The Pembrokeshire Herald 01/08/2025

oPPosiTion

Council warns residents over parking fine text scam

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL is warning residents to be on alert after reports of scam text messages claiming recipients have a parking penalty charge notice (PCN) to pay.

The authority has confirmed it will never request payment for a PCN via text message and is urging people to delete and ignore any such messages.

SCAM TACTIC SPREAdINg ACROSS THE UK

This type of fraud is not new. Similar scams have been circulating across the UK since at least early 2024. Criminals typically impersonate local councils or government agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The messages usually claim that the recipient has an unpaid parking fine and must make immediate payment to avoid extra charges or legal action. Many contain shortened or spoofed links to fake websites that are designed to steal personal and banking details. Others use QR codes or even leave fake tickets on windscreens.

WARNINgS

ISSUEd ELSEWHERE

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it never issues parking fines by text message, and legitimate PCNs are always sent by post from the relevant local authority.

• Do not reply to the sender.

• Delete the message immediately.

PROTECT YOURSELf

In some cases, scammers targeted drivers in car parks with fake paper notices that appeared genuine at first glance.

The DVSA has also warned that

Councils across the UK – including in Wakefield, Rugby, Kent and Glasgow – have issued public warnings over the past year after residents reported receiving similar fraudulent messages.

Pembrokeshire County Council is reminding residents:

• Do not click on any links in unsolicited PCN messages.

• If you have already clicked the link or provided details, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/ reportscam.

Man admits Milford cannabis dealing as woman faces cocaine dealing trial

A MAN has admitted selling cannabis and having almost £2,500 in criminal cash, while a woman is set to stand trial over allegations she dealt both cocaine and cannabis.

Kaleb Thomas, 20, of no fixed address, and 46-year-old Joanna John, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (July 28) facing a series of drug-related charges.

Thomas admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply on October 8 last year, as well as being concerned in the supply of cannabis

between February 10 and October 9. He also pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property – £2,470 in cash – but denied a charge of possessing crack cocaine.

John denied being concerned in the supply of both crack cocaine and cannabis between August 29 and October 9 last year. She also denied possessing crack cocaine, but pleaded guilty to simple possession of the drug. Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court that a trial would be sought in John’s case. Judge Catherine Richards set a provisional trial date for March 2026 but

said John would retain full credit for two weeks should she decide to change her pleas.

The court heard Thomas is already serving a three-year sentence in a Young Offender Institution for unrelated drug trafficking offences. He will be sentenced for the Milford Haven offences on August 1, after Judge Richards ruled there was “no link” between the defendants and allowed separate sentencing.

As previously reported by The Herald, the charges stem from a police raid at a suspected crack den in Howarth Close, Milford Haven, on October 8, 2024.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers recovered 0.259 grams of crack cocaine from John’s address, along with 167.26 grams of cannabis, 1.62 grams of crack cocaine linked to Thomas, and £2,470 in cash suspected to be the proceeds of drug dealing. Both defendants were initially charged following the raid and appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in June, when the case was committed to Swansea Crown Court due to the seriousness of the allegations. Thomas was remanded in custody and John was granted bail ahead of this week’s Crown Court hearing.

Waterston man jailed for grooming child

A WATERSTON man has been jailed for two years after attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) — just three years after being spared prison for almost identical offending.

Terry Hughes, aged 41, of Meadow Way, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday morning (July 30) where he was sentenced to a 24-month prison term. He will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and is subject to a new ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

LATEST OffENCES

The court heard that between September 1, 2024, and June 25, 2025, Hughes, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, attempted to communicate with a child under the age of 16, encouraging her to send naked photographs.

In multiple incidents, he also tried to cause a 13-year-old girl to view sexual images. During the same period, he created an indecent photograph of a child.

These actions were in direct breach of an existing SHPO made by Cardigan and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court on July 5, 2022, which prohibited him from having any contact with children.

The judge told Hughes that the new offences were aggravated by the fact they were committed while he was already subject to a court order designed to protect children.

PREvIOUS OffENdINg IN 2022

Hughes had stood before the courts in June 2022 for a strikingly similar case. On that occasion, he was brought before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after being caught communicating with a child via an online racing video game.

At the time, Hughes was already on the Sex Offenders Register for a previous offence. He was acting as a moderator for the game, a role that gave him contact with young players. Between July and August 2021, he engaged in sexualised conversations with a child, including comments that hinted at sexual content and asking whether the child’s parents were at home.

When police attended his address

for a routine offender management visit, Hughes delayed handing over his phone. Officers later discovered he had been deleting conversations in an attempt to hide his offending.

Magistrates described this as a “breach of trust” that demonstrated “an increased degree of manipulation”.

Despite this, Hughes avoided an immediate prison sentence. He was given a six-month custodial sentence suspended for 24 months, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years, and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge. The court believed there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation” and warned him that any further offending would almost certainly lead to prison.

fAILURE TO HEEd WARNINgS

Hughes has now proved those warnings correct. Less than two years after walking free from court, he embarked on a fresh series of grooming attempts — this time breaching the very court order that had been imposed

to prevent such behaviour.

The fact that Hughes was able to offend again despite being under the supervision of offender managers and bound by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order will raise questions over how effectively high-risk offenders are monitored in the community.

PUBLIC PROTECTION

The new ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposes strict conditions on Hughes, including prohibiting unsupervised contact with children, banning him from deleting internet history, and restricting his use of internet-enabled devices. He will be subject to police monaitoring upon his release.

The case underlines the risk posed by repeat child sex offenders who reoffend despite court intervention and supervision. It also highlights the dangers of unsupervised online communication between adults and children, particularly through gaming platforms.

New super hospital for west Wales scrapped for at least fifteen years

PEMBROKESHIRE residents have been dealt a devastating blow after Hywel dda University Health Board confirmed there will be no new super hospital for the region for at least the next ten to fifteen years.

The bombshell came this week after County Councillor Michael Williams put a direct question to the Health Board’s Chief Executive, asking what budget had been identified for a scoping programme and under which Welsh Government budget line the estimated £1.3 billion cost could be found.

The Chief Executive’s reply was unequivocal: economic circumstances have changed, and there is no prospect of a new hospital emerging in the foreseeable future. Not even funding for an initial scoping programme has been secured.

This statement closes the door on a project that has been used for years to reassure Pembrokeshire residents, even as services at Withybush Hospital have been steadily stripped away and centralised in Carmarthen.

Cllr William said: “After being led a merry dance over several years, there will not be a new super hospital in the Hywel Dda Health Board area.

“The Chief Executive told me there is no prospect of any new hospital emerging in the next ten to fifteen years. A previous chief executive admitted existing services were unacceptable without a new hospital.

“So it seems we will continue with unacceptable services for an extended period. We have once again been misled, just as we were when we campaigned to save the original Tenby Cottage Hospital.”

HERALd REvEALEd TRUTH MONTHS AgO

Back in March 2025, The Pembrokeshire Herald exclusively warned that the scheme was dead in the

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water. At the time, we reported: “Hywel Dda University Health Board stated a planned new west Wales hospital, based at either Whitland or St Clears, would not be up-and-running for at least a decade.”

We also highlighted the Board’s own admission that: “Late last year, Hywel Dda University Health Board stated … delivery of a new hospital … is likely to be at least 10 years from now.”

And when the Board’s Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, Lee Davies, said: “In the absence of a new hospital in the south of our area to address challenges, we need to consider other options to bring together some of our services,”

—we warned that this signalled a shift away from actually delivering the hospital.

Withybush Hospital is past its life, and

is plagued by RAAC issues

Public anger over ‘betrayal’ Reaction has been swift and fierce. Residents, campaigners and former NHS staff have accused the Health Board and Welsh Government of misleading the public for years.

Many point to a meeting in New Hedges just eighteen months ago, where senior officials proudly announced they had narrowed potential hospital sites from three to two — hailing it as a “major step forward.” Attendees were even photographed to mark the occasion.

In hindsight, many feel they were gullible to believe such promises.

WITHYBUSH

dOWNgRAdE CONTINUES

Meanwhile, Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest continues to lose vital services. Campaigners argue it has far more potential for expansion than

Glangwili Hospital, which struggles with outdated facilities and severe parking problems.

The Health Board’s long-term strategy has been widely criticised as Carmarthen-centric, ignoring the needs of Pembrokeshire’s growing population.

CALLS fOR A COMPLETE RETHINK

The announcement has reignited calls for a radical overhaul of how healthcare is delivered in rural Wales. Critics say both Labour in Wales and the Conservatives in Westminster have failed to address the NHS’s structural problems, and that universal access must be protected while exploring more sustainable, European-style healthcare models.

For now, Pembrokeshire faces a stark reality: longer journeys for treatment, more strain on overstretched facilities, and no relief in sight for at least a decade — if ever.

Pensioner jailed for historic child sex abuse

AN 82-YEAR-OLd man from Pembrokeshire has been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl more than 30 years ago.

John Bleasdale, of Paskeston Lane, Milton, was sentenced to four years in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (July 24) after being convicted of two counts of indecent assault on a child under 16.

The abuse took place between 1991 and 1998 at a family address in Bulwell, Nottingham, while Bleasdale was trusted to care for the victim.

He was living in Pembrokeshire when the allegations were reported to police

two years ago.

The victim, now an adult, gave a detailed and compelling account of the assaults, which began when she was too young to understand what was happening.

Detective Constable Dan Blackham, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection team, praised the survivor’s courage:

“This case is a reminder that it’s never too late to come forward. Bleasdale’s crimes were historic, but we treated them just as seriously as if they’d happened yesterday.”

He added that the conviction would

hopefully provide the victim and her family with some closure.

In addition to the jail term, Bleasdale was handed a lifetime restraining order and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from living at any property with a girl under 16.

Although the abuse occurred in Nottingham, the investigation spanned two counties after Bleasdale relocated to Pembrokeshire in later life.

Police said the case demonstrates how historic offences can still be prosecuted successfully, no matter how much time has passed or where the offender now resides.

Care home fraud case sent to Swansea Crown Court

A fORMER financial director has appeared before magistrates charged with fraudulently taking over £500,000 from a Pembrokeshire care home.

Karen Murray, 57, is accused of taking the money from the East Park Care Centre, Jeffreyston, over an 11year period, stretching from 2013 to 2024.

The Crown alleges that Murray dishonestly syphoned large sums of money from the care home’s coffers, resulting in a loss of over half a million pounds.

She is further charged with authorising fraudulent payments by forging three signatures to induce Companies House and the Funding Circle to accept the documents as genuine.

This week Murray, of Prospect Place, Haverfordwest, entered the dock in Haverfordwest magistrates court where she entered not guilty

pleas to six charges of fraud by abusing her position, and three charges of forging signatures.

Given the seriousness and

complexity of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction.

Murray’s trial will now take place at Swansea Crown Court, where her

first appearance is scheduled to take place on August 29.

Murray was released on unconditional bail.

Police appeal after white Audi S3 stolen from driveway

POLICE are appealing for information after a white Audi S3 was stolen from the driveway of a property in the Llandegelly area of Llandrindod Wells.

The car, registration SW14 JXO, was taken sometime between 9:00am and 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 29.

Anyone who saw the vehicle, or has information that could help the investigation, is urged to contact DyfedPowys Police by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can text the nonemergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 25000625393.

Quiet hour proposed for Milford Haven paddling pool

MILfORd HAvEN TOWN

COUNCIL is considering introducing a designated quiet hour at the popular paddling and splash pool on The Rath.

The recent proposal follows requests from residents who say a quieter session would benefit children and families who prefer a calmer environment.

At the most recent full council meeting, councillors discussed the idea, with Cllr Caroline Marie Jones NéeDavies offering to keep the pool open later to allow for the special session. The council is now seeking public feedback before setting a day for the quiet hour. Residents are invited to comment with their preferred day, and all suggestions will be taken into account.

Council opposition leader addresses Reform UK rumours

THE LEAdER of Pembrokeshire County Council’s main opposition group has dismissed suggestions that his members could defect to Reform UK, following reports they attended a recent party event.

Cllr Huw Murphy, who heads the 21-strong Independent Group (IPG), was among at least four IPG councillors who attended a Reform UK ‘social’ at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen, on July 18. The meeting, described as a members-only event, sparked speculation that some Independent councillors could be sympathetic to, or even considering joining, the party.

No such links have been declared in the councillors’ public registers of interests.

The county council is currently run by a coalition of unaffiliated members, Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Murphy said attending political events was part of understanding the wider political landscape.

“Since being elected I’ve attended a Plaid Cymru conference in Aberystwyth, heard Mark Drakeford speak in Newport, and recently went to a Reform meeting in Carmarthen,” he said.

“I’m not a member of any political party and at every event I have simply listened. There is clearly a desire for change due to the failures of the two main political parties over the last 100 years – the Conservatives and Labour. Both promise better but rarely deliver, always blaming others and never taking responsibility. That’s why we’ve seen the rise of Reform and Plaid Cymru.”

He stressed that the Independent Group will continue to act as a strong

but fair opposition in Pembrokeshire.

“We will not oppose for opposition’s sake, but we will challenge policies that harm residents and ensure taxpayers’ money is used responsibly,” he said. “The benefit of being an Independent is that you can represent your community without being bound by party politics.”

On whether any IPG members are Reform UK members, he said: “I can’t speak for others, but I would be extremely surprised. I can’t see any of us defecting, and there is no likelihood of us becoming a Reform group. We went to the meeting as members of the public. Sometimes we may agree with what’s said, sometimes not. I didn’t speak – I just listened.

“We went, so what? Some people will say ‘good for you’, others will say ‘how dare you’. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”

Cllr Huw Murphy: Labour’s 25-year grip on Wales ‘is slipping fast’

THE ROMAN EMPIRE lasted 1,200 years. The British Empire, 200. But Welsh Labour? A little over 25.

Labour’s demise is the result of its failure to deliver what the people of Wales deserve. But let’s be clear: the Conservatives will not be winning in Wales in 2026 either. Fourteen years of austerity, the chaos of Liz Truss, and the disgrace of Boris Johnson’s COVID party-gate are not forgotten.

WALES fALLINg BEHINd

Wales sits at the bottom of the UK league tables in educational attainment. Our economy is stagnating, overly reliant on the public sector, which in turn impacts our Barnett formula settlement.

The NHS in Wales is struggling to deliver the care residents deserve. A visit to Withybush A&E reveals the reality: ambulances queued outside, unable to offload patients because the department cannot cope.

And yet, Welsh Labour has found the money to subsidise Cardiff Airport, overpay for farmland in Powys, back the doomed “Circuit of Wales” project, and even fund an Instagram bridge in Haverfordwest. Ask the public whether that money would be better spent on education or social care, and the answer is obvious — but no one seems to listen.

HEALTH CARE IN CRISIS

Many people cannot get an NHS dentist. During a recent visit to Malta to follow Haverfordwest FC in Europe, I paid €80 for dental treatment that

would have cost £300 here. In Wales, millions pay National Insurance, income tax, VAT and council tax, yet cannot get an NHS dentist, be seen in A&E within a reasonable time, or even secure a GP appointment.

In Pembrokeshire, GP practices are closing and Withybush Hospital is under constant threat of further downgrading.

My role as Independent Group Leader

In 2024 I became Leader of the Independent Group, giving me the opportunity to work for my Newport & Dinas ward while fighting for Pembrokeshire as a whole. We have saved public toilets from closure, reduced the council tax rise in March, and retained three-weekly refuse collection when four-weekly was proposed.

As part of my role, I listen to the views of all political parties. I have attended a Plaid Cymru conference in Aberystwyth, a talk by Mark Drakeford in Newport, and a Reform

meeting in Carmarthen. I am not a member of any political party, but by listening, it is clear there is an appetite for change.

THE MOOd ON THE gROUNd

Across Wales, people are working hard but seeing little return for their taxes. Young people cannot afford to buy a home, the elderly cannot access quality social care, and farmers — working for minimal returns — are unfairly blamed for climate change. Immigration remains a key issue that both Labour and the Conservatives have failed to resolve.

Senedd 2026 will be a reset moment. Support for both Labour and Conservatives is collapsing. Lifetime voters are turning away from the two main parties. Reform and Plaid are the clear beneficiaries.

PREdICTIONS fOR 2026

If the vote were held today in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and

with no strong independent candidate, my prediction would be:

• 2 seats for Reform

• 2 seats for Plaid

• 1 seat for Labour

• 1 seat for the Liberal Democrats, with Sandra Jervis a credible contender in Ceredigion

The sixth seat would be wide open. Labour’s failings after 25 years in power are well documented, and even with Eluned Morgan at the helm, the party is on course to lose its grip on Wales. Keir Starmer’s flip-flopping in Westminster will not help Labour in Cardiff Bay.

WHY INdEPENdENCE fROM PARTY POLITICS MATTERS

All administrations need strong opposition. In Pembrokeshire, the Independent Group provides that — not opposing for the sake of it, but challenging policies that harm residents and pushing for responsible use of taxpayers’ money.

The advantage of being an Independent is the freedom to represent the views of your community without party tribalism. Stephen Williams, an Independent councillor in Carmarthenshire, recently announced he will stand as an Independent for the Senedd. Perhaps Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion should consider doing the same.

This is an opinion piece by Cllr Huw Murphy, County Councillor for Newport & Dinas and Leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council.

Milford man found with drugs after e-scooter crash

A MILfORd HAvEN man has been jailed for five years after police discovered cocaine, cannabis and ketamine worth up to £9,000 when he crashed an electric scooter.

Justin Cadwell, aged 29, was already under investigation for possessing Class A and B drugs with intent to supply when he was involved in a collision at Hakin Point earlier this year which left him unconscious.

Police were alerted to the incident just after 7:00pm on March 1, when officers arrived to find Cadwell and another rider lying on the ground next to an e-scooter.

While waiting for an ambulance, an officer noticed a large clear bag of herbal cannabis protruding from Cadwell’s coat pocket. As paramedics cut away his clothing, they inadvertently sliced into a hidden bag of white powder concealed in his sleeve. Another bag of white powder was found in his coat, along with £570 in cash.

Cadwell regained consciousness but became obstructive towards both police and paramedics, with officers suspecting he was under the influence of drugs. He was taken to hospital for assessment and later to police custody. Tests confirmed the white powder was cocaine, with a street value estimated between £7,080 and £9,200.

At the time of the crash, Cadwell was already under investigation following a stop-check of his car in Hampshire in August 2024. Officers recovered large quantities of nitrous oxide, cocaine, cannabis and ketamine from the vehicle.

A search of his home in Observatory Avenue, Milford Haven, uncovered further cannabis, cocaine, cutting agent and more than £25,000 in cash. The drugs had a street value of between £5,031 and £6,191.

Despite insisting the substances were

for personal use, Cadwell was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possessaion of nitrous oxide with intent to supply, possession of ketamine, and possession of criminal property.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (July 24) and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was also banned from driving for two years for failing to provide a blood sample.

Detective Sergeant Vinny Barrett said: “This was a very thorough investigation by our officers, who were proactive in stopping Cadwell’s vehicle

out of the force area, and conducted a subsequent search of his home in Pembrokeshire.

“We believe this sentence will

have disrupted the supply of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis in the Milford Haven area, which is a positive result for the community.”

Police patrols stepped up at heritage sites after vandalism reports

POLICE are stepping up patrols at heritage sites across Pembrokeshire following a rise in criminal damage.

The Rural Crime Team at DyfedPowys Police has confirmed that it is carrying out increased monitoring of historic sites after receiving a number of reports of vandalism.

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and we are committed to protecting them.”

The patrols are aimed at deterring further acts of damage, and officers are asking the public to help by reporting anything suspicious.

No specific sites were named in the police statement, but The Herald understands that some of the incidents have involved graffiti, smashed stonework, and damage to protected buildings.

A police spokesperson said:

Officers from the Pembroke Dock and Pembroke policing team said the public should expect to see more uniformed presence at sensitive locations over the coming weeks.

“We have received several reports of criminal damage to heritage sites across Pembrokeshire. These locations are part of our shared history

“If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour, or damage being caused to any of these sites, please contact the police by calling 101—or 999 in an emergency,” the spokesperson added.

The Rural Crime Team said it will continue to work with local communities and partner organisations to ensure Pembrokeshire’s historic places are safeguarded for future generations.

Welsh musician invites reflections on Hiroshima 80th anniversary

TO COINCIdE with the 80th anniversary of the devastating Hiroshima nuclear bombing in 1945, composer Cian Ciarán will debut an audio installation at the ceremonial heart of the National Eisteddfod.

The Super Furry Animals musician has produced a spatial audio experience that invites Wrecsam National Eisteddfod 2025 festivalgoers to contemplate and reflect on the thousands of lives lost to the bomb at the Eisteddfod’s revered Cerrig yr Orsedd ceremonial stones.

Inspired by Cian’s visits to Japan – as well as conversations with survivors of Fukushima and their families – ‘Hibakusha’ is one of the art projects being presented during the Year of Wales and Japan – a yearlong celebration of the connections between the two nations.

The soundscape blends Cian’s early childhood memories of growing up in north Wales in the shadow of the Cold War, surrounded by nuclear power stations, with the discovery of life stories of the Hibakusha – people who were directly affected by the bombing – a relative of whom he met with during a visit to Fukushima in 2013.

Cian’s six-hour installation –reflecting the flight of the Enola Gay aircraft from take-off to releasing the ‘Little Boy’ bomb over the Japanese city – will begin after a minute silence to mark the anniversary and consists of 12 speakers that will surround the stone circle to create a 360-degree audio experience. Following a minute of silence at 12:00, people are invited to spend a minute or more to meditate and to reflect on all those across the world who are suffering / have suffered because of war.

take place at the Eisteddfod to mark the anniversary.

The musician hopes the experience will encourage others to consider the effects of Hiroshima and inspire peace building, echoing the Eisteddfod’s core ceremonial call and response of ‘A Oes Heddwch?’ (‘Is There Peace?’). Participants will also be given a paper crane – symbolic of Sadako Sasaki’s international children’s peace movement – a reminder of the need to actively build peace and, like paper, how brittle it can be. A minute’s silence will also

“I think given the current geopolitical political climate it’s more important than ever for us to reflect, and this piece acts as a timely reminder of the catastrophic effects war and conflict can have on people’s lives,” Cian said.

“The Eisteddfod Genedlaethol is symbolic, and it has always offered a space for reflection and peace building. I made the conscious decision not to perform because I want people to focus on the subject, themselves and their experience in the installation.”

The piece is one of more than 20 art projects and collaborations that form the Wales Japan 25 Culture Programme. Led by Wales Arts International, the international agency of Arts Council of Wales, in partnership with Welsh Government and the British Council, the cultural programme is a key element of the Year of Wales and Japan 2025 designed to deepen creative and economic connections between the two countries.

The programme will spotlight the unique creative values shared between Wales and Japan, with a particular focus on cultural wellbeing, sustainability, and indigenous languages. Aligned with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act, the initiative supports creative collaborations rooted in equality, climate action, and community connection.

As part of the National Eisteddfod programme of events, Cian will appear alongside campaigner Catharine Huws Nagashima, a Welsh migrant to Japan, to reflect on the importance of remembrance to build peace. Titled ‘Cofio, Cofio, Cofio’, the pair will speak at the event on stage with Jill Evans, Is-Gadeirydd Academi Heddwch Cymru/ Academi Heddwch Cymru Vice-Chair, Wales’ first “peace institute”.

Jill Evans said: “Hibakusha remembers the thousands killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki eighty years ago this week. Visitors to the National Eisteddfod will have a chance to think about the terrible and lasting impact of the use of nuclear weapons. In 1982 Wales declared itself nuclear-free and by becoming a Nation of Peace today we could demonstrate our resolve to work towards a peaceful future for all. That is the national conversation we need. In today’s global community this is more important than ever.”

Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International, said: “The year of Wales and Japan provides our two nations with the opportunity to share reflections and to learn from one another through arts and culture.

“Hibakusha is poignant sonic arts installation inviting visitors to the Eisteddfod a chance to reflect on the awful impact of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb within the peace of the symbolic circle of stones.”

Composer Cian Ciarán

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Milford Haven man sentenced for assault and criminal damage

A MILfORd HAvEN man has been handed a community order after admitting assaulting a man and damaging a woman’s window earlier this year.

Nathan Forrest, 29, of Central Court, Milford Haven, appeared before magistrates in Haverfordwest on Monday (Jul 28) for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges of assault by beating and criminal damage.

The court heard the offences took place on January 12 this year at Central Court, Milford Haven. Forrest assaulted Rhys Davies and, in a separate incident, damaged a window belonging to Bethan Davies.

Magistrates were told Forrest had entered guilty pleas at an earlier hearing on July 7.

Forrest was given a community

order lasting until July 27, 2026. This includes a 120-day alcohol abstinence requirement with electronic monitoring until November 24, 2025. He must also remain at his home address between 5:00pm and midnight until July 30 this year, except for a hospital appointment in Cardiff, and cooperate with the fitting of monitoring equipment.

The order also requires him to complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Forrest must pay £26 compensation to the assault victim, £270 in prosecution costs, and a £114 victim surcharge. The court made a collection order for deductions from benefits.

His guilty pleas were taken into account in sentencing.

Youth admits assault and criminal damage

A YOUNg man from Cardigan has admitted assaulting a woman and causing criminal damage to her property.

Cai Williams, 19, of Pwllhai, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jul 28), where he pleaded guilty to two offences arising from an incident in the town on 25 July 2025.

The court heard that Williams assaulted Amanda Williams by beating her and, in the same incident, caused damage to a table valued at under £5,000. Prosecutor Ann Griffiths said both offences took place at an address in Pwllhai, Cardigan. Williams was represented in court

by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher. Magistrates, chaired by Mr J Ross, sitting with Dr R Williams and Mr R John, heard that a pre-sentence report was required before sentencing could take place.

The case was adjourned to Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on 20 August for sentencing. Williams was remanded on conditional bail until that date, with strict conditions not to contact Amanda Williams directly or indirectly and not to enter or attend the address at 1 Pwllhai, Cardigan.

Magistrates warned Williams that breaching his bail conditions could result in him being remanded in custody.

Disqualified rider failed to stop for police on electric scooter

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been handed a community order after failing to stop for police while riding an electric scooter through Hakin.

Carl Whatling, 40, was spotted by officers just after 7:30pm on June 20 as he travelled along Upper Hill Street. Despite blue lights and sirens being activated, he refused to stop.

Instead, he rode uphill, crossed Observatory Avenue, and continued along the pavement, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court was told.

The incident came just three months after Whatling had been disqualified from driving for a previous drink-driving conviction.

This week, Whatling, of Observatory Avenue, Hakin, admitted failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

His probation officer, Catrin Jones, told the court he had been unaware that riding an electric scooter required a valid driving licence and insurance.

“She said he could not explain why he failed to stop when requested to do so,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan added.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 39 months and imposed an 18-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was fined £180 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge.

Appeal launched after high-value burglary at Narberth antiques store

Police are appealing for information following a high-value burglary at Malt House Antiques in Narberth.

The break-in occurred at around 4:20am on Thursday, July 17, at the store on Back Lane. A large quantity of valuable jewellery was stolen, including pearls, pearl necklaces, gold necklaces, gold coins, gold rings, and both gold and silver chains.

Officers have released a description of a suspect seen in the area at the time. He is described as a man wearing dark clothing, gloves, and a face covering, and was carrying a Sports Direct bag.

Police are urging anyone who may have information about the burglary, or who may have been offered the stolen items for sale, to come forward.

Information can be reported online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, via email at 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting reference 25000588636.

Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Historic tiger birth at Manor House Wildlife Park offers new hope for endangered species

Pembrokeshire has become home to the largest litter of Sumatran tiger cubs ever born in the UK, following the birth of four critically endangered cubs at Manor House Wildlife Park.

The rare litter arrived on 8 June, born to 11-year-old mother Terima, marking a major milestone in the fight to save one of the world’s most endangered big cats. Staff at the zoo, based near St Florence, kept the births under wraps for several weeks to allow the cubs to settle and bond with their mother.

Now around six weeks old, the cubs — described as “very noisy, and very cute” — remain under close observation. Their genders have yet to be confirmed, but excitement is already building over what this means for the future of the species.

“This is the largest litter in the UK, possibly in Europe, and it’s very exciting,” said Anna Ryder Richardson, celebrity interior designer and owner of Manor House Wildlife Park. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The tigers have a very important job to do because they have been genetically matched to breed.”

The new arrivals bring the park’s tiger population to seven — a significant achievement in light of how difficult it is to breed Sumatran tigers successfully in captivity. There are estimated to be fewer than 400 left in the wild, their numbers decimated by illegal poaching

Luke Sinclair luke@herald.email

and habitat destruction.

Kim Wilkins, head keeper at the park, said the birth of four cubs from a single litter is “exceptionally rare”.

“A typical litter is two, maybe three, so when I saw four I was over the moon. What an achievement,” she said.

The tigers at Manor House are part of the European Endangered Species Programme, an international breeding

initiative that manages genetic diversity across zoos to ensure the health of captive populations. All matches are coordinated by a studbook holder, who considers a range of factors before making breeding recommendations.

“When these babies grow up, they will also join the wider breeding programme and may be moved across the world to continue that process,” Ms Wilkins explained.

Manor House has been working to breed from their resident pair — male Jaya and female Terima — for

over eight years. Despite years of unsuccessful attempts, their first cub, Zaza, was born earlier in 2024. The arrival of this new litter has now exceeded all expectations.

“This is incredibly rare. Our zoo will probably not be allowed to breed again unless we bring in another male or swap the females, which we don’t want to do,” said Ryder Richardson. “For Wales, it’s a rare opportunity and it’s important for people to come and see, and learn.”

She added: “You won’t be able to see Sumatran tigers in the wild during our lifetime, or even our children’s. It’s happening in front of our eyes, and it’s tragic.”

The cubs will eventually be named once their sexes are confirmed, and the park has invited the public to offer suggestions. Ryder Richardson, who has a deep connection to Wales, said she is hopeful that some of the names chosen will reflect Welsh heritage.

The birth places Pembrokeshire firmly on the map in terms of tiger conservation. While other zoos in the UK have had smaller litters — such as London Zoo and Chester Zoo — none have seen a litter as large as this.

With the world’s wild population of Sumatran tigers under relentless threat, the arrival of four new cubs at a small zoo in West Wales represents a beacon of hope — not just for the species, but for global conservation efforts as a whole.

St Ishmaels man faces trial over assault and strangulation allegations

A MAN from St Ishmaels is facing trial accused of assault, intentional strangulation and criminal damage following an alleged incident earlier this year.

Philip Stoddart, aged 59, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jul 28) for the start of his trial. He is accused of assaulting a male by beating him, intentionally strangling him, and causing criminal damage to a hooded top and a PlayStation controller valued at under £5,000. The alleged

offences are said to have taken place at Monkhill Farm on April 4.

Stoddart has pleaded not guilty to all charges.The prosecution is being led by Ann Griffiths, with David Weale representing the defence. The case is being heard before magistrates Mr J Ross, Dr R Williams and Mr R John.

After hearing part of the evidence, the court adjourned the case, which will continue at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 1 at 10:00am. Stoddart remains on unconditional bail until that date.

Dock woman admits criminal damage and cannabis possession, denies assault

A PEMBROKE dOCK woman has been remanded in custody after admitting some charges but denying others during a first appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jul 28).

Elisha Callen, 25, of Glenview Avenue, appeared before magistrates accused of a string of offences said to have been committed over the weekend of July 25–26.

The court heard that on Saturday

(Jul 26) Callen, without lawful excuse, damaged various ornaments, a television, cups, plates and a chess board belonging to Richard Callen. The value of the damage is unknown. She pleaded guilty to the offence of criminal damage.

She also admitted possessing a quantity of cannabis in Haverfordwest on the same day, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

However, Callen denied possessing

an XL Bully-type dog prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and also denied assaulting Richard Callen by beating him. Both of these alleged offences are said to have taken place in Pembroke Dock on July 25–26.

The court was told that Callen is currently a serving prisoner and has a previous record. Magistrates ruled that there were substantial grounds to believe he was likely to offend again, could cause injury or fear of injury to an

associated person, and might interfere with witnesses if granted bail. She was also remanded for his own protection. Callen was remanded in custody until his next hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, when the case will be mentioned. A trial date for the contested matters has been set for September 22, with sentencing on the admitted charges also due to take place that day.

Firefighters from four counties tackle barn blaze

fIREfIgHTERS from four stations were called to a major barn fire in Cwmifor, near Llandeilo, on Monday morning (July 28).

Crews from Ammanford, Carmarthen, Port Talbot and Lampeter fire stations were mobilised at 7:17am to reports of a blaze involving a barn and several hay bales.

On arrival, firefighters found the barn well alight, with numerous hay bales burning inside. Using farm machinery, the bales were removed from the structure and spread out so crews could fully extinguish them.

Firefighters used four hose reel jets, two main jets, two thermal imaging cameras and other firefighting equipment to bring the incident under control. Crews remained at the scene until 11:34am, with Ammanford firefighters returning at around 4:00pm to monitor and dampen down any remaining hotspots.

fREE BALE TEMPERATURE TESTINg

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding farmers that it offers free temperature and moisture content testing for

Depending on the readings taken,

bales, helping to prevent the risk of spontaneous combustion.

the service can work with farmers to develop a plan to reduce fire risk. To arrange a free bale temperature

Hakin man, Ieuan Beckerleg, admits cocaine supply charge

A HAKIN man has appeared before magistrates after being caught with cocaine when stopped by police.

Ieuan Beckerleg, 30, was intercepted by officers on Monday, July 28, while travelling through Sentry Cross. A search uncovered a quantity of cocaine and cash, leading to a charge of possession with intent to supply.

Beckerleg, of Haven Drive, Hakin, appeared in custody before Haverfordwest magistrates this week,

where he pleaded guilty to the offence. Due to the seriousness of the matter, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on August 19.

He was released on conditional bail, requiring him to live and sleep at his home address, observe a daily curfew between 7:00pm and 7:00am, report weekly to Milford Haven police station, and co-operate fully with the probation service.

Drink-driver crashes mother’s car after drinking cans of Stella

A 40-YEAR-OLd Merlins Bridge man has been banned from driving after crashing his mother’s car while over the legal drink-drive limit.

Police were called to Freystrop on July 9 following reports of a collision. At the scene they found Jonathan Blockwell, who had been behind the wheel of his mother’s vehicle.

He admitted to officers that he had been drinking before driving but claimed to have no recollection of the incident, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard. Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan

said Blockwell told police he had consumed “four or five cans of Stella” prior to the crash.

A subsequent breath test at the police station showed he had 51 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — the legal limit being 35.

Blockwell, of Fern Hill Road, Merlins Bridge, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was disqualified from driving for 13 months, fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Cat swerve crash leads to drinkdrive ban for Newport vet worker

A NEWPORT woman has been banned from the road after admitting drink-driving when she crashed her car while swerving to avoid a cat.

Madeleine Young, 29, was driving her Hyundai i10 home in the early hours of July 13 after drinking five pints of beer at her local pub.At around 1:00am she called emergency services to report that her car had collided with a parked vehicle in Church Street.

“She was wedged between a garden wall and a parked vehicle and both vehicles were damaged,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Police who arrived at the scene could smell alcohol on her breath. A roadside test showed 104 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.

Further tests were delayed for three-and-a-half hours while Young was taken to Withybush Hospital for checks. By that time, her reading was 55 microgrammes.

Defence solicitor Alaw Harries said

the delay was due to no availability at the police station and described the incident as “a lapse of judgement.”

“She turned to avoid hitting a cat and immediately called emergency services,” she said, adding that the ban would have “a catastrophic effect” on Young’s work as a veterinary physiotherapist, which depends on her being able to drive.

Young, of Ty Canol, Mountain West, Newport, was banned from driving for 13 months, fined £392, and ordered to pay a £157 surcharge and £85 costs.

Man harassed ex-partner with barrage of messages

A ST dAvIdS man who refused to accept the end of a relationship has been fined and handed a two-year restraining order after bombarding his former partner with unwanted texts, emails and social media messages.

Between January 14 and February 11, 2025, Rory Parkinson repeatedly contacted his ex through Facebook, Instagram, text and email despite being told to stop.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Parkinson’s behaviour caused his former partner to feel constantly on edge. In a victim impact statement, she said: “I’m now constantly checking doors and windows, checking

the panic button at work and fearful he’ll walk to my car when I finish work. I have no desire to date anyone as I’ve shut down emotionally. I really believe Rory is a coward and a dangerous man, not just to myself but to other people too.”

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court: “Because of the way the relationship was going, his partner was keen to bring it to an end. She sent him a very clear message that she didn’t want contact. Despite this, Parkinson continued to bombard her with messages, stating he couldn’t see enough of her.”

Probation officer Catrin Jones said Parkinson had struggled to accept the sudden end of the relationship and could not understand why it had happened.

Parkinson, 34, of Llys Glasfryn, St Davids, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 surcharge.

Magistrates imposed a two-year restraining order preventing him from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim, from entering any premises she occupies, and from storing any data relating to her on an electronic device.

Merlins Bridge man banned after drug-driving on cannabis

A MERLINS BRIdgE motorist who ran out of his prescribed cannabis made the “foolish decision” to take the drug before driving his volvo v60.

Philip Jenkins, 58, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drug-driving following his arrest at 7:30am on January 17.

Police officers stopped Jenkins during a routine check less than a mile from his home, resulting in a positive roadside drug swipe. A subsequent test showed 4.2mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his system – more than double the legal limit of 2mcg.

The court heard this was his second

drug-driving conviction in ten years, having previously appeared in April 2023.

Defence solicitor Awen Harries told magistrates her client regularly uses prescribed cannabis to manage his medical conditions but had run out of his supply that morning.

“He drove a very short distance, and there was nothing to suggest poor driving standards,” she said.

Jenkins, of Glen View, Merlins Bridge, was banned from driving for 36 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Milford Haven woman banned after Valentine’s Day drug-drive crash

A 43-YEAR-OL d Milford Haven woman has been banned from driving for 17 months after crashing her f iat 500 into two parked cars while under the influence of drugs.

Kathryn Kinsley, of St Peters Road, lost control of her vehicle on the morning of Valentine’s Day (February 14) as she drove down Priory Road in Milford Haven. Her car struck two stationary vehicles before coming to a stop.

Police officers attending the scene carried out a roadside drugs test, which returned a positive result. Subsequent blood analysis revealed Kinsley had 32 micrograms of cocaine in her system – more than three times the legal limit of 10 micrograms.

She also had 800 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a metabolite of cocaine – in her blood, far exceeding the legal limit of 50 micrograms. Morphine was also detected, but at a level below the legal threshold.

Kinsley appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week where she pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving. In addition to the driving ban, she was handed an 18-month community order requiring her to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and engage with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Advisory System. She was also fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Retired police officer banned after crash leaves biker with life-changing injuries

A RETIRED police officer has been banned from driving after causing life-changing injuries to a motorcyclist in what prosecutors described as a “momentary lapse of concentration.”

Alun Millichip, 58, was driving his Land Rover on the B4329 at Spittal Cross on July 14, 2024, when he pulled out from a junction and collided with motorcyclist Dean Richards.

In a victim impact statement read to Haverfordwest magistrates, Mr Richards said: “I saw the red Land

Rover at the junction and knew it was going to turn towards me and head for Haverfordwest. I hoped he’d make eye contact but he was looking away from me and continued rolling out. I didn’t want to hit the car head-on as I knew that would be fatal — then there was a massive bang and I was thrown in the air.”

The collision left Mr Richards with catastrophic leg injuries, requiring 17 hours of reconstructive surgery at Morriston Hospital. He has since had to move back to his parents’ home as he

can no longer live independently, and has been unable to work.

Dashcam footage played in court showed Millichip bringing his Land Rover to a stop at the junction before pulling out into the path of the oncoming motorcycle, failing to see it approaching from his right. Moments after the crash, Millichip could be heard shouting: “Oh my God, I’ve hit him!”

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Mr Richards now faces mounting bills and an uncertain future. “If [Millichip] had just looked and

seen me, things would have been so different,” Mr Richards said.

Millichip, of Nanty y Ffynnon, Letterston, admitted causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving. He was handed an 18-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a £114 victim services surcharge and £85 costs.

Milford Haven man’s racist outburst after Iceland theft

A MILfORd HAvEN man has appeared in court after launching a racially abusive tirade at a police officer, calling him a “f***ing pa** pr***” during a drunken confrontation.

M ark Anthony Hambrook, 40, had contacted police himself on the night of July 12, admitting that he had stolen £55 worth of alcohol and soft

drinks from Iceland Warehouse in Milford Haven.

THEfT ANd THREATS

When officers arrived, Hambrook told them he wanted to speak to a man he accused of injecting heroin into an ex-partner. He then made a series of violent threats, telling officers he was going to “slice the man’s face off” and “smack him in the neck with a bottle”.

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that Hambrook’s threats continued after he was taken into custody.

“He swore on his nan’s grave that he was going to smash the person’s head in,” she said. “This then led on to racially aggravated comments towards the officer when he was taken into custody, when he said, ‘Get this f Paki prick away from me’.”

ARREST ANd gUILTY PLEA

Earlier that evening, Hambrook and another man had been seen entering the Iceland store. Shortly afterwards, Hambrook phoned 999, telling police he had stolen wine and was drinking

it as he spoke to them.

Appearing before magistrates via video link from Swansea Prison, Hambrook pleaded guilty to sending a communication threatening death, stealing alcohol and other drinks, and using racially aggravated words towards a police officer.

SENTENCE

Defence solicitor Alaw Harries said the offences were fuelled by alcohol.

“It was never his intention to put anyone in fear,” she told the court. “The threats were directed at one individual who was completely unaware they were being made. He’s embarrassed and wishes to apologise to the officer for his language.”

Hambrook, of Milton House, Milton Crescent, Milford Haven, was handed a two-year community order. He must complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 120day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was also fined £114, ordered to pay £55.30 compensation to Iceland Warehouse, and £85 court costs.

Fishguard New house after bungalow axed as ‘unsafe’

A CALL to allow works for a new house build in fishguard after previous renovation work on a bungalow on site left a building so unsafe it had to be demolished has been approved.

In an application recommended for approval at the July 29 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Adrian Chiriac sought permission for a replacement dwelling at Bwthyn Llysieueg, 14, Clos Y Bigney.

An officer report recommending approval said the application before members was submitted following a previously-granted 2022 scheme for alterations and extension to dwelling on the site.

“Following concerns in respect of the poor condition of the remaining structure, the council building control team advised that a structural engineer should attend the site. Following advice from the structural engineer it was concluded that the remaining building was not safe in its current form and that it should be demolished for structural and health and safety reasons.”

It added: “The existing dwelling, whilst having been demolished due to health and safety and structural concerns, did previously comprise of a single storey detached bungalow with a detached

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

garage and gardens.”

It went on to say: “This full planning application seeks planning permission for a replacement dwelling, partially in retrospect. The application is for an amended design to the original single storey bungalow with detached garage which occupied the site. This planning application has been submitted to regularise the retrospective works commenced under [the 2022] planning permission which granted permission for alterations and extensions to the dwelling.”

It said a new build would normally require an affordable housing contribution but “given the exceptional circumstances in this instance a financial contribution via a legal agreement has not been requested”.

That last point was described as “a natural justice argument for the applicant to not provide an affordable housing contribution” at the July meeting.

Following a call to back the officer recommendation of approval by Cllr Brian Hall, members unanimously backed the scheme.

Cherry Vann elected Archbishop of Wales following Bangor scandal

BISHOP Cherry vann, the Bishop of Monmouth, has been elected as the 15th Archbishop of Wales, succeeding Andrew John, who resigned earlier this summer following damning reports into the culture at Bangor Cathedral.

The Church in Wales confirmed the result after its Electoral College met in closed session, with Bishop Cherry securing the required two-thirds majority from clergy, lay representatives and fellow bishops. She will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral in the coming months but will continue in her role as Bishop of Monmouth.

SCANdAL AT BANgOR CATHEdRAL

The post became vacant after Archbishop Andrew John resigned in June following the release of independent reports into the Diocese of Bangor. The investigations found serious failings in governance and safeguarding at Bangor Cathedral, including a culture of excessive drinking, blurred sexual boundaries, bullying, inappropriate language, and poor management oversight.

Although there were no allegations of personal misconduct against the Archbishop, he accepted responsibility for not addressing the problems sooner. The Church’s Representative Body passed a motion of no confidence in his leadership, and the Charity Commission began looking into related financial and governance issues. Archbishop John announced he would also retire as

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Bishop of Bangor at the end of August.

The controversy centred on Bangor Cathedral, which is part of the Anglican Church in Wales, and not, as some reports incorrectly suggested, Wrexham Cathedral, which belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.

BACKgROUNd ON BISHOP CHERRY vANN

Cherry Elizabeth Vann, 66, was born in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Initially training as a professional musician at the

Royal College of Music, she later studied theology at Westcott House, Cambridge, and was ordained deacon in 1989. She was among the first women ordained priest in the Church of England in 1994.

Bishop Cherry served in Manchester for many years, holding parish posts and serving as chaplain to the deaf community before becoming Archdeacon of Rochdale in 2008. She was the first woman to hold that senior role in the Diocese of Manchester and later became Prolocutor of the Lower House of the Convocation of York, sitting on the Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council.

She was elected Bishop of Monmouth in 2019 after the resignation of Bishop

Richard Pain, and was consecrated in January 2020. In her ministry, she has been a strong advocate for justice, reconciliation and inclusion, and is openly in a civil partnership.

ELECTION PROCESS

The Archbishop of Wales is elected from among the six serving diocesan bishops by the Church in Wales Electoral College. The body consists of the six bishops and six elected representatives (three clergy and three lay members) from each of the six dioceses.

Meeting in Llandrindod Wells in a tradition akin to a conclave, the college prays, discusses and votes in secret. A candidate must win a two-thirds majority to be elected. If no decision is reached within three days, the choice passes to the Bench of Bishops. This time, Bishop Cherry Vann secured the necessary majority during the electoral college process.

A NEW CHAPTER fOR THE CHURCH

Bishop Cherry’s election comes at a challenging time for the Church in Wales, as it seeks to rebuild trust and strengthen governance in the wake of the Bangor scandal. Speaking after her election, she said she was honoured to be chosen and looked forward to serving the people of Wales in her new role.

The enthronement ceremony at Newport Cathedral will be held later this year, formally marking the start of her tenure as Archbishop of Wales.

Pennar Community School wins national environmental award

PENNAR COMMUNITY SCHOOL has been recognised with a national award for its outstanding environmental work, winning the Innovation Challenge in the “Build a Waste-free World” category of Keep Wales Tidy’s Climate Challenge Cymru.

The award, presented at a special ceremony in Cardiff last month, celebrates the school’s inspiring film project which documented its campaign to reduce waste both in

school and at home. The school was among several honoured across Wales for their efforts to combat climate change, in an initiative backed by First Minister Eluned Morgan.

Each class at Pennar took on a different aspect of waste during the Spring Term, exploring topics such as plastic pollution, fast fashion and food waste. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 monitored the school’s food waste and worked closely with Jennifer James from the sustainability charity Awel

Aman Tawe to find ways to reduce it.

Siân Taylor, the school’s Sustainability Lead, said: “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Pennar School, and the environmental work led by our Green Team has been embedded into our evolving curriculum.

“The project was inspired by discussions at our annual COP (Conference of Pennar) Climate Conference and has been entirely pupil-led. Every learner and staff member has taken part, and we are absolutely delighted to see their hard work recognised at the Climate Challenge Cymru Awards.”

Jennifer James added: “It has been truly inspiring to work with such engaged pupils across the whole school. This is a well-deserved award.”

The school’s Green Team has also been leading efforts to cut energy consumption and currently tops the Energy Sparks league table for Wales. Their work recently earned the school the prestigious Eco Schools’ Platinum Award.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, praised the achievement, saying: “These are fantastic achievements for Pennar Community School. The staff and pupils are showing an admirable commitment to tackling climate change. Well done to all involved!”

To see more about Pennar’s environmental journey, visit the Keep Wales Tidy Climate Challenge Cymru award winners page.

Dozens of girls enjoy a summer sports taster at Ysgol Bro Gwaun

MORE than 40 girls have taken part in a range of different sports as part of a Sport Pembrokeshire Us girls event.

Sports ranging from gymnastics and archery to taekwondo and zorb balling were on offer at Ysgol Bro Gwaun on July 7.

The Year 7 pupils enjoyed the activities led by local community clubs and providers, assisted by Young Ambassadors from the school.

Other activities included fitness, cricket, netball, hockey and rowing.

Water and fruit was kindly donated by Princes Gate and Morrisons and goodies donated by Meigan Design, Crefftau Meigan Fach, Boots and Hair Syrup.

Dan Bellis from Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “We had a fantastic fun filled morning of activities and a great time was had by all.

“A big thanks to all the girls for their energy, effort and enthusiasm and to all the delivers and local providers for supporting this event.

“It was lovely to hear comments that it had been a fun day in school, even for those pupils who would normally not enjoy sports.”

County wide food venture springs from a visionary Pembrokeshire family business

fOOd is a shaper of successful towns. from their origins as markets to food fare attractions today, rural towns nourish a community when acquaintances meet and new ones are formed, with shopping as the magnet.

Narberth along with all market towns has risen and fallen with the

Vicky Moller vicky@grwp.wales

economic tides. But why has it been rising relentlessly since the 1990’s when so many others were slithering unstoppably?

A constellation of reasons reinforced each other – no rates,

design of high street design and carpark, Queens hall music, Bloomfield. But crucially it was the local pioneers who had the vision- The chip shop’s son who created the first craft shop, Golden Sheaf, and the Ryan family who opened the first fine food shop. These tipped the street scene and started a trend that has not stopped. Both were told they would fail when they invested their savings in a town with no sign of a market for their products.

They did it for love, of the product and the place. This love has seen them through the decades since, triggering the international success of this unique town with no ocean, mountain, forest, castle - zero natural or historic special attraction. Yet people travel from Ireland and London just to Christmas shop here.

On Monday a new route to market will venture onto our highways and byways. Wisebuys fruit and box veg delivery for the mid and south of the county. The vision is to spread good food, especially but not only locally produced, organic if possible. North Pembs is already provided with organic market garden deliveries.

This too is a venture of love where family member Matthew, who was eight when Wisebuys opened, is taking a lead. He is driven by his enthusiasm for logistics and creative solutions with data mapping. And by his fear - he cannot show his children the town he loved shopping in as a child. Pembroke

Dock has sunk into a nadir of desolate high streets, packed supermarkets and broken young lives. He is determined to keep Narberth shining a beam on the way forward and to spread its impact. He wants great food and local produce that makes you well to spread wider. So on Monday he jumps in the van for the first small delivery run. To be added to the list of stops it’s Nibble and Root - Nibbleandroot.com

At the other end of the county new organic market gardens are flourishing.. Awen organics in its third year employs 4 to 8 people daily while deliveries from the twenty acres of open field and covered growing keep getting heavier and bulkier. They have managed with a small electric van but this month they return it to my organisation, Grwp Resilience, as it has helped them to reach the point where they need and can afford a bigger one. After the electric experience there’s no going back to the dark ages of burning the past and destroying the future, of life on earth. Welsh government recognises the wellbeing of Wales is rooted in the food we produce, and eat. It is funding county food partnerships to link up the foodie players and improve food security, sovereignty and resilience. They are right, it’s a great vision, and its people like Mathew and Anthony Ryan and the growers and farmers in the folds of our countryside, that we depend upon to deliver the reality.

Amazing Aberjazz returns for August Bank Holiday weekend

fISHgUARd will be alive with the sound of jazz and blues this August Bank Holiday weekend as the 22nd Aberjazz festival takes over the town.

Running from Thursday, August 21, to Monday, August 25, the popular event promises five days of live music, workshops and street entertainment. Tickets range from £10 to £22.50.

The line-up features more than 20 ticketed performances – many of them double bills – alongside a packed free Aberjazz Fringe, with live music in

pubs, clubs and restaurants across the town. There will also be a variety of free creative workshops and the festival’s famous New Orleans-style parade, given a Welsh twist.

Headline acts this year include Alice Armstrong and the Cinelli Brothers. The programme also features Dave Speight, The Brian Rawson Band, J4, Dale Storr, Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy, Gareth Evans, Cluster Funk, The Jay Azzolina Quartet, Seven Steps (music of Miles Davis), Yeti and more.

The festival begins on Thursday, August 21, at 1:00pm with Dave Speight and The Brian Rawson Band at the Ffwrn. On Sunday, August 24, the Aberjazz Parade will once again wind its way through the streets, led by festival dragon Idris and Mr Wilson’s Second Liners. The parade finishes at the market, where visitors can enjoy the Aberjam open mic, workshops, street food and bar.

The grand finale takes place on Monday, August 25, with The

Valero charity golf day raises over

vALERO Pembroke Refinery has marked another recordbreaking year for its annual Benefit for Children golf Event, raising more than £600,000 for children’s charities.

Now in its 11th year, the event has brought in over £2 million since its inception, thanks to the support of business partners, sponsors and the local community.

At a special presentation ceremony, cheques were handed over to the

Tom Sinclair

editor@herald.email

following charities:

• ASD Family Help – Pembrokeshire: £39,000

• The Catrin Vaughan Foundation: £20,150

• Cerebra: £27,000

• Hive Garth Youth Project: £15,000

• Milford Youth Matters: £20,000

Connections bringing the festival to a close at the Ffwrn.

Festival-goers can take part in free workshops covering dance, singing, instrumental skills and even learning Welsh through music.

Aberjazz is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council, Agritrader and other sponsors.

For more information, visit www. aberjazz.com or facebook.com/aberjazz.

£600,000 for children’s causes

• Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity: £35,500

• Pembrokeshire Sibling Group: £23,550

• Raiise – Sophie’s Charity Liverpool: £21,000

• Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity: £39,850

• Snap Playgroup – Pembrokeshire: £39,000

• Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice: £25,500

• The VC Gallery: £21,000

A Valero spokesperson said: “Making a difference, one swing at a time – that’s what this event is all about. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years. These funds will make a huge difference to the lives of children and families across Wales and beyond.”

The refinery thanked all participants, sponsors and volunteers for their role in making the event such a success.

Valero Pembroke Refinery has been part of the Pembrokeshire community since 2011, providing hundreds of local jobs and supporting countless good causes. Known for its strong commitment to giving back, the refinery works closely with charities, schools and community groups across Wales. The Benefit for Children Golf Event is just one example of how Valero brings people together to make a real difference – helping to change lives and strengthen communities for years to come.

The refinery itself originally opened in 1964 and has remained a vital part of the local economy for more than half a century.

Nicola Wilson crowned Best Dinner Lady in Pembrokeshire

A dEdICATEd school cook who has spent 25 years serving up kindness along with lunch has been named the Best dinner Lady in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola Wilson, of Goodwick Primary School, was awarded the top prize by the Torch Theatre following a public competition celebrating school dinner staff across the county. The award coincides with the theatre’s upcoming youth production, The Bangers & Chips Explosion, which runs from 21 to 23 July.

The competition attracted heartwarming nominations from schools across Pembrokeshire – including entire teams of dinner ladies. But it was Nicola’s remarkable story, her long-standing commitment, and multiple nominations that made her the clear winner.

Starting her journey as a kitchen assistant, Nicola rose to the role of head cook and has become a much-loved figure at her school. Her attention to detail is legendary – she knows every child’s allergies, dietary needs, and preferences by heart. During a period of absence due to surgery, school dinner uptake reportedly halved, highlighting just how valued she is.

One nomination read: “To her it’s not a job, she loves the kids. She was going to retire last year but couldn’t bring herself to leave!”

Another wrote: “She pays attention to every single child. The children absolutely

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idolise her.”

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre, said: “Nicola’s story is what this competition was all about. Her 25 years of love, care and dedication are an inspiration. The fact she couldn’t bear to retire speaks volumes about her character.”

He continued: “When we read that dinner numbers dropped in her absence, it really showed the impact someone like Nicola has on a school. These unsung heroes play a vital role in children’s lives every single day.”

Nicola was presented with a locally sourced sausage hamper from Gate 2 Plate in Haverfordwest, and two tickets to see The Bangers & Chips Explosion – a fitting tribute to her work.

Torch Theatre’s Youth and Community Intern, Amelie, added: “I’ve never seen a community rally like this before. The appreciation shown to dinner ladies across Pembrokeshire is something to be proud of.”

The Torch Theatre encourages all those who nominated to continue showing their appreciation: “Don’t wait for a competition – tell them today how much they mean to you,” said Tim.

Llandeilo Antiques And Vintage Fair puts their stamp on the market.

THE Antiques and vintage fair held in the centre of Llandeilo, in the Civic Hall, always produces some interesting and sought after items .The displays found at this popular fair are both eye catching and full of interest.The next fair on Saturday 2nd August promises to be no exception, with a huge amount of choice of antiques and vintage ,at affordable prices.

The fair can be located in the heart of Llandeilo, close to the main car park. Here you will find a bustling, vibrant Fair with lots of antiques and vintage to whet your appetite. The fair now includes a vintage element with a touch of retro and some impressive outside stands.

You will find this gem of a fair in the heart of Llandeilo ‘s historic town. The shops provide a uniques shopping experience with many artisan shops and galleries. Close by lies the Works Antiques Centre housing some 40 dealers. It will make your antique trail complete .

Being a Welsh Fair it is understandable that there should be a good selection of Welsh items on offer. Whether it’s an original Welsh watercolour or oil painting or a piece of Welsh pottery or examples of Welsh textiles, visitors will be surprised by the variety on offer.

With all the time saving gadgets we have in our kitchen today it’s no wonder we think that gimmicky kitchen gadgets aren’t just a 2020’s item, but date back many decades earlier. The early Victorian era ushered in the invention of many kitchen gadgets – one such example is the butter stamp.

Often mistaken for a biscuit cutter or bread mould, the humble butter stamp has a much more important task: turning an ordinary slab of butter into a thing of beauty. A slab of freshly churned butter is shaped with paddles,

and pressed into the stamp, which has been dipped in cold water to ensure the butter won’t stick. The wooden handle is then pushed, extracting the butter. The result? A stunning yellow block of butter that dinner guests will admire!

Butter stamps, used to imprint designs on butter, have a history stretching back to at least Tudor times, gaining popularity in the 19th century. During the 18th and 19th centuries, butter was practically a form of currency for farmers, who could use it to barter for store-bought groceries, clothing, and other household goods. Farmers who prided themselves on making highquality products wanted to mark their wares as their own and make sure they were properly compensated for their dairy-making skills. Butter molds, usually carved wooden pieces, allowed them to give their butter a unique trademark that would let consumers know they were getting the good stuff.

Fresh butter was packed into a carved wooden box or rounded dome and pressed with a decorative stamp resulting in beautiful butter. That marking process became even more important when butter was sold at local markets, instead of directly from the farmer. Consumers learned which butter they liked and thanks to the unique design, could easily pick it out on the store shelves. Initially, they served as a way to identify farm-made butter and were later used decoratively in households. These stamps, often carved from wood, came in various shapes and designs, sometimes reflecting the maker, region, or even simply decorative.

Farms used stamps to mark their butter, essentially acting as an early form of branding. Private households also used them to decorate their own butter at dinner parties. Their butter stamps were used to create decorative pats of butter

for special occasions or everyday use, adding a touch of elegance to meals.

Butter stamps were typically made of wood, often hardwood like lime, holly, or sycamore, and were carved with designs and the maker’s name.

Made of close-grained hardwoods such as holly, lime or (most commonly) sycamore, the name of the farmer and any decoration was carved into the stamp or mould in reverse so it would come out the correct way round when the butter pat was turned out. It was often popped out on a cabbage leaf, an early form of biodegradable packaging.

The stamp was pressed into the butter, leaving an impression. Some stamps were part of a larger mould for shaping the whole block of butter.

‘There are five different types of butter moulds. These are: single-piece flat prints (stamps); two-piece ‘ejector’ stamps (where the design is on a circle of wood with a handle, which acts like a plunger within a cylinder of wood to push the pressed pat out); two-piece moulds that push together (often held with small wooden pegs in holes) to create a threedimensional butter decoration; rollers with patterns carved into them (like pastry rollers, but for rolling around the sides of a block of butter); and cup or brick moulds, which are dome-shaped like little jelly moulds or shaped like hollow bricks for producing blocks of patterned butter.’

Collectors are always drawn to quirky, unusual pictorial designs – cows, thistles and sheaves of wheat are fairly common, but rarer ones can fetch big sums , when they appear on the market. There are elephants , swans designs and rare reindeer ones .The sunflower stamp can be found that has a removable handle – for easy storage. Sometimes, butter moulds and stamps were celebratory. You often see initials on them, carved for

some special occasion.

As butter production became more industrialized and butter was wrapped in packaging, the use of butter stamps declined.

While no longer common for commercial butter, butter stamps are still collected as antique items and sometimes used for decorative purposes or even in baking. Over recent years, antique butter moulds have become an exciting collecting field – and they make a beautiful addition to a traditional country kitchen.

The Llandeilo fair has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage on display, from jewellery,watches, books, ephemera, militaria , post cards and vintage clothes and accessories. There will also be collections of glass and up cycled and pre loved furniture, plus interior design pieces . gardinalia , and in addition , there will be several outside stands to add to the diversity. I’m sure visitors will not be disappointed with the selection on offer at this popular fair.

Homemade refreshments will be available and doors open at 10 am until 4pm.Admission is £2 and dogs are welcome at this busy fair

Oyster reef restoration could benefit West Wales waters

A NEW feasibility study from energy giant RWE and The Oyster Restoration Company has demonstrated that large-scale native oyster reef restoration is viable inside offshore wind farms—a development that could have implications for coastal biodiversity in West Wales.

The project, which ran for six months, focused on testing various substrates, engineering reef-base designs, and assessing regulatory hurdles. The goal was to find a practical method to restore native flat oyster populations in European waters—species which once thrived along the Welsh coastline, including Cardigan Bay, Milford Haven, and the Cleddau estuary, but have now dwindled to less than 5% of their historic levels due to overfishing and pollution.

Although the trials were carried out at TORC’s hatchery in Scotland, the findings offer a blueprint that could be applied across UK waters. The Herald understands that Welsh offshore zones, including those planned for floating wind in the Celtic Sea, could become prime sites for biodiversity-led restoration projects in the near future.

Dr Nik Sachlikidis, CEO of TORC, said the study proves oysters can be

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restored at scale. “We’ve delivered a pathway for measurable biodiversity gain. Practically, affordably, and now.”

Dr Umberto Binetti of RWE added: “This work sets the basis to speed up the deployment process, and provides a tool to facilitate engagement with all relevant stakeholders.”

The move comes as pressure mounts for wind farm developers to deliver not just low-carbon energy, but also net-positive biodiversity outcomes. In West Wales, this could mean a return of habitat-forming species like the flat oyster, which supports a wide range of marine life.

Environmental groups in Pembrokeshire have long called for a “rewilding of the sea”, particularly in areas affected by scallop dredging and port development. Local campaigners say restoration projects like these could complement marine protected areas and bring long-term ecological and economic benefits.

If adopted locally, the method could provide new opportunities for marine conservation jobs, aquaculture, and nature-based tourism.

Call to continue funding Visit Pembrokeshire until 2029

A dECISION on whether to continue funding the county’s main tourism marketing body, visit Pembrokeshire, will be made at a meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on Tuesday (July 30).

The Authority is being asked to consider financial support for the organisation covering the period 2026 to 2029, as questions remain over whether a visitor levy will be

introduced in future.

BACKgROUNd TO fUNdINg dEAL

A report prepared for members recalls that in February 2020, the Authority agreed to support the formation of Visit Pembrokeshire as a standalone, trade-led Destination

Marketing Organisation (DMO). The DMO was tasked with leading the county’s Destination Management Plan and promoting Pembrokeshire as a visitor destination.

Its work includes destination marketing campaigns, industry liaison, research, branding, events, and providing business support.

Visit Pembrokeshire was formally established in November 2020.

In September 2021, the Authority amended its original offer of in-kind support to a £25,000 annual cash contribution, to help the organisation secure grant match funding. That arrangement remains in place but ends this year.

County council backs long-term funding

On July 7, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet agreed to provide Visit Pembrokeshire with a flat-rate grant of £152,000 per year from April 2026 to March 2029.

The National Park Authority is now being asked to decide whether it will also continue its own support for the same period.

UNCERTAINTY OvER vISITOR LEvY

The report notes a “key change on the horizon”—the potential

introduction of a visitor levy in Wales. Pembrokeshire County Council has said it will not introduce a levy before 2027, leaving any future decision in the hands of a new administration. If introduced, some of the revenue from the levy could be used to fund Visit Pembrokeshire and improve local visitor infrastructure, such as public toilets. Without a levy, the report warns, the organisation may need to rely entirely on membership fees and lose public sector backing.

fUNdINg OPTIONS ON THE TABLE

The report outlines four options for the Authority:

• End funding completely, saving £25,000 but reducing influence on tourism planning

• Maintain funding at £25,000 per year

• Reduce the contribution by 10% to £22,500

• Introduce a phased reduction, starting at £25,000 and falling to £20,000 by 2028-29

The report concludes that, despite a significant financial deficit, “there are strong strategic reasons why the Authority should support Visit Pembrokeshire until 2029.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Adventure-hungry teens find their thrill

Three in four 13- and 14-year-olds say life lacks excitement – but Pembrokeshire could be the escape they’re looking for

A NEW survey of UK teens has found that a staggering three in four gen Alpha youngsters feel their daily lives lack adventure and excitement — and Pembrokeshire may be exactly the kind of escape they’re craving.

The research, which looked at the holiday habits and preferences of 13- and 14-year-olds across the UK, shows that young people are turning to Wales for breaks that offer adrenaline, nature and unforgettable moments. Among them, Pembrokeshire stands out — with its unique mix of coast, cliffs, wildlife, and wild water thrills.

Richard Carpenter, owner of TYF Adventure Ltd in St Davids, says today’s teens aren’t interested in sitting still on holiday.

“This generation doesn’t want to stay inside looking at screens,” he said. “They want to leap into the sea, scramble across rocks, and laugh their way through something new. Coasteering, surfing, kayaking – it’s not just fun, it’s transformative. You can see the change in their confidence by the end of the day.”

HWYL IN ACTION

Researchers found that young people are chasing what the Welsh call hwyl – a word with no direct English translation, but one that describes the full-body joy of being immersed in the moment. From stargazing on the Preseli Hills to swimming in sea caves or dancing at local festivals, Pembrokeshire offers the kind of experiences that light up young imaginations.

One teenager recalled: “We went swimming in a cave in Wales and it was amazing.” Another said they loved “adventure memories where I get to

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create thoughts that would last in my head forever.”

PEMBROKESHIRE

TOPPINg TEEN WISH LISTS

Of those surveyed, 67% had already visited Wales, but one in five said they hadn’t yet — and wanted to. Among those who had, nearly half said they “loved it” or thought it was “good.”

Activities like coasteering at Abereiddy, paddleboarding at Barafundle, and seal spotting from Stackpole were all highlighted as “feel-good” and “storyworthy” moments that left a mark.

Carpenter added: “This is what aactive holidays that build connection, courage, and lifelong memories.”

A PLACE TO STAY – WITH A TWIST

Beyond the action, Pembrokeshire is also providing memorable places to stay. From converted barns with

hot tubs under the stars to glamping pods on the coast, and even a UFOstyle cabin near St Davids, the region is embracing the trend for quirky and immersive breaks.

With more and more families seeking getaways that pull their children away from screens and into real-life adventure, Pembrokeshire is uniquely positioned to deliver. The message from Gen Alpha is clear: they want holidays that are wild, weird, and wonderful — and they’re finding that, right here in West Wales.

Cardigan chapel reborn as community hub

A HISTORIC Cardigan chapel that closed its doors in 2022 has been brought back to life thanks to a major community effort – with volunteers, fundraising, and a clear vision for the town’s future all coming together under the banner of Hwb Aberteifi.

Locals gathered on Saturday (July 26) to celebrate the reopening of the former Tabernacl Chapel, just 24 hours after the completion of its purchase by the newly formed community benefit society, Hwb-Aberteifi Cyf.

The project, first launched on March 1 this year, aimed to raise £150,000 from supporters across Cardigan and beyond to buy the heritage site and turn it into a vibrant town-centre venue for learning, creativity, and connection.

The goal was hit in a matter of months. Volunteers have already begun clearing the grounds, and public meetings are being planned to decide how the site – which includes a 500-seater chapel and vestry – will be used.

CULTURAL ANd CREATIvE CENTRE

The vision includes space for community training, events, and a literary archive celebrating the life and works of iconic local bard Dic Jones. Plans are also in motion to bring Fflach Cymunedol Ltd, the community-owned recording label and studio, back to its

roots in the chapel’s vestry – over four decades after it was first founded there.

Earlier this year, the studio raised £72,000 through a public share offer to support its return and expansion.

The project is backed by local organisations including PLANED, Cardigan Aberteifi Society (CAS), and 4CG Cymru Cyf. Speaking on behalf of PLANED, Cris Tomos praised the speed and strength of community support.

At Saturday’s reopening, the chapel doors were symbolically unlocked by Rev. Llinos Mai Gordon – the same minister who led the final service there before its closure.

With legal matters now resolved and ownership secured, work will begin to make the building safe and fit for purpose, including vital roof and service repairs.

A full renovation is expected to cost around £600,000 in total, but project leaders believe the groundwork is now firmly in place for a new chapter in the life of this landmark building.

Public involvement remains at the heart of the initiative, with organisers encouraging locals to attend upcoming meetings and shape the future of what promises to be a flagship community hub for west Wales.

For more information, visit www. hwb-aberteifi.org

Milford Haven unites in prayer and civic pride for Mayor’s re-election

MILfORd HAvEN came together on Saturday (July 26) for a moving Civic Service at St Katharine & St Peter’s Church to mark the re-election of Councillor William Elliott BA QTS as Mayor and first Citizen of the town.

The service, led by the Vicar of St Katharine’s, Father Andrew P. Johnson, welcomed councillors, civic leaders, neighbouring mayors, and residents for a celebration of public service, faith and community values.

Mayor Elliott, now entering his third term and second consecutive year as Mayor, described the role as a “huge privilege” and thanked those present for their support. In his message, he reaffirmed his commitment to Milford Haven, pledging to continue charitable work through the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

This year’s chosen charities include the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, the Milford Haven Town Band, and Prostate Cymru.

The service included hymns, readings, and intercessions, with contributions from Councillors and local youth organisations. Leading Cadet Connor Main read from the Acts of the Apostles, while the Mayor read from the Letter to the Romans, calling for compassion, humility, and peace.

Prayers were offered for councillors,

emergency workers, schools, businesses, and those experiencing hardship. A special intercession remembered the people of Ukraine and Milford Haven’s twin town of Uman.

In his welcome, Father Johnson thanked attendees of all faiths and none, urging unity in service to the common good. He prayed for the town council to be guided by wisdom and compassion in all its decisions.

A highlight of the service was the Gelliswick Community Choir’s performance of Thou Blessed Haven, the town’s own anthem. Hymns such as Eternal Father, Strong to Save and Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven echoed through the church, celebrating faith and public duty.

The service closed with a collection for the Mayor’s Charity Fund and the parish church, uniting spiritual reflection with practical community support.

The day was a powerful reminder of the deep bonds between local government, faith, and the people of Milford Haven—anchored in tradition, hope, and a shared commitment to the future. Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

NEW CHAPTER BEgINS

Pirates, princesses and plenty of buzz at Narberth Carnival

Colourful celebration draws crowds as town hosts its biggest summer event

NARBERTH burst into colour and costume on Saturday (July 26) as residents and visitors turned out in their hundreds for the town’s annual carnival.

This year’s theme, featuring pirates, princesses, fantasy characters and all things buzzing, brought the streets to life with music, laughter and creativity. Floats lined the route from Narberth Primary School to the Town Moor, where an afternoon of entertainment awaited.

Among the highlights were the ever-popular Narberth Royals float, featuring this year’s young carnival court in sparkling dresses and fairy wings, proudly waving to the crowd as they passed under bunting-strung streets.

Another crowd favourite was the pirate ship float—complete with a full crew of swashbucklers, mermaids and even a shark on the side. Across the town, pirate-themed displays popped up, including the Flower Pirates of Narberth transforming the town’s red phone box with blooms, bunting and a chest full of glittering treasure.

Costumes were out in force this year, with everything from jungle animals to storybook characters. The Pembrokeshire Foodbank float went full Wizard of Oz, featuring a glittering Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow, Dorothy and even Toto, helping raise funds for local causes.

Families and children took part in themed walking groups too—one standout group dressed as bees with the motto “Bee Kind to Our Bugs” and a cleverly named buggy called BEE EV1E. Another walking entry was packed with pandas, tigers and soft toy jungle animals, supporting Grace Church Narberth with fundraising buckets in hand.

Also marching were representatives from SPAN Arts, leading the parade with tall banners and a troupe of cheerful walkers. The Castell Arberth float gave a medieval twist, transforming a lorry into a castle complete with kings, queens, knights and dragons.

As always, local businesses and volunteers came together to make the event happen, supported by Narberth Civic Week organisers. The parade ended with live music, fairground stalls, food vendors and family activities at the Town Moor, making the most of the dry weather.

Organisers say this year’s turnout exceeded expectations and praised the community for their imagination, hard work and generosity.

Images: Gareth Davies Photography

Rotary supports community spirit at Narberth Carnival

NARBERTH was alive with colour and music on Saturday (July 26) as crowds gathered for the annual Narberth Carnival — and among those enjoying the festivities were members of the Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club.

The N&W Rotarians were out in force, mingling with the crowds and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere created by floats, performers, and a strong community turnout.

John Sleigh of the Rotary Club said: “N&W Rotarians were at Narberth Carnival on Saturday, among the crowds, the music and the entertainments. What a magical atmosphere with so many people turning out to enjoy the summer sun. Thanks to the organisers and all those who took part.”

The event was a celebration of community spirit, with live music, entertainment for all ages, and a procession through the town. Rotary members used the opportunity to connect with locals and highlight the role the organisation plays in supporting local initiatives and charities.

The Herald understands that this

their community work, contact John

on 01834 860 014 or 07889 872 981.

year’s carnival saw one of the largest turnouts in recent memory, with sunshine and smiles throughout the day. For more information about Narberth and Whitland Rotary and

Sleigh

Hundreds march in Aberystwyth to form ‘Red Line’ for Palestine

ABERYSTWYTH was turned red on Saturday (July 26) as hundreds of people from across Wales, including a strong Pembrokeshire contingent, came together to form a striking ‘Red Line’ through the seaside town in a bold show of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Protesters dressed in red clothing gathered at 2:00pm at Owain Glyndŵar Square, marching through the town to the iconic bandstand on the promenade, carrying Palestinian flags, placards, and a continuous red fabric line. The message was clear: Wales stands against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and calls for an end to what campaigners describe as “Israeli apartheid.”

Many attendees wore keffiyehs, waved Cuban flags in solidarity, and held signs reading “From Cymru to Palestine, we are the Red Line,” with Amnesty International “End Israeli Apartheid” badges and slogans prominent.

MAYOR JOINS THE MARCH

The Mayor of Aberystwyth, Cllr Emlyn Jones, took part in the march wearing his chain of office, standing proudly in front of the town’s ceremonial banner. He led a large section of the parade, walking alongside fellow councillors and campaigners, adding official weight to the

growing Welsh solidarity movement.

Other participants included people from Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and Milford Haven, who travelled to the event by car and train to show support for the cause.

A police presence was visible, with a large number of officers from DyfedPowys on duty, but the mood remained peaceful and determined throughout.

PROTEST ROUTE ANd SYMBOLISM

The carefully planned route (as seen on distributed maps) began at the square near Owain Glyndŵr’s statue and wound through the town centre, ending at the seafront. Organisers said the red fabric line represented the “moral boundary” that must not be crossed – referencing the growing number of civilian casualties and what they see as the failure of Western governments to intervene meaningfully.

Shops and businesses along the route remained open, with some even stepping out to show support. Benches along the way were used by elderly protesters to rest briefly before re-joining the march, with accessibility pick-up points clearly marked and well-used.

Claire Davies from Haverfordwest, who made the journey with her daughter Rachel, said: “We came today because staying silent isn’t an option anymore. I’ve

watched the suffering in Gaza unfold on the news and felt helpless — but today I felt part of something.

“This red line shows that people in Pembrokeshire care, and we won’t look the other way.”

ORgANISERS SPEAK OUT

One of the organisers told The Herald: “This isn’t just about Gaza, it’s about

standing up for human rights, whether they’re being violated in Palestine, Yemen, or anywhere else. We’re proud that so many from West Wales came –our message is clear: Wales is not neutral. Cymru is the red line.”

As global pressure mounts over the situation in Gaza, Saturday’s march added another voice to a growing grassroots movement within Wales demanding action, not just words.

Supporting Gaza: Mayor Emlyn Jones

There was plenty of music and drumming to keep the crowds in good spirits

Photos: Rose Voon/Herald

Sunshine, song and spirit: Edge Festival 2025 unites the community A weekend of perfect weather, unforgettable music, and pure community magic

SOLvA was bathed in sunshine and good vibes over the weekend as hundreds gathered for the much-anticipated Edge festival 2025—a vibrant celebration of music, art, and togetherness that once again transformed a quiet coastal field into a bustling festival wonderland.

From start to finish, the atmosphere was electric. With clear skies, no rain, and even the local

sheep keeping a respectful distance, this year’s Edge Festival was nothing short of idyllic. It was, as many festivalgoers described, “a little slice of Pembrokeshire paradise.”

vOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN

The real stars of the show were the volunteers—scores of local legends who gave up their time and energy to hammer in tent pegs, hoist marquees,

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direct traffic, pour pints, pick litter, and do just about everything else that turns a field into a festival site.

Organisers took to social media with a heartfelt thank you, posting: “MASSIVE LOVE TO OUR EDGE FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS! You’ve been wrangling marquees, signposting, hammering things into the ground with mysterious confidence—and helping turn an empty field into a full-on festival playground.”

A MUSIC LINEUP THAT LIT UP SOLvA

This year’s line-up was one of the strongest Edge has seen—blending homegrown Welsh talent with festivalfavourite tribute acts.

Headliners Dirty Weekend brought big energy and singalong festival classics to the stage, turning the field into a sea of dancing and lightup wings. Daft Punkz, a full band tribute to Daft Punk, delivered an unforgettable electronic set complete with visuals and LED helmets.

Fleetwood Mad filled the Sunday “legends slot” with faithful renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits, sending out the weekend with harmonies and nostalgia.

Crowds also enjoyed the rising star Megan Wyn from Anglesey, whose indie-rock vocals were met with enthusiastic cheers. Swansea-based Who’s Molly? delivered a powerful alternative rock set, while West Wales’ own Statues of Men served up

gritty, introspective indie with echoes of Interpol and Radiohead.

Good Times, a disco-heavy tribute to Chic and Nile Rodgers, got everyone on their feet with funky basslines and crowd-pleasing classics.

TOgETHERNESS IN EvERY CORNER

Edge Festival has never been just about the music. It’s about community. Families picnicked on the grass, children played in the safe open spaces, and neighbours—new and old—shared drinks, laughter, and stories under the Pembrokeshire sky.

The festival also featured poetry readings, local art, literature sessions, and a Green Scar bar tent that buzzed with conversation throughout the weekend. Stalls offered local crafts, delicious food, and even a pop-up literature lounge.

A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER

There were no major mishaps, no rogue gazebos, and not a drop of rain. It was a rare but welcome miracle: a Welsh festival weekend with nothing but sunshine and smiles.

As tents are packed away and the last of the lights come down, one thing is clear—Edge Festival 2025 will go down as one of the most joyous and well-run community events of the year.

Here’s to the volunteers, the performers, the organisers, and everyone who came along and made it magic. Until next year, Solva!

CliCk to

CHIEf of War, premiering August 1, 2025, on Apple Tv+, is shaping up to be one of the year’s most ambitious historical dramas. Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, this nine-episode limited series takes viewers deep into the pre-colonial history of the Hawaiian Islands, dramatizing the intense tribal politics, shifting alliances, and bloodshed that marked the era of unification.

Jason Momoa stars as Kaʻiana, a noble warrior whose loyalty, power, and personal ambitions place him at the center of a revolution. The series explores his journey from celebrated hero to controversial figure as he confronts the rise of King Kamehameha I and the effort to unite the islands under a single rule. Unlike most Western-centric historical dramas, Chief of War is largely performed in Hawaiian—an astounding cultural commitment that is apparent from the very first episodes, which are entirely in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. This isn’t just a stylistic decision; it’s a radical act of preservation and respect for indigenous heritage.

Momoa, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, has poured personal and professional

investment into the series. He not only stars and co-writes but also directs the final episode. The production worked with over 15 cultural advisors and organizations like Awaiaulu to ensure accuracy in every detail— from the intricacies of canoe construction to the precision of traditional chants and rituals.

Alongside Momoa, the cast includes legendary Maori actor Temuera Morrison as Chief Kahekili, Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu, and Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I, creating a deeply authentic and emotionally resonant ensemble.

Visually, the series is nothing short of stunning. Sweeping drone shots of volcanic coastlines, deep green valleys, and massive traditional war canoes imbue Chief of War with cinematic gravitas. Comparisons to Game of Thrones and Shōgun are apt—not because of dragons or fantasy, but because of the grounded epic scale and brutal political tension. Every shot is elevated by a stirring original score composed by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham, further underscoring the series’ dramatic intensity.

Despite the gravity of its subject matter, the trailer’s slowmotion sequences and shirtless

warriors have also sparked lighthearted comparisons to Baywatch, nodding to Momoa’s early career. Yet beneath the spectacle lies a serious exploration of sovereignty, loyalty, and the cost of legacy. The stakes are high, both for the characters and for the production itself, as it seeks to retell a story that has long gone underrepresented in mainstream media.

Apple TV+ is betting big on Chief of War to lead its summer lineup, and early buzz suggests the gamble is paying off. Critics and viewers alike are anticipating a richly textured series that blends entertainment with historical reverence. With its deeply rooted storytelling, Indigenous-led production, and commitment to language and culture, Chief of War isn’t just another historical drama—it’s a reclamation.

If you’re drawn to stories that challenge colonial narratives, spotlight overlooked histories, and do so with scale, artistry, and soul, Chief of War is unmissable. It debuts with two episodes on August 1, 2025, followed by weekly installments through September 19. This series doesn’t just promise drama—it promises to make history.

Z ACH Cregger, the writerdirector behind the surprise hit Barbarian, returns with a bold and chilling new horror film titled Weapons, set to hit theaters in August 2025. Unlike traditional slasher or supernatural fare, this film kicks off with a haunting premise: an entire elementary school class disappears overnight, except for one lone child who remains. What follows is not just a mystery but a layered psychological thriller that explores grief, guilt, and the desperate search for answers.

Told from multiple perspectives, Weapons centers on three key characters whose lives unravel as they navigate the aftermath: Justine Gandy (played by Julia Garner), a teacher devastated by the loss; Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), a grieving father searching for truth; and a conflicted police officer (Alden Ehrenreich) who begins to question the very nature of reality as the case spirals into darker and more surreal territory. As each character confronts their own trauma, the film slowly reveals that the disappearance is only the surface of something far more disturbing.

Early viewers and critics have already begun comparing

Weapons to heavyweights like Prisoners, The Shining, and Magnolia, citing its masterful pacing, emotionally raw performances, and a nonlinear structure that weaves through timelines and perspectives.

There’s a growing buzz around its third act in particular, with many calling it “off the rails” in the best way—an audacious, horrifying finale that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film reportedly doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares, instead building dread through atmosphere, unsettling sound design, and moral ambiguity. It dares the audience to sit with discomfort and forces us to question how far a community might go to avoid facing the truth.

What makes Weapons stand out in the crowded horror landscape is its willingness to be intellectually challenging and emotionally devastating. Rather than giving easy answers, Cregger uses the film to explore how society responds to collective trauma and the media spectacle surrounding tragedy. It’s a movie with something to say, but it never loses its grip on terror. Performances across the board are strong— especially Garner and Brolin, whose characters embody the agony of not knowing whether

their children are alive or dead.

The film’s structure is ambitious, but not alienating. Its ensemble approach allows the narrative to unfold like a puzzle, with each piece deepening the tension. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, gradually pulling the audience toward a climax that is as shocking as it is narratively satisfying. Cregger’s direction shows remarkable growth, confidently balancing intimacy with spectacle, restraint with chaos.

Weapons is not for the faint of heart. Its subject matter— missing children, communal hysteria, and unresolved grief—hits hard. Some early viewers even reported needing to leave the theater during particularly intense scenes. But for horror fans craving something daring, complex, and emotionally resonant, this film could be the high point of the year.

Ultimately, Weapons is more than just a horror movie. It’s an experience designed to challenge, provoke, and disturb. Cregger has crafted a film that not only lives up to the hype but carves out a place for itself among the most haunting and original entries in modern horror. If Barbarian marked his arrival, Weapons may very well cement his legacy.

CliCk to

Tech and Taff

C LE v ER CLO g S AI LEARNS TO THINK LIKE dAI THE MATHS TEACHER

MOST of today’s AI is like your mate in the pub quiz who’s lightning fast on the answers but hopeless if you ask him to actually explain them. Psychologist d aniel Kahneman calls it System 1 thinking — quick, instinctive, and often right… until it’s not. What we really want is System 2 thinking — the slower, methodical stuff that d ai the retired maths teacher in f ishguard does when he works out your bar bill in his head and still tells you you’ve short - changed him by 17p.

Well, boffins from Virginia, Illinois, Stanford, Harvard and, believe it or not, Amazon GenAI have been tinkering with a new brain for AI called the Energy - Based Transformer — or EBT if you’re in a rush to catch the bus to Carmarthen.

H OW IT WORKS

Think of it like your nan making cawl. She doesn’t just chuck everything in the pot and hope for the best. She tastes, adjusts, adds a bit more salt, tastes again… until it’s just right. The EBT does the same — takes a guess, checks if it’s close, tweaks it, checks again — until it’s happy.

Because it works this way, it can spend more time thinking about the hard questions instead of rattling off easy answers. In tests, it learned faster, generalised better, and even beat some of the fancy image - making AIs while using 99% fewer steps. That’s like cycling from Haverfordwest to Tenby using just one pedal.

T HE CATCH

Here’s the kicker — training one of these beauties takes up to six times more computer power than your bog - standard AI. And so far they’ve only tested it on smaller models — not the mega - monsters Google and OpenAI run. So whether it’ll still be clever when it’s beefed up is anyone’s guess.

Still, it’s a cracking step towards an AI that can show its working out instead of just waffling confidently like your Uncle Bryn after two pints. One day we might have machines that can think properly — and maybe even argue with you over the price of a pasty in Tenby.

Sarah Waters and star guests for 2025 Llangwm Lit Fest

THE MUCH-LOvEd Llangwm Literary festival returns this summer with another packed programme –and one of its biggest-ever literary stars.

Organisers say they are “thrilled” to welcome award-winning novelist Sarah Waters OBE back to Pembrokeshire. The acclaimed author of Fingersmith and Tipping the Velvet grew up in Neyland and attended Milford Haven Grammar School.

“Sarah is an amazing role model for anyone wanting to become a writer,” said festival director Michael Pugh. “She’s gone on to win multiple awards and been shortlisted for many more –and we’re so excited she’s joining us in her home county.”

arah will be in conversation with her former teacher Mr Tanguay, discussing her bestselling books, her writing process, and how Pembrokeshire shaped her career.

Also returning is David Wilson, a much-admired figure in Llangwm, who will launch his new memoir An Unlikely Photographer. The book charts his journey from total paralysis at 18 to a remarkable life in photography and family.

Music remains a key part of the festival, with performances by the legendary Boo Hewerdine, who will launch his new album Things Found in Books, and celebrated Scottish singersongwriter Yvonne Lyon. Boo is inviting concertgoers to bring along oddities and surprises they’ve discovered tucked inside books over the years – from old

letters to shopping lists.

There’s no shortage of local and regional talent. Historian Angela John will speak about her new biography of Philip Burton, the man who mentored Richard Burton. Angela, who served as a consultant on the film Mr Burton, promises rare insights into this unique relationship.

Children’s author and wildlife campaigner Nicola Davies returns with a family-friendly session on whales and wildlife, while Julia Horton-Mansfield will lead a foraging walk along the Cleddau, and John Roach will delight younger readers with a session on his Red Dragon books.

Travel writing titan Colin Thubron will take audiences on a journey through Russia and Central Asia – “a far safer option than going there,” jokes Pugh –while Ben Aitken, known for The Gran Tour, will lift the lid on some of Britain’s least-loved towns in his irreverent new book Shtty Breaks*.

Aspiring writers will also have the chance to put pen to paper during the three-day Write it with Ryan workshop. “We want to encourage more people to get writing – not just talking about it,” said Pugh.

The festival is also offering internship opportunities this year for students interested in arts and event management.

The Llangwm Literary Festival 2025 takes place from 8 to 10 August. For the full programme, visit: www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk

gaming

HOROSCOPES

ARIES You can easily keep from embarrassing yourself by watching what you say a little more carefully. It’s weird how many blow-ups can be averted with a just little forethought. If everything goes south anyway, try a three-second rule when it comes to communication: count slowly to three before you say everything that’s zipping through that brain of yours toward your eager mouth. It’s not as hard as it seems.

TAURUS

Stretching out in someone’s doorway and refusing to leave until they agree you’re right is always an option, and so is holding your breath until you turn blue. Another classic is the silent treatment, of course. All of these extreme tactics from your childhood are tempting, but they’re not very effective and are likely to be counterproductive. For now, you need to agree to disagree.

GEMINI

You may tend toward overconfidence or even laziness on the job today, but they must be avoided at all costs. Ensure that your colleagues (especially bosses) know all about the schedule since communication can easily go off the rails today. Once work is over, get some rest and relaxation, because you certainly deserve it! Try to keep your partying low-key, as you still have to tackle work projects for a while yet.

CANCER

echoes of the end

dEvELOPEd by Reykjavik-based Myrkur games and published by deep Silver, Echoes of the End is a cinematic third-person action-adventure set to debut on August 12, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

You take on the role of Ryn, a powerful vestige with volatile magical abilities, driven to rescue her brother and uncover a deep conspiracy threatening to ignite war in the realm of Aema. Alongside Abram Finlay, a scholar haunted by his past, you must navigate shifting loyalties and sacrifice as tensions escalate.

Inspired by the dramatic and elemental landscapes of Iceland, the game unfolds across glacial cliffs, volcanic fields, and frosty valleys. Built on Unreal Engine 5 with full motion capture—

featuring Aldís Amah Hamilton as Ryn—the game promises strong performances and immersive emotion.

Combat blends swordplay with spellcasting, allowing you to weave devastating combos. Ryn and Abram can work together for innovative team interactions.

Across ten handcrafted chapters, exploration is enhanced through traversal moves like doublejumping, dashing, gravity control, and illusion-based puzzles.

Ryn’s magic unlocks puzzle-solving beyond combat: manipulate gravity, conjure illusions, and shift terrain to progress. Each chapter introduces new challenges that both enrich the world and demand creative thinking.

Early media coverage from outlets like Rewinder praises the rich atmosphere and

cinematic flair, calling it a “PsiOps-meets-God of War vibe” with standout magical action moments. VICE highlights it as an emotional, character-first experience that might pull you in for the entire journey.

Not everything is universally praised. Some fans on Reddit voiced concerns over the gameplay animations and feel:

“Combat does not feel weighty ... like a disconnected series of animations and sounds.”

“Traversal and platform manipulation feel overly slippery and synthetic.”

“Some attacks clip through environments or trigger odd animation shifts.”

Meanwhile, others felt the game lacked a standout identity, noting it borrows visual and mechanical cues from titles like Witcher 3, God of War, or Forspoken, without yet distinguishing itself as uniquely its own.

Still, Echoes of the End blends personal stakes and high-stakes fantasy in a gorgeously crafted world. With a strong emphasis on narrative, expressive visuals, and a combination of magic and melee, it has serious potential— as long as its execution matches its promise. Whether you’re drawn to story-rich adventures, cinematic world-building, or inventive magical combat, it’s one to keep an eye on when it launches August 12.

If you’re dealing with personal or relationship issues, don’t fret. Change is coming. It doesn’t come about without some serious effort, though, so be sure you’re ready to sweat. Your energy demands a good, long look at your unconscious patterns that keep repeating or emotional baggage you’ve been trying to get rid of for too long. Deal with all the bits and pieces of your past if you want a future of your own making.

LEO You need a little sympathy today if you want to soothe your troubled soul. You’ve got people who are great listeners, so give them a shout now that you really need them. They could help you clarify whether you need good advice or just a fresh pair of ears. If socializing feels somewhat beyond you, get some downtime somewhere comfy. The answer ought to show up just when you need it most.

VIRGO

It may be time to move on in some way. Your conscience may be urging you on, but you’re probably dead-set on ignoring it. If you keep screaming no on the inside, the Universe may have to take drastic action to remind you to listen to your intuition. There is a much better option, though. Try dealing with your problems as soon as you see them, and then everything should resolve in the best way possible.

LIBRA Serious business is absolutely the last thing you want to deal with now, but someone close brings up important issues that require immediate attention.. So go ahead and have some fun, but let them know you’ve heard their concern and that you’re going to take care of it just as soon as you get a chance. If you can do so, try to persuade them to join you in your mischief. It should lighten the mood.

SCORPIO

You’re super close to achieving what you want in your career, but get ready for a few surprises just in case. If a colleague throws a tantrum and your boss immediately rushes to their side, even at your expense, just try to let it go (for now). Another big moment is coming up in a bit, but changes should be in place by then. Keep your head down, and not only should you escape unnoticed but you might actually end up ahead of the game too!

SAGITTARIUS

It may seem unnecessarily complicated, but now is a great time to keep quiet. Shutting your mouth isn’t exactly normal for you. After all, no one loves aimless chitchat quite like you do. But if you resist the impulse to overshare, you might just avoid catastrophe. Be sure to parcel out information so you don’t see the situation slip away from you. Remember that silence is golden!

CAPRICORN

If you feel as if you’ve wandered into a maze, that’s no big surprise, considering the mess of crazy, mixed signals and communication knots you have to deal with. Rebuff these overcomplicated forces by making sure you’re well informed, direct, and unfailingly polite even to those who are simply adding to the chaos. You’re an irresistible force when you set out to make solid plans. Everyone wants to be on your team for good reason!

AQUARIUS

Your life feels like it’s on fast-forward, but your financial issues, primary relationships, and home responsibilities all cry out for extra attention. This is actually a good thing. You should accomplish quite a lot and make great progress in some areas that have been a bit stagnant, but the risk of burnout is significant! Get plenty of sleep and make your health your top priority.

PISCES

It’s not exactly comfortable when someone decides that you’re going to solve all their problems for them.

wiTh eddie The game gUrU

CliCk

Yes Protect children online a Pembrokeshire Pers P ective

This internet crackdown is embarrassing and pointless

Let’s be clear from the outset: children should not be exposed to the darkest corners of the internet. That much is obvious, and few would argue otherwise. The government is right to want to protect young people from harmful content. But how they’ve chosen to go about it — through the

Online Safety Act that came into force on friday (July 25) — is so clumsy, so misguided, and so technologically illiterate, it’s almost embarrassing.

The new law demands that websites hosting adult material, along with many social platforms, verify the age of all users. On paper, this might seem like

a bold step forward. In practice, it is already collapsing under the weight of its own futility.

Take Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), for example. These simple tools allow users to hide their location and bypass region-specific restrictions. Searches for VPNs have surged by over 230 percent across the UK since the law came into force. In Wales, that figure hits 341 percent.

Why? Because even a 12-year-old with access to Google can figure out how to activate one in under a minute. And in many cases, they won’t even need to — browsers like Opera, Brave, and Tor come with VPN functionality built in. Even Microsoft Edge is rolling out a native VPN. There’s no need to pay, no need to be tech-savvy, and no need to slow down. The law is being outwitted at the press of a button.

Meanwhile, legitimate users are paying the price. Platforms like Reddit, X, Discord, and Wikipedia are all caught in the web of the new regulations. Some gaming companies are threatening to shut down group chat functions altogether for UK users, just to avoid falling foul of the rules. Wikipedia, which relies on open access, has floated the

idea of limiting the number of UK visitors to dodge compliance.

The government has managed to miss the mark on both fronts: the bad actors aren’t being stopped, and ordinary people are seeing the internet they use daily become more cumbersome, restricted and invasive.

Instead of delivering protection, the new regime risks creating a false sense of security while pushing young people to more obscure, less safe parts of the internet. It’s digital whack-a-mole played with blindfolds on.

If we are serious about shielding children from harm online, the solution lies not in half-baked tech measures, but in education, open conversation, and giving parents the tools they need to guide their children responsibly. Regulation has its place — but it needs to be smart, realistic, and informed by how the internet actually works.This law isn’t it.

Starmer jolted into action – but why did it take Macron to make him move?

SIR KEIR STARMER has finally announced that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state – but only in September, and only if Israel fails to meet a list of conditions that, frankly, the current Netanyahu government is never going to accept.

It is a dramatic shift in British foreign policy. But it’s also a case of better late than never. For years, Labour has argued that recognition should come when it has “maximum impact” – yet when the death toll in Gaza soared, when aid agencies began describing the situation as “man-made starvation,” when MPs across the political spectrum called for urgent action, Downing Street clung to caution.

Now, just days after French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France will recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, Starmer has found his moment. It’s hard to escape the suspicion that Macron’s decisiveness jolted the UK into action – the question is whether this is genuine conviction or a scramble not to be left behind.

BOWINg TO PRESSURE AT HOME

ANd ABROAd

Starmer is under huge pressure. More than half of his own MPs have signed a letter demanding recognition now, without conditions. The Liberal Democrats are urging immediate

action, not a delayed timetable tied to impossible demands on Israel. Grassroots Labour members have been restless for months.

In the wider world, Britain is looking increasingly out of step with allies who have already moved. Spain, Ireland, Norway – and now France – have taken the plunge. Even non-European countries like Mexico, Jamaica and Barbados have acted. Starmer’s delay

risks making the UK look timid and reactive.

fEAR Of TRUMP’S WRATH?

Then there’s Washington. Starmer’s meeting with Donald Trump earlier this week was notable for what wasn’t said – the two apparently “never discussed” recognition. Trump has since publicly warned that recognising

Palestine now “rewards Hamas”. Did Starmer deliberately hold back to avoid provoking him? Or is this careful choreography designed to show the White House that Britain is still “responsible” and won’t act without warning?

Either way, it smacks of excessive deference. If recognition is a matter of principle – as Labour says – then it shouldn’t hinge on how it plays in Washington.

THE TRUE STATESMAN?

So who is the real statesman here – Starmer or Macron? The French President, for all his flaws, has taken a clear, unambiguous stand. Starmer’s plan, in contrast, still comes with a ‘get-out clause’ for September. If Israel miraculously accepts his list of demands, he can back away without losing face.

Recognition of Palestine should never have been treated as a bargaining chip with either Israel or Hamas. It is about the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The UK should have made that statement years ago. By waiting until Macron made his move, Starmer risks looking like a follower, not a leader. And when history looks back, the question will be: was Britain’s recognition of Palestine driven by principle – or by the fear of being the last big power in Europe to act?

BADGER AND THE FATE OF THE NATION

SCOTTISH history is particularly interesting if you enjoy learning about the Scots’ battles against their mortal enemies, the Scots.

It’s the lesson of Robert the Bruce to which Badger turns this week. In the midst of yet another bloody civil war, Robert found himself hiding out in a cave. All appeared lost. Then Robert saw a spider try time and again to spin its web, before, at the umpteenth try, the spider succeeded. Then Robert the Bruce hit it with his sword and stamped it into oblivion.

Maybe.

Now, readers, think of Nigel Farage. Time and time again, he tried to get elected to Parliament. Time and time again, he failed. Yes, poor Nigel never got directly elected to anything. But Nigel did not give up. Internecine strife within the parties he joined (including the Green Party) did not deter him. In the end, he set up his own party and called it Reform UK.

Strictly speaking, Reform UK is not a political party. It’s a company limited by guarantee, with control vested in two individuals: Ziauddin Yusuf and Nigel Farage. Mr Farage is a believer in a shareholding democracy, as long as he has the shares and the final say.

And that’s where Badger comes to the central puzzle about Reform.

In July 2024, it polled 14.3% of the national vote across the UK. Thanks to the vagaries of the first-past-the-post system, it won only five seats.

Since the election, and very much in line with the experience of UKIP in the 2016-2021 Senedd, it has shed two of its MPs. Rupert Lowe left after being accused of bullying. More recently, James McMurdock MP, whose claim to fame before becoming an MP was kicking his girlfriend in the head in an Essex nightclub, left Reform UK after an investigation into his financial affairs, including allegations of the potential abuse of government loans during the pandemic. In the meantime, it gained another MP, Sarah Pochin, who enlivened her first appearance in Parliament by calling for a ban on the

wearing of burqas and being publicly slapped down for doing so by Nigel Farage.

Earlier this year, Reform gained control of ten English councils. As of May 2025, it had just over 800 county councillors in England. To put that in perspective, the Liberal Democrats have four times that number, the Conservatives five and a half times, and Labour almost seven and a half times as many seats.

There will be another round of local elections in England next year, which will be an acid test of how far Reform has penetrated Conservative heartlands in the South and East of England. And, of course, there is the Senedd election.

To do well in England, especially in the solidly Tory shires, Reform must pander to the policy priorities of a middle-class electorate that treasures low taxes, especially on property and capital, thinks benefits claimants are spongers, and is in an almost permanent state of alarm and indignation about immigration affecting the value of their homes.

To succeed in Wales, Reform must appeal to a predominantly workingclass electorate that is both rabidly anti-immigration and in favour of having

functioning and funded public services and welfare benefits.

So far, Reform has adopted the old Liberal Democrat approach of being all things to all men.

It is, of course, all men. Most Reform supporters - the overwhelming majority - are over sixty and male. Moreover, most Reform voters in England are former Conservative voters.

Reform will get nowhere in Wales by leeching off disaffected Conservative voters. There aren’t enough to go round. So, it must pitch to Labour voters, particularly Labour voters in the Valleys and South Wales, where donkeys get elected if they wear red rosettes.

Firstly, the Reform schtick of being anti-establishment won’t work in Wales because there is an upper limit of merchant bankers, puce-faced retirees, braying ninnies, and English candidates that Welsh voters, even Labour ones, will be stupid enough to support.

Secondly, Reform has not yet proposed any Wales-specific policies. Indeed, its supporters appear fixated on race and immigration, UK policies over which the Senedd has little or no control.

In June, Nigel Farage suggested reopening Wales’s coal mines would be a policy priority. The magical money tree that would fund that ambition remains unidentified. Similarly, how a Reformled Senedd would have the wherewithal and means to renationalise Port Talbot is a mystery. Badger suspects it’s a mystery to Nigel Farage.

Then there’s the usual dog whistles. Badger couldn’t give a stuff one way or another about Wales being “a nation of sanctuary”. Scrapping it will mean nothing, as the term “nation of sanctuary” is also meaningless. Scrapping the use of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers is a reserved power of the UK government.

Where Badger is right alongside Reform is that the client state of NGOs, executive bodies, and numerous thirdsector hangers-on must go. That policy was poached from the Conservatives. The opportunities for finding cuts that

will save “hundreds of millions of pounds” in Wales, as Nigel Farage claimed his DOGE would do, are practically nil. For the record, Reform’s DOGE has delivered bog-all in England. It’ll deliver bog-all in Wales. Real systemic change takes organisation and coherent action, not just gestures towards Nigel Farage’s “usual suspects”.

There is another issue. Aligning the English nationalism of Reform UK with Wales might play well in parts of Pembrokeshire and North-East Wales, but in May next year, Welsh voters will elect a national parliament for Wales. That Parliament cannot deliver - is statute-barred from - enacting policies that will feed the priorities and prejudices of potential Reform voters.

Reform UK is not a serious political party in Wales. There is no Welsh leadership. Its policies are made on the hoof by a man who has no idea how the policies he dreams up in his cups will be funded or how they will be delivered in Wales. It’s all show and no go.

It boggles Badger’s furry brain how a Welsh speaker, or anyone with any national pride in Wales, could vote for the Little England Party. Mind you, enough of Pembrokeshire’s county councillors were sufficiently interested to go to Carmarthen and be persuaded when Reform held a shindig there. That goes to show that the alignment between local politics and English nationalism is greater than one might suppose.

And that’s without dwelling on the parade of golf-club Enoch Powells, dingbats, dreamers, outright bigots, and crooks that Reform usually produces as candidates. My golly, they’re a rum bunch, readers. Calling them “swiveleyed loons” would be taking it too far; let’s think of them as “loon-adjacent”.

A sure-fire way to ensure Labour remains in power is to vote for Reform in areas where Labour support is weak and Plaid and Conservative votes are strong. In areas like Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. If you’re serious about getting Labour out, a vote for Reform in places like those is worse than not voting at all.

IF HE’LL PECK HER, HE’LL PECK ANYONE

KAAARK! Strap in, humans — Stephen’s on the wing today and I’ve got me beak in a right flap over the latest news. I was circling over the docks yesterday, looking for a stray pasty, when I spotted a headline that nearly made me drop me crab. Turns out, last summer’s riot mob — you know, the lot who set fire to hotels, bashed up shopfronts and strutted round like they owned the promenade — were already known for being violent at home.

Two out of every five of ’em! Screee! Forty-one per cent, if you like your numbers crunchy. And in some towns, it was worse than a chip famine — up to 68%! In Rotherham,

nearly half the arrested flock had already been reported to the rozzers for battering their partners. That’s not just bad behaviour — that’s like finding out your fishing boat crew have been nicking the bait before they’ve even left the harbour.

And here’s the gull-grabbing bit — some of these angry bill-bashers were marching in the name of “justice” for three little chicks in Southport. Elsie, Bebe, Alice — sweet little hatchlings whose lives were stolen. Yet some of the so-called protectors had already been pecking and clawing the hens in their own nests. Kraaaawk! You couldn’t make it up.

But your old pal Stephen’s got good eyes — I’ve seen this pattern

from the sky before. Humans did a big study back in 2021 and found the same thing with terrorist types. Nearly four in ten had a history of domestic abuse. And that’s just the ones they know about. A lot of victims don’t squawk to the police because they know nothing will happen — and sadly, they’re right. Less than a quarter of the riot lads with abuse reports ever got charged. That’s like seeing a gull steal your chips and just shrugging while he comes back for your ice cream.

And when a violent rooster realises he can get away with it? Ohhh, wingy boy goes strutting. He puffs his feathers, stretches his wings, and starts pecking at anything that moves.

Soon it’s not just the missus — it’s the neighbours, the coppers, the bloke in the kebab queue. Give a gull the run of the bins and he’ll be in your living room before you know it.

You’ve seen it before. Wayne Couzens — the human copper who murdered Sarah Everard — had been flashing his worm before, but nothing happened. Or Abdul Ezedi — exposed himself, did a sex attack, then went on to chuck acid in a woman’s face. Same pattern, different feathers. But noooo, the human justice system still treats domestic abuse like it’s just two pigeons squabbling over a chip. “Private matter.” “Bit of a tiff.” Raaark! No it flaming well isn’t. It’s a massive red-beaked warning sign that says: This bird will attack again. And here’s the part the humans don’t seem to grasp — once a nasty beak gets away with hurting someone close to him, he learns a dangerous lesson: “I can get away with this.” That’s when he stops pecking in the nest and starts flapping into the open, looking for new prey. Sometimes it’s strangers, sometimes it’s big public “causes” that give him an excuse to cause chaos. But underneath? Same bird, same beak, same temper.

If I were running the rookery, I’d have a domestic abuser register — same as the sex offenders list. Keep tabs on the nasty beaks. Make sure they don’t just wander off into the next flock, pretending to be one of the good gulls. Stop ’em before they turn a home-nest squabble into a full-on street riot. Because trust me, if a gull’s dangerous in the nest, he’s dangerous at the pier, the chip shop, the bus stop, and anywhere else he fancies a scrap. Last summer’s flames didn’t start on the high street — they started behind closed doors, in living rooms, with the curtains drawn.

And by the time you land-lovers notice? Kraaaawk! The chips are gone, the bins are empty, the gull’s flown off with your pasty, and the feathers are still drifting down in the breeze.

Animal lovers in Wales invited to honour past pets

The RSPCA is calling on animal lovers in Wales to honour beloved pets who have passed, by planning their own ‘Walk to Remember’ on National Pet Memorial dayas more than one quarter of owners admit struggling to memorialise a lost companion.

The special event in September offers a meaningful way to celebrate the profound impact people’s pets have had on their lives, while raising funds to support the vital work of the RSPCA - who rehome thousands of animals to new homes every single year.

Among those already signed up to take part is Jeanette Sinnott from Llantwit Major, in The Vale of Glamorgan, remembering her

dog Saif (pictured.)

‘Walk to Remember’ - a brand new virtual event for the charity, encourages animal lovers to plan their own walk to coincide with National Pet Memorial Day (Sunday, 14th September 2025) inviting loved ones to join them in memory of their beloved lost pets – whether they be a dog, cat, rat, lizard, or any other animal companion.

Pets are an integral part of British households, with the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association survey in 2024 estimating that 17.2 million households (60%) own one of the UK’s 36 million pets.

And with six in ten UK households owning a pet, a survey carried out by the RSPCA found that a majority of people (99%) stated them to be ‘part of the family’ and 60.3% stated them to be ‘my best friend.’

But one in four people (26.2%) said they struggled to find a way to memorialise or mark the loss of their pet - and the RSPCA hopes ‘Walk to Remember’ can help.

Participants are encouraged to sign up, walk five miles, and pledge to raise £100 in honour of their pet. Upon signing up, an event pack including an RSPCA T-shirt will be provided to help with setting up the walk. Whether

walking with loved ones, hosting for your local community or in peaceful solitude, participants can complete their memorial walk in any way they choose.

Jeanette Sinnott who is walking in memory of her dog, Safi, shared her powerful motivation: “Even though she was 16 when she passed away, losing Safi was incredibly difficult. I have several pets which seemed to go by unnoticed or acknowledged by others, and I still feel bereft from their passing. I love and miss them all so I wanted to mark the occasion with something tangible.

“Safi was a special girl, so loyal and loving and she got me through life’s ups and downs, so I will be walking a five mile round trip from Penally to Tenby via the beach - which was Safi’s last holiday - with my husband John and our three sighthounds Mali, Dave and Bob.”

Participants can share their fundraising page to gather support, track their walk using Strava, and connect with others planning walks on a dedicated RSPCA Facebook Group, which provides a platform to share their pet’s story and share walk routes/ ideas.

Olivia Williams, Mass Participation Manager at the

RSPCA said: “Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family. The grief is real, yet many people feel they have to carry it quietly, unsupported. Walk to Remember is our response to this need for greater understanding and support – a gentle invitation to remember your pet, and to connect with others who understand.

“We’re delighted that many people have already signed up to take part. Those who sign up will receive a welcome pack including an event flyer and tshirt, and those who raise just £1 will receive a personalised commemorative key ring. Anyone who raises more than £75 will receive an in memory travel mug too.

“All funds raised from the ‘Walk to Remember’ will go directly towards the rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming or release of thousands of animals that the RSPCA helps every year, so we hope to see many more people honour their beloved pets and create a tribute in their name.”

To sign up for the RSPCA’s ‘Walk to Remember’ and for more information, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/ getinvolved/fundraise/trekking/ walktoremember.

Council apprenticeship scheme receives unprecedented interest

CARMARTHENSHIRE

COUNTY COUNCIL has received unprecedented interest during its recent apprenticeship recruitment drive, with 341 applications received for 20 vacancies.

The scheme included position in a wide variety of Council departments including Human Resources, Fleet (workshop), Finance, Libraries, Policy, Flood and Coastal Data Support, Translation, Catering and Business Support and more.

Successful candidates will also be supported along their Welsh language journey, with all of posts requiring candidates to be able to use conversational Welsh or be willing to learn during their apprenticeship, with targeted support. Specific roles working with Digital Learning, Policy and Translation will provide the opportunity for Welsh speakers to begin their career using their advanced Welsh language skills on a daily basis.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Apprenticeship Programme has been developed to offer comprehensive on the job training, mentorship and career development opportunities. It aims to equip people with the essential skills and experience needed to excel in their chosen fields and contribute positively to their team, the Council and the

wider community.

Cllr Philip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce said: “The tremendous interest we have received for our apprenticeship scheme shows the appetite here in Carmarthenshire for young people to embark on a career with an organisation that delivers frontline services.

TAvERNSPITE ANd TEMPLETON SCHOOLS

RECOgNISEd BY HYWEL

ddA UNIvERSITY HEALTH BOARd

HYWEL ddA UNIvERSITY

HEALTH BOARd has praised the outstanding efforts of pupils at Tavernspite and Templeton schools, who are pioneering a whole-school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing.

Earlier this year, Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, visited the schools and was given a tour by pupils showcasing a wide range of initiatives aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of the entire school community.

As part of their ongoing commitment to becoming Health Promoting Schools, children presented their approach to wellbeing, highlighting activities that foster healthy habits

“These posts also show the Council’s commitment fostering a bilingual environment where the Welsh language is not only preserved but celebrated and I look forward to seeing the successful candidates flourish in their roles,”

The apprenticeship opportunities align with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Corporate Strategy and highlight its commitment to the development of the county’s residents, with a clear focus on creating a thriving, inclusive and prosperous community. The scheme also outlines the Council’s ambition to foster a nurturing environment where people can access education, training and employment opportunities that enable them to realise their full potential.

For more information on job opportunities at Carmarthenshire County Council, please visit the Council’s website.

Pembrokeshire

first in the UK to be recognised as official “parkrun schools,” a testament to their dedication to encouraging active lifestyles among pupils.

Head teacher Kevin Phelps said:

“Being a health promoting school is the most important work we do. As a federation, we believe deeply in supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of our staff, pupils, and wider school families.

The many innovative practices we’ve adopted – from TEaM, our emotional wellbeing programme, to the Daily Mile, Smartphone-Free Childhood and parkrun – have already made a significant and positive difference to the health of our community.”Dr Ardiana Gjini added:

“Schools are vital settings for promoting and protecting health and wellbeing. Tavernspite and Templeton have shown what’s possible when health and education work hand-in-hand.”

including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, personal safety, environmental responsibility, good hygiene, and positive social relationships.

The schools have also created a joint initiative known as TEaM – Tavernspite/Templeton Emotional and Mental Wellbeing. This pupil-led group plays a key role in ensuring that emotional and mental health remains central to school life. Notably, the schools are the

Hywel Dda University Health Board has supported the schools for more than a decade, providing training, resources, and guidance as part of their health promotion journey.

To learn more about the Whole School Approach to Emotional and Mental Wellbeing, visit: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ healthcare/services-and-teams/ staying-healthy/children-andyoung-people/

Mandate for Future Farmers launched at Royal Welsh Show

A MAJOR new report by the farmers’ Union of Wales has laid out a clear path for ensuring the future of farming in Wales — and it starts with empowering the next generation.

The report, A Mandate for Future Farmers, will be launched at the FUW Pavilion on Tuesday (Jul 22) during the Royal Welsh Show. It sets out nearly 40 recommendations for the Welsh Government, UK Government and the wider agricultural sector, aimed at breaking down the barriers faced by new and young entrants to farming.

FUW President Ian Rickman described the document as “a blueprint for a resilient and thriving future for Welsh farming,” adding that the Union was determined

to keep the heart of rural Wales beating for generations to come.

Among the key concerns raised in the report are the ageing farming population and dwindling opportunities for young people to enter the sector. The median age of Wales’ main farm decisionmakers is now 61, with just 3% of heads of holding under 35.

Barriers to entry highlighted Access to land and finance remains a major hurdle, with new entrants facing soaring land prices, low incomes, and inconsistent cash flow. This makes it difficult to secure loans or rental agreements. The report also points to growing competition for land from carbon investors, tree planting schemes, charities, government bodies and renewable energy developers.

Short-term farm tenancies and the shrinking pool of councilowned farms are adding to the challenge. The average Farm Business Tenancy term remains just over three years, with 80% of new agreements lasting five years or less. Meanwhile, the amount of county council farmland in Wales has fallen by 25% in the past decade.

Lack of succession planning is another issue, with one in five farmers saying they have no intention of retiring.

Clear calls to government and industry

To address these challenges, the FUW is calling on the Welsh Government to:

• Prioritise new entrants in its Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)

• Offer quarterly SFS payments to ease cash flow

• Introduce a loan or guarantor scheme via the Development Bank of Wales

• Reinstate the Agri Academy Rural Leadership Programme

• Support joint landlord-tenant SFS applications

• Back young farmer networking and mentoring initiatives

The Union also urges the UK Government to reconsider proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), arguing

that farming assets should be exempt from inheritance tax if passed on to the next generation. It supports implementing the 2022 Rock Review’s recommendations to encourage longer farm tenancies based on productivity.

Existing landowners are encouraged to offer opportunities to new entrants through long-term tenancies, share farming, contract farming, and joint ventures. The report also suggests local support schemes, such as lending machinery, leasing livestock, and mentoring through Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Real voices, real change

The report will be presented by FUW Policy Officer Teleri Fielden, herself a new entrant to the industry. She will be joined by three members of the Union’s Younger Voice for Farming Committee, who will share their experiences. Representatives from Wales YFC and Farming Connect will also attend.

Ms Fielden said: “The future of Welsh agriculture hinges on our ability to support and empower the next generation. This report is a call to action. We must remove the barriers and invest in the talent that will safeguard our food supply and our rural communities.”

The launch event takes place at 11:15am on Tuesday at the FUW Pavilion. A drinks reception and buffet will follow.

Six young farmers to travel the world thanks to Gareth Raw Rees Scholarship

SIX young farmers from across Wales have been awarded travel scholarships to help broaden their agricultural knowledge, with Haverfordwest’s Rebecca John among those selected for the prestigious gareth Raw Rees Memorial Travel Scholarship 2025.

Administered by NFU Cymru and supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, the scholarship honours the memory of Gareth Raw Rees, a long-serving member of the NFU Council and passionate advocate for agricultural education through travel. A total of £4,450 was awarded this year.

The 2025 scholarships were presented at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday (July 22) by NFU Mutual Chairman Jim McLaren.

HAvERfORdWEST YOUNg fARMER BOUNd fOR NEW ZEALANd

Rebecca John, 25, from Haverfordwest, received £1,000 to support her travel plans to New Zealand. Having grown up on her family’s farm, Rebecca now runs her own herd of pedigree Holsteins and is actively involved in day-to-day farming activities, including milking, calfrearing, and tractor work. In addition, she works as a relief milker on two local farms.

Rebecca has already secured a

role on a New Zealand dairy farm, where she hopes to gain handson experience with a different dairy system and bring fresh insights back to Pembrokeshire.

“This opportunity allows me to learn new techniques and compare systems, which I believe will benefit my herd and the farms I work on,” she said.

Main award goes to Bridgend’s Rowan Gear

The main award of £1,500—the highest amount ever granted through

the fund—went to Rowan Gear of Bridgend, who works on a 3,500-acre arable and sheep farm. Rowan aims to learn from New Zealand’s approaches to animal husbandry and sheep management.

Other recipients included Elin Rattray (Aberystwyth), Oliver Jones (Raglan), Rhun Crimes (Llanbedr Pont Steffan), and Bethan Jones (Crickhowell), each receiving between £400 and £700 to support agricultural learning journeys across the globe.

A spokesperson for NFU Cymru said: “These scholarships embody Gareth Raw Rees’ belief that travel is a vital part of education. Each of these young farmers has demonstrated passion and commitment, and we are confident they will return with knowledge that strengthens Welsh agriculture.”

NfU CYMRU PRAISEd THE SCHOLARS

Helping farmers tackle major parasitic disease in livestock

IMPROvEd guidance and practical tools are required to help farmers to sustainably tackle the major problem of liver fluke infections in livestock, according to new research.

Scientists at Aberystwyth University have spoken in depth to farmers across Wales and say their early findings show there is a lot of uncertainty around managing this parasitic disease which affects the majority of sheep flocks and cattle herds in the UK.

Infections are believed to cost the UK livestock industry up to £300 million a year in reduced productivity levels, increasing mortality rates and veterinary costs.

In addition, there is growing resistance to the drugs used to treat the disease while changes in the climate are creating more favourable conditions where the parasite can thrive.

As part of a threeyear project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), researchers are developing new methods of controlling more effectively the parasitic worm which causes liver fluke.

They are pioneering the use of environmental DNA techniques to accurately detect the presence on farmland of mud snails which acts as an intermediate host between the parasite and livestock.

They are also carrying out close analysis of soil conditions on the farm to identify where the mud snail is most likely to live and thrive.

Principal Investigator Dr Rhys Aled Jones, from the University’s Department of Life

Sciences, outlines the potential benefits of the research:

“Our aim is to develop sustainable, innovative strategies and provide farmers with better guidance and practical tools so they are better supported in their efforts to control liver fluke, which has become such a major problem on farms across Wales and the rest of the UK.

“If our research can help to control this parasite more effectively, there will be economic benefits through improved productivity as well as environmental benefits.

Liver fluke is a harmful infection so there will be benefits too in terms of animal welfare and ensuring animals are healthy is one of the most effective ways of mitigating the environmental impact of livestock production systems.”

As part of the FlukeMAP project, launched in 2023, the University’s parasitologists and veterinary scientists have been working closely with 16 sheep farmers from across Wales. Their extensive research has included carrying out in-depth interviews with the farmers, conducting comprehensive surveys assessing infection risks across farmland and monitoring infection levels in grazing sheep.

Several common themes have already emerged from analysis of the interviews and data gathered as part of the project, as Dr Gwen Rees from the Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science explains:

“Liver fluke is a complicated disease, and the advice available to farmers from vets and industry is mixed and sometimes conflicting. Not

surprisingly perhaps, we found there was a lot of uncertainty, with farmers often unsure about how to diagnose, when best to treat, where might be risky for infection and whether they had a fluke problem or not.

“As a result of their uncertainty around disease risk and how best to manage it, farmers often reported needing to use flukicides as a precautionary measure, but this can lead to flukicide resistance as well as medicine residues in the environment.”

Surveys assessing infection risk areas on farms further highlighted areas of uncertainty as Dr Rhys Aled Jones explains:

“Liver fluke risk is typically associated with wet condition. However, the timing and duration of these wet conditions are critical in determining infection risk. Our research also found strong links between soil characteristics, particularly pH and organic matter and the presence of the intermediate mud snail host which transmits liver fluke. These factors were rarely considered by farmers when assessing risk on land and this highlights a clear opportunity for improved guidance to support more accurate risk assessments.

“Accurately identifying fluke risk areas on farms can support more sustainable control strategies. These include optimising the use of diagnostic tests and treatments, and implementing targeted land and grazing management practices to reduce the likelihood of infection.”

Researchers are sharing their latest findings with an audience of farmers and industry representatives at the Royal Welsh showground on Wednesday 23 July).

Funded by the BBSRC and Aberystwyth University, FlukeMAP is a collaborative research project which brings together key partners including Farming Connect, the Welsh Veterinary Science Centre, the Farmers Union of Wales and Ridgeway Research.

Further information about the project is available on the University’s website: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/rbi/ research/research-in-action/ helping-farmers-to-fight-liverfluke/

THIS year’s Royal Welsh Show was a resounding success once again for the fUW group.

The Pavilion was a hive of activity throughout the week, welcoming members, the public, politicians and policymakers to discuss the many changes and challenges facing Welsh agriculture.

A key highlight of the week was the launch of the Union’s ‘A Mandate for Future Farmers’ report, outlining the FUW’s vision for increasing opportunities for young farmers and new entrants in Wales. A well-attended launch, chaired by the FUW’s Policy Officer, Teleri Fielden, gave 3 young farmers an opportunity to share their own experiences of farming. Meanwhile representatives from Farming Connect and Wales YFC also gave further insight into some of the opportunities and challenges facing new entrants and young farmers.

As the dust continues to settle following the launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, Monday saw a jam-packed seminar on the subject, providing members and the public with the opportunity to question the Welsh Government on elements of the SFS, and what it means for their own businesses.

Wednesday morning also provided an opportunity to delve into the Welsh Government’s new Ffermio Bro agrienvironment scheme, exploring its potential to support farmers within Wales’ National Parks and Designated Landscapes.

Beyond policy discussions the week also provided

an opportunity for celebration, with the FUW marking its 70th birthday. A panel discussion was held on Wednesday to mark the occasion, bringing together Glyn Roberts, Huw Jones, Ann Davies MP and Tom Jones. Chaired by Dei Tomos, this provided the panellists and the audience with the opportunity to reminisce and reflect on seventy years of the FUW.

Throughout the week the FUW Presidential team and policy officers met with a wide range of politicians from all political parties, ensuring the voice and concerns of members were heard loud and clear. These included First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS, Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca Davies MS, UK Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, Dame Nia Griffith MP, and several Plaid Cymru MPs and MS’. As well as responding to a steady stream of interview bids from the media on everything from the SFS to Agricultural Property Relief, mental health to the India Trade Deal, there was also an opportunity for some entertainment too, with Bwncath’s Tuesday night gig a sell-out once again. A successful Presidential Reception was also held, rewarding Glyn Roberts, John Owen and Alun Elidyr for their huge contributions to Welsh agriculture.

Thanks to everyone who called by our pavilion this year, and made the Show a resounding success once again. We look forward to continuing our stream of county shows across Wales over the coming weeks.

Suzuki introduces Ohme as its home EV charging partner

Suzuki has chosen Ohme as its new and exclusive home Ev charging partner with the arrival to its dealerships of the new e Vitara – its first electric car.

The partnership will see Suzuki recommend Ohme chargers to customers who need a home charging solution. Ohme chargers will be available to view in Suzuki dealers, with Ohme providing a full solution including the charger and installation as well as dealer training and support. Ohme is the UK’s largest

vOLvO Car UK fully supports the government’s Electric Car grant announcement as a vital step forward in the nation’s journey toward a more sustainable future. While volvo is currently engaged with the government to check eligibility, this selffunded grant reflects our commitment to delivering electric driving that is both practical and progressive.

The grant can be applied to any new model of the Volvo EX30, Volvo’s smallest-ever fully electric SUV. Designed with both safety and sustainability in mind, the EX30 is built using recycled materials and boasts the lowest CO2 footprint of any Volvo to date, thanks to its innovative pure-electric platform.

home EV charging company and the fastest growing EV charging company in Europe.

“As Suzuki’s first ever electric car, the introduction of e Vitara will be crucial for us in the UK and our partnership with Ohme will play an important part in that car’s success,” said David Kateley, Director of Automobile from Suzuki GB PLC. “Ohme’s cutting edge technology will help to lower running costs for owners, while their commitment to customer service makes them an ideal match for us improving

the ownership experience of the e Vitara still further.”

David Watson, CEO of Ohme said: “I’m delighted to announce this new collaboration with Suzuki. With Suzuki’s expertise in the four-wheel drive market, the e Vitara is a great choice for those wanting to combine 4x4 technology with electric motoring. We’re looking forward to introducing Suzuki’s customers to the benefits of dynamic charging and supporting its dealer network.”

The new Suzuki e Vitara

will be offered with the choice of two battery options, 49kWh and 61kWh and will include a warranty of up to 10 years/ 100,000 miles with a battery warranty included.

Ohme’s dynamic EV chargers use live data from the grid and are compatible with the UK’s best and most affordable energy tariffs. Ohme chargers automatically adjust to optimise the cost of charging and accessing all the times of the smartest, greenest and lowest cost energy tariffs as well as featuring a solar boost function reducing reliance on the grid.

Fully-charging a Suzuki e Vitara with an 61kWh battery using an Ohme charger on a dynamic EV tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go*, could cost just £4.27 (based on its 264 mile WLTP range). Ohme also offers drivers the option to charge their car when renewable energy generation on the national grid is at its highest, further lowering their CO2 impact.

Ohme is the official charger provider for Motability Operations, the largest fleet operator in the UK and has just won two awards from Business Motoring for Best Electric Charging Point Provider and Best Electric Van Charging Point Provider.

For more information go to: www.ohme-ev.com

Rob Deane, Commercial Director, Volvo Car UK commented: “It is fantastic to see a strong surge in media attention and customer demand towards EV ownership since the Government’s announcement. The multi award-winning Volvo EX30 is a fantastic product, which doesn’t compromise between

1.2

2.0

BYD celebrates 13 millionth New Energy Vehicle

THE commitment of BYd to switch its entire model strategy across multiple brands to solely electrified powertrains (New Energy vehicles are defined as pure electric or Super Hybrid with dM Technology) continues to resonate with ever-increasing numbers of consumers seeking greener technologies worldwide. As a result, the step from 10 million NEvs to 13 million NEvs took around eight months. for context,

it took BYd 13 years to build its first million NEvs.

In the first half of 2025, BYD sold a total of 2,145,954 new energy passenger vehicles globally, further cementing its position as the world’s top-selling NEV brand. Of these, 470,086 passenger vehicles and pick-up trucks were sold in overseas markets, with year-on-year growth of 128.5% demonstrating BYD’s growing international footprint.

The model that rolled off the

production line to create the 13 millionth NEV milestone, the YANGWANG U7, is now being delivered to customers across China. The U7 is equipped with groundbreaking technologies including the DiSus-Z (Yunnian-Z) intelligent body control system, the e platform, a horizontally opposed motor, and rear-wheel steering. These advanced features deliver exceptional performance, outstanding vehicle stability, ultra-responsive handling, and superior safety, offering

drivers a new level of driving control and comfort.

YANGWANG is BYD’s high-end luxury sub-brand, and it continues to make progress in its market segments. Since its launch, YANGWANG has attracted strong attention from media and customers alike, and its cumulative deliveries have now surpassed 10,000 units.

Founded in 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) is the only NEV producer to have developed its own power systems, power batteries, automotive semiconductors, motors and motor controller systems. BYD recently became the first auto maker in the world to reach the production milestone of 13 million NEVs – a groundbreaking figure that is testament to the company’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development. As the global green tech leader, BYD employs over 120,000 engineers and technicians, and it applies for more than 40 new patents every working day.

BYD introduced the gamechanging Blade Battery in 2020. The flat, rectangular design of the Blade Battery ensures better cooling and preheating, and the fully cobaltfree lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry successfully passed a puncture test designed to simulate internal short circuits caused by sharp objects penetrating the battery during a severe traffic accident. During the test, the battery’s temperature ranged from 30-60 °C, and no smoke or flames were emitted. Blade Batteries can also withstand more than 5,000 charge and discharge cycles.

New CRWST café opens in Haverfordwest

A POPULAR West Wales café brand has opened a new branch in the heart of Haverfordwest.

CRWST, known for its awardwinning premises in Cardigan and at Poppit Sands, has now opened on Quay Street, bringing its signature selection of pastries, brunch dishes and speciality coffee to the county town.

Castle Ward councillor Thomas Tudor visited the new business this week to welcome them to the area.

Speaking after the visit, Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to welcome CRWST to Quay Street. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and I’m sure this new addition will be a big hit with both locals and visitors alike.”

The Herald understands the new CRWST site will also offer a range of retail items including the brand’s popular caramel sauces, caramels, granola and hot chocolate bombs, which will be available in-store or to order online.

The move is the latest in a string of new independent businesses choosing to open in Haverfordwest’s historic town centre.

Family-run care home in Llanybydder changes hands after three decades

A WELL-REgARdEd care home in Llanybydder has been sold for the first time since the 1990s, following the retirement of its long-standing owners.

Maes-Y-Felin Care Home, which provides care for up to 19 residents, has been a familiar fixture in the West Wales town for more than thirty years. The home occupies a detached property just off the A475, surrounded by well-kept gardens and set back from the road via a private drive.

The business has been owned and operated by Nalini Parmar and Katherine Bray since the 1990s. They made the decision to sell in order to retire, entrusting the future of the home to new custodians through a confidential sales process handled by Christie & Co.

The new owners are Stuart Samuel, Lauren SamuelWrightson, and Lee Samuel-

Wrightson — a family group with strong ties to the care sector. Lauren previously ran Llysgwyn House in Swansea and brings a wealth of experience to the new venture.

The family said they were “absolutely delighted” to be taking over Maes-Y-Felin and spoke of the warmth and sense of family they felt during their first visit to the home. They added that they are committed to continuing the home’s reputation as a family-run care home built on compassion and dedication.

Oliver McCarthy, Director of Care at Christie & Co, said he was pleased to have helped find new owners who could continue the legacy established by Nalini and Katherine. He wished the new proprietors every success in the years ahead.

The care home was sold on a freehold basis for an undisclosed sum.

Glass manufacturer has clear vision for future

A gLASS manufacturer based in Boncath, Pembrokeshire, is future-proofing its operations by purchasing new state-of-the-art machinery to boost productivity and efficiency, as it aims to double turnover in the next 12 months.

Derw Glass has invested in a new spacer machine which produces energy-efficient double-glazed windows by placing a special nonmetal spacer between two panes of glass. The technology is helping the manufacturer deliver a product that offers customers better insulation for heat and noise. It is 950 times less conductive than a standard aluminium spacer, meaning around 80% less energy is lost through windows once installed in customers’ homes. It also significantly cuts down condensation.

Funded by a seven-figure investment from Lloyds, the machine is set to make the business’ production process faster and simpler, decreasing energy consumption by 10% a month. It will also reduce the need for human input, meaning staff can be upskilled in other areas of the company, such as in computer-aided manufacturing and in the business’ specials department – which produces bespoke products for customers.

The purchase is the latest in Derw Glass’ determined drive to upgrade machinery for maximum efficiency. For instance, the business recently bought a new tempering furnace for glass production, the most energy efficient glass furnace on the market, which uses intelligent technology to optimise results. And, just last year, the firm secured a £680,000 asset finance package from Lloyds

to buy a glass and lam laser cutting machine that increased its production capability by more than 30%.

The family-owned company was founded by husband-and-wife team Julian and Noela Palmer in 1991 and has since grown into one of the largest employers in the local Pembrokeshire manufacturing sector.

During the past few years, the duo has continued to expand Derw Glass’ glass processing, decorative and double-glazing product offering across Wales and England.

Noela Palmer, director at Derw Glass, said: “Investment in Derw

Glass’ manufacturing line has been non-stop over the past three years, but ultimately, we’re very proud to now be in a position where we’ve built a business that is primed for the future. And our full stock of cuttingedge machinery doesn’t just stand our production line in good stead for the next 20-years, it means our customers are getting products that are top-of-the range and allow them to make green improvements at home – a demand we’re increasingly seeing.

“This new machinery makes the spacing process much more efficient,

which frees up resource so we can train our staff in a wide range of skills across the business, making their dayto-day work even more enriching.”

Adam Russell, Associate Director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Derw Glass is a brilliant example of a business that’s not only scaling up but doing so with a clear focus on sustainability and workforce development. This latest investment in cutting-edge machinery will help the team boost productivity, reduce energy use, and create opportunities to upskill staff – laying strong foundations for long-term growth. We’re proud to support their journey.”

New chapter begins at historic Hotel Mariners in Haverfordwest

HAvERfORdWEST’S landmark Hotel Mariners is entering a new era with the arrival of new proprietor and manager, Mr Tony Coughlan.

County Councillor for Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, visited the hotel recently to meet Mr Coughlan and extend a warm welcome on behalf of the community. He praised the continued commitment to hospitality at the long-established venue, which remains a key part of the town’s heritage.

“Nestled in the heart of Haverfordwest, the Hotel Mariners has long been a fixture of the local community,” said Cllr Tudor. “It’s encouraging to see it in safe hands and continuing to provide a welcoming place for both residents and visitors.”

While the hotel’s façade proudly declares it was established in 1625, the earliest documented mention of the

Mariners dates back to 1729. According to local lore, a fox being chased during a hunt by Squire Bowen of Camrose gave hounds the slip by darting across the hotel’s roof — a fitting anecdote for a building steeped in Pembrokeshire history.

The Hotel Mariners is a Grade II listed Georgian coaching inn, recognised for its architectural significance. Despite changes to the frontage in the early 20th century — including cement rendering and updated signage — the hotel retains many of its traditional features such as exposed beams and oak finishes.

The Mariners has been a central hub in Haverfordwest for centuries, hosting events, celebrations and gatherings for locals and guests alike. With Mr Coughlan now at the helm, the future looks bright for one of the town’s bestloved venues.

hCare providers urged to improve risk management

CARE providers in Pembrokeshire are being urged to strengthen their risk management practices as they face increasing operational and financial pressures.

Ansvar Insurance, a leading specialist in the care sector, has warned that without proactive steps, services across the county could struggle to cope with a combination of rising demand, regulatory complexity and evolving risks.

The call comes as new data from the Welsh Government reveals that 2,226 adults in Pembrokeshire were receiving

care and support at the end of March 2024 — a 3.5% rise compared to the same time the previous year.

Meanwhile, the sector continues to grapple with a shortage of staff. Although vacancy rates in Wales have slightly improved — dropping from 9% in 2022 to around 6% in early 2025 — providers are bracing for further recruitment challenges as UK immigration changes restrict the hiring of overseas care workers.

David Eccles, Head of Distribution at Ansvar, said: “The care sector is facing both operational and financial

challenges. While the new Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 may bring benefits in the long term, care providers in Pembrokeshire need to take action now to manage the growing risks.”

Alongside staffing pressures, cyber security has become a major concern. With increasing reliance on digital systems, providers are more exposed to data breaches, which can carry significant financial and reputational damage. Across the UK, care providers who reported at least one cyber incident in the past three years faced average costs of £9,528

per breach.

Health and safety obligations, personal accident risk, public liability exposure, and complex compliance requirements also continue to stretch provider capacity.

Eccles added: “There’s no doubt that care providers across Pembrokeshire deliver vital support to the most vulnerable. But in today’s climate, they must review their risk management strategies, invest in staff development, enhance cyber protection, and ensure they have the right insurance cover in place to meet the specific needs of the sector.”

Hywel Dda pledges to end new HIV transmissions by 2030

HYWEL ddA University Health Board has formally pledged to become a fast Track Region, launching fast Track West Wales — a regional commitment to end new HIv transmissions by 2030 and reduce stigma across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.

The pledge was signed by Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Executive Director of Public Health Dr Ardiana Gjini, and Sexual Health Consultant Dr Adam Tyler. By joining the global Fast Track Cities initiative, Hywel Dda UHB becomes part of an international and Welsh network of cities and regions working to eliminate new HIV transmissions. The approach centres on expanding testing, prevention, treatment, and access to support services, while also tackling longstanding stigma.

Dr Ardiana Gjini said the move

marked a significant step forward for public health in West Wales.

“Becoming a Fast Track Region represents a powerful commitment to our communities,” she said. “Fast Track West Wales is not only about ending new HIV transmissions — it’s about challenging stigma and ensuring dignity for those living with HIV.

“HIV has long been associated with LGBTQIA+ communities, but it’s essential to understand that HIV does not discriminate. Anyone can be affected. Our upcoming campaigns will focus on broadening public understanding and fostering greater compassion.”

Fast Track West Wales is part of Fast Track Cymru, a national programme bringing together health boards, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and individuals with lived experience. The initiative aims to ensure equity, access, and education, so that no one is left behind.

Welsh Government sets out urgent NHS reforms – but challenges remain

THE WELSH gOvERNMENT has announced a package of reforms aimed at driving up NHS performance, cutting waiting times and preparing the health service for future pressures.

In a letter to the chairs and chief executives of all NHS organisations, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS, outlined his Priority Delivery Actions for Better Health and Care 2025/26.

The plan includes tackling long waiting lists, reducing delayed hospital discharges, expanding services closer to home, and strengthening digital systems and leadership. Ministers also want more regional working across health board boundaries to improve efficiency.

Mr Miles said: “Our NHS is at a turning point – the next 12 months are crucial for the longer-term sustainability of our services. We must act now. This means doing more to prevent ill health, strengthening NHS leadership, and making full use of our digital infrastructure.”

However, the reforms come at a time when NHS Wales faces unprecedented pressures. Waiting times remain at record levels in some areas, staff shortages are affecting hospitals and GP surgeries, and winter pressures are now stretching further into the year. Health unions warn that without significant investment in frontline staffing, digital upgrades and community-based care, ambitious targets could prove difficult to meet.

The Welsh Government says the changes reflect recommendations

from both the Ministerial Advisory Group on Accountability and the Ministerial Advisory Group on NHS Performance and Productivity. They are designed to align with the longterm vision set out in A Healthier

Wales and the NHS Wales Planning Framework 2025–28.

Mr Miles insists that, despite financial constraints, the reforms will help “change the way the NHS is run – ensuring it is ready for the

challenges ahead.” But with rising demand, tight budgets, and mounting public frustration over access to care, delivering on those promises will be a test for both ministers and health boards over the next 12 months.

Costly mistake or cultural vision gone wrong? Gilestone Farm row deepens

A CONTROvERSIAL land deal at gilestone farm has come under renewed fire following a damning Senedd committee report, prompting fierce criticism from the Welsh Conservatives and raising serious questions about governance, transparency, and the use of public money.

The 250-acre site in Talybonton-Usk was purchased by the Welsh Government for £4.25 million in March 2022 with plans to support the Green Man Festival’s expansion into Mid Wales. But a new report by the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee paints a picture of rushed decisionmaking, poor documentation, and a lack of community engagement.

RUSH TO SPENd BEfORE YEAR-ENd

The committee found that the purchase was driven by

pressure to spend budget before the financial year ended, rather than any strategic plan. The Government proceeded with the acquisition before receiving a full business case from Green Man organisers and without fully assessing environmental or planning constraints.

Key meetings went unrecorded, formal consultation was bypassed, and no competitive process was held to evaluate alternative proposals for the land. The Auditor General had previously raised red flags over the deal, citing weak internal controls and governance failures.

vALUE

PLUNgES BY HALf

A MILLION

In written responses to the Senedd, ministers have since confirmed that the site is now worth approximately £3.75 million—down £500,000 from the original purchase price,

ministers bypassed normal procedures, ignored local views, and failed to act with transparency.

The Senedd committee has now made eight formal recommendations, calling for new rules on property acquisition, better documentation, stronger audit trails, and greater involvement from communities before public money is spent on land projects.

Among their proposals is a wider inquiry into how the Welsh Government manages and invests in public land—a move likely to attract cross-party support in the wake of the Gilestone scandal.

representing a drop of more than 10 per cent in just over two years.

This devaluation has fuelled opposition claims that taxpayers have been left out of pocket by a poorly managed vanity project.

The Welsh Conservatives have labelled the farm “the most expensive publicly owned bird nest in history”—a reference to the ospreys that have since taken up residence on the land, effectively blocking any largescale development.

OSPREYS HALT fESTIvAL dREAM

Initially billed as a hub for creative industry growth—with ambitions to host events, glamping, a bakery and regenerative farming—the Gilestone plan was quickly derailed when a pair of nesting ospreys arrived in 2023. Their return this year and the successful hatching of a chick in June triggered an automatic exclusion zone around the nest, putting paid to Green Man’s expansion hopes.

The Government has since admitted that it had not factored in the environmental impact of protected species when it purchased the site.

CALLS fOR A fULL INQUIRY

James Evans MS, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire, said this week that the purchase should never have happened. He and other Conservatives argue that Labour

STILL NO CLEAR fUTURE fOR THE SITE

As it stands, Gilestone Farm remains in public ownership with no clear purpose. The Green Man team has withdrawn from its original proposal, and no replacement project has been announced. Despite the significant investment, the land cannot be developed due to ecological restrictions and remains largely dormant apart from conservation activity. The Welsh Government has said it will consider the committee’s recommendations and provide a full response in due course. In the meantime, critics say the affair highlights a deeper culture of poor oversight in Cardiff Bay and a disregard for financial prudence.

With taxpayers footing the bill, and a key development site tied up in environmental red tape, Gilestone Farm may yet become the symbol of a government too eager to spend and too slow to think.

gILESTONE fARM: KEY fACTS

• Purchased: March 2022 by Welsh Government

• Cost: £4.25 million

• Valuation loss: £500,000 as of March 2025

• Original plan: Creative industry hub for Green Man Festival

• abandoned after protected ospreys nested on site

• Status: Publicly owned, no active use

Protected species: The arrival of nesting ospreys on the farm site triggered legal restrictions that blocked all major development plans

Wales leads UK VPN surge as new porn laws spark digital backlash

Searches for virtual Private Networks (vPNs) have surged across the UK following the introduction of the Online Safety Act, as people look for ways to bypass new ageverification rules affecting a wide range of websites.

The law came into effect on Friday (July 25) and was designed to prevent under-18s from accessing harmful content online, with a particular focus on pornography. But the latest data shows the impact is being felt much more broadly.

Searches for VPNs jumped 234 percent nationwide in the week following the law’s introduction. Wales saw the biggest increase at 341 percent, followed by Scotland with a 286 percent rise, Northern Ireland at 272 percent, and England with the smallest spike at 228 percent.

While much of the public debate has focused on pornographic sites like Pornhub, which now require verified proof of age to access, the new rules extend far beyond adult content. Platforms including Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and even Wikipedia are also expected to comply with the regulations, which aim to restrict underage access to anything deemed harmful.

Companies that fail to meet the new requirements face fines of up to £18 million or 10 percent of their global revenue. In some cases, online services may simply disable features like group chat, voice messaging or content sharing to avoid falling under the scope of the Act.

Andrew Wailes, chief executive of digital identity firm PlaySafe ID, said the legislation was originally focused on pornography but has since expanded to cover almost all forms of user-to-user communication. He noted that some

gaming companies are considering removing chat functions for UK users altogether, while Wikipedia has reportedly explored limiting access to under seven million users per month to avoid triggering compliance duties.

The surge in VPN interest suggests that many users are actively seeking ways around the new restrictions, prompting renewed calls for better sex education and more open dialogue at home.

Tom and Isabelle, sexual health

experts from the educational platform Talking Kinky, said the figures highlight a gap between government policy and real-life behaviour. They urged parents to speak frankly with their children about relationships, pleasure, and consent— not just risk avoidance.

Isabelle said that traditional sex education often fails to address the emotional and pleasurable aspects of intimacy, leaving young people to search for answers elsewhere. Tom added that abstinence-only approaches are ineffective and that open, fact-based

conversations are key to supporting teenagers in making informed choices.

The Online Safety Act was passed by Parliament in 2023 and has been described by the UK Government as a vital measure to protect children online. However, critics argue that its sweeping scope could limit free expression and fundamentally change the way people access the internet.

With VPN use soaring and major websites adjusting their services, the full impact of the law may only be beginning to show.

‘Holiday’ status for Broad Havan cabin used by couple for 50 years given green light

A CALL for a timber holiday cabin at a Pembrokeshire seaside village owned by a couple for 50 years to be granted that formal designation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Graham and Lauris Ashton, through agent C2J Architects & Town Planners, sought permission for the retention of 33 Timber Hill, Broad Haven as seasonal holiday accommodation.

A supporting statement said the applicants had owned the property “located on an established family run holiday park of Canadian cedarwood lodges in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park” since 1975; the site advertised on Pembrokeshire’s official website for tourism information, visitpembrokeshire.com.

It added: “The use of the seasonal holiday cabin is restricted to nine months of the year by the site owner and detailed in the lease for the site. The cabin has been used within the

parameters of this lease for in excess of 10 years. A full year-round occupancy of the cabin is not permitted by the site owner, although there is no planning condition restricting occupancy.

“When the site was first proposed for development as a caravan site in

1969, permission was granted subject to restricted occupancy conditions. However, when the site was changed to cedar lodges, the restricted occupancy condition was omitted by the local authority in error.”

It went on to say: “In terms of the

assessment of whether the premises could properly be regarded as a permanent dwellinghouse, the cabin is a timber-built structure, unsuitable for occupancy during the winter months and does not meet the building regulation requirements for a permanent dwelling.

“The applicants seek to retain its lawful use as seasonal holiday accommodation,” adding they considered a suitably-worded condition restricting its use to seasonal-only should be attached to any permission.

It concluded: “The use of the seasonal holiday cabin would not have any land use consequences that would lead to the conclusion that a material change of use would occur. Accordingly, we conclude that in accordance with the said statutory framework, planning permission should be approved for the use of the property as proposed in this application, namely seasonal holiday accommodation.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

Below, is the 2nd and final part of the Liberal Democrat’s plans to halve energy costs by 2035. The 1st part was in last week’s Herald. You can find it on their website, social media or email me and I will send you a copy of the article.

Ed Davey commented on breaking the link between gas prices and electricity costs, saying:

“People are currently paying too much for renewable energy. But not for the reasons Nigel Farage would have you believe. Because generating electricity from solar or wind is now significantly cheaper than gas – even when you factor in extra system costs for back-up power when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.

“But people aren’t seeing the benefit of cheap renewable power, because wholesale electricity prices are still tied to the price of gas. 97% of the time in 2021, the cost of electricity was set by the price of gas.

“And what does that mean for families, pensioners and businesses? It means we’re all paying that higher gas price in our bills, even though most of the energy we’re using comes from much cheaper sources. Not only is that manifestly unfair, but it is also undermining public support for the investment we need in renewable power.

“So we have got to break the link between gas prices and electricity costs. It might be difficult, but we have to do it. We can’t afford not to. Not when the price is Nigel Farage.”

In conclusion, the Liberal Democrats have a plan to do just that, which would see energy bills cut

in half by 2035. Here’s how:

Investing in cheap, clean renewable power.

Making homes warmer and cheaper to heat with a ten-year emergency upgrade programme –starting with free insulation for those on low incomes, and ensuring that all new homes are zero-carbon.

Moving older renewable projects off expensive Renewable Obligation Certificates and onto cheaper Contracts for Difference – which were introduced by the Liberal Democrats in government. This was proposed by the UK Energy Research Centre in 2022, and three major energy sector bodies – Energy UK, RenewableUK and Solar Energy UK – have all backed these proposals.

Taking other steps to bring down the cost of energy, including:

Using new technologies to help people use energy more flexibly, at times when it’s cheaper – and pay less as a result.

Working together with the EU to trade energy more efficiently, cutting costs and reducing reliance on gas.

Extending the life of new Contracts for Difference from 15 to 25 years.

Together, our analysis shows that this plan could cut energy bills in half for a typical household: from £1,720 today to £850 in 2035.

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

Calls for ban on police pointing Tasers at children

HUMAN rights experts called for a ban on the “traumatising” use of Tasers against children by police, warning the “unacceptable” use of force runs contrary to children’s rights.

Rhian Croke, of the Children’s Legal Centre Wales, said mounting evidence shows systemic discrimination – with black, disabled and poorer children more likely to be the target.

Dr Croke expressed concerns about the UK Government potentially authorising the use, including on children, of Taser 10 – a new “more powerful” model –in the weeks ahead.

She warned of increased risks of physical harm and psychological trauma, with children describing Tasers as frightening, painful and traumatising – even when not discharged.

Nearly a quarter of recorded Taser use on children in Wales and England involved black boys aged between 11 and 17, according to a briefing for Senedd Members.

Children with mental health conditions or additional learning needs, and those from poorer backgrounds, were also found to be disproportionately affected.

In 2023, a United Nations committee called for a ban on the use of Tasers on under 18s, warning of potential breaches of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

“The decision to authorise Taser 10 will impact children in Wales,” wrote Dr Croke. “Wales can and must do better. Despite policing not being devolved, Wales is a children’s rights, trauma-informed, and anti-racist nation.”

Urging the Welsh Government to lead calls for a pause on Taser 10, Dr Croke called for a wider ban on Taser use against children or at least a strong legal presumption against.

Police in Wales and England deployed Tasers on children

on Taser 10, Dr Croke argued such assessments should be mandatory for all new policing technology.

She said: “Taser use, which includes threatening a child with a Taser, can constitute a form of state-inflicted violence, especially in cases where the child poses no serious threat.

“This is particularly concerning when used on children already traumatised by abuse, exploitation or neglect. Taser use may retraumatise children.”

Jenny Rathbone and Buffy Williams, who chair the Senedd’s equality and children’s committees respectively, were similarly concerned about the impact on children’s rights.

2,900 times last year, including five instances against children under 11, with 66 discharges – all on those aged 11 to 17.

Wales’ four police forces used Tasers on children 112 times and fired on three occasions, according to the Home Office statistics for 2023/24.

South Wales Police pulled Tasers on children the most (56 times) followed by Gwent (35, including two discharges), North Wales (12, one discharge) and Dyfed Powys (nine).

Dr Croke pointed to research showing Taser use – or the threat of it – causes significant distress, fear and trauma in children. Some children reported experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder following such an encounter with police.

One child told researchers: “I just saw the little dot there and… I just went all warm, scared. I thought I’m going to get hurt now, I’m going to get a shock in a minute. They just stunned him [his friend] and he flopped on the floor.”

In the briefing, jointly prepared with Louise King from the Children’s Rights Alliance England, Dr Croke warned Tasers also pose a major risk to children’s physical health.

The researchers wrote: “Unlike earlier models, Taser 10 barbs must embed in the skin. Children’s thinner skin and reduced body wall-to-organ distance significantly heighten the risk of deep tissue or organ injury.

“Barbs from Taser 10 are heavier, travel at higher velocity and have increased kinetic energy, increasing the likelihood of severe internal harm, including to the eyes, brain, lungs and liver. Given that children frequently wear lighter clothing, this danger is compounded.”

Warning no child rights impact assessment had been published

In a joint letter, the Labour Senedd Members wrote: “We are sufficiently alarmed at the impact… including the potential psychological and physical harm to children that these weapons can inflict, that we felt it necessary to signal our concerns immediately.”

The pair questioned how sanctioning the use of Taser 10 on children would be consistent with Welsh law which places a duty on ministers to have “due regard” to the UNCRC.

Dr Croke had pointed to a mismatch on policy between Wales and Westminster, drawing a parallel with concerns about children being strip-searched by police.

She said: “Taser use against children is a further example of how UK Government policy is contrary to Welsh Government’s commitment to the UNCRC and Welsh-specific legislation.”

Ms Rathbone and Ms Williams also echoed concerns about a lack of disaggregated data on the “disproportionate and discriminatory” use of Tasers against children in Wales.

In her response, Jane Hutt stated the Welsh Government does not want to see the use of tasers on children by police forces but responsibility remains with Westminster.

Wales’ social justice secretary said she would write to Labour colleague Diana Johnson, the UK policing minister, expressing concerns and seeking assurances.

Concluding her briefing, Dr Croke told Senedd Members: “The continued use of Tasers and the deployment of Taser 10 on children by police… if authorised, will represent a serious breach of international human rights standards and Welsh children’s rights legislation.

“The UK Government’s failure to conduct a child rights impact assessment prior to authorisation is a grave oversight that disregards its obligations under the UNCRC.”

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

Senedd seeks to cover up details of nepotism

SENEdd Members recommended concealing information about politicians giving jobs to their colleagues’ family members despite a clear conflict of interest.

When the Senedd expands to 96 members next year, politicians will be banned from giving jobs to their own family members –which has been commonplace over the past 26 years. But a loophole will remain allowing politicians to employ each other’s family.

More than 15 of the current 60 Senedd Members (25%) have employed family members, directly or indirectly, in the past and ten (16%) currently do so.

Now, the Senedd’s standards committee, which handles complaints against politicians, has suggested the names of family members be withheld from the public register of interests.

However, half of the politicians who sit on the committee that made the recommendation themselves have family members employed by colleagues at a cost to the public purse.

Labour committee chair Hannah Blythyn is married to Laura Murton who is employed by First Minister Eluned Morgan – according to the current, more open register – and Peredur Owen Griffiths’ spouse Angela has a job with his Plaid Cymru colleague Sioned Williams.

All meetings as part of an inquiry into declarations of interests were held in private, with the public and press excluded, and many of the related documents were declared secret.

Ms Blythyn and Mr Owen Griffiths did not recuse themselves nor declare an interest as the committee finalised its recommendations, according to records of latest meetings.

Their family ties were not mentioned in a 9,000-word report on the behind-closed-doors inquiry but reference was added

retrospectively after a journalist raised concerns.

The pair flagged their interests at one earlier meeting but the transcript and video showed this was not in the public declarations part at the start of nearly every committee meeting. Instead, the declaration was made in private then disclosed in brief minutes weeks later.

In the report, Ms Blythyn wrote: “The committee was mindful of the need to minimise the release of information about family members, simply for being related to an elected member.

“To that end, we agreed publishing the names of family members employed by other members on the register was an unnecessary risk to their safety.”

Details would be provided to officials but hidden from public view. The nature of the relationship would still be disclosed although the name would not.

Political parties warned of online abuse of politicians’ family members identified through the register.

Douglas Bain, the Senedd’s standards commissioner, also recommended omitting names.

Following the first review of the rules in nearly a decade, the report talks a good game on transparency – with the Welsh Parliament characterised as currently the UK’s most opaque.

Under other proposals, politicians would be forced to reveal the amount received from outside jobs – bringing the Senedd in line with parliaments elsewhere in the UK.

The committee recommended lowering the current threshold of £350 for declaring gifts, benefits and hospitality – which is higher than elsewhere in the UK – to £280.

Some Senedd Members enjoy freebies including tickets to

BLUE VIEW

With Paul davies MS

WILL there be a tourism tax in Pembrokeshire? Time will tell

concerts and sporting events.

The Senedd, alongside only the House of Lords, does not require politicians to put a price tag on perks but this would be needed for publication in future. Members would have to provide a value for overseas visits for the public register too.

Politicians with property or shares portfolios would be under a closer microscope, with similar disclosure requirements to other UK parliaments. The Senedd would also introduce a voluntary category for registrations that fall outside strict requirements.

In her foreword, Ms Blythyn said: “Registering and declaring interests is an important tenet of a parliament. It provides transparency around financial interests and material benefits held by elected members which could be thought to influence them and their conduct.”

Ms Blythyn and Mr Owen Griffiths declined to take up an opportunity to reply after concerns about a conflict of interest were put to them.

But an anonymous spokesperson for the standards committee said: “Members are required to declare any interests at the relevant part of Senedd proceedings.

“Due to an administrative error, the original version of the report mistakenly omitted the declarations of interest made by two committee members. We apologise for this error and a correct version of the report is now available on the Senedd website.

“The proposals are based on extensive evidence and consultation responses including from the standards commissioner, political parties and experts from other parliaments.

“The recommendations will now be considered by the Llywydd [speaker Elin Jones], business committee, or the Senedd as appropriate.”

Earlier this month, the highly controversial Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill was passed at the Senedd, despite fierce opposition from the Welsh Conservatives. The legislation was supported by Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and the Liberal Democrats, and marks the introduction of an operational “tourism tax” in Wales.

From April 2027, local authorities will have the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays in visitor accommodation. If councils choose to introduce the levy, it will mean a charge of £1.30 per person, per night for hotels and similar accommodation, and £0.75 per person, per night for campsites and hostels (excluding those under 18).

It’s a move that hasn’t been welcomed by the industry in Pembrokeshire. I’ve received many emails from frustrated operators who believe that this adds to the growing number of pressures that they are already facing. This levy, coupled with measures like council tax premiums, business rates and increases in national employer’s contributions are pushing some operators to consider whether it’s worth doing business at all?

Now, we know that the levy won’t be introduced in Pembrokeshire before the next council elections in May 2027. However, there are no guarantees beyond that – and if a visitor levy is implemented, I believe it will be disastrous for the local economy.

According to Visit Pembrokeshire, visits to Wales have not yet returned to pre Covid

levels. Therefore, the Welsh Government and local councils should be doing everything possible to promote Wales and encourage visitors. And so it begs the question, how does the introduction of a visitor levy possibly encourage people to stay overnight in Wales? The answer is, it doesn’t. Pembrokeshire is a popular tourism destination and I’m proud of our tourism offer. The industry is of vital importance to the local economy, with many people living in the area working in the sector. In my view, the introduction of a visitor levy or tourism tax could destabilise the industry and hurt local tourism businesses –and given the challenges that these businesses are already facing, quite frankly, I cannot see why the Welsh Government would prioritise introducing a levy.

In my view, the Welsh Government and local councils should be supporting the sector and working with businesses to help them deal with the pressures that they are already facing, instead of introducing taxes. Next year’s Senedd election is crucial because I believe the tourism industry needs a government that will work with it, not overburden it. Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats have shown that all they care about is taxing businesses – it’s only the Welsh Conservatives that will provide the sector with the support that it really needs.

Chris Haines

ICNN Senedd reporter

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

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

Aberaeron

WHEN PROFIT TRUMPS PITY

dEAR SIR,

IT has long seemed to me that British capitalism— evolved from feudalism and now embodied by modern Conservatism—has lacked any ethical foundation for the past thousand years. I fear that many who vote Tory do so not out of principle, but because they enjoy feeling superior while others struggle for shelter, stability, or dignity.

I would be glad to be proven wrong—truly. I would welcome evidence that some Conservatives possess genuine compassion or moral concern beyond their emotional reverence for oligarchic wealth. Can anyone, for instance, explain the worship of Elon Musk?

When Conservatives opposed the founding of the NHS in 1947 in defence of millionaire interests, UK politics began its decline into personality-driven theatre— pushed along by a dishonest media uninterested in principles or justice.

Money, let us remember, was invented around 5,000

years ago. Only a fool would believe it forms part of some divine order. Capitalism is not a moral system. It has no intrinsic concern for the wellbeing of children or the future of families.

Today, we see governments justify the bombing of hundreds of children as an unfortunate necessity in their pursuit of enemies. And we see Reform UK openly opposing even the modest dream—shared by Labour and the Liberal Democrats—that every family should have a home.

What hope is left, when profit trumps pity?

Name and address supplied

dEAR SIR,

After the Second World War—after six million Jews, both infants and adults, were murdered by the Nazis, and over 40 million lives lost in total—humanity glimpsed something higher. In the ashes of catastrophe, the best among us recognised the design of this universe: that 195 separate nations sharing

be justified by such madness. History has given every child the means to understand moral truth—insights handed down by the world’s great minds. We must teach them to listen.

Of course, I see corruption here at home—in the profiteering of private water firms, in NHS consultants seeking ‘a bit on the side’ from the suffering. That, some say, is just human nature.

But there are higher visions to live by. Many doctors from across the world refuse to seek profit. Instead, they risk their lives to help the starving and wounded children of Gaza. Their example stands as a beacon to the eight billion people on this planet.

one planet must unite. Thus, the United Nations was born, an institution envisioned as the paramount authority for all nations and peoples, guiding the destiny of humankind.

But since that hopeful moment, personality-driven politics, unanchored by ethical principles, has poisoned the public sphere. Right-wing ideology, in particular, has come to worship oligarchs— billionaires who have gained control of media, banking, and commerce through what can only be called systemic dishonesty. They now shape conservative thinking in their own image.

Democracy has been distorted into a bitter caricature—rule by hatefilled Brexiteers who shun international cooperation and reject shared justice. Western nations drop bombs that shatter the economies of emerging states, and in turn, reform movements at home come to despise the most vulnerable. The flame of civilisation, once lit in the minds of the young, risks being extinguished.

Yes, Hamas terrorists commit atrocities and then shield themselves behind children.

But the Israeli government’s decision to respond by bombing Arab children cannot

No British adult—be they teacher or general, bookmaker or burglar—can honestly claim exemption from the lifelong call of duty. William Wordsworth called it “stern daughter of the voice of God.”

You only get one life. Those doctors, nurses and volunteers in Gaza remind us how to use it. Learn from them. And teach your children.

Neville Westerman

Aberaeron LET US NOT LOSE SIGHT OF OUR SHARED HUMANITY

dEAR SIR,

The current war in gaza, resulting in the deaths of many Palestinians, is being justified by Israel as necessary to eliminate the brutal terrorism of Hamas. The attacks on 7 October, involving the kidnapping and murder of civilians, were crimes that defy all standards of decency — human or animal.

For many around the world, the targeting and removal of those directly responsible for those atrocities is seen as a grim but acceptable consequence of justice. However, the continued support for Hamas by some, despite the group’s heinous actions, is deeply troubling. To condone such violence is to place oneself outside the

Aberaeron

YOU ONLY GET ONE LIFE

Pic TUre oF The week!

EvENING SuNSET by bErTy barrETT

bounds of civil society.

Hamas worsens its own moral standing by embedding its fighters among civilians and children, using the innocent as shields. This strategy not only compounds their crimes but also endangers those they claim to protect.

Yet while many rightly feel anger — especially among Jews who remember the horrors inflicted by the Nazis — this cannot justify the mass killing of children. No crime, however vile, gives us the moral right to knowingly bomb the helpless.

It is a source of hope that many Jewish voices have spoken out against the actions of the Israeli government. They remember the pain of history and resist repeating its darkest chapters. My fear is that today’s horrors — like those of the past — will be used to breed hatred in future generations, amplified through media and in isolated corners of the internet.

Let us not lose sight of our shared humanity, even in times of war.

C. N. Westerman,

Aberaeron

INSANE ENERGY POLICIES

dEAR SIR,

Climate change is already hitting hard — from extreme weather to looming global food shortages. Yet this government continues to back oil, gas and coal, pouring money into expensive, outdated energy systems that cannot solve the crisis.

The science is clear: wind, solar and tidal power could meet all of the UK’s energy needs. They are becoming cheaper and more efficient every day. Instead, ministers are promoting small modular nuclear reactors, which will generate dangerous radioactive waste with no safe, permanent disposal solution.

No plan has been offered to protect these scattered reactors from modern threats such as armed drone attacks. Their uranium fuel would have to be imported — mostly from Indigenous lands in Canada, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the USA, Kazakhstan and Australia — where communities have long suffered severe health problems caused by uranium mining.

This is an energy policy that is

reckless, unethical and unsustainable. Every job and every penny invested in nuclear energy should be redirected immediately to building wind, solar, tidal and hydro systems — clean power that will genuinely secure our energy future.

Angie Zelter Aberaeron

CONNECTING

CHARITIES AND VOLUNTEERS

dEAR SIR,

Across the country, charities are working tirelessly to support their communities — and volunteers are often at the heart of that effort.

Those of us running or working in charities know how hard it has become to find the volunteers we need. It’s not that people aren’t willing — we hear daily from those who want to help. But life is busy, the sign-up process can be cumbersome, and too often the right people and the right opportunities simply don’t connect.

That’s why, thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Royal Voluntary Service is developing a free digital volunteering platform to help charities recruit and onboard volunteers more easily.

Created with input from local and national charities, the platform is designed to link volunteers of all ages and backgrounds with causes that matter to them. It will complement the excellent work already happening in communities and specialist sectors to attract volunteers.

Launching publicly this autumn, the platform will allow local people to browse volunteering opportunities and connect directly with the charities they wish to support. We are now inviting charities to sign up for free and explore how it could help them.

Whatever your cause — health, heritage, sport, animals, the environment, or something unique to your community — we want you involved. Whether someone can give an hour a week or make a long-term commitment, there will be opportunities to suit them, including flexible roles that can be done from home.

To learn more and register your charity, visit royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be inviting charities to upload their opportunities and test the system before its public launch.

From one charity to another: I hope you’ll join us. Let’s make it easier for people to find their place in volunteering — and, as always, let’s do it together.

Thank you,

Catherine Johnstone CBE

Aberaeron

BSL ACT RISKS EXCLUSION, NOT INCLUSION

dEAR SIR,

I am writing in response to recent comments in the Senedd by Mark Isherwood regarding the proposed British Sign Language (BSL) Act for Wales. As a profoundly deaf person, I must strongly oppose the Act in its current form.

Despite claims that it will improve support for deaf Welsh sign language users, the evidence suggests otherwise. According to British Deaf Association figures, only around 1% of deaf BSL users in the UK are formally qualified in the language.

RNID Cymru estimates there are around 300,000 people in Wales with hearing loss, the vast majority of whom may receive no benefit from the Act because it restricts support to those who use, or are willing to learn,

BSL. This risks excluding many deaf people who communicate through other means.

The consultation process was poorly publicised and buried on the Senedd website, leaving most of the public unaware of it. The proposed model is largely copied from similar legislation in Scotland and England, with little consideration for Welshspecific needs. In fact, Wales currently has no dedicated deaf school, no BSL curriculum, and no teacher training programme that meets both deaf community aspirations and mainstream inclusion goals.

Mr Isherwood’s approach appears to serve vested charitable interests more than deaf people themselves.

The Senedd’s own culture minister has described the Act as an unnecessary distraction from real deaf inclusion. Six of Wales’s seven health boards, and two of its three NHS trusts, still fail to offer adequate alternatives to BSL support, leaving patients without help they can actually use.

True inclusion means recognising the diversity of deaf people and the many different ways we communicate. Wales should focus on evidencebased, inclusive support that works for everyone—not a one-size-fits-all law driven by outside organisations.

Mervyn James

death notices

GEOFFREY ARTHUR DEWING

PEACEfULLY on July 14th, geoffrey, aged 87 years.

Beloved husband of Shelia, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Andrew and Rachel, and Sian, adored grandfather of James and Nia, Alexandra and Keir.

Funeral service Thursday August 14th at 1.00pm at St.Michaels Church, St.Davids, followed by interment in St. Davids Cemetery

Donations if desired for Alzheimer’s Society c/o W.G. Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 64 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU.

EVELYN LEWIS

THE death occurred peacefully on Thursday 10th July 2025 at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby of Mrs Evelyn Lewis, aged 81 years of Rushylake, Saundersfoot.

Evelyn was a devoted wife to Leonard, a loving and supportive mother to Philip and Justin and mother-in-law to Emma, a proud mamgu to Tom and Amy, and a cherished sister, sister-inlaw, aunty and friend.

Evelyn was passionate about supporting Leonard build Tenby Ford as a successful family business over 31 years and about being a proud and longstanding member of Saundersfoot Inner Wheel Club and Art Group.

The funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday, 8th August 2025 at 11.30am.

There will be family flowers only, but, if desired, donations in lieu for The Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent c/o E.C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH. Tel. 01834 831876 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk.

CHRISTINE ANNE MATHIASS

CHRISTINE Anne Mathias, of North Quay Court, Pembroke and formerly of Lawrenny Road, Cresselly passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on 17th. July following a short illness.

An English Teacher and Librarian of Pembroke Comprehensive School, Bush, for 25 years, she retired in 1995.

She was the widow of Victor Howell Mathias and leaves to mourn her partner, David; daughters, Fay and Gaynor; sons-in-law, Iain and Jef; and grandchildren, Lucy, Megan, Owen, Ben and Lauren.

The funeral will take place on Friday 8th. August with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 4.00.p.m.

This will be followed by a reception at The Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu to provide a Memorial Bench at Ashdale Care Home may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, who are carrying out the arrangements.

KATHLEEN MARY HINE

KATHLEEN passed away

peacefully at Withybush Hospital on the 6th of July aged 94 years.

Beloved wife of the late Eric. Dearly loved mother of Deb and Christopher, grandmother to Sarah, Charlotte, Matt and Katy, great grandmother to Frankie. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

A small family service took place at Roy Folland & Son Chapel of Rest on Thursday 24th July 2025.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

JANICE MORGAN

PEACEfULLY at her home on Saturday 19th July, Janice of Harbour Village, Goodwick.

Beloved wife of Dave, loving mother of Karl & Kurt and a much loved grandmother.

Private funeral service.

No flowers by request.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

GWENDOLINE BRENDA WILLIAMS

gWENdOLINE passed away peacefully at her home in Simpsons Cross on 16th July aged 83 years. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Service will take place on Thursday 14th August 11am at City Road Cemetery Haverfordwest.

Family Flowers only.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son

Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

NESTA ‘JOY’ JOY JONES

THE death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Wednesday 16th July of Mrs Nesta Joyce Jones, affectionately known as Joy, aged 93 years of Efailwen.

Beloved Mother and Grandmother. Joy will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 7th August 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11.30am. There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if so desired for The Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg SA67 8QH or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

VIOLET APRIL DEMPSEY

THE death occurred peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday 10th July 2025 of Mrs. violet April dempsey, affectionately known as ‘Megan’, aged 89 years of greenhill Park drive, Haverfordwest.

Devoted Wife of the late Peter. Cherished and much loved Mum, Nan & Great Nan.

A private service will take place. Funeral arrangements are being carried out by E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

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CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

CLEARANCES

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FENCING, DRIVEWAYS AND LANDSCAPING

FABRICATION

GARDENING AND

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

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VEHICLE RECOVERY

WINDOWS

Autograss championship to roar back into Pendine for August showdown

THE AdRENALINEfUELLEd spectacle of Autograss racing is set to make a triumphant return to the Carmarthenshire coast this summer, as The South Wales Autograss League gears up to host the 2025 Men’s National Autograss Championships.

The event will take place at Castle Lloyd Farm near Pendine on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August.

The high-octane event will see 480 of the UK’s best drivers descend on the purpose-built track for a weekend of fastpaced, wheel-to-wheel action. Organised this year by the South Wales Autograss League (SWL), the championship follows last year’s 50th anniversary event in Yorkshire, with the SWL team praised for their slick running of the 2024 Ladies’ and Juniors’ Nationals.

Among the racers returning to defend his titles is Corey Paisley, who made history in 2024 by becoming the firstever Stock Hatch driver to win the prestigious Champion of Champions title.

“It’s a feeling that can’t be described,” said Corey. “It’s been mine and my grandad’s dream since 2016. I was so happy to win it for him.” Looking ahead to this year’s showdown, he added: “It’s the biggest event of the year!”

Racing kicks off from 9:00am on both days, with heats and finals across 12 different classes. The top eight drivers from each class will battle it out

for the title of Men’s National Champion 2025, before the top racers of the weekend go headto-head in the thrilling Champion of Champions final on Sunday afternoon.

MORE THAN JUST MOTORSPORT

The weekend also promises a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment, including:

• A special appearance by

• Disney characters to meet and greet

• Fairground rides and bouncy castles

• A rare Royal Corps tank display, giving visitors a close-up look at military hardware

PLAN YOUR vISIT

Gates open at 10:00am on Thursday, 31st July, with on-site camping available at just £5 per unit, per night. Race-day tickets

are priced at £20 per adult, and £10 for children over 10, OAPs, and disabled visitors.

Castle Lloyd Farm (SA33 4PT) offers stunning views over Pendine Sands and Caldy Island, with a shuttle service running to Pendine and Tenby throughout the weekend.

The event is proudly supported by PRG Trailers, returning as main sponsor.

For the latest updates and information, follow the South Wales Autograss League Facebook Page.

Sam Kurtz MS on Saturday

Congratulations Jasmine!

JASMINE JOYCE CELEBRATES 50TH CAP fOR WALES

Pembrokeshire’s rugby community is brimming with pride as local star Jasmine Joyce-Butchers celebrated her 50th cap for the Wales women’s national team in friday’s thrilling Test match against Australia in Sydney this morning.

Haverfordwest

Born in St Davids on 9 October 1995, Joyce-Butchers has become one of Welsh rugby’s most recognisable names. A dynamic winger known for her blistering pace and pinpoint finishing, she began her rugby journey with St Davids RFC at the age of seven.

Tennis

HAvERfORdWEST Tennis Club marked its 90th anniversary in spectacular fashion this weekend, with club members and guests gathering for a day of fun, friendship, and festivities.

The clubhouse was decked out in celebratory decorations, including colourful bunting and glittering backdrops, as the centrepiece tennisthemed cake—adorned with racquets and topped with a tennis ball—took pride of place.

on the sevens circuit, where she first represented Wales Sevens in 2015. Her explosive speed earned her a place in Team GB’s Olympic squad for Rio 2016, making her the only Welsh woman selected. She went on to compete again in Tokyo 2021 and most recently in Paris 2024, becoming the first British woman to be selected for three Olympic Games in rugby sevens.

Now 29 and playing club rugby with Bristol Bears, Joyce-Butchers’ 50th cap marked a new chapter in an already remarkable career. The Welsh Rugby Union recognised the milestone earlier in the week, with head coach Sean Lynn naming her in the starting XV for the second Test against the Wallaroos.

Wales entered the match buoyed by a strong showing in the first Test, where they defeated Australia 21–12 in Brisbane—securing their first away win in more than 800 days. Joyce-Butchers once again featured prominently in Friday’s clash, turning in a characteristically assured performance that underlined her consistency and leadership.

From there, she progressed through Haverfordwest RFC and into the Scarlets Under-18s, scoring a hat-trick on her age-grade debut against the Dragons.

She made her senior debut for Wales XVs in 2017, following success

Educated at Ysgol Dewi Sant, Joyce-Butchers remains deeply connected to her Pembrokeshire roots. Her story—from playing tag rugby in a local field to becoming a triple Olympian and international mainstay— continues to inspire young players across the county.

With the 2025 Rugby World Cup fast approaching and her influence spanning both sevens and fifteens, Joyce-Butchers isn’t just celebrating a milestone—she’s cementing a legacy that stretches far beyond the field.

Club celebrates 90 years with style and serves

The event featured a fancy dress tennis tournament, adding a playful and competitive spirit to the occasion. Guests enjoyed cake, refreshments, and shared memories of decades past, all while looking ahead to the club’s bright future.

The club, which has been a key part of the town’s sporting community since 1935, now looks forward to serving up many more years of tennis.

County Councillor for the Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, was among the invited guests. He said: “It was lovely to be invited to Haverfordwest Tennis Club’s 90th anniversary celebrations, and it was very pleasing to see that the Club is still going from strength to strength, with membership increasing by the day. Many thanks to Dean Richards, Club Chairman, Sarah Kehoe, and all the club members for making me feel so welcome.”

Crymych FC sets 10 August deadline to raise £90,000 for new pitch

CRYMYCH fOOTBALL CLUB has set a fundraising deadline of Saturday, 10 August as it pushes to raise £90,000 for the purchase of a new football pitch in the heart of the village.

At a recent public meeting held at Ysgol Bro Preseli, members of the community heard about the significant progress already made. So far, £28,000 has been raised, with many more pledging to back the project in the coming weeks.

The meeting featured a presentation from committee member Cris Tomos, who is also community assets coordinator at PLANED, the charity supporting the project. He emphasised the importance of setting a firm deadline to maintain momentum and secure the site, which lies close to the club’s base at the Crymych Arms.

NEW PITCH TO SERvE gROWINg CLUB

Crymych FC was only founded in 2019 but has quickly become a central part of local life. In 2023, the club successfully purchased the Crymych Arms pub to serve as its clubhouse. Now, attention has turned to acquiring a permanent pitch nearby to support its rapidly expanding teams, including a newly formed women’s side, two senior men’s teams, and a thriving junior section with more than 80 young players.

The new pitch will provide a proper home for training and matches and will become a key facility for promoting youth sport and wellbeing across the Preseli area.

SUPPORT fROM PLANEd ANd fAW

The project is being supported by PLANED, a well-established community development organisation that specialises in helping local groups secure land and buildings for community benefit. The Football Association of Wales is also backing the development of the new ground.

A UNIQUE COMMUNITY INvESTMENT SCHEME

To help reach the £90,000 target, the club is offering a unique investment opportunity. Individuals are invited to lend £1,000 over three years, with an annual return based on the performance of the club and the Crymych Arms pub. The scheme qualifies for 50% tax relief under the government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), making it a financially rewarding way to support grassroots sport.

CLUB AgM ANd COMMUNITY UPdATE

An open Annual General Meeting will take place at 7:00pm on Thursday (July 31) at the Market Hall, Crymych. Attendees will receive an update on fundraising progress and learn how those who supported the clubhouse purchase have already benefited from the SEIS scheme. The club encourages

anyone interested in backing the pitch project to attend and ask questions.

HOW TO gET INvOLvEd

Full details of the lending scheme are available at www.cpdcrymych.cymru, or in person at the Crymych Arms or Siop Sian in the village.

Club chairman Gary Phillips said: “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and support a project that will benefit generations to come. Our junior section has grown exponentially, and having our own pitch will allow us to nurture local talent and provide an additional focal point for the village. We’re offering a win-win situation – a great return for investors and a lasting legacy for the Crymych area.”

MEMORIAL MATCH TO HONOUR

MARTIN LLOYd

A special memorial football match will be held this Saturday (August 2) in honour of the late Martin Lloyd, the club’s first chairman and a passionate supporter of local sport. The fixture will see Crymych FC take on Cilgerran Old Boys at Tegryn Field, kicking off at 4:00pm.

For further information or to get involved in the pitch campaign, visit www.cpdcrymych.cymru

Thrillers and Dominant Wins Mark

Week 14 in Pembrokeshire Cricket

CAREW produced one of the standout performances of the weekend, while Cresselly and Saundersfoot delivered commanding victories in division 1. Across the divisions, century knocks and bowling masterclasses highlighted a weekend of mixed fortunes and high drama.

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire league Table

RESULTS:26/07/2025

Cresselly (136-4) beat Whitland (131) by 6 wkts

Haverfordwest (177) lost to Carew (178-3) by 7 wkts

Herbrandston (86) lost to Burton (270-8) by 184 runs

Saundersfoot (329-3 dec) beat Llangwm (66) by 263 runs

Burton II (116) lost to Johnston (117-9) by 1 wkt

Carew II (211-5) lost to Cresselly II (213-3) by 7 wkts

Hook (225-6) beat Llanrhian (70) by 155 runs

Llechryd (127) lost to St Ishmaels (128-6) by 4 wkts

Pembroke (90) lost to Narberth (225-8) by 135 runs

Fishguard (94-3) beat Neyland II (93) by 7 wkts

Lamphey (161-9) beat Hook II (160) by 1 wkt

Laugharne (146-9) beat Haverfordwest II (116) by 30 runs

Pembroke Dock (124-4) beat Kilgetty (123) by 6 wkts

Stackpole (85) lost to Hundleton (86-3) by 7 wkts

Crymych (0) w/o v Lawrenny II (0)

Llangwm II (73) lost to Haverfordwest III (77-0) by 10 wkts

Llanrhian II (93) lost to Pembroke II (94-3) by 7 wkts

Narberth II (144) lost to Carew III (149-7) by 3 wkts

St Ishmaels II (140-8) lost to Saundersfoot II (141-4) by 6 wkts

Cresselly III (112) lost to Herbrandston II (116-2) by 8 wkts

Haverfordwest IV (125-9) lost to Llechryd II (179-2) by 54 runs

Neyland III (208-7) lost to Pembroke Dock II (209-4) by 6 wkts

Whitland II (199) beat Hundleton II (149-6) by 50 runs

Llechryd III (164-7) beat Lamphey II (162) by 2 runs

Whitland III (109-9) lost to Pembroke III (110-9) by 1 wkt

FIXTURES: 02/08/2025

Carew v Burton Lawrenny v Haverfordwest

Llangwm v Cresselly

Saundersfoot v Neyland

Whitland v Herbrandston

Burton II v Carew II

Cresselly II v Pembroke

Johnston v Llechryd

Narberth v Llanrhian

St Ishmaels v Hook

Haverfordwest II v Lamphey

Hook II v Stackpole

Kilgetty v Fishguard

Laugharne v Pembroke Dock

Neyland II v Hundleton

Carew III v Llangwm II

Crymych v St Ishmaels II

Haverfordwest III v Saundersfoot II

Llanrhian II v Narberth II

Pembroke II v Lawrenny II

Herbrandston II v Whitland II

Hundleton II v Haverfordwest IV

Llechryd II v Neyland III

Lamphey II v Llechryd III

Pembroke III v Kilgetty II

Whitland III v H’west-Cresselly

JASmINE JOyCE

CElEBRATES 50TH CAP FOR Wales • P70