nelson as successful as possible.

“Yes it’s challenging, training 38 brand new staff members from scratch is difficult, but it just feels right for us and for the town, by creating those jobs for local people it means that we feel like we’re giving back to the town that means so much to us both.”

With clear support of many across Milford Haven, even local MP Stephen Crabb popped down to the rejuvenated Nelson shortly after it opened and enjoyed a drink and a chat with James and his business partner Justin Scale, Stephen Crabb wrote about the visit on his Facebook page saying: “Good to catch up with Justin Scale and James Findley today - the people behind the fantastic redevelopment of one of Milford Haven’s most iconic buildings - the Lord Nelson Hotel.

“They have done an impressive job on the hotel’s revamp and have transformed it into a stylish and unique boutique hotel experience with a complete overhaul of the bedrooms next on the agenda.

“Just amazing to see the time and money spent on breathing new life into this historic building and providing new employment opportunities in the leisure and hospitality sector in the town.

He went on to thank the intrepid local businessmen for finding the time to speak with him and for sharing their business plan and ideas for the future with them as well.

Always at the heart of local events, The Nelson welcomed members of Milford Haven Round Table on July 1st after a day of marshalling the recent, ever-popular carnival. James, Justin and their team welcomed those volunteers with a nice cold drink to reward their extensive efforts.

With a fully manned and stocked bar, the future at The Nelson certainly looks bright and, with James and Justin’s leadership, imagination, determination, drive for success and their hardworking team, we’re sure that the best times for one of Milford’s most beloved buildings might just lie ahead of it.

BEST WISHES TO JUSTIN & JAMES WITH THE FUTURE OF THE LORD NELSON, MIKEY, KELIAN AND ALL THE TEAM AT MDL..

GOOD LUCK TO THE LORD NELSON!

Star is born as Chinese tenor Zihua crowned world’s best young singer

w H a T’S on

A TENOR from China who quit playing clarinet to focus on his voice has been crowned the world’s best young singer.

Zihua Zhang, 28, outshone competitors from all around the globe to win this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future title at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Following a thrilling competition, he was presented with the Pendine Trophy - a solid silver salverand a £3,000 cheque jointly by musician in residence Nia Davies Williams and artist in residence Sarah Edwards from the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, who sponsor the competition.

The prize came from the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which was founded by Pendine Park owners Mario and Gill Kreft, to support cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

The runner’s up prize of £1,000 went to Welsh baritone Owain Rowlands, of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire.

Owain was already a familiar face to many in the audience from his frequent performances on Welsh language TV channel S4C.

Australian soprano Charlotte Kelso, from Adelaide, was third.

Unbelievably, Zihua only took up singing in his late teens, having started his music career playing clarinet for 15 years.

He said: “I always played clarinet but then one day I suddenly thought I’d have a go at singing for a bit and I discovered it was a lot of fun. Then I just knew it was what I wanted to do the rest of my

life.”

The dynamic talent remained cool headed despite a humid and stormy Saturday night final.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Executive Producer Camilla King said it had been a tough decision as all three finalists are potential stars of the future, but Zihua put in a truly show-stopping performance.

He impressed the judges with his stirring renditions of ‘What a Cold Hand’ from Puccini’s La Boheme, and ‘Ah Rise the Sun’ from the operatic version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Zihua. originally from Xiamen, a port city on China’s south eastern coast, dreams of becoming a professional opera singer performing at some of the great opera houses around the world

In the meantime, he is about to complete an advanced post graduate diploma at university in Birmingham. He previously gained a master’s degree from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

He said: “I can’t even take it in myself really. My fellow competitors were so talented that I never expected to win. It is such a great honour.

“The Pendine International Voice of the Future prize will be a big help in furthering my musical ambitions.

“It means I won’t have to survive on meal deals anymore! But seriously, it is so good to have that extra financial boost behind me.

“It’s certainly been an honour and a fantastic experience to compete in

Wales at Llangollen. The International Eisteddfod is well known and respected in China, and it’s been unforgettable for me just to be here, never mind win.”

Pendine Park musician in residence Nia Davies Williams praised the exceptionally high standard of all three finalists.

She said: “The quality of the singing, and music in general, as always with the eisteddfod, has been amazing. And what was so nice is how the audience reacted with rousing applause for all the competitors. You could tell what a great time they were having listening to the rising stars of the future.”

Sarah Edwards added: “I think we have tonight heard some of the future famous names of the global operatic stage. We are proud that the Pendine Arts and Community Trust has sponsored such an outstanding competition and one which has seen entries come in from singers right across the world.

“It is a shame there can only be one winner but I am sure that in Zihua Zhang we have found a huge new talent. We send him our good wishes in furthering his musical career and achieving his dreams.”

On the judging panel for the evening was Robert Guy, co-founder and conductor of the Wrexham based NEW Sinfonia orchestra which headlined at the eisteddfod earlier in the week..

He said: “Overall it has been a magnificent night with some stunning performances which will stay in our minds for a long time to come.”

Vision Youth Theatre presents Alice: The Musical

brand-new show - Alice: The Musical, at Boulevard Theatre on Thursday and Friday of this week.

Alice The Musical is a brilliant production based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic Alice In Wonderland, incorporating a creative combination of song and dance, narrative and drama.

With a cast aged between seven and 12, the young performers will bring the magic of Wonderland to life, featuring all your favourite characters - the White Rabbit; The Mad Hatter; the Caterpillar - and Alice herself.

so hard and the result is a really lovely show that the whole family will enjoy.”

Assistant director and assistant musical director is 13-year-old Ruby Panesar.

FOLLOWING ON from the triumph of Vision Youth Theatre’s production of Les Miserables (School

edition) performed last week by the company’s teenage cast, the younger children are now set to show off their talents in a

The show is directed by Katy Thomas who said: “It has been a joy to work with these very talented children. They have worked

Ruby is a veteran performer with Vision Youth Theatre, she was Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Pritti in the recent production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie - but in keeping with Vision Arts’ ethos of offering everyone opportunities to develop their creativity, Ruby has stepped away from centre stage to assist director Katy Thomas in bringing the show to life. Tickets are available from www.visionartswales. com.

Natalie Imbruglia headlines at Cardigan Castle

THEATR MWLDAN and Cardigan Castle are proud to welcome Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia on July 21 as part of their summer season of outdoor events on the Castle grounds.

Natalie Imbruglia was propelled into the limelight in 1997 with her breakthrough debut album Left Of The Middle. She first stole our hearts with her chart-topping smash hit, Torn.

The song became an immediate international hit reaching #2 on the UK Singles Chart, #1 airplay worldwide and #1 on the Billboard Airplay chart for 14 weeks, with over a million copies sold in the UK alone.

Left Of The Middle sold over 7 million copies worldwide and celebrated its 25th anniversary in November 2022.

Natalie returned triumphantly with her critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Firebird, released in 2021, which shot straight to No.10.

Following on from the success of Firebird, Natalie has performed extensively in the UK and Europe, as well as making headlines in Australia, hosting the prestigious ARIA Awards and performing alongside Andrea Bocelli.

Natalie has won 8 Aria’s, 2 Brit Awards, one Billboard Music Award and three Grammy Nominations.

Most recently, Natalie had a cameo in the finalever episode of Neighbours, where she played Beth Brennan during the 90’s. She also won the third

series of the UK version of The Masked Singer. Currently working on new material, Natalie will continue to tour and release music in 2023.

Lowri Evans will support Natalie Imbruglia.

Described by BBC Radio 2 Bob Harris as “One of his absolute favourite artists”, Lowri is blessed with a voice capable of wide emotional power. Her bilingual songs take their musical colours from a broad palette that includes Americana, Folk, Country and Blues, beautifully knitted together through her innate musicality and heartfelt delivery.

Lowri has toured the UK and America, been playlisted on BBC radio and performed at festivals, including the Cambridge Folk Festival and Green Man Festival.

Lowri will be performing with her trio.

Tickets are priced at £35 and are available now from www.mwldan.co.uk (24/7) or by phoning the Mwldan box office between 12 - 8pm Tue - Sun 01239 621 200

CLOUDBUSTING AT THE CASTLE

The following evening (July 22), Mwldan and Cardigan Castle present Cloudbusting, the longest-running and most universally applauded homage to the music of Kate Bush.

BBC ONE has championed cloudbusting as one of the most authentic tributes in the world. Their passion for Kate’s music

has won over sceptical fans everywhere, challenging perceptions of what a tribute band can be and resulting in sell-out performances across the UK.

Exploring Kate’s unique repertoire, Cloudbusting take you on an extraordinary journey as they explore the themes of Love & Anger. Whether exhilarating or tormented, joyful or anguished, innocent, bitter or even taboo - one thing for sure is that it’s never a simple path in Kate’s songbook!

The two-hour stage production will also feature all the hits you would expect to hear - Wuthering Heights, Hounds Of Love, Running

Up That Hill, Babooshkaall with breathtaking vocals and superb musicianship.

Many of Kate’s original collaborators from stage and studio have been inspired to join the band on stage, including bass player Del Palmer, drummer Preston Heyman and dancer Stewart Avon Arnold, all of whom performed with Kate on her legendary Tour of Life live shows back in 1979.

Tickets are priced at £25 (£18 for under 18’s) and are available now from www.mwldan.co.uk (24/7) or by phoning our box office between 12 - 8pm TueSun 01239 621 200.

7.00

Dalia Stasevska

BBC Proms 2023

BBC2, 7pm

Clive Myrie is joined by guests Sandi Toksvig and Anna Lapwood for the First Night of the Proms. This year's eightweek long musical extravaganza launches in style with Sibelius's ever popular Finlandia, Grieg's dramatic Piano Concerto performed by classical superstar Paul Lewis, and Britten's much-loved The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.

Pop.

60 Years of Welsh

11.10 Film: Yesterday. (2019) A musician wakes up after being hit by a bus to find he is the only person in the world who remembers the Beatles. Danny Boyle’s comedy, with Himesh Patel and Lily James.

1.00 BBC News.

SATURDAY’S TV 15.7.23

CHOICE

6.30 Homes Under the Hammer.

(R) 7.30 Close Calls: On Camera.

(R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Gardeners’

World. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

11.00 BBC News. 11.45 Politics

UK. 12.30 Wimbledon 2023.

Coverage of day 12. 4.00 Wimbledon 2023. Further live coverage of the 12th day.

7.00 BBC Proms 2023. New series. Clive Myrie presents the First Night of the Proms live from the Royal Albert Hall, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra performing music by Sibelius, Grieg and Britten.

9.00 Today at Wimbledon. Qasa Alom presents highlights of the 12th day’s play, where the men’s singles semi-finals were scheduled to take centre-stage at the All England Club.

10.00 The Fast Show. The OffRoaders get stuck. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 QI XL. Sandi Toksvig hosts an extended edition, with Rose Matafeo, Lou Sanders, Ross Noble and regular Alan Davis answering questions involving ticks, tax and toes.

(R)

11.50 Sign Zone: Parole. A 30-year-old who has been in and out of prison since the age of 15. Last in the series.

(R)

12.50 Film: Ben Is Back. (2018)

2.25 The Repair Shop: NHS Special. (R) 3.25 This Is BBC Two.

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

12.30 Loose Women. 1.00 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.25

ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

1.30 ITV Racing: Live from Newmarket. Coverage of day two of the July Meeting. 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. The best of the Welsh countryside and its people.

7.30 Emmerdale.

8.00 Coronation Street. Spider’s mystery enemy targets an oblivious Toyah, Chesney seeks Kirk’s help, Lauren’s true motive becomes clear to Max, and Sarah and Adam’s families gather for an announcement.

9.00 Riches. As the Richards gear up for the biggest event of the year, news of the embezzlement comes as a blow, and Andre uncovers a fact that will have big ramifications for Nina.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 The 1% Club. (R)

11.40 Monster Carp. (R)

12.35 Tour de France Highlights. (R) 1.30 Catchphrase. (R) 2.05 The Masked Singer US. (R) 2.45 Winning Combination. (R) 3.35 Unwind. 5.05 Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Sain

BBC1 BBC2 ITV1 WALES S4C

6.40 Hey Duggee. (R) 7.00

Supertato. (R) 7.05 Shaun the Sheep. (R) 7.15 Dennis & Gnasher

Unleashed! (R) 7.25 Boy Girl Dog

Cat Mouse Cheese. (R) 7.35 The Deep. (R) 8.00 OOglies Funsize.

(R) 8.05 Game on Grandparents.

(R) 8.30 One Zoo Three. (R) 8.50 Newsround. 9.00 Blue Peter. (R)

7.35

Champion

BBC1, 9.15pm

Vita's star starts to rise, but the release of the new single creates tension with Honey, and her first public encounter with a fan brings home just how big a deal her career now is. Bosco's fortunes are firmly in decline, as he deals with the online fallout of recent events. As their careers and relationship diverge, the siblings are forced to decide what kind of people and artists they're going to be.

Carl Fogarty, Perri ShakesDrayton, Sarah Greene, Jo Good, Lisa George, Dr Tom Naylor, Sian Welby and Sonali Shah compete in a star-studded version of the general knowledge quiz.

8.25 Casualty. A special episode to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, following the team on a typical day at the ED. An devastating collision leaves a motorcyclist with life-changing injuries.

9.15 Champion. Vita’s star starts to rise, as Bosco’s appears to fall, which forces the siblings to decide what kind of people and artists they’re going to be – with devastating consequences.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.20 Film: Sully – Miracle on the Hudson. (2016) Fact-based drama, starring Tom Hanks.

11.50 Film: 99 Homes. (2014) A single father tries to support his family by working for the ruthless businessman who evicted them from their home. Drama, starring Andrew Garfield.

1.40 Weather for the Week Ahead.

1.45 BBC News.

9.30 Deadly 60. (R) 10.00 Pooch

Perfect. (R) 11.00 Wimbledon

2023. Coverage of the wheelchair

finals. 12.30 Food & Drink. (R)

1.00 Nadiya Bakes. (R) 1.30 The A to Z of TV Cooking. (R) 1.45 Film: Ice Station Zebra. (1968) 4.05

Film: The Heroes of Telemark.

(1965)

6.15 Flog It! Hunting for antiques at Barnard Castle in Co Durham. (R)

6.45 Iolo: A Wild Life. Iolo Williams encounters slippery frogs in a freezing stream.

(R)

7.15 Wimbledon 2023. The conclusion of day 13.

8.00 Today at Wimbledon. Highlights of the penultimate day’s play.

9.00 The Kinks at the BBC. Archive performances by the band. (R)

10.00 The Old Grey Whistle Test.

(R)

10.45 I’m Not Like Everybody Else – The World of Ray Davies and the Kinks. (R)

11.40 Golf: Scottish Open. Action from day three of the event.

12.40 The Kinks at The Rainbow.

1.20 Film: Piranhas. (2020) 3.05

This Is BBC Two.

6.00 CITV: Dare Master. 6.05 Lloyd of the Flies. (R) 6.35 Looney Tunes Cartoons. 7.05 Mystery Lane. (R)

7.30 Teen Titans Go! (R) 7.55 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? (R)

8.25 ITV News. 8.30 Oti Mabuse’s Breakfast Show. 9.25 Catchphrase. (R) 10.10 Jason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes. 11.15 Goodwood Festival of Speed Live. A celebration of motor racing. 1.15 ITV News; Weather. 1.30 ITV Racing: Live from Newmarket. Coverage of today’s races from Newmarket, York and Ascot. 5.00 Celebrity Lingo. (R)

6.00 Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals. (R)

6.30 ITV News; Weather.

6.45 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

7.00 The Voice Kids. Emma Willis presents the final of the 2023 contest giving youngsters between the ages of seven and 14 a chance to achieve stardom. Last in the series.

9.00 The Chase Celebrity Special. With Amanda Byram, Adam Thomas, Brendan Cole and Naga Munchetty. (R)

10.00 Crime.

10.55 ITV News; Weather.

11.15 Film: Shanghai Noon. (2000) Comedy Western, starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson.

1.20 Tour de France Highlights. (R)

2.10 Catchphrase. (R) 2.45 The Masked Singer US. (R) 3.30 Unwind. 5.05 Fishing Allstars. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.00 Stwnsh Sadwrn: Stwnsh Sadwrn Byw. 8.05 Larfa. (R) 8.30 Y Brodyr Adrenalini. (R) 9.10 Bernard. (R) 9.25 Dennis a Dannedd. (R) 9.35 Mabinogiogi: Twm Siôn Cati. (R) 10.00 Chris a’r Afal Mawr. (R) 11.00 Bwrdd i Dri. (R) 11.30 Garddio a Mwy. (R)

12.00 Ffermio. (R) 1.00 Radio

Fa’ma. (R) 2.00 Seiclo: Tour de France. Coverage of stage 14. 4.45

Ar Werth. (R) 5.15 Cynefin. (R)

6.15 Bwrdd i Dri. Cooking show featuring celebrity contestants. (R)

6.45 Cyfres Triathlon Cymru. The SWYD Sprint race from Barry. (R)

7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon.

7.30 Ein Llwybrau Celtaidd. (R)

8.00 Tafwyl ’23. New series. Behind the scenes at the annual live music event.

10.00 Seiclo: Tour de France.

10.30 Uchafbwyntiau Llangollen 2023. (R)

11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.20 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 7.10 The King of Queens. (R) 9.00 Frasier. (R) 10.30

The Simpsons. (R) 1.30 Live

Formula E. 3.30 Find It, Fix It, Flog

It. 4.15 Four in a Bed. (R) 6.45

Channel 4 News. 7.15 A Royal Guide to – Properties. (R) 8.15

Chernobyl: The New Evidence. (R)

9.15 Becoming Elizabeth. 10.30

Film: The Favourite. (2018) 12.50

Film: The Guard. (2011) 2.35

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (R) 3.25 Hollyoaks Omnibus. (R) 5.30 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 5.40-

6.10 Beat the Chef. (R)

5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: Tempted By Danger. (2020)

4.00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. (R) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Eggheads. The Eagles from Stockton-on-Tees take on the regulars. (R)

6.30 Eggheads. The Medway and Solent Originals take on the regulars. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 The Good Gadget Guide: Shop Smart, Save Money. A look at the best value electric BBQs. Last in the series.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Inside Greggs: 24/7. Part one of two. Grace Dent traces the history of the popular fast food company.

9.00 Heat. Terror sets in when Tom does not return to the house. Last in the series.

10.00 Britain’s Favourite 80s Songs. (R)

11.30 Film: Jason Statham’s Wild Card. (2015) Action thriller, starring Jason Statham.

1.20 Teleshopping. 3.20 Red Arrows: Kings of

CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL

10.15

6.00 Milkshake!

Entertainment News. 10.25

Friends. (R) 11.55 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. (R) 2.55 22 Kids & Counting. (R) 4.55 Inside

Legoland: A World of Wonder. (R)

5.55 5 News Weekend.

6.00 When the Spencers Met the Monarchy. The impact of the marriage of Diana Spencer and Prince Charles on their respective families, shedding light on the dynamics behind the scenes throughout the union.

(R)

7.20 Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South. (R)

8.15 Hampton Court: Upstairs, Downstairs. The history of Hampton Court’s Great Hall, a huge dining area that was also used by Henry VIII to keep an eye on his household. Plus, a look at the 2002 Golden Jubilee Party.

(R)

9.15 Kate: Our New Diana?

Documentary comparing the two Princesses of Wales – Kate and Diana.

10.15 Greatest TV Moments of the 80s. (R)

12.10 Sex & Power: Celebrity Wars. (R) 1.05 Teleshopping. 3.05

Red Arrows: Kings of the Sky. (R)

3.50 The Yorkshire Vet. (R) 4.45

Wildlife SOS. (R) 5.10 House Doctor. (R) 5.35 Entertainment News. 5.40 Milkshake! Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. (R) 5.45 Paw Patrol. (R)

BBC Four 7.00 Caribbean with Simon Reeve

8.00 How the Wild West Was Won with Ray Mears 9.00 Beck 10.35 Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank 11.05 Peter Ustinov: The Parkinson Interviews

ITV2

3.25 Film: Over the Hedge (2006)

5.05 Film: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) 6.50 Film: The

Malcolm Kamulete

SUNDAY’S TV 16.7.23

7.00 Countryfile. Joe Crowley and Sammi Kinghorn are in the Lake District finding out how cycling is still a popular outdoor pursuit in the UK, and how electric bikes are opening up the countryside.

Lesley Manville

World on Fire

BBC1, 9pm New series. Return of the drama following people from all walks of life during the Second World War, this time following events of 1940. As the Manchester Blitz gets underway, Robina's household has another visitor in the shape of Jan's sister Kasia. However, it soon becomes clear that the psychological scars of her experiences in Warsaw will not fade easily.

8.00 Antiques Roadshow. Fiona Bruce presents the show from Ham House in the London borough of Richmond-uponThames, where an 18thcentury robe could be an important piece of Chinese history. (R)

9.00 World on Fire. New series. Return of the drama following people from all walks of life during the Second World War, this time following events of 1940. Robina’s household has another visitor.

10.00 BBC News; Weather.

10.25 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.30 Film: The Duchess. (2008) act-based drama, starring Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Dominic Cooper.

12.10 Weather for the Week Ahead.

12.15 BBC News.

6.35 Countryfile. (R) 7.30 Around the World in 80 Gardens. (R) 8.30 Landward. (R) 9.00 Beechgrove Garden. 9.30 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites. 11.00 Wimbledon 2023. Coverage of the concluding wheelchair finals. 12.30 Food & Drink. (R) 1.00 Songs of Praise.

(R) 1.35 Film: Sweet Charity.

(1969) 4.00 Your Home Made Perfect. (R) 5.00 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking. (R) 5.10 Flog It!

(R) 5.45 Heart Valley. (R)

6.05 Iolo: A Wild Life. Iolo recalls looking for black-throated divers in a Scottish thunderstorm. (R)

6.35 Wimbledon 2023. Live coverage of the final play from the 14th and concluding day of the Grand Slam tournament.

8.00 Inside the Factory. Gregg Wallace visits a huge vacuum cleaner factory in the heart of Somerset, where over a million vacuums are made every year. (R)

9.00 Louis Theroux’s Forbidden America. The film-maker returns to the US to explore the impact of the internet and social media on some of the most controversial corners of American society. (R)

10.00 Today at Wimbledon.

11.00 Golf: Scottish Open.

12.00 Film: When Eight Bells Toll.

(1971) 1.30 Sign Zone: The Richard Dimbleby Lecture with David Harewood. (R) 2.30 Garden Rescue. (R) 3.15 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 CITV: Dare Master. 6.05 Lloyd of the Flies. (R) 6.35 Looney Tunes Cartoons. 7.05 Mystery Lane. (R)

7.30 50/50 Heroes. (R) 7.55

Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? (R)

8.25 ITV News. 8.30 Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show. 9.25 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. (R)

11.25 Cooking with the Stars. (R)

12.25 ITV News; Weather. 12.35

The Masked Singer US. (R) 1.30

Goodwood Festival of Speed Live.

3.30 You’ve Been Framed! (R) 4.00

Film: Octopussy. (1983)

6.30 ITV News; Weather.

6.45 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

7.00 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars. New series. With Christopher Biggins, Rosemary Shrager and Gareth Chilcott.

8.00 A Year on Planet Earth. Stephen Fry examines the impact that Spring has upon the natural world.

9.00 A Spy Among Friends. Lily tries to get Elliott to reveal what he knows about Philby.

10.20 ITV News; Weather.

10.35 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. Joanna returns to her birthplace, India, starting in the majestic ancient city of Hampi. (R)

11.35 Long Lost Family. (R)

12.25 Tour de France Highlights. (R) 1.20 Catchphrase. (R) 1.55 The Masked Singer US. (R) 2.40 Great Racehorses. (R) 3.00 Motorsport UK. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 5.05 Made in Britain. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.50 Penblwyddi

Cyw. 9.00 Garddio a Mwy. (R) 9.25

Ty am Ddim. (R) 10.20 Ralïo+. (R)

11.15 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. (R) 12.00 Yr Wythnos.

12.30 Bwrdd i Dri. (R) 1.00 Ffermio. (R) 2.00 Seiclo: Tour de France. Coverage of stage 15. 5.35

3 Lle. (R)

6.10 Pobol y Cwm Omnibws. Extended edition of the soap. (R)

7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon. Weekend news and sport.

7.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. Ryland Teifi shares some of the highlights of the series.

8.00 Am Dro! Walks through Llanelli, Oswestry, Pembrokeshire and Eglwysilan.

9.00 Ras Yr Wyddfa 2023.

10.00 Seiclo: Tour de France.

10.30 Waliau’n Siarad. (R)

11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.10 Cheers. (R) 7.25

The King of Queens. (R) 8.30 Bake

Off: The Professionals. (R) 9.30

Sunday Brunch. 12.30 The Simpsons. (R) 1.30 Live Formula

E. 3.30 Film: Spies in Disguise. (2019) 5.30 The Secret Life of the Zoo. (R) 6.30 Channel 4 News.

7.00 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders. 8.00 Exploring India’s Treasures with Bettany Hughes. 9.00 Film: Rocketman. (2019) 11.20 Celebrity Gogglebox. (R) 12.25 Walter Presents: Sloborn. 1.25 Film: Glass. (2019) 3.35 Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.50-6.15 Beat the Chef. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 10.05 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (R) 10.25 Entertainment News. 10.35 Cash in the Attic. (R) 11.05 Friends. (R) 12.35 Police Interceptors. (R) 2.35 Inside the Tower of London. (R)

4.30 The Great Plague. (R)

6.25 5 News Weekend.

6.30 When Motorhoming Goes Horribly Wrong. Paul Merton narrates a compilation of clips from disastrous motorhome holidays, including a campervan invaded by giant spiders, and a tyre blowing out at high speed on a motorway.

8.00 Million Pound Motorhomes. New series. TV presenter Jenny Powell and her family head to the Lake District in their beloved campervan.

9.00 Coastguard: Search & Rescue SOS. A kite surfer gets into trouble at sea in Wales.

10.00 Police: Hour of Duty. (R)

10.55 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. Two officers are threatened by a man armed with a knife. (R)

11.55 Inside HMP Whitemoor: Evil Behind Bars. Documentary examining the Category A prison. (R)

CHOICE

MONDAY’S TV 17.7.23 BBC1

6.45 Beechgrove Garden. (R) 7.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip. (R)

8.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

11.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics

Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Mastermind. (R) 2.15 Great British Menu. (R) 3.15 Home Is Where the Art Is. (R) 3.45 Nature’s Weirdest Events. (R) 4.15 Made in Great Britain. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With former winners Angela Barnes, Kemah Bob, Ade Edmondson and Beattie Edmondson. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo visits the Walkers factory in Leicester.

ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL

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

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

2.00 James Martin’s French Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Mary is blackmailed.

The Sixth Commandment BBC1, 9pm New series. Fact-based crime drama exploring the story of retired teacher Peter Farquhar, and the fatal relationship that developed with a charismatic student. As a close bond develops between the two men, Peter finds himself suffering strange hallucinations and becomes uncertain of what has and hasn't happened.

Rocky’s wedding day doesn’t go to plan.

8.00 Weatherman Walking. Derek Brockway visits the Elan Valley in Powys. Last in the series.

8.30 Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey. New series. Artwork of NHS workers is created by some of the UK’s best artists. 9.00 The Sixth Commandment. New series. Fact-based crime drama, starring Timothy Spall.

11.55 Have I Got a Bit More News for You. (R)

12.40 BBC News.

7.00 The Secret Genius of Modern Life. Hannah Fry uncovers secrets behind the technologies of the modern world. (R)

8.00 Only Connect. New series. Victoria Coren Mitchell returns with the quiz.

8.30 University Challenge.

9.00 Earth. New series. Chris Packham presents an epic history of the planet.

10.00 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 The World’s War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire. (R)

12.15 Film: Moon. (2009) 1.50

Sign Zone: Countryfile. (R) 2.45

This Is BBC Two.

8.00 Coronation Street. Spider races to rescue Toyah from her kidnapper, Dev thwarts Aadi’s chance to spend time with Amy, and Stephen fears that his plans for Elaine are unravelling.

9.00 Long Lost Family. A woman’s quest to find her son, and a man who discovered his late mother had led a complicated life before meeting his father –and that he wasn’t her only child.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Sharp End. Political discussion.

11.40 Coast & Country. (R)

12.00 Tour de France Highlights. (R) 12.50 Catchphrase. (R) 1.25

The Masked Singer US. (R) 2.10

Winning Combination. (R) 3.00

Jason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes. (R)

3.50 Unwind. 5.05 James Martin’s French Adventure. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00

Gwyliau Gartref. (R) 1.30 Cyfres Triathlon Cymru. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05

Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Y ’Sgubor Flodau. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R)

5.00 Stwnsh. (R)

6.00 Colleen Ramsey: Bywyd a Bwyd.

Cops. A scooter is driven the wrong way down a dual carriageway. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Police Interceptors. Firearms officers enter a property to discover an arsenal of weapons; 5 News Update.

9.00 Police: Night Shift 999. The first call of the night for the Gloucestershire officers is to an RTC in the rural country lanes. Last in the series.

10.00 Ambulance: Code Red. Two air ambulances are called to a road accident on a dual carriageway. (R)

11.05 999: Critical Condition. (R)

Police Interceptors. (R)

Anne Reid

20.7.23

6.30 Sign Zone: Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip. (R) 7.00 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 7.30 Breakfast. 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News.

12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Mastermind. (R) 2.15 Great British Menu. (R)

3.15 Cheetah Family & Me. (R)

4.15 Made in Great Britain. (R)

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Angela Barnes, Kemah Bob, Ade Edmondson and Beattie Edmondson. (R)

Ingrid Syrstad Engen

MOTD Live: FIFA

Women’s World Cup

BBC1, 7.30am

The festival of football gets under way this morning with co-hosts New Zealand taking on 1995 world champions Norway. Although the Norwegians go in favourites, Group A may be one of the most competitive, and the race for second could go down to the wire between Jitka Klimkova’s Football Ferns, and tournament debutants Philippines and Switzerland.

CHOICE

A Wright Family Holiday. Mark Wright, brother Josh and father Big Mark end their road trip in Cornwall. Last in the series.

8.30 Iolo’s Anglesey. Iolo Williams explores the flora and fauna of Anglesey. (R)

9.00 Firebombers. Part one of two. Arson attacks on holiday homes in Wales.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Who Do You Think You Are?

Comedian Chris Ramsey researches his family tree.

11.40 Garden Rescue.

12.10 BBC News Special. 4.00 BBC News.

TV 21.7.23

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo stops in Wolverhampton, Kidderminster, Worcester and Cheltenham.

7.00 Today at the Test. England v Australia.

8.00 Golf: The Open. Action from the first day of the tournament.

10.00 Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop. Archive footage of Welsh pop legends from the past. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 The Real McCoy. (R)

11.45 Couples Therapy.

12.15 Couples Therapy. 12.45

Coast. (R) 1.05 Sign Zone: Clean It, Fix It. (R) 1.45 Film: Lullaby.

(2019) 3.20 MOTD Live: FIFA

Women’s World Cup. Nigeria v Canada (Kick-off 3.30am). 5.30

This Is BBC Two.

6.45 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 7.15 Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. (R) 8.15 MOTD Live: FIFA Women’s World Cup. Spain v Costa Rica (Kick-off

8.30am). 10.45 Coast. (R) 11.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics UK. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Mastermind.

(R)

2.15 Great British Menu. (R)

3.45 Home Is Where the Art Is. (R)

4.15 Made in Great Britain. (R)

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Angela Barnes, Kemah Bob, Ade Edmondson and Beattie Edmondson. (R)

Not Going Out

BBC1, 9pm

Tonight’s episode was cowritten by Wonders of the World I Can’t See comedian Chris McCausland, who also guest stars. It’s Lucy’s birthday, and to celebrate, Geoffrey and Wendy take Lee, Lucy, Toby and Anna for a trip on board a vintage steam train. Halfway through the journey, a visually impaired passenger accidentally enters the train compartment.

archive of 1979. (R) 8.00 Question of Sport. With Troy Deeney, Joe Joyce, Tom Aspinall, and Hannah Miley.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.15 FIFA World Cup 2023. Australia v Republic of Ireland (Kick-off 11.00am). 1.30

ITV Lunchtime News; Weather.

1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s Islands to Highlands. (R) 3.00

Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R)

5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Cain tells Moira it is time for a tough choice.

8.30 How to Age Well: Your Food – Tonight. The impact diet can have on our later years.

9.00 Murder in the Family. The case of a builder and fatherof-two who set fire to his mother-in-law.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 The Hajj: A Journey to Mecca. Shehab Khan observes the ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. (R)

11.15 Love Your Garden. (R)

11.45 Tour de France Highlights. Action from stage 18. (R)

12.45 All Elite Wrestling: Rampage.

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Codi Hwyl. (R) 12.30 Y Byd ar Bedwar. (R)

1.00

S4C a’r Tywydd.

Tour de France. Coverage of stage 18.

Blociau Rhif. (R)

Garddio a Mwy. (R)

S4C a’r Tywydd.

8.00 Rownd a Rownd.

8.25 Rownd a Rownd.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd.

9.00 Drych. (R)

10.00 Seiclo: Tour de France.

10.30 Y ’Sgubor Flodau. (R)

11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.15 Countdown. (R)

6.55 Cheers. (R) 7.45 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.05

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley.

12.40 Alexis Conran. 1.40

5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45

Home and Away. (R) 2.15

Film: Reunited and It Feels So Deadly: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery. (2020) 4.00 Bargain-

Loving Brits in the Sun. (R)

5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Eggheads. The Fylde Coasters take on the regulars. (R)

6.30 Eggheads. The Bustice League take on the regulars. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Amsterdam with Gregg Wallace. Gregg heads to Amsterdam. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Puzzling with Lucy Worsley. Contestants from Worcester, London, Rotherham and Kent take part; 5 News Update.

9.00 Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death. New series. Cameras follow life-saving operations at the University Hospitals Birmingham.

10.00 Cold Case Killers. (R)

11.05 Police: Night Shift 999. (R)

Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop.

Film: Spider-Man: Homecoming. (2017) Superhero adventure, starring Tom Holland.

1.15 BBC News. 1.45 MOTD Live:

Women’s World Cup. USA v Vietnam (Kick-off 2.00am). 4.15 BBC News.

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo visits the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and Bristol. Last in the series.

7.00 Gardeners’ World. The team reports from the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

8.00 Golf: The Open. Eilidh Barbour presents action from the second day of the tournament, which takes place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Merseyside.

10.00 The Catherine Tate Show. With Siobhan Redmond. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.00 Weather.

11.05 Today at the Test. England v Australia.

12.05 Sign Zone: Money for Nothing. (R) 12.50 Panorama. (R)

1.20 A Wright Family Holiday. (R)

1.50 Brave Britain with Fergal Keane. (R) 2.50 This Is BBC Two.

1.40 Catchphrase. (R)

2.15 Winning Combination. (R) 3.05

The Switch. (R) 3.55 Unwind. 4.55

Oti Mabuse’s Breakfast Show. (R)

5.50 FIFA World Cup 2023. Philippines v Switzerland (Kick-off

6.00am).

8.05 The Chase. (R) 9.00 Lorraine.

10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s Islands to Highlands. (R)

3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. The best of the Welsh countryside and its people.

7.30 Emmerdale. Gabby upsets Arthur.

8.00 Coronation Street. Audrey jumps to the wrong conclusion regarding Elaine, Courtney helps Aadi to get down to business, Adam has another panic attack, and Paul is spooked by a glimpse of his future.

9.00 Riches. Eager to remove Nina from the business, Claudia seeks shareholder votes.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 The 1% Club. Quiz, hosted by Lee Mack. (R)

11.40 Monster Carp. (R)

12.30 Tour de France Highlights. (R) 1.20 Catchphrase. (R) 1.55 Winning Combination. (R) 2.45 Catching My Rapist. (R) 4.00

Unwind. 5.05 Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show. (R)

Rosie Jones Am I a R*tard? 11.05 First Dates. (R) 12.05 24 Hours in A&E. (R)

1.00 Becoming Elizabeth. (R) 2.05 Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland. (R) 2.55 Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig. (R) 3.50 Couples Come Dine with Me. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Sain Ffagan. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Prynhawn

12.05 Shoplifters: Caught on Camera. (R) 1.00 Teleshopping.

3.00 Millionaire Age Gap Love. (R)

3.50 OMG: My Barbie Body. (R)

CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine.

11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.40 Alexis

Conran. 1.40 5 News at Lunchtime.

1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15

Film: The Babysitter. (2020) 4.00

Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. (R)

5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Eggheads. Albert CamOuse take on the regulars. (R)

6.30 Eggheads. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Inside the Steam Train Museum. The volunteers get to work clearing up damage after a winter storm, and the vintage fire engine has its engine removed and overhauled.

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Inside Greggs: 24/7. Part two of two. Grace Dent is given access to Greggs’ secret innovation centre at their HQ in Newcastle, getting a sneak preview of their new product ranges.

9.00 Yellowstone. Pilot for the drama series, starring Kevin Costner. A Montana ranching family faces off against others encroaching on their land. (R)

10.00 Live Boxing. Lee McGregor v Erik Robles Ayala.

12.05 999: Emergency Call Out. (R)

Gogglebox. 10.00 The Last Leg. 11.05 Adam Hills: Clown Heart. (R) 12.45 Film: Countdown. (2019) 2.15 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 3.00 Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.05 Escape to the Chateau. (R) 5.10-6.00 Undercover Boss USA. (R)

1.00 Teleshopping. 3.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (R)

3.50

Lee Mack

TUESDAY’S TV 18.7.23 BBC1

ITV1 WALES S4C CHANNEL 5 DIGITAL CHOICE

6.45 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 7.15 Bargain Hunt.

(R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Our Lives: Rhys McClenaghan – Chasing Gold. (R) 8.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 11.00 BBC News. 12.15

Politics Live. 1.00 The Super League Show. (R) 1.45 Impossible.

(R) 2.30 Mastermind. (R) 3.00

Great British Menu. (R) 4.00 Planet

Earth: An Elephant’s Tale. (R) 4.15 Made in Great Britain. (R) 5.15 Flog

It! (R)

Clare Balding

Live: Lost Dogs with Clare Balding

Channel 5, 8pm

Clare Balding rallies the support of the great British public to help reunite lost dogs with their owners, tracking down a selection of dogs that have been separated from their heartbroken families for weeks, months, and, in some cases, years. She also showcases several stray dogs that have been handed into rescue centres across the UK.

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

7.30 EastEnders. Rocky panics as the wedding ceremony goes ahead.

8.00 Why Sharks Attack. An investigation into recent strange shark behaviour following attacks in Egypt.

9.00 The Sixth Commandment. Ben delivers the eulogy at Peter’s funeral.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Ruck Stars. The Scarlets face top side Cardiff and James has a dilemma. (R)

11.10 Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? Hazel Martin considers the theory that Annie Borjesson took her own life. (R)

11.40 Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie? (R)

12.10 Ghosts US. (R) 12.55 BBC News.

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Former winners Angela Barnes, Kemah Bob, Ade Edmondson and Beattie Edmondson take part. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys.

7.00 The Secret Genius of Modern Life. Hannah Fry examines the tech behind food delivery apps. (R)

8.00 Your Home Made Perfect. Redesigning a 1960s house in Borehamwood.

9.00 Inside Dubai: Playground of the Rich. Life in the tax haven in the United Arab Emirates. (R)

10.00 Burnistoun. (R) 10.30 Newsnight. 11.10

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

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

2.00 James Martin’s Islands to Highlands. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R)

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

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Rhona is heartbroken to see her mum so vulnerable.

8.00 Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes. A six-year-old arrives to have his nonworking kidney removed. (R)

8.30 Wales This Week. A report on plans to offer shelter to several hundred asylum seekers at a hotel in Llanelli.

9.00 Cooking with the Stars. Peter Andre, Jason Watkins and Indiyah Polack attempt to create the perfect British dish. Presented by Emma Willis and Tom Allen.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Catching My Rapist. (R)

12.05 Dramatic Finishes. (R)

12.10 Tour de France Highlights. (R) 1.00 Catchphrase. (R) 1.35 Winning Combination. (R) 2.20

The Switch. (R) 3.10 A Year on Planet Earth. (R) 4.00 Unwind.

5.05 Made in Britain. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion

S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Cymru, Dad a Fi. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00

Prynhawn Da. 1.55 Newyddion

S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.00 Seiclo: Tour de France. Coverage

4.00

Brits in the

(R) 5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Eggheads. Dads’ Cafe try their luck against the Eggheads. (R)

6.30 Eggheads. Highway Links take on the regulars. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. Jack Russells Alfie and Charlie are terrorising their owner Karina’s partner. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Live: Lost Dogs with Clare Balding. New series. In a live television first, Clare Balding reunites lost dogs with their owners; 5 News Update.

9.00 The Great Flood of ’53. Looking back at the deadly floods that devastated England’s east coast in January 1953.

10.30 999: Emergency Call Out. (R)

11.25 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. (R) 12.25 Traffic Cops. (R) 1.20

The Great British Sewing Bee

BBC1, 9pm

The remaining sewers work with utilitarian clothing to make unique garments for a chance to make it to the final. They begin by making a trench coat out of an old military uniform and go on to make a garment of their own choice from cleaning products. In the made-tomeasure challenge, the semi-finalists take boiler suits and fit them perfectly to their models.

appearance. (R)

9.00 The Great British Sewing Bee. The semi-finalists make trench coats out of old military uniforms, transform cleaning products into a garment of their own choice and create made-to-measure boiler suits.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Women’s World Cup Preview.

11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? (R)

12.10 Weather for the Week Ahead.

12.15 BBC News.

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 7.00 Homes Under the Hammer. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip. (R)

8.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell.

11.00 BBC News. 11.15 Politics Live. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Mastermind. (R) 2.15 Great British Menu. (R) 2.45 Home Is Where the Art Is. (R) 3.15 Cheetah Family & Me. (R) 4.15 Made in Great Britain.

(R)

5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Former winners Angela Barnes, Kemah Bob, Ade Edmondson and Beattie Edmondson take part. (R)

6.30 Great British Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo learns about the HS2 and the RSC.

7.00 Today at the Test. England v Australia.

8.00 Grand Tours of Scotland’s Rivers. Paul Murton explores the River Annan in Dumfries and Galloway. (R)

9.00 Death on the Tyne. Comedy mystery following on from Murder on the Blackpool Express, focusing on an eventful and bloody overnight ferry trip to Amsterdam. Starring Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Earth. (R)

12.15 Sign Zone: Your Home Made Perfect. (R) 1.15 The Great British Sewing Bee. (R) 2.15 Garden Rescue. (R) 3.00 This Is BBC Two.

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

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

2.00 James Martin’s Islands to Highlands. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Wendy is alarmed when Bob nearly catches her out.

8.00 Coronation Street. Elaine shares an alarming discovery about Stephen with a furious Tim, Isabella accuses Brian of conspiring to get rid of her, and Aadi’s new job fails to live up to expectations.

9.00 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. The actress travels to Madagascar.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

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

11.40 A Year on Planet Earth. (R)

12.30 Tour de France Highlights. (R) 1.20 Catchphrase. (R) 1.50 Winning Combination. (R) 2.45 Great Racehorses. (R) 3.00 How to Age Well: Your Lifestyle –

Pobol y Cwm.

8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Beicio Mynydd: Red Bull Hardline Cymru.

Seiclo: Tour de France.

Y Byd ar Bedwar. (R)

6.15 Countdown. (R) 6.55 Cheers. (R) 7.45 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 9.05 Frasier. (R) 10.40 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (R) 11.35 Channel 4 News Summary. 11.40 Four in a Bed. (R) 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 4.00 Chateau DIY. (R) 5.00 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses. 6.00 The Simpsons. (R) 6.30 Hollyoaks. (R)

7.00 Channel 4 News. 8.00 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home.

9.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. 10.00 Gogglebox. (R)

11.00 Celebrity Gogglebox. (R)

12.00 Untold: Men for Sale – Life of a Male Escort. 12.35 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 1.25 Film: Nerve. (2016) 3.00 Mad Women. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley.

12.40 Alexis Conran. 1.40

5 News at Lunchtime. 1.45 Home and Away. (R) 2.15 Film: An Affair to Die For. (2023) 4.00

Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun. (R)

5.00 5 News at 5.

6.00 Eggheads. Hop Pole United from Aylesbury take on the regulars. (R)

6.30 Eggheads. Charity workers the Quiz Steppers take on the quiz experts. (R)

6.55 5 News Update.

7.00 Budapest with Gregg Wallace. The presenter visits Budapest. (R)

7.55 5 News Update.

8.00 Jersey and Guernsey. On Jersey, a sailing duo take part in the historic Gorey Regatta. Last in the series; 5 News Update.

9.00 999: Critical Condition. Matthew is rushed into hospital after a collision between his motorbike and a tractor.

10.00 Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts. (R) 11.05 Skin A&E. (R)

12.05 Coastguard: Search & Rescue SOS. (R) 1.00

Red Arrows: The Big Finish. (R)

Sara Pascoe

gaming

Alright, mate! Picture this: The Sim City franchise was fading into oblivion, leaving gamers starving for some good ol’ citybuilding simulations.

But fear not, my friends, for salvation came in the form of Cities: Skylines! This game swooped in like a superhero, filling the void left by its genre’s pioneer, and dare I say, surpassing it in many ways.

However, that was back in 2015, and even with all the updates and DLC packs, the game’s lifespan could only stretch so far. But hold on to your seats, because guess what? Cities: Skylines 2 has just been officially unveiled, and fans are already reaching for the stars, building their hopes as high as skyscrapers! Can you feel the anticipation in the air? I know I can!

Now, let’s have a gander and see what the developers have laid

out for us in this muchanticipated sequel. Sure, the announcement trailer didn’t show us any real gameplay footage, but fear not, my dear comrades, for there are plenty of hints we can pick up on. Naturally, at its core, Cities: Skylines 2 will remain a city builder. You start off with a blank canvas, a piece of land waiting to be transformed into your dream city. You’ll be the master of roads, buildings, and infrastructure, shaping your urban paradise to your heart’s desire. And according to the Steam page, brace yourselves, because here’s the deal:

“Your city will evolve and react to your decisions, creating a dynamic and ever-changing world that is both challenging and rewarding. Unleash your creative genius and strategic planning skills to transform your city into a thriving metropolis that attracts businesses,

residents, and tourists alike. From cozy residential neighborhoods to bustling downtowns, the possibilities are as boundless as the cosmos itself. But, my friends, be prepared to navigate the complexities of running a city and meeting the needs and demands of your citizens. It’s no easy task, but hey, who said it would be?”

And here’s another nugget of information we managed to uncover from the game’s achievements list: Cities: Skylines 2 will allow you to build on a whopping 150 tiles! Now, let that sink in. For those of you who played the first game, you’ll recall that the maximum was a mere nine tiles. So, my friends, this sequel is set to be colossal, an order of magnitude larger than its predecessor! Can you even imagine the possibilities that come with such expansiveness?

But wait, there’s more! These achievements also hint at some delightful surprises. We’re talking rat infestations, hailstorms, and get this, somehow being able to track an individual citizen’s life journey from childhood to the golden years. How mind-blowing is that, my fellow urban architects?

So, my comrades, the power to terraform the land, meticulously plan out roads, bridges, and even public transportation will be in your hands. It’s up to you to unleash your creative prowess and turn this virtual world into a living, breathing masterpiece. With Cities: Skylines 2, get ready to embark on an epic adventure of citybuilding greatness. The stage is set, my friends. It’s time to let your imagination run wild and shape the urban landscape of your dreams. Let’s build the cities of tomorrow, one tile at a time!

wiTH eddie THe game guru

Tafwyl – yn fyw ac yn fwy

BYDD Tafwyl yn cael ei darlledu’n fyw ar S4C am y tro cyntaf eleni, wrth i ŵyl Gymraeg y brifddinas symud i leoliad newydd.

Bydd y digwyddiad ar 15-16 Gorffennaf yn cael ei gynnal ar gaeau Parc Bute.

Mae’r lleoliad newydd yn caniatáu gofod am fwy o adloniant a mwy o gynulleidfa.

Ymysg yr artistiaid sy’n perfformio mae Bwncath, Lloyd a Dom, Sage Todz, Tara Bandito, Eädyth, Band Pres Llareggub, Hana Lili, Dafydd Iwan a Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog.

Huw Stephens, Lloyd Lewis a Tara Bethan fydd yn llywio’r cyfan wrth gyflwyno holl amrywiaeth Tafwyl a sgwrsio gefn llwyfan gyda rhai o’r artistiaid.

Caiff nifer o’r perfformiadau eu ffrydio’n fyw i S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer, YouTube a Facebook S4C o 13:00 ddydd Sadwrn a dydd Sul.

Bydd modd gwylio ar eich ffôn, tabled a theledu clyfar.

Dilynwch @LwpS4C ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol am ddiweddariadau byw, cynnwys ecsgliwsif a

pherfformiadau ar YouTube

o’r prif lwyfan ac o’r ‘Sgubor - llwyfan newydd S4C Lŵp.

Eleni, am y tro cyntaf, bydd modd gwylio’r ŵyl yn fyw ar nos Sadwrn rhwng 20:00-22:00 ar S4C, pan fydd cyfle i fwynhau Bwncath yn perfformio eu set cyfan.

Bydd Tara Bethan hefyd yn perfformio ar y prif lwyfan yn Tafwyl eleni fel Tara

Bandito, ac yn canu gyda’r grŵp Ynys a Band Pres Llareggub.

“Job cynta’ fi yn Tafwyl oedd cyflwyno o Babell yr Ysgolion, a’r bore wedyn o’n i’n gwneud sesiwn ioga” meddai Tara. “Rŵan dw i’n cyflwyno a pherfformio felly mae fatha bo’ fi wedi cael dyrchafiad bach bob blwyddyn. Dw i’n teimlo bo fi

wedi tyfu fyny efo Tafwyl.”

Dim ond ers blwyddyn a hanner y dechreuodd hi ysgrifennu caneuon fel Tara Bandito, gan ryddhau ei halbwm gyntaf ym mis Ionawr eleni.

Yn ôl Tara mae cael cyfle i berfformio yn Tafwyl yn gyfle anferth, “Ro’n i’n arfer gweld bandiau ar y prif lwyfan a meddwl fyswn i wrth fy modd yn perfformio yno ond ar y pryd roedd yn teimlo fel breuddwyd oedd bron yn rhy bell i ffwrdd.

“Na’i fyth anghofio cyflwyno efo Huw Stephens yn 2021 pan oedd y gynulleidfa yn gorfod bod ar fyrddau o chwech, ac eistedd dwy fetr i ffwrdd o’i gilydd [oherwydd rheolau Covid].

“Ro’n i mor emosiynol yn gweld y crowd yn dod mewn. Roedd Ani Glass wedi perfformio Mirores efo string quartet a wnes i ddechrau beichio crio achos oeddan ni ddim yn gwybod os oeddan ni byth yn mynd i gael gwneud rhywbeth fel hyn eto.

“A dwy flynedd yn ddiweddarach ac mae genna’i slot anhygoel, yn

canu caneuon fi ac yn perfformio efo Band Pres Llareggub,” meddai.

Mae Lloyd Lewis hefyd yn edrych ymlaen at berfformio a chyflwyno: “Es i i Tafwyl am y tro cyntaf y llynedd pan ro’n i’n perfformio gyda Dom a Sage Todz, ac roedd o’n brofiad ffantastig. Roedd yr awyrgylch yn wych, ac roedd hi mor braf gweld y gymuned Gymraeg yn ne Cymru yn dathlu’r Gymraeg yn y brifddinas.

“Dwi’n blest ofnadwy i gael y cyfle i gyflwyno o’r ŵyl eleni,’ dwi’n gwybod pa mor fawr yw’r achlysur ac mae’n fraint enfawr.”

Mae Huw Stephens hefyd yn edrych ymlaen at Tafwyl:

“Mae Tafwyl bob tro yn lot o hwyl, gydag awyrgylch braf yn dathlu’r Gymraeg yn y brifddinas.

“Mae Caerdydd yn ddinas sy’n tyfu, gyda’r Gymraeg yn rhan bwysig o ddiwylliant a bywyd bod dydd y ddinas, ac mae Tafwyl yn benwythnos i ddathlu hyn.

“Fi’n edrych mlaen at fwynhau sets o gerddoriaeth o bob math, a mwynhau Tafwyl trwy’r penwythnos.”

‘Ymddygiad bron pob Aelod o’r Senedd o safon uchel’

ROEDD mwyafrif y cwynion yn erbyn

Aelodau Senedd Cymru yr ymchwiliwyd iddynt yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf yn ymwneud â mân achosion o dorri’r Cod Ymddygiad.

Mae adroddiad blynyddol Comisiynydd

Safonau’r Senedd ar gyfer

Ebrill 2022 i Fawrth 2023 yn dweud nad oedd angen gweithredu pellach.

Dywedodd y Comisiynydd, Douglas Bain, fod ymddygiad bron pob AS o safon uchel.

Dim ond un aelod wnaeth dorri’r Cod Ymddygiad, ond does dim manylion cyhoeddus wedi’u rhyddhau am yr achos hwnnw.

Derbyniodd Mr Bain 71 o gwynion rhwng Ebrill 2022 a Mawrth 2023. Fodd bynnag, nid oedd ganddo’r pŵer i ymchwilio i 31 o’r rhain.

O’r rhai yr oedd e’n gallu eu trafod, roedd y mwyafrif yn canolbwyntio ar fethiant rhai ASau penodol i hysbysu mân newidiadau i’w buddiannau cofrestredig o fewn y cyfnod o bedair

wythnos sy’n cael ei ganiatáu.

Roedd y gweddill yn ymwneud ag ymddygiad ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol a chamddefnyddio adnoddau yn y Senedd.

Yn y mwyafrif helaeth o’r cwynion oedd yn ddilys, ni chymerwyd unrhyw gamau gan eu bod yn ymwneud â mân doriadau yr oedd yr aelod perthnasol wedi cydnabod, ymddiheuro amdanynt a’u cywiro.

Dywedodd Douglas Bain: “Fel mae’r ffigyrau’n dangos, mae ymddygiad bron pob Aelod o’r Senedd yn parhau i fod o safon uchel.

“Er bod nifer y cwynion wedi cynyddu, heblaw am doriadau cymharol fach o’r rheolau, dim ond un Aelod a ganfuwyd o fod wedi torri’r Cod Ymddygiad.

“Croesawaf y ffaith unwaith eto na chafwyd unrhyw gwynion gan un Aelod yn erbyn Aelod arall.

“Credaf fod hyn oherwydd dealltwriaeth fwy aeddfed gan Aelodau, mai bwriad y broses gwyno yw diogelu’r safonau ymddygiad uchel y dylent

oll anelu atynt, ac na ddylid ei chamddefnyddio mewn ymgais i sgorio pwyntiau plaid gwleidyddol.”

Yn achos pum cwyn, mae adroddiadau ar dri ohonynt wedi’u rhoi i Bwyllgor Safonau Ymddygiad y Senedd.

Mewn dau achos,

penderfynodd y Comisiynydd na thorrwyd y Cod Ymddygiad, ond roedd yna achos i’w ateb yn y trydydd un. Cytunodd Pwyllgor y Senedd â hyn. Mae adroddiadau ar y ddau gŵyn arall bellach wedi’u cwblhau a’u rhoi i’r Pwyllgor Seneddol er

mwyn iddynt benderfynu pa gamau y dylid eu cymryd, neu os oes angen gweithredu o gwbl.

Prif waith y Comisiynydd yw ymchwilio ac adrodd ar gwynion am dorri’r Cod Ymddygiad, ond ni all roi unrhyw fanylion am unrhyw gŵyn penodol.

new Y ddion

Minister promotes AgBill on farm visit

WALES’s part-time Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, met Richard and Lyn Anthony at Sealands Farm in St Brides Major to hear about the work they’re doing that supports the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Land Management objectives.

Sustainable Land Management establishes a policy and legislative framework which is designed to be beneficial for farmers and the environment for generations to come.

Richard and Lyn Anthony are doing this at Sealands Farm in many ways, including increasing

the organic matter in their arable soils. This draws down carbon from the atmosphere, and it also means the soil is better able to hold on to moisture in dry weather.

They have also established companion cropping with their arable crops. Reducing risks from pests benefits pollinating insects and lowers chemical usage.

Extensive crop trials are taking place at the farm to test new crop varieties suitable to grow in the Welsh climate, and renewable energy sources have been installed.

Those actions embody the Sustainable Land

Management objectives in the first ever made-in-Wales Agriculture Bill. The Welsh Government claims they are a clear demonstration of adapting to climate change and maintaining and enhancing ecosystems while producing food in a sustainable manner.

The visit comes after the Agriculture Bill was passed by Senedd Members last week. At the heart of the Bill, Labour claims lie objectives to support the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of the Welsh agricultural sector. How the Welsh Government defines “Sustainable Land Management” is key to this.

Lesley Griffiths said:

“It has been great to meet Richard and Lyn and learn more about the impressive work they’re doing at Sealands, which aligns with our aims to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and support the sustainability of the farm business.

“They have implemented a number of measures, and I have been pleased to hear about how these are having a positive impact on their business and their land.

“Sustainable Land Management is the bedrock of future agriculture policy in Wales and will help ensure our farmers can continue to produce

high quality produce and agricultural goods for years to come alongside taking action to protect the environment.”

Richard Anthony said: “I believe modern productive agriculture is a big part of the solution to climate change, and we are still learning how to build resilience on our farm, which is even more important in dry seasons like we’re experiencing currently.

“We like to demonstrate what is practical on the ground, and I think it’s valuable for farmers to learn from each other and see what ideas might work at their own farm.”

Wales leads the world in genomic sheep breeding

WALES is leading the way worldwide in developing genomic breeding values in the hill sheep sector.

Using a uniquely large DNA database from Welsh sheep, the information has been gathered during the Hill Ram Scheme - a fiveyear project delivered by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).

Sheep genomics plays an important role in identifying and selecting livestock for mating with the best genetics for specific breeding objectives, such as ewe longevity, maternal ability, lamb weights and meat quality.

Funded through the Welsh Government and EU Rural Development Programme, a feasibility study showed that genetic links between flocks show genetic merits relative to the wider recorded sheep population. This offers breeders increased accuracy and confidence in genetics.

Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are used in the same way as non-genomic breeding values and contribute to

the breeding index used to buy and sell livestock developed for hill sheep.

John Richards, Hybu Cig Cymru Producer and Processor Lead, said: “The use of genomic breeding values is well established in the dairy sector and developing quickly in the beef industry. However, this has not been the case for the UK sheep sector.

“We are excited to be leading this innovative project within the sheep sector, here in Wales. The Hill Ram scheme has already explored the feasibility of developing genomic breeding values

in hill sheep which will support our key priorities of farming in a sustainable and effective way.”

One way farmers will look to enhance breeding evaluations will be to move away from making predictions about genes thought to be inherited by an animal and use genomic information to share the actual genes it possesses.

John Richards continued: “As part of the Hill Ram Scheme, 50 farmers participated in the feasibility project taking tissue samples from lambs, ewes and rams to extract DNA sequences

(genotypes) in order to determine the parentage of lambs.

“While these genotypes allow verification of parentage and show individual genes that may have a large impact on performance, they can also be used to inform breeding evaluations around thousands of tiny genetic variations on DNA strands that, when combined, contribute to the overall genetic merit of the animal.”

For breeding animals, progeny records develop over time, and its breeding values’ genomic

component will gradually diminish. As accuracy values rise, estimates of genetic merit will become closer to the sheep’s true breeding value, enabling decision-making to be made with greater confidence.

Genomic information can provide a wealth of intelligence and information, but it is particularly useful for traits which take a long time to be assessed, such as ewe longevity, traits expressed through females and traits that are very expensive to record, such as meat quality.

HCC’s Hill Ram Scheme has been a fiveyear initiative to empower hill farmers and breeders to access genetic information through the latest DNA recording technology. This has enabled performance recording to proceed without disrupting their hill management systems by allowing the detection of parentage by matching the DNA of the ram, the ewe and the lambs.

Part of the wider Red Meat Development Programme funded through the Welsh Government and EU Rural Development Programme, the project’s fundamental aim has been to encourage the use of data and genetics for hill farmers and breeders to make informed decisions about their flocks. Its aim was to create a critical mass of performance-recorded hill flocks in Wales, resulting in an improved trickledown effect through Wales’ sheep sector.

“We now look forward to seeing how this legacy continues and further inform the wider sheep sector here in Wales.”

NRW introduces ‘eye-watering’ price hike for farmers

long after the input costs themselves have settled. These regulatory fee hikes are a double blow for farmers.

NFU Cymru is ‘extremely disappointed’ that eye-watering increases to Natural Resources Wales’ charges have been introduced despite extended protestations from the union and wider industry.

On July 1, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) introduced its new regulatory fees and charging regime, which features a dramatic hike in the fees charged to farmers for many new permits and variations to permits integral to farming operations.

Among the price rises are:

• A ten-fold increase in the cost of new applications to £3,728 for land-spreading of spent or unused sheep dip.

• Changes to permits for farming installations for the rearing of pigs and poultry with the cost of new applications rising from £7,322 to £9,270. The cost of permit variations will rise from £388 to £5,562.

• A 6% increase for some of the annual fees NRW charges to recover the costs of monitoring and assessing compliance with permit conditions was introduced in April.

After engaging with its membership, NFU Cymru submitted a 21page response to NRW’s Strategic Review of Charges (SROC) consultation, which asked for a justification as to the scale of the increases and also questioned the timing of the changes when the industry is facing the sustained impact of

significant inflationary

pressures.

NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board Chairman Hedd Pugh said: “We are extremely disappointed that despite the industry raising legitimate concerns over the significant rises to fees, Natural Resources Wales has persisted, and Welsh Government has approved these staggeringly expensive proposals with the changes due to be applied from this week.

“The inflationary pressures on primary producers over the last 18 months have been well documented. It will be difficult for many farm businesses to absorb these new higher costs imposed by NRW at a time when the legacy of those well-publicised rises in input costs will continue to impact farming businesses

“NFU Cymru fully appreciates that NRW has a duty to recover its costs, but the scale of some of these rises is hard to justify. It is regrettable that the regulator hasn’t been able to focus on becoming more efficient and streamline the application and delivery of the charging scheme to reduce the costs to fee payers. We feel that the set charges from Saturday could run the risk of disincentivising best practice and hinder on-farm investment and diversification opportunities as the costs have become too prohibitive.”

Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Minister Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Wales’ agricultural industry has been hit hard by inflationary costs following Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine. So now is not the time to burden them with increased regulatory fees.

“A better solution would have been a gradual increase that considers the industry’s pressures rather than ploughing on, hitting the industry hard. If these are full cost recovery charges, then the Minister must clearly demonstrate how these huge increases have been calculated.

“Farmers could now be disincentivised from best practice as a result of this decision which is surely an outcome the Welsh Government want to avoid.”

FUW looks forward to Royal Welsh Show

THE FARMERS’

UNION OF WALES and FUW Insurance Services are looking forward to what promises to be a busy Royal Welsh Show (Monday 24 - Thursday 27 July 2023) which will take place in Llanelwedd.

The week will be an opportunity for the FUW group to highlight to members, the public visiting the show and politicians why farming matters more than ever and what must be achieved if there are to be thriving, sustainable family farms in Wales.

Speaking ahead of the show, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“The team has done an excellent job in putting together a full programme of seminars and entertainment

for everyone visiting our pavilion - members and nonmembers are welcome to join these seminars.

“There will be a variety of topical discussions in our seminars. Those issues, if not addressed, are going to affect the viability and sustainability of our family farms here in Wales and we will be lobbying and shining a light on those issues throughout the week.”

The FUW looks forward to welcoming Members of the Senedd and Members of Parliament, as well as industry stakeholders, to the pavilion to discuss the many farming matters that profoundly impact the agricultural industry.

With a family-friendly approach, the FUW is also looking forward to selling milkshakes in the Lle Llaeth

and is looking forward to seeing children and families visit the family marquee for an opportunity to see the revamped life-sized model of the FUW’s cow, Tegwen, who has been redesigned with a take on the infamous public art exhibition, CowParade; A new peep-board is also

THIS WEEK the team is in London for talks with MP’s from across Wales. The main focus of our conversations was around funding for agriculture and how we must ensure that Wales gets the funding we need and what was promised during the Brexit vote. We all know how vital that clarity is - try to do a business plan as a farmer running beyond 2024 and you would be stuck due to a lack of clarity. This is just not acceptable.

Historically the funding to support farming in Wales has come from the Common Agricultural Policy. However, once the UK left the EU that link broke. Now any funding to support agriculture will have to come from the UK Treasury. Allied to that are complexities around how funding is allocated. One method, and the one most often used in UK Government financial calculations, is to use the Barnett Formula.

Generally, the Barnett consequential for Wales is around 5.6% of the total money allocated on a particular spending priority in England. However, on the basis of the historical allocation of the total money received from the EU, Wales used to receive around 9.4% of the total agricultural budget. Thus a new settlement based on the Barnett formula would reduce our funding by around 40% - that must not happen.

Affairs Committee (PACAC): “agricultural funding will have to be held in a separate pot and dealt with in a different way”. I can assure members that the FUW team will do all it can to see that the right amount of money makes its way back to our farms, who let’s not forget, employ around 60,000 people across the 16,500 holdings we have here in Wales.

We also took the opportunity to remind our elected representatives that Welsh family farms do so much more than just produce food - they are the cornerstone of our rural economies. Welsh food production sustains tens of thousands of other businesses from upstream merchants, agricultural contractors and engineers, to downstream hauliers, processors and retailers.

When we spoke to various Members of Parliament, we made it clear that the UK’s departure from the EU has unfortunately led to the UK Government reducing spending on food and agriculture by hundreds of millions, which in turn is threatening our food security by undermining those farm businesses and allied sectors.

guaranteed to provide many fun photo opportunities.

Those coming to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show can look forward to a series of seminars and discussion groups, which are all hosted at the FUW pavilion and sponsored by FUW Insurance Services.

In order to deliver fair funding for farmers in Wales it is therefore essential that the UK Government allocate funds on the basis of historical data and not the Barnett formula.

To do this will require a new way of working. As Carwyn Jones, former First Minister of Wales said at a meeting of the UK Public Administration and Constitutional

The UK Government’s failure to replace EU agriculture, rural development and structural funding breaks a key promise made by those who campaigned for the UK to leave the EU, and undermines the farmers and food producers who provide three quarters of the food we rely on. We were quite clear in our meetings that the UK Government must restore such funding to what it would have been had the UK remained a member of the EU, so that we maintain support for our farmers and protect our food security.

Sam Kurtz: Price rise should’ve been introduced gradually and evidence-led

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Advice on keeping tropical fish

FISH are hypnotic; lots of us can spend hours staring into the blue depths of an aquarium without getting bored.

Both engaging and restful, aquariums are often lauded as one of the best stress busting tools around. It’s no coincidence that decorative fish tanks can be found in offices, hotel lobbies and doctor and dental surgery reception areas almost as numerous as they can be found in the home.

If you’ve never kept fish before, the choices and possibilities can appear daunting. Here are some tips on choosing and setting up your first aquarium to guide you along.

Aquarium fish keeping is broadly divided into three categories; coldwater (such as goldfish), tropical (freshwater warm blooded fish) and marine (saltwater warm blooded fish, corals and invertebrates).

The set up process for coldwater and tropical freshwater fish is fairly similar, with the exception of adding a heater to the water for tropical fish; marine fish and all of the associated livestock is in a whole class of it’s own, and best not considered for the first time fish keeper without several months of research and preparation.

The first thing to decide is where in your home your tank will be situated. You’ll probably want it to feature prominently in the room of your choice, but try not to place it too close to a window or radiator, as this may cause problems in regulating the temperature. Aquariums placed in direct sunlight can encourage the fast growth of problem algae, which can choke your fish tank and turn the glass and the water dark green.

When you have picked the perfect spot, measure all of the dimensions of the space, taking into account the need for a plug socket within reach of the tank.

Buying your aquarium and accessories

Then it’s time to go shopping- larger pet stores, aquatic specialists and some garden centres all stock a comprehensive range of equipment to set up your aquarium from start to finish.

A good rule is to look for the largest tank you can afford in terms of space and moneyfish need lots of room, and a larger tank is actually easier to maintain and manage, as well as more stable in terms of its ecosystem.

As well as the tank and a stand for it, you will also need the several other items at the

set up stage; often they can be bought as a complete starter kit with the tank and stand. If you are buying each item individually, seek advice from knowledgeable staff to make sure the equipment you buy is the right size and type for your tank.

You will need a lid for the tank; a light and timer for it, and a water filter, often fitted into the lid; a heating element of the right size and power rating for the water; an in- water thermometer, substrate for the bottom of the tank such as fish tank gravel (not the construction kind!) water conditioner, and ornamentation such as rocks, wood or some of the more modern adornments such as castles, shipwrecks and divers.

You will also need a siphon for cleaning the tank, buckets, sponges and scrapers, a small fish net, and of course fish food specific to the types of fish you’ll be keeping.

You may also want to buy a strip of decorative laminated material to stick to the outside of the back of the tank as a backdrop.

Setting up your Aquarium

Once you have everything on your shopping list and have got it all home, it’s time to start setting up.

Position the tank on the stand in it’s final location, make sure it is stable and secure, and that you have easy access to your plug point and any working parts of the aquarium you will need to access for maintenance.

Rinse the tank out thoroughly to remove any dust and dirt- do not use washing up liquid or any chemicals, at this stage or at any point in the

future on the tank or any of the equipment.

Thoroughly wash and rinse out the substrate material you are using, before adding it to the bottom. Don’t worry about flattening it out, as adding the water will disturb it. Then, fit the filter and heater, but do not turn them on.

Dechlorinate and treat the tap water with the treatments you have bought, then fill the tank to the appropriate fill levelthen, smooth out the gravel.

It is recommended to have the gravel sloping slightly from the back to the front of the tank, so that any dirt and debris will rest at the front for easier removal. Rinse and add any other decoration you will be using at this stage, and fire up the filter and heater, and set up the timer for the light.

Introducing your fish and plants

Once you have had a couple of days to make sure everything is working as it should and to allow the tank to settle, it’s time to think about adding some aquatic plants to your aquarium.

These can either be planted in the substrate with weights, or left in the miniature pots they can often be bought in. Real plants are a great hiding place for shy fish, and really add depth and movement to the tank. Lots of different types of plants are available for your aquarium, and most aquatic specialists and larger pet shops will stock a good range and be able to advise you of the best types to buy.

After about a week once the tank has had time to settle, comes the fun part- choosing your first few fish.

It’s important not to overstock the tank, and also not to add too many fish all at once especially in the early stages, to avoid overloading the tank’s developing ecosystem.

Suggesting what specific types of fish to buy for a new tank is almost impossible, due to the sheer number of species and the ranges available in different areas.

Take advice from experienced staff when buying, and they will guide you through the selection process with advice on ease of keeping, compatibility of species, and space required.

Always pick strong, active healthy looking fish- avoid fish with damaged fins, or that appear listless.

Never buy a fish, even a healthy looking one, from a tank containing dead or dying fish.

Get your new fish home from the shop as soon as possible, and then acclimatise them to your tank slowly.

Keep the tank light off while introducing the fish, and for the first couple of hours afterwards.

Float the bag the fish are in on the top of the tank water, gradually adding water from the tank into the bag over half an hour to an hour, until the temperature in the bag and the tank match.

Then, gently release your fish into their new home. Do not feed them on the first day, and feed lightly until they have fully acclimatised and you have judged the appropriate amount of food for them.

Congratulations- You’ve started your new aquarium! Now sit back and enjoy the view.

Llanychllwydog School achieves Language Charter Gold Award

LLANYCHLLWYDOG

SCHOOL is thrilled to announce that it has become the first Welsh-medium school in Pembrokeshire to be honoured with the prestigious Language Charter Gold Award for its exceptional commitment to the promotion and utilisation of the Welsh language.

This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Wales while fostering an inclusive and rich Welsh learning environment for its learners.

The Language Charter Gold Award is given to schools that demonstrate outstanding efforts in promoting the Welsh language across all aspects of school life and in the community. The award also recognises how Llanychllwydog School has promoted Welshness by instilling a deep sense of cultural pride, celebrating Welsh traditions, fostering enjoyment of Welsh as a living language and creating an environment where the language thrives.

Llanychllwydog School is not only dedicated to nurturing the Welsh language with its learners but also plays a crucial role

in developing Welsh within the broader community.

Recognising the importance of promoting Welsh beyond the classroom, the school actively engages with individuals and groups who are learning the language.

At Llanychllwydog School the ‘Criw Cymraeg’ create opportunities for learners in the area to join them in school on celebration days to practice and immerse

themselves in the Welsh language in a supportive and inclusive environment. By fostering connections and collaboration with the wider community, the school actively empowers individuals to embrace the language and enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

Catrin Phillips, Welsh Language Devlopment Officer for Pembrokeshire County council congratulated the

school on their outstanding achievement. “It was a pleasure to award the school for their unwavering dedication to upholding the cultural values of the area and nurturing a generation of linguistically proficient and culturally aware individuals,” she said.

She added:

“Llanychllwydog School’s commitment to developing Welsh within the community is a testament to its vision of

ensuring that the language remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.”

Headteacher Amanda Lawrence expressed her delight at receiving the Language Charter Gold Award, saying: “This achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, learners, parents, and the wider community.

At Llanychllwydog School, we believe that language is the key to preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. We are immensely proud of our learners for embracing the Welsh language and immersing themselves in its rich history.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, congratulated the school on receiving the award, saying “I am delighted to hear that the great efforts and hard work of the learners and staff at Ysgol Llanychllwydog have been recognised by their receiving the Language Charter Gold Award. As a Welsh learner myself, I know the importance of using and immersing yourself in the Welsh language and making sure it is fun for learners and everyone involved. Diolch yn fawr pawb!”

More pupils in Wales will walk to school thanks to funding

MORE pupils in Wales will walk to school thanks to funding: Pupils in Caldicot walk to school

Thousands of children across Wales will enjoy the benefits of walking to school thanks to support from the Welsh Government.

A two-year project will enable Living Streets Cymru, part of the UK charity for everyday walking, to engage 170 primary schools and 42 secondary schools in its walk to school programmes in Wales by September 2025.

WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets – sees pupils record how they get to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker with those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ to school being awarded a monthly WOW badge.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister with responsibility for transport, said: “Schemes like WOW are a step in the right direction to improving our health and wellbeing and reducing the number of cars on our roads.

“I’m really pleased that more schools across Wales will be taking part in WOW.

Continued investment in active travel will help us build safer and stronger communities for our children.”

Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Walking to school is such an important part of the day for children and their friends and family and I’m delighted that Living Streets

Cymru will be able to help even more young people in Wales stay fit, healthy and happy.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Welsh Government for supporting WOW. Walking or wheeling to school is an easy and inexpensive way for children to meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical

activity a day, while helping reduce congestion and air pollution outside the school gates.

“I can’t wait to see what a positive difference WOW – and the introduction of 20mph speed limits on residential roads in Wales –will make to children walking and wheeling to school in Wales.”

Only around 50 per cent of primary school children in Wales walk to school and Living Streets is working to reverse the decline in walking rates. WOW schools typically see an increase in walking rates by 23 per cent with a 30 per cent reduction in cars driving to the school gates.

IONIQ 5 N celebrates world premiere

HYUNDAI MOTOR has announced the world premiere of its highly anticipated IONIQ 5 N. The first electrified highperformance N model will be unveiled at the company’s Hyundai N exhibition stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, with media, fans, and N-thusiasts invited to watch a livestream of the programme from 14:30 to 15:30 CEST on Thursday, 13 July 2023.

This marks the first time IONIQ 5 N will be shown in full, following the release of a series of teaser videos and camouflaged images that showcased key elements of the model’s technology. As the first mass-production, all-electric Hyundai N model, it will further accelerate the company’s electrification future.

IONIQ 5 N at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The IONIQ 5 N world premiere will be held in the ‘Core Box’ of the Hyundai N exhibition stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. As well as the unveiling of the car itself, it will include an ‘N Moment’ – a show run of IONIQ 5 N at the Festival’s iconic 1.87-kilometre Hillclimb event, in which it will be joined by other Hyundai N models, including the thrilling RN22e and N Vision 74 rolling labs.

STor

NIO ET5 smart EV to make UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Visitors to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will see the UK debut of smart EV pioneer NIO’s ET5. The compact fastback will be displayed in Goodwood’s Electric Avenue from the 13-16 July. Already available in China and European markets including Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, ET5 blends performance with the luxury of space and the joy of driving a smart EV.

The exterior design of the ET5 pays homage to NIO’s EP9 hypercar that smashed the hillclimb record at the Sussex venue in 2018. ET5’s muscular haunches, 1,685 mm wide track and rear ducktail are complemented by precision details such as the chiselled shark nose, flush doorhandles and 33 integrated sensors for driver assistance and autonomous driving.

Inheriting NIO’s highperformance DNA from the Goodwood record-breaking EP9, the 360 kW ET5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds thanks to a 150 kW induction asynchronous motor in the front and 210 kW permanent

magnet motor at the rear. These deliver peak torque of 700 Nm. Like all NIO’s smart EVs, ET5 offers the ability to charge or swap its battery, fitting a fresh, fully charged battery at one of its Power Swap Stations in less than five minutes. Today, there are 1,561 Power Swap

Stations globally, including 18 in Europe. There have been over 24 million battery swaps with one happening every 1.6 seconds, on average.

Inside ET5 is no less impressive. Electric Avenue visitors will have the opportunity to see NIO’s

cutting-edge concept of the second living room in ET5. Inspired by trends in furniture, fashion, and footwear, NIO’s designers have created a sophisticated space with a warm touch. The earth inspired interior themes benefit from the use of recycled and more

sustainable materials. The Clean+ sustainable fabric, made from recycled bottles, forms a relaxing cocooning ambiance and improves the acoustic performance of the cabin. Technology enthusiasts will be drawn to the 256-colour ambient light feature, Dolby Atmos 7.1.4

surround sound system, PanoCinema, a panoramic and immersive digital cockpit, featuring AR and VR technologies and NIO’s in-car AI virtual assistant, NOMI.

Although no official date has been released for the ET5 to go on sale in the UK, NIO is already making plans to bring its user-focussed cars and services, such as battery swapping and NIO Houses, to the country.

“We are delighted for ET5 to make its UK debut, here at Goodwood, a location that holds a special place in the story of our growing brand,” says Matt Galvin, NIO UK’s managing director. “Electric Avenue is all about making EVs accessible to all and whilst it is not on sale here just yet, we wanted to highlight how NIO’s battery swapping and other user-focussed services make switching to EVs an attractive option. It’s the perfect place to show just how different EV use can be with NIO.”

Guests can register with NIO specialists on hand in Electric Avenue to be kept up-to-date with further announcements from the smart EV brand.

COMMERCIALS

RCN Wales responds to UCAS figures

IN RESPONSE to the latest Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) figures for applications to nursing courses in Wales, Helen Whyley, Director, RCN Wales, said:

“It is bitterly disappointing to see a sharp decrease

in UCAS applications for nursing across the whole of the UK including here in Wales. A massive decrease of 20 percent since last year should be a major concern for the Welsh Government.

At a time when health and care services are facing significant pressures, we

need an expansion of the nursing workforce, and to get that nursing must be seen as an attractive and sustainable career choice to students. There needs to be an emphasis not only on fair pay and flexible working arrangements, but also on career progression

opportunities and continued professional development in keeping with modern ways of living.

The Welsh government ‘Train Work Live’ campaign clearly needs to go further. Also, there needs to be an enhancement to the NHS Bursary as well as

recruitment bonuses for nurses as given to other professionals. These recent UCAS figures need to be the wake-up call for Welsh government to urgently deliver its’ National Workforce Implementation Plan before it’s too late.”

St John Ambulance Cymru announces new trustees

ST JOHN Ambulance

Cymru are pleased to announce the appointment of three new trustees to support the charity to achieve its mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of communities in Wales.

Gillian Knight, Rhys Jenkins and Professor Jean White CBE MStJ will serve a three year term, and alongside the rest of the Board, they will be responsible for ensuring that St John Ambulance Cymru is properly governed, financially stable and uses resources appropriately.

Gillian Knight is a Nursing Officer at the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer (OCNO), Welsh Government. Gill has worked in the Welsh NHS for over 27 years after moving to Wales from her native Ireland. She now supports the Chief Nursing Officer providing professional advice on workforce, regulation and broader professional policy. She enjoys running, cycling, and is a PADI certified deep sea diver.

Rhys Jenkins has

practiced as a Barrister at Colleton Chambers since 2019, focusing on Family Law and Civil Law across the South West. Rhys has experience of being a Trustee at Cardiff University and the Cardiff University Students’ Union.

With a background in higher education, quality assurance and students, Rhys is hoping to assist with the continued development of a learning culture that embraces diversity at St

New kit for Glangwili

Local donations have enabled Hywel Dda Health Charities to purchase a fantastic piece of kit for the Special Care Baby Unit at Glangwili Hospital to help locate veins in babies.

The Astodia device uses an infrared light to highlight the centre of the vein, showing the doctors and nurses where to place and direct the needle when taking blood or inserting a cannula.

Unit Manager Sandra Pegram said: “This is such a beneficial piece of equipment for the Special Care Baby Unit.

“Babies’ veins are often either small or deep, preventing health

professionals from finding a site easily and quickly. When babies are undergoing blood tests and cannulation, this kit improves the experience of the baby and parents by minimising the need for more than one attempt.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details

John Ambulance Cymru.

Professor Jean White CBE MStJ has enjoyed a successful career in nursing, with experience working as a theatre nurse, nurse academic, regulator, and professional adviser to UK and European governments and World Health Organisation. She was the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales from 2010-2021. Since retiring from the civil service, she now undertakes a range of voluntary and

governance roles and is currently the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan County.

Paul Griffiths, Prior for Wales and Board Chair said, “Being a trustee at St John Ambulance Cymru is about being part of a hugely respected Welsh charity which has been dedicated to saving lives and treating the sick and injured in our communities for over a hundred years.

We are delighted to welcome Gillian, Rhys,

and Jean on board as we look towards the future and begin to deliver on the commitments we laid out in our Strategy 2025.

I’m confident that they’ll be strong advocates for the charity and our work and I am very much looking forward to working with them closely to deliver our vision of first aid for everyone, anytime, anywhere”

You can find out more about our Trustees by visiting our website.

Hospital’s Special Care Baby

Unit

about the charity and how you can help support

local NHS patients and staff, go to www.

hywelddahealthcharities. org.uk

First Cohorts of Welsh Ambulance Service Senior Paramedics graduate from UWTSD

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust recently introduced a new role of Senior Paramedic, specifically focused on the frontline clinical leadership of its Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians, and UWTSD’s Wales Academy for Professional Practice and Applied Research (WAPPAR) devised a leadership development programme to support it.

This is a growing scheme that plans to develop more Senior Paramedics each year. A need was identified for a consistent, coherent and standardised leadership development programme to support staff in these roles. The resulting award is a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (Leadership in Emergency Services).

The role of Senior Paramedic is a new initiative within WAST, and seeks to develop clinical leadership roles to support the service in its ambitions to be more clinically led and to further develop an operationally effective service that is fit for the future. It is a position that is intended to enhance the degree of frontline clinical leadership within the organisation with the prime intention of developing and

improving practice as well as transform the means by which it shapes the clinicians to deliver services.

Andy Swinburn, the Trust’s Director of Paramedicine said:

“ At a time when emergency ambulance services are under significant pressure, the need to change and transform care delivery is greater than ever. As such, ensuring that our clinicians are supported by active and enthusiastic leaders, who possess a sound understanding of leadership principles and the ability to contextualise these into practice is more important than ever.

“Working with our partners in UWTSD and more specifically our link Julie Crossman, we have worked together to deliver a programme that gives our Senior Paramedic cohort this robust skill set, setting them up to support our transformation journey. Notable within this programme is its flexible approach to learning. Each cohort requires sufficient flex to accommodate learners working in a pressured environment, where shift work and competing demands require unconventional education delivery to meet these

needs. Furthermore, each cohort is a mix of academic abilities, with learners attending from a variety of existing experiences and background education, so a conventional approach to learners’ academic journey was never going to be successful.

“However, working with Julie and UWTSD has given us a programme that addresses all these requirements and has contributed to the successful roll out of our teams across Wales.”

This programme was introduced initially at the height of the pandemic, and

since then these cohorts have faced numerous challenges within the workplace; juggling family life, adapting to new leadership roles at the most difficult time in NHS’ history as well as undertaking their academic work.

After completing the Postgraduate Certificate, students will be able to apply for the Chartered Manager Award within the WAPPAR team at the University.

Senior Lecturer Julie Crossman said: “All students have enhanced and developed their leadership skills since undertaking their role as

Senior Paramedics and embarking on the leadership development programme. For some graduating, this was their first foray into academic work, although they have many years of experience within the service. However, it is to their credit that the students successfully managed to balance the requirements of their professional role, their family commitments and academic work to successfully achieve the PGCert in Professional Practice.

“ The programme focused on applying learning to professional practice

and sought to cultivate transformational leaders, engaging the workforce to meet the challenges faced in terms of improvements in clinical practice. As part of their final module, students completed a work-based change project with a view to introduce meaningful change into their areas of responsibility. It has been a real honour to support the Senior Paramedics during their programme of study and I commend each of them for their commitment, dedication and willingness to embrace the learning undertaken. ”

B u S ine SS

Welsh businesses optimistic despite challenges in Q2

BUSINESSES in Wales have demonstrated resilience and optimism in the second quarter of 2023 according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid.

The Chamber’s quarterly economic surveys are independent surveys of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth, with the results closely watched by policymakers.

The survey revealed a boost to business confidence in Wales in Q2, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the UK economy.

There were noteworthy improvements regarding cashflow, with fewer businesses experiencing worsening conditions compared to Q1. 31% of businesses in Wales reported an increased cashflow in the last three months, a figure higher than the national picture (25%).

Growing business confidence in turnover and profitability is also evident, with 60% of businesses in Wales expecting their turnover to improve in the next year and 53% predicting that profitability will also improve.

However, Welsh businesses continue to face challenges as 64% of firms stated that they are currently operating below capacity, primarily due to low order numbers for their goods or services.

Recruitment challenges persist, particularly for skilled manual, technical, professional and managerial roles, with 71% of businesses in Wales experiencing difficulties.

Businesses are also under pressure to raise prices due to labour costs such as salaries.

Inflation also remains a top concern for businesses as although the peak appears to have passed, inflation figures did not fall as quickly as expected in April and stalled in May.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “Despite

lingering challenges, the results of our latest survey highlight minor improvements compared to Q1, showcasing the resilience of the Welsh business community.

“It is encouraging to see Welsh businesses looking forward with optimism. We hope that this confidence can be sustained in Q3 and Q4 if inflation continues to ease, allowing businesses to have certainty to be able

to invest in their future.

“However, as we see consistently in our surveys, businesses face barriers in the form of recruitment and skills which obstruct them from realising their growth potential. Action is required, whether that is support or investment, to help employers with skills development and training to support their existing workforce and attract new employees.”

New railway testing centre for Wales welcomed by RIA Wales and Western

THE Railway Industry Association (RIA) Wales & Western has welcomed today’s news that a consortium of universities, including Cardiff and Swansea, has been awarded £15 million by the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF) to establish a new worldleading railway research and innovation centre in South Wales.

UKRPIF investment will enable Cardiff, Swansea and Birmingham universities to establish a new Centre of Excellence for Railway Testing, Validation and Customer Experience at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) site, currently under construction near Onllwyn in the Neath Valley.

Industry partners include: Siemens, Atkins, Unipart, RSSB, GCRE, Knorr Bremse, Aegis, Angel Trains, Eversholt Rail, Furrer+Frey,

Razor Secure, SLC Rail, EnServe, TRL, BBA, Vanguard, MoniRail and EneRail, many of whom are RIA members. The facilities are currently being planned with building work expected to commence later this year.

Robert Cook, RIA Wales & Western Lead said: “This investment is a vote of confidence in research and innovation in South Wales and will help secure the future development of the rail industry right across the

UK. The funding and the partnership between these three universities is good news for RIA members and the supply sector, and will help the governments in Cardiff and Westminster to build a more effective

integrated public transport network.

“We and our members look forward to working on this with Cardiff, Swansea and Birmingham universities in the months and years ahead”.

Seafish 2023 UK Fishing Fleet Survey coming to Wales

Fishing vessel owners and skippers in Wales are encouraged to join the annual survey of the UK fishing fleet started on Monday, July 10.

Fleet survey researchers will be visiting ports and harbours across the UK this summer, from 10 of July until September. The annual survey of the fishing fleet is conducted by Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry.

The survey focuses on socio-economic questions to find out the financial performance of fishing businesses and the demographics of their crew. This gives vessel owners and skippers a platform to share how their businesses have fared in the last 12 months.

In Wales, the survey is scheduled to be hosted by Seafish fleet researcher Felicity Spoors in North Dyfedd and South Gwynedd between July 24-28, in Glamorgan and South Dyfed with Jim Bruce, also between July 24-28, and in North Wales from August 7-11 with Felicity again.

During last year’s fleet survey, 531 fishing vessel owners responded to the survey. A full report with financial data will be published later in the summer, but initial findings show:

On business performance over the previous 12 months, 36% rated it poor or below

average, 31% rated it average, and 31% rated it above average or excellent

On the outlook for business over the next 3-5 years, 29% rated it bad or very bad compared to 35% who rated it good or very good.

The most mentioned factors related to recent performance were stock

status, prices for catch and operating costs due to the high fuel prices of 2022. Operating costs had never featured in the top five list of concerns in previous surveys, showing how exceptional the situation with high fuel prices last year was. Stock status and prices were mostly seen as positive influences

and helped to ease the difficulties of the high fuel costs.

The insights gathered help paint a picture for policymakers of the challenges that the fleet faces in the current political and economic landscape. The survey takes no longer than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses are strictly confidential, with no details from any individual vessel revealed.

Fishing businesses taking part in the survey can also request a free benchmark report. This is a valuable tool for comparing the economic performance of their vessel to similar ones in the industry, allowing them to identify areas for potential improvement. These reports can also be used as evidence in grant or loan applications.

Juan Carlos Paredes Esclapez, Economics Project Manager at Seafish, said: “We are excited to launch the 2023 UK Fishing Fleet Survey, which plays a crucial role in tracking the performance of our fishing industry. By participating

in this survey, vessel owners and skippers have the chance to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“The data collected will be invaluable in informing policymakers, industry stakeholders, and businesses themselves, ensuring the sector is well-equipped to navigate future challenges. It helps Seafish to understand how issues such as fuel price increases are impacting the fishing fleet. This information can also inform policy changes that address those challenges to benefit the sector as a whole”

Field researchers this year will be Jim Bruce, Phoebe Kelly, Felicity Spoors and Emma Farnsworth. Familiar faces will also be in the mix, such as Rebecca Spain and Sheriene Murphy, returning to do the fleet survey for a second year.

Further information is available on the Seafish website: www.seafish.org/ fleet-survey

ic

one way, he is proving to be a better PM than his 2 immediate predecessors (Truss and Johnson). However, It’s likely he will go down with his ship at the next General Election if the polls are correct.

His first fault was the words he spoke outside 10 Downing Street, on the day he became PM. He vowed to lead a government of “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.” My advice to any incoming PM is to merely promise to do your best for the people of the UK. Then it is difficult for the words to come back and bite you in the posterior.

However, he has become a hostage to the constant infighting within his own party, especially from a new grouping, the New Conservatives. 25 MP’s from the 2017 and 2019 elections, hold Red Wall seats. They aim to shape party policy for their forthcoming General Election. If the opinion polls are right, its likely they will be spending more time with the families whilst looking for new employment.

SThe Liberal Democrats have said Sunak has ‘thrown in the towel’ on tackling Conservative sleaze. When he resigned from Johnson’s government, he wrote “the public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously,” and these “standards are worth fighting for.”

Welsh Government

W ITH ANDREW LYE

and that he’s serious about restoring probity to public life, he’s ducked the opportunity. He’s PM of our whole country but driven by the internal myopic politics of a small number of his MPs.

Families facing soaring mortgages and rents or struggling to get a GP appointment deserve better.

The Commons Standards Committee recommends an ex-Tory MP be suspended for 8 weeks for assaulting 2 males at the Carlton Club in London. The Liberal Democrats say the PM must show some backbone and commit to voting for his suspension. As he promised to govern with integrity.

Responding to the news that the government has lost its legal challenge over handing unredacted messages to the Covid inquiry, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said, “This is a victory for transparency and a humiliating defeat for this Conservative government. Sunak should have never wasted taxpayers’ money trying to dodge scrutiny and hide the truth.”

On Thursday 20th July, voters go to the polls to elect 3 MP’s to replace Tory MP’s who resigned, including Johnson’s former Uxbridge & South Ruislip constituency. Polls suggest Sunak will become the first PM to lose 3 safe seats on one day and that the Liberal Democrats will win the Somerton and Frome seat in Somerset.

poli

TSince then, Sunak has failed to vote on the Privileges Committee report condemning Boris Johnson for misleading Parliament over Partygate. He’s refused to block Johnson’s crony’s honours list and now has the worst attendance record at PMQs of any Prime Minister since 1979.

The one hope for the Conservatives under Sunak is to show that they have really changed as a party, something that John Major managed to do, at least initially, after replacing Margaret Thatcher. But instead of using the vote to show his party has changed

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT released its annual report on Sunday, July 9, demonstrating the power of marking its own homework.

The Annual Report highlights the ten “wellbeing objectives” the Welsh Government selected.

First Minister Mark Drakeford claimed: “We continue delivering in the most difficult times.

“The last year has been another challenging one – marked by a deepening cost-of-living and energy crisis, the brutal war in Ukraine and the climate and nature emergencies.

“Our public services are recovering from the impact of the pandemic as we have thankfully moved beyond the emergency response.

“We have achieved a great deal over the last year while delivering targeted support to help people with the cost-of-living crisis and a Super Sponsor scheme to support people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“I especially want to pay tribute to everyone in Wales who has provided safety and security to people from Ukraine, which shows we are truly a Nation of Sanctuary.

“Even as we have had to make tough decisions because of the huge financial pressures, our budgets remain focused on protecting frontline public services, providing support for people during the cost-of-living crisis and delivering our priorities.”

returning NHS contracts at an increasing rate. The near-collapse of the GP service across our region also somehow escapes mention. The continuing dismal failure of the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust to reach patients most in need within the target time set by the Welsh Government is wholly ignored. The absence of any mention of the ongoing disaster in the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and Welsh Ministers’ inability to lie straight in bed regarding it is also a notable - but expected - absentee from the Welsh Government’s list of achievements.

CARING FOR CHILDREN

Moving down the list, the Annual Report states: “We have committed to exploring the radical reform of care services for children and young people.”

Despite shocking figures showing that 32 separate investigations are underway regarding deaths following child neglect and abuse, the Welsh Government refuses to hold an independent inquiry into Wales’s child social services.

The Welsh Government stands alone among UK governments by refusing to do so. And it does so because it claims it already knows all the answers.

Last year, working in tandem with the UK Government, the Welsh Government contributed to some significant economic developments that might benefit Wales in the future.

In March 2023, the Welsh Government agreed with Westminster to progress bids from the Celtic Freeport, covering Milford Haven and Port Talbot and the Porthladd Rhydd Ynys Môn/Anglesey Freeport in North Wales to the next stage.

The Welsh Government hopes that longer-term employment and skills development programmes will feed into those and boost the green energy economy.

Against that, Welsh unemployment continues to rise, the nation’s workforce is tied to a declining public sector, and major industrial drivers (especially steel production and agriculture) face future uncertainty due to Welsh Government policy choices. Tata Steel placed its Port Talbot and Trostre on short hours, and Cardiff Airport remains a money pit.

The Welsh Government prefers importing overseas coal than relying on highquality anthracite used by Wales’s existing industries (including Port Talbot) from Aberpergwm in the Neath Valley.

With more by-elections (and a resignation promised) to take place in the Autumn, what will be the political fallout if the Tories DO lose all 3 safe seats, next Thursday? It looks like things can only get worse for Sunak.

at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

The graphic accompanying this article shows the Welsh Government’s ten wellbeing objectives.

THE NHS

The achievements listed for health in the annual report do not reflect most people’s experience of the NHS. The Welsh Government praises NHS staff’s commitment, hoping the public’s positive sentiment towards NHS workers rubs off on itself.

The claim the Welsh NHS is recovering from the pandemic-induced backlog in waiting times ignores that Welsh progress to reducing waiting times for treatment is painfully slow and lags behind the rest of the UK. The self-praise for delivering new GP and dental contracts fails to acknowledge that much of West Wales is an NHS dental desert, with practices

Speaking in November last year, Julie Morgan, the Deputy Minister for Social Services, said an independent inquiry would delay actions the Welsh Government were either already undertaking or postpone those it planned.

She claimed: “The findings and recommendations of the child practice review have been generated with consideration of other reviews in England and Wales, and it must be our priority to do what we can now and not wait for another report to tell us what we know already that we have to do.” (emphasis added).

In practical terms, the Welsh Government has done nothing other than ask failing agencies to do better if they wouldn’t mind.

Although numbers cannot be directly compared with previous years, the most child practice reviews (CPR) published in any year since 2017 is 10.

THE ECONOMY

Balancing long-term and short-term priorities is tricky enough. It’s even trickier when the former means the latter gets lost in “visions” and “ambitions” divorced from reality.

GREEN ENERGY AND GREENWASHING

Nobody can argue the massive rise in energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was within the Welsh Government’s control. The crisis drove home the need to increase the UK’s energy self-sufficiency. In response, the Welsh Government doubled down on policies it was already pursuing.

The Welsh Government’s approach has two main threads: disincentivising carbonintensive industrial processes and transport and improving Wales’s environment. As its Annual Report says, it sees these aims as cutting through each policy area across all Cabinet portfolios.

Renewable energy could deliver in the

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me

praises itself in Annual Report

students dropping off school rolls or disappearing from education. Schools’ budgets remain under pressure. Staff retention is fragile, and the Welsh Government is nowhere near reaching its recruitment target for teachers in key subjects, including Welsh medium teachers.

Along the way, it fought off a challenge to the new National Curriculum’s provision regarding Relationships and Sexual Education. The challenge, hijacked by fundamentalist sectarians, right-wing extremists, and an alarmist campaign of lies and deceit, was comprehensively defeated in the High Court.

BLUE VIEW

grip on power. However, persistently doing so in the face of, at best, apathy and, at worst, hostility will drive a wedge between electors and the elected.

THE BIG STITCH UP

And speaking of wedges.

Welsh Labour’s plans to carve up an expanded Senedd with a rigged electoral system that will serve only its interests are well-known. And if they’re not, they should be.

WITH BRIAN MURPHY

medium-to-long term. Until it does and does so in a demonstrably secure and predictable way, Wales - like the UK - will depend on fossil fuels and electricity generated from burning them. In Wales, dependence on mains gas and heating oil cannot be addressed by hoping something will turn up. There must be massive and visually intrusive upgrades to our national energy infrastructure. And where the funding for that will come from is anyone’s guess.

Despite claims of engagement with those industries most likely affected by its approach, the Welsh Government prefers listening to working groups, think tanks, deep dives, and a host of nonWelsh-based activist groups. It acts like it is infallible, its policies above criticism. The arrogance of a one-party state is more evident in no other policy area.

The National Forest is a vanity project. For forestry to prove commercially viable, it will need infrastructure the Welsh Government won’t build in locations where it wants to encourage biodiversity. Forestry monoculture, the only way to turn a profit, is a biodiversity catastrophe.

The Welsh Government’s “it’s all the farmers’ fault” approach, lifted wholesale from the Erehwon fantasies of fringe environmental groups, will destroy communities and damage the language and culture it claims to want to preserve and expand. All the carbon trading in the world will not bring those back if they are lost.

Transport policy is about as well connected as Pembroke Dock is to

Aberystwyth by rail. It is one thing to want to encourage public transport use across the South East Wales conurbation. That might be achievable and deliver benefits felt across Wales. Beyond there, and outside the South Wales corridor, cars will remain essential for travel in rural West and North Wales for at least the foreseeable future.

The Welsh Government’s aims are admirable. Its methods are inadvertently chaotic and deliberately divisive. Its aggressive and arrogant approach to environmental and rural policy increases the perception that Welsh Labour’s Senedd group is semi-detached from Wales beyond the bubble of advisors, hangers-on, and third-sector clients with which it cohabits in Cardiff Bay.

EDUCATION AND EQUALITY

The Welsh Government delivered much that was good and worthwhile in the last twelve months. It says so in its Annual Report. On balance, its selfassessment is reasonable.

In the last year, it increased Educational Maintenance Allowance for post-16 students. Wales’s student finance settlement remains the most generous in the UK. For all the faults in its rollout, Free School Meals provision counts as a success. And it is considering reconfiguring the school year from a model derived from 17thcentury religious calendars to one reflecting modern life and working patterns.

Other challenges remain significant.

School attendance has plummeted since the pandemic, with many

One key aspect of RSE remains problematic and controversial: the identity of third-sector and privatesector providers recruited to assist and advise upon its delivery. So far, the Welsh Government’s communications on the topic have been beyond woeful.

That feeds into how the Welsh Government perceives (or chooses to perceive) Welsh attitudes to equality.

Over the last year, the Welsh Government’s achievements in addressing disability issues have been limited. Disabled persons’ equality has largely been swallowed up in other government programmes. Instead, resources have been ploughed into causes dear to the special interest groups and paid lobbyists it chooses to surround itself with.

In Cardiff Bay’s Wales, everyone shares the enlightened values of the Guardian-reading middle class and gets along with everyone else regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion or ethnic origin. Visiting working-class areas outside the Cardiff ring road must be the intellectual equivalent of an ice bath.

The Welsh are not exceptional in holding onto collections of prejudices and attitudes that defy politicians’ high-thinking ideals (ignoring how sincerely some politicians hold them). Nothing is inconsistent between voters consistently returning socialist/social democratic politicians and socially conservative attitudes.

Such is its electoral advantage that Welsh Labour can indulge in identitarian politics without fear of losing its

With the willing assistance of helpful idiots in Plaid Cymru, who sold out their manifesto to ensure they always had a meagre toehold in power, Labour plans to ensure that voters have no say in their representative’s identity. Suppose the Welsh Government gets its way, and it’s unlikely enough Plaid MSs will develop a spine and halt them. In that case, your representative will be whoever an unelected and unelectable party officer decides it will be after the next election. The link between constituent and representative will disappear overnight. Do you think contacting your MS about a troublesome issue is hard? Please wait until sixteen of them represent a bundle of six constituencies.

It’s a shameless rook. Backbench Labour MSs and Plaid Cymru know it’s a rook. And none of them has the guts to do anything about it. Wales might need more members in its National Parliament, but “improving” the Senedd this way comes at democracy’s expense. Engagement at Welsh elections is pitifully low. Separating the people from their representatives by bureaucratic whim and quotas will hardly reignite the public’s interest.

It’s a given that in a one-party system, the party in control will never surrender control over the process that ensures its rule continues.

Suppose Adam Price’s call for compulsory voting became Welsh law. How many MSs would lose to “None of the Above”? In seats where turnout is lowest (around a third in some safe Labour seats), the prospect of Labour MSs being defeated by a protest vote might focus Cardiff Bay Labour’s attention on dealing with Wales as it is rather than the one it imagines.

THIS week I watched ITV’s programme Sharp End and found it refreshing to hear the politicians being interviewed in agreement and not point scoring. the subject was child and adolescent mental health services and the problems the patients have when transitioning into adult services. Too often people are failed by a system which excludes them from the support they have been having, often for years. And forces them into having to start from scratch with a completely new team of doctors, therapists, and counsellors. They can no longer go to the clinics or surgeries where they have built relationships and family members can be excluded from being involved. The only reason for this, is that they have turned 18 and are now classed as an adult.

Being a teenager is difficult enough, but when you are suffering with mental health problems that is when support needs to be continuous and not abruptly cut. This is not a new issue and it was reassuring to hear three politicians from three parties in agreement rather than trying to attribute blame for past failures. They all agreed that drastic changes are needed to help young people in the future. Sarah Murphy (Labour), James Evans (Conservative) and Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru) have worked together in setting up a review of services, and they are happy to continue working

together to make the necessary changes.

It was a different approach Mark Drakeford took when asked in the Senedd if a specialist eating disorder unit would be provided in Wales. He replied that it was better for patients to travel to England for services as it would be “inconvenient” for some parts of Wales, and “a population of 3 million people will not support a service of that sort”. So, according to Drakeford anyone with an eating disorder in Wales will get no help close to their homes and families.

His view is entirely at odds with those of service users, clinicians, families, and politicians of all parties who agree that early access to services in a local environment, which the patient is familiar with leads to better outcomes. They are also in agreement that maintaining established relationships with all involved is a better approach than a fragmented system in unfamiliar surroundings. There is a financial benefit too, it costs less.

Perhaps, he should listen to Sarah, James and Heledd, or at least watch Sharp End on catch-up. This is what the people in Wales want from the Senedd and the politicians who work there; collaborative working to deliver services we need, local to our communities, without wasting resources and funds. I hope that what I witnessed on TV this week will be the start of a new way of doing politics in Wales. Somehow, I don’t think it will last.

I RECENTLY visited Dragon LNG’s new solar farm at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Milford Haven. The solar farm is part of their move toward becoming Net Zero by 2029.

I heard about Dragon LNG’s awardwinning Darwin project, working with Pembrokeshire College and others to engage with around 3,500 learners a year – over 70,000 since it started in 2005.

Lamphey School pupils will take part in the company’s first renewables workshop. I hope it inspires the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) specialists –both boys and girls.

I also met the Pembroke Town Walls Trust to discuss their plans for the long term restoration and management of Pembroke’s heritage stone walls. They are developing a training programme in heritage stone masonry together with Pembrokeshire College, the Tywi Centre in Carmarthen and the CITB, working with Oliver Coe, stone mason. Their ‘More than our Walls’ programme of community engagement includes training local guides to give guided walks about the history of the walls, talks, and other events.

I spoke in a recent Senedd debate on rural communities.

Partnership funding from the EU, Welsh Government and others created the Pembrokeshire Food Park in Withybush, attracting Pembrokeshire Creamery’s £17 million investment and the creation of 80 new jobs in Haverfordwest.

Since Brexit, UK Government decisions have cost Wales £1.1 billion – compared to the EU structural and

rural funds – despite promises that we would not lose a penny.

As someone who grew up, worked and raised my family in rural Wales I am keen to see communities where young people feel confident about planning their futures.

Farming and tourism are important, but so are manufacturing and green technology, focusing on better jobs, better skills and better connected communities.

This month the Senedd voted to pass the first madein-Wales Agriculture Bill. The Bill will give Welsh Ministers the powers to provide a system of support to farmers, working effectively to tackle the climate and nature crisis that threaten food production here in Wales.

A new national, 24/7 free service for people needing urgent mental health support has been launched across Wales. Call 111, select ‘option 2’ and you will be transferred to a dedicated member of a local mental health team, offering compassionate support.

Finally, July marks the 75th anniversary of our NHS. For all its challenges, this is a time to celebrate what the institution represents, its values, and the people within the services who are dedicated to providing care. We all have milestones in our lives where the NHS has been there for us and our loved ones. Here’s to the future of our National Health Service.

PlaId MS calls for devolution on LGBTQ+ rights

piece of legislation”, saying that it should “never have been introduced by my party” and that being LGBTQ+ “is not a crime”.

Dr Hussain’s comments come just days after Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman attacked Labour leader Keir Starmer in the House of Commons, saying because of his views on trans rights, he could run as “Labour’s first female prime minister”.

Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education, cpointed out the difference between Dr Hussan’s words and Conservative actions, He said: “The increasing dog whistle politics of some of your colleagues in the frontbench is a standing rebuke to your words, I’m afraid.”

Sioned Williams called out Westminster’s monopoly on devolved LGBTQ+ rights at the PinkNews Cardiff Pride Reception on July 5.

The South Wales West Regional MS asked: “How can we really ultimately aim to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe, with one hand tied behind our backs by Westminster?”

In her speech, Williams said the commitments of Plaid Cymru to devolved powers over issues such as gender law reforms are “vital”.

She argued that the only way to create an inclusive and safe criminal justice system for the LGBTQ+ community that works for Wales is to create a system within the devolved nation itself.

Ms Williams referenced Scotland’s landmark gender law reforms, which passed 86-39 in December 2022 by Holyrood.

Secretary of State for Scotland Aleister Jack determined the Scottish Act was incompatible with existing UK-wide equalities legislation and blocked it using a Section 35 order.

Despite claiming it will challenge the UK Government’s position, the SNP-led Scottish Government has not yet done so.

Sioned Williams claimed that, despite Scotland having “greater autonomy to act than

Wales in this area, the cross-party political census was undemocratically and outrageously frustrated by Westminster.”

Back in January of this year, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon lambasted the move by Westminster as an “attack on democracy”, while one Green MSP in the same month likened the situation to a “constitutional crisis” and warned that Westminster’s actions could inadvertently drive more support for Scottish independence.

During the event, several politicians referenced Wales’ LGBTQ+ Action Plan, first published back in 2018, which contains a comprehensive series of government policies to advance LGBTQ+ rights, including self-ID for trans people, and to become the friendliest nation in Europe to the LGBTQ+

community, according to Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn.

While all representatives of the Welsh parties acknowledged the progressive nature of the plan during the PinkNews event, there was still some division, with Williams claiming “two thirds of our Senedd are in favour, are supportive of the LGBTQ+ action plan.”

Opening his speech, Welsh Conservative MS, Dr Altaf Hussain acknowledged that his party “has not always got it right when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues” before highlighting the “massive strides” his party had made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

Dr Hussain referenced the public apology from former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2009 over Section 28. He condemned the “hateful

The Minister said that every party has things to learn and do but that the parties must stand together for unity and for “inclusion not exclusion”.

The reception in Cardiff, which took place at The Senedd, concluded a series of Pride events held at all four parliaments across the UK, including Westminster in London, Holyrood in Edinburgh and Stormont in Belfast. The purpose of the PinkNews Pride receptions was to bring together key politicians across all political parties across the UK to address current and new policies within the LGBTQ+ space regionally and nationally.

The Cardiff event also saw speeches from PinkNews’ Head of Brand Alice Beverton-Palmer, Kate Hutchinson of Pride Cymru and Sexual Health and LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Lisa Power who hosted the evening.

W ITH J OYCE WATSON MS, L ABOUR M ID AND W EST WALES

PLAID CYMRU MS

Dr Altaf Hussain: Section 28 was “hateful legislation”credits PinkNews/Lani Koz

Wales has one arm tied behind its back: Sioned Williams calls for devolution on LGBTQ+ rightscredits PinkNews/Lani Koz

Jeremy Miles: Parties must embrace “inclusion not exclusion” credits PinkNews/Lani Koz

UK Government discusses sale of Wylfa Nuclear Site

current ownership and recognizes that any sale decision lies with the company, it emphasizes the existence of a robust dialogue between the government and all nuclear site owners.

The Committee’s report, published in May, highlighted concerns over the need for greater clarity from the UK Government on nuclear energy. In response, the government outlined forthcoming interventions in nuclear energy policy, including the process for the Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor (SMR) competition. The selection of leading technologies will be determined later this year, according to the government’s statement.

the availability of necessary skills. However, the UK Government’s response states that developers will not be required to adhere to a minimum level of local content during nuclear energy projects.

UK GOVERNMENT Discusses Sale of Wylfa Nuclear Site, But No Commitment to Welsh Supply Chains

The UK Government has confirmed that ongoing discussions are taking place regarding the sale of the Wylfa nuclear site, although no commitment has been made to Welsh supply chains. This response comes following

the release of the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report on nuclear energy in Wales.

The Wylfa nuclear site has been under the ownership of Hitachi since 2012. The Committee expressed a desire to see the land made available for another developer interested in pursuing a nuclear energy project. While the UK Government acknowledges Hitachi’s

The Welsh Affairs Committee has consistently emphasized the opportunities available to Wales’ supply chains and businesses in the context of large-scale energy infrastructure, as highlighted in their recent Floating Offshore Wind report. The Committee recommended the establishment of clear policies to foster growth in the Welsh sector and ensure

Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, commented on the situation, stating that Wylfa represents a significant opportunity to realize the UK Government’s nuclear energy ambitions, second only to Sizewell C. While acknowledging the constructive relationship between Ministers and Hitachi, Crabb expressed the need for more progress in finding a buyer to proceed with the creation of a nuclear power plant. He also commended the UK Government’s establishment of Great British Nuclear, a move that demonstrates commitment to the sector. Crabb looks forward to hearing about the successful SMR projects later this year and emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum in the nuclear energy agenda for the benefit of the people and businesses in Wales.

Renewed call for devolution of Crown Estate to Wales

PLAID CYMRU is renewing calls for powers over the management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales, ahead of a Senedd debate today (12 July).

The Crown Estate is an independent company which belongs to the monarch for the duration of their reign, though the revenue from its £16bn property portfolio flows directly to the Treasury.

The Sovereign Grant, which is taken from public spending to cover the expenses of the royal household, is determined as a proportion of Crown Estate profits.

This has been set at 25% since 2017/18, which means that the Sovereign Grant paid to the royal family this year will be worth a record £110m, based on the record profits the Crown Estate registered in 2022/23.

Delyth Jewell MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on energy and the environment said: “Wales’ natural resources should be controlled by Wales for the benefit of the communities of Wales, not Westminster.

“This is no more true than with the Crown Estate – a company which holds assets in Wales, valued at more than £600m in 2021, and yet the profits of which go straight to the UK Treasury.

“Profits made from Wales’ natural resources should be kept in Wales to boost our economy, not that of the UK Treasury. It should be as simple as that.

“It’s the case in Scotland, where those powers have been transferred and the revenue from Scottish assets now go straight to the Scottish Government.

“That’s why we’re calling for those powers to be devolved to Wales. With that money, thousands of well-paid green jobs could be created, research into

solutions to tackle the climate crisis could be furthered, and opportunities to reap benefits from our own natural resources could be maximised.

“Ultimately, it’s the people of Wales who should be able to direct how best to benefit from that economic opportunity – not Westminster, and this starts with the Senedd voting for Plaid Cymru’s motion to demand power over the Crown Estate.”

Plaid Cymru have long called for the management of the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales, as is the case in Scotland.

The estate’s holdings were devolved to Scotland in 2016, and its revenue now goes to the Scottish Government.

Here in Wales we have the knack of being our own worst enemies. We have long been masters of internecine conflict, of criticising each other, of the politics of envy when someone succeeds locally.

We can argue that this is an outcome of big neighbour dominance. Challenging the biggest person on the playground is too hard and we no longer have the confidence to step up and do so. Centuries of cultural oppression and economic domination will inevitably beat you down and impact on all aspects of people’s lives, individually and collectively, in a myriad unseen and unrealised ways.

No one needs to divide and conquer in Wales as we will do it to ourselves…

Extrapolating current polling data in Wales suggests that up to a million people are now broadly in favour of Independence.

Pointless posturing, pandering to a few dozen ill-informed individuals, is reductive when the time has come for the Independence movement in Wales to be expansive. We must appeal to the length and breadth of Wales. We must have the ambition of bringing 60%, 70% of the population to a belief in the strength, viability and success of Wales as an Independent democratic nation on the global stage.

You don’t do this by cancelling yourselves or attempting to cancel others because you have a distaste for their politics.

Last month, the Crown Estate announced a record £442.6 million net revenue profit, £129.9 million higher than last year.

The Crown Estate said that this increase primarily reflects option fee income from the signing of Agreements for Lease for six offshore wind farms through the Round 4 leasing programme and revenue resilience in its other lines of business.

A published in May has revealed an overwhelming majority of people are in support of Welsh ownership of the Crown Estate.

The YouGov poll commissioned by YesCymru, asked Welsh residents if they would support or oppose Welsh management of Crown Estate assets in Wales with all income accruing to Wales.

The poll surveyed 1049 people aged 16 and over between April 28 2023 and May 3.

The results showed that over 75% of those polled expressed a preference in favour of full Welsh control of these assets.

This expresses itself as an inability to come together and stand shoulder to shoulder even on issues where there is broad agreement. It makes us by nature polarised and partisan, it militates against a united front, it prevents us from making progress, it holds us back. It is the easy road to blame ourselves and each other, to make excuses based on our history, to avoid responsibility for our own actions by disempowering ourselves.

This is not good enough. These excuses are nothing more than nails to build a house of failure. Time to set such childish things aside and work for success, with confidence and maturity.

We’ve seen a microcosm of this folly within the independence movement recently, with a small number of organisations objecting to the inclusion of a centreright pro-independence party in the Yes Cymru conference that was held in June. One of the guilty parties involved is a nominally apolitical single issue campaign group which will have centre-right members in its ranks, what does it say to these members?

Yes Cymru is an umbrella organisation that welcomes all supporters of independence –regardless of their political (or lack of) persuasions.

No more of this. Time to grow up. Time to look up. No more navel gazing and talking to ourselves in a tiny circle of exclusion, redolent with echo chamber narcissism.

We must address the millions in Wales who will decide the future of our nation. It is they who will take us to Independence and, when we get there, it is they who will decide what shape that Independence takes. It most certainly won’t be a few dozen dogmatic, naive and narrow minded individuals with a grudge and an iron belief that their way is the only way.

Have the courage of your own convictions, yes. Express that courage by being ready and willing to defend these through debate and argument in an open, public forum.

We must ask ourselves whether it is more important to attack other groups campaigning for Welsh Independence or to actually campaign for Independence. It is time to get on board or get out of the way.

Written by YesCymru CEO, Gwern Gwynfil.

Death Notices

G EORGE O WEN

Mr. George Owen of Howards Crescent, Crundale George passed away peacefully at Withybush General Hospital on July 5th following a long illness aged 92 years. Much loved he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his loving family and friends. Funeral Friday July 14th service and interment 11.00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Spittal.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, may be made payable to either The DPJ Foundation or Welsh Ambulance Wales and sent c/o Mrs. Nicola MacDougall, 53, Chapel Road, Crundale, SA62 4DZ. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

T HOMAS S IDNEY

N EVITT

Mr Thomas Sidney Nevitt

‘Penally’ The death

occurred on Wednesday 5th July at Tenby Cottage Ward, Park House Court, Tenby of Mr Thomas Sidney Nevitt, affectionately known as Sid, aged 80 years of Crackwell Close, Penally. Beloved Husband of Heather. Dearly loved Dad of Gaynor and Father-inlaw of Robert. Cherished Grampy of Isobel, Robert and Martha. Much loved Uncle. A strictly private funeral service will take place. Donations in

Pause for thought...

‘Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity’

(Yeats: The Second Coming).

THEY MIGHT have been written more than a century ago, but Yeats’ words are as relevant as ever. We are clearly living through turbulent not to say dangerous times, and as a result lots of people are feeling confused and anxious about the future. Thankfully, as the title of the poem reminds us Christians do not have to be afraid, because they can look forward to the day when God is going to renew the universe and when He does He will rid this world of everything that causes us grief and pain.

But that’s not all. The French philosopher and writer Andre Maurois once

said, “The universe is indifferent. Who created it? Why are we here on this puny mud heap, spinning in an infinite space? I have not the slightest idea, and I am quite convinced that no one has the least idea.”

Given all this it’s not surprising that many people live in a state of meaninglessness and as a result talk about ‘luck’ and ‘fate’? Others consult crystals and horoscopes hoping to reclaim some kind of control over their lives. But this only goes to show that “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything.”

The Bible offers us a very different perspective on life. It tells us that we can learn a lot about God if we spend a little time thinking of the familiar first century figure known as the ‘Oikonomia’. He was the household steward, who made sure everything ran smoothly. To put it simply then God wants us to trust Him enough to believe that

in spite of everything that is going on in the world He will make sure it will all work out the way He wants it to.

That’s not to say we will understand everything of course but it does mean that we can rest assured that He is always in control. Police Officer Chip Gillette was reminded of that the day he was wandering around Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas sometime after a gunman had shot and killed seven people. Gillette was obviously trying to come to terms with all the carnage when he noticed a hymnal which contained a bullet. This was pretty remarkable in itself because the crime scene had been swept clean, but even more remarkably the bullet had come to rest on these words: ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He shall reign forever and ever’. Now how do you explain that? Was it pure luck? Was it a mere coincidence? Or was it a ‘God-incidence’? I know the answer I would give.

ROB JAMES

For up to date news please check our social network channels www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

memory of Sid can be given for R.N.L.I. Tenby 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.

N AN H IRE

Mrs. Nan Hire The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Monday 10th July of Mrs. Nan Hire, aged 68 years of Neyland Road, Milford Haven. Devoted wife of Steve, dearly loved mother of Sallyann and her partner James and Sara. Nan will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The funeral service will take place on Thursday 20th July at 2.30pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Floral tributes welcome. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

E ILEEN J OHNSTONE

MRS EILEEN JOHNSTONE PENTLEPOIR (FORMERLY OF CRESSELLY) The death occurred peacefully on Wednesday 5th July 2023 of Mrs Eileen May Johnstone, aged 89 years of Pentlepoir, formerly of Cresselly. Devoted Wife of the late Chris. Dearly loved Mum, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 19th July 2023 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11.30am. There will be immediate

family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for Meddygfa Taf Whitland Surgery c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth. SA67 8QH. Tel No: 01834 831876.

G EORGE C HALONER

CHALONER George

Passed at his home on the 25th June aged 31, George will be sadly missed by all close to him. Funeral at St Lawrence Church, Welsh Hook on Wednesday 19th July at 11am. Donations in lieu of flowers to Sandy Bear child bereavement charity. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors 01437 763821

W ILCO x P ETER

Peter Wilcox Mr Peter Wilcox. The death occurred peacefully at home on Monday 3rd July of Mr Peter Wilcox aged 74 years of Worton, Devizes (formerly of Llantwit Major and Pembroke Dock). Beloved husband of Jenny Bird. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 26th July at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Devizes Road, Semington, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 6HL at 2pm. There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu for Cancer Research c/o johnstuart.devizes@ dignityfunerals.co.uk

C AROL R USSELL

RUSSELL Carol of Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest Carol passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush General Hospital on 28th June aged 60 years.

Much loved, she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all her loving family and friends.

Funeral Thursday July 13th service and interment 11.00 am at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest. Flowers, if desired, may be taken to the cemetery on the morning of the funeral. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

C AROL R USSELL

RUSSELL Carol of Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest Carol passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush General Hospital on 28th June aged 60 years. Much loved, she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all her loving family and friends. Funeral Thursday July 13th service and interment 11.00 am at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest. Flowers, if desired, may be taken to the cemetery on the morning of the funeral. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

D ILYS N EWING

Mrs. Dilys Newing Milford Haven Mr. Frank Newing and his family would like to express gratitude and thanks following the passing of Dilys. The family feel supported and comforted by the kindness of the whole community. In particular, heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Dilys. We would also like to express appreciation to those who conducted or attended the funeral service and for the many tributes and memories shared.

picture of the week!

, EVERY MOMENT COUNTS

DEAR SIR

Did your readers know that deaf children often fall behind in their development, because they’re not getting the right support in their early years? It’s an especially critical time for deaf children, because of the impact their deafness can have on language development, communication and social skills.

Without good communication skills learned early on, a deaf child could face lifelong challenges. For instance, when they start school they may come up against many barriers, like struggling to understand instructions in the classroom and conversations with their peers, all leading to feelings of isolation and a sense of ‘missing out’.

To make matters worse,

Teachers of the Deaf, who provide specialist support and make such a difference to a deaf child’s life, are in decline. One in five qualified Teachers of the Deaf posts in Wales have been cut since 2011. It’s a scandal.

Here at the National Deaf Children’s Society, we’re determined to do something about it. That’s why we’ve just launched our new five-year plan, Every Moment Counts, which calls for more support, more quickly, for deaf children during those vital early years. We won’t rest until every deaf child receives the right support as early as possible.

For more information about Every Moment counts, visit www.ndcs.org. uk/everymomentcounts

The National Deaf Children’s Society supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and young people. For anyone needing advice, support or information about deafness, please call our free Helpline on 0808 800 8880 or visit our website, www.ndcs.org.uk

Debbie Talbot, Chief

Strategy Officer, the National Deaf Children’s Society , URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO HALT ILLEGAL COAL MINING

DEAR SIR

I write to you today as a concerned citizen to bring attention to the alarming issue of illegal coal mining in our region and the devastating consequences it poses for our environment. The recent peaceful protest organized by Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR) serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive path we are currently treading.

The Ffos-y-Fran coal mine near Merthyr Tydfil has been operating without valid planning permission since September. Despite the expiration of their permit, the coal mining company Merthyr (South Wales) Limited has continued extraction, flouting the law. Disturbingly, the

company is now appealing an Enforcement Notice to end operations, which, given current timescales, may take up to another 12 months to resolve. This means that the mining activities could persist in breach of planning control for a total of 18 months.

To put this into perspective, the estimated volume of coal unlawfully extracted during this period would result in a staggering 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Compounding the issue further, after 16 years of mining, the company has shockingly admitted to lacking sufficient funds for site restoration. Consequently, the local community, who have tirelessly fought against the noise, dust, and pollution caused by the mine, now face broken promises and a desolate landscape. Where is the justice in this?

The lack of consequences for illegal mining sets a dangerous precedent, sending a message to other mine operators in Wales that they can manipulate the system

to continue extracting harmful fossil fuels even after their planning permissions have expired. It is essential to acknowledge that we are currently facing a Climate Emergency, and the extraction of more coal is a luxury we cannot afford.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has unequivocally warned us of the impending climate disaster, which includes catastrophic scenarios such as submerged major cities, unprecedented heatwaves, devastating storms, widespread water shortages, and the extinction of countless plant and animal species. This is not hyperbole but a scientifically substantiated forecast of our future if we do not alter our current energy policies. While climate activists are often portrayed as dangerous radicals, it is the countries that continue to expand fossil fuel production that truly embody radical and perilous thinking. Investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure is both

Coetan Arthur (Arthur’s Quoit) neolithic burial chamber - Diana Lucas Thomson

morally and economically unsound.

Regrettably, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the Welsh Government have failed to take the urgent and decisive action required to address this crisis, thus neglecting the interests of the people of Merthyr and compromising the wellbeing of future generations.

We demand the immediate issuance of a Stop Notice to halt the illegal mining activities, followed by a comprehensive plan to restore the land to its original state. Additionally, we call for the protection of workers’ livelihoods through the provision of support and training programs that facilitate a smooth transition into sustainable, long-term employment opportunities.

If you share our concern and wish to contribute to the campaign for a safer future, please contact cardiganxr@protonmail. com.

It is our duty to hold both the mining company and the authorities accountable for their actions, and to safeguard the well-being of our environment and communities. Time is of the essence, and decisive

action must be taken to prevent further irreparable damage.

Philippa Gibson ,

ECONOMIC POLICIES OF A CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT

DEAR SIR

I am writing to you today to express my concerns regarding the housing policies favored by Conservative Governments when in power. While the matter is undeniably complex, involving Planning Authorities, Government and Local Authorities, Green Belt and Brownfield sites, as well as the type and price range of homes, including what is commonly referred to as “social housing,” it is crucial to examine the fundamental principles behind the economic policies of a Conservative Government.

If we were to ask a Conservative citizen who owns their own home, we would undoubtedly encounter pride and

satisfaction in this basic possession, recognizing its significant impact on their mental wellbeing, as well as various social aspects such as health, education, and family cohesion across generations.

However, what stands out most prominently among Conservative voters is their apparent lack of empathy for other families within the same nation. Instead of using their own good fortune as a basis for fostering compassionate concern for fellow citizens, they often adopt an attitude of entitlement, believing that they deserve every advantage that elevates them above the “common herd.” This mindset blinds them to the concept of patriotism.

Conservative voters fail to realize that their profound absence of compassion for their fellow citizens is not only a reflection of their own moral principles but also leads to dire practical consequences, such as widespread homelessness in our country. Their unwillingness to extend

empathy and support to those in need diminishes both their own character and the overall well-being of our nation.

It is imperative that we challenge this mentality and strive for policies that prioritize the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By fostering a society where compassion and solidarity are the guiding principles, we can address the pressing issue of homelessness and work towards a fairer, more inclusive future for all.

C. N. Westerman , MARY’S

MEALS NEWS

DEAR SIR

I am writing to you as a mother of four and a proud volunteer for Mary’s Meals, the international school feeding charity. The importance of children receiving a quality education that sets them up for

a successful future cannot be overstated, and it breaks my heart to know that not every child in the world has the opportunity to access this fundamental right.

Mary’s Meals is doing remarkable work in 18 of the world’s poorest countries by providing daily school meals to hungry children. By offering them a nutritious meal, Mary’s Meals not only encourages them to attend school but also gives them the energy and hope they need to learn and strive for a brighter future.

I first learned about Mary’s Meals when my eldest son, Joseph, was involved in a school project about the charity. Witnessing the incredible impact they were making, I was inspired to become a volunteer for this wonderful movement that feeds over 2.4 million children every school day.

As a parent, I understand the challenge of finding an appropriate gift to show appreciation and gratitude to your child’s teacher at the end of the school year. This year, Mary’s Meals

is offering a unique opportunity to express gratitude while making a difference. They have introduced ‘Present for my Teacher’ digital gift cards, which can be purchased for £5, £10, or £19.15—the exact amount it costs to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year.

By gifting a ‘Present for my Teacher’ card, you not only convey your appreciation to the teacher for their important work but also provide hope and nourishment to the children who need it most. To purchase one of these meaningful gift cards, please visit marysmeals.org.uk/shop.

I am proud to be a part of Mary’s Meals and witness firsthand the positive impact they make on the lives of children. By supporting this initiative, we can all play a role in ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry and every child has the opportunity to receive an education that can transform their lives.

Julie McGowan, Mum and Mary’s Meals Volunteer

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Unions say WG farming plan needs more work

AFTER the Senedd passed the Welsh Government’s Agriculture Bill, Wales’s Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, gave the Senedd an outline of its new Sustainable Farming Scheme on Tuesday, July 12.

The Welsh Government devised the Agriculture Bill to guide how farming and agriculture will be managed in Wales. It will affect the food we eat, the environment, and farmers’ livelihoods.

The program encourages farmers to commit to reducing their carbon footprint, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting natural ecosystems. In exchange, farmers will qualify for financial assistance to offset the costs of implementing these practices.

By incentivizing farmers to adopt sustainable practices, the Welsh Government claims it will enable them to contribute to the long-term stability and sustainability of farms nationwide.

However, the Bill and the Scheme at its heart face challenges and dissent.

The focus on sustainable farming practices will force radical change on farmers. For example, they might need to decrease the use of certain pesticides or

fertilizers. While this is likely positive for the land’s longterm health, it will decrease agricultural productivity. This could potentially impact the availability and variety of food produced in Wales.

The Bill’s social and cultural effects on farming communities could also be wide-reaching. Certain types of farming might become less economically viable. If that happens, adverse impacts on the Welsh language and harm to the rural economy and culture are all but inevitable.

The Sustainable Farming Scheme is a “carrot and stick” approach that Ministers hope will help achieve the Agriculture Bill’s broader priorities.

On its face, it aims to support farmers who prioritize sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices on their land.

A key element of the scheme is promoting tree planting. The Welsh Government wants all farmers who get payments from the SFS to use a minimum of 10% for tree planting.

On Tuesday, Lesley Griffiths acknowledged that NEWSsome flexibility would be required about the much-talked-about 10% tree cover requirement,

stating that areas unsuitable for tree planting and being considered for exclusion from the total area used to calculate the 10% include existing inappropriate seminatural habitats, including designated sites, deep peat; unplantable features such as scree and rock outcrops and tenanted land where tenants do not have the authority to plant trees.

However, the 10% treeplanting aim remains part of the scheme’s universal application.

Although farmers generally support the SFS’s aims, it regards the tree-planting element as unachievable, unsustainable, and unrealistic. The plan fails to account for the differing nature of Welsh landscapes, commercial reality and the conditions farmers experience.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “NFU Cymru remains supportive of Welsh Government’s overarching framework for the SFS arranged around universal, optional and collaborative tiers. Farmers will receive a baseline payment for carrying out universal actions. We are also clear that more work is needed on the universal actions to ensure they

work for all active farmers in Wales, irrespective of location, sector and land tenure.

“NFU Cymru is extremely concerned and disappointed that Welsh Government appears to have doubled down on its 10% tree cover target (on areas Welsh Government considers suitable for tree planting) within the universal tier of the proposed scheme.

“In our response to the SFS outline proposals, NFU Cymru highlighted the broad range of issues associated with the 10% tree cover and 10% habitat targets. We remain clear that the challenges around these targets present a real barrier to scheme participation.

“Farmers will be prepared to plant hedges, shelterbelts, streamside corridors and field corners on appropriate areas of their farm but will not plant trees on their productive land.

“It will also be vital that the final consultation provides more detail on what exactly farmers will need to do and crucially what they can expect to be paid.”

“Family farms are the backbone of our rural and wider communities. We must have a scheme which delivers for our economy, landscape, language

and culture, whilst also underpinning the top-quality food production, which makes our farmers the cornerstone of a food supply chain which sustains a multibillion-pound food and drink industry and hundreds of thousands of jobs.”

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The most important thing is to ensure this scheme is accessible and works for every farm. That includes the transition into the scheme, so any action taken to make that process smoother for farmers is welcome.”

“However,” Mr Rickman continued, “the scheme is at a critical stage. Further progress must result in a practical scheme that delivers economic, environmental and social sustainability and is workable for farms without harming Welsh food production.

“Further concessions are needed to prevent agricultural land important for food production and the sustainability of individual farm businesses from being planted with trees.

“We’ve been clear from the outset that food production and economic viability have to be considered equally to the environmental aspects of this scheme.”

Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, said: “The introduction of the SFS is the single most important change to Welsh agriculture in a lifetime, so it’s important that the Welsh Government get it right.

“It must be properly funded and sufficiently attractive to get farmers to sign up for the scheme. If not, everyone loses out: Welsh Government, farmers, the environment, and the Welsh public.

“While the Welsh Government have listened to calls on some aspects, their persistence with the arbitrary 10% tree coverage will cause real concern to Wales’ farmers, especially if it requires transferring food producing land to tree planting.

Suppose the Welsh Government does not provide specific information on why the 10% figure was chosen. In that case, it must be dropped in favour of a more flexible approach. One that considers the different types of farms in Wales and the different, and often better ways, to sequester carbon while producing high quality, environmentally sustainable food.”

Local MS Sam Kurtz, the Welsh Conservative

School mural celebrates nature

A giant mural taking inspiration from a much loved book by a Pembrokeshire artist has been a big hit at a County school.

The Springboard Project has worked with families in the Neyland area over the last year to create a mural based on the beautifully illustrated Jackie Morris book The Lost Words.

Led by Springboard’s tremendously talented tutors, Rosella Phillips and Paul Webb, and supported by Shelley Holmes and Fran Evans, the mural in the playground of Neyland Community School celebrates the flora and fauna of Pembrokeshire.

Headteacher, Clare Hewitt said: “Our families have had a wonderful time working with Springboard and all the visiting artists to create this absolute masterpiece based on The Lost Words.

“It looks stunning on our playground wall and the children are so proud of their work. It is a real talking point with all our children and such a unique piece of artwork. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with all the professionals involved.”

As a thank you to everyone in involved in the project, a trip was organised by Springboard to take families to see Jackie Morris’ The Lost Words Exhibition at Oriel y Parc, St David’s.

Springboard Coordinator, Laura Phillips said: “I am thrilled that Jackie Morris’ work has inspired everyone to find the artist that is within us all.”

She added: “Providing families with opportunities like this to do creative and ambitious projects is one of Springboard’s key goals. Neyland families have excelled themselves yet again.”

Springboard is a Learning Pembrokeshire project which runs a wide range of fun, free and exciting courses for adults and families in targeted areas.

See https://www. pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ourcourses/springboard for more information.

‘Roots’ Partnership inspires creativity on Newgale Beach

A SUCCESSFUL education partnership between South Hook LNG and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust, saw over 200 Pembrokeshire school children take to the sands of Newgale, recently.

The ‘Gwreiddiau/ Roots’ education initiative celebrates our County’s great outdoors, enabling children to connect with the agricultural, coastal and rural communities on our doorstep.

The Beach Art Day at Newgale, facilitated by the wonderful team at Beach Academy Wales, was open to schools across Pembrokeshire, with children from Broad Haven, Gold Grove, Mary Immaculate, Prendergast, Roch, Spittal and Caer Elen enjoying a morning of creative learning - building a ‘Rocktopus’, whilst also engaging in games that tested their knowledge of marine life.

27 young people from West Wales set to fly the flag in biggest skills competition

Wales is preparing for the upcoming WorldSkills UK National Finals with a strong team of 112 students and apprentices vying for the top spot. Among the competitors, 26 are from West Wales, having been selected based on their performances in regional competitions. Notably, one in four finalists this year are Welsh.

Pembrokeshire College leads with the highest number of Welsh participants in the Foundation Skills category, which is designed for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and/or disabilities. In November, successful competitors will compete in over 50 WorldSkills UK National Finals across nine different venues. The event will conclude with a celebratory ceremony in Greater Manchester, where the winners will be crowned champions in their respective trades.

From Beauty Therapy in Pembrokeshire to Restaurant Services in Ceredigion, young people from across Wales will

showcase their skills in 37 different categories.

Additionally, those who excel in the national finals may have the opportunity to represent the UK at the “Skills Olympics” in Shanghai in 2026.

Tomos Rees, an Accountancy Technician

competitor from Llandysul, expressed his excitement about being shortlisted for the WorldSkills UK National Finals. Rees mentioned the confidence and handson experience gained from the competitions, hoping to compete internationally in the future.

The Manchester-based events and competitions will be accessible to a wider audience through a special online broadcast, featuring highlights, interviews, and advice from previous winners, experts, and career advisors.

Paul Evans, Project

Director of Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, congratulated the Welsh competitors and expressed pride in their representation of the skilled workforce. He hoped the finals would inspire other young people to develop their skills to

world-class standards. The WorldSkills UK competition-based development programs are designed by industry experts to help young people, including those with learning disabilities or additional needs, become work-ready. Past participants have reported career progression and personal skill improvements as a result of their involvement in skills competitions.

Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, emphasized the nation’s commitment to investing in future generations and praised the success of Welsh competitors. Gething highlighted the positive impact of skills competitions in upskilling young people and preparing them for successful careers.

For more information on WorldSkills UK and how to get involved as a competitor, tutor, or employer in Wales, visit https://inspiringskills.gov. wales/.

Pembrokeshire County Council: 01437 764551

Emergency out of hours: 0345 6015522

Social Services: 03003 332222

Withybush General Hospital: 01437 764545

South Pembrokeshire Hospital: 01646 682114

Emergency number: 999

NHS Direct: 111

Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust: 01792 562900

Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police: 0800 555 111

Emergency number: 999

Non-emergency: 101

Milford Haven Coastguard: 01646 690909

Tenby Coastguard: 01834 844775

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service:0370 606 0699

British Gas: 0330 100 0056

Emergency number: 0800 111 999

Western Power: 0800 096 3080

Emergency number: 0800 6783 105

Welsh Water: 0800 052 0130

Natural Resource Wales: 0300 065 3000

Welsh Government/Senedd: 0300 200 6565

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50

Emergency number: 03457 114141

Valero Pembroke: 01646 641331

Dragon LNG: 01646 691730: 0800 0468113

South Hook LNG: 01437 782000

Emergency number 0800 046 3470

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: 01646 624800

Milford Haven Port Authority: 01646 696100

Pembroke Power Station: 01646 422101

Pembroke FerryTerminal: 01646 696631

Fishguard Ferry Terminal: 03447 707070

The VC Gallery: 01437 765873

PATCH: 01646 699275

Get The Boys A Lift: 01437 764983

The Samaritans: 0330 094 5717

Homeless Pembrokeshire: 07833096872

BBC Wales: 0370 350 0700

ITV Wales: 0344 881 4150

Sky: 0333 7591 018

The Pembrokeshire Herald: 01646 454545

Western Telegraph: 01437 761772

Pembrokeshire College: 01437 753000

Milford Haven School: 01646 690021

Haverfordwest High: 01437 774749

Ysgol Harri Tudur: 01646 682461

Ysgol Greenhill School: 01834 840100

Ysgol Bro Gwaun: 01348 872268

Ysgol Dewi Sant: 01437 809200

The Sun’s reckless reporting raises ethical concerns

OVER the years, The Sun has become no stranger to controversy. However, its recent reporting on Huw Edwards may just earn the tabloid another spot on the list.

Serious questions regarding the newspaper’s journalistic integrity and ethical standards have emerged after it alleged that Edwards had paid a 17-year-old for explicit images, only for the police to find no evidence supporting this serious accusation of criminal wrongdoing.

In a surprising turn of events, Edwards’ wife disclosed that he is currently receiving treatment in a hospital for “serious mental health issues.”

Meanwhile, The Sun is hastily retracting its original story. Astonishingly, the newspaper now insists that its initial claim, which stated that the presenter had provided a young person “more than £35,000 since they were 17 in return for sordid images,” was never meant to suggest criminal activity.

Instead, The Sun has shifted blame onto other media outlets, accusing them of misinterpreting its reporting and subsequently involving the police. The newspaper claims that it never accused Edwards or the young person involved of criminal behaviour, despite its original story stating otherwise.

Even before the police cleared Edwards of any illegal conduct, doubts had already begun to surface regarding The Sun’s central allegation that he had purchased images from a 17-year-old. The individual in question, now a 20-year-old adult, released a statement through their lawyer on Monday, dismissing the allegations as baseless. They even claim to have informed The Sun prior to publication that the story was false and that no illegal activity had occurred, but

the newspaper failed to acknowledge this denial in its reporting.

Typically, The Sun staunchly defends its stories, but this time it quickly started backtracking. According to a source at the newspaper, they had been “very careful” to avoid suggesting that images had been exchanged when the individual was underage.

The Sun’s sources have attempted to shift the blame onto other outlets, notably the Sunday Times, a fellow Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper. They argue that readers should have interpreted the story as one about concerned parents trying to halt payments to a vulnerable individual with a drug addiction.

Furthermore, The Sun’s involvement in prompting the BBC investigation into Edwards’ conduct remains unclear. Some sources suggest that the newspaper merely assisted the parents, who were already pursuing their own stalled investigation, rather than instigating the BBC’s actions.

Moreover, it is uncertain whether The Sun has had access to substantial evidence to support its allegations, such as bank statements or other concrete proof. Instead, the newspaper’s reporting seems to be based on anonymous interviews with the mother and stepfather of the 20-year-old at the centre of the story. The Sun claims that these interviews are supported by signed legal affidavits.

Despite stating that they have no plans to publish further allegations, The Sun has pledged to provide the BBC corporate investigations team with a confidential and redacted dossier containing serious and wide-ranging allegations, including some made by BBC personnel.

The newspaper insists that it has simply been reporting on the concerns of two deeply worried and frustrated parents who lodged a complaint with the BBC regarding the presenter’s behaviour and the financial support provided to a person with

a drug addiction. The Sun reported that the parents had already approached the police, who were unable to assist them. Subsequently, they filed a complaint with the BBC, which allegedly went unanswered. It is now up to the BBC to conduct a thorough investigation.

In a sign of growing defensiveness and apprehension, The Sun published an extensive editorial on Tuesday, asserting that the story is “squarely in the public interest” and that its reporting has always revolved around “alleged abuse of power.”

Throughout the past five days, other media outlets have been unable to independently verify most of the allegations and have had to rely on The Sun’s reporting. The BBC has dedicated significant resources to pursuing this story, covering it across multiple news bulletins.

Since The Sun’s original story, additional allegations against Edwards have emerged, albeit anonymously. The Sun claimed that he violated

lockdown restrictions by traveling across London to meet someone he had connected with on a dating app. Another individual alleges that they exchanged messages with Edwards on Instagram while they were still a minor.

BBC News also deployed its investigations team to delve into stories related to Edwards, publishing an article about the presenter engaging in conversations with a person in their early 20s on a dating site. When this person hinted at publicly naming Edwards, they allegedly received abusive messages from the presenter.

Shortly before Edwards’ name was revealed, a BBC journalist questioned whether a flawed story had been used as a catalyst for other damaging pieces. They raised concerns that the original Sun story about a BBC presenter, which was initially portrayed as criminal, could turn out to be baseless. Nonetheless, it has fuelled speculation and prompted other individuals to dig into the presenter’s

background.

There may still be more to uncover about this case, as other journalists continue to investigate Edwards’ conduct. However, it is The Sun that now faces significant scrutiny and potential legal repercussions. Edwards himself has hinted at the possibility of a substantial libel lawsuit against the tabloid, as evidenced by his liking of a tweet suggesting that The Sun could “face the mother of all libel actions.”

The Sun’s reckless reporting has not only damaged its own credibility but has also raised important questions about journalistic ethics. The pursuit of sensational headlines and the potential harm caused by baseless allegations should never take precedence over responsible and accurate reporting. The public deserves better, and it is crucial for news outlets to prioritize truth, integrity, and the well-being of those involved when presenting their stories.

FOLLOWING on from the smash success of the first Pembrokeshire Pride event last year, the festival is back with a vengeance.

This year the daytime event will take the form of a family social in Haverfordwest, with activities and supporter stalls to ensure there’s plenty to do and see.

Originally the event was planned to be held on Priory Fields, Haverfordwest - but a study of the upcoming forecast has meant that the event will now move inside the Picton Centre, thanks to the support of The Edge Youth Club and the Pembrokeshire Youth Service.

In attendance will be a whole range of support

organisations, ranging from Hywel Dda University Health Board to Stonewall; from the WI to Mindand many, many more in between.

The event starts at 2pm on Saturday, July 15 and is open to all.

On Saturday evening the fun moves to Boulevard Theatre, Milford Haven for a fabulous Pride partyfeaturing food and some fantastic entertainment.

Headlining is X Factor winner Matt Terry - who will be showcasing his new album. He’ll be supported by the amazing Abba Divas - and there’ll be lots more besides. It’s free entry to the party - but it is also ticket only, strictly noone will be allowed entry without a valid ticket. You can get your ticket from

https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/pembrokeshirepride but hurry, there are only a few left.

“Pembrokeshire Pride was set up last year to promote a more inclusive and diverse Pembrokeshire and regularly organises events, activities and get togethers for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies,” said Drew Baker, chairman.

“You can find out more at www. pembrokeshirepride.com or follow Pembrokeshire Pride’s social media platforms. We are always looking for new volunteers and supporters to help us with Pembrokeshire Pride, so do get in touch if you would like to be involved. You can email us at hello@ pembrokeshirepride.com

Last year was the first Pembrokeshire Pride event - and it was a massive success; some of the comments and reviews received afterwards included:

Thank you to the whole team of your amazing committee and volunteers - you all made this spark ignite the realisation in many that Pembrokeshire too deserves a safe space and movement to be welcomed.

Thank you so much ! My son has struggled with bullies from day one of his transition and being there yesterday made him see that he can be in a room and community full of love and acceptance and truly be himself!

So proud to be a part of this incredible community and I really cannot wait to see what’s next! Thankyou, thank-you, thank-you. My two kids saw what it was like to belong to an

accepting community. It showed them that it’s ok - not just parents saying it - to be who you truly are. It showed them they are not alone and how they can have confidence to be who they are. I saw a lot of that in the room - everyone was friendly, accepting. Can’t forget the fun we had too, it was amazing. We came back for the night and they brought friends and although they were shy during the day and worried; they were rocking that floor in the evening. It brought tears to my eyes - the love, confidence, safety and happiness in that room. You have brought to Millford a safe venue. Thank you so much.

Bigger better next year. We are part of the community and the community is more accepting that we realise. Let’s bring forward the rainbows.

It felt like such a safe space to be in.

Thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who made the effort to come along. Two of my children have been on a journey the past few years where they have found it hard to be accepted by the wider community. For me, that changed yesterday. Everyone in attendance was so welcoming, friendly and fun. Thank you for putting on this incredible event and for making my children feel welcome, accepted and loved.

Thank you! Such an amazingly positive, friendly and joyous event. Well done for making it happen.

Absolutely fantastic, I would’ve loved this growing up. Will be there for next year’s!

Street Food Festival returns to Milford

MILFORD HAVEN

STREET FOOD FESTIVAL

is returning to Milford Waterfront, this August, for three days full of food, drinks and live entertainment! Entry to the festival is FREE and no tickets are required; just rock up with a big appetite!

This year there will be over 15 traders from across Wales and the UK, with each trader serving a different cuisine so you’ll have so much to choose from. There will be traders serving Seafood, BBQ,

Afghan and Italian to Uzbek, Mexican, Indian and Burgers!

This year the festival is hosting free live entertainment with DJs and acts performing from 12pm - 8pm daily, courtesy of Fourpure Brewing Co. You’ll be able to boogie whilst munching on some delicious street food and sipping refreshing drinks!

There will be seating available at the festival, but you can reserve a table of up to 6, at busy times, to make sure that you get a spot. There’s also room to bring

your own camp chairs for a little picnic too!

The festival has started to announce some of the amazing street food traders which will be heading to Milford Haven Street Food Festival this year. First up is ‘Amore Spice’ who will be bringing the flavours of India. They will be serving up insane curries and top tier onion bhajis which are always a hit! Next, we have ‘Two Lads Kitchen’ who bring authentic and unique flavours into their highly popular Afghan street

food. Their 24 hour marinated chicken in their ‘Special Green Sauce’ is a must! Of course, there will be something to satisfy your sweet tooth, so ‘Chock Shop’ will be serving their heavenly brownies, plus, Romy’s will be providing the filled crepe goodness!

Keep an eye out on the festival’s social media pages for more announcements and updates on the amazing traders, as well as competitions to win loads of FREE FOOD @milfordhaven streetfoodfest

This year, as the site is open there will be NO ticket requirements to enter. You can simply walk in and enjoy the festival on the day. However, add-ons, such as table reservations will still be offered so you can secure yourself a reserved spot to enjoy your food. For more festival info and add-ons, visit the their website https:// streetfoodwarehouse.co.uk/ milford-haven/ Street Food Warehouse have searched far and wide to bring the residents of Milford

Haven the best street food to feast on. Whether you like to stick to what you know or you’re a foodie fanatic, they’ve got something for everyone! They can’t guarantee the weather... because this is Britain! But what they can guarantee is a free and familyfriendly event where you can get your hands on some of the most vibrant and high quality street food. It’s going to be a delicious weekend! So head on down to Milford Haven Street Food Festival 2023 #summerofstreetfood2023

Dates and Opening Times:

Friday 4th - Sunday 6th August 2023 11am - 10:30pm daily

Location:

Milford Waterfront, Mackerel Quay, Milford Haven, SA73 3AF

Tickets:

General

https://streetfoodwarehouse.co.uk/milford-haven/

What’s On Now

An opportunity to see the exciting seascapes of Lesley Dearn alongside the spectacular ships of Bill Grimson and the breathtaking landscapes of David Bellamy together with other 2 and 3-dimensional pieces of work created by our other amazing Waterfront artists.

Between Saturday 8th July -Saturday 29th July __________________________________________________

The Royal Watercolour Society of Wales will be exhibiting at the gallery between Saturday 5th August and Friday 15th September

The Wales Contemporary International Fine Art Exhibition opens at the Waterfront Gallery on Saturday 21st October – not to be missed.

Artist opportunities

● Open call for works in 2D or 3D by artists based in the UK or internationally.

● Deadline for entry: Monday 21 August 2023, 5PM.

● Link to enter: https://new.artopps.co.uk/opportunities/WalesContemporary

● Prize fund worth £12,000, including a top prize of £3,000.

The Old Sail Loft, The Docks, Milford Haven SA73 1BZ

Don’t miss Bob Reeves’ 12th Solo Exhibition titled ‘Hiraeth’

MEMBERS of the public excitedly crowded the streets of Neyland on Saturday, July 8 ready to watch the 101st Neyland Carnival.

All of the carnival participants gathered on the Honeyborough Green outside the Rose and Willow pub for the judging of the floats, eager to begin the progression and show locals their incredible costumes.

County Councillor, Simon Hancock, officially declared the carnival open and the floats began their journey.

The progression started along Kensington Road

and down High Street before making its way through Riverside Avenue and along the promenade. It then travelled along the Brunel Quay to the Neyland Community Hub.

Wonderful costumes were displayed from Princess Fiona from Shrek, characters from Moana, Star Wars, and Humpty Dumpty.

The King and Queen of Neyland, Mrs and Mrs Mayhew, also took part in the celebrations after Neyland Carnival launched a quest earlier this year to find a regal couple with the only condition being that the pair had a long and happy marriage together.

Friday July 14th 2023

www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk For up to date news please check our social network channels

photos by elizabeth Fitzpatrick

photos by elizabeth Fitzpatrick

Six Beautiful Summer walks

Strumble Head Lighthouse seems to rise straight from the sea, as you drive the narrow lane to the car park. In reality, it sits on a rocky islet, separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water. It’s a glorious starting point for a hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The path is edged with flowers such as thrift, pink campion and bluebells, and the sky is filled with seabirds. Take time to visit the observation post before striding out east: there’s a good chance of seeing harbour porpoises, bottlenosed dolphins and grey seals.

From the memorial stone to the French invasion turn inland, following the path signed for Llanwnda Church. Continue to Trenewydd, then follow country lanes back to the lighthouse.

Keep in mind: this is a surprisingly strenuous six mile walk. Expect rough clifftop paths that rise and fall with each new headland.

Porthgain is a picturesque fishing village with a gritty industrial past - as the ruins of the eerie brick hoppers above the harbour testify. Follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path west, and discover remains of the old granite quarrying industry, still evident in the old railway track and ruined buildings.

The path continues up and round dizzying headlands, waves crashing on the rocks far below. Take time to climb down the metal stairway to the sandy cove at Traeth Llyfn before continuing on to the Blue Lagoon. Enclosed by land but for a narrow sea channel, the drowned slate quarry is a pool of intense aqua green and a playground for coast steerers, swimmers, divers and general daredevils.

Just before the car park at Abereiddy Beach, take the gorselined path inland and over fields to Porthgain. At the end of the four mile hike, enjoy a crab sandwich and a pint at the Sloop Inn or a hearty meal at the Shed Bistro.

Solva is a charmingly pretty estuary village, so take time to explore the bright shopping street and harbour, before heading up the headland.

Cross the footbridge by the car park at the foot of the harbour and climb the Gribin to the Iron Age fort at the top with fine views over the sea.

Follow the hillside path down to the Gwadn, a small pebble beach. From here, take the path leading inland behind the beach, crossing a stream over stepping stones to climb the ridge and tumble down through woodland to Solva again. Relax on the balcony of the Cafe on the Quay at the end of the leisurely one mile stroll.

1. StrumbleHead

2. porthgain to the Blue lagoon

4. Solva and the gribin Headland

St David’s Peninsula is a place of pilgrimage, raw nature and wild seas. Leaving Wales’ smallest city behind, head down Goat Street, continuing down a minor road to St Non’s Bay.

Follow a pathway to the remains of St Non’s Chapel and Holy Well and turn west to loop round the tranquil creek at Porth Clais and on to Pen Dal-aderyn. Marvel at the tidal streams that race through Ramsey Point, reaching speeds of seven knots.

Pass the ruined Treginnis Copper Mine, where St Justinian crossed from Ramsey Island with his head tucked under his arm, as legend goes. Keep your eyes glued for dolphins, seals and porpoises in the expanse of blue. Finish at Whitesands, where it’s believed St Patrick sailed for Ireland.

After the challenging nine mile hike, take the shuttle bus back to St David’s. Explore the ruined Bishop’s Palace and the imposing cathedral before reenergising with a filling oggie, the Welsh ver sion of a Cornish Pasty.

The starting point at Stack Rocks car park heralds a dramatic walk along the Pembrokeshire coast. This is an area of rugged sea stacks, a natural arch - the Green Bridge - forts and caves.

The limestone pillars are crammed with seabirds: guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and razorbills. From here the coastal path cuts across the Castlemartin Ministry of Defence firing range. Check it’s open before striding out to St Govan.

Steep steps lead down to a medieval chapel that’s built into the rockface. Dedicated to St Govan, legend says he came here to escape pirates, the cliff miraculously opening up a cleft to conceal him.

This is a magical place, legends aside, where waves lap in a rocky cove at the base of sheer cliffs. Retrace your steps to return to your starting point on this six mile walk.

Winding through the Stackpole Estate, now owned by the National Trust, this six mile ramble has a gentler feel to it, but is just as beautiful as the wilder Pembrokeshire coastline.

It takes you through varied landscapes filled with interest. Start at Bosherston and follow the northern bank of the Western Arm of the lily ponds - a Monetesque scene in summer. Cross the bridge over the Central Arm to reach the Eastern Arm with its handsome Eight Arch Bridge.

From here, traverse the Deer Park to Stackpole Quay, where you can stop for refreshments before following the coast to Barafundle Bay. Head through the man-made arch, framing one of Wales’ most beautiful beaches, then carry on to Broadhaven South.

Another golden strand, the striking sea stack of Church Rock stands sentry at the entrance of the deep-cut bay. Linger for a while before returning to Bosherston along the south bank of the Western Arm.

B a r r y J o h n i s a r e n o w n e d a r t i s t f r o m W a l e s w h o h a s m a d e a s i g n i f i c a n t i m p a c t o n t h e a r t w o r l d H i s w o r k s a r e c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y a u n i q u e b l e n d o f t r a d i t i o n a l a n d c o n t e m p o r a r y s t y l e s , w h i c h h a s e a r n e d h i m r e c o g n i t i o n f r o m a r t e n t h u s i a s t s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d O n e o f t h e p l a c e s w h e r e h i s w o r k s a r e p r o m i n e n t l y d i s p l a y e d i s a t t h e V C G a l l e r y i n H a v e r f o r d w e s t , w h i c h h a s b e c o m e a h u b f o r c o n t e m p o r a r y a r t l o v e r s i n t h e r e g i o n T h e V C G a l l e r y , f o u n d e d b y B a r r y J o h n i n 2 0 1 3 , i s a n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n d e d i c a t e d t o p r o m o t i n g m e n t a l h e a l t h a w a r e n e s s t h r o u g h a r t T h e g a l l e r y f e a t u r e s w o r k s b y v a r i o u s a r t i s t s , i n c l u d i n g t h o s e w h o h a v e b e e n a f f e c t e d b y m e n t a l h e a l t h i s s u e s T h e g a l l e r y ' s m i s s i o n i s t o p r o v i d e a p l a t f o r m f o r a r t i s t s t o s h o w c a s e t h e i r w o r k s , c o n n e c t w i t h t h e c o m m u n i t y , a n d r a i s e a w a r e n e s s a b o u t m e n t a l h e a l t h

B a r r y J o h n ' s w o r k s a r e p r o m i n e n t l y d i s p l a y e d a t t h e V C G a l l e r y , a n d t h e y o f t e n t a k e c e n t e r s t a g e a t t h e v a r i o u s e x h i b i t i o n s h e l d a t t h e g a l l e r y J o h n ' s w o r k s a r e k n o w n f o r t h e i r b o l d c o l o r s , i n t r i c a t e d e t a i l s , a n d h i s a b i l i t y t o c a p t u r e t h e e s s e n c e o f h i s s u b j e c t s H i s p i e c e s r a n g e f r o m s t u n n i n g l a n d s c a p e s t o p o r t r a i t s o f p e o p l e , w h i c h a r e a l l c r e a t e d u s i n g a u n i q u e c o m b i n a t i o n o f t e c h n i q u e s t h a t m a k e h i s w o r k s s t a n d o u t O n e o f t h e m o s t n o t a b l e a s p e c t s o f J o h n ' s w o r k s i s h i s a b i l i t y t o i n c o r p o r a t e t r a d i t i o n a l W e l s h i m a g e r y i n t o h i s p i e c e s H e o f t e n i n c o r p o r a t e s s y m b o l s a n d i m a g e r y f r o m W e l s h m y t h o l o g y , h i s t o r y , a n d c u l t u r e i n t o h i s w o r k s , w h i c h g i v e s t h e m a d i s t i n c t s e n s e o f p l a c e a n d i d e n t i t y F o r i n s t a n c e , s o m e o f h i s w o r k s f e a t u r e t h e i c o n i c W e l s h d r a g o n , w h i l e o t h e r s s h o w c a s e t r a d i t i o n a l W e l s h c o s t u m e s o r t h e c o u n t r y s i d e

T h e V C G a l l e r y p r o v i d e s a u n i q u e p l a t f o r m f o r a r t i s t s l i k e B a r r y J o h n t o s h o w c a s e t h e i r w o r k s a n d c o n n e c t w i t h t h e c o m m u n i t y T h e g a l l e r y h o s t s v a r i o u s e x h i b i t i o n s t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r , s h o w c a s i n g w o r k s f r o m d i f f e r e n t a r t i s t s a n d s t y l e s V i s i t o r s t o t h e g a l l e r y c a n e x p e c t t o s e e a d i v e r s e r a n g e o f w o r k s , i n c l u d i n g p a i n t i n g s , s c u l p t u r e s , p h o t o g r a p h s , a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n s

I n a d d i t i o n t o e x h i b i t i n g w o r k s , t h e V C G a l l e r y a l s o h o s t s v a r i o u s e v e n t s a n d w o r k s h o p s , p r o v i d i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r a r t i s t s a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y t o c o m e t o g e t h e r a n d c o n n e c t T h e s e e v e n t s o f t e n r e v o l v e a r o u n d m e n t a l h e a l t h a w a r e n e s s a n d a r t t h e r a p y , h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e r o l e t h a t a r t c a n p l a y i n p r o m o t i n g m e n t a l w e l l b e i n g B a r r y J o h n a n d t h e V C G a l l e r y h a v e m a d e a s i g n i f i c a n t i m p a c t o n t h e a r t w o r l d i n W a l e s a n d b e y o n d T h e i r c o m m i t m e n t t o p r o m o t i n g m e n t a l h e a l t h a w a r e n e s s t h r o u g h a r t h a s i n s p i r e d m a n y a r t i s t s a n d e n t h u s i a s t s , a n d t h e i r w o r k s c o n t i n u e t o i n s p i r e a n d c a p t i v a t e a u d i e n c e s W h e t h e r y o u a r e a n a r t l o v e r o r s i m p l y l o o k i n g f o r a u n i q u e e x p e r i e n c e , a v i s i t t o t h e V C G a l l e r y i s s u r e t o b e a n e n r i c h i n g a n d f u l f i l l i n g e x p e r i e n c e B a r r y J o h n A r t i s t i s a t T e m p l e , C i t y O f L o n d o n T h i s u n i q u e h i s t o r i c a l g r a f f i t i c o m m i s s i o n i s a b o u t t h e r i c h f a b r i c h i s t o r y o f t h e T e m p l e r e g i o n o f L o n d o n I t s p a n s 6 0 0 y e a r s a n d h a s m a n y s t o r i e s e n t w i n e d w i t h i n t h e p a i n t i n g t h a t i s n o w i n s i t u i n L o n d o n a t a 5 0 0 y e a r o l d t a v e r n i n L i t t l e E s s e x S t r e e t T e m p l e L o n d o n . H e w a s r e c e n t l y s e e n a t T e n b y M u s e u m a n d A r t G a l l e r y T e n b y I t w a s f a b u l o u s t o b e a p a r t o f ' T h e C e l e b r a t i o n o f W e l s h C o n t e m p o r a r y P a i n t i n g ' e x h i b i t i o n a t T e n b y M u s e u m

Alan Jones triumphs in Welsh Men’s Open

PEMBROKESHIRE Sports Development Officer, Alan Jones, showcased his winning abilities by claiming victory in the Welsh Men’s Open Seniors Championship. Despite his usual role of supporting others in sports, Jones proved his own prowess by securing the title at Ashburnham in Burryport, just a few miles away from his home club, South Pembs.

After an impressive opening round of -1, which placed him at the top of the leaderboard, Jones maintained his momentum with a level par second round. This ensured that he entered the final day in the lead, ultimately clinching a two-shot victory over England’s Paul Wharton.

In an interview, the elated 56-year-old sports development officer, who works for Pembrokeshire County Council, expressed his disbelief at the magnitude of his achievement. “It feels incredible to win it,” Jones exclaimed. “I don’t think I can quite believe how big this championship is, looking at the leaderboard and seeing all the players from outside Wales.”

Jones further emphasized the significance of winning the title at

Ashburnham, saying, “To win it at Ashburnham makes it extra special. I was born in Carmarthen but lived in Burry Port for a while, and now I reside locally in Pembrokeshire. I have played here many times over the years.”

Reflecting on the challenging conditions during the tournament, Jones discussed his strategy, stating, “In the wind and rain at times, it was a case of avoiding any big scores, keeping the ball in play as best you can, and managing your way around the golf course.” He commended the course’s condition, describing it as “one hell of a challenge” and acknowledging its parched state.

As a testament to his golfing prowess, Jones highlighted his past accomplishments, saying, “This is my biggest win. I am a member at South Pembs and have won the club championship there 28 times. I’ve won the Dyfed County Championship three times and the Dyfed Men’s Over 45’s. I also won the Radyr Salver back in 1993, but everything has been regional until now, so winning a national title is great.”

Jones also mentioned

his role as a sports development officer and his efforts to introduce golf to children. “I cover all sports in my job, but because I play golf, I do some sessions here and there in schools to get as many kids as I can to have a go at golf.”

Congratulating Jones on his victory, Wales Golf Competitions Manager Christian Askins remarked, “It is always nice to have a

Welsh winner of one of our open events. He makes a contribution to developing future golfers in this area, so it is nice to see him coming through to win the title for himself.” Askins also praised Ashburnham for providing a fantastic test for the players and expressed gratitude to the staff, members, and volunteers for their contributions to the success of the event.

Jones’ golfing

achievements are undeniably impressive, with 28 club championship wins at South Pembrokeshire Golf Club, three Dyfed Men’s Championship titles, four Dyfed Men’s Over 35 titles, and a Dyfed Seniors Championship victory. His recent triumph in the Welsh Men’s Open Seniors Championship adds another significant milestone to his illustrious career.

Bluestone Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon

TTHE ANNUAL Bluestone Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon in Broad Haven saw over 400 competitors take on the challenge of a 2.7km run, a 42km bike ride, and finishing with a 10km run through the area’s beautiful coastal landscape on Sunday.

The event, sponsored by Bluestone National Park Resort since 2020, also drew in many visitors and supporters on Saturday to watch the athletes in action.

Among the competitors were five Bluestone employees, who took part in the event organised by Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club.

The triathlon, which was founded in 1994, is one of the oldest in Wales and attracts a diverse field of athletes, including relay teams with different levels of experience and abilities.

SThe female category was won by Claire Walters in 2:18:05, the open category by Gruffudd Lewis in 1:59:15, and the first relay team home was @leastwetri in 2:13:47.

Yvonne Buckingham,

Director of Commercial at Bluestone, said the triathlon provides great sporting entertainment and boosts Pembrokeshire’s profile by attracting participants and supporters from across the UK.

“Such events provide important economic and social value to the area, including health and wellbeing benefits. We’re pleased to have some of our colleagues competing as well and hope everyone had a great day, whether they were taking part or spectating,” said Yvonne.

The Bluestone team, which included Mike Slack, Lewis Hodgson, Dyfan Penfold, Matt Badger, and James McNamara, was also supported by colleagues who volunteered for the event.

Mike Slack, Head of Leisure at Bluestone, said: “It was a great event, well organised and supported. It’s a great feeling to take part in a triathlon, especially in our home county of Pembrokeshire. The support of visitors helps push you on over the course, as well as

the amazing volunteers. A big thank you to all involved.”

David Astins, Race Director for Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club said: “Once again we were pleased to have the support of Bluestone. It ensures we

can put on one of the best triathlons possible with the help of a great group of volunteers and supporters who all play an instrumental role in it. Additionally, the event is a great way to highlight the best of

Pembrokeshire in addition to supporting the local economy and communities.”

The 2024 event will take place on Saturday 6th July, more details can be found at www.pembstri.org.uk.

THIS WEEK IN CRICKET

Neyland claims dominant victory

PATRICK Bellerby showcased an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 83 runs, leading Neyland to a commanding nine-wicket win over their title rivals, Carew, in a thrilling match in the Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire Cricket League division one over the weekend.

Carew set a target of 138 runs for Neyland, with Ross Hardy taking four wickets for 15 runs and Tom Pritchard contributing with three wickets for 25 runs. Despite their efforts, Gareth Lewis made an unbeaten 30 runs and Sam Harts contributed 27 runs for Carew. Unfortunately, their combined efforts were not enough to secure the victory.

In response, Nic Koomen posted an impressive score of 44 runs for Neyland, providing a solid foundation for the team. However, it was Patrick Bellerby’s exceptional performance that sealed the win, as he hit a massive six to secure victory and propel Neyland to the top of the division one table.

Reflecting on the match, Bellerby expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “It was a fantastic win for us. The team showed great determination and skill throughout the match, and I’m thrilled to have contributed with an unbeaten 83 runs.”

In another division one match, Cresselly dominated against Herbrandston, securing a comprehensive victory by 149 runs. Phil Williams led the charge for Cresselly, scoring 83 runs, while Iwan Izzard and Charlie Arthur made valuable contributions with scores of 59 and 65, respectively. Christian Phillips also showcased his bowling prowess, claiming four wickets for 15 runs.

Burton emerged victorious over Lawrenny, winning by a margin of 93 runs. Toby Hayman displayed an impressive batting performance, making 67 runs for Burton, while Jonathan Venables contributed with a halfcentury, scoring 51 runs.

Lawrenny’s Rob Williams and Harry Thomas put up a good fight, taking three

wickets each, but their efforts were in vain as Burton secured the win.

In division two, Johnston triumphed over Cresselly II by 84 runs. Nick Cope played a remarkable innings, scoring 141 runs for Johnston, supported by an unbeaten 145 runs by Lewis Boswell. Despite Tyler James’ three wickets for Cresselly II, their efforts were overshadowed by Johnston’s dominant batting display.

Haverfordwest secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Hook in an intense match. Jacob Lay’s unbeaten century, scoring 118 runs, propelled Hook to a respectable total of 228 runs. However, Haverfordwest’s Adam James stole the show with both bat and ball, taking three wickets and delivering an unbeaten knock of 146 runs to secure victory.

Llanrhian emerged victorious over Kilgetty, defeating them by nine wickets. Anthony Couzins played a crucial role, claiming six wickets for 21 runs, while Russell Watkins contributed with an unbeaten 21 runs for Llanrhian.

In division three, Pembroke displayed their dominance with a massive 250-run victory over Hook Seconds. Ceri Brace was the standout performer for Pembroke, scoring an impressive 102 runs, while Sam Davies impressed with the ball, claiming four wickets for eight runs.

Narberth Seconds secured an eight-wicket win against Lamphey, thanks to Andrew Williams’ unbeaten knock of 34 runs. Stackpole also emerged victorious, defeating Laugharne by eight wickets, with Richard MacKay top-scoring with an unbeaten 38 runs.

In division four, Carew III registered a commanding ten-wicket win over Llanrhian II. Logan Hall starred with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 43 runs and claiming two wickets for 17 runs.

The Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire Cricket League matches held on July 8 showcased intense competition and exceptional performances from various teams.

Thomas carroll pembrokeshire league

Fixtures

Llangwm II v Neyland II

Llanrhian II v Saundersfoot II

division 5

Pembroke II v Herbrandston II

Whitland II v Haverfordwest IV

division 6

Cresselly III v Stackpole II

Laugharne II vHundleton II

Whitland III v Neyland III www.herald.wales/sport

County bolsters squad with Maltese defender

HAVERFORDWEST

COUNTY has made a significant addition to their squad as they prepare for their crucial UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying match. The team has secured the services of Maltese defender Luke Tabone ahead of their upcoming clash with KF Shkendija.

In a bid to claim victory in their away leg on Thursday, July 13, the Bluebirds will travel to North Macedonia. They will then play the return leg at Cardiff City Stadium on July 20.

Luke Tabone, a 25-yearold centre-back, has joined the Bluebirds on a two-year deal from Gżira United, although the transfer fee remains undisclosed. Tabone still had one year remaining on his contract with Gżira United before making the move to Haverfordwest County.

Expressing his satisfaction with the latest signing, manager Tony Pennock stated, “We’re extremely pleased to get this deal finalized. Luke has been a major target for some time. His experience will not only benefit us in Europe but also in the challenging Cymru

Premier season ahead. He will fit in perfectly with how we want to play as a team.”

Standing at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches, Tabone has played a significant role for Gżira United over the past two seasons, contributing to their successful European qualification campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

Interestingly, the Maroons, who finished third in the previous Maltese Premier League season, could have been a potential opponent for the Bluebirds. However, they will face Glentoran from Northern Ireland instead.

In a twist of fate, Tabone has already experienced a match at the Toše Proeski Arena, the venue for Haverfordwest County’s UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round tie. He was part of Malta’s squad in their 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia during the Euro 2024 qualifying stage in March. Tabone’s wealth of experience will undoubtedly enhance the Bluebirds’ squad.

Tabone’s signing marks the seventh addition to the team during the summer transfer window, joining the likes of Ifan Knott, Kai

Whitmore, Tyrese Owen, Rio Dyer, Martell TaylorCrossdale, and Kayden Williams-Lowe.

To prepare for their upcoming fixture in North Macedonia, the Bluebirds engaged in a friendly match against a Swansea City XI, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. Josh Thomas and Joel Piroe were the scorers in that match.

Manager Pennock expressed his optimism ahead of the European trip, saying, “We’ve not had much of a break since the win at Newtown, but the lads are in good spirits, and so they should be. They worked extremely hard last year to get into the playoffs, and winning them was exceptional. However, we are not going there just to make up the numbers in Europe. We are going to give a good account of ourselves, and that’s what we’ve been training for. It will be a fantastic experience for the players and the staff who will be traveling.”

Shkendija, Haverfordwest County’s opponents, finished third in the 2022/23 season and have been champions of their nation’s top division four times. In the UEFA Champions League qualifiers

of 2018/19, they triumphed over The New Saints. Last season, they advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Manager Pennock has analyzed videos of their summer matches and expects a challenging test for his team.

In a gesture of goodwill, Shkendija has announced free entry for all away fans during the upcoming match. Tickets will be available at the stadium for traveling fans to collect before entry. Supporters traveling to North Macedonia and wishing to attend the match are requested to email their full

name to tickets@hcafc1899. football to secure their tickets.

The winners of this tie will face either B36 Tórshavn from the Faroe Islands or Paide Linnameeskond from Estonia in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference.

Tennis Wales report growth of the sport across the country

PARTICIPATION figures released by Tennis Wales, the National Governing Body for tennis & padel in Wales, show an increase in adult and junior participation.

The Lawn Tennis Association for Britain (LTA) published GB participation figures for 2022 in February that showed sustained success in getting more people playing tennis, more often; with growth across all demographics, regions and nations of Great Britain, particularly amongst 1634 year-olds and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The latest LTA participation figures or Wales have shown that trend continuing in the country. It found that in the year to May 2023, 176,000* adults in Wales picked up a racket and played tennis at least once in the last 12 months, and that 71,000* adults played monthly.

These figures are a significant increase from around 130,000* playing annually and 31,000* playing

monthly in 2019, which was the start of Tennis Wales’ tennis ‘opened up’ strategy. Another positive is the number of women taking part in tennis activity each year, with more than 50,000* women playing annually on courts across Wales.

The number of children participating in tennis has also grown. 27,000* children currently play tennis each week while 154,000* play at least once a year. In addition, the sport has high levels of latent demand, with more than 50,000 school children wanting to participate and try tennis (Sport Wales, School Sport Survey 2023).

Jamie Clewer, Head of Participation at Tennis Wales siad: “These figures show how our sport has ‘opened up’ to new and returning players in the last few years. Our network of tennis courts across Wales includes public parks, tennis clubs, commercial facilities and community indoor tennis centres. Together we’re seeing amazing participation rates in the game”.

Reflecting on the Sport Wales School Sports Survey figures he added: “We’ve provided free LTA Youth Schools teacher training to more than 650 Welsh teachers, and via the LTA Tennis Foundation, invested £250 into each school that has completed the training for tennis coaching and equipment.

“Our network of accredited tennis coaches are superb, welcoming children into the game through our LTA Youth programme in Wales, with fun games, and smaller courts and rackets”.

Tennis Wales’s strategy to ‘open up’ tennis includes an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan which has:

• Increased female participation and female workforce

• Seen direct investment into new Open Court disability coaching sessions

• Introduced tennis into more underserved communities through LTA

SERVES

• The creation of a Welsh Government funded anti-racist project

• Seen the launch of the first LGBTQ+ tennis club in Wales. Elsewhere, a new National Facility Plan has prioritised capital investment into the game and is:

• Building low-cost indoor structures in areas of poor tennis provision

• Modernising tennis club facilities for the future

• Refurbishing public parks as

• part of a UK-wide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA

• Working with schools, colleges and universities to utilize school tennis courts

• Developing padel, with new padel courts being built

SporT