The Pembrokeshire Herald 02/05/2025

SEwAgE FLOODS BROAD

Major rescue operation in Milford Haven

A MAJOR multi-agency rescue operation unfolded in Milford Haven on Thursday afternoon (May 1), with two helicopters, lifeboat crews, police, and paramedics responding to an emergency involving a casualty near the Port Authority jetty.

The Coastguard helicopter and Wales Air Ambulance were both deployed, with the Air Ambulance landing at Milford Haven Rugby Club shortly before 3:30pm. Medical staff were then transported from the landing site to the jetty to assist in the ongoing incident.

The casualty was being treated aboard the Angle lifeboat, which was moored at the jetty. An ambulance was on standby nearby.

A police boat was also at the scene, supporting the coordinated effort involving HM Coastguard, RNLI, DyfedPowys Police, ambulance crews, and air support.

As of 4:00pm, the operation was ongoing and no further details have yet been released regarding the nature of the incident or the condition of the casualty.

The Herald has contacted the relevant agencies for further information.

Teen locked up for drug dealing after second police raid

A NARBETH teenager has been sent to a Young Offender Institution after being caught dealing cannabis and cocaine—twice.

Swansea Crown Court heard how 19-year-old Ieuan Duffy, of Hill Park, first

came to police attention in December 2023 when officers searched his home and found 151 grams of cannabis, drugdealing equipment, and over £400 in cash. At the time, Duffy was just 18 and was released under investigation.

But less than two months later, on January 27, police returned to the address for an unrelated matter and uncovered a more serious operation. Officers found 28 grams of cocaine, 427 grams of cannabis, more phones and scales, and over £3,000 in cash hidden in Duffy’s bedroom.

The drugs were estimated to have a combined street value of more than £6,500.

Duffy admitted six charges in total, including supplying cocaine and cannabis, possessing both drugs with intent to supply, and two counts of possessing criminal property.

Defence solicitor Dan Griffiths told the court that Duffy had not returned to dealing immediately after his first arrest, but his cannabis use had “spiralled out of control,” leading to cocaine use and eventually dealing to repay debts. He argued that had the original offence been dealt with more quickly, Duffy might not have reoffended.

In a letter to the court, Duffy said he was “naïve and gullible” and accepted that he had let down both his family and his community.

Sentencing him to three years and five months, Judge Huw Rees told Duffy: “You’ve been a fool unto yourself. You have acknowledged that.”

A Proceeds of Crime hearing will take place on August 8 to determine whether any of Duffy’s profits can be recovered.

Locked up: Ieuan Duffy, 19

Milford Haven Town Council Confirms Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2025–2026

AT the Full Council meeting on Monday, April 28, Councillor William Elliott, representing Hakin Ward, was confirmed as Mayor of Milford Haven for a second consecutive term (2025–2026). Councillor Elliott has previously served as Mayor for the 2024–2025 term.

In addition to his role on the Town Council, Councillor Elliott serves as the Volunteer & Business Support Manager (South West Area) at the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) Councillor Mark Woodward, representing West Ward, was elected as Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year. H

Congratulations to Councillor Elliott and Councillor Woodward on their appointments!

Woman who poured boiling water on mice sentenced

A WOMAN has been banned from keeping animals for seven years and handed a suspended prison sentence after pouring boiling water and bleach on a group of wild mice trapped in a wheelie bin.

Carys Ann Roberts, aged 28, of Cross Hands Road, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard that on 20 August 2024, at Maesawel, Black Lion Road, Cross Hands, Roberts caused unnecessary suffering to several small rodents — believed to be seven wild mice — by pouring bleach and boiling water over them, leading to burns and death. Roberts had sent messages to a WhatsApp group of work colleagues, informing them of her intentions. Despite their pleas for her not to proceed, she carried out the act. The court heard she poured around half a bottle of bleach into the bin before adding boiling water from a kettle. After about five minutes, she placed the dead mice into a bin bag and left it out for collection the following day. The matter was reported to police, who referred it to the RSPCA.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

During sentencing on 17 April, the court was told that Roberts had apologised and claimed it was an error of judgement.

She was sentenced to 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. Roberts was also banned from keeping animals for seven years.

In sentencing remarks, the District Judge said: “This was a serious offence. Animals feel pain just as we do and are protected by law.”

An independent expert veterinary report presented to the court stated that the boiling water would have caused “severe burns” and “serious pain.” It added: “If the burns are extensive and involve most of the skin surface, they are liable to be fatal. Equally, depending on the quantity of water poured into the bin, the rodents may potentially have

drowned, causing further pain, distress, and suffering.”

The report also confirmed that bleach would have caused “chemical burns.”

The court heard that Roberts had access to humane alternatives, including the offer of help from a pest control company or the option to release the mice away from the property.

Speaking after the case, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said: “All animals — big and small — deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. These mice suffered greatly and died as a result of intentional actions. She had been offered an alternative and advised against what she did, but sadly the mice suffered unnecessarily.”

For those concerned about mice or other rodents, the RSPCA advises simple and humane deterrent methods.

Rebecca Machin, RSPCA Scientific and Policy Officer, said: “There are several kinds of mouse in the UK, and they are an important part of our wildlife. To deter mice around the home, the key is to remove sources of food that attract them. Food should be stored in airtight containers, and crumbs should be cleaned up.

“Cotton wool balls soaked in peppermint, eucalyptus, or spearmint oil may help deter rodents, and holes should be blocked with ‘mouse mesh’, a type of wire wool rodents cannot nibble through. In gardens, planting daffodils, wood hyacinth and alliums can also help, as rodents dislike them. Keeping gardens tidy and moving furniture can also deter them, as rodents dislike sudden changes.

“If deterrents do not work, a professional pest controller can remove rodents humanely. However, long-term success depends on removing whatever attracted them in the first place.”

Pictured: Cllr William Elliott and his Consort – Mr Lloyd Jones – on Memorial Sunday

Raw sewage floods school playground

A MAJOR sewage flood at Broad Haven School has sparked outrage in the village, coming just hours after a planning application was submitted for a 76-home development that would put even greater pressure on the area’s already stretched infrastructure.

On Saturday (Apr 26), a burst sewage pipe flooded the school’s playground, covering it in raw sewage in scenes likened by locals to “cattle slurry.” Welsh Water responded with 12 work vans and engineers to contain the incident. Pembrokeshire County Council contractors are on site today (Sunday) disinfecting the contaminated area and working to remove the worst of the stench.

Fortunately, the sewage did not enter the school building itself. However, the lower part of the playground — where the playgroup stores its outdoor equipment — has been badly affected. The Herald understands much of the playgroup’s equipment is likely beyond saving.

Welsh Water confirmed that a burst sewer main had been identified in the school yard. A spokesperson said: “The affected area has been isolated and made safe, and resurfacing will take place early next week.

“We have been liaising with education officials, and this will not impact the planned school reopening tomorrow. The whole yard has been cleaned and sanitised and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The school is hopeful it will be able to open as normal on Monday (Apr 28), although the playgroup section will remain closed due to the loss of equipment.

The timing of the flood could not be more controversial. Just the day before, Mill Bay Homes submitted a major planning application to the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for 76 houses on land east of Marine Parade in Broad Haven.

In response to local concern, Mill Bay Homes has confirmed it would fund any infrastructure upgrade works that Welsh Water identifies as necessary to support the new estate. However, the developer has clarified that no figure for such works — including any specific contribution to pumping system upgrades — has yet been agreed.

A concerned local resident, who asked not to be named, told The Herald: “It’s such an old system, it all needs starting from scratch. Even if upgrades happen, it won’t solve the wider problem.

“The treatment works already can’t cope. Now with bigger storms and more extreme weather, this kind of sewage spill is just going to happen more often.”

Official figures show that Broad Haven’s sewage treatment works discharged untreated sewage into the environment for more than 600 hours last year, with dozens of separate incidents recorded.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor for The Havens, Nick Nuuman, visited the flooded school site on Saturday and praised Welsh Water for acting swiftly to clean and sterilise the area. However, he said the weekend’s events proved beyond doubt that urgent infrastructure investment is needed.

He said: “Dŵr Cymru really do need to double down and invest more into the infrastructure of The Havens. The frequency of discharges onto the beach is evidence enough that the system is not fit for current purpose, let alone for more properties.”

Councillor Nuuman confirmed he would be writing to Dŵr Cymru this week

to press for action. He urged residents to contact local MP Henry Tufnell to increase pressure on the authorities to secure major upgrades.

Broad Haven’s sewage system, designed decades ago for a much smaller village, relies on pumps to push waste uphill out of the valley to treatment works. The Herald understands that

these facilities are now operating at or beyond their intended capacity.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will now face mounting scrutiny as it considers the 76-home application against the backdrop of widespread concern about whether Broad Haven’s basic infrastructure can cope with further expansion.

Mental health crisis response plan welcomed — but families say detentions will continue

PROTESTS at the Senedd as campaigners accuse Welsh Government of failing autistic and learning-disabled people

A MAJOR new mental health strategy promising same-day support in Wales has been overshadowed by rising anger from families who say vulnerable people are still being detained in hospitals simply because of their disabilities or autism.

The Welsh Government says its tenyear plan will transform mental health support by focusing on early help, social prescribing, and same-day access via GPs and community services. The NHS’s urgent 111 helpline—where callers can “press 2” for mental health support—is now receiving nearly 6,000 calls a month.

But critics say that behind the numbers lies a more troubling story—one of systemic failure for people with learning disabilities and autism.

On Wednesday, April 17, protesters from the Stolen Lives campaign gathered outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to accuse ministers of inaction. The campaign was founded by Dr. Dawn Cavanagh, from Hook, Pembrokeshire, whose own son is detained in a secure mental health hospital.

“We are talking about people being imprisoned without committing any crime,” said Dr. Cavanagh. “Their only crime is being disabled. It has traumatised us as a family.”

The protest brought together families, carers, disability rights groups and allies. Holding placards and banners, they demanded urgent reform and meaningful investment in community care to prevent people being “shut away” in hospitals for

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

years at a time.

Many of those detained are sent far from their families, often to private facilities in England, due to a lack of appropriate housing and support in Wales.

“We’ve had endless promises, meetings, reports—but nothing changes,” said one protester. “We are tired of being told our case is unique. We’re not. This is a national scandal.”

Sophie Hinksman, 39, from Pembrokeshire, was sectioned in 2016 and says she still lives with the trauma.

“If I’d got the right support at home, everything would have been okay,” she said. “Instead I was taken away and left to deteriorate. I’m still trying to come back from that.”

The UK Government’s new Mental Health Bill—adopted in part by the Welsh

Government—claims it will limit the ability to detain autistic and learning-disabled people under the Mental Health Act unless they have a co-occurring mental illness. But campaigners say this won’t stop detentions unless proper alternatives are funded.

“If community care isn’t there, they’ll still be detained—just under different legislation like the Mental Capacity Act,” said Dr. Cavanagh.

Data published by the Welsh Government shows 135 people with a learning disability are currently in specialist inpatient services in Wales. In England, over 2,000 people with learning disabilities or autism are detained, and around half have been held for more than two years.

Campaigners say many of those individuals were initially admitted due to crises brought on by poor housing, isolation, or lack of support staff. Once inside, people deteriorate further, delaying

discharge indefinitely.

‘HOSPITAlS ARE NOT HOMES’

Joe Powell, Chief Executive of All Wales People First, told the crowd at the Senedd: “Wales led the way 41 years ago with the All Wales Strategy. It said hospitals are not homes and people should live in the community. Now we are going backwards.”

Despite claims of progress, families say that local Health Boards and councils face little accountability when placements fail.

The Welsh Government insists it is committed to reducing inpatient numbers and improving care. A spokesperson said: “We do not agree that people with learning disabilities are being systematically detained inappropriately. Where hospital care is used, a care plan must be in place and reviewed regularly.”

BuT cAMPAIGNERS ARE NOT REASSuREd.

“It’s like the Post Office scandal,” said one mother at the protest. “They told each family their situation was unique—but the problem was the system all along.”

THERE IS HOPE — BuT NO TIME TO WASTE

Elsewhere in Wales, communitybased support is making a difference— when it’s available.

Sian McEvoy, 41, from Swansea, began volunteering at a local community farm after a long period of alcohol

Police at the A&E department at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth in early April 2025: The vehicles contain patients having a mental heath crisis , and awaiting help. One patient was detained for 19 hours in a police van. (Image: Herald)

A protest took place in Westminster on Tuesday (Image: BBC)

dependency and anxiety.

“When I was drinking, I didn’t leave the house for three years,” she said. “Now I’m out in the community, working with animals. It’s helped my mental health and given me the confidence to think about getting back into work.”

Steffan Thomas, 24, who is autistic, has volunteered at the same farm for four years.

“If I miss a week, I feel it,” he said. “This place keeps me grounded.”

Health experts say these are the kinds of solutions that need long-term investment—not short-term pilots.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, a Bevan Commission member, said: “Social prescribing and early intervention

can prevent crisis—but only if the infrastructure is there. Without it, the NHS will be overwhelmed, and vulnerable people will fall through the cracks.”

As protesters packed up their banners outside the Senedd, Dr. Cavanagh said: “We don’t want more empty promises. We want people to come home.”

Welsh Government says ‘a major shift’ is under way

The Welsh Government insists its new 10-year strategy marks a turning point for mental health care in Wales.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: “This strategy represents a major shift in how we approach mental health and wellbeing. We are focusing on prevention, early

intervention, and ensuring easy access to support when needed.”

The new strategy aims to expand open access and same-day support, building on the 111 “press 2” helpline and introducing a stepped care model, where people only move into more intensive treatment when truly necessary.

It also promotes person-centred care and social prescribing, such as linking people with community groups and activities instead of relying solely on clinical interventions.

“We’re working to address all the factors that affect wellbeing – from housing and employment to tackling loneliness,” Murphy added.

Initiatives already supported under the scheme include Walking Friends Wales, which helps older people reduce loneliness through group walks and social connection.

Campaigners, however, say that while the vision is welcome, the success of the strategy depends entirely on whether these services are funded and delivered at scale, and whether urgent cases of inappropriate detention are properly addressed.

As Dr. Cavanagh said at the Senedd protest:

“We don’t want more empty promises. We want people to come home.”

Protest outside the Senedd last year (Pic: Natasha Hirst)

People needing mental health support are often criminalised, and reform in needed, campaigners say (Pic: Herald/File)

Vehicles clamped in Milford Haven during DVLA crackdown

A NuMBER of vehicles were clamped in Milford Haven on Friday (Apr 25) as part of a national dVlA operation targeting untaxed vehicles.

Officers from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency were seen in several areas of the town throughout the day, including residential streets and public car parks. Using automatic number plate recognition technology and roadside checks, enforcement teams identified vehicles that were not correctly taxed and took immediate action.

Residents reported seeing multiple cars with bright yellow warning notices attached to their windscreens after being clamped.

A DVLA spokesperson said: “We are taking action against those who fail to tax their vehicles. It is a legal

requirement to have vehicle tax, and drivers who do not comply risk their vehicle being clamped or impounded, as well as facing financial penalties.”

Motorists must pay a release fee of £100 to have a clamped vehicle released, and if it is not taxed within 24 hours, a surety fee of £160 may also be required. Failure to pay can result in the vehicle being removed and ultimately crushed or sold.

The DVLA encourages all vehicle owners to check their tax status online and ensure they are properly taxed to avoid enforcement action.

The Herald understands that similar operations are taking place across Wales in an effort to reduce the number of untaxed vehicles on the road.

Monkton motorist faces ban

after drug-driving

A MONKTON motorist has been provisionally banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Former stone mason Aaron Simpson was stopped by officers as he made his way to work across the Cleddau Bridge on the morning of November 7, 2024.

“Police were on duty in full uniform and carried out a stop check as a result of the manner of his driving,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker.

A roadside drugs wipe tested positive, and further blood tests at the

offences

police station showed Simpson had 5.2 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and 796 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limits are 2 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

This week, Simpson, 33, of Tenby Court, Monkton, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to two charges of drug-driving.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until May 13 to allow for probation reports and imposed an interim driving disqualification. Simpson was released on unconditional bail.

Milford man denies spitting allegation in town centre

A MI l FOR d man has appeared before magistrates charged with spitting into the face of a woman during an alleged altercation in the town centre.

Cornelius Harteveldt, 31, is accused of spitting into the woman’s face on October 15, 2024. This week he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault by beating.

His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told the court that the defendant “factually

denies the allegation.”

A trial date has been set for June 23 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Harteveldt, of Richard John Road, Milford Haven, was released on conditional bail. His bail conditions are that he must live and sleep at his home address, must not contact the alleged victim directly or indirectly, must not enter Steynton, and must not post any data relating to the victim on social media.

Dock man jailed for stealing over £3,000 from vulnerable pensioner

A 26-YEAR-Old dock man has been jailed for stealing over £3,000 in cash from a vulnerable pensioner who believed he was his friend.

Alfie Shelley used the pensioner’s bank card repeatedly over a 14-month period, taking a total of £3,502.54 from his bank account.

This week, Haverfordwest magistrates were told that the pensioner first met Shelley in July 2022, as the 75-year-old was attempting to carry his shopping back to his home in Laws Street, Pembroke Dock.

“The victim befriended him,

which means this offence amounted to a breach of trust,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker.

“The victim felt sorry for Alfie Shelley and allowed him to use his bank card on two occasions to buy food. But he then became concerned that his bank account was getting less and less.”

The court heard that, due to the victim’s failing eyesight, he disclosed his PIN number to Shelley, enabling him to continue withdrawing money. The thefts continued until September 2023.

A victim impact statement was read to the court in which the pensioner expressed his disappointment at what had happened.

“I’m very angry and very upset because of what has happened to me at my age,” he said. “I’m really angry that I ever trusted him.

“I was so vulnerable, and he took advantage. He pretended to be my friend, but he wanted to take money from me.”

The pensioner added that he has since seen Shelley speaking to elderly people in the street on numerous occasions.

“I believe this is so that he can take money from them,” he said. “But I don’t want this to happen again.”

Shelley, of Market Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to fraud by making a false representation and two charges of theft. He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

“When this relationship began, it wasn’t to target the victim for taking money,” said Mr Lloyd. “The defendant genuinely tried to assist him. But when he had access to the bank card, temptation got the better of him.”

Mr Lloyd added that Shelley was going through a particularly difficult period at the time of the offences.

“This is a young man who’s had a difficult start in life,” he said. “He’s being treated for a brain tumour and a brain aneurysm, and he’s had a very difficult family background and upbringing.

“This is something he deeply regrets, and he wants to apologise for his behaviour.”

Shelley was jailed for 12 months and ordered to pay £3,502.54 in compensation to the victim, along with a £187 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Man accused of raping women after nights out in Carmarthen denies charges

A MAN allegedly raped a woman just “30 seconds’ walk from the police station” after they left a pub together, a court has heard.

Daniel Gravell, aged 43, denies three counts of rape said to have taken place over a 20-year period following nights out at venues and parties in Carmarthen.

During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, jurors heard evidence from the alleged victims, two of whom the prosecution claim were “hopelessly and helplessly” intoxicated at the time of the alleged assaults.

On Monday, the court heard from one woman who claimed Gravell raped her in an alleyway in 2005. She told the jury that after leaving the Rose and Crown pub, she and Gravell walked towards Carmarthen Athletic Club and entered an alleyway. She said Gravell grabbed her arm, and although she tried to escape, “he was stronger than me. I tried my best.”

The court was told Gravell began having sex with her while her back was pressed against a wall. The woman said she mouthed “help” to a passerby and attempted to lift her head to be seen by someone in a window of the Athletic Club, but Gravell pushed her head back down.

Defence barrister Tom Crowther KC questioned why this “crucial piece

of information” about a potential witness had only emerged last week, suggesting the detail had been invented. The alleged victim denied this, telling the court she could not remember exactly when she recalled it.

Another alleged offence dates back to 2002, when a second woman attended a friend’s party where Gravell made her two cocktails. After later visiting a venue in Carmarthen town centre, she felt unwell and returned to the house where the party had been. The court heard she was helped into bed by a friend but later woke to a “heavy sensation” and a “thrusting movement,” seeing Gravell “very close” in front of her. She said: “I said ‘get off’ twice. My hands didn’t work to push someone off. I was trying to push him off.” She claimed Gravell told her: “It’s OK, it’s [her exboyfriend’s name].”

The final allegation involves a third woman, who had been on a night out with her sister in February 2022. The court heard she visited bars in Carmarthen but could not remember anything after arriving at the second venue. She woke up alone in bed, feeling sick and unwell, and noticed a burning sensation. She later arranged to take the morning after pill. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told

the jury that she found beer cans and white powder she did not recognise in her home.

When arrested, Gravell told police he had met the woman at the bar and

denies all three counts of rape. The trial continues.

that the sex had been consensual. Gravell, of Porth Y Plas, Johnstown,

Morgan feels the heat over steel

THE uK GOVERNMENT’s decision to rescue virgin steel production at Scunthorpe continues to create political fallout for the Welsh Government.

Opposition parties have seized on Labour’s preparedness to retain premium steel production at the Lincolnshire plant and contrasted it with its words about saving Port Talbot before the last election and its conduct afterwards.

MORGAN FORGETS WHO IS IN POWER

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru, led the charge against the difference in treatment between a safe Labour seat in Wales and one in which Labour is desperate to shore up crumbling support in England.

This week, the First Minister faced questions over how Labour treated Port Talbot and Scunthorpe. It was not a comfortable experience for Eluned Morgan.

The First Minister must know that the optics of Westminster’s approach are poor, especially twelve months from a Senedd election that could erode Labour’s grip on power in Wales. Yet, when questioned during First Minister’s questions on Tuesday (April 29), Baroness Morgan made an embarrassing slip of the tongue that indicated the Welsh Government’s default position of blaming Westminster for everything continues even after July 4, 2024.

Rhun ap Iorwerth asked Eluned Morgan: “Labour and the Tories alike didn’t see it worthwhile to save the blast furnaces [in Port Talbot]. When Welsh communities came calling, Labour did nothing. Having waved the white flag the first time around, what will she do now? Can she tell us whether or not she has pressed the UK Government for further direct support for Port Talbot in light of the substantial package of support to save jobs at Scunthorpe?”

The First Minister replied: “I met with Tata on Friday to speak to the management; I met with trade union leaders. And I have been making representations to the Conservative Government to make sure that they understand that—the Labour Government—to make sure they understand that there is an opportunity for them here to stand with the Welsh workforce and to make sure that we get a significant share of the green steel fund.”

Mr ap Iorwerth seized on the First Minister’s faux pas: “That was quite a slip of the tongue from the First Minister, wasn’t it, betraying the fact that we have such a conservative Labour UK Government. And, of course, it simply isn’t true that there wasn’t time to save Port Talbot. Scunthorpe was saved,

reducing carbon emissions.

WHERE’S THE MONEY?

WElSH WORKERS “SEcONdclASS cITIZENS”

Jane Dodds, the Welsh Liberal Democrat, hit the nail on the head: “The UK’s emergency action confirmed what many of us here in Wales had already feared, that our workers are secondclass citizens. When 2,800 jobs were on the line in Port Talbot, there was absolutely no recall of Parliament, and there was no rapid intervention at all.

“Yet, for Scunthorpe’s 2,700, the Government moved heaven and earth in order to make sure that there was a plan in place. The truth is stark: they could have done the same for us, but they chose not to. Port Talbot was let down, not by circumstance but by political choices.”

essentially, in a matter of days, and yet there were three months between the election and the blast furnaces in Port Talbot shutting down for good.”

SEcuRING THE STEEl FuNd

It didn’t get any better later on. Plaid’s Luke Fletcher asked the First Minister for a point-blank answer about ringfencing the £2.5bn steel fund supposed to help Port Talbot. In response, the best Eluned Morgan came up with was that the Welsh Government’s Economy Minister had written to the Secretary of State.

Local MS Sam Kurtz, the Shadow Economy Minister, pounced. He asked for the letter’s publication and for an assurance that future steelmaking at Port Talbot using electric arc furnaces would benefit the Celtic Freeport project, of which steelworks there form a vital part.

In response, the First Minister emphasised her Government’s commitment to green energy projects and related how she’d visited a Danish wind energy project over Easter.

A debate on the UK Government’s to bail out Scunthorpe followed later that afternoon.

Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar asked a key question: “ Can I ask you, First Minister, were you consulted as a Welsh Government on the UK Government’s approach to the steel industry being different in England versus the approach that has been taken here in Wales, and when you actually became aware of the different approach that was going to be taken in respect of Scunthorpe?”

The answer was evidently “none”, as Eluned Morgan did not answer the question. Instead, the First Minister reiterated her Government’s commitment to green energy and

Once again, Rhun ap Iorwerth seized on the First Minister’s ambivalence: “Double standards and the lack of action of the Labour Party have meant that Wales is losing out, and the facts prove that. There is no information about how many former Port Talbot workers are re-skilling; no data on access to support; no record of where the funding is going.”

He added that “it is no surprise” that people in Port Talbot “Why is the value of a worker in Port Talbot considered to be less than the value of a worker in Scunthorpe?”

Sam Kurtz said: “What concerns me is the contradiction in language I hear around the sadness of the blast furnaces in Port Talbot closing from this Labour Government, but then the optimism of the carbon dioxide that is being saved because of its closure.”

Mr Kurtz continued: “You can’t have it both ways here. That’s the reality of this. That is what happens when jobs are offshored. Tata is opening blast furnaces in India because that is cheaper for them to do. That carbon dioxide is still going to be released, yet we are the ones losing jobs in this country. Is that an economic strategy that you sign up to?”

The First Minister referred to a global oversupply of steel. However, her answer did not explain why vital virgin steel production, which depends on coal-fired blast furnaces, crucial for British industry and strategic interest, is less important than making a token gesture towards cutting global carbon emissions or how the UK was any greener when it would rely on imports of virgin steel produced using blast furnaces from China, India, or elsewhere. No doubt, there’s a carbon trade somewhere to give the veneer of environmental responsibility.

The best the First Minister could do is suggest that Scunthorpe might not be saved after all. That must have filled her backbenchers and anyone from the Westminster Party listening in with despair.

The die is cast for Port Talbot. The blast furnaces are cold and in the process of being dismantled. The jobs lost will not be replaced by jobs in the same number, density, or with the same income.

And the letter to the UK Government?

It turned out to be little more than a request for Westminster to beat Welsh industry to death more gently and a reminder that Port Talbot needed some of Westminster’s £2.5bn for steel.

It also reiterated the Welsh Government’s commitment to green energy and a carbon reduction strategy.

THINGS GET WORSE

Just when Eluned Morgan might have hoped she’d got away with saying and doing nothing, the UK’s trade unions issued press releases that cut the ground from under her.

GMB described the UK Government’s energy policy as “bonkers”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is not against net zero, but it will not be achieved without serious investment in new jobs.

“Unite has warned time after time that all the rhetoric about a joined-up industrial strategy and future jobs must be backed up with serious investment that actually delivers. What is Labour waiting for? The time to act is now.

“If they fail to do this, then Labour cannot expect workers to support their net-zero plan.

“The fact is, working-class people are losing their jobs, and this government has absolutely no plan to replace them.”

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

Students from Germany’s twin town visit Haverfordwest

STudENTS and teachers from Oberkirch in Germany –Haverfordwest’s twin town – were welcomed to Pembrokeshire this week as part of an international exchange visit.

County Councillor for the Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, said it was “an honour and a privilege” to be invited by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Liz Griffiths, Community Youth and Lifelong Learning Manager, to attend the event and meet the visiting group.

Cllr Tudor said: “We had a wonderful evening meeting the students and teachers, sharing stories and learning about the similarities between our two towns.”

The event was hosted at The Edge Youth Centre in Haverfordwest, and supported by Taith, the Welsh Government’s International Learning Exchange Programme. The Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir also performed during the evening.

Cllr Tudor added: “This is exactly what twinning is all about –bringing young people together to build friendships and carry these international connections forward for future generations.”

Man admits sexually touching teenage girl

A PEMBROKE man has pleaded guilty to sexually touching a teenage girl.

Andrew Russell, aged 48, of Elm Grove, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today (Apr 29), where he admitted a charge of adult sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The offence took place between January 1, 2021, and June 4, 2021, when Russell intentionally touched the girl in a sexual manner without her consent.

Two further charges involving allegations of penetration were ordered to lie on file after the Crown Prosecution Service accepted Russell’s guilty to the third offence.

Russell was granted unconditional bail and is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on May 23.

The complainant’s anonymity is protected by law under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

Man accused of violent assaults on woman, police officer and nurse

A PEMBROKESHIRE man is facing serious allegations following a series of violent incidents involving a woman, a police officer, and a nurse.

Daniel McKenzie, aged 34 and of no fixed address, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (April 25) charged with nine offences.

The charges include three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of intentional strangulation, as well as assault by

beating and common assault—all relating to the same woman and said to have taken place in Pembroke Dock between April 14 and April 24.

McKenzie is also accused of attacking two emergency workers—a police officer and a nurse—at Haverfordwest Police Station on April 23 and 24.

The case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court, where McKenzie is due to appear on May 27 to enter his pleas. He has been remanded in custody.

Fatal train crash: Report shows safety checks were missed, hoses blocked

AN INTERIM report has found that critical safety checks were not carried out on the day of a fatal train crash in Powys last October.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) revealed four faults in the sanding system of a Transport for Wales (TfW) train involved in a headon collision near Talerddig on October 21, 2024.

The sanding system – designed to help train wheels grip the rails during braking – had blocked hoses, preventing sand from being discharged. Two flow rate plates were also installed incorrectly, both placed upside down with one misaligned. In addition, two separate electrical faults were identified.

The westbound TfW train, travelling to Aberystwyth, was moving at around 24mph when it collided with an eastbound service travelling at 6mph. The impact killed passenger David Tudor Evans, 66, and seriously injured four others, including the train guard and the driver of the other train. A further 23 people suffered minor injuries.

Both trains were two-carriage class 158 units. The RAIB report says the westbound train should have stopped in a passing loop on the single-track Cambrian line to allow the eastbound train to pass. Data shows the driver applied the brakes as the train neared the loop, but the wheels began to slide. An emergency brake was activated but failed to prevent the train from sliding 900 metres downhill into the oncoming train.

Investigators found that the blocked sanding hoses were clogged with leaves and debris. Although a basic check had been carried out the day before, which indicated the hoses were clear at that time, the driver was unable to inspect the underside of the train as it was parked alongside a platform.

Network Rail confirmed that a railhead treatment train, used to tackle leaf build-up on tracks, had passed along the line and loop the night before the crash.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The RAIB says its investigation will continue to examine the sanding system, the extent of low adhesion on the tracks, and the maintenance procedures in place.

In a joint statement, Transport for Wales and Network Rail said:

“Safety is always our main priority for our customers and colleagues, and we’ll continue to work together with investigators to fully understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation.”

Shot blaster fined over £1,600 after drink-drive crash in Milford Haven

A SHOT blaster was caught driving almost three times over the legal limit after crashing his company van into a skip in Milford Haven.

Police were called to Hamilton Terrace at around 9:00pm on April 12 following reports that a Ford Transit van had collided with a skip. Officers arriving at the scene saw the van veering onto the wrong side of the road without any attempt to correct its course.

“When the vehicle returned to the correct side of the road, it passed the

police officers, who then followed it,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“Once again, they saw it veering into the path of oncoming traffic.”

When the van was stopped, officers found it was being driven by Frank Large, 53. A roadside breath test showed he had 91 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—the legal limit is 35.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that Large, of Farthingale Way,

Middlesbrough, had been drinking with work colleagues earlier that evening.

“He believed the pub served food, but it didn’t. He drank four pints of lager and then got into his company vehicle to look for a takeaway, not realising he was over the limit.”

Large, who has worked for the same company for 18 years, is currently employed at an oil refinery in Pembrokeshire and travels across the country for work.

He pleaded guilty to drink-driving

and represented himself in court.

“This was a stupid, stupid action, and I can’t apologise enough,” he told magistrates. “I’m working down here at the moment, but I could end up anywhere in the country when this job finishes. The disqualification could easily affect my livelihood.”

Large was banned from driving for 23 months. He was fined £1,640 and ordered to pay a £656 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Councillor calls for external groups to join town events committee

MIlFORd Haven Town councillor lee Bridges has formally requested a review of the current membership of the Public Events Sub-committee, urging his colleagues to consider inviting representatives from local organisations to take part.

In an email submitted for inclusion in the agenda pack of the upcoming Full Council meeting on Monday (April 28), Cllr Bridges proposes that the Council extend an invitation to groups such as the Port of Milford Haven, Milford Haven Round Table, Milford Haven Business Circle, and all schools within the town to appoint representatives to the committee.

Cllr Bridges said his proposal

was rooted in the need for stronger collaboration and improved communication with key stakeholders in the community.

He wrote: “There have been numerous times I have heard that we could do better to work with external partners, and I feel we have an opportunity to lead by example and improve our network… which in turn might encourage better engagement with ourselves, creating a far more beneficial relationship for those we serve.”

Cllr Bridges pointed out that Milford Haven Town Council’s standing orders allow for non-councillors to be appointed to sub-committees. He

argued that opening up the Public Events Sub-Committee to external members would improve community events and strengthen relationships with organisations across the town.

“Public events foster a sense of community and togetherness, especially needed in this new digital world,” he added. “If we make the effort to collaborate more, work collectively more, and support each other more closely, this will be nothing but beneficial to the town.”

While acknowledging that previous attempts to engage outside groups may not have been successful, Cllr Bridges insisted this should not deter the Council from trying again.

“What have we got to lose by trying?” he asked, noting that any decisions made by the sub-committee would still require final approval by Full Council.

Although he is not a member of the Public Events Sub-Committee due to a potential conflict of interest with his own business, Cllr Bridges said he attends meetings as an observer and is keen to support the work of the committee.

“I hope we can add to the already great work the Town Council do in this area,” he wrote.

The Full Council will consider the proposal during its meeting at 7:00pm at the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit on Havens Head Business Park.

Man dies despite huge emergency response at Goodwick Parrog

A MAN has died after a large emergency operation was launched at Goodwick Parrog late last week.

Emergency services were called to the popular seafront at around 3:40pm on Friday (Apr 25) following reports of a man in need of urgent medical assistance. Police, paramedics, firefighters, coastguard teams, and an air ambulance were all dispatched to the scene.

Despite the swift response and extensive efforts to save him, DyfedPowys Police later confirmed that the man sadly died at the scene. Officers said the death is not being treated as suspicious. His family has been informed, and the matter has been referred to HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire.

The Wales Air Ambulance crew based at Dafen was tasked at 3:43pm and landed at the Parrog at approximately 4:09pm, remaining on scene until around 5:00pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Rescue Service confirmed that its Fishguard crew was mobilised shortly after the alarm was raised, arriving to assist ambulance personnel and police officers in treating the casualty. Firefighters left the scene just after 5:20pm.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers attended a report of a medical emergency at Goodwick beach at around 3:40pm on Friday, April 25. Sadly, a man died at the scene. His family has been informed, and HM Coroner has been notified. The circumstances are not being treated as suspicious.”

Members of the public who were visiting the area played a vital role by calling 999 and offering help before emergency crews arrived. A spokesperson for HM Coastguard’s Fishguard team praised their efforts,

saying: “Many thanks to those members of the public who raised the alarm and assisted at the scene.”

The Herald understands that

emergency services worked tirelessly in challenging circumstances to provide the best possible care.

Cllr Lee Bridges (Image: File)

Pembrokeshire County Council: Two senior members step down

TWO senior members of Pembrokeshire county council are to step down from their cabinet positions this May, members of the council’s cabinet heard.

At the April 28 meeting, members heard that Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations Cllr Neil Prior and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Joshua Beynon were to step down from their Cabinet roles.

Members were told both councillors were stepping down for personal

reasons, with their replacements expected to be announced in May.

Cllr Beynon, who took mover the finance role from Cllr Alec Cormack last year, has since posted on social media: “After a year serving in the Cabinet at Pembrokeshire County Council, I’ve decided the time is right for me to step back from my role as Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies.

“Serving in this position has been a real privilege — helping to improve services, strengthen the council’s finances, and always striving to do what’s best for Pembrokeshire. It hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in a council without a majority, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through collaboration and determination.”

“This hasn’t been an easy decision.

“Public service demands a lot, and I want to be honest about the personal toll it can take. I believe if you can’t give 100 per cent, it’s right to make

space for someone who can bring fresh energy to the role.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my Cabinet colleagues, fellow councillors, and most of all the brilliant staff at Pembrokeshire County Council — the real backbone of our public services.

“Although I’m stepping back from Cabinet, I’m not stepping

away. I’ll continue to serve from the backbenches, standing up for highquality public services and for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far — it means a lot.”

The work of both Cabinet members was praised at the meeting by Leader Cllr Jon Harvey.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

‘Eyesore’ Milford Haven site to become 24 affordable homes

A £6.7M contract to build 24 affordable homes for the over-55s at the “eyesore” site of the former Motor World building in Milford Haven has been backed by senior councillors.

W B Griffiths & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, was given approval in November for the construction of a new residential redevelopment of 24 affordable apartments for over-55s at 70A-80A Charles Street.

The former Motor World site, previously described as an “eyesore,” was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over55s in 2020 but the previous contractor was put into administration under what was described as, ‘significant financial stress’.

The 2024 application, submitted through agent DPP Planning, followed a public consultation last year.

A report presented, and moved at the April 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, by Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman sought approval for a fixed price contract with WB Griffiths & Son Ltd for £6,713,084.29 for the works.

The report for members said: “Having reviewed the final design and contract sum bid, the portfolio budget holders and lead project officers are satisfied and wish to commence the construction stage.

“Delegated authority to Director of Social Care & Housing for the award was previously obtained, however due to the change of procurement route, in design and increase in construction costs and the time elapsed since the prior approval, it has been deemed that for transparency and general awareness, a decision is brought back

to Cabinet to award.”

The project is supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, which provides up to 70 per cent funding.

The move of approval was backed by local councillor Cllr Guy Woodham, who said: “It’s taken an awful long time to resolve what was happening at that site, to have affordable housing there seems to me to be an ideal opportunity.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said he was pleased there was “a light at the end of the tunnel” after long delays, adding: “Let’s get on with it.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, another Milford

Motorist to face trial over crash that left biker with life-changing injuries

A PEMBROKESHIRE motorist has been sent to the crown court for trial, accused of causing lifechanging injuries to a motorcyclist in a serious crash at dredgeman Hill, Haverfordwest.

James Puttock, aged 50, of Chestnut Way, Milford Haven, is alleged to have driven through a red light on December 20, 2022, and collided with motorcyclist John Wilkins, who was travelling towards Johnston.

The court heard that Mr Wilkins suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision.

“Mr Wilkins has suffered lifechanging injuries,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He has no feeling in his toes, one toe has been amputated, he’s had plates put in both his wrists and his mobility has been restricted.

“The Crown says the defendant drove through a red light and hit the bike, causing the bike to land on top of Mr Wilkins.”

Puttock pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

After viewing dashcam footage of the collision, magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the offence and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court.

Puttock was granted unconditional bail. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 30.

councillor, said of the delays and the ‘eyesore’ nature of what was left: “It’s a good result but it’s taken a heck of a lot of time; it’s upset a lot of people in Milford Haven,” adding: “The whole

setting of Charles Street has been a bit of an eyesore with it.”

Members unanimously backed the recommendation.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Paddle Out protest returns to Broad Haven to highlight sewage pollution

A MAJOR environmental protest is set to take place in Broad Haven (north) on Friday, May 17, as part of a national campaign against sewage pollution in uK waters.

The event, known as the Paddle Out Protest, is being organised by local representatives of the charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and will serve as the flagship demonstration for Wales this year.

Campaigners are calling on all ocean, river, and lake users to take part in the peaceful protest, which aims to highlight the growing problem of sewage discharges at popular bathing spots across Pembrokeshire.

Local organisers Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes, Kate J, and Kate Evans have planned a full day of activities centred around Broad Haven beach.

The day will begin at 12:00pm with placard-making and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (now rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront. A community beach clean will follow at 1:30pm.

At 2:30pm, participants will take part in the main event — a mass paddle out into the ocean — led by a member of the national Surfers Against Sewage team.

Before the paddle out, speeches will be given by Sian Richardson, founder of the global Bluetits cold-water swimming movement, and Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The day will conclude with an afterparty at Rwts starting at 4:00pm. Those who joined the protest will be offered discounts, with live music from 5:00pm, a DJ set from 6:00pm, and food and drink including BBQ, pizza, and local refreshments available throughout the evening.

Ella Staden, SAS regional representative, said: “It’s important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans

and make sure our Blue Flag beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.

“A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills — whether that’s falling ill, being unable to enjoy water activities, or simply not being able to take our families to the beach.

“We urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand for it anymore.” More details can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven’.

Man accused of kidnap and wounding with intent remanded in custody

A MAN accused of kidnapping and seriously wounding another man has been remanded in custody following a court appearance in Haverfordwest.

Lewys Lintern, aged 20, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road in Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 29) charged with two serious offences arising from an incident earlier this month.

Lintern faces one charge of wounding with intent, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, after allegedly attacking Darryl Stephens in Haverfordwest on April 8 with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm.

He is also charged under common law with kidnap, accused of unlawfully and by force or fraud taking or carrying

away Mr Stephens against his will in Milford Haven on the same date.

The case was deemed too serious to be dealt with by magistrates and was sent to Swansea Crown Court. No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Represented by defence solicitor John Pennington, Lintern was remanded in custody due to the nature and seriousness of the charges, the risk of further offending, and a previous failure to surrender to bail. Prosecutor Linda Baker appeared on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Magistrates Mr J Steadman, Mrs H Morgan and Mrs L Harrison ordered that Lintern remain in custody until his next court appearance.

He is scheduled to appear at Swansea Crown Court on May 30 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Car crashes into house in St Davids

EMERGENcY services were called after a car crashed into a house on Nun Street in St davids on Thursday (Apr 24).

Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene at around 4:35pm following reports of a single-vehicle collision.

On arrival, they found that a car had collided with a residential property.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The road remained open while the vehicle was recovered.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police attended a report of a single-vehicle road traffic collision where a car collided with a property on Nun Street, St Davids, at around 4:35pm yesterday. No injuries were reported, and the road remained open while the vehicle was recovered.”

Van driver ignored warnings before causing head-on crash

PETER GIlMORE, a van driver who ignored police warnings about his dangerous driving, went on to cause a serious head-on collision.

Gilmore, aged 51, of Bryn Salem, Felinfach, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following the crash, which took place on the B4337 near Talsarn on February 1.

The court heard that Dyfed-Powys Police had received multiple reports about Gilmore’s erratic driving earlier that day. Concerned motorists reported that he was swerving across the road and tailgating other vehicles during a 14-mile journey from Aberystwyth to Llanrhystud and onto the B4337.

At one point, as Gilmore attempted to overtake a lorry, he veered into the path of an oncoming car. The driver of that vehicle was rushed to hospital with a fractured sternum, two broken ribs, and whiplash injuries.

Judge Geraint Walters described the case as “truly disturbing” during sentencing.

“Earlier that day, you were pulled over by the police on suspicion of drug-driving,” the judge said. “Despite that, you made the reckless decision to get back behind the wheel. It was obvious you were significantly impaired by substances.”

Gilmore was jailed for two years and four months and banned from driving for six years and two months. He must also complete an extended re-test before

being allowed back on the road.

The court heard that around 5:00pm, officers received several urgent calls from the public about Gilmore’s driving. Witnesses said he almost collided headon with another car, narrowly missed a bus, and was seen weaving dangerously across the road.

The crash occurred when Gilmore attempted to overtake a lorry and drove straight into the path of a Hyundai, leaving the other driver with serious injuries and no chance to avoid the collision. She was treated at Bronglais Hospital.

When police arrived, they noted Gilmore was slurring his speech and had abnormal pupils. Although he passed a roadside breath test, he tested positive for cannabis. He later refused to provide a sample for further analysis at hospital.

Gilmore admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample.

It also emerged in court that he had been pulled over earlier that day in Aberystwyth and arrested on suspicion of drug-driving. In a separate hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court in March, he was banned from driving for three years after admitting that offence.

Defending, Ian Ibrahim said Gilmore fully accepted responsibility for his actions.

Sentencing him, Judge Walters said it was sheer “luck” that nobody was killed, and warned that Gilmore could easily have faced a much more serious charge.

Haverfordwest Carnival to make a comeback after six-year hiatus

THE MucH-lOVEd Haverfordwest carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival

was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival

marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.

Fire service delivers vital kit to Ukraine

MId and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has taken part in the uK’s largest ever convoy delivering vital firefighting equipment to ukraine, joining 17 other Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) from across the country.

The convoy, coordinated by FIRE AID and supported by the UK Government, left the UK in early April. It travelled through France, Germany and Poland, delivering over 30 fire service vehicles and more than 15,000 items of equipment to support Ukrainian firefighters on the front line of the ongoing war.

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, UK fire services have donated 119 vehicles and over 200,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine. Each participating service ensured local needs were met before donating surplus kit.

Watch Manager Rob Kershaw represented MAWWFRS on the convoy. He said:

“It’s been a privilege to be part of this convoy and to represent both FIRE AID and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

We received invaluable support and assistance from fire and police services across every country we passed through. Their help in coordinating, escorting, and hosting the convoy was outstanding.”

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM added:

“MAWWFRS is proud to support our colleagues in Ukraine by donating and delivering essential equipment.

The events in Ukraine have deeply affected the fire and rescue community, and this convoy is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to helping those still working under extreme conditions.”

The donated equipment will support firefighters in Ukraine who continue to operate in war zones to save lives and protect property— often at great personal risk. Since the conflict began, 100 Ukrainian firefighters have been killed and 431 injured. A total of 411 fire stations and 1,700 firefighting vehicles have been destroyed.

Pembrokeshire prepares for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

local services step up to support growing demand as communityfocused theme takes centre stage

PEMBROKESHIRE will mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 from Monday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18, with a renewed focus on connection, compassion, and local support.

This year’s theme — “Community” — highlights the vital role of relationships, grassroots services and social belonging in protecting mental wellbeing. Across the county, local charities, counsellors and volunteerled projects are rising to meet growing demand for mental health support in the face of deepening rural isolation, post-pandemic pressures and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

To coincide with the national awareness campaign, The Pembrokeshire Herald has compiled a

special eight-page feature showcasing the county’s key mental health charities and support networks — many of which offer free, local and confidential help to anyone struggling.

From professional counselling and crisis intervention to drop-in cafés and mobile outreach vans, these organisations form a lifeline for hundreds of people each year. Whether you’re a farmer facing mounting stress, a young person experiencing anxiety, or someone simply in need of someone to talk to, support is closer than you think.

The Herald’s feature begins with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind, one of the county’s largest providers of mental health support, followed by indepth profiles on:

• Pathway Counselling

• Adferiad Recovery

• The DPJ Foundation

• West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH)

• Megan’s Starr Foundation

• Give The Boys A Lift

Each article explores how these services operate, what they offer, and how to get in touch — offering a clear guide for anyone seeking help, or looking to support the work being done.

With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health issue each year in the UK, and rural areas often facing greater barriers to access, the importance of community-based support has never been greater.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs help, the following services are available in Pembrokeshire and nationally:

Key Support Contacts:

• NHS Mental Health 111 (Option 2) – 24/7 urgent mental health support: Call 111 and select option 2

• Samaritans – Free, 24/7 confidential listening: Call 116 123

• Shout – Text-based crisis support, 24/7: Text “SHOUT” to 85258

• The DPJ Foundation Helpline – 24/7 for rural and farming communities: 0800 587 4262

• Mind Infoline – Information on mental health and services: 0300 123 3393

• YoungMinds Textline – Support for young people: Text “YM” to 85258

Over the coming pages, The Herald explores how Pembrokeshire is responding to the mental health crisis — not just with words, but with action.

Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind: Supporting mental wellbeing across West Wales

lOcAl branch of national charity provides vital mental health services and community support

Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind is a leading mental health charity operating in the heart of West Wales, delivering essential services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. As part of the larger Mind network, this independent branch has become a lifeline for many people in rural communities where access to services can be limited.

The charity offers a range of services designed to promote emotional wellbeing and resilience. These include drop-in sessions, oneto-one mental health support, and a specialist Evening Mental Health Support service operating from 5:00pm to 2:00am, Thursday through Sunday. This out-of-hours provision has been particularly well received, offering critical assistance to people when many other services are closed.

Additionally, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind runs a series of

free wellbeing activities, including art therapy, gardening projects, and yoga sessions — all designed to help people reduce stress and build a supportive network. The charity also provides employment support, working with individuals who are looking to return to work or retain their job while managing mental health conditions.

One of the key strengths of the organisation is its focus on lived experience. Many staff and volunteers have personal experience of mental health issues, creating an empathetic and nonjudgemental environment. Their “Peer Support” groups bring people together to share experiences, reduce isolation, and build confidence in a safe and welcoming space

Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind also works closely with local GPs, schools, and public health teams to improve awareness and early intervention. Their outreach into schools and colleges helps

young people understand mental health and access help early on, potentially preventing long-term issues.

With a dedicated team based in both Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, the charity remains firmly embedded in the local community. It continues to adapt and grow in response to rising demand, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing cost-of-living crisis, which have significantly impacted people’s mental wellbeing.

For anyone seeking support or wanting to get involved, whether as a volunteer or donor, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind offers a welcoming hand.

Contact information: Website: www.pcmind.org.uk

Phone: 01267 222990

Email: enquiries@pcmind.org.uk

Address: The Mount, 18 Wellfield Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1DS https://www.pcmind.org.uk/

Pathway Counselling:

Free, accessible support for those in emotional distress

H AVERFOR d WEST - BASE d service offers professional counselling to people across Pembrokeshire

Pathway Counselling is a vital mental health service based in Haverfordwest, providing free counselling support to individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges across Pembrokeshire. Run as part of the wider Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless (PATH) organisation, Pathway Counselling is open to everyone — not just those experiencing housing difficulties.

Established to bridge the growing gap in mental health services, the charity offers a lifeline for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, and other emotional difficulties. Unlike many mainstream services, which often come with long waiting lists or financial barriers, Pathway Counselling is committed to accessibility. Sessions are provided completely free of charge, thanks to funding from the National Lottery and other grants.

The charity employs qualified, experienced counsellors and also supports the development of student counsellors, offering placement opportunities under professional supervision. This model enables Pathway to expand its reach while maintaining high standards of care.

One of the strengths of Pathway Counselling is its flexibility. Clients can access support both in person at their discreet Haverfordwest location and online via secure video platforms, making it easier for people in rural or remote areas of Pembrokeshire to engage.

This hybrid approach has proved especially valuable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping those who may struggle to travel or feel more comfortable receiving support from home.

In addition to one-to-one counselling, Pathway also offers workshops and group sessions on topics such as managing anxiety, building self-esteem, and developing coping strategies. These group offerings help foster a sense of community and mutual support among participants.

Pathway Counselling is particularly aware of the stigma that can surround mental health, especially in rural Welsh communities. Its approach is sensitive, person-centred, and confidential, ensuring that clients feel safe and respected at all times. The charity also works closely with other local services and can signpost clients to additional support, including housing advice, food banks, and domestic abuse services.

By providing timely, compassionate, and professional support to those in need, Pathway Counselling continues to be a trusted mental health resource for the people of Pembrokeshire.

Contact information: Website: www.pathwaycounselling. uk

Email: counselling@ pembrokeshireaction.org

Phone: 01437 765335

Address: 21A Cartlett, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 2LH

Adferiad Recovery:

Practical help and housing support for people with complex needs

Pembrokeshire services provide tailored assistance for those managing serious mental illness and substance misuse

Adferiad Recovery is a Wales-wide charity that offers specialist support to individuals and families facing complex challenges — including serious mental illness, addiction, and housing instability. In Pembrokeshire, the charity runs several dedicated projects that provide practical, emotional, and social support to

some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

The name “Adferiad” means “recovery” in Welsh, reflecting the charity’s core mission: to help people rebuild their lives and regain independence. Through local services based in Pembrokeshire, Adferiad’s staff work closely with clients to understand their individual needs and deliver personalised support.

One of the standout projects in the region is the Seibiant Mental

Health Community Support Project, which offers one-to-one support and group activities to people living with serious mental illness. It also provides respite and wellbeing support for unpaid carers — an often overlooked group under immense pressure. Seibiant’s focus on community, compassion, and continuity of care helps foster trust and long-term engagement.

Another crucial service is the Mental Health Community Housing Support Project, which helps individuals with enduring mental health conditions to live independently. The service supports clients in finding and maintaining accommodation, managing finances, accessing healthcare, and developing life skills. For many, this kind of wraparound support is what makes independent living possible.

Adferiad’s approach is holistic and trauma-informed. They understand that mental health difficulties are often intertwined with other issues — such as substance misuse, domestic violence, or poverty — and they provide

coordinated responses rather than siloed services. In Pembrokeshire, staff work closely with local authorities, NHS services, housing providers, and community groups to ensure seamless support for those in crisis.

The charity also plays a vital advocacy role, campaigning for better mental health services and contributing to Welsh Government consultations on health and social care. Their lived-experienceinformed model ensures that service users have a voice in shaping the help they receive.

For people who feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, Adferiad Recovery offers practical steps forward and hope for a better future.

Contact information:

Website: www.adferiad.org

Seibiant Mental Health Project: Seibiant Project Details

Housing Support: Housing Support Project Details

General enquiries: info@adferiad.org

Phone: 01792 816600

The DPJ Foundation:

Tackling rural mental health in Wales’ farming communities

SPEcIAlIST support for those in agriculture facing stress, depression, and isolation

The DPJ Foundation is a unique Welsh mental health charity dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of people working in agriculture and rural industries — especially farmers, who are at significantly higher risk of depression and suicide than the general population. With roots in Pembrokeshire, the charity has grown to serve rural communities across Wales while remaining deeply committed to its local origins.

Founded in memory of Daniel Picton-Jones, a young Pembrokeshire farmer who took his own life in 2016, the charity was set up by his wife, Emma, to address the silence around mental health in farming communities. Since then, the DPJ Foundation has become a vital and trusted voice, offering practical help and emotional support tailored to the unique pressures of rural life.

Farming can be physically isolating, financially precarious, and emotionally draining — factors that often prevent individuals from seeking help. Recognising this, the DPJ Foundation created a 24/7 confidential helpline called “Share the Load,” staffed by trained counsellors who understand the realities of agricultural life. Farmers and their families can call without fear of judgement and get immediate access to advice, support, and ongoing counselling referrals.

The charity also offers a fully funded counselling service, ensuring

that those who need professional help receive it quickly and locally. Counsellors will travel directly to farms or offer telephone/video sessions, removing common barriers to access like travel or stigma. The waiting time for counselling is often just days — significantly faster than many NHS routes.

In addition to reactive support, the DPJ Foundation works proactively to improve awareness. They deliver mental health awareness training to businesses, agricultural organisations, and colleges, aiming to normalise conversations about mental health. Their “Are Ewe OK?” campaign uses clever branding and real stories from farmers to engage hard-to-reach audiences.

Crucially, the charity listens to the farming community itself, regularly adjusting its approach based on what people say they need. Whether it’s attending livestock marts, visiting Young Farmers’ Clubs, or running community events, the DPJ Foundation meets people where they are — both literally and emotionally.

Their motto, “It’s OK not to be OK,” is more than a slogan — it’s a lifeline.

Contact information: Website: www.thedpjfoundation. co.uk

Email: contact@thedpjfoundation. co.uk

Helpline: Call or text 0800 587 4262 (24/7)

Registered Address: Ty Twt, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire, SA66 7NP

West Wales Action for Mental Health: Championing rights and recovery in the community

SuPPORTING mental health services, carers, and service users through advocacy and partnership

West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH) is a regional charity that plays a key coordinating and advocacy role in the mental health landscape across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion. While not a frontline clinical service provider, WWAMH works behind the scenes to strengthen the mental health support system, raise awareness, and ensure that the voices of those

affected by mental illness are heard at every level.

Established in 1992, WWAMH acts as a bridge between individuals with lived experience, voluntary organisations, statutory services (such as the NHS), and local authorities. The charity supports collaboration, partnership, and dialogue — all aimed at improving mental health outcomes in West Wales.

One of WWAMH’s core missions is empowerment. The organisation helps individuals and carers to understand

their rights, navigate the mental health system, and participate in decisions about their care. They provide information sessions, service user forums, and advocacy support to ensure people are informed, respected, and included.

WWAMH also works with smaller grassroots mental health organisations, helping them develop projects, secure funding, and improve governance. This support strengthens the local mental health network as a whole, ensuring that help is available in communities rather than centralised in a few urban centres.

In Pembrokeshire, WWAMH has partnered with various community organisations to deliver innovative wellbeing projects. These include arts for wellbeing programmes, mental health training for community workers, and initiatives supporting older adults, carers, and young people. They also support suicide prevention work and promote trauma-informed practices across sectors.

A key part of WWAMH’s work

is influencing policy and strategy. The charity sits on health boards and planning groups, bringing the lived experience of service users into strategic decision-making processes. They campaign to challenge stigma, improve services, and promote mental health equality.

The organisation is also involved in crisis planning and safeguarding work, advocating for systems that support recovery rather than punitive approaches. This includes contributing to regional mental health strategies and ensuring service user feedback informs future models of care.

WWAMH’s quiet but powerful presence in West Wales continues to make a real difference to how mental health is understood, supported, and prioritised across the region.

Contact information: Website: www.wwamh.org.uk

Email: admin@wwamh.org.uk

Phone: 01267 245572

Address: The Mount, 18 Wellfield Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1DQ

Megan’s Starr Foundation:

Healing hearts through hope, youth outreach, and community care

Milford Haven charity offers counselling, creative projects, and safe spaces for young people and families

Megan’s Starr Foundation is a Pembrokeshire-based mental health charity rooted in both heartbreak and hope. Founded by family and friends in memory of Megan Louise Davies –a young woman who tragically took her own life in 2017 at the age of 20 – the charity’s mission is to support children, young people, and families affected by mental health struggles, suicide, and trauma.

Operating from its base in Milford Haven, Megan’s Starr Foundation offers free, professional counselling for children, young people, and adults, with a trauma-informed approach that centres compassion and confidentiality. The charity’s therapeutic services are tailored to individual needs, including support for self-harm, grief, anxiety, and depression.

What makes Megan’s Starr Foundation unique is its strong focus on prevention and community outreach. One of its standout features is the Community Coffee House in Milford Haven — a safe, welcoming drop-in space offering hot drinks, snacks, and informal support. It’s a place where anyone, regardless of background, can simply come and talk, be heard, or seek help without pressure.

In an effort to reach rural areas where isolation is high and services limited, the Foundation also operates a mobile Speakeasy Coffee & Shake Van, taking its message and services to villages, school car parks, and

events throughout Pembrokeshire. This innovative outreach approach breaks down barriers, particularly for those who might not normally engage with mental health support.

Beyond counselling and crisis support, Megan’s Starr Foundation delivers awareness workshops in schools and community centres, educating young people about mental health, self-care, resilience, and suicide prevention. Their youth team works with schools to help embed a culture of openness around emotional wellbeing.

The charity also provides peer support groups, including a bereavement group and regular youth sessions where young people can socialise, take part in creative activities, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Driven by a personal story but powered by community spirit, Megan’s Starr Foundation continues to grow its reach and reputation. Its name, and its work, are reminders that every life matters — and that no one should face mental health challenges alone.

contact information: Website: WWW.megansstarr.com Email: megansstarrfoundation@ gmail.com Phone: 07709 479555 community coffee House: 18 charles Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2HE Facebook: @ megansstarrfoundation

GET The Boys A Lift:

Driving mental health awareness through coffee, culture, and conversation

Pembrokeshire charity breaks down stigma with creative outreach and open-door support

Get The Boys A Lift (GTBAL) is a mental health charity based in Pembrokeshire that has carved out a unique space in the local landscape by combining support, creativity, and social enterprise. Known for its warm, community-centred approach, GTBAL helps people talk about mental health openly—through coffee, music, art, and friendly faces.

The charity began in 2018 as

a grassroots initiative by a group of friends determined to start conversations about mental health in a relaxed, accessible way. Since then, it has grown into a registered charity with its own mental health hub, a quirky and welcoming coffee shop in Haverfordwest that doubles as a drop-in centre and community space.

GTBAL offers free counselling sessions, a listening service, and low-cost therapy delivered by qualified professionals and supported volunteers. Their approach is informal

and stigma-free, aimed especially at young people and men—two groups who are statistically less likely to seek help through traditional channels.

One of the charity’s key strengths is its ability to blend mental health support with creativity and social enterprise. The GTBAL café is not only a safe space for conversation but also a hub of activity. Local musicians perform there, young artists exhibit their work, and community groups meet regularly. All profits from the café go directly back into providing free mental health services.

The team also runs outreach programmes in schools, workplaces, and events across Pembrokeshire. These include mental health awareness talks, interactive workshops, and creative therapy sessions. The aim is always to make mental health conversations as normal as talking about the weather.

GTBAL has also produced its own merchandise line, with thought-

provoking slogans designed to get people talking. Hoodies, mugs, and posters bearing messages like “It’s okay to not be okay” help spread awareness while generating income for the cause.

Run by a team of passionate staff and volunteers, GTBAL stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community pulls together. Whether someone wants to talk, needs counselling, or just wants a cup of coffee in a safe space, GTBAL is there — no judgment, just support.

Contact information: Website: https://gtbal.co.uk/ Email: info@givetheboysalift.co.uk

Phone: 07394 739866

Address: GTBAL Coffee House, 27 Dew Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 1ST

Instagram/Facebook: @ givetheboysalift

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

clASSIc bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and classic Motorcycle club hosts its eleventh annual classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre –which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email seacaptains@icloud.com.

Iconic Tenby seafront hotel renovation to take place

WORKS to improve the appearance of a prominent Tenby hotel which overlooks both caldey Island and St catherine’s Island have been backed by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Martin Phillips of Clarence House Hotel, The Esplanade sought permission for to replace existing signage with “newer, less obtrusive signs,” including a change of the front signage for one incorporating the Clarence’s name and logo.

Tenby Town Council backed the proposals, saying it was a “markedly improved upgrade on the Grade-IIlisted hotel, in the town’s conservation area.

An officer report recommending approval said: “There are five new signs proposed as part of this application. These will aim to replace the existing and dated signage currently present on the Clarence House Hotel.

“The Building Conservation Officer has supported the application and has

stated that the designs are a clear improvement on the existing situation.

The proposed signage is to replace the existing signage with a more modern design; however, this will not impact the heritage of the listed building and has a positive impact on the street scene. The designs are appropriate in terms of design, scale and positioning.

“[Policy] requires that the identity and character of the town and village is not lost. The proposed signage does not compromise the existing character of the building or the streetscape and is therefore acceptable.

“The proposal for new signage for the Clarence House Hotel will have a beneficial impact on the street scene and the conservation area of Tenby. The proposal adheres to all relevant national, regional and local legislation and policy.”

The application was approved by park planners.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Crowds pack Cardigan for Barley Saturday celebrations

c AR d IGAN was packed on Saturday (Apr 26) as people gathered for the town’s traditional Barley Saturday festivities.

The popular event, which dates back to the 19th century, saw hundreds line the streets to enjoy a colourful procession of horses, vintage vehicles, and floats. Families, visitors, and locals alike filled the town centre, creating a lively and vibrant

atmosphere throughout the day.

The event celebrates Cardigan’s agricultural heritage, when farmers would traditionally come to town to hire workers and show off their best horses after the spring sowing of barley. Today, it remains one of Ceredigion’s most cherished and

best-loved annual traditions.

Speaking to The Herald, one visitor said: “It’s brilliant to see the town so full of life. The horses were beautiful, and it’s a fantastic event for all ages.”

Businesses reported a bumper day, with cafés, pubs and shops enjoying a steady stream of customers. Many said it was the busiest they had seen the town in months.

The highlight of the day was the grand parade, featuring impeccably groomed horses and carriages, followed by a wide range of classic and agricultural vehicles. Crowds cheered and applauded as they passed through the town centre.

Organisers said they were delighted with the turnout and the community spirit shown by all those who took part.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

(Images: Gareth Davies Photography/Herald)

Golden age of steam returns to Pembrokeshire for one day only

STEAM enthusiasts will have a rare chance to see a legendary locomotive in Pembrokeshire this weekend as the iconic lMS Black Five 45212 arrives as part of The Railway Touring company’s “The Great Britain XVII” rail tour.

Pembrokeshire is one of the highlights of the nine-day steam adventure, which sees passengers travel across Britain aboard some of the country’s most celebrated surviving locomotives. Tickets for the full experience, including seating, onboard dining, and hotel accommodation, cost up to £4,500.

The LMS Black Five – fully titled LMS Stanier Class Black 5 45212 – was built in 1935 by Armstrong Whitworth in Newcastle. Designed by Sir William Stanier, the Black Fives were known as the “maid of all work” class, thanks to their versatility handling both passenger and freight duties.

Only 18 of the original 842 Black Five locomotives survive today, and 45212 remains one of the few certified for mainline operation. It even appeared in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, starring Kenneth Branagh.

The steam engine will travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Pembrokeshire on Sunday, April 27. Part of the journey will be diesel-hauled, but the stretch from Pembroke Dock to Whitland will be pure steam, departing Pembroke Dock at 2:06pm, stopping at Tenby at 2:33pm, and reaching Whitland by 3:00pm.

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

After a diesel leg to Fishguard Harbour, where it arrives at 4:01pm, the locomotive takes over again for a fully steam-powered run back towards Cardiff Central, passing Clarbeston Road at 4:31pm, Haverfordwest at 4:42pm, and arriving at Milford Haven

around 6:04pm.

The tour, which departs London Victoria on Saturday, April 26, is The Railway Touring Company’s flagship event. Now in its 17th year, “The Great Britain” tour is regarded as one of the most ambitious steam journeys in the UK, covering over 2,000 miles of scenic railway.

Kelly Osborne, managing director of The Railway Touring Company, said:

“The highlight of day two will be the spectacular scenery of Pembrokeshire National Park as we travel to Pembroke Dock, Fishguard and Milford Haven. Leaving Fishguard Harbour, our historic engine will face a 1 in 50 gradient –meaning passengers are guaranteed a memorable climb!”

More information about the tour and other steam-hauled adventures can be found at www.railwaytouring.net.

Former Pembroke Dock church to be transformed into gym

PREVIOuSlY refused plans to convert an upstairs storage area for a gym on the site of a former Pembrokeshire town centre church to a flat have been given the goahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Gethin Beynon sought permission for a change of use of a second-floor storage area associated with the Synergy Health and Fitness Centre, Trinity Building, Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock to residential accommodation.

The site was formerly the Bethel Baptist Church, in the town’s conservation area.

A previous 2021 application was refused on the grounds a balcony and roof lights would impact on the character and appearance of the building, and the conservation area, and “would result in a material and unacceptable increase in the levels of overlooking and would also result in the perceived overlooking of the private amenity areas of the dwellings immediately to the north and east of the site”.

The resubmitted application sought to address those reasons, with changes including a removal of the balcony to the north, a reduction in the number of velux windows, and amended designs.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

A supporting statement said: “This amended design is not considered to result in a significant harmful overlooking impact and would reduce any overlooking perception to an acceptable level.

“With regard to amenity provision, this is limited, however given the proposal only forming a two-bedroom unit and having a sustainable location being in the Pembroke Dock settlement, with open space amenity provision and facilities being nearby the proposal would be acceptable.”

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The development would provide new open market housing within the settlement boundary of the Hub Town of Pembroke Dock, resulting in positive environmental and social impacts through the appropriate reuse of the building and the increase in availability of varied accommodation in the local area and positive economic benefits through expenditure on building materials and on labour during constriction.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Demolition of fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel underway

WORKS have started on the demolition of the “eyesore” site of the fire-ravaged former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke dock, which will see 35 affordable homes built on site.

In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been a derelict site since a fire in March 2019, which brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea.

The site has been purchased by Castell Group Property Specialists who specialise in delivering affordable housing in South Wales and have undertaken a joint development deal with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) and that deal was agreed back in April 2024.

Late last year, Castell Group Property Specialists, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, was granted permission by the council’s planning committee to demolish what is left of the hotel, with a development of 100 per cent affordable housing units, in a mix of a mix of social rent and affordable housing.

The 35 homes will range in size and consist of various affordable housing, such as social, supported, and intermediate rent.

All properties will be owned and rented by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Speaking at the December 2024 planning meeting before permission was granted, agent Andrew Vaughan-

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Harries said: “It’s going to be a new site of council houses, a private package to develop these 35 houses; if and when these houses are built they will be acquired by Pembrokeshire County Council as the next phase of housing stock. It will be your council houses for Pembroke Dock.”

Castell Group, in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, recently completed the sale for the redevelopment of the site.

Cllr Joshua Beynon, local member, has previously said: “I am really pleased to see the council developing this piece

of land that has been left as an eyesore since it caught fire some years ago. Housing is what we need, and I’m really pleased to see it happening here.”

A previous planning application for the demolition of the hotel and siting of a residential care home and linked bungalows was submitted in October 2022, subsequently granted permission in February 2023, but never progressed.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has previously said the 2019 fire was started by a deliberate act.Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

MIKE EDWARDS

MY dARlINGEST one’s prodigal brother arrived to stay with us last weekend.

My wife took pains to warn me ahead of time that Eurig had always had ‘his little ways’ and that any adverse comment about them on my part would be met with the full force of her fury.

As a special treat, the wife prepared a meal that included real meat and bought a bottle of highly recommended £3.99 red wine from Nisa.

At the appointed hour, Eurig arrived; as the taxi tore away down the drive, there was a sharp rap at the door. I opened it to greet our guest and invite him into our humble abode. He was not exactly what I had expected.

I had expected a plump, sleek, well-groomed individual oozing lucre and success from every pore.

I don’t know if you have ever seen the Tracey Emin art installation involving an unmade bed, but there it was, made flesh.

Faintly wild-eyed and squinting furiously through Guinness bottle bottom glasses, there stood Eurig. Not so much the man mountain that the missus had described as a slag heap after a large landslip.

In one hand was an attaché case and, in the other, a well-travelled leather suitcase festooned with luggage stamps and tags. This did not appear to be the man of whom I had been told.

After introductions and handshakes, I walked him through the living room, where the wife was waiting.

If she was taken aback, she hid it well. There were brief familial embraces and an exchange of pleasantries. I then showed Eurig to the spare bedroom. I gave him a short guided tour of where he could find all of the important facilities he would need while spending time in the presence of the wife’s cooking. He carefully laid his suitcase on the bed and slid the attaché case under it. As he did so, I caught him glancing furtively about the room as though he was looking for something.

As Eurig unpacked, I joined the wife in the kitchen and raised a questioning eyebrow.

“He has his ways,” was all she said in response.

He certainly did. After a lengthy sojourn in the bathroom, he emerged into the kitchen, looking an almost entirely different person. Wellgroomed, oozing money, but still faintly wild-eyed and still squinting furiously behind his glasses. Eurig was dressed in what I supposed passed for casual wear in the circles in which he moved. I had never actually seen a sports jacket, shirt, cravat, and slacks combination anywhere else apart from in the old ads for the man at C&A.

Eurig was civility itself. He praised the wife’s cooking and said it reminded him of mam’s. I looked at the pair of them and didn’t detect a hint of irony.

Things must have been really rough in Ceredigion back in the day.

Vintage vehicles rev up at Carew Castle for May Bank Holiday

ONE of the most popular events in the local calendar will return this spring, as carew castle prepares to host its annual classic car Show on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Castle and Millpond, the show brings together an impressive selection of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles from across South Wales. The event has become a firm favourite among vehicle enthusiasts and casual visitors, offering a unique opportunity to view beautifully maintained vehicles in a striking heritage setting.

In addition to the vehicle displays, the event will include live music and a range of family-friendly activities, making it a well-rounded day out. Hot drinks and bacon rolls will be available in the morning, followed by a full menu of homemade lunches and cakes at Nest Tearoom. The Castle and nearby Tidal Mill will also be open as usual, offering visitors the chance to explore over 2,000 years of history through exhibitions, displays, and the site’s distinctive architecture.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “The Classic Car Show

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

has become one of our most anticipated events of the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for vehicle owners to showcase their pride and joy, and for visitors to experience a wonderful mix of history, heritage, and automotive design – all in the unique setting of Carew Castle.”

The Car Show will run from 10am to 3pm, with the Castle open until 4.30pm. Normal admission fees apply, with tickets priced at: Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children £6, and Family Tickets £25. Entry to the Car Show is included in the admission fee. No advance booking is required.

The event is weather dependent and may be cancelled in the event of poor conditions. For the latest updates, visit www.carewcastle.com or follow Carew Castle and Tidal Mill on Facebook.

Please note that there has been overwhelming interest from vehicle owners to attend this year’s show and exhibitor spaces are now fully booked. Information about other events taking place across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is available at www.

Fishguard Festival of Music launches at the Senedd in Cardiff

was officially launched at the Welsh Parliament this week (Monday) in an event hosted by Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul davies.

Guests attending heard from the festival’s artistic director Gillian Green MBE about the programme of events that will be staged at venues across Pembrokeshire from 18th July to the 31st July, opening with a concert by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at St David’s Cathedral.

Mr Davies said: “It was a huge honour to welcome everyone to the Senedd again for this year’s launch of the Fishguard Festival of Music. The festival has been running for more than fifty years and has attracted musicians from all over the world. It’s thanks to the hard work and commitment of the festival team that Fishguard has developed a reputation as an international music hotpot. This year’s

festival promises to be an excellent one and I’d urge everyone to look at the programme and make sure to book their tickets early!”

Gillian Green MBE added: “We are immensely grateful to Paul Davies MS for hosting this event at the Senedd again and for speaking so enthusiastically about the festival. I am very excited about this year’s programme which I hope will bring people from far and wide to beautiful Pembrokeshire as well as enabling local people to enjoy world-class music making.”

Artists performing at this year’s festival include Mared Pugh-Evans (official harpist to His Majesty King), the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Rebecca Evans CBE and the Geoff Eales trio. The full programme is available to view on the festival’s website www.fishguardmusicfestival.com

THIS YEAR’S Fishguard Festival of Music/Gwyl Gerdd Abergwaun

Quarter century milestone for guardian of Wales’ exceptional coastal waters

ONE of Europe’s longest serving guardians of a marine Special Area of conservation (SAc), protecting waters around Pembrokeshire, is celebrating a record-breaking 25th year in post.

Sue Burton was among the first officer appointees, and the first in Wales, working for a multi-agency partnership (a ‘relevant authorities group’) to act as a focal point for a European Marine Site at the turn of the new millennium in 2000.

Hosted by the Port of Milford Haven and supported financially by the Port, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, she was tasked with protecting the marine wildlife along the coastline and up the Cleddau estuary, working to improve understanding and identify threats and challenges to managing this environmentally important area.

“I have loved this job… I still love this job!” said Sue on marking the anniversary. “I have been working with so many different groups on different topics… I’ve really enjoyed that variety.

“Our role was to do the more proactive work, working with other bodies and the public to identify what could be done above and beyond the routine statutory protections at the time. We had to look for the gaps, for what we could do to improve the wildlife of the site. That included joint projects,

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

raising awareness and education.”

“The Port of Milford Haven has always been a fantastic support, and I always felt part of the Port family. It has also become a big supporter regarding sustainability,” Sue added.

Sue’s post relied on financial and in-kind support from the other organisations in the Relevant Authority Group partnership too, who continue to

demonstrate their commitment to the marine protected area by maintaining their contributions. Partner funding importantly allows Sue to apply for grants to deliver improvement work.

“Highlights for me are probably the opportunities for engagement where I remember what it is all about – the wonderful wildlife. Sharing that with people and opening their eyes to the hidden world beneath the sea is special,” said Sue. “The annual school snorkel safari is probably my best workday of the year!”

“Sadly, external pressures, including climate change, continue to take their toll on habitats across Wales. Many species remain under threat and the status of some are more at risk than they were in 2000,” said Sue.

“But what I have seen in recent years is the emergence of citizen power, with volunteer initiatives such as ‘The Cleddau Project’ fighting hard for marine wildlife and their habitats. This gives me hope that we can make changes before it is too late.

Reflecting on the past 25 years of work, Sue said: “Overall, I am just very grateful to all those bodies and volunteers who have helped me, supported the marine SAC partnership and done so much to highlight the extraordinarily special and beautiful area we live in, and a place that I’m very lucky to have worked in all these years.”

Congratulating Sue on this incredible milestone, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “We’re truly inspired by Sue for leading the way in this vital work.

“Her dedication to protecting the marine wildlife along Pembrokeshire’s unique and special coastline reflects the Port’s shared commitment to sustainability. It’s a privilege to support her efforts as we work together to safeguard our coastal waters for future generations.”

Top security firm wins national praise — and it all started in Pembrokeshire

A PEMBROKESHIRE security company that began as a local startup just over three years ago has been awarded a string of prestigious national accreditations – cementing its position as one of Wales’ most trusted providers of training and protection services.

RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, which employs around 300 people and is based in the county, has passed rigorous audits for both ISO 9001 and CoP 119 – two of the toughest and most respected certifications in the security industry.

These achievements, along with six other nationally recognised accreditations, underline the company’s meteoric rise from a small family-run venture to a sector leader with operations across South Wales.

PEMBROKESHIRE ROOTS, NATIONAl REAcH

Founded in November 2021 by former high-risk security operative Ryan Mayne and Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, RM Training was born out of a desire to bring professionalism, fairness and opportunity to the Welsh security sector.

“Pembrokeshire gave me a second chance,” Ryan told The Herald. “I was sent here during the pandemic to work on Home Office security contracts, and I knew straight away this was where I wanted to stay and build something meaningful.”

That dream became a reality when Ryan partnered with Kerry — now his fiancée — and was soon joined by General Manager Mathew Davies, a seasoned security professional with a military background who helped the business expand quickly while maintaining discipline, training standards and reliability.

Together, the trio built a company that now works with everyone from local pubs and event organisers to public sector bodies and large commercial clients

across Wales.

A clEAN SWEEP OF AccREdITATIONS

The company’s recent success in passing the ISO 9001 and CoP 119 audits is being hailed as a major milestone.

ISO 9001 is the gold standard for quality management systems, confirming that the business has robust internal processes focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

CoP 119, meanwhile, is a specialist code of practice set by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and the British Standards Institution. It sets out strict requirements for recruitment, vetting, workforce welfare and compliance — ensuring companies who deploy security staff are ethical, transparent and accountable.

But RM Training’s achievements don’t stop there. The company also holds:

• Disability Confident Employer status — promoting inclusive recruitment and support for disabled workers

• CPD Approved Provider recognition — certifying its training as highquality and professionally approved

• A Bronze Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme — showing support for veterans and reservists

• Good Business Charter membership — committing to responsible business practices

• ICO registration — ensuring data protection and privacy compliance

• SafeContractor and SafePQQ approval — verifying health, safety, environmental, and anti-bribery standards

General Manager Mathew Davies said: “These accreditations are more than just badges. They show we’re doing

things the right way – by the book, with integrity, and with people at the heart of everything.”

INVESTING IN PEOPlE – ANd PEMBROKESHIRE

One of RM Training’s central goals is to open doors for people in Pembrokeshire and beyond who want to build a secure, long-term career in the industry.

With over 140 training courses available — including door supervision, corporate and retail security, festival work and site guarding — the company is helping people gain the qualifications they need to work in a sector where demand is constantly rising.

“A big part of what we do is supporting people into work,” said Mr Mayne. “Whether they’re ex-military, looking for a fresh start, or just need flexible hours that work for their family – we give them

the tools, training and confidence to succeed.”

A FAMIlY-RuN FIRM WITH BIG AMBITIONS

Despite its growth, the firm has never lost its family feel. Kerry McReynolds, who juggles raising their young son Archie with managing staff and client relations, remains at the centre of the operation.

“She’s the one who keeps everything moving,” Ryan said. “Without Kerry and Mathew, this wouldn’t work. We’ve all worked hard to build something we can be proud of — for Pembrokeshire, and for the people we serve.”

As the company looks ahead to more expansion across South Wales and the rest of the UK, it remains committed to its founding values: professionalism, fairness, opportunity — and giving back to the community that helped it grow.

Professional approach: Kerry McReynolds

MD of a growing local firm: Ryan Mayne

Mathew Davies: Oversees company’s dayto-day operations

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

THE ALL NEW HARRY POTTER

THE MAGIc of the wizarding world is set to be rekindled for a new generation as HBO embarks on a major reimagining of Harry Potter in the form of a television series.

With the original film franchise still fresh in the minds of fans worldwide, the casting of the new series has been the subject of intense speculation— particularly as the production aims to remain faithful to J.K. Rowling’s original novels.

Earlier this year, it was announced that John Lithgow—recent recipient of an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Roald Dahl on stage—would take on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore. Now, further casting details have emerged, confirming several key adult roles at Hogwarts.

Speaking to Screen Rant, Lithgow admitted that being cast as the legendary headmaster came as a shock: “It came as a total surprise to me,” he said. “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Joining Lithgow in the ensemble is Paapa Essiedu, known for I May Destroy You

and Gangs of London, who will take on the role of Severus Snape. Janet McTeer, who starred in Wuthering Heights and The Menu, has been cast as Professor Minerva McGonagall. Nick Frost, a familiar face from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will step into the boots of Rubeus Hagrid, while comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Harry & Paul) will portray caretaker Argus Filch. Rounding out the current line-up is Luke Thallon, fresh from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet, who takes on the role of the timid Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Quirinus Quirrell.

Notably, the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and other student characters are yet to be announced, with casting expected to be confirmed in the coming months.

HBO first revealed its plans for the series in 2023, pledging a faithful adaptation of the beloved novels that would allow the story to unfold in far greater detail than was possible on film. With Rowling serving as an executive producer, the author praised the long-form format, saying it enables “a degree of depth and

detail only afforded by a longform television series.”

The series is slated to run across a decade, with multiple seasons designed to explore the full scope of Rowling’s richly imagined universe. While the original films covered the major plot points, fans will recall that several elements were left out due to the limitations of featurelength runtimes. Among those omitted was the mischievous poltergeist Peeves—though whether he’ll make it into this adaptation remains to be seen.

HBO has promised a production “full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years,” and hopes the new series will usher in “a new generation of fandom.”

Filming is set to begin this summer, with the series expected to premiere in 2026—though industry insiders suggest it could be delayed to 2027. The show will air on HBO’s streaming platform MAX in the US and, as with previous HBO productions, is anticipated to broadcast on Sky and stream via NOW in the UK.

For Potterheads—both old and new—the countdown has well and truly begun.

final destination bloodlines

FINAL Destination:

Bloodlines marks the longawaited return of the iconic horror franchise, arriving in theaters on May 16, 2025. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, this sixth installment delves into the origins of Death’s design, offering fans a fresh yet familiar experience.

The story centers on Stefanie, a college student tormented by violent recurring nightmares. Compelled to uncover the truth, she returns home to confront a dark family history and seeks out the one person who might help break the deadly cycle threatening her loved ones.

Breaking from tradition, Bloodlines opens with a premonition set in 1969,

immersing viewers in a historical catastrophe. The narrative then shifts to the present day, offering a unique perspective that challenges audience expectations. According to the filmmakers, the movie plays with the franchise’s formula by changing up who’s going to die next and how, making it less predictable and more suspenseful.

Tony Todd reprises his role as the enigmatic William Bludworth, providing chilling insights into Death’s mechanics. In a key scene, he explains that there are only two ways to break the deadly cycle: by taking another life and inheriting their remaining time, or by sacrificing your own.

The film’s trailer has already

generated major buzz, racking up millions of views in a short time and suggesting a strong interest from both longtime fans and horror newcomers. While official critic reviews have yet to land, early audience reactions are enthusiastic. Fans are particularly intrigued by the movie’s deeper dive into the mythology of premonitions and Death’s rules.

Final Destination: Bloodlines promises to reinvigorate the franchise with its inventive storytelling and gruesome set pieces. By blending nostalgic elements with new twists, it aims to deliver one of the most memorable entries in the series to date.

Tech and Taff

APPlE exec in hot water after judge says he lied under oath

Epic Games wins major round in App Store battle

By Professor Barry Davis –Tech ‘n Taff

Well now, bach, things have gone a bit pear-shaped in Cupertino. A top Apple exec has landed himself in a bucket of legal cawl after a US judge ruled he lied under oath. And it’s all to do with that never-ending squabble between Apple and the makers of Fortnite – Epic Games.

The row goes back to 2020 when Epic took Apple to court, fuming about the hefty fees (up to 30%!) Apple charges on its App Store. Epic cheekily tried to dodge those fees by sneaking in its own payment system –which got Fortnite booted out faster than you can say “update required.”

Now, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has hit back at Apple, saying the company broke court orders that were meant to open up competition on the App Store. Even worse, she reckons Apple’s vice president of finance, Alex

Roman, told a pack of porkies in court. Not just fibs, mind –she called it “misdirection and outright lies.” Oof.

She’s so unimpressed, she’s referred Mr Roman to federal prosecutors for a criminal contempt investigation. That’s like getting sent to the headteacher and the police station.

Apple’s response? “We strongly disagree,” they huffed, while insisting they’ll follow the ruling and appeal. Meanwhile, Epic’s big boss, Tim Sweeney, is doing a little victory dance, calling it a major win for developers and users alike. He says they’re even planning to bring Fortnite back to iPhones next week. Pob lwc with that.

This could be a gamechanger, literally. If Apple has to stop slapping big fees on outside payments, other tech firms might get a fairer shot. And if Epic wins, who knows –maybe the App Store will finally stop acting like the gatekeeper of all things digital.

Diolch yn fawr for reading –and remember, never trust an exec who says “trust me” under oath.

MAD DOG MCREA

Prepare for a night of footstomping fun and high-energy live music as Mad dog Mcrea rolls into town, bringing their genre-blending magic to The Queens Hall.

Known for their infectious fusion of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and their own brand of “shake-yourass” music, Mad Dog Mcrea have built a legendary reputation as one of the UK’s most exhilarating live acts. Their lyrical adventures range from tales of drinking and love to whimsical stories of fairies and pirates, all delivered with the raw charm and boundless energy that fans have come to adore.

With doors opening at 7:30pm, this standing-only event is open to audiences aged 14 and over. Tickets are available in advance for £20.00, offering music lovers a chance to join

the party and experience what many call a “must-see” performance.

Hailing from the South West and boasting a fiercely loyal fanbase, Mad Dog Mcrea have become festival favourites, gracing stages across the UK and beyond. Beyond their electrifying live shows, the band has also made a mark in the studio, with five albums and a 2019 EP titled It’s a Sign adding to their creative legacy.

As their iconic purple happy bus pulls into Narberth, fans new and old are invited to hop aboard for an unforgettable night. With the band’s unique sound and vibrant stage presence, this promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an experience.

Don’t miss Mad Dog Mcrea at The Queens Hall on May 10th.

THE MIDNIGHT WALK

The Midnight Walk is not merely a game—no, my curious comrades—it’s an experience, a reverie conjured in the mind’s eye by the dream-weavers at MoonHood Studios, those same conjurors who once birthed lost in Random and Fe. What they’ve summoned this time is a stop-motion shadow-dance of sorrow and wonder—a macabre fairytale carved from clay, kissed by firelight, and stitched together with the aching threads of myth.

You play as The Burnt One—a cryptic soul hauled from the belly of the earth, reborn into a world of permanent twilight, where the road, known as the Midnight Walk, twists like a question mark through the velvet void.

By your side waddles Potboy, a delightful lantern-headed companion with a flickering bonce and a warm soul, your guide through this surrealist sermon on survival, light, and the delicious ambiguity of darkness.

And oh, the gameplay— it’s not your standard digital tappy-tap affair. It’s puzzle, it’s stealth, it’s firelight combat. It’s the kind of interactivity that doesn’t scream for your attention, but whispers to your subconscious. You wield Potboy’s flame like a monk wields silence—clearing paths, warding beasts, solving enigmas. There’s even a mechanic where you close your eyes—literally, to tune into the sonic tapestry around you. It’s less about winning,

more about waking up.

Every nook of this ghoulish dreamworld is real clay, mind you—touched by actual hands, then transfigured by modern sorcery into something playable. Add to that a binaural audio design so rich, so intimate, that headphones don’t just enhance the game— they complete it.

landing May 8, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and Pc—with VR support, for those brave enough to step all the way in— The Midnight Walk doesn’t just blur the line between art and game; it gleefully dances on it in a top hat and no trousers.

It is, in essence, a reminder: that in an age of endless digital noise, something truly handmade—truly heartfelt— can still silence us with awe.

HOROSCOPES

even those with whom you’ve previously had difficulties. You should be pleasantly surprised, in fact, at what finally happens, maybe a raise, bonus, or promotion you never dreamed you’d see this soon.

CANCER

You’ve been working hard to keep your life under control for

mission now is simply to keep your eye on the ball no matter what else might distract you.

LEO You definitely have moments when you feel the need to indulge yourself in some high-quality time on your own. You don’t feel even a little lonely while you’re at it either! You may be able to get it all over within an evening. Try tonight. Sit down with old journals, photos, or whatever else reminds you of the (more or less) good old days and just reminisce. Remember that the best really is yet to come.

VIRGO Sure, you’re good at your job, but you also pride yourself on being an expert at some personal hobby. whether it’s sewing, photography, writing, or something more esoteric, you should know that you’re plenty good enough at it to make at least a little part-time cash. Earning from what you love doesn’t lessen its value. Don’t pass up any chance now to share your skill with others.

LIBRA

You can often be more reasonable toward others than they deserve. You give almost anyone the benefit of the doubt, even if all your friends tell you not to. If someone tells you now that you’re not being fair, consider the source and their motivations. If you can’t see any reasons other than simple selfishness, and that wouldn’t be surprising, do what your conscience tells you to do.

SCORPIO

Someone you thought you knew quite well manages to surprise you. And while it’s not in an entirely bad way, it’s certainly in an unexpected way. When someone you love acts totally out of character, you’re left wondering what to do about it. You may even be a bit worried at first. Don’t fret! Consider how much fun they’re having while they’re raising eyebrows and stirring up a conversation.

SAGITTARIUS

If a friend or family member seems intent upon removing themself from the world (for a while) and you’re expected to drag them back, think before saying yes. You’ve had the need yourself to put some distance between you your people. Leave them alone as much as you can. Make sure they’re all right, of course, and that they don’t want for anything, but if that’s all good, then so are they.

CAPRICORN

You figured out long ago that the best way to bring your dreams to life is to tackle them as realistically as you can. You’ve got to work extra hard now to make your current fantasies come true. Even though you are ready, willing, and able, you may not be entirely confident that you can bring it about. Remember that doubt is fatal to dreams. Get a move on!

AQUARIUS

Your mind is such a sprawling playground right now that you can conjure up any given image in a split second, and it should only take

PISCES

It’s

BADGER SENDS IN THE CLOWNS

DEAR readers,

Yes. Badger means you.

Lately, Badger has railed against the idiocy of those who think there’s a quick fix for everything. He has battered those who have plenty of opinions but no ideas. Badger has even criticised our beloved Welsh Government for being ever-so-slightly full of horseshit. However, Badger does not want to grumble all of the time. That way, madness lies.

So, this week, Badger will write about upbeat things. The sort of news that makes the heart soar and the mind fill with pleasant birdsong as you amble down life’s golden paths. Where to start? That’s a good question.

One hundred or so words ago, Badger was certain he’d be able to come up with something interesting and positive to share with you. Now, he’s not so sure.

It’s always a treat to hear from the MP for Second Homes and the Cotswolds. This week, a lovely leaflet dropped through the door of Badger’s sett from the deeply respected and not at all out-of-his-depth Henry Tufnell.

Good old Tuffers!

He cheered Badger up no end. Did you know that people in Pembrokeshire are miffed with Hywel Dda Health Board, readers?

Henry must have fallen off his chaise longue when he found that morsel. And did you know that Hywel Dda is responsible for everything wrong in Pembrokeshire’s NHS? Yes, readers, Henry was pleased to point out that the gum-rotting shortage of NHS dentists in Pembrokeshire was all the Health Board’s fault. Phew! Badger was so relieved that the Welsh Government’s abject failure to negotiate a contract with dentists was to blame. You know, like the British Dental Association has repeatedly made clear.

Trust Henry to get to the bottom of it, and no mistake.

And then, readers, there was his revelation that Hywel Dda UHB is responsible for funding NHS care in Pembrokeshire. Crikey, readers! Badger was so relieved to have Henry make that clear. That’s why a new hospital can’t be built, readers.

It wasn’t the Welsh Government that turned down the funding. No. The Health Board had to jump through Christ knows how many Welsh Government-imposed hoops at the cost of goodness knows how many hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pounds, when the decision on funding was all its own. Hywel Dda needs no money from the Welsh Government. There’s a secret jam butty mine under Carmarthen, and Phil Kloer, along with the rest of the executive board, are keeping it all for themselves.

Yes, readers.

You can rely on Henry Tufnell to give Badger a laugh.

He doesn’t mean to, of course. That’s what makes him so endearing. It’s like watching a chimpanzee trying to move a piano.

Badger doesn’t want to spoil Henry’s fun by pointing out that the Welsh NHS budget, and the money allocated to Wales’s over-numerous health boards and trusts, comes from the Welsh Government. The Welsh NHS is, naturally, structured so that the buck never stops with Wales’s Health Minister. If it did, Marky Mark, Getho the Humph, and Milady Morgan would never have become First Minister. They’d have been too

toxic a proposition for the electorate if they accepted any responsibility for making a total Horlicks of the Welsh NHS.

It must be someone else’s fault.

Henry’s of the “nothing to do with me guv” strand of Labour, which has done so much to make the Welsh NHS the object of global envy it is today. Yes, readers, there are toothless crones in the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea who look at Welsh NHS dentistry and think to themselves: “Never mind. It could be worse. Could be working class and live in Pembrokeshire.”

It’s a wonderful thing to have an end-of-the-pier comedian as our MP. Tuffers’ comedy stylings perk up his adoring public no end.

Imagine what he’ll do when he finds out where Narberth is or discovers Neyland.

The sight of Henry striding purposefully around Neyland, getting down with the locals in another one of his clueless video nasties, is something Badger looks forward to with relish. Those of you of a certain age who remember Michael Crawford in “Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em” know what Badger means.

But, if you think about it, Henry

needn’t really bother. As next year’s Senedd election will make clear, he’s got two hopes of getting back for Mid & South Pembrokeshire next time around. And one of them is Bob.

That’s the thing that people like Henry, whose connection with his constituency extends as far as living in a second home belonging to a relative in the constituency next door, cannot see because the mass of voters is too far beneath them. For all the high ideals Badger has, no doubt Henry Tufnell has, he has zero in common with those whose votes he needs to get back into Westminster.

Mansions, millionaires, and privilege are the great divide between Henry, who wants the world to be a better place, and those with neither agency nor inherited wealth to make their world better for themselves. One day, Henry Tufnell might make a decent MP for somewhere in the leafy suburbs of London where middleclass mid-wits read The Guardian without bursting into uncontrollable laughter, but Pembrokeshire is not like that.

Life in Pembrokeshire is, for far too many people, life on the littoral between just having enough to get by and a financial precipice.

Badger has often heard the saying that God loves a trier. He does not doubt that Henry Tufnell will keep on trying to do what he thinks is his best by trying to sell Labour’s brand of misery-by-numbers and aspirational vacuousness to people who are more concerned about getting treatment on time, putting food on the table, having a job that pays them enough to do more than rub along, and, if they are unable to work, have enough money to live with dignity.

So far, Labour in Westminster, Labour in Cardiff Bay, and Poor Henry have shown that lip service beats actions and that adhering to self-imposed spending rules triumphs over compassion and common sense. Loyalty to the Party has won out over caring for constituents or communities.

Badger likes Henry’s panache for the ridiculous. Still, it’s not enough for an MP to be a source of unintended humour.

Trump, trade and terrible exes

STEPHEN Seagull flaps into foreign affairs

WEll, the humans have gone and done it again, haven’t they? Thought they were heading for a first-class perch at the top of the global trade tree, feathers preened and ready to shake claws with America — only to find themselves shoved to the back of the boarding queue. Not even premium economy. Somewhere behind South Korea, probably after Japan, maybe next to the bloke in flip-flops eating a cornish pasty.

Yes, it’s that Trump character again. The one who looks like someone’s done taxidermy on a satsuma. Word is, he’s decided Britain’s trade deal can wait — and wait it will, while he winks at other suitors and demands grovelling from anyone hoping for a

nibble of economic cooperation. The UK, meanwhile, is left holding a nice gift-wrapped invitation to Balmoral and a bunch of half-melted after-dinner mints.

Now, Balmoral’s not exactly Buckingham Palace. It’s the royal equivalent of inviting someone to a Travelodge with tartan curtains. Lovely in its way, but let’s not pretend it wasn’t chosen for a reason. A sort of royal side-eye. “We’d love to see you, Donald — just not somewhere anyone might mistake you for someone important.”

Still, you’ve got to give it to the Brits: they keep trying. Ministers “hopeful”, press releases “upbeat”, and King Charles reportedly laying it on thicker than mayonnaise at a Milford Haven burger van. But here’s the problem — flattery only works if the other bird’s

listening. And Trump? He’s the kind of gull who pecks the chips out of your claws and squawks that you should thank him for it.

It’s all rather familiar for anyone who’s ever been stuck in a dodgy relationship. You try to be nice, say all the right things, ignore the red flags the size of beach towels. And what do you get? Disappointment. Delay. And the distinct sense that you’ve just been ghosted — by the world’s most unpredictable political ex.

To make matters worse, other countries are playing it differently. Canada, for instance, is squawking back, wings out, telling the Americans where to stick their conditions. And funnily enough, they’re getting results. Meanwhile, Britain’s approach seems to be: keep calm, carry on, and maybe he’ll notice us if we just hold very still and don’t mention Europe.

The truth is, Trump doesn’t care how polite you are. He responds to power, leverage, and the kind of belligerence that would get you banned from most pubs in Tenby. That’s why Apple and Walmart have more sway over him than an entire nation that once ruled the seas. The old lion’s been reduced

to writing thank-you notes and waiting for a call-back.

It would be funny if it wasn’t so achingly sad. There’s a real feeling of pathos to it — like watching an old ship slowly sink while the band keeps playing “Rule Britannia.” There’s always this tragic little hope that this time it’ll be different. That if Britain just says the right things, laughs at the right jokes, and doesn’t mention Ireland, maybe — just maybe — they’ll finally get what they want.

But let’s be honest: Trump’s not looking for a partner. He’s looking for a cheerleader. And the more the UK tries to be accommodating, the more ridiculous it starts to look — like a seagull trying to do synchronised swimming in a puddle.

So what happens next? Likely more waiting, more smiling, and more invitations to palaces that aren’t quite palaces. The balloon protests will be kept at bay, the flattery will continue, and Britain will once again hope that being “nice” will win the day.

It won’t.

And as any seagull worth his salt knows: when you’re dealing with a bird who wants it all, the last thing you do

Too Hot to Trot

Dogs Trust Issues Warm Weather Warning as Spring Sunshine Hits Wales

AS spring sunshine begins to warm up the uK, dogs Trust is warning owners across Wales that even mild temperatures can pose serious health risks to dogs.

While many owners understand the dangers of extreme heat, the experts at Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, are advising owners that even mild spring temperatures, such as those forecast for later this week, and even lower temperatures, can contribute to heatstroke in our four-legged friends. In fact, dogs can overheat at any temperature and at any time of year, and in some cases, heatstroke can be fatal.

Alarmingly, around 75% of heatstroke cases in dogs are linked to exercise, and around two-thirds of reported heatstroke cases occur following a simple, everyday walk. *

Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, which can sometimes look like smiling, and changes in their breathing pattern, such as using their tummy to breathe. Dogs may also appear lethargic and drowsy.

Other signs may include excessive drooling, uncoordinated or wobbly movements, and vomiting or

diarrhoea. Heatstroke can look similar to signs of other illnesses, and you should always contact your vet if you are concerned.

Any breed of dog can be affected by heatstroke, however certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic or “flat-faced” dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, are at significantly higher risk due to their compromised ability to regulate body temperature and narrow airways. Older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with certain underlying health conditions are also at a higher risk.

Charlie Matthias, Senior Veterinary Surgeon, at Dogs Trust, said:

“For many of us, the arrival of warmer weather is a welcome change, but it’s important to remember that it can bring real dangers for our dogs. Even the lovely springtime sunshine we are set to experience this week can cause serious issues –especially for flat-faced breeds or dogs with underlying health conditions.

“The best thing we can do for our pets is to avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and always monitors them closely – even during indoor play.

“With the right care, we and our four-legged friends can safely enjoy the warmer weather together.”

Dogs Trust advises owners who suspect their dogs may be experiencing heatstroke to act immediately to prevent their dog’s condition getting worse. If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately.

The charity also advises to cool first, transport second, and recommends owners take these steps to cool their dog down, before transporting them to a vet:

• Stop them from playing, walking or whatever activity they’re doing

• Move the dog to a shaded and cool area

• Offer them drinking water

• Start cooling them down urgently. For young, conscious, healthy dogs, this means immersing them in cold water (for example, in a paddling pool) if possible, keeping their head above water. Use any water available, provided it is cooler than your dog. If immersion is not possible, continuous dousing with cold water is an alternative.

• For older dogs or dogs with

health conditions, spray them with room temperature water, avoiding their face, and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning. Place ice wrapped in a tea towel (to prevent ice burns) in their groin and armpits.

• Always closely monitor cooling and stop if you notice signs of shivering

• Do not place a wet towel over them as this can raise their temperature.

• While transporting to the vets, keep the air conditioning on in the car or the windows open.

Dogs Trust also urges owners never to leave their dog alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. On a 22-degree Celsius day, the temperature inside a car could rise by eleven degrees in just ten minutes and as dogs cannot cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them. If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999. To find out more about how to keep your dog safe this summer, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ hotweather

Pembrokeshire schools could enter into formal partnership as consultation backed

THE START of a formal consultation of a potential federation of two Pembrokeshire schools has been backed by senior councillors.

At the April 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet members were asked to note the decisions of St Florence VC School and Penrhyn VC School to commence consultation on establishing formal federations

for the two schools, and to obtain Cabinet’s approval for the Director of Education to commence consultation on behalf of the two schools.

A report for members said the two schools had been in an informal ‘soft federation’ since September 2022, with the headteacher of St Florence acting as Executive

Headteacher.

“Prior to this period, the Headteacher at Penrhyn VC School was a longstanding appointment since the school opened in September 2017 and subsequently leaving the authority in August 2022,” a report for members said, adding: “In order to ‘formalise’ the collaboration that is currently taking place, the governing bodies of both schools have considered

establishing a Federation. The initial soft federation was set up due to challenges in recruiting a headteacher at Penrhyn VC School.”

In the report given by Cabinet member for education Cllr Guy Woodham, it was stressed the federation is “not an amalgamation, a take-over or a route to closure,” but a partnership of the two schools “sharing a joint vision for a venture that would serve the interests of pupils, staff and both school communities”.

The schools would remain as separate establishments; they would be funded and inspected separately, produce separate accounts and report their assessment results separately.

The report concluded: “Both schools will now work with local authority officers to undertake the appropriate consultation. As a school-led federation, determination of whether to proceed subsequently will rest with the two governing bodies. The local authority and Diocesan Director of Education (Church in Wales) endorses the decisions of the governing bodies to proceed to consult on this matter.”

Members unanimously backed the recommendation, moved by Cllr Woodham.

Are you eligible for help with further education costs?

APPlIcATIONS for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the 2025-26 academic year are now open.

EMA in Wales provides eligible learners aged 16 to 18 with £40 per week to help cover education-related costs such as transport, meals, and learning materials. In comparison, EMA is available at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and was discontinued in England in 2011.

More learners are now eligible as income thresholds have been raised:

• Households with one dependent child: income of £23,400 or less

• Households with two or more dependent children: income of £25,974 or less

Raonaq, a learner at Fitzalan High School, said: “EMA has helped me to focus a lot more on school. Without it, I would have had to get a part-time job, which would have made it harder to study and revise for exams. It has helped me cover the cost of stationery, transport to and from school, and entering writing competitions. I don’t think I would have been able to afford these without EMA.”

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “EMA is a vital support system that helps young people continue their education without financial barriers. Learners have told me about the positive impact EMA has had on their educational journey by helping them with

everyday costs.

“I was delighted to announce the extension of the eligibility range earlier this year, ensuring that more students have access to this support. I strongly encourage all 16 to 18-year-olds and their

families to check if they are eligible, even if they weren’t previously.”

New and continuing learners can check their eligibility and apply online [here] or speak to their school or college for help with applications.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Huge slurry lagoon to be built in Pembrokeshire countryside

PlANS to build a new slurry lagoon at a 650-dairy herd Pembrokeshire farm have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Richard Morris of Bowett Ltd sought permission for the construction of the lagoon, and associated works, at Quoits Hill Farm, Bentlass Road, Hundleton, near Pembroke.

A supporting statement through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd stressed the applicant does not intend to increase livestock numbers on farm as a result of this 60 by 35 metre development.

“The Morris Family farm at Quoits Hill Farm and specialise in dairy farming. The farm is home to approximately 650 dairy cows plus followers. The herd is autumn calving with milk sold to Laprino. The home farm is grass based and extends to over 300 acres, with more off lying land utilised for growing winter forage.

“The family have invested significantly in recent years in on farm infrastructure to include a rotary milking parlour, silage clamps and covered feed yards.”

It added: “The proposed development seeks to increase the farms slurry storage capacity

to above the five-month storage required by NVZ regulations. The existing slurry store and slurry handling facilities are not adequate to comply with the new regulations.”

It went on to say: “The proposed store will provide the farm with 6452 cubic meters of storage

capacity (minus freeboard) which will equate to over 171 days storage. It is proposed to use the existing field slurry store as a lightly fouled water store to collect the parlour washings and reduce the size of the store required.

Slurry will continue to be scrapped into the existing yard store and then pumped to the new store when required. This work will be monitored closely to reduce the

risk of any leakage.”

It concluded: “The proposed development will enable slurry to be spread during the growing season rather than during more difficult weather conditions in the winter. This will be of benefit to farm efficiency and the wider environment.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Search is on for 27th Wales Woman Farmer of the Year

NF u c ymru, along with sponsor NF u Mutual, is once again launching the search for a winner of the Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award.

Now in its 27th year, the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year competition

aims to celebrate the contribution of women in the Welsh farming industry.

The winner of the NFU Cymru/ NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2025 award will receive £500 and a Welsh Royal Crystal bowl. The closing date for the competition

is Friday 30th May 2025. The award will be presented on Thursday 24th July on the NFU Cymru stand at the Royal Welsh Show.

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, a former winner of the award who will be one of this year’s judges, said: “The Wales Woman Farmer of

the Year Award is there to champion the contribution that women make to farming businesses and wider rural life. Over the past 27 years we have had a variety of winners, all representing different sectors and parts of the farming industry, and we look forward to receiving applications for the 2025 title and celebrating this great award.”

Heather Holgate, NFU Cymru Group Secretary & NFU Mutual Agent who will be judging alongside Abi Reader, said: “For generations women have played a crucial role in Welsh agriculture, from running farm businesses to leading diversification enterprises to increase farm income and NFU Mutual is proud to support this award. We hope the award inspires other women in Wales to take centre stage and influence farming in the future.”

If you are interested in entering, or know someone who you think is worthy of a nomination for the title of Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2025, please visit the NFU Cymru website or contact the NFU Cymru office by telephoning 01982 554200 or emailing nfu.cymru@nfu.org.uk

New strategy aims to build a healthier and more resilient food system across Wales

A NEW community Food Strategy aims to strengthen local food systems, improve healthy eating, and create more sustainable communities across Wales.

The strategy, a key commitment in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, focuses on connecting Welsh producers with consumers, supporting community-led food projects, and ensuring healthier food is accessible to all.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Food lies at the heart of all our lives. The land in Wales with its beauty and magnificence, brings many opportunities which is why our produce is some of the finest in the world.

“What we eat impacts not only our physical and mental health, but also our environment, our culture, and benefits our communities. This strategy is shaped by the voices and local communities across our land and seas.”

The Welsh Government is committing over £2 million in 2025-26, with funding secured through to March 2028, to support local food initiatives.

Since 2022, Local Food Partnerships have expanded

to cover every local authority in Wales. These partnerships coordinate local food systems and tackle food poverty, improve public health, and support green growth and education.

The strategy aims to increase public sector spending on Welsh food and suppliers by at least 50% by 2030, creating new market opportunities for local producers.

One of the organisations that has been working to support the development of local food systems is Food Sense Wales. Founded in 2018, it was established to drive forward a cross-sector approach to the food system in Wales by working with communities, organisations and policy makers.

Commenting on the publication of the strategy, Katie Palmer, Head of Food Sense Wales said, “Our vision as an organisation is to help create a food system that’s both good for people and for the planet, and we welcome the publication of the Wales Community Food Strategy.

“There is already fantastic work taking place within different organisations across the country, and we very much see this is an opportunity to

Are private environmental payments a potential goldmine, or a minefield for farmers?

Payments for carbon sequestration, Biodiversity ‘Net Gain’, ecosystem services such as natural flood management, or habitat creation and ‘nutrient trading’, are showing an increase in interest from the private market.

build on this through a more co-ordinated and structured approach.

“Ultimately, this will be an opportunity for stakeholders to work together to strengthen local food systems and to build back much needed diversity and resilience into our food system in a way in which supports the cultural, economic, social and environmental wellbeing of people in Wales.”

Building on over £26 million invested since 2019, the strategy integrates with the Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales plan and the 2024 Child Poverty Strategy to ensure everyone can access healthy food.

The strategy supports small-scale horticulture through grants, training, and planning policy updates to enable community growing initiatives.

To ensure effective implementation, a new Ministerial Advisory Group will be established.

The strategy is grounded in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Cymru Can strategy, supporting government objectives for social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing.

The FUW’s Land Use Committee have recently published a report outlining five key ‘needs’ to ensure farmers can take advantage of, but also be protected within, these new markets. These include clarity and transparency; regulation and protection; access to schemes and rewarding active management; a balance between land use demands and permanence and last but not least; a fair price. It’s important the Union engages in the design of these markets to ensure they work for Wales’ family farms whilst protecting food production and our rural communities.

Clarity and transparency is needed as it can be difficult for farmers to find opportunities, trusted brokers, and information on the practical and financial implications of these actions. In addition farmers need clarity on how these opportunities will interact with public financing via governmentled schemes.

Whilst standards and ‘principles’ have been published by the UK, Scottish and Welsh Government to improve the integrity of these markets, the FUW has argued that these do not go far enough in providing regulations which protect farmers. For example, climate change brings more extreme weather, pathogens and pests but this is not considered a ‘force

majeure’ (e.g. wildfires in planted woodlands) as the unpredictability of climate change has been predicted. Such a situation has the potential to leave the farmer with costly replanting liabilities. Access to these schemes is currently the biggest barrier for smaller farms, especially tenants. The average size of a farm in Wales is 48 hectares, yet the cost of registration, validation and monitoring per project via, for example, the Woodland Carbon Code, means economies of scale are better suited to take advantage of the income available. This perhaps explains why Scotland’s estates are already active in these markets.

Balancing sometimes conflicting land use demands with the long term commitment of some of these schemes is a real challenge for farmers, in an uncertain trading and political climate, both domestically and globally. Farmers have to weigh up current and potential future income streams with what works for their businesses, families and land types and find projects which complement the farming system, such as Soil Carbon payments.

A fair price should be a prerequisite but in reality farmers have seen dwindling government budgets for the maintenance and management of habitat, or schemes which provide ‘income foregone’ or capital contributions as opposed to genuinely reflecting the management skills, vision, planning time, local knowledge, capital costs and commitments these actions require. The private market, if they are to succeed in their ambitions, will need to prove to farmers that it can provide a long term and fair return for their work.

The all-new KGM Rexton van makes commercial sense

KGM Motors uK, has confirmed the launch of its all-new Rexton commercial vehicle on stand 5A100 at the commercial Vehicle Show 2025, which takes place at the NEc from 29th April to 1st May.

The versatile and durable Rexton Commercial vehicle - a welcomed, high specification vehicle to the commercial vehicle sector - combines unstoppable all-terrain capability, superb 3.5-tonne towing, and offers professionals a unique combination of cargo space, practicality and premium

comfort.

“The all-new KGM Rexton Commercial represents a step forward in our commercial vehicle line-up and fits alongside our award-winning Musso pickup truck perfectly” said Kevin Griffin, managinag director at KGM Motors UK. “The carderived commercial is designed to be a truly versatile “goanywhere” tool for businesses, providing them with a perfect blend of car-like ease of driving, and van-like capabilities. We believe that it adds another dimension for those who need a tough working vehicle – with

some “nice to have” home comforts as standard, that is also value for money, and tax efficient.”

The vehicle offers a secure load area with over 2,200-litres of space, has a payload in excess of 700kg and can easily accommodate several standard Euro pallets thanks to its wide-opening tailgate and generous proportions. The load area is accessed from the rear which has a top-hinged power tailgate, whilst side doors boost practicality and give customers the flexibility to access items located towards the front of the

vehicle without the need to move bulky objects out of the way.

The vehicle conversion has a full-height fixed mesh bulkhead (TUV Approved to ISO 27956:2009) as standard and opaque reinforced rear windows, for added security. The load area is carpeted, with an optional rubber mat available as an accessory. The new addition to the KGM line-up is GB typeapproved and therefore attracts commercial vehicle Benefitin-Kind (BIK) taxation, is VAT qualifying, is eligible for capital write-down, and has a first-year VED of just £345.

1.2

Isuzu unveils The New D-Max Huntsman

Isuzu uK proudly announces the return of a fan favourite: The New Isuzu D-Max Huntsman, officially launched at the 2025 commercial Vehicle Show at the NEc in Birmingham. Based on the latest Isuzu d-Max V-cross, the Huntsman represents the perfect blend of rugged capability and practical refinement, tailored specifically for forestry maintenance professionals, gamekeepers, and countryside pursuits.

Originally introduced in 2012 with the first-generation Isuzu D-Max, the Huntsman show special has evolved to keep pace with the modern countryside user, while staying true to its purposebuilt roots. Now equipped with the latest Huntsman Accessory Pack, this special edition embodies everything that makes the D-Max the ultimate vehicle for those working and living in the great outdoors.

Built for the Field, Equipped for the Job

The New Huntsman model is more than just a showpiece, it’s a working companion. Its practicality starts at the rear, with an Aeroklas Commercial Canopy and under-rail bed liner, providing a secure and functional load area. A custom-fitted Gearmate drawer

system sits in the load bed, designed to safely store hunting rifles and essential gear, keeping tools organised and out of sight.

A Brink towbar with 13-pin electrics makes full use of the D-Max’s impressive 3.5-tonne towing capacity, while allowing for additional cargo on a trailer. 3D Mat Set come as standard, offering a quick-clean solution for muddy boots and fieldwork debris.

To blend in with the woodland environment while still turning heads, the Huntsman displayed at the CV Show is finished with matt black accents across the grille badge, door handles, and roof rails, giving it a stealthy, purposeful look, available as an optional extra through Isuzu dealer network. A set of 18” black alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tyres provide additional traction in rural conditions, while custom side steps aid access and enhance the overall visual.

Huntsman Accessory Pack Includes:

• under Rail load liner

• Aeroklas canopy (choice of commercial or leisure version)

• Gearmate drawer System

• Brink Towbar

• 13-Pin Electrics

• custom Black Side Steps

• Tailgate Assist

• 3d Mat Set

• 18” Black Alloy Wheels Set

• General Grabber All-Terrain Tyres Set

Premium Features. Serious Capability.

The New Isuzu D-Max Huntsman show special is loaded with advanced technology and premium features. Inside the cabin, drivers will find a large 9” touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ to keep them connected on the go.

The 8-speaker premium sound system ensures crisp audio quality, while dualzone climate control maintains comfort across all seasons.

Beyond creature comforts, the Huntsman remains true to its utility roots, boasting a rear differential lock and Rough Terrain Mode for challenging conditions, alongside an extensive suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) – including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking. Safety is further enhanced with eight airbags, including a central airbag for added protection. With a 3.5-tonne towing

capacity and over a tonne payload, the D-Max Huntsman doesn’t just look the part – it’s built for serious work.

A Statement in Techno Grey

The D-Max Huntsman, on display at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show, is finished in a striking Techno Grey Metallic – a special, one-off colour developed exclusively for the event. While this unique shade is not currently available as a production paint option, it serves as a bold demonstration of what Isuzu Conversion Centre can offer. From custom paint finishes to tailored accessory solutions, Isuzu is proud to showcase its ability to deliver bespoke builds and personalised colours for individual or fleet customer orders.

Alan Able, Managing Director at Isuzu UK, commented: “The D-Max Huntsman has always been about delivering real-world capability for countryside users. With the latest generation V-Cross as its foundation and the Huntsman Accessory Pack enhancing its utility, this new edition is a true tribute to our heritage and a bold step forward in vehicle versatility. There’s no better stage than the Commercial Vehicle Show to reintroduce such an iconic model –built for the field, ready for anything.”

Renault Group takes up the challenge of low-carbon

AT the changeNow Summit held from April 24 to 26, 2025, at the Grand Palais (Paris), Josep-Maria Recasens, Renault Group’s strategy director and cEO of Ampere, and cléa Martinet, Renault Group’s sustainability director and cSO of Ampere, delivered a Keynote to present the challenges faced by the company and the automotive industry in terms of sustainability in an increasingly competitive context. Four years after the launch of Renaulution plan in 2021, Renault Group already has 12 electric vehicles in its current range and has established an electric ecosystem in Europe, thus contributing to the democratization of electric vehicles.

“Renault Group’s commitment to sustainability has enabled us to meet the challenges facing the industry in recent years. We have embraced the electrical and software transition in an inclusive way, upgrading and reskilling our employees through ReKnow University. To counter the volatility of raw materials and China’s dominance in the refining of ores for batteries, we have invested in closed loops in Europe, with The Future Is NEUTRAL and the Refactory. And finally, we offer a range of affordable electric vehicles produced

in

France “

Josep-Maria Recasens, Chief Strategy Officer of Renault Group and CEO of Ampere.

In its strategic plan Renaulution, Renault Group has positioned decarbonization at the same level as competitiveness and performance indicators. The objective was to bring a transversal approach to sustainability all

levels of the business, in all departments of the company. Four years later, this translates into a 40% reduction in the Group’s in-use CO2e emissions, and a 50% reduction in its industry’s emissions, between 2019 and 2024. Through Emblème, Renault Group is going even further in the realm of possibilities: creating a family demo-car

that is habitable, comfortable and hightech, while achieving an unprecedented level of decarbonisation. It emits 90% less greenhouse gases (CO2e) over its entire life cycle compared to the 2019 baseline. It embodies an innovative laboratory for the future generations of Renault brand’s vehicles.

Massive investment needed in electricity grid to hit net zero, says expert report

PEMBROKESHIRE will play vital role in uK’s green energy future

A NEW report from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has warned that the UK’s electricity transmission network must undergo its biggest upgrade since the 1960s if the country is to meet its legally binding net zero targets.

The independent study, released on Tuesday (Apr 29), outlines the huge financial, engineering and environmental considerations involved in expanding the high-voltage grid – and has implications for areas like Pembrokeshire, where wind and marine energy potential is among the highest in the UK.

The IET says a “massive increase” in grid capacity is essential to tap into Britain’s renewable energy resources –especially offshore wind – and deliver clean electricity to homes and businesses across the country.

The report compares the costs of overhead lines, underground

cables, and subsea systems, showing that undergrounding is around 4.5 times more expensive than using pylons, while building a network of offshore highvoltage cables could be up to 11 times more expensive.

Despite the high costs, the report urges planners and policymakers to consider all factors – including visual impact, engineering feasibility, and environmental disruption – when selecting technologies for each location.

lOcAl RElEVANcE

With projects like the proposed floating wind farms off the West Wales coast and grid reinforcements already underway in Pembrokeshire, the report’s findings are directly relevant to the region.

Much of the power generated by offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea will need to be transmitted across long distances – requiring new infrastructure across rural parts of West Wales.

The Herald understands that National Grid is actively exploring routes for new transmission corridors in the area, and campaigners have already raised concerns about the visual impact of pylons on the Pembrokeshire landscape.

EXPERT VIEWS

Professor Keith Bell, Chair of the IET report’s Project Board, said: “Access to a cleaner, more secure supply of electricity will only be possible if we invest in transmission. This is the largest programme of network development in more than half a century.”

Professor Andrew Lovett, one of the report’s authors, added: “There are no easy answers. Whether it’s pylons across farmland, cables under the ground or subsea options off the coast, each approach comes with trade-offs that need to be carefully considered in context.”

David Reid from engineering firm Mott MacDonald, which led

the research, said: “The grid must expand and evolve to meet the demands of net zero. This report helps clarify the real costs and benefits of each option.”

IMPAcTS IN PEMBROKESHIRE

Energy developments in Pembrokeshire – including potential connections at Pembroke Dock, the Valero refinery, and Milford Haven port – will be critical to the UK’s energy transition.

The Herald has previously reported on concerns raised by residents and local councils about how new pylons and substations might affect views, wildlife, and tourism. The IET’s report calls for transparency and open discussions with communities before decisions are made.

The full report, Electricity Transmission Technologies Report, is available from the IET’s website.

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in expansion as it targets new sites in Wales

lIdl has announced plans to invest half a billion pounds into its expansion this year, with a focus on opening more than 40 new stores across the country, including several in Wales.

The discounter, now entering its fourth decade in Great Britain, has published its 2025 site requirements brochure highlighting potential locations for new stores. Welsh towns on the list include Tenby, Swansea (x3), and Llanelli.

With demand for convenient access to affordable groceries continuing to rise, Lidl said it welcomed proposed planning reforms aimed at unlocking development and supporting growth.

Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition. As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards a thousand stores, there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store. That’s why we welcome the measures proposed in the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill – they recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to

development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards.”

He added: “Our latest site requirements brochure reinforces the scale of our ambition for the future. New Lidl stores mean new jobs, new opportunities for British suppliers,

and continued investment into local economies. We’re proud to be one of the fastest-growing supermarkets in the country, and with this investment, we’re taking another big step in our journey.”

Lidl’s expansion plans also include

completing the major enlargement of its Belvedere Regional Distribution Centre, which has more than doubled in size, and starting construction on a new distribution centre in Leeds later this year.

Pembrokeshire village shop redevelopment scheme refused

PlANS for a bungalow behind a Pembrokeshire village shop have been refused by the county council, in part due to concerns about foul waste disposal and no formal affordable housing financial commitment being offered.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Cathy Williams of Bwlchygroes Shop & Farm Feeds sought outline permission for a dormer bungalow in a garden area to the rear of the shop.

An officer report recommending refusal said: “The proposed development would provide new open market housing within the settlement boundary of Bwlchygroes, which would benefit the economy by providing work within the construction industry and generate income for material suppliers and distributors.

“New housing can have both social

and environmental benefits in terms of improving the condition and size of housing stock to meet modern needs and improve living conditions and constructing to modern building standards.

“ However, detailed matters considered in the remainder of the report conclude that environmental impacts have not been adequately addressed by the submission, and as such, the development fails to accord [with policy].”

It adds: “Although the proposed residential development would be located in a sustainable location, the applicant has not submitted a Unilateral Undertaking in order to secure a financial contribution towards affordable housing.

“The settlement of Bwlchygroes currently stands at a 10 per cent affordable housing contribution fee for the area, equating to £5,087.50 per proposed dwelling.”

Officer concerns were also raised about the disposal of foul waste, the site being within the catchment of the Afon Teifi Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with “insufficient information has been provided to reasonably conclude that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the integrity of the SAC”.

The application states that a cesspool would be used for the disposal of foul waste, but, officers say it “fails to provide sufficient information to demonstrate that a package treatment plant is unable to be accommodated”. It also says: “The application scale parameters, even at the minimum extent, would not appear to leave sufficient room within the site to accommodate an acceptable foul and surface water disposal system”.

The application was refused by planning officers.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Measles and mumps return: Vaccine warnings reignite public anger

A WARNING from Hywel dda Health Board that measles and mumps are resurging in Wales has exposed deep divisions over vaccines, sparking an explosive reaction online.

In a statement released during World Immunization Week, the health board urged parents to ensure their children receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, describing it as the “best protection” against lifethreatening complications such as meningitis, deafness, and even death.

“If 95% of children receive the MMR vaccine, measles could be wiped out completely,” the health board said.

“However, outbreaks occur when vaccination rates drop below 90%.”

The reminder prompted hundreds of responses online, quickly descending into a battle between public health advocates and vaccine sceptics.

One mother, Rachel Beckett, shared a harrowing memory of suffering from mumps as a child: “I remember lying in agony on my mother’s bed while the sound of kids playing outside echoed in. I thought I was dying.”

Other commenters warned that many younger parents do not realise the dangers because vaccines have made serious complications rare in modern Britain. “Vaccines made these horrors a distant memory,” said one user.

However, vaccine sceptics questioned the motivations

behind immunisation campaigns. Some suggested doctors receive financial incentives for administering vaccines. Official NHS documents show GP practices are paid a fee per jab administered, around £10, to cover service delivery – but health professionals point out that the payments fund surgery costs, not individual bonuses.

“GPs are not profiting personally from vaccinations,” wrote one commentator. “The payments are for providing services, not backhanders.”

The controversy also reignited the long-running debate over Andrew Wakefield’s discredited claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Although his research was found to be fraudulent and his medical licence revoked, misinformation continues to circulate.

Public health advocates were blunt in response. Gareth Pitt-Nash wrote: “Just google ‘Lancet MMR fraud’. It’s not a mystery why measles is coming back when people ignore science.”

Others warned that falling vaccination rates could result in a return to the dark days when measles, rubella, and mumps caused widespread childhood disability and death.

As of 2025, UK childhood vaccination rates for MMR remain below the World Health Organization’s recommended target of 95%, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

The health board urged families to check their vaccination records urgently,

WHAT ABOuT THE AuTISM clAIM?

A study published in 1998 suggested a link between MMR and autism.

This study was found to be fraudulent, was retracted, and the author was struck off the medical register.

Extensive research since has found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

What are the risks of measles, mumps, and rubella?

Measles can cause meningitis, pneumonia, blindness, and death.

Mumps can cause deafness and swelling of the brain.

Rubella can cause serious birth defects if a pregnant woman catches it.

WHERE TO FINd MORE INFORMATION:

stating that catching up with missed vaccines could save lives.

THE FAcTS ABOuT THE MMR VAccINE WHAT IS THE MMR VAccINE?

The MMR vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

HOW EFFEcTIVE IS IT?

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 99% protection against measles, 88% protection against mumps, and 97% protection against rubella.

WHEN IS IT GIVEN?

Children are usually given their first dose at 12–13 months old, and a second dose at around 3 years and 4 months, before starting school.

IS IT SAFE?

The MMR vaccine has been used safely for over 30 years. Millions of doses are given worldwide every year. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Mild side effects such as a sore arm or mild fever are common and temporary. Why is high uptake important?

At least 95% of children need to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. If vaccination rates fall below 90%, diseases like measles can spread rapidly again.

Visit Public Health Wales –MMR vaccine.

Readers react: Vaccines, health risks, and mistrust

A simple public health warning about rising measles and mumps cases ignited a fierce debate among local residents.

Some shared harrowing personal experiences:

“My daughter was like a rag doll for a week with measles. It was terrifying.” – Pat Greenhorn

“I had mumps so badly I couldn’t swallow without pain at three years old. Don’t put children through that.” – Rachel Beckett

OTHERS dEFENdEd VAccINATIONS:

“Vaccines made these diseases rare. Now misinformation is undoing that progress.” –Jacqueline White

“Measles killed children. Rubella caused birth defects. Vaccines are not optional.” –Diana Salmon

However, some questioned the motives behind vaccine campaigns:

“GP practices get paid per vaccine given. It’s about money, not health.” – Melissa Jade

“Big pharma profits more from sick people than healthy ones.” – Cantalope Catalina And others called for calm: “GPs don’t pocket bonuses. Payments fund services, not personal profits.” – Katy Hocking

The underlying message from health professionals remains simple: without high vaccination rates, once-defeated diseases will return.

NHS Wales to be strengthened following independent review

THIS week, the Welsh Government received and mostly accepted the recommendation of a Ministerial Advisory Group commissioned to review the performance and organisation of the Welsh NHS. The Review’s authors gave an unequivocal verdict. The Welsh NHS needs “an urgent turnaround” to address chronic and ongoing performance issues.

REcOMMENdATIONS (MOSTlY) AccEPTEd

The Group, chaired by Sir David Sloman, made twenty-nine separate recommendations. The Welsh Government accepted 24 of them in full and the remainder in part.

Significantly, the Welsh Government rejected key recommendations over how proposed surgical hubs would operate and the use of private sector healthcare providers to alleviate NHS pressures. In relation to the latter, the Welsh Government said it preferred to put money into health boards to improve their performance than use the excess capacity of private providers. Responding to the report, Wales’s Health Minister, Jeremy Miles, mastered the art of understatement: “The service is not performing at the levels that we or the public need and expect it to.”

Mr Miles continued by saying the situation: “[D]emands a step change in our approach so we can improve the services the public receives, deliver better health outcomes they deserve, and make sure every pound spent brings the best value as demands on the health service increase into the future.

“But the report is also optimistic. Time and again it outlines the strength of the assets we have in Wales. It highlights the commitment and skill of our staff – clinical and managerial – of good strategy, and often of good practice.”

However, the report did not look at wider systemic problems with access to NHS care across Wales and the different levels of care available in different Health Boards or even in different counties within the same Health Board.

cONSERVATIVES cAll FOR RESTRucTuRE

Predictably, the Welsh Conservatives focused on the Review’s negative findings.

James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “This report echoes the Welsh Conservatives’ conclusion that under Labour, the Welsh NHS is broken.

“The experts have given a clear verdict: Labour’s failure to share best ways of working and to reduce variation between health boards is increasing the risk of harm being done to patients and poor value being delivered for taxpayers.”

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

The Review recommended some cosmetic changes to NHS structures and bureaucracy. James Evans picked up on that theme to call for a much more thorough restructuring.

He said: “We need a fresh look at the structure of the NHS in Wales, one that breaks down the entrenched bureaucracy and ends the siloed way of working between health boards and services.

“Welsh Conservatives have a plan to fix the Welsh NHS, by removing restrictions on cross-community, crossborder and cross-sector capacity sharing in the short term, investing in social care, and enacting a substantial workforce plan to boost staffing numbers in the longer term.”

REPORT “cONcERNING BuT NOT SuRPRISING”

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on Health, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, said: “This report is concerning - but hardly surprising. From record-high waiting lists to some of the worst cancer survival rates in the developed world, the evidence that the NHS has completely lost its way after 25 years of Labour is plain for all to see.

“No wonder that a recent Nuffield survey showed public dissatisfaction with the NHS at 72% in Wales - by far the highest of all the UK nations.

“The main recommendations of the report closely echo what Plaid Cymru set out six months ago in our report on reforming the governance architecture of the NHS.

“Unfortunately, instead of acting on our report when they had the chance, the Government resorted to their usual practice of claiming that what was being asked of it was already being done - contrary to the testimonies of the numerous senior health care leaders that informed our report.

“Six months have been wasted by Labour’s complete failure to show decisive leadership on this issue - and voters will be rightly sceptical as to whether they have the vision, the energy and the drive to deliver the urgent course correction that the NHS desperately needs.”

MEdIcS ANd NuRSES ISSuE STARK WARNING

The Review’s publication coincided with another bad news day for the Welsh NHS.

Addressing the hazards of corridor care, which is endemic across Welsh hospitals due to bed and staff shortages, Helen Whyley, Executive Director of RCN

Wales, said: “We are beyond breaking point. I have travelled across Wales and witnessed people in pain, confused and frightened, with no privacy, no dignity and no proper care environment.

“Treating patients in corridors and other inappropriate areas is not nursing – it is crisis management in a system that is failing.

“Corridor care is unsafe, undignified, and unacceptable. The Welsh Government must act now, working with health unions and NHS leaders, to implement urgent and meaningful changes.

“Every day that we delay, more patients suffer. Patients deserve better. Nurses deserve better. Wales deserves better.”

Stephen Kelly, chair of the BMA’s Welsh Consultants Committee, said: “When a patient is not placed in a bed space, there’s a chance something vital may be missed, there’s no access to monitoring equipment and no privacy to carry out certain procedures.

“This is dangerous and is putting patients’ lives at risk. We urge the Welsh Government to work with us to put a stop to this practice.

“We’re extremely concerned that the ‘normalising’ of seeing patients in completely inappropriate spaces will mean that patients come to significant harm, which is hugely distressing for patients and the NHS staff.”

cSPaul Davies joins growing backlash over £40m Newgale road scheme

SENEdd Member Paul davies has joined growing opposition to Pembrokeshire county council’s £40 million Newgale road realignment, branding the project “ill conceived” and urging the authority to reconsider a more affordable, environmentally sensitive alternative drawn up by the local community.

SAYS PlANS ARE Ill

cONcEIVEd: PAul dAVIES MS

The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project (NCAP), developed by the council in partnership with consultants AtkinsRéalis, proposes rerouting the A487 inland through the Brandy Brook valley. The scheme is aimed at mitigating future storm damage and sealevel rise, but critics say it will devastate the landscape, split the village in two, and waste tens of millions of pounds.

Mr Davies is working with the Newgale campaign group STUN (Stand Up for Newgale), who have drawn up a rival plan costed at just £250,000–£500,000. Their proposal would see a 400-metre stretch of the existing shingle bank moved around 10 metres seaward, maintaining the existing A487 route and drastically reducing environmental and financial impact.

“I’m very disappointed that the Council is pushing ahead with its plans rather than working with the community on a much more affordable scheme,” Mr Davies told The Herald. “We know the Council is struggling financially and yet somehow, it’s content to find millions of pounds for a scheme that the local community opposes.

“In my view, Pembrokeshire County Council’s plans are ill conceived. Any changes to the infrastructure in Newgale must meet the needs of the local community and should aim to be as environmentally sensitive as possible. I’ve raised this at the Senedd, and I will be doing so again, urging the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to intervene and support the local community.”

‘WE JuST WANT THE cOuNcIl TO TAlK TO uS’

The STUN proposal includes drainage measures, improved beach access for disabled users, and avoids any disruption to existing businesses such as the Duke of Edinburgh pub, surf shop, and campsite. It also claims to meet every target laid out in the Welsh Government’s Future Generations Act and Net Zero commitments—unlike the council’s more invasive plan.

EXPERT: cOuNcIl’S MOdEllING IS FlAWEd ANd AlARMIST

STUN’s report is backed by a detailed independent assessment from STUN’s Chair, Professor David Keeling, a retired academic who examined the coastal data underpinning the council’s justification for the new road. He concluded that the predictions of the shingle bank migrating inland were “unnecessarily alarmist” and based on “extreme upper-end climate scenarios” that do not reflect local conditions.

Professor Keeling states that moving the shingle bank 10–12 metres seaward would delay any significant landward movement

by at least 80–100 years, while allowing real-time monitoring of sea level changes in future.

Historical evidence ignored, say campaigners

The group’s report also highlights historical records, dating back to 1795, showing that storm damage to the A487 from pebble over-topping has occurred only a handful of times in centuries—and was always remedied quickly and cheaply.

The 2014 overtopping event that prompted the NCAP plan, for example, incurred a one-off clean-up cost of just £13,000. STUN argues that even if such events doubled in frequency, it would still be more cost-effective to maintain the existing road than to spend £40 million on a new one.

Professor Keeling told The Herald that the council has ignored legally required procedures and failed to properly engage with local people.

“We want the council to communicate with us and properly assess our alternative plan,” Prof. Keeling said.

“Realigning the shingle bank 10 metres seaward would protect the road for the next 80 to 100 years, improve beach access, and save tens of millions of pounds that nobody in the village wants to see spent on a new road through Brandy Brook,” he added.

lOcAl BuSINESS OWNERS WORRIEd

Local surf shop owner Rhys Morgan told The Herald: “This road scheme could finish us. Most of us here would rather see that money spent protecting the beach and improving access— not destroying what makes

Newgale special.”

Legal concerns over council’s process

STUN has also raised concerns that Pembrokeshire County Council may have breached its obligations under the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. They claim that their realignment proposal was never properly considered at any stage and was later dismissed on a technicality. The group is calling on the council to restart the decisionmaking process, re-evaluate the modelling data, and consult the public on the cheaper, less destructive option.

cONSulTATION OPEN uNTIl MAY 11

The statutory pre-application consultation on the NCAP scheme remains open until 11th May 2025. Residents are being urged to submit feedback and demand that all options— particularly the STUN proposal— are properly reviewed.

HOW TO HAVE YOuR SAY:

Email: Newgale@atkinsrealis. com

Post:

Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team AtkinsRéalis Floor 4, West Glamorgan House 12 Orchard Street Swansea SA1 5AD

Online: www. newgalecoastaladaptation.co.uk

Printed copies of the consultation documents can also be viewed at St Davids Library, City Hall, SA62 6SD:

Tuesday: 10:00am–1:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm

Thursday: 10:00am–5:00pm Saturday: 10:00am–12:00pm

With mounting public opposition, academic backing, and growing political scrutiny, pressure is building on Pembrokeshire County Council to revisit its controversial plan— and engage with the community before it’s too late.

First UK broadcasting devolution study gets go ahead

THE FIRST four-nations study of broadcasting policy in a devolved uK is set to begin following the awarding of a major research grant to a Welsh expert.

Leading the study, Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Many policy areas, such as health and education, are the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, the legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster; held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations

for broadcasting powers to be devolved, most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been awarded a £79,600 Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming

increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro ViceChancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published. The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking going forward.

St Davids public toilets saved from closure as city steps in

A cAll for St davids to take over the responsibility of a public toilet in the city has been given the go-ahead by senior councillors.

St Davids City Council had called for a freehold transfer of the public convenience at Bryn Road, a toilet listed to be closed following a 2023 Cabinet decision, unless a community asset transfer was agreed or a funding stream identified.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of April 28, said discussions had been ongoing between the council and St Davids City Council (SDCC) since then, St Davids not wanting the facility to close.

“The option of either funding PCC to continue with the facility or undergoing a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to run the facility themselves were explored, with SDCC agreeing to a transfer but on the proviso that it was on the basis of an unrestricted freehold transfer rather than a long term lease which should be the usual offering for CATs although a transfer of the freehold can also be agreed in exceptional cases,” the report said.

It added: “This request has been made as the land was originally transferred (at no cost) to Haverfordwest Rural District Council (now PCC) by St Davids Parish Council on April 6, 1972. SDCC have rejected a CAT and to date rejected a transfer of the freehold subject to a restriction to continue use of the property as a public convenience on the basis that the land was transferred to Haverfordwest District Council at nil consideration without restriction.”

It went on to say: “SDCC are happy to continue providing a toilet from this site, however the City Council have requested an unrestricted freehold

transfer of this property which will allow them to close the facility and use the building for alternative purposes if they wish. As this disposal would be at an ‘undervalue’ to the council, somewhere in the region of £30,000 to £60,000 Cabinet approval is required.”

It concluded: “The risk to PCC is that we gift the property back to SDCC without restriction and they then close the WC facility and sell the property on for a profit. However, SDCC say they have no intention of doing this, certainly in the short / medium term and are therefore happy to add in a covenant which does not allow any sale of the property without the consent of PCC for the next 10 years which is considered reasonable to enable both parties to achieve their well-being goals.”

Cabinet members backed a recommendation to dispose of the facilities at an undervalue with the restriction that SDCC would not be able to dispose of the asset within the next 10 years without the consent of the county council.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

POSITIVELY LIBERAL

Wi TH ANDREW LYE

S under Trump continues down the road towards authoritarianism, responding to the c hancellor stating that trade with the E u is “arguably more important” than with the u S, l iberal d emocrat Treasury spokesperson d aisy c ooper MP said:

“The Chancellor is absolutely right that our trading relationship with Europe is more important, but the Government’s approach so far shows these are little more than empty words.

“This Government has bent over backwards to appease Donald Trump but barely lifted a finger to unleash growth by boosting trade with Europe.

“It’s time for the Government to get serious about our trading relationship with Europe by ripping up the red tape from the botched Brexit deal, agreeing a capped Youth Mobility Scheme and negotiating a UK-EU customs union. That is the way we can finally generate the growth needed to rebuild our public services and protect family finances.”

Last week also saw the Liberal Democrats renewing their calls on the Government to scrap Police and Crime Commissioners and invest the savings in frontline policing instead. This comes as new statistics reveal the extent of unsolved crime in the year ending December 2024. The figures were revealed by the Home Office’s own statistics on crime outcomes..

A staggering 2,087,765 crimes went

unsolved across England and Wales in 2024 - equivalent to 5,719 crimes going unsolved every day. This accounted for 39% of all crimes recorded last year.

Meanwhile, just 370,538 crimes resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsedaccounting for less than 7% of cases.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC’s) to be scrapped so the savings can be invested in frontline policing instead, enabling a return to proper community policing with more bobbies on the beat.

The Liberal Democrats would replace PCCs with local Police Boards made up of councillors and representatives from relevant local groups, which would be properly accountable to the communities they serve, at a fraction of the cost of PCCs.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Lisa Smart MP said: “It is completely scandalous that every single day, thousands of victims are denied the justice they deserve.

This is the Conservative’s legacy of failure of crime. Every community should feel safe, and that means that if they are a victim of a crime, they can be confident that they will get the support they need.

The Government cannot afford to dither and delay, they must crack down on unsolved crimes. This starts with a return to real community policing, to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”

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

The Long March to Welsh Independence

THE INdEPENdENcE debate is now undoubtedly entrenched in our politics, writes Jonathan Edwards.

Last weekend’s Independence march organised by Yes Cymru and All Under One Banner Cymru was another resounding success, with South Wales Police estimating that between 6,000 and 7,000 people were in attendance.

Furthermore, the most recent poll on Welsh independence was a landmark event that future historians will point to when our time is recorded by the generations that follow. The poll indicated that a majority in Wales would vote for independence if it meant the country would rejoin the EU. This is seismic, it is the first time that a poll has indicated that a majority of the people of our country have crossed the psychological Rubiconeven though the question was hypothetical in nature (and as I’ll explore next week, loaded with problems for nationalists).

A straight poll on the situation as it stands puts independence at 41%. It’s definitely ‘game on’ time. However, with the foundations in place to launch a genuine bid for national freedom, so does the political pressure of how to achieve the ambition. Now the serious work and thinking need to be done.

Marching in towns across the country alone isn’t going to lead to Welsh independence. Those who advance the cause should also be wary. Once the British State considers a threat to its territorial integrity a genuine danger, its whole apparatus will be unleashed. Are the leaders of the national movement in Wales ready for what is coming?

In Scotland, it appears that a pro-independence majority will be elected to the Scottish Parliament.

The British State will very soon again face a live campaign for succession within a constituent part. It is important that in Wales, we are far better prepared for what is coming than we were at the beginning of the last decade.

The McAllister/Williams report provides an excellent starting point.

Pro-independence supporters in Scotland and Wales, however, face the same challenge of initiating a legal Referendum. Securing the support of the

Scottish Parliament will not be enough, as the Supreme Court has ruled that a public vote can only be held with the consent of the UK Parliament.

A deliberate veto by the UK Government in the event of a clear mandate following next May, of course, would allow the pro-Independence parties in Scotland to accuse Westminster of ignoring Scottish democracy. In such a scenario, the SNP, Greens and Alba hope that the backlash against the Union will be irreversible. However, they would continue to face the same problem of how to get to a legally binding vote.

In Wales, there is no hope of a pro-independence referendum majority in the Senedd. Even on an incredibly good night for Plaid Cymru next May, they will be nowhere near the magic 49seat number. Again, this is all academic, as Plaid Cymru has dropped its policy of securing a Senedd majority for the purpose of endorsing a referendum on independence. It will be interesting to see what they say in their manifesto.

Just imagine for one moment that Plaid Cymru was serious about independence, to advance to a position to be even able to ask Westminster for a vote, they would have to persuade one of the unionist parties to support such a position.

Whilst I believe there is a perfectly sound strategic case for the Tories to advance devo fiscal max in order to place the economy heart and centre of Senedd politics, I can’t see how they will ever entertain supporting a referendum on independence.

I can’t see Labour adopting a pro-independence referendum position, even though many of the party’s supporters are now in the Yes camp.

This leaves Reform. If Farage were canny, he would offer a multi-referendum option in the context of Reform winning the Senedd election and then winning a General Election in 2029 as some confidence and supply agreement with Plaid.

A vote on Independence/ status quo/abolish. Rhun ap Iorwerth has ruled out working with Reform, so it’s a non-starter in any case.

Based on the relationship between the parties, their positions and the key personalities involved in the great game of Welsh politics, I am not particularly clear in my mind how we get to a position where the Senedd supports a Welsh Government motion advancing a legal referendum, let alone persuading a future UK Government to allow one.

If Plaid Cymru won’t work with Reform or even the Tories, then Labour has a veto over Wales’ constitutional status, which the new Senedd voting system strengthens. Under Proportional Representation, the only way we get to first base on a legal referendum is if one of the unionist parties, probably Labour, becomes a nationalist party. That is the uncomfortable reality facing the Welsh national movement. Which brings me back to Scotland. The only way I can see Labour in Wales changing its position is if the Scots manage to force a second vote on independence and win. Keep an eye on developments in Alba over the coming years; as always, they are hugely significant for our own country.

Jonathan Edwards

Photo by Lewis Jones

First Minister under fire over ‘betrayal’ of steel workers

WAlES’ First Minister came under fire over the labour uK Government’s decision to step in to save Scunthorpe steelworks after failing to do the same in Port Talbot.

Eluned Morgan stressed the two steelworks were in different situations after UK ministers took control of the Chineseowned British Steel site in Scunthorpe this month.

Giving a statement on April 29, she told the Senedd: “The situation … was very different not only in terms of the global context but also … the relationship and intention of Tata Steel.”

Baroness Morgan rejected “never credible” suggestions the Labour UK Government should have persuaded Tata to reopen a deal initially negotiated by Conservative ministers.

On calls to take control of the Port Talbot plant, the First Minister said: “That would have been unrealistic and unworkable because of the opposition from Tata.”

Baroness Morgan added: “It would have led to prolonged legal conflict with the company, to the possible accelerated shut down of the remaining blast furnace and Tata could have withdrawn its contribution of £700m to the construction of the electric arc furnace.”

The Labour politician said construction of the electric arc furnace would begin this summer, with green steel set to provide a more sustainable and brighter future.

But Darren Millar, whose request for the Senedd to be recalled from Easter recess to discuss the issue was rejected, questioned the differing approaches in Wales and England.

The leader of the Conservative Senedd group said: “People are upset, understandably, and furious about the fact there seems to be a completely different attitude towards Welsh steel.”

He claimed Labour MPs “promised the earth” to steelworkers before last year’s general election only to U-turn on pledges which turned out to be “complete works of fiction”.

The First Minister claimed Tory UK ministers would not pick up the phone to her predecessor, saying she has pressed Labour colleagues to ringfence part of the £2.5bn fund for Wales.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth criticised the First Minister for “mocking” his party’s calls for nationalisation of the Port Talbot steelworks.

“A pipedream she called

BLUE VIEW

With Brian Murphy

The report published this week by the Ministerial Advisory Group on the state of NHS performance and productivity does not make for good reading, especially if you are a labour minister. There are 29 recommendations in the report which details the mismanagement of the NHS for years and has led to the failings.

it patronisingly, which has become something of a trade for this First Minister,” he said, accusing Labour of blatant double standards at Wales’ expense.

Claiming Labour has abandoned workers, he told Senedd Members: “After this betrayal, we need castiron assurances that the UK Government’s investment in Scunthorpe in no way compromises the promises made to Port Talbot.”

Baroness Morgan said: “It always fascinates me that nationalists want to nationalise but they want England to pay … this week you want to nationalise steel, last week … Holyhead port.”

Labour’s Mike Hedges, a former steelworker, backed the First Minister: “This is not a battle between Port Talbot and Scunthorpe even though some people are trying to make it such.”

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said: “The UK’s emergency action confirmed what many of us here in Wales had feared: that our workers are second-class citizens.”

Baroness Morgan, who met steelworkers in Port Talbot on Friday, pledged to “move heaven and earth” to secure the future of Welsh steel through a “fair and just transition”.

Waiting list management comes for particular attention and the report highlights the differences between England and Wales since the pandemic. The approach in Wales has been poor and has led to an increase in waiting times of over a year in Wales whilst in England they achieved a 50% reduction. The report notes “put simply, the NHS in Wales has not been prioritising its available capacity for long wait patients”

Part of the problem with waiting lists is identified in how the use of theatres for operations is not optimised. With late starts and early finishes noted, alongside other poor management practices, the waiting list continues to grow. Another point highlighted was that Wales differed widely from practices in England and makes the comparison on maximising theatre capacity. “In England, this objective has been supported by an accreditation process that uses a clear set of criteria around productivity, patient outcomes and patient and staff experience.”

It cannot be forgotten that the NHS in Wales has been entirely under the care of Labour ministers since devolution. That’s 25 years of continuous failures and underperformance.

Devolution is not a bad thing and, as someone who respects democracy, I accept the majority vote of 1999. However, the approach from Welsh Labour has been consistent that we do things differently in Wales. It is apparent that it does not work, and there is no loss of identity or control by copying what works. But the dictatorship in Labour ranks think they know better.

This week sees many elections taking place across the UK, mostly for local councillors but there are mayoral elections too. Also in the mix is the by-election for the Westminster seat of Runcorn and Helsby. This arose after the Labour MP Mike Amesbury after he drunkenly assaulted a constituent and was given a prison sentence for the attack.

The polls are predicting a low turn out and little support for the main parties. This is being exploited by Reform, who are aiming for a huge change in the political make-up of local authorities. If they are as successful as they expect to be that will be the time to see if they are as good as they say they are. It is one thing promising improvements, and another when it comes to delivery.

What we have seen with Reform’s predecessors UKIP and the Brexit Party was a collapse of unity, in-fighting and poor discipline when they came under scrutiny. Will we see the same again? A week is a long time in politics they say, and it is over a year until the Senedd elections and I think there will be many changes between now and then.

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

LETTERS & NOTI c ES

TURE OF THE wEEk!

PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

dEAR SIR,

I am deeply saddened to see the uK government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill could pose a serious threat to nature. I am proud that Wales has a Future Generations Act. Future generations require the development of an ecological civilisation. It isn’t looking good so far. Wales is the most naturedepleted country in Europe and 126 out of 400 countries worldwide. When the Senedd reads new laws for Nature In Wales in June they could protect our seriously depleted environment and provide nature solutions to the problems we are facing. Extreme weather, polluted air and water, and food insecurity all have potential nature-based solutions.The Senedd must ensure the new laws protect the web of life. Today wild mammals are only 4% of all mammals worldwide. Our pollinating insects are facing an apocalypse and if they go we will follow. We have to embrace a new kind of development, one that ensures we live in harmony with the web of life, no development without nature enhancement. That’s the task. The English Bill without safeguards to

protect nature will not protect future generations of people, animals or habitat. I urge my MP, Torsten Bell, and my MS, Julie James to speak up for nature.

dr Susan lyle

CAN YOU DIG IT?

dEAR SIR,

With summer on the way, many people across Wales are starting home improvement projects – from new extensions to garden landscaping. But at Wales & West utilities, we’re seeing a worrying increase in damage to gas pipes caused by digging without checks.

Before breaking ground, we’re urging homeowners and builders alike to stop and ask: “Can you DIG it?” – a simple reminder that could prevent a dangerous and costly disaster.

d is for Dial – Always contact us before digging. Striking a gas pipe can cause leaks, fires, or explosions. Call us on 029 2027 8912 or visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/ dig.

I is for Investigate – Request up-to-date gas plans and check whether we need to visit your property. If you have a gas meter, your gas supply pipe likely runs beneath the ground in front of it –

rates by leaving us a gift in their Will.

For more information, please visit cancerresearch.wales Together we can make a real difference and give hope of a better future to people across Wales who are affected by cancer.

Adam Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, cancer Research Wales

80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY

dEAR SIR,

so be extra cautious.

G is for Go ahead – but with care. Take all necessary precautions. If you hit a pipe, you could face serious injury, legal action, and a hefty bill.

Gas pipes are damaged every day by people digging without knowing what lies beneath. Following these three simple steps can help keep your project on track – and your family safe.

Yours faithfully, Rob Long Chief Operating Officer Wales & West Utilitiesr

PLEASE SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH WALES

dEAR SIR,

cANcER Research Wales is the independent Welsh cancer research charity.

Since 1966, we have invested over £35 million to fund the best researchers, clinicians and health professionals to push the boundaries of research into cancer in Wales.

As the only charity wholly dedicated to funding research into cancer in Wales, we rely on the goodwill and support of the Welsh public to fund our world-class work.

Your readers can help us to reduce the impact of cancer and improve unacceptable survival

As the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) day on 8 May, we rightly pause to honour the remarkable bravery, dedication and sacrifice of the Second World War generation. later in August, we will again reflect on the end of that global conflict as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) day.

While VE and VJ Day mark the end of hostilities, they did not signal the end of hardship for many who served, nor for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund was there to provide vital support to these individuals during and after the war. Between 1945 and 1950, the Fund spent nearly £3 million helping RAF personnel and their families — including financial assistance for children who had lost their fathers in service.

Since our formation in 1919, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund has remained steadfast in its mission: to support the RAF Family through practical, emotional and financial help. Since 2022 alone, over 112,000 members of that family have benefited from our support — including nearly 72,500 serving personnel and their loved ones.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is more than a charity. It is a lifelong commitment to stand beside those who serve, in times of war and peace, whenever and wherever they need us.

To learn more about our enduring support, please visit: rafbf.org/lifetimeofsupport

Air commodore Simon Harper director of Operations, RAF Benevolent Fund

Tenby by GareTh James

Death Notices

G WENDOLINE J AYNE (J ENNY ) P ERKINS

PEAcEFullY on Monday 31st March at The Priory care Home, chippenham, the death occurred of Mrs Gwendoline Jane Perkins, affectionately known as Jenny, aged 86 years

Originally of Park Wall Farm, St. Florence and Penlan, Sageston.

Latterly of Hullavington in Wiltshire.

Beloved wife of the late John. Loving mother of Susan and Steven. Cherished grandmother of Rebecca. Treasured sister of Mary and the late John. A dear sister-in-law of Glenice and Ken.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 9th May at St Mary’s Church, Carew at 2.00pm followed by interment in the Church Cemetery.

There will be family flowers only with donations if so desired for Alzheimer’s Society c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 & 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680

PATRICK J OHN O’H ARA

SuddENlY but peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday 16th

April, Pat of clive Road, Fishguard, formerly of Johnston (former Sawyer at Jewsons for 49 years).

Beloved husband of Eunice, loving brother of Vincent, Peter, James, Kathleen and Mary, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle.

Funeral Mass on Tuesday 13th May at the Church of the Holy Name, Fishguard at 10:30am followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth at 12:15pm.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

L AURIE L AMBERT

PEAcEFullY at Withybush Hospital on Monday 14th April 2025 laurie lambert of Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest aged 89 years.

Beloved wife of the late Ted, much loved mother of Stephen and Helen and mother in law of Helen.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 9th May, 11:00am at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to Diabetes UK may be sent c/o Helen Lambert, 20 Delapoer Drive, Haverfordwest, SA61 1HJ.

Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

H UGH A LLEN

HuGH passed away peacefully on the 8th April aged 82 years.

Beloved husband to the late Maureen, loving father to Joy, fatherin-law to Simon and treasured Grandad to Ieuan, Rowan and Sophia. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service with the interment of Cremated Remains will take place on Thursday 1st May 2pm at St Jerome’s Church, Llangwm. Donations if desired for The Alzheimer’s Society via Alzheimers. org.uk or for St Jerome’s Church via the donation box on the day.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

M ADELINE V ICTORIA (V ICKY ) RYAN

PEAcEFullY at home in St.davids on April 13th.

Vicky, beloved wife of Michael and loving mother of Mark and Jeremy.

Funeral service Monday 12th May at 11.30am at St. David’s Cathedral. Donations, if desired, for the Paul Sartori Foundation or RNLI c/o W. G. Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 64 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU.

B RENDA M ARY G RIFFITHS

THE death occurred peacefully

at Withybush Hospital on Sunday 30th. March of Mrs. Brenda Griffiths of St. Petrox.

Predeceased by her husband, “Bill”, Brenda was 82 and will be sadly missed by all.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 30th. April with a service at Gilead C.M. Church, Maiden Wells at 11.00.am followed by interment in the Churchyard.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Brenda for The Alzheimer’s Society may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

P ETER P HILLIPS

PEAcEFullY ON SuNdAY 13TH APRIl AT lANGTON HAll, SclEddAu, PETER OF FISHGuARd.

B eloved husband of Janet, loving father of Neil and Mandy, Marcus and Pam, much loved grandfather of Jamie and Harry and a dear brother and brother-in-law.

Funeral service on Thursday 8th May at The Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 1pm, followed by interment at St May’s Churchyard.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Langton Hall Care Home’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

SERVIcES

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENTRY

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

CLEARANCES

ELECTRICAL

FENCING, DRIVEWAYS AND LANDSCAPING FABRICATION

GARDENING

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRY

SCRAP METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS

TRAILERS

VAN CONVERSIONS WINDOWS

Sean Bowen achieves lifelong ambition

SEAN BOWEN has realised his boyhood dream after being crowned champion Jockey, rounding off a remarkable season of dedication, success and resilience.

The 27-year-old from Pembrokeshire clocked up an astonishing 75,000 miles over the season, with 902 rides and 180 winners to his name — a journey that ended with him making history as the first Welsh champion since Fred Winter in 1958.

Earlier this year, Bowen reached 1,000 career wins, but his sights were firmly set on claiming the championship crown.

“Reaching 1,000 wins was an incredible milestone, something not many jockeys get to experience,” Bowen said. “But becoming Champion Jockey has been my real dream for the last few years. I gave it everything after missing out last year.”

Bowen’s previous attempt at the title ended in heartbreak after a Boxing Day knee injury derailed his campaign while he was leading. This season, he was determined not to let history repeat itself.

“I knew I had to start fast and keep the pressure on,” he said. “Harry Skelton pushed me hard around Christmas, but I managed to rebuild the lead. It’s been relentless, but every mile, every ride, was worth it for this.”

The physical and mental demands of the season were immense, but Bowen remained focused.

“It’s tough, not having a day off, always chasing rides. I’ve kept myself fit, but it takes just as much strength mentally. I hate the idea of someone else winning on a horse I should have been riding — that keeps me moving, even if it means driving across the country in a day,” he said.

FAMIlY AT THE HEART OF SuccESS

Bowen paid tribute to his parents, Peter and Karen Bowen, both respected trainers, who supported his career from the very beginning.

“Mum and Dad sacrificed so much, driving thousands of miles just so we could race ponies. Seeing how hard they worked made me want to work just as hard,” he said.

He also praised his partner, Harriet, for standing by him through the challenges of the racing calendar.

“Harriet has been amazing. I barely

see her during the season. We’re getting married in July, and I can’t wait for some proper time together on our honeymoon.”

FINISHING ON A HIGH

Bowen’s final week of the season couldn’t have been scripted better. He rode a remarkable five winners at Ffos Las — his home track — a career first that left him “over the moon.”

“That five-timer was something special — in front of my family and the Welsh crowd too. It’s a day I’ll remember forever,” he said.

He followed it up by winning the Irish

Grand National aboard Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis — another proud moment for Welsh racing.

“Winning the Irish Grand National was the biggest moment of my career,” Bowen said. “To win for a Welsh trainer and beat the Irish on their turf made it even sweeter.”

To put the icing on the cake, he capped off the season with victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, riding Resplendent Grey for trainer Olly Murphy.

From childhood dreams to standing at the top of the sport, Sean Bowen’s journey has come full circle — and he is not done yet.

Teen darts talent Jake Barrington shines in local tournaments

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager is making a strong impression on the local darts scene, as the sport continues to grow in popularity among young players inspired by stars like l uke l ittler.

Jake Barrington, who plays in the Haverfordwest Darts League, has been enjoying a string of successes. Over the weekend, Jake won £165 by claiming victory in the junior tournament held at the Milford Arms, Milford Haven, adding to the £50 he won at another local competition on Friday.

Jake’s dedication to the sport is helped by a high-tech practice setup at home, which allows him to play online matches against players from across the country. Using cameras and sensors, the system records scores and connects with opponents

in real-time. Over the past year, Jake has won hundreds of pounds through local competitions and online matches.

Speaking to The Herald, Jake’s father, Andrew Phillips, said: “That’s all he does — play darts. He absolutely loves it. The system we have at home has helped him massively and he just keeps getting better.”

The rise of young players like Jake is part of a wider trend, with teenage stars such as Luke Littler inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. Jake’s achievements in Pembrokeshire show just how strong local youth darts is becoming.

With his skills continuing to develop, Jake Barrington looks set to be a name to watch in the years ahead.

Jake Barrington with Rachel Bevs, tournament organiser

Cresselly and Whitland impress Cricket returns in 2025!

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire division One cricket season got underway on Sunday, with several teams making powerful early statements.

cresselly laid down a marker with an impressive win over a previously dominant Neyland side, while Whitland, carew and Haverfordwest also made emphatic starts.

Cresselly signalled their title ambitions with a 64-run victory over Neyland. Batting first,

Cresselly posted 195 for 9 from their 45 overs, with useful contributions from Morgan Lewis (26), Charlie Arthur (20), and Simon Cole (20), before Dan James anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 74. Neyland, who have dominated much of the past decade but showed signs of decline last season, struggled in reply. Despite efforts from Andrew Miller (24) and Paul Murray (21), they were bowled out for 131. Tom Arthur (3 for

23) and Charlie Arthur (3 for 27) shared six wickets to seal a valuable opening win.

At Oatfield Park, Whitland made a commanding start with a 128run victory over newly promoted Burton. Geraint Jones (79), Gopal Ramasamy (63), and Jonathan Thomas (61) guided Whitland to 240 all out. Burton’s reply faltered early, and despite some resistance from Joe Kiff (30) and Luke Hayman (20), they were dismissed for 112. Wayne Howells was outstanding with the ball, taking a remarkable 5 for 10. Carew also opened their campaign strongly, defeating Lawrenny by 57 runs. Brian Hall (56) and Rhys Davies (40) helped Carew to 169 all out. Lawrenny’s innings never gathered momentum, and despite a fighting 25 from Oscar Lewis, they were bowled out for 112. Rob Williams starred with 4 for 12, supported by Ryan Morton (2 for 25) and Harry Thomas (3 for 35).

At The Racecourse, Haverfordwest were ruthless as they hammered Llangwm by 142 runs. Mikey Jones (86),

Ben Field (47) and Jake Merry (31) powered Town to 240 for 8. Llangwm collapsed to 98 all out, with Steve Mills (31) and David Lewis (31) offering brief resistance. Rhys Sewell tore through the lower order with figures of 5 for 23.

Meanwhile at Herbrandston, newly promoted Herbie were given a tough introduction to Division One by Saundersfoot, falling to a 108-run defeat. John Mansbridge starred for Saundersfoot with a superb 77, backed by Simon Stanford (47), as the visitors reached 207 for 8. In reply, Herbrandston could only muster 99 all out, with Nathan Banner (14) and Robbie Hood (19) top-scoring. John Mansbridge capped a fine allround performance by taking 5 for 32, while Tom Mansbridge added 4 for 27.

With Burton and Herbrandston both stepping up this season, the opening weekend underlined the gulf in quality, as established sides like Cresselly, Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest asserted early authority.

Narberth and Tish make strong statements on opening day of season

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire cricket season began in bright fashion on Saturday with a full round of 45-over fixtures across the county. Newly relegated Narberth and St Ishmaels both made strong opening statements as they target an immediate return to division 1.

Before play, Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the loss of their club life member and friend, Emma Richards Narberth then underlined their quality with a 38-run victory over Cresselly 2nds. Batting first, they posted 187 all out, built around an outstanding 93 from Jamie McCormack. Jordan Howell (19) and Louis Hough (26) provided useful support, while extras contributed a notable 25 runs. In reply, Cresselly 2nds fought hard, with Ryan Lewis making 47 and Josh Lewis adding 25, but they were bowled out for 149. Lewis Mason was the standout performer with the ball, taking 5 for 34 to secure maximum points for Narberth.

Tish were even more

dominant, cruising to a 10-wicket win over Llanrhian. After bowling the hosts out for just 65—thanks to Tom Williams’ 3 for 10 and strong support from Andrew Pawlett (2 for 21) and Lewis Rhead (2 for 11)—Tish made light work of the chase. Brennan Devonald struck an unbeaten 40, partnered by Phil Cockburn (25 not out), as the visitors reached 67 without loss inside just 16 overs.

At Hook, the 1st XI were far too

strong for Burton 2nds, recording a seven-wicket win. Burton struggled with the bat, managing only 64 all out, with Will Ridge providing the only real resistance with 44. Aled Phelps did the damage with the ball, finishing with superb figures of 6 for 26, while Rhys Phelps chipped in with 2 for 10. In response, Hook reached 66 for 3, with George James anchoring the innings with a composed 37. Llechryd also made a winning

start, overcoming Carew 2nds by six wickets. Carew 2nds were dismissed for just 57, with David Dunfee (4 for 11) and Florian Cartwright (3 for 3) leading the bowling attack. Llechryd made no mistake in the chase, reaching 60 for 4, with Jac Davies steadying the innings with 24.

At Imble Lane, Pembroke edged out Johnston by three wickets in a closely fought contest. Johnston posted 143 all out, with Chris Fitzpatrick topscoring with a composed 66, and support coming from Liam Boswell (22) and Lee Summons (19). Gary James starred with the ball for Pembroke, taking 5 for 24. In reply, Pembroke’s chase was anchored by Ceri Brace (46) and Jack Harries (31), and although a late wobble threatened to derail them, they eventually reached their target with three wickets to spare. It was an encouraging start to the season across Pembrokeshire, with many sides already showing signs of form and purpose ahead of what promises to be another highly competitive summer.

Teenager to represent Wales at MMA World Championships

The MMA World championships, organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), are considered the highest level of competition for amateur fighters.

The 2025 tournament in Abu Dhabi will bring together athletes from dozens of countries, offering a platform for young fighters to showcase their talents on an international stage.

Ty’s family are now fundraising to help cover the significant costs associated with representing his country, including travel, accommodation, training, and equipment. A GoFundMe page, World Championship Dreams in Abu Dhabi, has been set up by Ciaran Haughey to help raise the necessary funds. Debbie Haughey, Ty’s grandmother, contacted The Herald to highlight her grandson’s achievement and appeal for support. She said: “My grandson has been selected to represent Wales in MMA at the World Championships. We would be so grateful for any support to help him get there.”

The fundraising appeal emphasises that Ty’s selection is not just a personal achievement but a chance to put Pembrokeshire and Wales on the map in an increasingly competitive sport. Donations of any size are welcome to help Ty fulfil his dream of competing for a world title.

Haverfordwest Youth clinch double with dominant display in cup final

HAVERFORdWEST YOuTH 54 –NARBERTH YOuTH 24

IN a thrilling Pembrokeshire Youth cup Final Haverfordwest Youth cemented their dominance by completing the league and cup double with a commanding 5424 victory over Narberth Youth. From the outset, the Young Blues showcased their class, but Narberth fought valiantly, showing the heart and determination their coach, Jason Jennings, had called for.

Haverfordwest set the tone early, racing to a 14-0 lead within the opening quarter. No. 8 Kieran Harries and scrum-half Alfie Thomas were the first to cross the line, both tries converted by the reliable Rio Phillips. However, Narberth responded with resolve, as a well-worked try in the left corner from Ashton O’Riorden, following a clever pass from Sam Morris and Owen Woof, got them on the scoreboard. But Haverfordwest weren’t about to let their lead slip. Harries, who was a standout performer throughout, quickly added his second try after powerful work up front from captain Iori Curtis, Logun Young, and Zac Shaw. Phillips converted, and Young was again involved in the build-up as Haverfordwest extended their lead to

28-5 at the break.

The second half saw little let-up in Haverfordwest’s relentless pressure.

Left-winger Harry Lawrence touched down for the fifth try of the match, with Phillips converting again to make it five successful kicks from five attempts. A rare miss followed, but Harries, ever the workhorse, completed his hat-trick with another outstanding solo effort. Narberth, however, had no

intention of going down without a fight. Their resilience was rewarded with a well-deserved try from No. 8 Callum Goeman, which brought cheers from the sidelines. Haverfordwest’s prop Cruz Findlay and Young responded with tries of their own, but Narberth weren’t finished yet. A late brace from hooker Charlie Reynolds, coupled with a conversion by outside half Gethin Llewellin, ensured they ended

the match with their heads held high. Despite the spirited late rally from Narberth, there was no denying Haverfordwest’s quality on the day. Steve Parry’s side were undoubtedly the standout team of the season, and as joint captains Iori Curtis and Devin Williams proudly lifted the Youth Cup, it was clear that this was a welldeserved double.

Memories made as Neyland RFC Under-14s shine on Tewkesbury tour

NEY l AN d RF c ’s u nder-14s have returned home from a thrilling rugby tour packed with action, adventure and unforgettable memories.

The young players kicked off their Tewkesbury 2025 tour in impressive

style with a nail-biting 29-22 win against Bredon Star RFC — a closely fought contest that showcased the team’s determination and growing talent on the pitch.

After the match, the boys swapped boots for paddles as they took on exhilarating raft races and giant paddleboarding challenges — proving that their team spirit extended well beyond the try line.

Capping off the tour in style, the team had the honour of forming the Guard of Honour at the high-profile Premiership Rugby clash between Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs. Standing shoulder to shoulder as the pros ran out, the boys got a frontrow taste of top-flight rugby – an experience many described as “a dream come true.”

A spokesperson for the club

said: “What an experience and what memories! This was a once-in-alifetime opportunity for many of the boys and a huge step in their rugby journey.”

The tour was made possible through months of dedicated fundraising and the generous support of the local community. Special thanks were extended to Milford Haven Round Table, whose support ensured the team could attend the Gloucester game in person.

“The boys were a credit to the club and their families,” added the spokesperson. “They’ve come back inspired, motivated, and already counting down the days to the next tour.”

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire League Table

RESULTS: 27/04/2025

Burton (112) lost to Whitland (240) by 128 runs

Carew (169) beat Lawrenny (112) by 57 runs

Cresselly (195-9) beat Neyland (131) by 64 runs

Haverfordwest (240-8) beat Llangwm (98) by 142 runs

Herbrandston (99) lost to Saundersfoot (207-8) by 108 runs

Hook (66-3) beat Burton II (64) by 7 wkts

Llanrhian (65) lost to St Ishmaels (67-0) by 10 wkts

Llechryd (60-4) beat Carew II (57) by 6 wkts

Narberth (187) beat Cresselly II (149) by 38 runs

Pembroke (144-7) beat Johnston (143) by 3 wkts

Fishguard (147-9) beat Haverfordwest II (124-7) by 23 runs

Hundleton (206-5) beat Hook II (47) by 159 runs

Lamphey (130-6) beat Pembroke Dock (128-7) by 4 wkts

Neyland II (103) lost to Kilgetty (106-1) by 9 wkts

Stackpole (84-0) beat Laugharne (82) by 10 wkts

Haverfordwest III (0) w/o v Carew III (0)

Lawrenny II (28-0) beat Narberth II (27) by 10 wkts

Llangwm II (41) lost to Pembroke II (207-7) by 166 runs

Saundersfoot II (168-8) beat Crymych (114) by 54 runs

St Ishmaels II (182-4) beat Llanrhian II (98) by 84 runs

Cresselly III (216-5) lost to Haverfordwest IV (251-9) by 35 runs

Neyland III (46) lost to Herbrandston II (47-3) by 7 wkts

Pembroke Dock II (131) lost to Llechryd II (146-9) by 15 runs

Whitland II (129-7) lost to Hundleton II (132-2) by 8 wkts

H’west-Cresselly (106-7) lost to Lamphey II (107-7) by 3 wkts

Kilgetty II (0) ab v (0)

FiXTURES: 03/05/2025

Cresselly v Burton

Llangwm v Lawrenny

Neyland v Herbrandston

Saundersfoot v Haverfordwest

Whitland v Carew

Burton II v Pembroke

Carew II v Hook

Johnston v Cresselly II

Llechryd v Llanrhian

St Ishmaels v Narberth

Haverfordwest II v Kilgetty

Hook II v Neyland II

Lamphey v Hundleton

Laugharne v Fishguard

Pembroke Dock v Stackpole

Crymych v Haverfordwest III

Lawrenny II v Saundersfoot II

Llanrhian II v Llangwm II

Narberth II v St Ishmaels II

Pembroke II v Carew III

Cresselly III v Llechryd II

Haverfordwest IV v Whitland II

Herbrandston II v Pembroke Dock II

Hundleton II v Neyland III

Kilgetty II v H’west-Cresselly

Pembroke III v Lamphey II

Whitland III v Llechryd III