The Pembrokeshire Herald 05/09/2025

‘neigh’-saYers silenced as horse fair a success • P16

TribUTes Paid To cYclisT aFTer fatal a40 collision • P3

Tributes paid to cyclist after fatal A40 collision

THE FAMILY of a woman who died following a collision on the A40 near Llanddewi Velfrey have paid tribute to her.

Jodie Amanda James, aged 33, was seriously injured while cycling on the A40 on the morning of Friday, August 22. She was taken to hospital but died two days later, on Sunday, August 24.

In a statement, her family described her as: “a loving mother to Kaleb, daughter to Amanda and Stephen, and sister to Sammy and her brother-in-law Kristian. Jodie was a loving sister to her brother Adam, and auntie to Karter, Lilith and Atlas.

“Jodie was an inspiration, a very special person to us all.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses. Officers are asking anyone who was travelling along the A40 near Llanddewi Velfrey at around 8:00am on Friday, August 22, and who may have dashcam footage, to contact them.

Information can be reported online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk, by sending a direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote reference 25*695926.

Saundersfoot Council apologises over Russian flag

SAUNDERSFOOT Community Council has apologised to residents and the local Ukrainian community after a Russian flag was found flying on its flagpole outside Regency Hall over the weekend.

The unauthorised act happened sometime between Friday night (Aug 29) and Saturday morning (Aug 30), after the theft of a Pembrokeshire flag from the pole. Police have confirmed enquiries are ongoing and Regency Hall’s CCTV is now being reviewed. In a statement released on Monday, Council chair Cllr Alec Cormack said: “On behalf of the Community Council, I wish to offer a sincere apology to anyone who has been upset or offended by this unauthorised act,

in particular to members of our local Ukrainian community. We know many of you have sought refuge here in Pembrokeshire after the devastating invasion of your homeland and we deeply regret that this incident may have caused you further distress.”

The council said the flag was removed “as quickly as possible” and the matter reported immediately to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Cllr Cormack added: “Saundersfoot is a community built on kindness, respect and support for one another and we stand firmly by those values.”

The Pembrokeshire flag has since been restored to the pole outside Regency Hall.

Pembroke Dock woman sentenced for multiple drug driving offences

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been sentenced for a string of motoring offences after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Sydney Smith, aged 22, of Wavell Crescent, had previously admitted driving a Renault Clio in Pembroke Dock on May 9 while over the legal limit for cocaine, benzoylecgonine and cannabis. She also pleaded guilty to taking the car without the owner’s

consent, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The court heard police stopped Smith after a PNC check showed a licence issue. Officers discovered she had no licence or insurance and carried out a drug test, which returned positive results.

Smith’s solicitor said she had turned to drugs, including class A substances, following a difficult period

when her two children were taken into care. Her former relationship had been marked by domestic violence, and she used drugs to cope. Speaking through her solicitor, she told the court she was grateful for the authorities’ involvement and welcomed the chance of a community order to help her move forward.

District Judge Mark Layton said he was pleased Smith was willing to engage. He imposed a nine-month

drug rehabilitation requirement, meaning she must undertake regular drug tests, and added 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He also explained that there was no separate penalty for benzoylecgonine as it is a metabolite of cocaine.

Judge Layton told her: “We do not expect you to become clean in a matter of weeks, what the court wants to see is improvement over the next nine months.”

Houseplant café open in converted greenhouse

A FORMER Pembrokeshire dairy farmer and his wife have opened a new houseplant centre and botanical-themed coffee shop in Pembroke, supported by a £20,000 Start Up Loan.

Husband-and-wife duo Kristian (35) and Beckie Howell (31), both from Pembrokeshire, are behind Vine & Vibe, a new 6,000 sq ft indoor houseplant centre and café designed to bring an inclusive, wellbeingfocused space to the region’s retail and hospitality offering.

Housed in a converted commercial greenhouse, the venture is the result of both a personal and entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, Kristian sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury that ended his career in dairy farming and left him reliant on a wheelchair. The couple’s shared interest in gardening, sustainability, and mental wellbeing became the catalyst for launching their own business.

“After Kris’s accident, we had to completely rethink our future,” said Beckie. “Caring for houseplants gave

me purpose, and for Kris, growing vegetables helped him reconnect with the land. Vine & Vibe grew from that shared passion, and now we’re turning it into something that can benefit others too.”

Vine & Vibe has been designed with accessibility in mind, including step-free access, wide walkways and low café tables. To help visitors plan their trip, the couple are launching a dedicated accessibility section on their website, complete with images and videos, so customers can decide for themselves if the space will work for their needs.

Renovating the disused greenhouse with reclaimed materials, the couple have undertaken much of the build themselves. The Start Up Loan funding has enabled them to kit out the café, invest in accessible furniture, stock their first plant collections, and bring in specialist trades where needed.

“We’ve worked hard to source ethically and locally wherever possible,” said Kristian. “Our coffee comes from Capital Roasters, just 1.5 miles away,

and we’re working with them to develop our own flavour profile. The café will also serve seasonal drinks like yuzu lavender and strawberry basil iced lattes to make the experience unique.”

“The Start Up Loan gave us the platform to take our vision from idea to reality,” he added. “It’s been transformational.”

“Being on a low income and reliant on disability benefits meant that traditional lenders simply weren’t an option for us,” said Beckie. “We knew we had a strong idea and the determination to make it work, but we needed someone to take a chance on us. The Start Up Loan gave us that opportunity – not just with the funding, but providing the support and advice to help us understand cash flow and business planning too. Without it, Vine & Vibe wouldn’t be happening.”

Vine & Vibe stock a wide range of houseplants and botanical-themed homewares, and the coffee shop offers sweet treats and specialist drinks served in a lush, indoor tropical setting. Longer term, Beckie and Kris hope the business will become a goto local hub for plant lovers and coffee drinkers alike – and an example of how thoughtful design can make spaces more welcoming to more people.

“Vine & Vibe is a great example of the power of entrepreneurial thinking in rural Wales,” said Jessica PhillipsHarris, Senior Manager for Wales at the British Business Bank. “Beckie and Kris are building something that’s sustainable, community-focused and rooted in their local area, and we’re proud to have supported them.”

Start Up Loans is a subsidiary of the UK’s economic development bank, British Business Bank. The Start Up Loans programme provides personal loans for business purposes of up to £25,000 at a 6% fixed interest rate per annum and offers free dedicated mentoring and support to each business.

Milford Haven man on drugs and burglary charges

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates to face a string of charges including burglary, drug possession, and criminal damage.

Warren Harper, aged 33, of Marble Hall Close, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Sept 1). He admitted possessing 0.44 grams of cannabis and a quantity of diazepam in Milford

Haven on August 31.

He also faced two burglary charges relating to a property at Precelley Place on the same date. One charge, alleging he entered with intent to steal, was withdrawn. A second charge, alleging he entered with intent to cause unlawful damage, was not admitted, and Harper pleaded not guilty. A witness in the case will give evidence via a live link.

Harper was also charged with

criminal damage after allegedly smashing a window, though that charge was later withdrawn. Magistrates remanded him in custody, citing a risk that he was likely to offend again or cause injury or fear of injury to another person. The case was adjourned, with a mention hearing scheduled for Tuesday (Sept 9) and a trial date fixed for October 20, both at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Neyland town council admits reputation ‘down the drain’ as it struggles to fill seats

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has publicly admitted its reputation has “gone down the drain” over the last three years, as it again appeals for new members to fill vacant seats.

The council has re-advertised for co-option after failing to attract any applicants to fill two vacancies in the East Ward.

In a candid statement shared with residents, the council said: “The last three years have seen our reputation go down the drain and we have

absolutely felt the embarrassment our community has felt. Pre-2022, Neyland Town Council had always been a very pro-active, harmonious Council, with councillors working together to better our community.”

The statement continues: “Now that we are once again in a position that we can do so, we have every intention of working peacefully, but hard, to gain back what we have lost. Council are currently putting together a 12-month plan of goals we intend to reach, with the intention of each one helping to better our community.”

CALL FOR MEMBERS

The council is calling on residents to step forward and help rebuild. Applicants must live or work locally or within 4.8 kilometres of Neyland, and be eligible under the usual requirements for standing.

The closing date for applications is Friday, October 3.

TROUBLED TIMES

Neyland Town Council has been mired in controversy for much of the past three years. A series of

bitter rows, resignations and public outbursts have left its reputation in tatters. Meetings have descended into chaos, with councillors trading accusations of dishonesty and intimidation, and members of the public openly challenging the council’s conduct. One councillor was exposed for sending a threatening email to the clerk, warning she was a “dead (wo) man walking.”

Mayor Peter Hay has faced repeated calls to resign after a civic church service speech was denounced as a “sick diatribe of hatred” that prompted walkouts and Ombudsman complaints. Leaked emails later showed him comparing himself to Jesus and branding critics “un-Christian.” Elsewhere, a petition demanded another councillor’s resignation after he referred to colleagues as “degenerates,” and allegations of favouritism in cooption appointments — including the controversial selection of the clerk’s mother — deepened public anger. By openly acknowledging its problems, members hope to draw a line under the turmoil and start to rebuild both numbers and trust in the community.

Milford Haven man accused of obscene phone call

A MILFORD HAVEN man currently remanded at HMP Parc appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week accused of sending an obscene and menacing message.

Lee Lock, aged 37, of Coombs Road, Milford Haven, is charged under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003. The court heard that on February 13 this year, he allegedly made a telephone call that was

grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

Lock pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing on August 26. Magistrates ordered that he remain in custody, citing his previous record,

the seriousness of the allegation and a risk of interference with witnesses.

The case was adjourned for a further mention hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 23.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

A recent Neyland Town Council meeting looked a little light on councillors, locals said

Cllr Peter J Hay, Mayor

Pembroke Dock Mother unlawfully killed in knife attack, inquest rules

A MOTHER and grandmother who was described as “a complete joy to the world” was unlawfully killed in a violent knife attack at her Pembroke Dock home, an inquest has concluded.

Lisa Fraser, 52, was found dead at her home in Military Road at around 8:00am on May 13, 2022. She had sustained multiple sharp-force injuries, including a fatal cut to the throat.

THE MORNINg OF THE ATTACK

The inquest, which took place at County Hall, Haverfordwest, heard that Matthew Harris, 41, had carried out a string of threatening and destructive incidents across Neyland and Pembroke Dock in the early hours of that morning.

One elderly motorist was left terrified when Harris approached him with a knife and told him: “You are going to die.” Armed police were called to the area.

When officers reached Military Road, they saw Harris leaving Mrs Fraser’s house with his hands raised. He told them he needed to go to prison, claiming: “I killed a Nazi. I’ve just killed a Nazi in there.”

Inside the property, officers found Mrs Fraser lying in a rear bedroom with injuries that were not compatible with life.

ARREST AND CUSTODY

Harris, a father of two who had worked at Pembrokeshire’s oil refineries as a mechanical engineer, was arrested and charged with

murder. He was remanded in custody but never stood trial.

Just two weeks after the killing, on May 27, 2022, Harris was found hanged in his cell at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire. He later died in hospital.

NO jUSTICE IN THE COURTS

As a result of his death in custody, Harris never faced a jury for the killing of Mrs Fraser. The inquest noted that the family were denied the chance to see the case brought before crown court, leaving many questions unanswered.

For Mrs Fraser’s loved ones, the suicide of her attacker meant that justice was never delivered through the legal system. Instead, the inquest provided the only formal opportunity to set out the events of that day and record how she was unlawfully killed.

BACKgROUND OF THE ATTACKER

The inquest was told Harris had a long history of drug use dating back to his school years and had previously served a prison sentence for a drug offence. Although he had suffered with anxiety in his youth, he had no

formal mental health diagnosis.

A psychiatrist who interviewed him after his arrest said there was “little to suggest” he suffered from a psychotic illness.

Witnesses reported that in the days before the killing, Harris had displayed erratic and paranoid behaviour, including claiming he had been poisoned.

TRIBUTES TO LISA FRASER

Mrs Fraser was a wife, a mother of three, and grandmother to an eight-month-old grandson. Originally from Kent, she had moved to Pembrokeshire in 2003. She worked in local care homes before taking up a cleaning job in 2021.

Her daughter Phoebe described her as “the glue that kept us all secure.”

“Lisa Fraser was the most innocent, caring person you would ever come across,” she told the inquest. “She should be remembered for the amazing caring soul that she was. Laughter followed her everywhere. She was a complete joy to the world and would support anyone who needed it.”

Phoebe added that her mother doted on her grandson during the

eight months they shared together, and cared for adults with additional needs “as if they were her own.”

Her wider family said she had “touched the hearts of everyone she had contact with” and hoped she was now “dancing in gold dust.”

CORONER’S CONCLUSION

Pembrokeshire Coroner Paul Bennett ruled that Mrs Fraser’s death was a case of unlawful killing.

He said: “Lisa Fraser woke up on May 13, 2022, on what was expected to have been a normal day. Like her neighbours in Pembroke Dock, she had no concerns about leaving her property door unlocked. There was no reason to think that anyone would enter the house and do such a terrible thing.”

He concluded: “Lisa Fraser died as a result of stab wounds she sustained to the neck when she was subject of an unprovoked assault committed upon her by an individual who entered the property, who was of sound mind and intended to kill her or cause her grievous bodily harm.”

Mr Bennett commended the Fraser family for their dignity during the fourday inquest, offering his “sincerest and genuine condolences.”

Firefighters tackle property blaze in Haverfordwest

CREWS from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Fire Stations were called to Priory Avenue in Haverfordwest at 11:01am on Tuesday (Sep 2) after reports of a property fire.

The blaze broke out in a two-storey domestic property, measuring around nine metres by eight metres. Firefighters found the fire confined to rubbish in an adjoining utility space.

Two breathing apparatus sets, a hose reel jet, a covering jet and a positive pressure ventilation fan were used to bring the fire under control. The incident was declared out by 11:56am.

Following the fire, crews carried out home fire safety checks in neighbouring properties and offered advice to residents.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding householders that free Safe and Well visits are available. These visits include checking and fitting smoke alarms, identifying fire hazards, and providing escape plan advice.

To book a free visit, call 0800 169 1234 or complete the online form via the fire service website.

Milford Haven man denies three assault charges

A MILFORD HAVEN man has denied three charges of assault after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Morgan Rogers, aged 26, of Trafalgar Road, pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault by beating

against a woman in Haverfordwest between January 12 and February 17 this year.

Magistrates adjourned the case

until October 22. Rogers was granted conditional bail, including a ban on contacting the four witnesses involved in the case.

St Ishmaels farmer guilty of strangulation and assault

A PEMBROKESHIRE farmer has been found guilty of intentional strangulation, assault and criminal

damage following a violent incident at his home earlier this year.

Philip Stoddart, aged 59, of Monk

Hill Farm, St Ishmaels, was convicted at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Sept 1). The bench – Mr J Ross, Dr R Williams and Mr R John – found him guilty of:

• Assaulting Fraizer Stoddart by beating him on April 4, 2025.

• Intentionally strangling Fraizer Stoddart on the same date, contrary to the Serious Crime Act 2015.

• Causing criminal damage to a hooded top and a Playstation controller belonging to the victim.

Stoddart had denied the allegations when he first appeared in court on April 7. Following trial hearings through the summer, magistrates returned guilty verdicts at the conclusion of the case this week.

The court heard that the offences

took place during a family dispute at Monkhill Farm. Stoddart, who farms in the St Ishmaels area, was arrested after police were called to the property. He was initially remanded on conditional bail in April, before being allowed unconditional bail when the trial began in July. The prosecution was led by Ann Griffiths, while Stoddart was represented by defence solicitor David Weale.

Stoddart has been released on unconditional bail until sentencing, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23 at 11:00am at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.

The intentional strangulation offence, introduced into law in 2022 to tackle domestic abuse, carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment if committed in the Crown Court.

Banned after failing to provide drug-driving sample

a specimen following a

Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Sept 1).

The court heard that in the early hours of June 22, police stopped Brummitt in the Rosemarket area while he was driving a blue Ford Fiesta, registration CP14 GGA. He provided a positive

roadside saliva test for cannabis and was arrested.

When taken into custody, Brummitt failed to provide a blood sample for analysis. He also admitted using the vehicle without valid insurance.

Magistrates imposed a 24-month driving ban, fined him £432 and ordered him to pay £200 towards prosecution costs. His driving record was endorsed but no separate penalty was imposed for the insurance offence.

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been banned from driving after failing to provide

roadside drugs test.

Mark Brummitt, aged 45, of Robert Street, appeared before Haverfordwest

Cardigan man had knife

A CARDIgAN man has admitted possessing a knife in public after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Benjamin Learoyd, aged 49, of Bath House Road, pleaded guilty to having a kitchen knife with a 20cm blade in Finch’s Square, Cardigan, on August 9. The offence is contrary to the Criminal

Justice Act 1988, which makes it illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason.

Learoyd indicated a guilty plea at an earlier hearing on August 11, when he was convicted, and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

Magistrates remanded him on conditional bail. He will return to court for sentencing on September 30.

Woman denies blood specimen charge

A HAVERFORDWEST woman has denied failing to provide a specimen for analysis after appearing before District judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Sally Nolan, aged 52, of Three Meadows, Johnston, is accused of failing to provide a specimen of blood for a laboratory test on August 15. Police

suspected she had been driving a vehicle and required her to provide a sample under the Road Traffic Act 1988, but it is alleged she refused without reasonable excuse.

Nolan entered a not guilty plea. She was remanded on unconditional bail to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on October 20.

Milford Haven man fined over XL Bully dog

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been fined after admitting possessing a banned breed of dog.

Michael Lloyd, aged 41, of St Botolphs, Hubberston, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

He pleaded guilty to having an XL Bully, named Rosie, in his possession on July 31 this year, contrary to the Dangerous

Dogs Act 1991.

Judge Layton imposed a contingent destruction order for the dog, meaning it must be destroyed unless Lloyd secures an exemption certificate for Rosie within two months.

Lloyd was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs. His guilty plea was taken into account.

Whitland man admits drink driving near Boncath

A WHITLAND man has admitted drink driving after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Harry Smyth, aged 36, of The Grange, West Street, Whitland, pleaded guilty to driving a VW Fox on the B4332 near Boncath on August 16 while over the legal alcohol limit.

A roadside test showed 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates convicted Smyth but adjourned sentencing to allow a presentence report to be prepared. He will return to court later this month for sentencing.

Saundersfoot teen banned for drug driving

A SAUNDERSFOOT teenager has been banned from driving after admitting two drug driving offences and driving without insurance.

Lloyd Goldsworthy, aged 19, of Incline Way, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

He pleaded guilty to driving a Citroën C1 on High Street, Tenby, on April 26 while over the legal limit for both ketamine and cannabis. Blood tests showed 60 microgrammes of ketamine and 5.9 microgrammes of cannabis (THC) per litre of blood, both above the specified limits.

Goldsworthy also admitted using the vehicle without valid insurance.

Judge Layton imposed a 29-month driving ban and a 12-month community order supervised by Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court. The order includes 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge, payable in monthly instalments of £50 from September 29.

The insurance offence carried no separate penalty.

Fire crews tackle blaze in St Davids property

FIREFIgHTERS were called to St David’s High Street at 7:32pm on Monday (Sept 1) after a blaze broke out in a three-storey building containing both commercial and residential units.

Crews from St Davids, Fishguard and Haverfordwest fire stations attended the scene, where the fire had started in a laundry room on the first floor. It is believed to have been caused by a tumble dryer.

Firefighters used six sets of

breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras and a turntable ladder appliance to bring the fire under control. Once the blaze was extinguished, crews removed debris from the laundry room to prevent reignition.

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the incident highlighted the importance of keeping internal doors closed, which in this case stopped the fire from spreading to other parts of the property.

Man sent to Crown Court on coercive control and GBH charges

A PEMBROKE man has been sent to Crown Court on serious charges including coercive control and grievous bodily harm.

John-Joe McDonagh, aged 36, of Vetch Close, Sandfields, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on

Tuesday (Sept 2).

He faces two separate allegations. The first is that between May 2024 and May 2025 he repeatedly engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his former partner, in Milford Haven, causing her fear that violence would be used. The second charge

alleges that on May 15, 2024, he unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to her with intent.

No pleas were entered to the charges.

Judge Layton sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where McDonagh will appear on October 3 for

a plea and trial preparation hearing. He was remanded on conditional bail with strict conditions — including not to enter Milford Haven, not to contact the alleged victim directly or indirectly, and not to have unsupervised contact with any children under 17. Any child contact must be arranged via a third party.

Advice on hidden safety phones during test

THE WELSH gOVERNMENT is urging caution ahead of a nationwide emergency alert test on Saturday, September 7, warning that the loud alarm could put people at risk if they keep a hidden phone for safety reasons.

On that day, every compatible mobile phone in the UK will receive a test alert. The message will be accompanied by a loud siren-like sound and vibration, even if the phone is on silent, unless alerts have been switched off beforehand.

Officials say this may pose a danger to people living with domestic abuse who keep a secret phone for emergencies. If the device makes a noise unexpectedly, it could reveal its presence to an abuser.

To prevent this, emergency alerts can be turned off in advance. On most iPhone and Android handsets, the setting can be found by searching for “emergency alerts” in the settings menu, then disabling “severe alerts” and “extreme alerts.

Depending on the device, the option may also appear under:

• Messages → Message Settings → Wireless Emergency Alerts → Alerts

• Settings → Sounds → Advanced → Emergency Broadcasts

• Settings → General Settings → Emergency Alerts

In all cases, users should disable severe, extreme, and test alerts on their hidden phones.

Support remains available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

The Live Fear Free helpline offers free and confidential advice on 0808 80 10

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said:

“We want everyone in Wales to be safe and informed. While emergency alerts are designed to protect us all, we recognise they may cause concern for

those in vulnerable situations who have a second, hidden phone for their safety.

“By sharing this guidance in advance, we hope individuals can make informed decisions while keeping access to potentially life-saving alerts on their main phones. I would also urge anyone in an unsafe household to reach out for support.”

800, with further help accessible via the Live Fear Free website.

Wolfscastle sex offender sentenced for breaching court order

A REgISTERED sex offender from Wolfscastle has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after deliberately breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

ADMITTED AT HAVERFORDWEST

The Herald previously reported how Luke Rogers, 39, admitted the breach when he appeared before

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on August 4. Magistrates committed the case to Crown Court for sentencing. Rogers had been made the subject of a 10-year SHPO at Maidstone Crown Court in February 2021 when he was jailed for sexual activity with a teenage girl. One of the conditions of the order is that he must not delete messages, data or internet history from his devices.

BREACH DISCOVERED IN HOME VISIT

On June 30 this year, police carried out a routine home visit. During the inspection of Rogers’ phone, an officer saw that he had deleted a WhatsApp message to a woman.

When questioned, Rogers said it had been “a mistake.” However, prosecutor Dean Pulling told Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Sept 2) that deleting a WhatsApp message required several steps. “It’s a deliberate act,” he said.

The officer later spoke to the woman, who confirmed the deleted message was simply Rogers asking if she wanted to meet for coffee.

HISTORY OF IgNORINg ORDERS

The court heard Rogers has 37 previous convictions covering a range of offences, including seven for sexual matters and 10 for failing to comply with court orders.

In November 2023 he was jailed for 16 months after deleting Facebook and WhatsApp from his phone and keeping a secret second handset. The following

month he received a 10-month jail term for further breaches, including deleting the MeetMe app and using false names in WhatsApp groups.

DEFENCE SUBMISSIONS

Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers accepted there were steps involved in deleting the message but insisted this was not an intentional breach. She described it as “minor” given that he had not hidden the phone from officers.

She told the court Rogers had made “real steps” towards rehabilitation since his release from custody and argued that his offending followed a familiar cycle of imprisonment, lack of support, and relapse.

SENTENCE

Recorder Aidan Eardley KC imposed a 12-month community order with 160 hours of unpaid work. He warned Rogers that any further breaches could see him back behind bars.

Rogers’ SHPO will remain in force until 2031.

Milford Man faces jail warning after assault on police officers

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been warned he faces jail if he assaults police officers again, following an appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Harry Holmes-Thompson, aged 26, of Coombs Drive, had previously admitted resisting a constable, being drunk and disorderly, assaulting a police officer by beating, and failing to surrender to bail.

The court heard that during the incident on July 24 one officer was pushed back and struck her head on the side of a police van, causing a minor injury. Another officer suffered a wrist injury.

Holmes-Thompson’s solicitor, Mr John, said his client had been sober for three weeks and had been offered a job with a large electricity firm, subject to passing a test. He asked the court to step back from immediate custody, describing the case as a “watershed moment” for his client. He said HolmesThompson had apologised to the officers at the time and was doing so again through him.

District Judge Mark Layton told him: “You have a history of violence against police officers which crosses the custody threshold. This court needs to be satisfied that you do not pose a

danger to the police and public and that you won’t do this kind of thing again.”

Judge Layton said the case would be adjourned until September 30 to consider the suitability of a curfew order, as the offences happened at night.

At the end of the hearing HolmesThompson asked: “Am I going to be sent to jail?” Judge Layton replied: “If you hit and lash out at people again you will be going to jail, these are matters which cross the custody threshold.”

The defendant responded: “I didn’t do it on purpose, I was in a state of confusion at the time, I am not hitting the police with intent.”

Crundale man admits attempted arson

A CRUNDALE farm worker has admitted attempting to set fire to property on a Pembrokeshire farm and making threats against his employer.

Jānis Dambrāns, aged 53, originally from Latvia, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to attempted arson, threatening to damage property, and criminal damage.

The court heard that on June 26, 2024, Dambrāns poured petrol on a wooden cabin and a vehicle at Fenton Home Farm, near Haverfordwest, and attempted to ignite it. He later threatened his employer on March 24, 2024, saying he would burn down her property after being told his employment was ending.

Dambrāns also admitted a separate

offence of criminal damage to his own accommodation at the farm.

The Herald previously reported in March that Dambrāns had first appeared in court over the allegations, which involved both fellow workers and his employer. At that time, he denied the charges, but later entered guilty pleas on the day his trial was due to begin.

His barrister told the court that he has only a very limited criminal record, and asked for credit for his guilty pleas.

Judge Huw Rees said alcohol had played a part in the offending and warned that others had been put at risk.

Sentencing was adjourned until August 28, 2025. Dambrāns remains remanded in custody.

Campaign grows for banking hub in South Pembrokeshire

THE CAMPAIgN is intensifying for a new community banking hub to serve South Pembrokeshire, an area now left without a single High Street bank.

Calls are being made for accessto-cash organisation Link to review the needs of the wider area, not just Pembroke Dock, where Lloyds Bank closed its doors for the final time in June.

South Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member, Samuel Kurtz, who has described the county as a “banking desert”, is renewing his appeal. He has urged Link – the body responsible for assessing local banking provision – to take a broader view of demand.

Link’s current rules only consider towns where the last bank branch has closed. In Pembroke Dock’s case, the organisation ruled the town alone did not qualify for a hub. Mr Kurtz argues that this narrow approach fails to reflect the geography and the spread of communities across the south of the county.

“All of South Pembrokeshire is now a banking desert, with residents forced to travel significant distances to Haverfordwest or Carmarthen,” he said. “This is simply unacceptable, especially for those who still rely on face-to-face banking services.

“I am compiling a case to present to Link setting out why a hub is essential. The criteria applied to Pembroke Dock alone are short-sighted. We must take account not only of nearby communities such as Pembroke, Lamphey and Cosheston, but also more rural and isolated villages like Angle, Stackpole and Castlemartin. Link must look at the bigger picture and recognise the wider needs of South Pembrokeshire.”

An online petition in support of the hub is now live, with a paper copy also available to sign at Pembroke Dock Town Council’s offices.

Fishguard teenager sentenced for theft, assault and criminal damage

A FISHgUARD teenager has been handed a community order after admitting a series of offences at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Harvey Dudley, aged 18, of West Street, had previously pleaded guilty to theft, common assault and three counts of criminal damage following incidents in January this year.

The court heard he stole an electric scooter from Haverfordwest town centre, took a bottle of whisky in Fishguard, assaulted a man, and damaged three vehicles – two of them badly.

Dudley appeared in court wearing a smartly ironed white shirt, black trousers and sporting crew cut.

As he nervously looked on, District

Judge Mark Layton told him: “This is a serious case, you damaged three vehicles, two of them badly. These people are going to be waiting a long time for their compensation. These are anti-social behaviour sentences and I think this is a case where a curfew order is appropriate.”

Dudley was given a 12-month community order, with 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a 120-day curfew order, enforced by an electronic tag, requiring him to stay at home between 8:00pm and 6:00am. He lives with his father in a flat.

Judge Layton warned: “If you breach it will be a custodial sentence.” Dudley meekly replied “Okay” before being allowed to leave the dock.

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Neyland council backs anti-racism plan

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has become the ninth council in Pembrokeshire to adopt the AntiRacist Action Plan (ARAP), but the move comes against the backdrop of turmoil and resignations that have left its chamber looking sparse.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, the Deputy Mayor of Haverfordwest Town Council, attended the meeting in Neyland this week to explain how ARAP can be embedded into standing orders, ensuring that town and community councils across the county align with Pembrokeshire

Woman pleads not guilty to assault and threat charges

A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied two charges following an appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 2).

Veronica Jones, aged 37, of Haven Drive, Hakin, confirmed her name and address before entering not guilty pleas to both allegations.

She is accused of assaulting Scott

Allen by beating him in Milford Haven on February 1 this year. Jones also faces a joint charge with Anthony Nolan of threatening to send people to damage Mr Allen’s car and house on the same date.

Magistrates granted Jones conditional bail. The case was adjourned and she will return to court on October 15.

The ARAP seeks to eliminate racial inequality and strengthen community cohesion across Wales. Neyland’s adoption is seen as an important step in showing commitment at the grassroots level.

However, the meeting also revealed the scale of the difficulties currently facing Neyland Town Council. A string of resignations and public disputes has left many seats vacant, with far fewer councillors around the table than usual.

The Herald understands that recent controversies have strained the council’s ability to operate at full strength. Residents have commented on the number of absences, and there are concerns about the council’s capacity to deal with major issues affecting the town.

County Council’s goal of becoming antiracist by 2030.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said engagement with all levels of local government was essential: “Adoption of ARAP locally is pivotal. Only by ensuring town and community councils are fully on board can we make Pembrokeshire truly antiracist by 2030.”

Despite these challenges, councillors present welcomed the ARAP discussion and backed its inclusion in the council’s standing orders. The move puts Neyland alongside eight other town and community councils in Pembrokeshire that have already signed up.

Supporters hope that the adoption of ARAP can help reset the council’s image and show that Neyland remains committed to inclusive values, even at a time of internal upheaval.

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‘Neigh’-sayers silenced as horse fair a success

THE PEMBROKE HORSE FAIR went ahead on Saturday (Aug 30) and, despite earlier doubts and persistent rain, the event was hailed a resounding success.

Held on the community centre field, the fair was free to attend and brought together around 100 horses along with a wide range of stalls, children’s attractions and food vendors. Families, travellers and horse enthusiasts turned out in force, giving the day a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights included a full horse show where riders of all ages demonstrated their skills, from youngsters in the saddle to seasoned

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horsemen showing off fine turnouts. Children enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting and games, while visitors browsed charity stalls and sampled refreshments from local traders.

Organisers had stressed ahead of the event that the fair was not a commercial venture but a community occasion, with no alcohol permitted on site to keep it family friendly.

Earlier in the week, questions had been raised over whether the fair had the necessary permission to go ahead.

Those concerns were put firmly to rest as the day passed off without trouble. Police maintained a low profile but had plans in place if needed, The Herald understands.

Some members of the travelling community said they were disappointed that some pubs in the area chose not to open during the fair. However, the mood among fairgoers was overwhelmingly positive.

One attendee told The Herald: “People said this year’s fair shouldn’t happen — but look around. It’s been brilliant, and everyone’s had a great day. It’s part of Pembroke’s history and it’s good to see it thriving.”

With strong community support and no incidents reported, the 2025 Pembroke Horse Fair reaffirmed its place as one of the town’s most distinctive traditions.

Photos: Martin Cavaney

Tom

Ride out

The Pembroke Horse Fair celebrations continued on Sunday (Aug 31) with a traditional ride-out through the town.

Dozens of horses and carts made their way along the streets, with participants travelling from across Wales to take part. The sight of the horses against the backdrop of Pembroke’s historic streets and castle made for a striking spectacle.

The ride-out followed Saturday’s horse fair on the community centre field, which had gone ahead despite earlier doubts and was hailed a success after passing off trouble free.

Sunday’s event underlined the strength of support among the travelling community for keeping the horse fair tradition alive in Pembroke.

The Herald sent photographer Martin Cavaney to capture the day, producing a set of striking images showing the horses and carts on the move through the town.

Wales clean-growth map sets out £9bn pipeline-with big stakes for Pembrokeshire

WALES has launched a landmark “Clean growth Map” showing how a £9 billion pipeline of renewableenergy and low-carbon industrial projects could reshape the economy — and Pembrokeshire is at the centre of it.

The new mapping exercise, released by Net Zero Industry Wales and RenewableUK Cymru, identifies more than £6.9 billion which could be added to the Welsh economy over the next decade, alongside £2.1 billion saved by avoiding further deindustrialisation.

Organisers say the map is designed to help both investors and politicians visualise where projects are located — and what they mean for local communities. To underline this point, the 16 new Senedd “super constituencies” have been overlaid, linking projects directly to political representation ahead of the 2026 election.

Ben Burggraaf, chief executive of Net Zero Industry Wales, said: “Wales is building a nationally significant clean-energy and low-carbon industry portfolio.”

Jess Hooper, director of RenewableUK Cymru, described the programme as “a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.”

THE FUTURE RENEWABLES PIPELINE

The first map shows the scale of

Wales’ future renewables pipeline. Operational projects are marked in green, with those still in planning in yellow.

For Pembrokeshire, the biggest prize is floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Up to 12 gigawatts could eventually be generated off the southwest coast, with Round 5 project development areas now designated. Pembroke Port is already positioning itself as an operations and maintenance base for the industry.

Also shown is the Greenlink interconnector, a 500 MW cable linking the UK and Ireland which makes landfall in Pembrokeshire. This is due to strengthen energy security and help balance renewable generation on both sides of the Irish Sea.

INDUSTRIAL DECARBONISATION PROjECTS

The second map highlights industrial decarbonisation projects across Wales, with Pembrokeshire again a focal point.

Two major schemes stand out locally:

• The Port of Milford Haven / Pembroke Dock Renewables Terminal (planned for 2030), designed to serve as a hub for offshore wind and marine energy.

• The Milford Haven CO2 Project at Pembroke Power Station, which would capture, liquefy and ship carbon dioxide for storage elsewhere. Due to come online in 2033, this is seen as a pathfinder for nonpipeline carbon transport.

These projects sit alongside a proposed north–south grid transmission line and wider reinforcements, essential for moving clean electricity efficiently across the country.

Further afield, the map shows hydrogen production projects in North and South Wales, low-carbon cement manufacture at Padeswood, and a new low-carbon steel plant at Port Talbot — all part of a national push to cut emissions.

OPERATIONAL WIND PROjECTS

The third map is simpler, showing where operational onshore wind projects are already in place by 2025.

Pembrokeshire features here too, with existing turbines feeding power into the grid. While small compared to the Celtic Sea’s potential, these schemes are proof that renewables are already contributing to the county’s economy and energy mix.

Why Pembrokeshire matters

Pembrokeshire’s location at the edge of the Celtic Sea, coupled with the infrastructure of Milford Haven Waterway, makes the county a strategic centre for Wales’ clean-energy future.

Floating wind, hydrogen, carbon capture and shipping all intersect here — promising jobs, investment and supply-chain opportunities.

But the maps also carry a warning: without the right investment in ports, grid connections and skills, Wales risks missing its chance.

Factbox: What clean energy could deliver for Wales

• £6.9 billion in added economic value over the next decade

• 8,000 skilled, high-paid jobs — salaries 26% above Welsh average

• Almost £2 billion in tax revenue for public services

• £183 million in community benefits

• 13 million tonnes of CO2 saved by 2035

Map 2

Call for reform of compensation scheme for child abuse victims

A CHARITY has warned that children in Pembrokeshire and across Wales who are abused online are being denied justice under an outdated compensation system.

The Marie Collins Foundation, which supports victims of technologyassisted child sexual abuse, has sent an open letter to the Ministry of Justice calling for urgent reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS). The letter is co-signed by major child

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protection organisations and backed by MP Sarah Champion, who has tabled an amendment to the Victims and Courts Bill.

‘TWO-TIER

SYSTEM OF jUSTICE’

Campaigners say the current scheme fails many young people groomed

and coerced online, despite a Court of Appeal ruling in 2023 that such abuse can amount to a “crime of violence”. As a result, victims in Wales are being refused compensation – something which survivors and frontline services say creates a “two-tier system of justice.”

THE PROPOSED REFORMS WOULD:

• Make all victims of child sexual abuse eligible, including those harmed online.

• End automatic exclusions for victims with criminal convictions linked to their abuse.

• Give survivors seven years from reporting the crime – or from their 18th birthday – to apply.

LOCAL IMPACT

While the letter is national, the issue has clear relevance in West Wales. Dyfed-Powys Police, which covers Pembrokeshire, recorded more than 400 online child abuse image offences last year. Child protection workers say those numbers reflect only a fraction of the harm being caused in local communities.

Rhiannon-Faye McDonald, Head of Advocacy at the Marie Collins Foundation, said: “Children who are

groomed, coerced, and abused online suffer trauma that is just as real and devastating as physical abuse. Yet the current system treats them as less deserving of justice.”

Sarah Champion MP added: “It is disturbing that we currently have a hierarchy of harm – online child abuse is still abuse and is equally damaging.” CASE STUDY

The Foundation highlighted the case of Charlotte, who was groomed online at the age of 12 and threatened with violence if she spoke out. When images of her abuse were later shared among her peers, she was initially denied compensation on the grounds that the crimes were not considered “violent.” She eventually won her appeal, but campaigners say the process caused further avoidable trauma.

With children here spending more time online than ever before, local safeguarding groups say the law must recognise the realities of modern abuse. Reforming the scheme, they argue, would not only deliver justice for survivors but also send a clear message that technology-assisted child sexual abuse is every bit as serious as physical offences.

River festival to celebrate the Cleddau in Haverfordwest

THERE will be a river festival in Haverfordwest next month with a packed day of activities, walks, talks and live music to celebrate the town’s unique relationship with the River Cleddau.

The event, titled Our River: Celebrating the Cleddau, takes place on Saturday, September 6, with activities running throughout the day at Haverhub, the Quayside and the Old Bridge.

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FREE CANOE TRIPS

From 11:00am until 3:00pm, Paddle West and Forever 11 will be offering free canoe trips from the Old Bridge, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a fresh

perspective of the town from the water. Haverhub and Quayside programme

From 1:00pm until 6:00pm, Haverhub and the Quayside will host a variety of events including walks, talks and art activities, with live music providing entertainment into the afternoon. The programme is designed to showcase the natural and cultural importance of the Cleddau while bringing the community together on the riverside.

Organisers say the festival will highlight the river as a shared space for recreation, heritage and environmental awareness, while offering something for all ages to enjoy.

The River Festival is supported by Haverhub, the Port of Milford Haven and The Cleddau Project.

For more information and full programme details, visit haverfordwest. org.uk.

Next round of Enhancing Pembrokeshire funding opens

THE 2025-2026 funding cycle of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant is now open for Expressions of Interest.

Since its launch by Pembrokeshire County Council, more than £5.5 million has been distributed to communities across the county. The fund is financed by the council’s second homes council tax premium and is designed to support areas most affected by high levels of second home ownership.

FUNDINg AVAILABLE

This year’s round will make around £167,000 available, with small grants of up to £15,000 on offer.

Constituted community groups,

charities, social enterprises, and town and community councils are invited to apply.

KEY DATES

Expressions of Interest are open from Monday, September 1, until Friday, September 26. All submissions must be received by 11:00am on September 26.

COUNCIL COMMENT

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “The Enhancing Pembrokeshire fund has seen more than £5 million put back into communities impacted by second homes and is an important part of

improving these areas for residents.” HOW TO APPLY

Further details are available on

the council’s website. To request an Expression of Interest form, email enhancing.pembrokeshire@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk.

Freedom Festival brings colour and community to Carmarthen

CARMARTHENSHIRE County

Showground came alive with music, games and celebration on Saturday (Aug 30) as the 2025 Freedom Festival welcomed families from across West Wales.

Running from 10:00am to 10:00pm, the free-entry event featured headline act Guvna B alongside local favourites

Sound of Wales, plus choirs, dancers and spoken word performers.

Crowds gathered at the main stage where bands and choirs led a mix of worship and live music, with lights and atmosphere filling the showground into the evening.

Face painting, giant beach ball

volleyball, and LEGO building zones proved popular with youngsters, while a creative art wall gave children the chance to splash paint and get involved.

Homemade cakes, teas and coffees were served by volunteers, and stalls offered toys, books and local produce.

Organisers said the day was about

“faith, freedom and fellowship,” bringing people together in a positive, familyfriendly environment.

Supported by groups including Sound of Wales, Pure West Radio, Choirs for Good, and PIT CYF, the festival is set to remain a highlight of Carmarthenshire’s summer calendar.

Charity lottery funding brings Pembrokeshire’s wild spaces

FUNDINg from the People’s Postcode Lottery is giving Pembrokeshire’s wildlife – and the people who love it – a huge boost.

The grant, awarded to the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, is helping to conserve precious habitats, restore species under threat, and open up more opportunities for communities to connect with nature.

Katie Macro, director of the Trust, said: “Thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve been able to support projects that protect special habitats and species, while also breaking down barriers so more people can connect with nature. This funding has made a real difference for both wildlife and communities across Pembrokeshire.”

MEADOWS IN BLOOM

At St Mary’s churchyard in Tenby, one of the county’s last surviving fragments of traditional grassland is being nurtured through careful meadow management. Similar work in St Florence has allowed wildflowers such as yarrow and knapweed to flourish and spread their seed.

In Marloes, a brand new meadow has been created using locally sourced seed, while at Nevern, more than 100 plant species have been restored to grazing land – boosting conditions for

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ponies and driving out invasive plants.

PROTECTINg RARE SPECIES

Volunteers in Roch have been ringing yellowhammers, one of Pembrokeshire’s last remaining populations of the oncecommon farmland bird. More than 50 have already been ringed, providing vital data to track their survival.

In the Gwaun Valley, local volunteers have been growing devil’s-bit scabious plants to provide food for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, ensuring the survival of one of the UK’s most threatened insects.

OPENINg UP THE OUTDOORS

It’s not just wildlife benefitting. The funding also supported the Pathways programme, giving people from all backgrounds the chance to take part in conservation and heritage work. Over the past year, 83 sessions have delivered 865 volunteer days across 30 sites – from tree planting and hedge laying to community archaeology.

Volunteers have also received training in first aid, mental health awareness, and equality and diversity, giving them valuable skills alongside

to life

hands-on experience.

The Get Outdoors project has proved equally transformative, offering wellbeing walks for new parents and people with additional learning needs or disabilities. With specialist equipment such as beach wheelchairs and pushchairs, 42 walks have been held at

stunning locations including Stackpole Quay, Rosebush, and Broad Haven –with over 290 people taking part.

One participant summed up the impact: “I felt normal for the first time in five years. I was able to walk with my grandson, something I never thought I’d do again.”

RNLI St Davids lifeboat thanks community for fundraising success

AS AUgUST comes to an end, RNLI St Davids Lifeboat Station has praised its fundraising team and supporters for helping to raise more than £1,686 during the month.

The total was made up of:

• Solva harbour visit – £139

• Table top sale – £550

• Station open day – £739.35

• Name the bear – £258

On top of this, shop volunteers also brought in more than £1,800 throughout the month’s events.

The station said every penny will go towards supporting its lifesaving work.

A spokesperson added: “We simply would not be able to continue without the generosity of the community. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated or helped out.”

Special thanks were given to Patricia Boyle, Tina Stephens and Lorraine James for donating the £90 they raised from their own table sale, St Davids City Hall for the use of the venue, Solva Rowing Club for the loan of a hot water urn, and the many local cake bakers who supplied delicious treats, including Gwyneth Bracher, Bethan Goodson, Diane Turner, Maggie Davison, Julie Wright, William Davies, Dave Perry, Simone Eade and Ella Sibbering.

Duck race brings fun and flavour to Cresswell River

THE SUN set over the mudflats and salt marsh of the Cresswell River on Saturday (Aug 30) as Narberth and Whitland Rotary held their annual Duck Race and Pig Roast.

Although the tide was slow to rise, delaying the start by half an hour, 750 numbered plastic ducks eventually took to the water. The top prize went to visitor Kathryn Messenger from the north of England, who was still at the Quay to see her duck cross the line. Second place went to Arthur Towns, visiting from America, while

third place was claimed by local man David Haward. Kayakers collected the ducks as dusk fell, ensuring the race finished smoothly.

Music came from guitarist Jack Castle, who entertained the crowd with a wide-ranging set that ended in a powerful rendition of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb.

The RNLI attended, although the tide meant they could not launch a boat. Instead, their stall raised £140 and attracted new supporters.

Guests enjoyed a pork roast supplied by Jon James & Son

Pembrokeshire still going strong as ice cream vans become a dying breed

From the days on Rabbaiotti’s vans in the 1960s to Superwhippy in Broad Haven, Wales now has just 80 ice cream vans left

ONLY 80 ice cream vans remain in Wales, a far cry from the golden era when their chimes were a soundtrack to summer.

A new report shows there are just 1,538 vans still operating across the UK, compared to around 20,000 in the 1950s. Wales ranks third among the four nations, with 25 vans per one million people, but ten local authority areas have none recorded at all.

Pembrokeshire has just three licenced vans for

The decline has been blamed on rising costs, supermarket competition, and restrictions on street trading. In Wales alone there are 600 prohibited trading streets or zones, with more than 300 in Cardiff.

In Milford Haven, ice cream was once big business. The Rabbaiotti family ran a café on Charles Street, an ice cream factory, and a fleet of vans that toured the town from the 1950s onwards. Locals knew the café simply as “Rabbis,” and for many, the highlight of a visit there in the 1980s was a coke float – Coca-Cola topped with a scoop of fresh ice cream.

The vans, meanwhile, were community fixtures. Doris Garland, who worked on them in the 1960s and 70s, recalled disinfecting coins in solution before serving cones, and remembered how the vans sold more than just frozen treats. “They sold everything — even fags!” she laughed. In an era before domestic freezers and convenience stores, they were mobile shops as much as ice cream sellers.

RABBAIOTTI’S LEgACY

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Rabbi’s, Charles Street, Milford Haven, 1987 (Pic: File)

Mcgeown’s van WIII HPY at The Rath, Milford Haven 2023 (Pic: Facebook)

Well into the 1990s, those same vans were still on the road in Pembrokeshire, delighting a new generation of children.

FECCI’S AND jOE’S

Tenby had its own ice cream tradition in the shape of Fecci’s parlour on St George’s Street. A holiday institution for decades, it was remembered for queues out the door and classic seaside sundaes.

Further east, Swansea became synonymous with Joe’s, founded in 1922 by Joe Cascarini. Still run by his descendants, Joe’s remains a city landmark, its story part of the wider tale of Italian migration to Wales.

By the 1930s, Italian families had set up so many cafés in the Valleys that “Bracchi” became a generic word for a corner shop. But wartime tragedy also touched these communities. In 1940, when Italians in Britain were interned, Bartolomeo Rabaiotti of Pontypridd was among those who died when the Arandora Star was sunk by a German U-boat.

THE MODERN FLEET

While Rabbaiotti’s vans and Fecci’s parlour belong to Pembrokeshire’s past, the county still has ice cream men carrying the trade forward.

Martin McGeown, who runs Pembrokeshire Superwhippy, is one of just two operators in the county with a mobile street trading licence. Alongside Jack Worley, he operates a new Mercedes van fitted with the latest electric battery system, allowing the soft-serve machine to run without idling a diesel engine and cutting down emissions.

But the investment comes at a cost. A new van now sets traders back around £200,000, a major barrier for anyone trying to enter the business.

Martin’s connection goes back a generation. His father Jimmy McGeown ran vans in the 1980s, while his mother Vanessa and aunt Ruth also worked on the family vehicles. “I was about eight and my sister Helen was five when we’d be sat in the garden while mum and dad were out with the vans,” he recalled. And innovation is keeping the tradition alive in Tenby, where Anthony Phillips and his family-run Pembrokeshire Beach Ices have launched what is believed to be the UK’s first zero-emissions beach ice cream van. Converted from a Land Rover at a cost of £50,000, it switches to electric power when trading on the sands, proudly displaying the slogan: “Going green to keep the beach clean.”

A CHANgINg TRADITION

From Rabbaiotti’s coke floats to Fecci’s parlour sundaes, and from Superwhippy’s cones on the Rath to Tenby’s green van, Pembrokeshire’s love affair with ice cream spans generations. The numbers may be dwindling — but as long as there is sunshine over the county’s beaches, there will always be a queue for a cornet.

Martin Mcgeown, his assistant Sian Davies with Martin’s three children jack, Amirah and Alyannah. The team were giving out free ice cream to all the pupils of Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest

jimmy Mcgeown’s vans from the 1970’s and 1980’s

Jack walks 100 miles for Fishguard Thunderbolts

A PEMBROKESHIRE boy with significant learning difficulties and autism has already walked more than sixty miles in a fundraising challenge for his disability multi sports club, Fishguard Thunderbolts.

Jack, who also has complex medical needs, set out at the start of the summer holidays to complete 100 miles in six weeks. Every day he and his mum have gone out walking, aiming to cover at least two miles. On some days they have even had to start over three times, but Jack has never given up.

So far, he has completed the equivalent of four marathons and raised more than £1,300 – far surpassing his original target of £750. The money will support Fishguard Thunderbolts, a club which gives young people and adults

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with disabilities the chance to take part in inclusive sport.

His mum Claire said the challenge has been life-changing: “With Pembrokeshire so busy in the summer it’s hard to go anywhere, as Jack struggles with crowds. This challenge has got him out every day – it’s been so good for him and for us. He has no idea how amazing he is or what he’s doing.”

The community has rallied behind Jack’s efforts, with donations flooding in online.

Readers can support the fundraiser by visiting: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/claire-gray-5

Harbour Feastival set to bring music, food and fun to Saundersfoot

SAUNDERSFOOT Harbour will come alive this weekend as the highly anticipated Harbour Feastival sails into town – promising an irresistible mix of sizzling street food, toe-tapping tunes, and coastal community spirit.

The event kicks off on Friday evening (Sept 6) with the swashbuckling sounds of The Old Time Sailors, who will launch the festivities in their inimitable sea-shanty style. From there, it’s a full weekend of flavour and fun, as the Street Food Circus transforms the picturesque harbour into a buzzing celebration of food, music, and good times.

With the smell of sizzling dishes wafting across the marina and the sound of live music echoing around the quay, visitors can expect a truly unforgettable experience. A handpicked selection of top-notch street food traders will be serving up everything from wood-fired pizza and world flavours to sweet treats and artisan drinks.

“We’re so excited to be bringing the Harbour Feastival back to Saundersfoot,” a spokesperson said. “It’s all about creating that perfect coastal vibe – great food, great music, and an unbeatable setting. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover or just fancy soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something here for everyone.”

Acts will perform across the weekend, with plenty of family-friendly entertainment and a party atmosphere stretching late into the evening. The event is expected to draw visitors from across the region, bringing a welcome boost to local businesses and showcasing Saundersfoot as one of Wales’s premier seaside destinations. Tickets cost just £5 plus booking fee – excellent value for a weekend of fun by the sea.

To find out more and see the full line-up, visit the events page on the Saundersfoot Harbour website and prepare to set sail for a weekend to remember.

Nearly 200 pack Bethlehem Chapel for Operation Seal Bay talk

ALMOST 200 people filled Bethlehem Chapel in Newport, Pembrokeshire, on Thursday evening (Aug 28) for a special talk uncovering the story of “Operation Seal Bay” –one of Wales’ most unlikely drug busts.

The event, hosted at Canolfan

COMMUNITY ASSET

The evening also highlighted the growing role of Canolfan Bethlehem as a thriving community hub. Supported by PLANED, the centre was purchased through a local share offer and has since gone from strength to strength as a venue for cultural events, talks, and concerts.

A PLANED spokesperson said: “It was fantastic to see nearly 200 people here for such a unique story. This is exactly the kind of community asset we wanted Bethlehem Chapel to become – a place open to everyone, hosting events that bring people together.”

STANDINg-ROOM ONLY

Music preceded the talk, followed by detailed recollections from Evans and Daniels, who captivated the audience with their account of one of Pembrokeshire’s most surprising criminal investigations.

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Bethlehem, saw former Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Superintendents and Divisional Commanders Don Evans and John Daniels recount the dramatic operation in Newport that made headlines across the country.

The talk, titled Operation Seal Bay Uncovered, drew a capacity audience, with every pew and gallery seat occupied as locals and visitors gathered to hear first-hand accounts from the officers who led the case.

The event demonstrated the strong local appetite for history and storytelling – especially when tied to real-life events in the county.

Canolfan Bethlehem is continuing to host a wide range of community-led events, ensuring the former chapel remains at the heart of cultural life in Newport.

‘182 day rule’ holiday let proposals in consultation

NEW proposals on the ‘182 day rule’ for holiday lets to pay rates instead of second homes council tax premiums are being suggested in a Welsh government consultation.

Since April 2023, self-catering properties must be available for 252 days and actually let for 182 days each year – up from a previous 70 – to pay non-domestic rates instead of council tax.

Those failing to make the criteria

are eligible to pay the second homes council tax premium.

Late last year, Pembrokeshire councillors voted to drop the council tax premium on second homes from 200 per cent, effectively a treble rate, to 150 per cent.

Prior to that, second-home owners

in the county were charged a 100 per cent premium.

Under Welsh Government legislation, local authorities are able to increase the council premium on second homes to as much as 300 per cent, effectively a quadruple rate.

The Welsh Government is now seeking views on two key changes to the way the rules are applied, to give the tourism sector extra stability.

• Allowing holiday let owners to use an average of 182 days let over several years, meaning those who narrowly miss 182 days letting in the latest year would remain on non-domestic rates if they had achieved it on average over two or three previous years.

• Allowing up to 14 days of free holidays donated to charity to count towards the 182-day target.

The consultation also asks whether councils should consider giving businesses more time to adjust, such as a 12-month grace period before they may have to pay higher council tax rates when they move from nondomestic to domestic classification.

The consultation runs until November 20, with any legislation

following this intended to take effect on April 1.

In Pembrokeshire, previous unsuccessful calls have been made to lower the ‘182 day rule’ to 140, in a 2023 notice of motion submitted by Cllr Huw Murphy.

Pembrokeshire currently has its own consultation on the level of the premiums for both second homes and empty properties, which runs to August 31.

The council consultation also seeks views on how any funding raised from the premiums in 2026-27 should be spent, and also whether Welsh Government should change the minimum number of days that a property must be let for in order to qualify for non-domestic rate selfcatering accommodation tax status.

With the launch of the Welsh Government consultation, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford said: “Tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life. Wales has so much to offer, and we want to ensure we realise that potential in a way that achieves a balance between our communities, businesses, landscapes and visitors.”

Counter-protesters outnumber far right at Cardiff hotel rally

RACISTS protesting outside a hotel housing Afghan families near Cardiff Airport were heavily outnumbered by anti-fascist campaigners this weekend – with some demonstrators travelling from Pembrokeshire to take part.

On Friday evening, more than 120 counter-protesters gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose, drowning out a group of just 12 farright activists. Chanting “Refugees are welcome here,” the demonstrators pushed back repeated attempts by the racists to provoke confrontation.

Union branches including UNISON and the National Education Union held banners aloft alongside local campaign

groups. A banner reading “Educators Against the Far Right” was prominent in the crowd, while others carried placards from Stand Up to Racism and solidarity groups.

Tensions briefly rose when one farright protester repeatedly tried to incite violence, stepping into the road and goading anti-racists to fight. However, campaigners responded collectively, forcing the provocateurs back and ensuring the event remained peaceful.

The following morning, a second far-right demonstration at the Vale of Glamorgan Council offices in Barry

drew only three supporters – who were met by more than 100 anti-fascists. Campaigner Kwabena Devonish said: “It is important to oppose the racists when they try and spread hate. The political climate has given them confidence, and it’s up to us to knock that confidence and replace it with hope, solidarity and compassion.”

Sue White, a Barry resident, added: “As a mother and grandmother, I am desperately sad at what this country is becoming, and we have all got to fight this evil in any way we can.”

Others echoed her words, stressing that the weekend’s large turnout showed the far right could not go unchallenged.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Couple win luxury wedding worth £14,000

A PEMBROKESHIRE bride-to-be has described herself as “speechless” after learning she and her fiancé had won a luxury wedding package at one of the county’s top venues.

Sophie Rees and Andrew Williams,

who have been together for 14 years, were named winners of Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa’s wedding giveaway, a prize valued at £14,000. The competition was launched earlier this summer to mark owner Andy Stirling’s 50 years running

the award-winning hotel, which has twice been crowned Best Boutique Wedding Venue in Wales at the Welsh National Wedding Awards.

Sophie, who received the surprise call from wedding coordinator Mandy Stirling

while out shopping for her daughter’s school uniform, was overcome with emotion when she heard the news.

“I’m going to cry,” she said. “I’m speechless. This is the best news. We wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise, so thank you.”

The prize includes full use of the hotel for the day, a four-course wedding breakfast for 50 guests, welcome drinks, a reception buffet and toast for 80 guests, as well as professional wedding coordination and bridal make-up.

The winning couple will also receive a bridal gown from Elizabeth Christie Bridal Wear, suits for the groom and best man from Dress For The Occasions, videography from Whitestone Media, photography from Ross Grieve, and a photobooth and audio guestbook from Eventz Photobooths. Music will be provided by Emma Sax, with entertainment from Revelry Disco, while UpsyDaizy Decorations and The Pembrokeshire Wallflower will dress the venue.

Last week, Sophie and Andrew visited the hotel with their daughter to meet the Wolfscastle wedding team who will help plan their big day in 2026.

“We’re so grateful to the Wolfscastle Hotel,” Sophie said. “This means so much to us and we’re really excited to start planning.”

Owner Mandy Stirling said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sophie, Andrew and their little one to the Wolfscastle family. With the help of our wonderful suppliers, we’re looking forward to giving them the wedding day of their dreams.”

Red panda triplets born at Manor Wildlife Park

IT HAS been another summer of baby joy at Manor Wildlife Park near Tenby, with the arrival of three red panda cubs.

The triplets were born on July 9 to much-loved red panda pair Betty and Barney, who are among the most popular residents at the park. The cubs are now seven weeks old, and their birth has only just been announced.

The news follows last month’s arrival of four Sumatran tiger cubs at the attraction – the largest litter of that species ever born in the UK.

Owner Anna Ryder Richardson said: “This is our other little secret! Betty and Barney had three cubs on July 9 and we have kept our distance, as red panda mums can be easily upset and neglect their babies. Betty has done no such thing and is starting to carry them around, so we know it won’t be long before the visitors spot them.

“Three is a big litter and we’re delighted to say all three are doing really well.”

The cubs are expected to make their first public appearances soon as they begin exploring the large wooded enclosure where their parents are already a firm favourite with visitors.

HMS Prince of Wales arrives in Tokyo as Pembrokeshire–Japan links celebrated

HMS Prince of Wales has made history by becoming the first foreign aircraft carrier to dock in Tokyo – a visit that comes in the same year Wales and japan are celebrating a wide-ranging cultural exchange.

The carrier’s arrival on Thursday (Aug 28) was described as a landmark in UK–Japan defence ties, with both nations hailing “unprecedented” security cooperation. It forms part of Operation Highmast, an eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment involving a 12-nation carrier strike group.

ON THE gROUND IN TOKYO

The Herald’s own photographer was among journalists on the balcony of Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, where HMS Prince of Wales could be seen dominating the skyline. The visit marks the halfway point in her ninemonth deployment to the Indo-Pacific, described by the Royal Navy as the “gold stop” of the mission.

Led by the UK’s largest warship and flagship, the Carrier Strike Group has already passed through the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, making stops in Singapore and Australia before arriving in Japan. The group includes upwards of 4,500 British personnel – around 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, nearly 600 RAF members, and 900 soldiers – working alongside allies across the region.

The goal, senior officials say, is to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to IndoPacific security, demonstrate collective resolve with international partners, and showcase British trade and industry to the world.

WELSH CONNECTION

The visit carries a special resonance for Pembrokeshire. Japan’s very first modern naval vessel was built at Pembroke Dock in the 1860s, giving the county a unique place in Japanese maritime history. That link was reaffirmed in April this year when a ginkgo sapling was planted at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre by representatives of the Japanese Embassy, marking 138 years of shared naval heritage.

WALES AND jAPAN 2025

The timing also coincides with the “Year of Wales and Japan 2025” campaign, launched to promote cultural, business, and tourism links between the two nations. Events range from artistic collaborations and exchange funding to Welsh involvement at Expo 2025 in Osaka. A showcase event in Tokyo

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

earlier this year highlighted Wales as a base for investment and creativity.

HERALD DELEgATION

In October, a delegation from The Pembrokeshire Herald will travel to Japan as part of this cultural exchange. Reporters will bring home exclusive coverage of how Wales is represented overseas, and how historic ties between Pembrokeshire and Japan continue to be recognised.

The Herald understands the delegation will visit cultural showcases linked to the Year of Wales and Japan, as well as meeting officials involved in strengthening bilateral ties.

A RELATIONSHIP SPANNINg CENTURIES

From the launch of Japan’s first warship at Pembroke Dock to the arrival of HMS Prince of Wales in Tokyo Bay, the story of Wales and Japan has spanned more than a century and a half. With cultural exchanges, business missions, and naval diplomacy all taking place in 2025, the connection is being renewed for a new era.

Vintage motorbikes return for Saundersfoot’s 70th anniversary road event

SAUNDERSFOOT will host a spectacular celebration of motorcycling heritage this September as the West South Wales Section of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) marks its 70th anniversary with a special weekend road event.

Running from Wednesday, September 3 to Sunday, September 7, the gathering will bring together classic motorcycle enthusiasts from across Wales and beyond, with a packed programme of rides, social events and concours judging.

The event begins midweek with

rides to and from Gloucester, followed on Friday by a social run around the Pembrokeshire area. The highlight comes on Saturday with the official 70th Anniversary Road Event, starting and finishing at Saundersfoot Harbour. On Sunday, machines will line up for concours judging and the all-important presentations.

All participating bikes must be at least 25 years old, ensuring the event showcases some of the finest examples of vintage and classic motorcycles still on the road today.

Organisers say the anniversary is not only a chance to celebrate the club’s long-standing history but also to enjoy the camaraderie of the biking community against the stunning backdrop of Saundersfoot’s harbour and coastline.

Event contact Angelo Conti said that regulations and entry forms are available online at https:// westsouthwalesvmcc.co.uk and through the club’s Facebook page, VMCC West South Wales.

The weekend is part of the West of England Road Rally Trial Championship (WRRTC), bringing added prestige to an event that has become a fixture in the Welsh motorcycling calendar.

Councillor launches bid for new Pembroke skate park

A COUNTY councillor has launched a campaign to bring a skate park to Pembroke – and is calling on the community to get involved.

Aaron Carey, who represents Pembroke Monkton and St Mary South, says he is in the early stages of setting up an informal committee to look at the project.

He is inviting a wide range of people to take part, including young people who would use the park and parents who wish to support the idea.

Cllr Carey said the scheme could only succeed with community backing. He told The Herald: “A wide variety of people would be ideal, including children that may be interested. I am DBS checked, but of course parents are welcome to attend as observers or committee members.”

Anyone interested in joining the group or finding out more can contact Cllr Carey by email at Cllr.aaron.carey@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk or by phone on 07917 733833.

Exploring identity and belonging at the Torch Theatre

A NEW interactive theatre piece, A Brief History of Difference, will take to the stage at the Torch Theatre this month, inviting audiences to reflect on what it means to be different.

The production, created by writer and performer DAR Rogers, explores the complexities of difference — from liberation to danger, pain to celebration. Through conversation, personal narrative, and performance, the show examines identity, positioning, labelling, and belonging.

LIFE AND PERFORMANCE

Rogers, a neurodivergent, middleaged Talking Heads enthusiast, began

working in the arts at the age of 50 after a career as a social worker and researcher. Now an early-career writer and performer, Rogers lives by the motto: “There’s Still Time!”

The show is brought to life with the support of Das Clarks, who champions a DIY approach to empowering those without performance backgrounds, and Jo Fong, a Creative Associate artist at the Wales Millennium Centre. Creative practitioner Becky Davies also plays a key role in the production.

AN EVENINg OF qUESTIONINg

Described as rooted in knowledgesharing and open discussion, A Brief

History of Difference is aimed at anyone who considers themselves a “person of difference” as well as those who are curious about what it means to live differently.

The performance will take place on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00pm at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. Tickets are priced at £18 and are available online at www.torchtheatre. co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Image credit: Kirsten McTernan

BOOK REVIEW: The Slippery Path by Jon H. Davies

WHEN crime fiction is written by someone who spent three decades in uniform, it lands differently.

jon H. Davies — a Dyfed-Powys officer who spent his last eight years policing in Pembrokeshire

— brings that authority to his debut novel The Slippery Path. It’s there in the clipped dialogue,

the procedural confidence and the unvarnished portrait of West Wales crime.

Davies is no stranger to notorious cases. Known as a tough, nononsense custody sergeant — the officer who booked in John Cooper, the “Bullseye Killer” — he writes with the steadiness of someone who has lived the charge room and the incident log.

The novel opens in Neath with a brutal set-piece. Jeweller Michael Moore, a proud creature of routine, is wrapping up for the day when a hooded thug erupts into violence. There’s no heist-movie gloss here; the attack is messy, frightening, extremely emotional and deeply believable — a statement of intent for what follows.

From there the canvas widens. We meet Detective Sergeant David Winters, a methodical copper aware of the limits of his own power. These cases take him from the back streets of West Wales to Liverpool’s darker corners, knitting together a presentday investigation with sickening, violent cold cases that refuse to stay buried.

Running beside the police thread is a Cadet with a past he’s desperate to keep hidden. His inner fight — whether to hold his line in uniform or slide back into old patterns — gives

the book its title: the “slippery path” runs under badge and balaclava alike.

The underworld cast is sharply drawn. Taff Robbo is a frustrated and saddened, super-tough former SAS soldier, a man trained for violence who cannot quite leave it behind. Rose Price carries her own notoriety, while the unnamed thug of the opener embodies the impulsive brutality Davies saw too often on wet pavements and in custody suites.

Place matters. Davies doesn’t plaster names across every street, but locals will recognise a thinly disguised Pembroke Dock in the clock tower at St John’s Church and the old Sunderland seaplane hangars in the dockyard — landmarks that anchor a town scarred by decline. This isn’t brochure Pembrokeshire; it’s rainslicked, functional and real, and it shapes the choices of those who live there.

Stylistically the book is relentless. Sentences push forward with the urgency of a foot chase; dialogue is raw and often cruel; violence is described frankly. That will divide readers, but it’s what gives the novel its charge. Davies isn’t offering cosy puzzles; he’s showing the world he worked in.

What elevates The Slippery Path is the insider’s perspective. Davies writes with clear sight about the corrosive effects of heroin and cocaine in West Wales, and about life at the desk — as a custody sergeant, the place where every offence crosses the counter and split-second decisions are owned. That procedural backbone holds firm even when tempers flare and fists fly.

As the threads tighten, the book becomes both a propulsive crime story and a study of temptation, trauma and responsibility. Winters grinds on; the Cadet teeters; the ghosts of old cases keep step. Bleak humour surfaces, but the narrative never looks away from what violence does to people. If you want crime fiction that comforts, this won’t be for you. If you want crime fiction that confronts — that puts you on wet tarmac beneath sodium lamps and asks what you’d do next — this is compelling. With its brutal opening in Neath, its vividly sketched cast and its concrete sense of West Wales, The Slippery Path marks Jon H. Davies as a distinctive new voice in Welsh noir.

Our rating: (5 out of 5) TO BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON CLICK HERE

Jon H. Davies in Milford Haven with his new book, The Slippery Path (Image: Herald)

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

From the very first unsettling ping of an anonymous message, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish draws you into a devastating unfolding of trust, betrayal, and digital cruelty. What begins as an odd text sent to two inseparable teenagers from a blocked number soon burgeons into a relentless onslaught of vicious, graphic, and manipulative harassing messages that seep into every corner of their lives. These messages—numbering up to fifty a day—aren’t just crude; they are calculated assaults meant to sow paranoia, insecurity, and despair, urging a young girl to kill herself and planting insidious doubts in her relationship. As the teenage “golden couple” grapple with mounting fear and emotional strain, their community is thrown into suspicion and chaos, friends and classmates torn apart as suspicion rattles through the small town.

As the investigation unfolds, institutional efforts falter; local police efforts stall, and the community’s fingerpointing only deepens the wounds. Then the FBI steps in, and through meticulous cyber forensics, traces the anonymous texts to a source no one suspects: the teen’s own mother. It’s an absolutely

gut-wrenching moment of revelation, the kind of twist that shatters your understanding of familial bonds. The confrontation, captured on body cam and replayed in the film, is devastating— the mother’s admission of guilt bulldozes through any facade of normalcy, and the stunned disbelief of family and community alike leaves you reeling.

What gives the documentary its haunting power is the way it doesn’t flinch from the uncomfortable reality of what happened. The mother’s attempts at explanation— rooted in personal trauma and a warped sense of protection—come across not as excuses but as the unraveling of someone broken. Meanwhile, the documentary allows the teenagers, their families, school officials, and investigators to tell their stories, stitching together a chilling mosaic of how a community unravels under the weight of anonymous cruelty and misplaced trust.

Emotionally, the film lands hard. Viewers I’ve seen online describe feeling outraged, devastated, even physically pained—many were hooked from start to finish; others were blindsided despite knowing spoilers. It’s a “jaw

dropper,” “mind-blowing,” a raw reminder of how digital anonymity can be weaponised by someone you thought you loved most. It also lays bare the inadequacy of systems designed to protect kids from virtual harm, and how quickly suspicion can fracture friendships and families. The pacing occasionally lingers too long in interviews, which can pull attention away from the central emotional current, but in doing so, it also deepens the sense of disorientation and disquiet that defines the story.

What lingers most, though, is the emotional aftermath: the daughter’s struggle to rebuild trust with her father or reconcile with her mother; the fracture that might never fully heal. The documentary leaves you wrestling with questions about love, guilt, and the dangerous illusion of safety that screens and strangers can both provide and destroy.

In sum, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is not just a true-crime documentary—it’s a raw meditation on trust betrayed in the most intimate way, a stark testament to the emotional destruction wrought by unseen cruelty. It’s deeply unsettling, but its impact is impossible to ignore.

CliCk to

Downton Abbey: The grand Finale arrives with the air of both celebration and farewell, a closing chapter for a world that has held audiences in its embrace for over a decade. From the opening sequence there is an unmistakable awareness that this is not just another instalment but the culmination of a saga, and the filmmakers lean into that sense of occasion with a confidence that feels both grand and deeply personal. The camera glides once more through the stately rooms of Highclere Castle, now more than ever a living character in its own right, and there is an almost tangible weight to every footstep, every conversation, every hushed glance that passes through its halls. The Crawleys, always caught between the traditions that define them and the modern world pressing in from outside, face their most daunting test yet, as Lady Mary finds herself at the centre of scandal following her divorce, forcing her to balance her dignity against the relentless scrutiny of

society. Her struggle anchors the film, revealing both the vulnerability and resilience of a woman determined to safeguard her family’s future, even as whispers of decline hang over the Abbey.

Yet the grandeur of the story does not overshadow the intimacy of the ensemble, and here the film reminds us why Downton has always been more than a costume drama. Every character, from the household staff whose devotion has been unwavering to the Crawleys themselves, is given a moment that feels like a farewell gift, a gentle nod to the journeys we have followed since the very beginning. Some storylines resolve quietly, almost wistfully, while others deliver unexpected bursts of joy, but together they weave a tapestry of endings that feel organic rather than forced. The humour that has long provided lightness amidst the drama is still present, a reminder that Downton has always been as much about the warmth of connection as

the weight of legacy.

By the time the final act arrives, there is a bittersweet sense of inevitability. The film does not end with spectacle but with grace, offering audiences not so much a conclusion as a parting embrace. It acknowledges the passage of time, the fading of eras, and the endurance of memory, reminding us that stories like Downton’s linger not because of titles or estates but because of the humanity that lies beneath. As the curtain falls, what remains is not simply the memory of a show or a film series but the enduring impression of a world that, for a time, allowed us to lose ourselves in its grandeur while also recognising ourselves in its people. The grand Finale is exactly what its title promises—a dignified, heartfelt conclusion that bids farewell with love, and in doing so ensures that Downton Abbey will remain timeless in the hearts of its audience.

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Tech and Taff

TECH-N-TAFF: gOOgLE’S £20 BILLION BARK

WELL, boyo, Wall Street’s been flapping its wings like a seagull after Judge Amit Mehta gave Google and Apple a tidy win in the courts this week. The regulator’s bark, as one analyst put it, turned out to be bigger than its bite.

Google shares shot up 8%

on the news, with investors delighted the company can keep its Chrome browser firmly in place. Apple, not wanting to be left out, also got a boost — thanks to hopes it can keep taking Google’s billions to make its search engine the default on Safari.

How many billions, you ask? At trial it was revealed Google shelled out more than $26 billion (£20.5 billion) in 2021 to secure deals with Apple, Mozilla and others. That’s more than the Welsh Government’s entire annual budget, boyo!

Judge Mehta’s ruling wasn’t as scary as some feared. Instead of Big Tech being told to sit in the naughty corner, the decision left the giants grinning. Melissa Otto of S&P Global called it a “win-win for major corporate players.” No wonder shares soared.

And here’s the kicker: Google Search is expected to rake in nearly $200 billion this fiscal year. Tens of billions of that will go back to distribution partners like Apple. It’s enough to make a boyo wonder if he should start charging his mates to use his Wi-Fi.

So while regulators bark, Google and Apple keep feasting — and the rest of us just keep clicking “search.”

Harpist Catrin Finch to perform at Milford Haven festival finale

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed harpist Catrin Finch will return to the Milford Haven Music Festival this September, two decades after her last performance at the event.

Finch, who served as the official royal harpist to the then Prince of Wales, is set to give a special recital at St Katharine’s Church on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00pm. The concert will mark exactly 20 years since her previous appearance at the festival, which drew widespread praise at the time.

FESTIVAL MILESTONE

The performance will close this year’s Milford Haven Music Festival, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary of bringing world-class live music to West Wales. Finch will present pieces

from her wide-ranging repertoire, showcasing the versatility that has made her one of Wales’ most celebrated musicians.

A TRADITIONAL TOUCH

The recital will include an interval, during which sherry and shortbread will be served to audience members, keeping with the festival’s long-standing traditions.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Admission is unreserved, with tickets priced at £15. They are available exclusively from Fred Rees Garages in Haverfordwest. For further information, call 01437 760707 or visit the showroom in the town centre.

STEPPINg into Hell is Us feels like being dropped into the middle of a half-forgotten nightmare. You play as Rémi, a deserter drawn back into the chaos of his homeland, Hadea, where a civil war tears the land asunder and a mysterious Calamity has unleashed strange, hostile creatures. What immediately strikes you is the absence of guiding aids—no map, no compass, no waypoints. Instead, you rely on scraps of dialogue, landmarks, environmental hints, and your own intuition to piece together your next move—an approach that evokes the spirit of classic adventures while pulling you deeper into immersion.

Combat feels weighty yet fluid. Wielding swords, axes, and polearms, Rémi must balance stamina and health, parrying and dodging as you face off against unnerving “Hollow Walkers.” There’s a pulsehealing mechanic during fights, which demands both focus and precision and grants a fresh twist on survival. A versatile drone

by your side not only assists in combat but also interacts with the world—scanning objects, disrupting foes, and deepening the sense that every encounter matters.

The world around you is a silent storyteller. Ruined villages, strange organic structures, and cryptic symbols speak of grief, conflict, and something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface. It’s a game that doesn’t just ask you to play—it dares you to interpret.

Without traditional quest markers or logbooks, progression in Hell is Us comes from discovery. Your notebook—not a generic quest tracker but a tool of thoughtful piecing together—archives spoken clues and minor details. The challenge is not just in survival, but in understanding and charting your own path.

The tone is somber, deeply atmospheric, and often unsettling. Moments linger in the mind—like stumbling across

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

a grotesque, distorted figure lurking in ruined corridors— forcing you to remember that war isn’t just a backdrop. It is the environment, the tone, the gravity of every action.

If there are critiques, they emerge through whispers rather than roars. Some impressions suggest the narrative can feel fragmented, with strands like Rémi’s personal arc holding less emotional punch than the world around him. Combat, while satisfying, risks feeling repetitive over prolonged play.

Yet it’s precisely these bold choices—the minimalist UI, the emotional weight, the sense of real navigation and discovery—that make Hell is Us so compelling, especially for players desperate for originality in a genre often dragged down by constant markers and overlays.

Launching globally on 4 September 2025 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with early access for deluxe edition owners beginning on 1 September, Hell is Us positions itself as a daring, atmospheric experience—one where your intuition matters just as much as your sword arm.

In sum, Hell is Us is a haunting, immersive action-adventure that makes you trade the safety net of guided gameplay for raw, tactile exploration. It’s a game that challenges you not just to fight, but to think—and in that, lies its true power.

cautious and thoroughly research the credentials of any potential investors or partners, or you could be misled by their smooth ways and crafty talk.?

CANCER

It’s about time to get to know yourself, don’t you think? This is especially true if you find your friends and family with definite opinions about what you should do with your life, romantic situation, etc. Ignore the mixed signals that are coming your way and sit down and think about what it is you want to do rather than what you feel you should do. A little extra research will be especially useful when it comes to professional conundrums.

LEO As far as you’re concerned, freedom and privacy are pretty much the same thing, and absolutely necessary for your peace of mind. Put off returning phone calls and emails or following up on social obligations. Not only will these tasks make you cranky, but you also won’t be able to devote your full attention to them. Right now, you want to make the boundaries of your personal territory very clear, and woe to anyone who enters without an invitation.

VIRGO

Rewind your life and you might just see a few partners or opportunities that you had overlooked. Fortunately, these possibilities still remain. It’s just a question of seeking them out. Timing is everything when it comes to reigniting sparks from the past, so make good use of your abundant sensitivity when it comes to feeling someone out about an offer they made you long ago. Keep your common sense and don’t get lost in flights of fancy, though.

LIBRA

Resolutions aren’t just for New Year’s, you know. Right now, the stars want you to be strong and work toward finding ways to close the books on some lingering patterns that have been with you for far too long, especially in the realm of personal relationships. Why do certain things keep occurring? Why do you always attract a certain type of person? It’s a good time to get answers to these kinds of questions, so start asking.

SCORPIO

Lately, you’ve really come into your own, but this process, while rewarding, can also be challenging. There are people or situations that you’d like to take for granted or regard as secure, but these foundations have to change in order to allow real growth. Keep yourself pointed in the right direction through all these changes, and you’ll see the kind of self-fulfillment that you’ve only dreamed about start to emerge.

SAGITTARIUS

Don’t get too ambitious with those plans, or they could unravel at a crucial juncture. If you take it one step at a time and focus on the task immediately in front of you, the big picture will take shape soon enough. Relationships improve when you apply this attitude to them as well, and you’re able to make smart decisions by staying firmly rooted in the here and now. Who knew by giving yourself the present that you’d give yourself a future as well?

CAPRICORN

A special opportunity comes along that gives you independence and creative freedom. This opening may not be crystal clear, so keep your eyes and ears open in all directions (even the least likely). After all, you don’t want to miss your main chance due to closed-mindedness, do you? Some skills of yours will really come into play when it comes to identifying your chances. Look to your wizardry with words and images to reach your goal.

AQUARIUS

An extraordinary alliance with a work mentor or office buddy will help you break free of a limiting role on the job, and you’ve never been more grateful to be given the opportunity to spread your wings and fly. While you’re overcome with gratitude, remember that it was your willingness to speak up and take a chance that got the ball rolling. The lesson? Go ahead and dare to be

wiTh eddie The game gUrU

china’s parade shows a new world order taking shape a p embrokeshire p erspective

by editor tom sinclair

BEIjINg staged a spectacle on Wednesday that should not be dismissed as empty pageantry. Xi jinping stood on the rostrum at

Tiananmen Square with Vladimir Putin and Kim jong-un at his side, reviewing tens of thousands of troops, columns of tanks, and

reform and press freedom

Watching Nigel Farage give evidence to the U.S. Congress this week, you’d think Reform UK was the most open party in the land. Farage insisted he had never banned journalists from his press conferences

is not just remembering the past — it is claiming its place as a military superpower, with allies at its shoulder.

The timing was carefully chosen. Eighty years after Japan’s surrender in the Second World War, China turned a moment of history into a warning for the future. Hypersonic missiles, long-range drones and anti-ship systems were paraded before the world’s cameras. These are not symbolic props. They are designed to reshape the balance of power in the Pacific.

The symbolism was equally stark. While Beijing celebrated victory over Japan in 1945, Britain’s £3 billion flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has just completed exercises with Japan in the Indo-Pacific. One side parades its hardware and remembers old enemies. The other side sails with today’s allies, preparing for tomorrow’s threats.

And then there were the guests. Putin and Kim rarely leave their own capitals, yet both travelled to Beijing to stand with Xi. That image alone — China, Russia, and North Korea side by side — is a new axis declaring itself in public.

For Britain, this matters. What happened on the streets of Beijing was not remote theatre. It was a glimpse of the strategic reality taking shape in the 21st century: a rival order, backed by nuclear powers, ready to confront the West. We are already in the region, alongside Japan, Australia and the United States.

or party events.

But the facts tell a different story. Just last year, a journalist from The New World had his accreditation to the Reform UK conference revoked at the last minute. In Nottinghamshire, a Reform-led council even banned the Nottingham Post from receiving press releases or engaging with councillors. That is a ban on the press — plain and simple.

Free speech and media scrutiny are the bedrock of democracy. You can’t demand open debate while shutting the door on reporters who might ask difficult questions. Reform can’t have it both ways.

Come on, Farage. You can do better. If you want to lead a party that claims to stand for freedom, start by allowing journalists to do their job.

some of the most advanced missile systems ever displayed.

It was a blunt statement: China

The parade may be over, but the message remains. We underestimate it at our peril.

BADGER AND THE STATE OF THE STATE

IF YOU believe the feverish words of newspaper columnists, 24-hour news, shills, crooks, and frauds on the internet, the United Kingdom is on the brink of civil war. As far as Badger is concerned, all of the foregoing have more in common with a nutter on the bus carrying a tin of corned beef that they believe is the Holy grail than they do with anyone with an ounce of common sense or a sense of proportion.

Believe the nutters, and on the one side are “progressive” metropolitan liberals determined to turn men into women, women into men, and make wearing the burqa compulsory. According to the headcases, the other side comprises “right-thinking” ordinary citizens who run around screaming “there ain’t no black in the Union Jack” and are one step away from wanting to put vegans in concentration camps.

Badger suspects there is a third side, by far the largest, which is alarmed by the amount of shouting from the wings while they try to get on with life.

Badger also believes that most people accept that there are many things you can’t fix, only mitigate. Maniacs on the fringe suggest there are quick fixes and easy answers because they can’t understand the complexity of the real world.

Let’s take one topic that unites populist opportunists in Reform and the Conservative parties: the European Convention on Human Rights. According to the disingenuous oafs who purport to speak for both parties, we should leave the ECHR because doing so will make it easier to deport immigrants who fail in their applications for asylum. Will it, bollocks!

That is the perfect illustration of what Badger means by a simple answer not addressing the whole question. For starters, the UK can derogate from certain provisions of Article 8 of the ECHR by passing its own legislation and providing a statutory steer on the application of Article 8 or other ECHR provisions. That is what other signatories to the same

Convention have done. Secondly, exiting the ECHR will not disentangle the UK from a network of other treaty obligations, some multilateral, others bilateral. Once you pick at one loose thread, you risk unravelling some significant and significantly important global agreements. Good luck with that one. Successive UK governments’ approach to international negotiations has been to metaphorically drop their trousers and underpants and bend over a barrel. That was true of all the Brexit negotiations, as well as our talks with trading partners and our relationships with successive US Presidents.

Badger believes he can pinpoint the moment when the political classes lost touch with the electorate over immigration. It wasn’t when Churchill threw open the doors to create “the Magpie Society” or helped draw up the ECHR, nor when Margaret Thatcher agreed to the Single European Act. It wasn’t when John Major signed the Maastricht Treaty, nor when Tony Blair’s government changed the Right to Work and Leave to Remain regulations in 2000.

No, it was later than that.

Badger brings you back to April 28, 2010.

On that day, Gordon Brown was at a pre-arranged meeting with a Labour voter called Gillian Duffy.

Mrs Duffy said: “We had it drummed in when I was a child … it was education, health service and looking after the vulnerable people. But there are too many people now who aren’t vulnerable, but they can claim, and vulnerable people can’t get a claim, can’t get it.

“You can’t say anything about the immigrants because you’re saying that you’re … but all these eastern Europeans who are coming in, where are they flocking from?”

After their conversation, Gordon Brown left Mrs Duffy and returned to his car. He got in the car. Forgetting that his microphone was still live, he asked: “That was a disaster – they should never have put me with that woman. Whose idea was that? Ridiculous.”

Asked what she had said, he replied: “Everything, she was just a bigoted woman.”

The story led the news for days. It lifted the lid on metropolitan elite attitudes to voters who dared express

concern on an issue that they considered settled. Brown angered millions of voters, many of whom were Labour supporters, who were also concerned about immigration.

Being worried about immigration, needless to say, does not make anyone a racist. Brown’s words ripped off the pretence that the main political parties understood voters’ concerns, let alone shared them.

In many senses, and no matter what many Brexit supporters claim, the 2016 Referendum was all about immigration. For all the highfalutin’ talk of “sovereignty” and “Global Britain”, the barely (badly) concealed fist in the glove was keeping foreigners out. It’s the big divide between what politicians say when they want to provide an intellectual justification for leaving the EU and what many voters thought Brexit would achieve.

The irony is that leaving the EU neither made Britain prosperous nor curbed immigration. Meanwhile, many of the problems the Conservatives encountered after 2016 stemmed from the sharp contrast between voters’ expectations regarding immigration and successive governments’ failure to deliver on them.

The Conservatives, or some of them, are repeating the same sort of mistake now. Listen to Conservatives bang on about the yields on government-backed securities. Who are they speaking to?

Wages have fallen in real terms, while the costs of living have risen; as a result, people feel poorer. Consequently, the electorate is rejecting abstract arguments about national finances in favour of focusing on their daily struggles to get by. And Labour is just as bloody bad as the Conservatives - wittering on about themselves while the streets are alive with protests of all types.

If you want to know what a lot of ordinary people really think, observe them when they’re drinking. Alcohol, like other drugs, strips away inhibitions. Raw resentments bubble to the surface. When their masks fall away, you find that many people are angry. They are angry about their lot and angrier that they are not being listened to, because, as Gordon Brown put it, they are “just bigoted”.

THE LEADERS WHO WANT TO RULE FOREVER

CAWWW! You’ll never guess what I heard while perched up on the roof of a noodle stall in Tiananmen Square this week. Forget pigeons and sparrows — this gull has the scoop. Xi jinping and Vladimir Putin, flapping along with their mate Kim jong Un, were caught on a hot mic chirping about living forever. Not metaphorically either — no, no. They were literally talking about organ transplants, biotech, immortality, and living to 150. Putin sounded like he’d swallowed a James Bond script, muttering about swapping out organs like spark plugs. Xi’s translator trilled that this century, humans might be toddling along to 150 years old. And Kim? He didn’t need to add much. After all, his grandad and dad are still lying in glass coffins in Pyongyang like museum exhibits — embalmed forever while the family business carries on.

CAWWW! It’s the new axis of immortality — three leaders who can’t imagine a world that dares to exist without them.

But don’t think it’s just an Eastern buffet of forever-rulers. Over in the States, Donald Trump is waddling about with his own brand of immortality — not biotech, not embalming, but merchandising. MAGA 2028 caps are already in the works, because in his world the election never ends. He’s got bruised hands, swollen legs, and a stiff gait that would make a heron laugh, but none of that matters. At Mar-a-Lago he’s built a $200 million ballroom, a gold-plated shrine to the fantasy that he’ll never leave the stage. If Xi dreams of biotech, and Putin dreams of eternal organs, Trump just wants the White House turned into his personal mausoleum with a golf course attached.

It’s not really about life, though. It’s about power. Xi scrapped term limits, Putin rewrote the constitution, Kim inherited his regime like it was a family fish shop, and Trump simply refuses to imagine a world in which America isn’t run by him. They’re all addicted to the same myth: that they are irreplaceable. That without them, the system collapses. That the state is them, and they are the state.

CAWWW! Trouble is, every gull knows the truth. Even the biggest gull with the fattest belly can’t hold onto a chip forever. At some point, the tide takes it. At some point, another gull swoops in. The idea of immortality is as daft as a puffin trying to rent out deckchairs in December.

And yet, the danger is real. When leaders convince themselves they’ll never end, they stop planning for what comes next. No succession. No

renewal. No space for fresh ideas or younger wings. The whole system becomes brittle, balanced on one creaky perch. One fall — a health scare, a scandal, or simply time doing what time always does — and the nest comes tumbling down.

From Pyongyang to Moscow, Beijing to Mar-a-Lago, the song is the same: rule forever, live forever. But history’s littered with men who thought they’d cracked the secret of eternal power, and most of them ended up as footnotes, their statues pulled down or their faces rubbed off the coins.

So here’s a bit of dockside wisdom from Milford Haven: you can gild a ballroom, swap out organs, embalm a dictator, or slap another slogan on a red cap — but you can’t cheat the tide.

CAWWW! Even the juiciest chip goes stale in the end.

Not just a pet: RSPCA and Matt Johnson highlight hidden grief crisis

Survey shows most pet owners feel unsupported after bereavement

People struggling with the loss of a beloved animal often feel isolated and overlooked, according to new research from the RSPCA.

The charity has joined forces with broadcaster Matt Johnson to launch its Not Just a Pet campaign, aimed at tackling the stigma surrounding pet grief and offering practical support to owners.

A nationwide survey revealed that fewer than one in 14 respondents (6.9%) believe society takes pet bereavement seriously. More than half admitted to hiding their grief (57.1%) or being unable to find support (56.7%).

To address this, the RSPCA has unveiled a new online toolkit offering expert advice on coping with loss, saying goodbye, and supporting friends and family through bereavement.

MATT jOHNSON SPEAKS OUT

Matt, a long-standing RSPCA Ambassador and mental health advocate, lost his dog Alan in April.

“Alan was my boy, my companion, and my best friend,” he said. “Losing him has been one of the hardest experiences of my life. The grief has been as traumatic as any human loss

I’ve experienced.

“Pets are a huge part of our lives. Alan was a constant through good times and bad, and his loss has left a massive void. That’s why I am so supportive of the RSPCA’s Not Just a Pet campaign.”

Matt, who adopted Alan in 2020, says therapy and openness with friends have been vital to his recovery, and he urges others to seek help rather than suffer in silence.

WALK TO REMEMBER

As part of the campaign, the RSPCA has also launched Walk to Remember – a new event taking place on National Pet Memorial Day, September 14.

Participants are invited to walk anywhere they choose, taking time to remember and celebrate a much-missed companion while raising funds for the charity.

Jo Deadman, the RSPCA’s Senior In Memory Manager, said: “Pet grief is real and deserves to be seen, supported and spoken about. For so many people, pets are family – losing them can be devastating.

“That’s why we’ve created resources we hope will prove a lifeline for anyone facing the heartbreak of pet loss.”

More information and support is available on the RSPCA website.

Childline prepares for spike in contacts

CHILDLINE is bracing itself for a surge in calls and messages from young people worried about returning to school at the end of the summer holidays.

New data from the NSPCCrun service shows that in 2024/25 it delivered 1,812 counselling sessions to children concerned about going back to school. More than a third of these (34%) took place in August and September, highlighting the particular pressures of the new term.

Many children told counsellors they feared being judged on their appearance after the summer break, while others were anxious about schoolwork, teachers or starting at a new school. Some said they were looking forward to returning, as school provided a break from family tensions and a chance to reconnect with friends.

A 14-year-old girl from Wales told Childline: “I really,

really don’t want to go back to school – I worry what people will say about my body after the summer. I feel so ugly and guilty that I didn’t have the discipline to stick to a diet or lose any weight.

“My family keeps telling me I’m beautiful, but it’s hard to believe them. At least at home I feel safe and understood, but at school I’ll have to eat around other people and that makes me feel really upset. I feel so vulnerable and judged.”

A 15-year-old transgender boy added: “It’s been kinda tough not having much support over the holidays, so I’m actually looking forward to going back to school. I love my family, but it can be hard spending loads of time with them, especially when they don’t approve of who you are. I miss my mates and teachers.”

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “For many children, the start of a new school year brings excitement

— a chance to reconnect with friends, return to a familiar routine, and continue learning. But for others, it can trigger feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

“We see a significant rise in contacts to Childline during the summer holidays, particularly in the lead-up to the new school year. While it’s completely normal to have concerns, young people must know they are not alone and that help is available. Our trained counsellors are here 24/7 — online and over the phone — ready to listen and support.”

Advice for parents and carers

• Encourage your child to write down what they are looking forward to and what they are worried about.

• Take time to listen before offering advice.

• Talk through practical solutions together.

• Remind them it can take

time to adjust to school life.

• Ensure they make time for activities they enjoy.

• Inform a teacher if extra support may be needed.

Advice for children

• Speak to a safe adult about any worries.

• Write down hopes and concerns and share them.

• Ask questions about anything unclear.

• Get prepared in advance — uniform, bag and equipment.

• Use Childline’s online mood journal.

• Stay connected with friends and family.

• Keep active with sports, walks or games.

Childline is available to all young people by calling 0800 1111 or through the 121 chat service at www.childline.org.uk.

New development at Stackpole Quay Farm set to be approved

PLANS to develop a north Pembrokeshire farm for dairy use by its new owners are expected to be approved by the national park despite objectors raising concerns about it becoming an “intensive dairy operation”.

In an application recommended for approval at the September meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Mr James, of Stackpole Quay Farm, through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd, seeks permission for a milking parlour, a collecting yard, feed pad, silage clamp, dirty water lagoon and associated works at Longhouse Farm, Abercastle

Road, Trefin.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “The family are in the process of establishing a spring calving herd of 360 dairy cows plus 90 followers. The herd will be grazed all year round, in the spring, summer and autumn on grass, and in the winter-on-winter forage crops. The system will be a low input low output system seeking to utilise as much grass as possible to create quality milk.

“A key element of the proposal is an efficient dairy operation which includes a milking parlour,

collecting yard, feed pad and silage clamp. A dirty water lagoon is also required to collect the slurry/ dirty water from the collecting yard and feed pad and to store effluent from the silage clamp and parlour washings from the dairy.”

An officer report ahead of the September meeting says an additional application associated with the development, a cattle underpass, is currently running, with permission for a storage shed recently granted.

The report highlights a number of objections to the scheme, including that “the proposal represents a significant intensification from sheep/ arable farming to an intensive

dairy operation, with associated environmental implications,” adding: “Objectors also question whether potential future herd expansion should be considered now.”

The report stresses “no planning permission is required to change the use of an agricultural holding from beef sheep or arable to dairy farming,” and: “The principle of agricultural buildings is supported where they are necessary for agricultural purposes on the holding. Any future related development would require a separate planning application.”

Concerns were also raised about the visibility of the milking parlour and associated structures from nearby.

“While some visibility is inevitable, the siting, scale, and appearance are considered appropriate within the context of the working rural landscape,” the report says, adding: “The proposal is not considered to cause an unacceptable impact on the National Park’s special qualities.”

It concludes: “The proposal represents an appropriate form of agricultural development that supports the long-term viability of a rural farm business. The siting, scale and design are considered acceptable and not harmful to the special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

AI tipped to transform future of farming in the UK

THE AgRICULTURAL sector is set to undergo a technological revolution, with experts predicting that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a central role in shaping the future of food production. Industry consultants James McHugh and Ashleigh Patterson, from innovation firm ABGi, told The Herald that AI could help solve some

of farming’s biggest challenges – from labour shortages and rising costs to climate change pressures.

Recent figures underline the fragility of the industry, with more than 6,000 agricultural businesses closing in the past year. Dairy farmers have also warned of worker shortages threatening food supply. Against this backdrop, AI is being hailed as a potential lifeline.

McHugh said businesses adopting AI must tread carefully: “AI systems can embed biases or make unfair decisions if not properly managed. Farmers and agri-businesses will need frameworks in place to avoid discrimination, protect data and comply with evolving regulation. But done right, AI could dramatically boost productivity.”

Patterson highlighted how breakthroughs are already filtering into farming: “AI-powered crop management tools can forecast disease or drought stress weeks in advance by analysing soil data and weather patterns. Precision irrigation systems are also becoming more common, reducing water use while maintaining yields – vital in the face of climate change.”

Other advances include automation and robotics in harvesting, with

delicate crops such as mushrooms now being picked by machines fitted with soft-touch grippers and machine vision. Sustainability is also driving innovation, with new “Lighthouse Farms” converting manure into renewable energy and even luxury products like caviar.

Looking ahead, experts believe vertical farms and satellite-monitored precision fields will become mainstream. Facilities such as Fischer Farms in Norfolk already show how stacking crops under LED lighting can multiply yields without increasing land use.

“By 2030, most UK farms are expected to use AI-based decision support and real-time sensor data,” Patterson said. “This will allow farmers to tailor practices to each field, cutting down on chemicals and improving profitability.”

Localised benefits are also forecast, with AI hubs linking urban vertical farms and rural growers, supporting food self-sufficiency and creating new jobs in agri-tech.

If implemented effectively, experts argue, AI could create a farming sector that is more productive, sustainable and better connected to local communities.

Cardigan police investigate theft of 42 lambs near Capel Cynon

POLICE in Cardigan are investigating after 42 lambs were stolen from a field near Capel Cynon, Ffostrasol.

The animals were taken from a flock of more than 400 sometime in the three weeks leading up to 29 August. The theft only came to light following a recent count.

Inspector Matthew Howells of Ceredigion Police said: “We are once again turning to the farming community to help us find these animals and identify those responsible. From past experience we know the answers will be within the

industry. Someone will have seen these animals either being put through a livestock market, an abattoir, or in a nearby field. There is also the possibility they may have entered the food chain illegally as ‘smokies.’

“The impact of a theft on this scale is devastating for the victim, their family and their business.”

The lambs are described as mainly white-faced, with a few black-faced, and marked with green and blue paint on their rumps and backs. They are not tagged but have distinctive ear

notches. No lambs have been sold from the flock this year, so any with those markings would be suspicious.

Police are urging farmers, livestock auctioneers, abattoirs, and anyone else with information to come forward.

Anyone who may have seen the stolen lambs should contact police online at https:// orlo.uk/C65Q3, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk. org.

THE first week of September once again marks Love Lamb week, now in its tenth year. The week provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the high quality produce, its magnificent taste, and its key role as the beating heart of so many of Wales’ rural communities.

It’s worth remembering that our Welsh lamb is a family affair from start to finish; from the family farms in Wales who produce it, to our consumers who enjoy coming together around the table to eat. It is a product shaped by generations of knowledge and tradition, with its distinct flavour a result of Wales’ unique environment, delivering a product that is not only delicious but also rooted in the Welsh landscape. This heritage of traditional farming methods and a deep connection to the land is what makes Welsh lamb so special, offering a taste that is truly unique and a story that is genuinely authentic.

Beyond the plate, Welsh lamb is a powerful economic engine for our country. The industry supports thousands of jobs, not just on farms, but throughout the supply chain, from local abattoirs, independent butchers and bustling farmers’ markets. This traceability and local connection mean that when you choose Welsh lamb, you are directly investing in the sustainability and vibrancy of our

rural economy, and in turn securing local employment and sustaining the Welsh language and rural communities.

Recent years have however seen the sector face its share of challenges. UK trade figures released earlier this year showed a 40% surge in imported sheep meat in 2024 - the highest level since 2018. Imports from New Zealand and Australia now account for 86% of UK sheep meat imports; a result of lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere, new Free Trade Agreements, and record levels of deadweight prices in the UK. The continuation of such a trend could be a real threat to the livelihoods of Welsh farmers by displacing high-quality, sustainably produced Welsh lamb in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles, and undermining our longterm food security and self-sufficiency.

In light of such challenges, this week therefore provides a timely opportunity to champion Welsh Lamb. It is a chance to not only celebrate the product, but to make a conscious choice to support the families and communities who produce it. By choosing Welsh lamb, not only are you supporting a way of life, a set of values, but also a flavour that is unmistakably Welsh. Let’s ensure the future of Welsh lamb is as bright as its past.

Tsmart confirms reinvention of iconic city car with new #2

smart, the premium electric automotive brand, has today announced that an-all new, two-seater city car, the smart #2, is in development. Building on the rich heritage of the iconic fortwo, the new model will extend smart’s awardwinning product portfolio, providing a stylish, efficient and innovative vehicle for the A-segment.

The all-electric two-seater model will feature cutting-edge EV technology while evolving core qualities of the original smart fortwo. The international debut of the #2 is planned for late 2026 with Europe a key market for the car.

The expansion of smart’s product portfolio underlines its focus on satisfying diversified customer needs and makes clear that smart can take many forms. Styled by the Mercedes-

Benz Design team, the vehicle will feature new technology for the segment that was established by the original smart fortwo 27 years ago. The smart #2 will be produced in China and is currently in the final design and development phase.

Dirk Adelmann, CEO smart Europe: “The confirmation of our ‘project: two’ and the upcoming launch of the smart #2 marks a milestone moment for the smart brand on a global scale. The smart #2 will shape a new era of individual urban automobility, especially in classic smart cities like Rome, London or Paris. The decision comes at the right time, as we benefit from the respective strengths of our main shareholders Mercedes-Benz and Geely, and strong backing by new investors, along with the successful market launch

of the smart #5. The new smart #2 will be a unique, authentic addition to the all-electric product portfolio of smart in Europe.”

Successful “project: two” leads to portfolio expansion with smart #2

Following the successful feasibility study of the car, codenamed “project: two”, the company will open a new chapter in its history and reinvent an icon of urban mobility.

Building on the successful worldwide introductions of the smart #1, #3 and #5, the smart #2 will complement the product portfolio, while serving a segment that is particularly relevant for the brand and its customers. smart’s expanded range will cover all the requirements of modern mobility, from agile city cars to premium SUVs.

About smart:

smart Europe GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of smart mobility International Pte. Ltd. and was founded in June 2020 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, near Stuttgart. smart Europe’s international team is responsible for all sales, marketing and after-sales activities for the next generation of smart vehicles, products and services of the brand in the European market. With Dirk Adelmann as CEO and Martin Günther as CFO, the company is developing its full potential in Europe with a highly efficient and customer-oriented business model. The international smart joint venture was established between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group. smart positions itself as a leading provider of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment.

1.2

Green light for blue lights

Škoda Kodiaq gains Met Police seal of approval

For more than 20 years, Škoda has been a trusted partner to the UK’s emergency services, supplying dependable, high-performance vehicles that keep pace with the toughest demands on the road. From rapid response units to traffic patrol cars, the brand’s reputation for reliability, safety and value for money has made it a mainstay in police, ambulance and fire fleets nationwide. Now, that legacy takes another step forward with the new, second generation Kodiaq having successfully passed the rigorous Metropolitan Police brake test, earning approval for operational use across the force.

Following on from the firstgeneration Kodiaq model, which was used extensively by all three emergency services during its seven-year production run, the new model offers

services an improved combination of practicality, safety features and efficiency. Having been submitted for extensive testing, the Kodiaq SE 2.0 TDI DSG 193 PS 4x4 diesel five-seat model has been officially approved for emergency services fleets.

As part of the approval process, the Kodiaq was required to pass the Met Police Brake Test. Widely regarded as the most demanding in the industry, the Brake Test simulates the high-speed scenarios emergency drivers face every day with repeated stops from high speed designed to test components to their limits. This approval not only clears the way for the model’s adoption by the UK’s largest police service, but also reinforces Škoda’s standing as a manufacturer whose vehicles are ready for duty from day one.

In addition to meeting all required standards in terms of performance,

the Kodiaq also excels for practicality. The five-seater variant delivers one of the biggest boot volumes in the SUV sector, with 910 litres on offer with the rear seats in position and up to 2,105 litres available with them folded.

Emergency services drivers will also benefit from a host of innovations and features designed to make life easier and safer on the road. The SE model comes generously equipped with trizone climate control, heated front seats and a rear-view camera, along with Blindspot detection and Front Assist with braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Škoda’s partnership with the UK’s emergency services stretches back more than two decades. The Octavia has long been a familiar sight in police livery, valued for its blend of performance, spaciousness, and low operating costs. The Superb, with its motorway-

cruising comfort and durability, became a favourite for specialist roles such as motorway patrols and armed response units. More recently, the Kodiaq and Enyaq have brought SUV capability and electrified powertrains to the fleet, earning their stripes in both urban and rural environments. This proven track record has cemented Škoda as one of the most trusted names in emergency service mobility.

Škoda offers a ‘one-stop shop’ package for emergency services fleets. Škoda fleet can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, and fleet managers have the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one package.

A full database of images relating to the Kodiaq, plus all other Škoda models can be found at www.skodamedia.com.

CHERY UK launched as brand confirms full line-up of SUVs

CHERY, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, has officially launched in the UK, with a landmark event in London unveiling its full line-up of SUVs for British customers.

Marking the start of a major new chapter in the brand’s global expansion, CHERY confirmed that its UK operations will focus on delivering a comprehensive range of modern, stylish, and technologically advanced SUVs tailored to British drivers, with plans to open a UK R&D centre in the near future.

Leveraging the success of sister brand house OMODA&JAECOO UK – which achieved a market share of 2.71%* just 12 months after OMODA UK’s launch, and seven months after JAECOO UK was established –CHERY confirmed it will initially open with 25 direct-to-consumer franchised dealerships, with plans to expand to 100 by 2026.

The launch event, which featured evening entertainment from DJ Reggie Yates and street dance troupe Flawless, also saw the OEM showcase the CHERY TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 in pure ICE and Super Hybrid form, alongside two new models confirmed for the UK in the next six months: the CHERY TIGGO 9 and CHERY TIGGO 4, which bookend the family of vehicles and complete the full SUV line-up.

CHERY, derived from ‘cheery’, offered a range of engaging activations during the evening’s festivities to celebrate its global achievements -from being the first Chinese OEM to develop its own powertrains and chassis’, to holding the title of China’s largest vehicle exporter for 22 consecutive years.

Gary Lan, CEO of CHERY UK, said: “The UK is a crucial market for CHERY, and today marks the beginning of an

exciting journey for us here. We’re bringing a dynamic range of vehicles that combine advanced technology, safety, and innovative features – all at an accessible price point. With our full SUV line-up now confirmed, we’re ready to establish CHERY as a clever, confident and happy choice for UK households.”

Engineered for the UK market, all CHERY UK cars are developed at Chery International’s Frankfurt-based centre, designed to meet the highest European standards of performance, reliability, and safety. Plans are also in place for a UK-focused R&D hub in

the near future to support the brand house’s long-term growth.

From the outset, CHERY UK has prioritised repairability, security, and insurer confidence. In partnership with Thatcham Research, the brand has ensured UK insurers have full confidence in parts availability, repair provisions, and vehicle security features. DHL manages the supply and logistics of parts across the UK, guaranteeing fast, hassle-free deliveries in as little as 24 hours.

Every CHERY UK vehicle is supported by its comprehensive 7-year warranty and aftermarket

care, supported by full RAC roadside assistance for the first 3 years, subject to annual servicing terms and conditions. Pricing for the CHERY TIGGO is £24,995 OTR** for the 1.6-litre TDGI and £29,995 OTR** for the Super Hybrid. Meanwhile the seven-seater CHERY TIGGO 8 is priced from £28,545 OTR** for the 1.6-litre TDGI and from £33,545 OTR** for the Super Hybrid.

More details about CHERY UK’s network of franchised dealers will be available soon, many of which already represent OMODA&JAECOO in the UK.

Hyundai Motor unveils a teaser image of Concept THREE

HYUNDAI Motor Company has released the latest teaser image of Concept THREE, the IONIq subbrand’s first-ever compact EV concept.

Following the initial round of teaser images shared last week, Hyundai Motor has now officially confirmed the

model’s name as Concept THREE ahead of its global debut at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich.

The new image showcases the future-forward design of Concept THREE. Its side profile reveals a bold, energetic stance, shaped by Hyundai’s design language, Art of Steel. Inspired

by the way steel bends and flows, the body features sculpted surfaces, clean intersections and distinctive character lines that emphasize both motion and precision. This expressive side view also previews the Aero Hatch, a new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette.

While further details remain under wraps, Concept THREE will make its global debut at IAA Mobility 2025, held in Munich from September 9 to 14. Hyundai Motor’s participation in Europe’s largest mobility showcase marks its return to the event after four years, reaffirming the company’s dedication to the European market and its leadership in sustainable innovation.

“Designing the Concept THREE was an opportunity for us to rethink the compact EV from the ground up,” said

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center.

“We defined the ‘Aero Hatch’ typology to craft a silhouette that captures a sense of flow and becomes a beautifully proportioned sculpture.”

Manuel Schoettle, exterior designer of Concept THREE added, “The authenticity of the way we treated the steel fits perfectly. It just felt natural, making the Concept THREE extremely pure, and hopefully it will bring a smile to your face.”

At the IAA Open Space, Hyundai Motor will provide an in-depth look at Concept THREE and its role in redefining the compact EV segment. Further details will be revealed during Hyundai Motor’s press conference on September 9.

Blackbear buys Tenby firm Chandler Rogers as it expands across Wales

BLACKBEAR has purchased long-standing Tenby estate agency Chandler Rogers for an undisclosed sum, giving the fast-growing company a third branch in

Founded in 2024 by former high-profile rugby player Gareth Davies, Blackbear began in Pembrokeshire and opened a second office in Swansea

earlier this year. The Chandler Rogers deal adds an 18-yearestablished Tenby brand to the group.

The firm’s operational director, Jamie Barnett, said Blackbear’s strategy is to acquire respected local agencies and modernise them with improved systems while keeping their identity and community ties.

“We want growth with respect,” he said, adding that Chandler Rogers’ name and reputation will be retained while the business benefits from new technology and “fresh energy”.

Chandler Rogers director Martyn Rogers said the move secures the company’s future and values. “Chandler Rogers has always been about trust, service and local knowledge,” he said. “From our first

conversations it was clear Jamie and the Blackbear team shared those values and had a plan to build on them. This ensures our legacy continues while opening new opportunities for clients and the community.”

Barnett added that welcoming Chandler Rogers into the group “strengthens our position as one of the fastest-growing agencies in Wales and shows what’s possible when tradition and ambition come together”.

Blackbear plans further growth through acquisitions— targeting areas including Cardiff and Bristol—as well as offering franchise opportunities to agents who want to launch their own businesses. Further details are available from Simon John by email.

Heritage Park holiday park development refusal recommended

RESUBMITTED multimillion-pound plans for a Pembrokeshire holiday park extension after a high court judgement overturned a council approval are expected to be refused.

In late 2023 councillors approved a contentious application by Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Ltd for works including the installation of 48 bases for holiday lodges, a spa facility at a former pub, holiday apartments, a café and cycle hire, equestrian stables, a manège and an associated office at Heritage Park, Pleasant Valley/Stepaside.

It was said the scheme, next to the historic remains of the 19th century Stepaside ironworks and colliery, would create 44 jobs.

The final decision was made at full council after members of the planning committee had twice supported the scheme against officer recommendations of refusal, based on the Local Development Plan, included the site being outside a settlement area.

Approval was given, by 37 votes to 16, with two abstentions, as it was considered that greater weight should be afforded to economic

benefits of the scheme rather than policy.

Since that approval, a successful legal challenge was launched by Stepaside & Pleasant Valley Residents’ Group (SPVRG Ltd), who had objected to the original application.

A March High Court hearing presided by Judge Jarman KC recently ruled against the council decision, quashing that approval, and saying “the reason given by the council did not deal adequately with the important principal issues of development in the countryside, sustainability and precedent”.

It said the “major departure from countryside and sustainability policies is likely to have a lasting relevance for the question of policy in future cases,” and the “council’s resolution [was] simply to endorse the resolution of the planning committee, which predated the fuller report of the head of planning to the council.”

An application has now been resubmitted by Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Ltd, through agent Lichfields, aimed at addressing issues

raised in the recent judgement, with the application due to be heard at the September meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, where it is again recommended for refusal.

In its lengthy submissions, Lichfields says “it is clear that members can reach a decision that is contrary to the development plan without setting a precedent”.

It adds: “However, given that there remains a conflict with the plan policies, there is also a need to consider the nature of the 2024 scheme that comprise unique circumstances that mean that the decision would not set a precedent.”

Amroth Community Council has once again objected to the scheme and officers are recommending refusal on similar grounds to previously, with a warning that “attaching significant weight to the limited benefits of this scheme would set an undesirable precedent and would make it difficult for the council to resist similar proposals”.

It adds: “This approach would therefore seriously undermine the Development Plan. As the Court Judgement notes, if approved, ‘this major departure from countryside and sustainability policies is likely to have a lasting relevance for the question of policy in future cases’.”

Wales.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Pembroke Dock offshore wind storage scheme approved

A CALL for Pembroke Dock storage facilities for works on offshore green energy development on land once earmarked for a marina development has been approved.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Milford Haven Port Authority, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission for landscaping works and a change of use of land West of Criterion Way, Pembroke Dock to for temporary storage facilities for works associated with local floating off-shore wind developments.

The site was previously used for warehouse storage in relation to the

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

waterway but has been disused for a number of years and is overgrown.

The site has a number of schemes in relatively recent planning history, having once been allocated for a new marina at Martello Quays, the application now expired with no attempts to renew it.

A 2020 scheme to use the land as an HGV Tanker Park was also refused on the grounds it would have a harmful visual effect on the character and integrity of the Conservation Area.

A supporting statement for the

latest scheme said: “Our proposal is significantly different to the proposed HGV Tanker Park that has been previously refused. Firstly, we have taken on the points of their refusal, and our development seeks to rehabilitate the entire site from its existing disused state.

“Secondly, there is no significant development proposed on the site. This application seeks to carry out preparatory work for a lay- down area, which involves clearing the site, raising and regrading the land. Therefore, our development will not seek to create an intensified use from what was originally on the site.

“Finally, this site will return to being used in conjunction with adjacent waterway as it has historically been used. This section of land gives direct access to the deep water of the haven and is a gateway site for the provision of offshore energy. This proposal seeks to allow a lay-down area for use as part of the Criterion Quay development associated with regional floating offshore wind growth.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The application site is located within the Pembroke Dock Conservation Area and the Conservation Officer has objected to the proposal on the basis that the loss of an area of informal recreation will lead to moderate harm to the character of the conservation area.

“However, the area of ‘informal recreation’ is not public access land and is within the ownership and control of the applicant. Its recreational use, which primarily appears to be for ‘dog walking’ may be prevented at any point by the landowner.”

It finished: “On balance it is considered that any harm that may arise to the conservation area through loss of the area of informal recreation is clearly outweighed by the economic benefits that will arise through use of the site as proposed.”

The scheme was conditionally approved.

Developer wants to cut affordable housing at new estate

A CALL to remove an affordable housing contribution for a 100home site in Pembrokeshire, being developed as a “100 per cent affordable housing” site, is expected to be approved.

In an application recommended for approval at the September Pembrokeshire County council planning committee meeting, Ateb Group Ltd seeks permission for

a discharge of two Section 106 legal agreements for a previously approved 2012 scheme on land east of the Cricket Club, Pembroke Road, Pembroke Dock.

Outline permission was granted back in 2014, for the approved scheme of 100 residential units, made

up of 44 two-bed houses, 24 one-bed flats, two four-bed disabled bungalow, six three-bed houses, eight one-bed bungalows, four four-bed houses, and 12 two-bed bungalows.

Works started in 2022, and it is anticipated that the development will be finalised towards the end of this year, with 60 per cent of the housing currently occupied, a report for members states.

There are two Section 106 legal agreements relating to the 2014 permission: 20 per cent provision of on-site affordable housing and a financial contribution towards highway infrastructure, education infrastructure, lifelong learning and youth centre facilities.

The applicants seek to discharge the affordable housing contribution, as the site is being developed for 100 per cent affordable housing on behalf of Registered Social Landlord, and also to remove the requirement for the provision of financial contributions to education infrastructure, community learning and youth centre facilities and that the highways financial contribution be replaced by a requirement for necessary infrastructure to be

provided prior to occupation of the final 20 per cent of the housing.

The report, agreeing with the affordable housing contribution request, adds a valuation assessment “concludes that, even without the provision of financial contributions for associated infrastructure, the development would have a negative [value] of minus £289,471”.

The council’s highways department has objected to the proposal to discharge that particular agreement, as an infrastructure contribution is still justified in that, as currently configured, the site does not provide safe pedestrian access to the existing highway (pavement) network.

It is recommended that the existing affordable housing Section 106 agreement be discharged as the site is being developed for 100 per cent affordable housing, and the financial contributions to education infrastructure, community learning and youth centre facilities be removed, and the highways financial contribution be replaced by a requirement for necessary infrastructure to be provided prior to occupation of the final 20 per cent of the housing.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Thwoman duped by fake weightloss drugs after NHS rejection

A CARDIgAN woman has spoken out after buying counterfeit weight-loss injections on TikTok, warning others not to make the same mistake.

Jayne Scott, 37, turned to the internet after being told she did not qualify for weightloss medication on the NHS in Wales. She later discovered the products she bought were fake versions of the experimental drug Retatrutide, which is still in clinical trials and not available anywhere in the world.

“I felt I’d hit a dead end,” Jayne told The Herald. “I asked my GP for help because I’ve struggled with my weight for years, but I was told I didn’t meet the criteria. If I was in England I might have been accepted, but in Wales it’s much stricter. I left the surgery in tears, and that night I went online.”

‘I THOUgHT IT WAS THE REAL THINg’

Jayne said she came across dozens of TikTok influencers promoting what they claimed was Retatrutide, showing beforeand-after photos and claiming rapid results.

“They made it look so professional – glossy adverts, syringes in proper-looking packaging, people saying they’d lost two stone in a month,” she

said. “I thought I’d found the answer. I paid a few hundred pounds and the parcel came within a week. At first I felt hopeful, like I was finally doing something positive.”

But within days of taking the injections, Jayne began to feel unwell. “I was shaky, my heart raced, I felt dizzy and sick. I kept telling myself it was just my body adjusting, but deep down I knew something wasn’t right. When I looked it up properly, I realised the real Retatrutide isn’t even on the market yet. I’d been conned.”

‘DON’T DO WHAT I DID’

Now Jayne is sharing her

story to prevent others making the same mistake.

“My advice to anyone reading this is simple: don’t do what I did. Don’t buy weight-loss drugs on social media – no matter how convincing the adverts look. If you’re struggling, speak to your GP. Even if the NHS can’t give you what you want, they can still offer support with diet, exercise, or safe alternatives. Your health is worth more than a quick fix.”

HEALTH WARNINg

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that counterfeit Retatrutide is

being sold illegally online and may pose serious health risks. Both TikTok and Instagram have removed some videos following media investigations, but many are still circulating.

Dr Helen Wall, a GP from Greater Manchester, said: “These drugs are not approved, their safety is not known, and counterfeit versions can be extremely dangerous. Please don’t take risks with your health.”

Jayne added: “I know what it’s like to feel desperate, but trust me – it’s not worth gambling with your life. Speak to your doctor, lean on family and friends, and use proper NHS advice. Don’t fall into the trap I did.”

Legal bid launched to stop Wales Air Ambulance base closures

THE WALES AIR AMBULANCE is something close to our hearts here in Pembrokeshire, where countless lives have been saved thanks to its rapid response. But trouble is brewing further north, where campaigners say they are not receiving the same level of cover as we do in the south.

Plans are under way to shut the helicopter bases at Welshpool, Powys, and Caernarfon, Gwynedd, and replace them with a new unit elsewhere in north Wales. The charity insists the changes will allow crews to reach more emergencies each year.

Opponents, who lost a High Court challenge in June, are now preparing to take their case to the Court of Appeal. They warn that

dozens of rural communities will face longer waits if the closures go ahead.

Figures show a stark divide. In 2023-24, there were 632 emergencies in mid and north Wales that would have benefited from an air ambulance response,

but only 81 were attended. In contrast, south Wales crews – including those covering Pembrokeshire – were able to reach 983 emergencies in the same period. Campaigners say this proves that the north is being left behind.

“We want to know why it is acceptable for 40 communities in mid and north Wales to receive a slower service,” one group said, “when people in the south continue to have faster access.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity said it was “deeply concerned” about attempts to delay reforms it believes will save more lives across the country.

Welshpool-based medic Dr Stuart Gill has pointed out that the air ambulance is not a primary responder in the same way as land crews. “Not everybody has an air ambulance based in their region but they still have access to our service when we are operational,” he said.

The Court of Appeal will now decide whether to allow the new challenge to proceed.

Surf therapy helps Pembrokeshire patients ride the waves of recovery

PATIENTS with neurological conditions are literally riding the waves, thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) and Blue Horizons Adaptive Surf.

The BrainWaves initiative gives patients at key stages in their rehabilitation the chance to take part in adaptive surfing sessions on Broad Haven beach. Each class is run by qualified instructors from Blue

Horizons CIC Surf Club, working alongside a health board therapist and therapy assistant.

“Adaptive surfing as a rehabilitation option has only recently become available in Pembrokeshire,” explained therapy assistant practitioner Paul Stott. “The sea provides a dynamic environment that challenges balance, coordination and strength, while also offering a sense of freedom and achievement that’s hard to replicate in

a clinical setting.”

Over the six-week programme, patients have reported improvements in both physical function and emotional wellbeing. Pete, one of the participants, struggled to put on his wetsuit at first. By the end, he was riding the waves on an adaptive prone board.

“With each session, it’s getting better. I’m getting a bit stronger,” he said. “I really enjoy the banter with

the instructors and staff.” His carer Agita added: “It makes Pete feel free. A year ago, we never thought he’d be surfing.”

Therapists say the sea offers powerful benefits for rehabilitation. Specialist physiotherapist Kelsey Abbott said: “In west Wales, being by the sea is a huge part of many people’s lives. Helping patients reconnect with what matters to them builds confidence and supports recovery.”

Clinical lead neuro physiotherapist Alice Wilson added: “Lots of people with disabilities are worried about going to the beach. This gives them the chance to take part safely. One patient is now planning to get a wetsuit so they can join their young family at the beach. That’s a big step.”

CASE STUDY: NEIL’S jOURNEY

Neil, from Boncath, was cared for at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Llandough Hospital in Cardiff after an accident and surgery. He later returned home under the care of Alice Wilson and Paul Stott from Hywel Dda’s community neurorehabilitation team.

Following hydrotherapy and gym work, Neil joined the BrainWaves surf programme. Over six weeks, his progress was clear.

“This week we’ve seen Neil riding waves on his knees, pushing his own board out and steering himself,” said Paul Stott. “It’s a huge leap forward for him.”

Neil said the experience has transformed his outlook: “It’s been really tough. When you’re sat at home you think, ‘This is how it’s going to be.’ But then you come surfing and think, ‘Wow. I’m having fun here.’ I just want to make the best of it.”

Photo: Participants and instructors from the BrainWaves surf programme on Broad Haven beach (Pic: Herald).

Eluned Morgan avoids questions on Plaid Cymru deal

FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has sidestepped speculation about whether Welsh Labour would be willing to work with Plaid Cymru if the party loses ground in next year’s Senedd election.

Speaking in an interview, Morgan admitted Labour faces a “challenge” after recent polls suggested Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are making gains at her party’s expense.

However, she insisted her focus remains on keeping Labour in the top spot rather than discussing possible pacts after polling day in May.

“I’m not going to deal with that situation until we know where we stand,” she said. “The important thing is that Labour comes first in this election. That’s what we’re working towards.”

Labour has governed in Cardiff Bay since devolution in 1999, often relying on coalitions or cooperation agreements with other left-leaning parties. Asked whether she could serve under a Plaid Cymru first minister in a hung parliament to block Reform UK, Morgan refused to be drawn.

She warned instead of the risks a Reform-led government could pose to public services and stressed her determination

to remain as first minister. On her party’s recent struggles in the polls, Morgan said she was concentrating on issues such as NHS waiting times and promised Labour would soon set out its vision for the years ahead. She also pointed to the benefits of extra funding for Wales as a result of Westminster spending

decisions.

Morgan, who took over as first minister in August 2024, said she is prepared to challenge policies from Sir Keir Starmer’s UK government when necessary. But she stopped short of criticising Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to ban the campaign group Palestine

Action – a move that has divided Labour ranks. “What matters to me is recognising people’s right to protest and acknowledging the suffering in Palestine,” she said. “We should be working more actively towards peace in that country.”

New Senedd voting rules could boost Tory support, says Millar

said that changes to the way members are elected could encourage more people to

back his party – even though he remains opposed to the reforms.

From May 2026 the Senedd will grow from 60 to 96 members, all elected under a new system based on party lists. Six representatives will be chosen in each of 16 large constituencies, with seats allocated using the D’Hondt method to reflect the proportion of votes cast.

Millar told the BBC Walescast podcast that this would mean “every single vote really does count,” unlike under the current system where many Conservative supporters in some areas felt there was “not a cat in hell’s chance” of electing their candidate. He argued the change could motivate more Tory voters to turn out.

Despite this, Millar said he still believed the reforms were a “power grab” by political parties which reduced accountability to local voters. “First past the post is the best way to make sure an individual member of the Senedd is directly accountable to the constituents they serve,” he said.

The Clwyd West MS succeeded Andrew RT Davies as Senedd group leader late last year. He will step down as chief executive of the Christian charity the Pocket Testament League at the end of August to focus fully on politics.

Opinion polls have placed the Conservatives in fourth position ahead of the next election, but Millar dismissed this as changeable. “Polls can shift quickly,” he said, adding that his party would focus on presenting practical solutions rather than just criticising Labour in Cardiff.

Millar acknowledged that the Conservatives were “paying a penance” after a turbulent period in British politics, but said he expected support to grow as voters reacted to “dreadful decisions” by Labour.

Away from politics, Millar described himself as a keen stargazer and a long-time fan of sumo wrestling, which he first watched on Channel 4 in the 1990s. He plans to attend the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall later this year, calling it “the oldest and purest of the martial arts.”

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVE Senedd leader Darren Millar has

Kurtz honoured with national agricultural award

SAMUEL Kurtz MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, has been awarded an Associateship of the Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS) at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

The award is one of the highest honours in UK agriculture and recognises exceptional service to farming and rural life. Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire in the Senedd, was selected for his longstanding commitment to Welsh farming communities, both locally and nationally.

A farmer’s son raised in Pembrokeshire, Mr Kurtz has deep personal ties to the industry. He is a former chairman of the Pembrokeshire branch of the Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) and has often credited the movement with shaping his career.

Speaking after the presentation, Mr Kurtz said: “I am truly humbled

to be presented with this honour. As a farmer’s son, I’ve seen first-hand the dedication and hard work that goes into Welsh farming, day in and day out. Agriculture is not only the

backbone of our economy here in Wales, but also part of who we are.

“From my early days in Pembrokeshire YFC to my work now in the Senedd, I’ve seen how vital it is

to give rural communities and young people the support they need. The YFC continues to do brilliant work in giving young people opportunities, confidence and a voice — it certainly did for me.

“This award is as much a reflection on the YFC movement and all those who have helped me, as it is of me. It’s also an honour to stand up for agriculture and rural Wales in the Senedd. Issues impacting agriculture are broad, but I hope I’ve played a small part in championing this important industry and ensuring farmers’ voices are heard in Cardiff Bay.”

The award was presented during the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd, one of Europe’s premier agricultural events. Mr Kurtz’s recognition not only highlights his contribution to Welsh public life, but also reflects the strength of Pembrokeshire’s voice in rural affairs.

Reform UK promises NHS cuts and speed limit reversal

REFORM UK has pledged to slash NHS “back office” roles in Wales if it gains power at the next Senedd election, with deputy leader Richard Tice promising to redirect money into frontline care.

Speaking on the campaign trail, Mr Tice said the party would prioritise reducing what it describes as wasteful spending and unnecessary bureaucracy. He stressed that doctors and nurses would not be affected, and that the focus would be on management and administrative roles.

“The NHS is not short of money,” he said. “It’s the way it is being mismanaged, the way it wastes money. That’s why waiting lists are so long. We need to cut the waste and put those

resources where they matter – into frontline services.”

Reform argues that slimming down the NHS’s administrative structure would free up resources to tackle long waiting lists and boost productivity.

Critics, however, have warned that repeated reorganisations of the health service risk undermining continuity of care, and that administrative staff are often essential for keeping hospitals and surgeries running.

SPEED LIMIT PLEDgE

Mr Tice also took aim at the Welsh Government’s 20mph default speed limit in built-up areas. Labour introduced the policy last year at an estimated cost

of tens of millions of pounds. He vowed that Reform would scrap the measure despite the cost of reversing it.

The speed limit change remains one of the most divisive policies introduced by the Welsh Labour Government. Ministers insist it will save lives and reduce injuries, while opponents claim it is costly, confusing and damaging to local economies.

POLLINg SHOWS SURgE IN SUPPORT

Reform UK has stepped up its campaign in Wales, buoyed by a series of polls suggesting it is now a serious contender.

A More in Common poll for Sky News in July placed Reform in the lead with 28% support, ahead of Plaid Cymru on 26% and Labour on 23%. A separate YouGov/ITV Wales survey put Plaid first on 30%, Reform second on 25%, and Labour trailing badly on 18% – a dramatic drop from the 36% regional vote Labour secured at the 2021 election.

Even Labour’s own internal figures, leaked earlier this year, showed Reform at 25% – level with both Plaid Cymru and Labour.

The trend has alarmed Welsh Labour, which has dominated devolved politics since 1999 but is now showing signs of weakness in key areas. Reform has gained ground in post-industrial communities where frustration over the state of the NHS and dissatisfaction with economic prospects run deep.

ELECTORAL MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

Despite its rise in the polls, Reform still faces steep odds of forming a government. The 2026 Senedd election will be the first held under sweeping electoral reforms. The Senedd will expand from 60 to 96 members, elected through proportional representation on regional party lists. The new system makes it harder for any party to achieve an outright majority.

Both Labour and Plaid Cymru have already ruled out entering coalitions with Reform, significantly limiting its path to power. Even if Reform wins the largest share of the vote, its ability to turn that into meaningful control of the Senedd looks slim without partners willing to work with it.

Political analysts also caution that while mid-term polling can exaggerate support for insurgent parties, translating that into seats and sustained influence is a different challenge.

LOOKINg AHEAD

Reform UK’s message is designed to tap into voter frustration over the state of public services and the Welsh Government’s policies on transport, the economy and energy. Its leadership is gambling that a focus on cutting NHS waste and rolling back unpopular measures like the 20mph speed limit can drive a breakthrough.

With less than a year until polling day, the party has momentum. But with coalition arithmetic stacked against it and opponents refusing to work alongside it, the real question may not be whether Reform tops the poll – but what it can do with the seats it wins.

Last week’s saw Liberal Democrat Leader, Ed Davey make the news for turning down an invite to the State Banquet hosted by the King, for Trump’s forthcoming State Visit. As Ed Davey said “I fear we could have a situation where Donald Trump comes to our country, is honoured with a lavish dinner at one of our finest palaces, yet no one reminds him that he has the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in gaza and get the hostages released.”

Not often a politician hits the news for not doing something!

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have written to Nigel Farage to demand he intervenes after Reform’s Nottinghamshire County Council Leader blocked his councillors from speaking to local journalists from Nottinghamshire Live and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP, (see below), has written to Farage demanding he step in and urge Reform’s council leader Mick Barton to reverse the “dangerous and chilling” decision.

Max Wilkinson said the move risks contravening local government’s code of conduct, which calls on elected officials to “submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure … accountability”, and prohibits information being withheld from the public “unless there are clear and lawful reasons for doing so”.

Max Wilkinson commented:

“Reform’s move to block local journalists from reporting on their work is straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook. It’s a cornerstone of our democracy that politicians of all stripes are held to account — but for some reason Farage’s cronies think they

W ITH ANDREW LYE

can make themselves exempt.

“This move sets a dangerous and chilling precedent for if Reform were to win power nationally and goes against our deeply rooted British values of freedom of the press. We must stand up to Reform’s assault on those principles.

“Farage pretends to champion free speech: I’m calling on him to take some responsibility for once in his political career and demand that Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Mick Barton reverses this decision.”

It wasn’t much better for Farage who grabbed the headlines for saying he’d deport up to 600,000 asylum seekers over a 5 year period, if he was PM. A lot can change in the next 4 years as the next election is not due until 2029 at the latest.

Official figures also show that there are currently just over 100,000 asylum seekers in that category. Where are the other 500,000 he proposes to deport?

Farage was forced to make a u-turn on his announcement he made the day before, where he suggested that women and children would be included in Reform’s deportation plans.

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said:

“It appars Nigel Farage has taken as much time reading his own plan as he does his constituents’ emails. Reform’s plans do not even stand up to the scrutiny of their own leader.

“His band of plastic patriots are taking the country for fools. Farage’s Taliban Tax would give millions in taxpayers’ money to terrorists all whilst failing to stop these crossings and end the crisis in our asylum system.”

What is happening in Nottinghamshire and elsewhere, is showing that Reform are vulnerable when they come under close scrutiny

Politicians welcome Badenoch’s oil pledge

PEMBROKESHIRE Senedd

Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have welcomed a pledge by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to scrap net zero requirements on oil and gas companies drilling in the North Sea.

The announcement is part of Ms Badenoch’s plan to overhaul the North Sea Transition

Authority by replacing its twelve-page mandate with a single instruction to extract the maximum possible amount of fossil fuel. She pointed to Norway’s continued exploitation of its North Sea reserves and pledged that a future Conservative government would remove barriers to domestic production.

Industry analysts say that under current rules, the UK still imports around 40 per cent of its oil and gas, despite 75 per cent of national energy needs being met by fossil fuels. Proponents argue that boosting domestic supply could reduce reliance on imports and strengthen energy security, while critics warn it risks undermining the UK’s

2030 and 2050 climate targets.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S ROLE IN UK ENERgY

Pembrokeshire is already one of the UK’s most important energy hubs. The Valero oil refinery at Pembroke is the largest in the UK, processing up to 270,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Alongside this, the Dragon LNG and South Hook LNG terminals at Milford Haven handle around 30 per cent of the UK’s gas supply, importing liquefied natural gas from Qatar, the US and other sources.

The proposed Celtic Freeport, which covers Milford Haven and Port Talbot, is expected to create up to 16,000 jobs across South Wales by combining new floating offshore wind opportunities with the region’s existing petrochemical and refining expertise.

Supporters of Badenoch’s pledge argue that expanding North Sea production would directly benefit Pembrokeshire by increasing throughput at Valero and securing long-term activity for the LNG terminals, while also strengthening supply chains and skilled employment across the region.

LOCAL VOICES

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies said: “Energy

prices in the UK are too high and whilst fossil fuels are still an important part of the energy mix, it’s vital that they are extracted responsibly. We know that other European countries are tapping into these valuable resources, and the UK should be doing what it can to extract oil and gas too.

“Ms Badenoch’s announcement marks a move towards backing the domestic energy industry, supporting skilled jobs, and protecting our energy security. Pembrokeshire plays an important role in meeting the nation’s energy needs and so I’m pleased that the Leader of the Conservative party has recognised the importance of the sector and has committed to reducing our dependence on imports by supporting domestic production.”

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz added: “Pembrokeshire has a proud history at the heart of the UK’s oil and gas industry, and I have long championed the sector and the wider supply chain that supports it.

Kemi Badenoch’s pledge to remove unnecessary net zero restrictions on North Sea operators is a welcome step in unlocking the full potential of our domestic energy resources.

“With initiatives such as the Celtic Freeport, Pembrokeshire is uniquely positioned to benefit from a growing domestic

BLUE VIEW

With Brian Murphy

THIS week it has been announced that the UK borrowing costs are at the highest level since 1998. Notably this is greater than the costs incurred by greece, which forced them into a series of savage spending cuts.

petrochemical industry, creating highly skilled jobs and driving prosperity across the region. Supporting our oil and gas sector responsibly ensures energy security for the nation while seizing new opportunities for local economic growth. This is a clear chance to build on Pembrokeshire’s energy heritage and secure a strong, prosperous future for our communities.”

NATIONAL DEBATE

Labour ministers have maintained their opposition to new North Sea drilling licences, arguing that more extraction will not cut bills or improve security, while campaigners warn it would jeopardise the UK’s climate commitments. However, industry figures suggest that linking new resources to existing infrastructure — known as “tiebacks” — could extend the life of the North Sea and provide billions of barrels more output by 2050.

For Pembrokeshire, the debate is not just political but practical: the region already sits at the centre of Britain’s energy network, and decisions taken in Westminster about the future of North Sea oil and gas could have direct consequences for the jobs, industry and communities along the Haven Waterway.

This was the headlines I saw as I read the morning newspaper reports. Now I am not an economist or a financial expert. I only know when the money in my wallet doesn’t go as far as it used that times are getting tough. Which. I suspect is the case for most people. But it got me thinking how does this compare to the time in 2022 when Liz Truss “crashed the economy” and I did some research.

It would seem that Liz Truss didn’t cause the economy to crash, it was the actions of the Bank of England took at the same time that spooked all the investors in pension funds. This caused panic in the markets which led to the economy slumping. Yet many businesses welcomed the changes Truss was proposing, seeing as them as positive for growth in the economy. And I am sure that if we had held our nerve the markets would have recovered, and the business confidence would have led to improvements in the economy. The figures since last year, when Reeves took over as Chancellor, show that growth and confidence has plummeted. But that doesn’t fit the narrative that perhaps Liz Truss was going in the right direction.

As I look around, I see that taxes are rising everywhere, but services are not getting any better. Despite Labour’s preelection promises not to raise taxes in working people that is exactly what they have done. Saying that rises in National Insurance contributions is not a tax on working

people is a bare faced lie. There isn’t a magic money tree that pays it, the money comes from the pockets of workers. If increased taxes led to improvements in services I wouldn’t mind so much, but it doesn’t. here in Pembrokeshire, it has been confirmed that there will be no new hospital to replace it, nor will there be any investment in it to upgrade it. Whilst at the same time Labour increase our taxes to pay for vanity projects such as 36 new members of the Senedd, a blanket 20 MPH speed limit, planting trees in Uganda, Cardiff airport, and the list goes on. Money that could, and should, be spent on health, education, tourism, farming and matters which will grow the Welsh economy.

The rest of the UK is now waking up to what we have had to endure for 25 years in Wales; a Labour government. And it is all of us who are suffering.

The elections for the Senedd will be taking pace in May next year and it will be our opportunity to make a real and lasting change for the better. By voting Conservative we will be able to take back control of our services and deliver real benefits.

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

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

Pic TUre oF The week!

HE DESTRUCTIVE RESULTS OF RIgHT-WINg, CApITALIST ECONOMIC pOLICIES

DEAR SIR,

Any serious examination of humanity since the end of the Second World War – in which 40 million people were killed by 1945 – reveals the destructive results of right-wing, capitalist economic policies. Over time these policies have produced:

1. An ever-growing number of billionaires whose wealth reaches staggering levels; and

2. Millions more desperately poor people across the globe, many of whom bear more children than they can support in the hope that one might survive to provide for them in old age.

The current global population of 8 billion is, in no small part, the outcome of this economic system: the

DEFEND OUR JURIES/LIFT THE BAN

C. N. Westerman

DEAR SIR,

Five of us from the Knighton area will be travelling to London on Saturday, 6 September, to join the Defend Our juries/ Lift the Ban action in Parliament Square. We will be part of around 1,000 people taking a stand against the government’s continuing collusion in what we see as the genocide and starvation of Palestinians in gaza.

editorial bias, calling for the removal of board member Robbie Gibb over his conflicts of interest. When the press cannot be trusted to tell the truth, public accountability is undermined.

We will travel to London in peace and solidarity, but also in anger at the silence, complicity, and inaction of those in power.

Angie Zelter

MY WORLD CHANgED OVERNIGHT

DEAR SIR,

rich get richer, while the poor are left with no hope but to multiply. Unless humanity is drawn to a different vision of hope, today’s 8 billion could easily become 16 billion within the next three decades.

I might also mention the existence of love –an abstract but essential component of the universe. Yet Conservative economists and Reform politicians prefer to live as though outside the universe’s design, blind to the principle: “to give, and not to count the cost.”

The likely consequence is grim: the hatred of the poor, generated in the minds of those who caused their poverty, will lead to further wars. Once again, the citizens of 195 nations may be manipulated into hating their mirror image in another country.

This is the one-way street to humanity’s selfextermination – a road that runs directly counter to the design of the universe itself.

Yours faithfully, C. N. Westerman

We are also calling for the lifting of the proscription of Palestine Action. Branding them as terrorists is a dangerous misuse of counter-terror laws. This undermines the meaning of real terrorism and criminalises peaceful protest. Palestine Action’s campaigns disrupted the manufacture of weapons at Elbit factories destined for Israel. They were so effective that Israeli officials reportedly lobbied the UK Government to ban them. Their direct action would not have been necessary had our own Government acted lawfully to prevent weapons being supplied to a genocidal regime.

It has also emerged, through independent media, that Israeli army officers are studying at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. At least two colonels have completed courses there since 2023.

One, Yeftah Norkin, later commanded operations linked to the 2008–9 war in Gaza in which hundreds of children were killed. This raises serious questions about Britain’s role in supporting Israel’s military elite.

Meanwhile, our mainstream media— particularly the BBC— have failed to report such matters. Over 400 media professionals, including 111 BBC staff, have already raised concerns about

Last year, at just 34, I was diagnosed with breast cancer – and my world changed overnight. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were some of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced, not only physically but emotionally too.

One of the most important steps in my recovery was attending Breast Cancer Now’s Moving Forward course at the end of treatment. The support and friendships I found there showed me the true power of sharing our stories and standing together.

This October, I’ll be proudly taking part in wear it pink, celebrating with friends and family while raising money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving research and vital support services. I’d love others in our community to join me by putting on something pink at home, school, work, or with friends.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK – and no one should have to face it alone. By coming together on 24 October, we can help ensure that everyone with breast cancer not only lives, but lives well.

Sign up today at wearitpink.org/SignUp and join me in supporting this vital cause.

Milou Katsikare On behalf of Breast Cancer Now

Tenby Harbour by @welsHgirl.sian

death notices

M ARWOOD I AN M ARCHANT

THE death occurred at home on Sunday 24th August 2025 of Mr. Marwood Ian Marchant aged 73 years and known affectionately as Ian, of Lavinia Drive, Pembroke Dock.

Beloved husband of Linda. Dearly loved Dad of Sarah and Lisa and father-in-law to Michael. Cherished Grandad to Holly and Amelia. Much loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

Funeral service will be held on Friday 19th September 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 12.15pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations in memory of Ian for The Paul Sartori Foundation, which may be sent c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel. Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH and 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

J OAN pURS g LOVE

jOAN passed away peacefully on Saturday 16th August at Withybush Hospital with her family by her side.

Beloved wife of the late Jim, loving mum and mum-in-law to Karen and Mark, proud grandmother to Jack and his partner Angharad.

Funeral service will take place on Monday 8th September at the Chapel of Rest, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven at 2pm, followed by interment at Thornton Cemetery.

All are welcome.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if desired, to Alzheimer’s Research UK, c/o Karen Butler, 30 Greenhall Park, Johnston, Haverfordwest SA62 3PT.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff on the Frailty Ward at Withybush Hospital for their devoted care of Joan.

All enquiries to Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel 01646 693180

K ERRy A NN B ERRIDGE

THE death occurred suddenly at home on Monday 18th August 2025 of Ms. Kerry Berridge, aged 54 years of First Lane, Pembroke. Kerry will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday 13th September 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for The Wildlife Trust c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, 21, Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4JS & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH or via www.

ecthomasandson.co.uk

A NN P RICE

THE death occurred peacefully at home on Saturday 23rd August 2025 of Mrs. Ann Price aged 79 years of New Road, Begelly. Beloved Wife of 60 years to Glyn. Much loved Mum to Malcolm and Victoria, Nicola and Suen. Cherished Nanna of Dylan, Ben, Thomas, Jacob and William. Adored Sister of Berwyn, John, Lynn and the late Kay.

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

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for The Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg. Narberth SA67 8QH and 21, Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4JS or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

M ICHAEL gRAHAM P RICE

THE death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Wednesday 27th August 2025 of Mr. Michael graham Price aged 81 years and known affectionately as Mike.

Devoted husband of Avice. Dearly loved Dad of Samantha and Philip and father-in-law to Shelley. Cherished Grandad to Nia and Faye. Much loved

brother, brother-in-law and uncle. The funeral service will be held on Monday 15th September 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.00pm.

Immediate family flowers only, with donations in memory of Mike for Pancreatic Cancer, which may be sent c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg. Narberth SA67 8QH and 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

CARAVANS

CLEARANCES ELECTRICAL

RECLAIMED BUILDINg MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

pROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRy

SCRAp METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

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SOUND LIgHT AND STAgE

TECHNOLOgY AND COMpUTERS

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VEHICLE RECOVERY

WINDOWS

Pembs sailor, 23 becomes youngest to sail solo around Britain and Ireland

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has made maritime history by becoming the youngest person ever to sail single-handed around great Britain and Ireland.

Freya Terry, aged 23, set out from Neyland in May 2024 on board her 31-foot yacht Pink Delta, returning last month after a gruelling 3,000-nautical-mile voyage that tested her resilience at sea and her determination to overcome personal battles on land.

The sailing instructor, who works with the Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy, dedicated her journey to raising awareness of mental health, openly sharing her own past experiences with depression, PTSD and self-harm.

“It was messy and ugly and I honestly did not believe a day like this could exist for me,” Freya said after her triumphant homecoming. “For a long time I felt like no one would care if I lived or died. Seeing just how many people do care meant more than I can ever explain.”

PAINTED PINK FOR A PURPOSE

Before setting off, she repainted her 1977-built yacht bright pink, renaming it Pink Delta despite superstition among sailors that changing a vessel’s name brings bad luck.

“She was originally called Black Delta, and I know it’s meant to be bad luck to alter a boat’s name, but I had to change it,” she said. “I looked after her, and I knew that she would look after me, even in the scary moments.”

Freya’s voyage began with drama. Only days after leaving Neyland, her yacht suffered engine failure and was knocked down by a wave, leaving her with a minor head injury before she was rescued by the RNLI.

The incident did not end her challenge. She regrouped and carried on.

RECOgNITION AND SUPPORT

Earlier in her preparations, Freya was honoured in the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

Cymru Wales Impact Awards for her determination to use sailing as a platform to promote positive mental health.

She also launched a fundraising page, promising that any funds not used for the voyage would be donated to the charity MIND.

Her family and friends gathered on the quayside last month to welcome her home. Her mother, Julie Campbell, presented her with a bouquet of sunflowers as she stepped ashore to cheers.

“The sailing was the easiest bit – what was more difficult was learning to live independently and on my own,” Freya said. “The last 460 days I have been living my very best life. Not the easiest, but the very best.”

FUTURE PLANS

Now back on dry land, Freya is preparing for new challenges. She has enrolled on a foundation course in maternity care at Swansea University, with ambitions to qualify as a paramedic.

“My education was disrupted by my mental health, so I don’t have the traditional qualifications, but I think I’m ready to try,” she explained. “The difference is, I have options now. I have a future I want to look forward to.”

And with a smile, she added: “Next up for me is finally getting my manual driving licence. Hopefully it will be a bit easier than 3,000 miles at sea on my own.”

(Pics: Eternal Frame Media)

Ironman Wales to bring major boost to Tenby and Pembrokeshire

TENBY is preparing to welcome more than 2,700 athletes from across the world as Ironman Wales returns to the town on Sunday, September 21.

The endurance triathlon has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most high-profile events, drawing tens of thousands of spectators and delivering a major economic boost to the county each year.

Race director Rebecca Sutherland described it as “the jewel in the crown of our UK season,” adding: “The support in Tenby and right across Pembrokeshire is something truly special. The atmosphere created by the crowds is second to none, with people lining the streets and cheering from dawn until nightfall.”

A COURSE TO TEST THE TOUgHEST

Competitors will begin with a twolap, 2.4-mile swim off Tenby’s North

Beach before embarking on a 112mile cycle through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The route takes in steep climbs, sweeping sea views and passes several of the county’s historic castles.

The challenge concludes with a four-lap marathon through Tenby town centre, where thousands of supporters are expected to pack the narrow streets, creating one of the most intense atmospheres of any Ironman event worldwide.

FAMOUS FACES AND LOCAL HEROES

Among those taking part this year is Wales rugby legend Shane Williams, who has become a regular competitor in Tenby. He will be joined by former professional rugby player Luke Ambler, now an endurance athlete and mental health campaigner. Ambler is completing the race as part of his Mission Possible 2025 campaign

with teammate Jonny, aiming to finish all five UK Ironman events to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

Ironman Wales has also developed a reputation for high levels of local participation, recording the highest percentage of local entrants across the entire global Ironman series.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AND LEgACY

The race weekend begins on the Friday with a community run for registered athletes. On race day itself, youngsters aged three to fifteen will also get their chance to cross the famous M-dot finish arch in the Ironkids races, which attract more than 2,500 children each year and have already sold out for 2025.

Local businesses also benefit from the event’s huge popularity. Research from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority suggests Ironman Wales contributes over £3.5 million to the visitor economy across

the race weekend. When competitor training visits and support crew spending are included, the overall impact rises to more than £4 million, with the organisers themselves directly spending around £500,000 on the event.

Held in September, Ironman Wales plays a key role in extending Pembrokeshire’s tourism season, supporting hotels, restaurants and shops long after the summer crowds have gone.

LOOKINg AHEAD

Entries for Ironman Wales 2026 will open exclusively at this year’s event before being released online to the wider public.

With its combination of world-class sport, passionate community support and clear economic impact, Ironman Wales is set to remain one of the defining fixtures of the Pembrokeshire calendar.

Caernarfon fight back to deny Bluebirds at the Meadow

League leaders Caernarfon Town were forced to settle for a point at the Bridge Meadow on Saturday, after a spirited second-half display denied Haverfordwest County all three.

The Bluebirds had taken the lead seven minutes before the interval when striker Ben Ahmun calmly sent Connor Roberts the wrong way from the penalty spot. The spot-kick came after Ahmun robbed centre-half Phil Mooney on the end of a perfectly weighted through ball from skipper Corey Shephard.

Up to that point, the home side had looked the more threatening. Ahmun and strike partner Ben Fawcett worked well in tandem, linking with Shephard, Iori Humphries and wing-back Rhys Abbruzzese to good effect. Humphries slipped the ball inside Dominic Smith only for Fawcett to miss the target, while Ahmun dragged another chance wide after more incisive play from Shephard. Despite his slight frame, Fawcett proved an effective focal point, holding up possession and feeding the runners from midfield.

Referee Ryan Kenny was quick to make his presence felt, issuing an early booking to Caernarfon’s Sam Downey, before Shephard and Iwan Lewis were

also cautioned after a heated exchange. Fawcett joined them in the book for a foul as tempers threatened to boil over.

At the back, Dan Hawkins produced a timely clearance, while goalkeeper Luc Rees underlined his growing reputation with a one-handed save on the line and confident handling throughout. Rees’ distribution also set the platform for the tireless running of Ahmun and Fawcett as County pushed towards the Prendergast End.

The second half began with Caernarfon firmly on the front foot. Within a minute, Ahmun’s header forced Roberts into a fine save on the goal-line, much to the delight of the travelling “Cofi Army”, who roared their side forward.

As the match wore on, Sion Bradley’s corners and free-kicks began to cause problems in the home area, with Rees bravely denying Adam Davies at close quarters — taking a knock to the face for his troubles.

The breakthrough finally came on 75 minutes, and it was no surprise that it arrived from a set piece. Bradley’s inswinging corner found the head of Smith, who outjumped Kyle McCarthy and Alaric Jones to level the scores.

The second half also saw a flurry

of yellow cards, with Walters, Jones, goalkeeper Rees and substitute Luc Owen all going into Kenny’s notebook. Caernarfon were by far the stronger side after the interval, with Ricky Watts marshalling the defence and Smith and Dan Gossett driving the visitors forward. Yet despite their pressure,

they could not find a way past Rees, who was named man of the match. The young keeper produced a crucial late intervention, forcing Davies to lift a golden chance over the bar in stoppage time, ensuring the Bluebirds held on for a deserved share of the spoils in front of 476 supporters.

manderwood Pembrokeshire leagUe

Fixtures

Division

Hakin

Division

Solva Reserves v Johnston II

St Ishmaels Res v Newport Tigers

Division 5

Broad Haven Reserves v Narberth Reserves

Herbrandston Res v Kilgetty III

Letterston Res v N Hedges Saundersfoot II

Milford Athletic Res v Prendergast Villa II

Milford United III v Haverfordwest CC Res

St Clears Res v Lawrenny Res

Caernarfon fight back to deny Bluebirds at the Meadow