The Pembrokeshire Herald 07/03/2025

Council Tax rise for residents at 9.35% agreed

PEMBROKEHIRE taxpayers are to see their bills increase by 9.35 percent after “political tribalism was set aside,” but an alternative lower proposal by the Conservative group was defeated.

Today’s March 6 meeting of full council was to consider three potential increases in council tax, 9.85 percent previously recommended by Cabinet, a 9.35 percent rise proposed by the Independent group led by Cllr Huw Murphy, which was later supported by the ruling coalition, and a 7.5 percent rate proposed by the Conservative group.

The council was to decide the annual budget, which includes the council tax element, on February 20 but that meeting was deferred until March 6, in part awaiting the final Welsh government local government settlement, which saw the county gain a small amount of extra money, worth roughly an extra £500,000, reducing its funding gap to £26.9m.

At the March 6 meeting, Cabinet member for finance Cllr Joshua Beynon moved the Independent-proposed budget be adopted rather than the previous 9.85 percent council tax rise one, seconded by Independent group member Cllr Alan Dennison.

The 9.35 percent increase adds £141.25 to the average bill over last year’s rate.

The Conservatives’ alternate budget of 7.5 percent was proposed by group leader Cllr Di Clements, saying there was a need to make “tough choices” with “a limited pot,” adding last year’s council tax increase of 12.5 percent was “one of the highest in the UK,” with “a significant rise” again proposed this year.

The Conservative proposals included addressing deficits in council leisure services by partnering with a national leisure trust, along with increasing the education budget by £6.6 million in the next financial year.

Cllr Clements added: “The budget choices will get harder and harder, we believe we cannot keep doing the same thing, slicing services until there is nothing left, that is why we are looking at alternate ways of providing services.”

She was joined by group spokesman for finance Cllr Aled Thomas who said people were “sick and tired of the status quo,” adding: “Taxpayers shouldn’t be burdened with failures of this local authority, whether vanity projects or failures to make efficiency savings; it is the taxpayer that pays for this, we owe it to them to be responsible.”

Cllr Alec Cormack, the former Cabinet

members, with 13 against.

member for finance, said he sympathised and supported some elements of the Conservative proposals but felt some parts were “not fully developed,” with “a very serious risk that many of these measures would not really deliver savings in 2025-’26,” adding: “I do not feel this really leads us to a balanced budget”.

After lengthy debate, the Conservative proposal was defeated by 45 votes to 13.

Leader Cllr Jon Harvey quoted from his speech when he was elected leader, saying he was happy to work on crossparty consensus politics, adding: “Cllr Huw Murphy shared a budget proposal, which we’re grateful for, not too dissimilar to the one proposed by Cabinet, considered to be a proposal we could jointly put forward, a pragmatic approach rather than an adversarial approach.”

He told members the 9.35 percent increase would lead to a county council part of the overall tax bill for the average Band D property would now be £1,651.97 in Pembrokeshire against Ceredigion’s £1,886.57 for the forthcoming financial year.

The final bill is calculated by adding the police precept, set at £360.68 for a Band D property, and individual town and community council precepts.

He warned there were still elements in the budget that were “a risk,” with challenging efficiency savings needed.

The 9.35 percent rise was backed by

Warrant issued for harassment

A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Haverfordwest woman accused of harassment.

The warrant was issued by Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday following Lynette Derrington’s failure to appear at court.

Derrington, 41, of St Margaret’s Close, Merlin’s Bridge, Haverfordwest, is accused of harassing a male by sending him numerous unwanted text messages between July 13 and August 13, 2024.

Speaking after the meeting, Independent group Leader Cllr Murphy said their supported proposal was “about doing what’s right by our most vulnerable, not doing what’s necessarily popular”.

He reiterated his party being “critical friends to the Administration”

who would not “oppose for the sake of opposition,” welcoming the Cabinet support his party’s proposal, where “political tribalism was set aside for the good of our residents,” welcoming it as “progressive and mature politics on a very difficult subject, namely council tax”.

“In life it’s about making the difficult decisions not about making popular decisions that we are measured against.

“No tax rise is welcomed but today was a balance of offering the lowest council tax that was realistically possible versus the services we provide, much of it statutory.”

Cllr Aled Thomas of the Conservative group reacted to the vote, saying: “It’s disappointing that the Independent Group and Cabinet came together today to vote for the continued tax and spend mindset, at the expense of Pembrokeshire residents.

“The Conservative group proposed an ambitious budget with innovative ideas signalling change, and it was great to hear members across the chamber agree that change can’t come quick enough.

“Despite today’s result, the Welsh Conservative group will continue to fight for the best value for money for the hardworking Pembrokeshire taxpayers.”

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Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Oakwood Theme Park closes permanently after 38 years

Future of site uncertain as tourism industry reels from shock closure

OAKWOOD THEME PARK one of Wales’ most iconic attractions, has announced its immediate closure, confirming it will not reopen for the 2025 season. The park’s owners, Aspro Parks, cited ongoing financial challenges as the reason for the decision, bringing an end to nearly four decades of operation.

In a statement issued today, Aspro Parks said: “It is with much sadness that we have to announce the immediate closure of Oakwood Theme Park and confirm the park will not open for the 2025 season.

Following a strategic review of the business, Aspro Parks, owner and operator of Oakwood Theme Park, has reached this difficult decision due to the challenges presented by the current business environment.

All possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss that will be felt as a result.”

The company, which took over Oakwood in 2008, stated that despite investing over £25 million into the park, visitor numbers had declined, making further investment unsustainable. A major refurbishment of Megafobia, the park’s iconic wooden roller coaster, was completed last year to critical acclaim, but it was not enough to offset financial difficulties.

Aspro Parks continued: “The unrelenting economic challenges ahead, increases in costs affecting all areas of the operation from ride parts to electricity costs, food and beverage inflation, increases in National Living Wage and changes to national insurance thresholds have all

impacted the decision.

In the entire history of Aspro, we have never closed any park or attraction. We, and our dedicated team of staff, have strived to overcome numerous challenges to continue to bring joy to families and visitors across the region and country. Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and, where possible, redeploy our team elsewhere.”

The announcement marks the end of an era for the Pembrokeshire-based theme park, which has been a fixture of Welsh tourism since its opening in 1987.

THE RISE AND fALL Of OAKWOOD

Oakwood Theme Park was founded in 1987 by the McNamara family, who owned farmland in Pembrokeshire. Facing challenges in agriculture following the introduction of milk quotas, they pivoted towards tourism, initially developing a small family attraction with go-karts, a wooden fort, and a water chute.

As Oakwood grew, it gained national recognition, particularly with the introduction of Megafobia in 1996. The wooden roller coaster, built by USbased Custom Coasters International, was praised as one of the best in Europe and helped Oakwood attract visitors from across the UK.

Further expansions followed, including Speed: No Limits, a

97-degree drop roller coaster added in 2006, as well as water rides and family attractions. However, by the late 2000s, the park began struggling with financial difficulties, leading to its sale to Aspro Parks in 2008.

The Spanish-based leisure group initially invested in new attractions, including a rebranding effort focused on a younger audience. However, visitor numbers continued to decline, and Oakwood found itself struggling to compete with other UK theme parks, particularly those owned by Merlin Entertainments.

Oakwood made headlines across the UK in 2004 following a tragedy. Hayley Williams, 16, died after falling 100ft from the top of the Hydro rollercoaster.

An inquest into her death in 2006 heard a safety bar designed to restrain passengers as the ride plummeted down a near-vertical chute at 50mph had not been lowered.

But an unlawful killing verdict was ruled out as there was no evidence of gross negligence by anyone involved, according to the coroner. But two years later Oakwood Leisure, which ran the park at the time of the accident, was fined £250,000 in court after admitting staff had failed to ensure passengers were safely restrained.

IMPACT ON PEMBROKESHIRE TOURISM

Oakwood’s closure will be a significant blow to the local economy. The park has been one of the biggest tourist attractions in West Wales, drawing families from across the country and supporting jobs in the region.

Tourism experts warn that losing Oakwood could have a ripple effect on nearby businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport providers that benefited from visitors to the park.

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “I am deeply saddened by the news that Oakwood Theme Park will be closing.

“This is a huge blow for the dedicated staff, the local community, and the tourism economy of Pembrokeshire. For over three decades, Oakwood has been a beloved attraction, bringing joy to generations of families and visitors from across Wales and beyond.

“It has been a key employer in the region and a vital part of our tourism offer, and its closure will be felt keenly by many.

“My immediate thoughts are with the staff who have lost their jobs and their livelihoods.

The end of an era

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“I urge Aspro Parks to do everything possible to support their employees at this difficult time, including exploring redeployment opportunities within their wider business. This closure highlights the pressures facing the tourism and hospitality industry.

“There are significant economic challenges as the industry changes and continues to recover from the pandemic. It is crucial that we work together to support the sector and safeguard the jobs and attractions that are so important to our communities.

“I will be engaging with all relevant stakeholders to assess the impact of this closure and explore what can be done to support the local economy in the wake of this decision. If you have been affected by this closure and need support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office.”

Paul Miller, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, and Leisure, told The Herald on Tuesday evening: “I am obviously really disappointed with the news that Oakwood is closing. I have fond childhood memories of visiting there when I was younger. However, I think we all realise that in more recent years we have not seen the level of investment that would allow Oakwood to compete as a top-tier attraction. This will obviously have an effect on tourism, but I am not sure that it will have as big of an effect as when the park was more popular in its earlier days.”

When asked about the future of the former Oakwood site, Cllr Miller added: “It’s a prime site in the National Park near the Bluestone resort.” His remarks suggest that he expects the site will attract interest from developers.

Samuel Kurtz, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd, said the park’s closure was “deeply sad” and he reiterated Cllr Miller’s comments sating tat the park had a “special place in the hearts of many”.

Dan Mills, a prominent figure in Milford Haven’s hospitality sector and owner of Martha’s Vineyard restaurant, has also weighed in on the impact of Oakwood’s closure. Mills stated: “Expect more of this as the effects of Rachel from Accounts’ budget hit

hospitality and tourism businesses hard! Add to that the Welsh Labour Government’s anti-tourist policies and West Wales will be in continual decline until there is change!”

Mills’ reference to “Rachel from Accounts” alludes to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent budget, which includes measures impacting the hospitality and tourism sectors. Additionally, his mention of “anti-tourist policies” points to the Welsh Government’s proposed Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, which would empower local authorities to introduce a levy on overnight stays in visitor accommodations.

The bill proposes a charge of £0.75 per person per night for campsites and hostels, and £1.25 for other accommodation types, aiming to generate funds for local services and infrastructure to support tourism.

Critics argue that such a levy could deter visitors and adversely affect the tourism industry, especially in regions like West Wales that heavily rely on tourism revenue. The closure of Oakwood Theme Park, a significant attraction in the area, has heightened these concerns, with local business owners like Mills fearing a potential decline in tourism and its ripple effects on the local economy.

The Welsh Government maintains that the proposed levy is designed to create a fair contribution from visitors to support and sustain local tourism infrastructure. They emphasize that the funds collected would be reinvested into communities to enhance facilities and services that benefit both residents and tourists.

WHAT NEXT? WILL BLUESTONE STEP IN?

Speculation is now mounting over what will happen to the Oakwood site. One of the key questions is whether the McNamara family, the original founders of Oakwood and now the owners of the nearby Bluestone National Park Resort, will be interested in acquiring the park.

Bluestone has expanded significantly in recent years, investing in luxury lodges, the Serendome allweather play area, and other familyfriendly experiences. Some industry

believe that Bluestone could either attempt to revive Oakwood or redevelop the site for a different leisure offering.

One possibility is that the land could be incorporated into Bluestone’s existing resort, offering additional accommodation or adventure-based experiences. However, no official comment has been made by Bluestone regarding any interest in acquiring Oakwood.

Meanwhile, another factor to consider is the recent wind turbine planning applications submitted for the

area. Documents suggest that energy from these turbines could supply local businesses, including Oakwood and Bluestone. If Bluestone were to expand onto the Oakwood site, renewable energy could play a role in any future development plans. The end of an era The closure leaves Wales without a major theme park, and its loss will be felt by generations who once considered Oakwood a rite of passage for thrill-seekers. As Pembrokeshire looks to the future, all eyes will be on Bluestone and the potential redevelopment of the Oakwood site.

insiders

Some of the rides in Oakwood have been dismantled in recent weeks

Hayley Williams: Sadly died at the theme park in 2004, age 16.

Welsh tourism at risk as Oakwood closure sparks wider concerns

THE CLOSURE of Oakwood Theme Park has sent shockwaves through the Welsh tourism industry, with fears mounting that it signals the start of a wider crisis for hospitality and tourism businesses across the country.

With over 20% of Pembrokeshire’s workforce employed in tourism and hospitality, the park’s sudden closure will not only impact its employees but have wider economic repercussions. Local businesses, from hotels and B&Bs to restaurants and attractions, are expected to feel the effects as visitor numbers decline.

A combination of decisions by both

the Welsh and UK governments has led to mounting pressure on the sector. Increases in National Insurance, council tax premiums, the introduction of a 182-day minimum occupancy rule for holiday lets, and the proposed Welsh visitor levy (commonly referred to as a ‘tourist tax’) are all adding strain on businesses already struggling with rising costs.

Despite these concerns, First Minister Mark Drakeford MS recently denied in a Senedd finance committee evidence session that these policies

were having a cumulative impact on tourism. However, industry leaders and local businesses argue otherwise, warning that the sector cannot withstand so many policy changes without long-term damage.

Tourism is worth an estimated £3.8 billion to the Welsh economy annually, providing employment in many areas where alternative job opportunities are scarce. Without sustainable policies that support the sector, local communities could see an exodus of workers forced to leave in search of employment elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the industry commented: “It is surely becoming obvious that a single sector cannot

swallow so many changes without there being a cumulative – and wideranging – effect which will filter out to the whole economy. Many parts of Wales are reliant on tourism, and without it, communities will struggle to survive.”

Local MP Henry Tufnell also voiced his concerns about the closure, stating: “The closure of Oakwood Theme Park is incredibly disappointing news for Pembrokeshire. For over 30 years, it has been a much-loved attraction, bringing enjoyment to families across Wales and beyond, as well as supporting local jobs and the tourism industry.

My first thoughts are with the staff who have lost their jobs. This will be an extremely difficult time for them, and I urge Aspro Parks to provide as much support as possible.

Oakwood has been an iconic part of Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy, drawing tourists, creating employment, and contributing to local businesses that have relied on its success. Its closure will undoubtedly be felt across the community, and we must now focus on what comes next for the site and the people affected. The last thing Pembrokeshire needs is a derelict site that is sat empty for years.

I will be speaking with stakeholders to understand the full impact of this decision and what can be done to support those affected. If you need assistance, please do get in touch with my office.”

With Oakwood’s closure described as “just the tip of the iceberg,” concerns are growing that more tourism businesses across Wales could soon follow suit unless urgent action is taken to protect the industry.

Neverland: At Oakwood Theme Park in 2017

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MP denies leaking tax changes before Budget

LOCAL MP Henry Tufnell has denied claims that he provided his father with inside information regarding upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief, which were announced in the autumn Budget.

The controversy arose after reports that Mr Tufnell’s father placed part of the family’s multi-million-pound agricultural estate in a trust weeks before Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the tax changes.

Speaking to The Times last weekend, Mr Tufnell revealed that part of his family’s Cotswold estate had been placed in a trust, with his brother Albermarle as the beneficiary. While entirely legal, the move could save the estate £4m in Inheritance Tax if Mr Tufnell’s father lives another seven years.

The Times reported that Henry

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Association, he sits on the board of Natural England, he’s all over what goes on in the industry.

“So when it’s being briefed out that there might be changes, of course I talked to him.”

Taking those words at face value, Mr Tufnell describes a situation in which he heard speculation about a change in Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief and mentioned it to his father. Mr Tufnell states that his parents’ actions were based on industry speculation and professional advice rather than any conversation he had with them. We accept, without reservation, that Henry Tufnell’s parents acted on that independent advice following widely reported speculation

received, although Mr Tufnell’s representatives had confirmed that a substantive response was forthcoming shortly. However, since publication, Mr. Tufnell’s representatives have clarified that he views discussions of publicly available information as an important part of engaging with his constituents and that there was nothing improper about discussing media speculation with his father.

At the time of writing, at 6:00pm on Wednesday, we had not received a response to either question.

LEgAL INTERVENTION BEfORE RESPONSE

Before we received answers to our questions, Mr Tufnell’s legal team at Carter-Ruck intervened. In an email at 5:00pm on Wednesday, they urged us not to publish anything until they had

for her abject failure to understand basic farm economics. Instead of targeting land speculators who invest in agricultural land for tax relief, the Chancellor’s changes risk breaking up family farms and damaging the UK’s future food security. The spectacle of Labour MPs, including Henry Tufnell, calling upon farmers to act now to avoid paying their “fair share”, as members of the Cabinet call it, is politically “interesting”.

Mr Tufnell never raised the issue in Parliament. On social media this week, he called for “a review” of the policy.

NFU Cymru has lobbied against the changes since the media speculated about the possibility following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s interview with the BBC on July 30. The union confirmed to us that they heard rumours of the change and lobbied Wales’s MPs to head off Rachel Reeves’s tax grab.

“We face an incredibly difficult situation, but there is still time for the Treasury to stop and think again,” NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said.

“The legitimate proposal we put to the Minister and his officials remains on the table for their consideration, and I urge them to reconsider. It will still enable the Treasury to raise further funds, it will offer a fairer and more balanced way forward, and remove much of the jeopardy for our agricultural sector, including the significant emotional and financial pressures—not forgetting the risks to national food security.”

Rachel Reeves: Accused of not understanding farm economics by unions

Paddleboard company owner admits manslaughter

fOUR people tragically lost their lives during a paddleboarding tour on the River Cleddau in October 2021, including Nicola Wheatley, 40, Morgan Rogers, 24, Paul O’Dwyer, 42, and Andrea Powell, 41.

The owner of the paddleboard company, Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Port Talbot, has pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter at Swansea Crown Court. The victims were part of a tour operated by Lloyd’s nowdissolved company, Salty Dog. Lloyd also admitted to one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The incident occurred on October 30, 2021, despite severe weather warnings and heavy flooding in the area. The river was flowing fast, and the weir was in an extremely hazardous condition, leading to the tragic deaths of the four participants. Three of them became trapped after being pulled over the top of the Haverfordwest Town Weir.

O’Dwyer, who was an instructor on the tour, initially exited the river safely but re-entered in an attempt to rescue the others. All four victims drowned. Lloyd, a former police officer, was not qualified to lead paddleboarding tours in such dangerous conditions. The prosecution revealed that her planning and supervision were severely inadequate, and there were no proper safety briefings or risk assessments

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conducted. Participants were unaware that they would be crossing the weir, and no alternatives for exiting the water were provided.

Lisa Rose, a specialist prosecutor from the CPS, described the incident as “an avoidable tragedy.” She explained, “Despite checking the river’s state before the tour, Nerys Lloyd failed to inspect the weir, where the majority of participants had limited experience.”

Lloyd’s decision to proceed with the tour despite the dangers ultimately led to the deaths. She will remain on bail until her sentencing in April.

This case followed a joint investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Guilty pela: Nerys Bethan Lloyd (Image: Facebook/Herald)

Kurtz hails Welsh ports as economic powerhouses

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has reaffirmed his commitment to securing high-quality jobs and economic growth for Pembrokeshire, highlighting the crucial role Welsh ports play in trade and industry.

Hosting an event at the historic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, Kurtz welcomed industry leaders, including outgoing Welsh Ports Group Chair Andrew Harston, British Ports Association Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne, and Celtic Freeport Chief Executive Luciana Ciubotariu. Discussions centred on the success of Welsh ports and their potential to drive investment, job creation, and trade.

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, was also in attendance and was congratulated on his appointment as the new Chair of the Welsh Ports Group.

CRUCIAL TRADE LINKS

Welsh ports act as vital gateways between Ireland, Wales, and global markets, handling 11.6% of all freight arriving into the UK. They sustain industries, create jobs, and strengthen international connections, playing a pivotal role in trade, tourism, and economic growth.

Speaking after the event, Samuel Kurtz MS said:

“Our ports are economic lifelines that sustain communities, create skilled jobs, and drive prosperity. From Pembroke Port, Milford Haven and Fishguard to Holyhead and beyond, these ports ensure Wales remains a

competitive hub for global trade and investment.

“Whether it’s boosting local employment, supporting businesses,

or strengthening our trade links, our ports are central to Wales’ future success. They provide well-paid jobs and attract new industries, particularly in renewable energy and freeports, which are vital for Pembrokeshire’s long-term prosperity.

“This event highlighted the value of our ports and the hardworking people who keep them running. Their role in shaping Wales’ economic future cannot be underestimated, and I will continue to champion their importance in the Senedd.”

Pembroke Dock man to appear in court over indecent child images

A PEMBROKE Dock man is set to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court today (Mar 4) accused of possessing indecent images of children.

Andrew Davies, 36, of Brewery

Street, Pembroke Dock, is facing three charges under the Criminal Justice Act 1988. The court will hear allegations that between April 2, 2019, and June 1, 2022, he was in possession of 44 Category C, 14 Category B, and 9

Category A indecent images of children.

The charges relate to offences classified by UK law based on severity, with Category A representing the most serious level of material.

Davies’ first hearing is scheduled for 2:00pm. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 12 months in prison and an unlimited fine.

The Herald will provide updates as the case progresses.

Mother feared for child’s safety as woman punched man in underpass

MEMBERS of the public have described how they feared for their safety, as well as that of their young children, after hearing a 29-yearold woman scream obscenities and repeatedly punch a man in a town centre underpass.

Shannon Charge was observed in the underpass close to the Morrisons superstore, Haverfordwest, just before 5:00pm on August 30 by members of the public who had arrived at the bus station following a trip to Folly Farm with their young children.

As they approached the underpass, they saw Charge spit violently into the face of her male companion before

lunging punches towards his head and upper torso. Despite attempts by the male to calm the situation down, Charge’s behaviour continued to spiral out of control.

“She started punching him repeatedly to his body while he was on the phone, telling her to keep away from him as he was trying to phone the police,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“She then turned her attention to the public, shouting, ‘Shut the f*** up. It’s nothing to do with you.’”

One of the bystanders became increasingly concerned for the safety of her three-year-old child after the infant was ‘almost kicked’ by Shannon.

Shannon Charge, of Pater Court, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause distress and to two charges of assaulting Aidan Hughes by beating.

Charge was sentenced to an 18-month community order, including a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement, and 20 rehabilitation activity days. She was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the mother of the young child, £170 costs, a £114 surcharge, and an £80 fine.

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Pembrokeshire parent fined for child’s school absence

A PEMBROKESHIRE parent has been fined after admitting responsibility for their child’s persistent school absence.

The woman pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 27) to failing to ensure her 15-year-old child attended school regularly at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

The court heard that between June 13 and June 25, 2024, the child had missed a significant amount of school without a valid excuse.

Under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996, parents can be prosecuted if their child fails to attend school regularly without a lawful reason.

Magistrates imposed a six-month conditional discharge, meaning the woman will not face further penalty unless another offence is committed within that period. She was also ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge and £150 in prosecution costs.

Due to legal restrictions protecting the identity of minors in court proceedings, the child’s name and any identifying details cannot be reported.

The defendant has been given time to pay the total amount, with the court ordering payments of £10 per week from March 27.

Did you know?

UK parents have been fined more than £10 million for taking their children out of school during term time, as councils continue to clamp down on

unauthorised absences.

With fines starting at £60 per child, per parent—doubling to £120 if unpaid within 21 days—families are being forced to think twice before booking cheaper holidays outside peak season.

New research highlights growing concern among parents, with thousands searching online for information about school fines, term dates, and attendance rules.

In the 2022/23 school year alone,

resulting in parents collectively paying more than £10 million in fines.

For families with multiple children, the costs escalate quickly. A two-parent household with two children could face penalties of up to £480 if fines are not paid on time.

WHO PAYS THE fINE IN SEPARATED fAMILIES?

One of the most pressing concerns

for separated parents is whether both will be fined. The answer is yes—if both have parental responsibility. Fines are typically issued per child, per parent, meaning a separated couple with two children could receive four fines in total. While some councils may consider custody arrangements, many apply the fines equally, regardless of which parent booked the holiday.

SCHOOLS RARELY APPROVE ABSENCES

Term-time absences are rarely authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement or a military parent returning from deployment.

PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT:

• Fines are issued by local councils, not schools

• Unpaid fines can lead to legal action

• Some councils issue thousands of fines each year

Molly Ejdowski, Brand Marketing Manager at My 1st Years, said: “Every parent wants to create special memories with their children, but term-time absence rules make this difficult. With fines adding up quickly, parents should check official policies before booking trips. While Google can provide quick answers, each school and council has its own regulations, so checking official sources is always the best approach.”

Milford Haven man fined for littering in Haverfordwest

A MILfORD HAVEN man has been fined after being found guilty of littering in Haverfordwest by dropping a cigarette butt.

Kevin Owens, 66, of Stratford Road, had denied the charge but was convicted after a trial at Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 27).

The offence occurred on June 27, 2024, on the A487 in Haverfordwest, where Owens was seen throwing down and leaving a cigarette butt in a public area. Under the Environmental

Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to deposit litter in a place to which the public has access.

Following his conviction, magistrates fined Owens £160 and ordered him to pay a £64 victim surcharge, along with £200 in prosecution costs, bringing the total amount owed to £424.

The court imposed a collection order, requiring Owens to pay £24 per month starting in March until the full amount is settled.

Teenager banned from driving after drug-driving offence

AN 18-YEAR-OLD motorist has been disqualified from driving after admitting to driving when she was over three times the legal drug-drive limit.

Macy Cobb was stopped by officers

in the early hours of August 14 as she drove her Skoda Fabia along Bush Hill in Pembroke. Subsequent drug tests confirmed she had 7 mcg of Delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol in her system. The

legal limit is 2.

This week, Cobb, of Lowless Close, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates in tears, where she pleaded guilty to the drug-driving charge.

Cobb was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £80. She must also pay £85 in court costs and a £32 court surcharge.

Former police CCTV operator in court over misconduct charges

A fORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (March 5) charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act. Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional

Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned while under investigation for alleged offences committed between 2020 and 2022.

Following today’s hearing, Hasler was bailed to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 4, 2025.

Charged and remanded following e-bike crash

A MAN has been charged with drug, financial crime, and driving offences following a road traffic collision at Hakin Point, Milford Haven, on Saturday (Mar 1).

Justin Cadwell, 28, was arrested after the crash, which occurred at approximately 7:00pm.

The incident involved an electronic bike (e-bike) carrying two people, which collided with a wall.

The passenger was airlifted to

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hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or lifechanging.

Cadwell, the rider of the e-bike, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, Mar 3) and was remanded in custody. He is set to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 4, 2025.

man with ‘horrific’ criminal record banned from driving

A PEMBROKESHIRE man with a criminal record described as ‘horrific’ by his solicitor has reappeared before magistrates after refusing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Andrew Johnson, 49, was arrested by police officers on February 16 following a 16-year break from crime.

“How on earth he’s kept out of trouble since 2009 is unbelievable,” his solicitor, David Griffiths, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “His criminal record is horrific, and between 1995 and 2009, it really beggars belief.”

Mr Griffiths failed to outline details of Johnson’s previous convictions.

The most recent offence took place after officers visited his home address at Picton Terrace, Carew, to question him about a suspected drink-driving offence. Johnson informed officers that he hadn’t driven since the previous day; however, CCTV footage showed him getting into his vehicle at the time of the alleged offence. He provided officers with a breath sample which gave a reading of 91 mcg. However, when he arrived at the police custody suite for further tests, he refused to cooperate.

This week, Johnson pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

“He comes before you now as someone of clean character, and since 2009 he’s taken matters into his own

hands to rehabilitate himself properly,” added David Griffiths. “This is going to be a glitch that he’s got to get over and get his life back on course.”

Meanwhile, probation officer Julie Norman informed magistrates that Johnson is currently attempting to address his alcohol consumption.

“He went through a very stable period when he was married with two children, but the relationship broke down in 2023,” she said. “Since then, he’s resorted back to alc

Ms Norman added that following his latest offence, Johnson has undertaken an alcohol detoxification treatment at Withybush Hospital.

After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Johnson from driving for 18 months.

Woman sentenced for head butting police officer

A 42-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire woman has been sentenced for headbutting a police officer and threatening to smash another female officer’s face.

This week, Haverfordwest magistrates were told that on the evening of February 10, Emma Taylor was arrested for questioning by police officers in relation to another matter.

“During the incident, the defendant proceeded to scratch the officers’ hands while one of them was headbutted, causing an injury,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“She also made threats to smash the officer’s face in, so there was obviously a general resistance to her arrest.”

The incident was observed by a member of the public who, fearing for the safety of the two female police officers, decided to intervene by holding the defendant’s legs, preventing her from kicking out.

Taylor, who is temporarily residing at a flat in Glebe House, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting an emergency worker.

She was legally represented in

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court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who said her client has shown ‘genuine remorse’ for her actions.

“The police were called as a result of an assault on the defendant,” she said. “She was very intoxicated and disorientated, and this was heightened by concerns that she believed her dog had gone missing.

“She had also recently lost some close family members, so the situation escalated, and she was stressed.

“She feels that everything is crumbling around her, but she wants to work with probation so that they can help her stay sober.

After considering a detailed probation report, magistrates sentenced Taylor to a 12-month community order, during which she must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and wear a 90-day alcohol abstinence tag. She was ordered to pay a total of £150 in compensation to the police officers, a £114 court surcharge, and £85 costs.

Carmarthenshire man jailed for life for murdering son’s partner

A MAN has been jailed for life after murdering his son’s partner in a brutal attack, believing she had scammed him out of property deeds.

Sophie Evans, 32, was found naked and face down on the kitchen floor of a house in Llanelli on July 5, 2024. Richard Jones, 50, from Burry Port, was convicted of her murder at Swansea Crown Court in January.

Jones, who denied murder but admitted manslaughter with diminished responsibility, was sentenced on Monday and must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.

‘CALLOUS INDIffERENCE’

The court heard Jones was convinced Ms Evans had manipulated him into signing over the deeds to his mother’s house. On the morning of the murder, he went to her home shortly after she had taken her children to school, attacked her, and then left the property.

Prosecutor Mike Jones told the court that Jones was “not experiencing significant emotional distress” at the time and had shown “callous indifference” to his actions. “By his own admission, he had a historic short fuse. On the day in

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question, he lost his temper, attacked Sophie, and strangled her, causing her death.”

CCTV footage showed Jones leaving the property moments after the killing. He then carried on with his day, ordering a new bank card and buying pastries at a bakery.

‘A CRUEL, SENSELESS ACT’

During the sentencing, Sophie Evans’ sister, Kerry Quinlan, read a victim statement on behalf of the family, describing her death as a “cruel, senseless act” that had “changed our family forever”.

“She was the rock of our family and the best mum. Her daughters cry themselves to sleep every night asking for her, but they will never see her again,” she said.

Ms Evans’ partner, Jamie Davies, also gave a statement, describing her as “the most beautiful person I could ask for” and condemning Jones’ actions as “truly unforgivable”.

Jones claimed he suffered from a

delusional disorder, believing he had been deceived by Ms Evans and his son. His defence lawyer, David Elias, said his client was “100% certain” in his belief that he had been scammed. However, a jury rejected his diminished responsibility plea after hearing evidence from two psychiatrists. Senior crown prosecutor Abul Hussain said: “The evidence presented demonstrated that Richard Jones bore full responsibility for his callous actions.”

‘fRENZIED ATTACK’

Sentencing Jones, Judge Geraint Walters described the murder as a “frenzied attack on a woman in a towel in her own home”.

“The duration of the attack was short but frenzied. The force you used meant Sophie must have realised her life was in danger,” he said. “You left the property not making any calls to see if her life could be saved. Instead, you calmly went about your business.”

Jones showed no emotion as he was led from the dock.

Domestic violence order issued after argument over Tesco opening time

AN ALTERCATION between two people as they lay in bed discussing what time Tesco was going to open has resulted in a court appearance after Natalie Roberts found herself in breach of a domestic violence protection notice.

Just before 7:30am on Sunday, March 2, Roberts phoned the police, claiming she had been assaulted by her partner, Michael Daniel Syms.

But when police officers arrived at the property in Barn Court, Mr Syms outlined a catalogue of violence that had been carried out by Roberts.

“They’d been lying in bed discussing what time Tesco was going

to open as they wanted tobacco,” said a legal representative of Dyfed-Powys Police.

“Natalie Roberts then pushed him forcefully so he stumbled back, and she then damaged a radiator cover, causing it to fall off.”

Roberts then proceeded to threaten Mr Syms with the broken radiator cover.

Similarly, in the early hours of February 22, Mr Syms contacted police officers, informing them that Roberts had ‘smashed his flat’ and punched him in the mouth.

“She’d gone off the rails,” Mr Syms informed the officers. “I had to hide

a bottle because she said she was going to smash it over my head. She smashed a cup and punched me in the lip.”

Following her outburst, Roberts, of West Court, Haverfordwest, left the property; however, a short while later she returned, threatening to smash Mr Syms over the face.

After considering the evidence, magistrates imposed a 28-day domestic violence order on Roberts, prohibiting her from entering or going anywhere near Mr Syms’ property at Barn Court, Haverfordwest.

She was also ordered to pay £249 in costs.

Father and daughter in court accused of causing suffering to dogs, pigs and sheep

A PEMBROKESHIRE father and daughter accused of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, pigs and sheep are to be tried before a judge sitting at Swansea Crown Court tomorrow (Tuesday).

Richard Scarfe, 42, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock and Brogan Scarfe, 24, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke both face charges relating to the treatment of the animals which were being being kept on land at the Ridgeway, Lamphey. The alleged offences span from January 25 to April 19, 2022.

Both defendants deny the allegations.

This week the judge was told that the matter has taken a considerable amount of time to reach the courts following a delay in obtaining expert reports as well as difficulties in appointing a defence expert and further complications with the legal aid funding application.

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Prosecution barrister Christian Jowett, KC, informed Judge Catherine Richards sitting at Swansea Crown

Court that there had been a ‘substantial reduction’ in the number of witnesses who will be giving evidence in the trial. As a result, the jury is expected to retire no later than Wednesday, March 12, to

consider their verdict.

Richard Scarfe and Brogan Scarfe were both released on bail pending their trial, which commences on Tuesday, March 4.

Mother admits killing six-year-old son

A SWANSEA mother has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her six-year-old son.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Mar 3), where she admitted killing Alexander Zurawski. The child was found dead at a property on Cwm Du Close, Gendros, on August 29 last year.

Speaking through an interpreter, Zurawska also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of her father, Krzysztof Siwy.

The court heard she was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and entered her pleas on the grounds of diminished responsibility. She was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on April 25.

‘A

KIND AND CLEVER BOY ’

Alexander’s family described him as a “very kind child” who was always well-behaved and “never naughty”.

“He loved playing with his little sister and his dog, Daisy,” they said. “He was amazing—always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.”

The family added he was “very clever and mature for his age,” with a “great understanding of facts” and fluency in both English and Polish.

Alexander was a pupil at Whitestone Primary School in West Cross, Swansea, where head teacher Bethan Peterson said he was “popular among his peers”.

“He was an extremely loved and popular boy with all who knew him,” she said.

Ms Peterson described Alexander as a “delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook”.

She added that the school community was “devastated” by his death and that he would be “sadly missed”.

Drink-driver banned by court after third offence

A DECISION to drive has cost a Pembrokeshire motorist his licence after he pleaded guilty to a drinkdriving charge before Haverfordwest magistrates.

Ross Elliott, 40, of Templeton Farm, Templeton, was stopped by officers on February 12 as he drove his Hyundai Tucson on the A478 at Templeton. A roadside breath test proved positive, while subsequent breath tests carried out at the police custody suite showed he had 90 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

This week, Elliott appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where he pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge.

“What may well give you concern is that the defendant has two similar convictions, although both are outside consideration for the mandatory threeyear ban,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian

Vaughan.

Meanwhile, probation officer Julie Norman said the offence took place after Elliott made the foolish decision to drive a short distance from his home on the night of the offence.

“He drove that short distance, but with such a high level of alcohol, this was a significant risk to other road users,” she said. “Last year, he was in a serious road collision where his back and pelvis were broken. He’d been cooped up in the house for a number of days, and rather than walk like normal people would, he decided to take his vehicle.”

Elliott was banned from driving for 24 months. He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must carry out ten rehabilitation activity days. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Man to be sentenced for indecent images of children

A PEMBROKE DOCK man is to appear before a Crown Court judge for sentencing after admitting possessing the most serious Category A images of children.

Andrew Davies, 36, of Brewery Street, Pembroke Dock, admitted possessing nine indecent Category A images of children, 14 indecent Category B photographs of children, and 44 indecent Category C photographs of

children. The offences were committed between April 2, 2019, and June 1, 2022.

This week, Haverfordwest magistrates declined jurisdiction in the matter, and Davies will now be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on April 1.

He was released on unconditional bail and will be placed on the sex offenders register.

Notorious paedophile cult leader could be freed

ONE of Britain’s most notorious paedophiles, Colin Batley, who led a vile sex cult in the quiet Welsh town of Kidwelly, could be released from prison this week. Batley, now 73, is due for a Parole Board hearing on friday (March 7), where a panel will assess his case and could decide to set him free.

Batley was jailed in 2011 after being found guilty of 35 offences, including multiple rapes and serious sexual assaults. He received an indeterminate sentence of 22 years, with a minimum term of 11 years, and was warned he might never be released.

The former Tesco security guard from London led a quasi-religious cult where children were subjected to systematic abuse for over a decade. He brainwashed and terrorised his victims, threatening them with murder by cult assassins and eternal damnation if they did not comply with his perverse demands.

THIRD ATTEMPT AT fREEDOM

This is Batley’s third parole hearing. Experts fear he may be released despite the severity of his crimes and the dangers he poses to the public. His release would mark a disturbing chapter in the justice system, as all three women who were jailed for their

roles in his cult have already been freed.

Batley’s estranged wife, Elaine Batley, along with Jacqueline Marling and Shelly Millar, were sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison for their part in the cult. The women, who referred to Batley as ‘Lord,’ participated in the abuse and aided in his exploitation of children.

A ‘SICK LITTLE KINgDOM’

Swansea Crown Court heard how Batley created a “sick little kingdom” in the otherwise unsuspecting community of Kidwelly. His home was transformed into a temple filled with satanic idolatry and tanks of snakes, where he would conduct sinister rituals followed by orchestrated group sex.

expressed horror at the possibility of Batley’s release. A spokesperson for a child protection charity said: “This man is a danger to society. His actions destroyed lives. The idea that he could be released is a terrifying prospect.”

Judge Paul Thomas QC, who sentenced Batley, said: “You set yourself up as ruler in your own sick little kingdom… You became their master and formed a community within a community involving child abuse, rape, and prostitution. You are, and for the foreseeable future, a danger to children.”

The abuse continued unchecked for years, despite concerns raised with Carmarthenshire Social Services in 2002. It was not until a brave victim came forward in 2010 that Batley’s web of manipulation and abuse was finally exposed.

CALLS fOR CONTINUED DETENTION

Survivors and campaigners have

The victims, who have already endured a harrowing ordeal, now face renewed trauma as the parole hearing approaches. Many have rebuilt their lives after years of suffering, but the potential release of their abuser threatens to bring back painful memories.

COMMUNITY ON EDgE

The quiet community of Kidwelly remains scarred by the horrors of Batley’s crimes.

Residents are deeply concerned about the prospect of his return. Local councillors have called for assurances that Batley would not be allowed back into the area if released.

The Parole Board’s decision on Friday will be closely watched by both the victims and the wider community. Many hope that justice will prevail and that Batley will remain behind bars,

Woman accused of £85,000 fraud while acting as power of attorney

A 53-YEAR-OLD woman has been brought before magistrates charged with transferring over £80,000 into her bank account while acting as a power of attorney for an elderly person.

Shirley Williams, 53, is accused of committing fraud between January 1, 2019, and April 12, 2022, while acting as a power of attorney for Margaret Ovenden. The Crown alleges that during this period, Williams, of Oakvale, Tavernspite, Whitland, accessed Ovenden’s bank accounts and controlled their outgoings by transferring money into her own accounts. She

is also accused of making personal acquisitions and paying for various services for herself, making a total gain of £85,948.39.

This week, Williams appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where she denied the charge of fraud by abuse of position.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates declined jurisdiction. Williams’ trial will now proceed at Swansea Crown Court on April 4. She was released on conditional bail, with the condition that she must not have any direct or indirect contact with the prosecution witnesses.

Public anger erupts at Neyland Town Council meeting

TENSIONS ran high at Neyland Town Council’s latest meeting on Monday (Mar 3) as members of the public clashed with councillors over calls for resignations, concerns about procedural irregularities, and accusations of the council being run “roughshod.”

CO-OPTION CONTROVERSY

The meeting began with the announcement of the co-option of new councillor Donna Matthews, the mother of Town Clerk Libby Matthews.

Mayor Peter Hay welcomed her to the council, but Cllr Steve Thomas immediately challenged the decision, arguing that it should not have been decided behind closed doors.

“This is not something that could be decided privately—the whole council should have voted on it,” said Cllr Thomas.

Mayor Hay dismissed the objection, stating: “That’s not how co-option has been done in the past.”

Cllr Thomas warned that “proper procedures should be followed” or the appointment “may not be lawful” and could “invalidate the entire meeting.”

The controversy was further heightened by the absence of Town Clerk Libby Matthews. It later emerged that she had taken sick leave due to the ongoing tensions within the council. In an emotional email sent on the morning of the meeting, she accused certain councillors of relentless bullying and harassment, stating that she could no longer endure the pressure and had to prioritise her mental health. She described feeling “forced under a horrible, nasty, abusive spotlight” and said she was taking at least a month’s leave, with the possibility of extending it if the council’s situation did not improve.

BACKgROUND: CO-OPTION PROCESS UNDER SCRUTINY

The co-option of Donna Matthews follows a contentious decision made at a closed-door meeting on February 19, when the council appointed her

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without public scrutiny. The move led to accusations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency. Leaked emails suggested that at least one other valid candidate, Mr. Dickson, had been ignored despite applying, while Clerk Libby Matthews failed to acknowledge his candidacy. The decision triggered community outrage, with many questioning the ethical standards of the council’s leadership.

PETITION TO REMOVE COUNCILLOR IgNORED

The meeting became heated when members of the public were invited to speak.

One attendee directly asked Cllr Mike Harry if anything had been done about a petition demanding his resignation. Several councillors questioned why the petition had not been included on the agenda. Mayor Hay admitted he had not looked into it, saying: “I am very sorry, I have been very busy dealing with the Burial Board.”

The response did not satisfy the public, with one frustrated attendee shouting: “This council has been run roughshod, and it’s the people of Neyland that are the most important!”

Another resident confronted Cllr Harry over comments he allegedly made about local residents.

“Is Cllr Harry going to apologise for his actions? We know what he said—‘The degenerates of the Forrester’s Bar and their cronies.’”

Appearing flustered, Cllr Harry denied the accusation, saying: “I was referring to only three people and not six… The email I sent was read in a certain way and was not factual. Now, let’s move on.”

Cllr Steve Thomas pushed back: “Do not be so aggressive to members of the public—he wants to move on… why?”

Cllr Harry, growing visibly frustrated, responded: “We want to do things as a council for the people of Neyland and not keep talking about this nonsense!”

Mayor under fire for rejecting extraordinary meetings

The Mayor also faced intense criticism over his handling of requests for two extraordinary meetings.

Cllr David Devauden accused him of disregarding the legitimacy of these meetings, shouting: “You are lying!”

Cllr Brian Rothero also raised concerns: “We have had no documentation!”

Mayor Hay defended his stance, stating: “Look, the meeting was not legitimate. I will look into this again when I get a chance.”

His next remark, however, drew further outrage.

“I don’t look at my emails if they are from certain councillors,” he admitted.

This prompted anger from the public, with attendees calling for his resignation. “You’re not working for the good of the town,” one person shouted.

Another resident declared: “As a taxpayer in this town, you lot should all hand your resignations in, and we should get a new council voted in.”

Their comment was met with applause.

MAYOR: “I AM POPULAR IN THE TOWN”

Despite the calls for his resignation, Mayor Hay insisted that he had local support.

“I have had many people come out to support me,” he said. “We are doing the best we can.”

Tensions continued to rise as Cllr Devauden pointed at the Mayor and angrily shouted: “RESIGN!”

A member of the public joined in, addressing Cllr Devauden in particular, saying: “That counts for you all!”

As councillors attempted to restore order, Cllr Steve Thomas defended the right of the public to express their frustrations, saying: “I think the public have important things to say and should be heard.”

Cllr. Ellen Phelan, who was taking notes in the clerk’s absence dismissed this, stating: “That’s not how we do things.”

At that point some members of the

public stood up and walked out, seemingly fed up with their local representatives.

KEY COUNCIL DECISIONS

• Despite the heated exchanges, councillors proceeded with the agenda:

• Councillors will now be allowed to record meetings, provided they inform others in advance.

• The council will consider publishing all meeting recordings on its website, following a request from Cllr Harry.

• A planned visit from 50 French schoolchildren was discussed.

• The ongoing issues with council telephone lines, which have reportedly persisted since 2023, were raised again.

• The council agreed to invite the Police and Crime Commissioner to attend a future meeting to discuss local crime concerns raised by Cllr Harry.

• The council resolved not to re-add Cllr Steve Thomas to the bank mandate.

• Councillors debated the future of the monthly telephone agreement, following a proposal by Cllr Steve Thomas.

• The disbandment of the Christmas Working Group was discussed.

• The council heard about plans for the Sanguinet Committee, VE-Day, and Easter celebrations, led by Cllr P Hay.

• The fireworks display, which last year made a loss of £500, was discussed.

• The council discussed adopting the defibrillator in the changing rooms of the Athletic Clubs.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The controversy surrounding Neyland Town Council is far from over. With tensions running high, calls for resignations growing louder, and disputes over procedural issues continuing, it remains to be seen how the council will respond to the mounting criticism. The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to follow developments.

Calls to go: Cllr Mike Harry

Man sentenced after posting ex-partner’s address on TikTok

A COURT has heard how a woman was made to feel anxious and fearful for her safety after her postal address was published by her former partner in a TikTok video.

Daniel Brooks, 42, texted the woman on August 8, 2024, and the following day posted her full address on TikTok. On August 12, he made further contact with her despite her decision to sever their relationship and sent her two unwanted voice notes.

This week, Brooks, of Sycamore

House, South Parade, Tenby, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where he pleaded guilty to harassment without violence.

Brooks was sentenced to a community order during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. A 12-month restraining order was imposed, preventing him from having any contact with the victim or making any references to her on social media. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Narberth teenager warned of ‘lengthy’ prison term for drug dealing

A TEENAgER from Narberth has been warned he faces a “lengthy” prison sentence after admitting to dealing cocaine and cannabis and possessing thousands of pounds in criminal cash.

Ieuan Duffy, of Hill Park, appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related offences.

Duffy admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of criminal property—£436.25 in cash—on December 6, 2023. He also admitted possession with intent to supply both cocaine and cannabis on January 27 this year, along with possession of criminal property relating to £3,347.05 in cash.

In addition, he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine between January 12 and January 28 this year, as well as being concerned in the supply of cannabis between November 9, 2023, and January 28 this year.

Defence counsel Dan Griffiths told the court that Duffy, now 18, had “no

record to speak of” before his offending began.

Judge Paul Thomas KC granted a pre-sentence report but made it clear this would only determine the length of Duffy’s sentence, stating: “It will be a lengthy sentence.”

Duffy was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on March 21.

Drug-dealing teenager assaulted woman and offering her cash to drop charges

A TEENAgER who assaulted a woman and then offered her £1,000 to withdraw her complaint has also admitted to dealing cocaine and cannabis.

Lohan Chapman, 19, of Primrose Close, Neyland, appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where he faced a series of drug-related charges.

Chapman initially denied possessing

cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis with intent to supply, along with co-defendant Harry Fairbairn, also 19. He also denied possession of the drugs. However, he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine between July 13, 2023, and January 17 this year, as well as being concerned in the supply of cannabis between May 10 last year and January 17.

At a previous hearing, defence counsel David Singh said Chapman accepted his involvement in drug dealing but denied working alongside Fairbairn. Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton confirmed that the Crown accepted Chapman’s pleas, as they accurately reflected the offending shown in the defendants’ text messages.

Chapman had already admitted

battery and perverting the course of justice after attacking a woman on August 1 last year and later offering her money to drop the charges.

Fairbairn had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.

Judge Paul Thomas KC set sentencing for March 7, and Chapman was remanded in custody.

Mum’s plea for sanctuary memorial to her late daughter

A WEST Wales mother’s poignant call for a permanent Pembrokeshire memorial – and sanctuary – in memory of her late daughter has been made to county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council, Emma Thomas, of Ammanford, seeks permission for the extension of a forestry track to enable the planting of woodland along with a memorial pond to her late daughter Mia Haf Sahara Thomas Jones at a field off Brynheulog, near Llangolman.

A personal statement by Emma accompanying the application says: “My name is Emma Thomas, and I am setting up the Mia Sahara Sanctuary in memory of my beautiful daughter, Mia, who tragically and unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 16, on April 19, 2023.

“Mia was a very passionate young lady, and throughout her life enjoyed being in the natural environment absorbing everything it had to offer.

“As Mia’s mother, I must do something positive out of something so, so negative.

“As Mia was to inherit a property on her 18th birthday, as a family, we have decided to purchase land out of the proceeds from the sale. The land is approximately 6.3 acres and lies on the western edge of Llangolman, Pembrokeshire.”

She adds: “My aim is to develop the land by placing a wildlife pond to provide a breeding space for frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies as well as a habitat for a host of other creatures from pond skaters to water snails. The pond will be shallow at one end and will provide areas for birds and a watering hole for hedgehogs.”

Emma said produce grown in existing polytunnels “will be given and shared amongst local charities to support the local population and hopefully a local educational establishment with healthy eating seasonal produce”.

Emma went on to say: “I worked within education before Mia’s health deteriorated at numerous educational establishments internationally. I have a learnt understanding of the issues faced by individuals that live within Pembrokeshire as a single parent caring for a child with needs.

“There is a need for support for so many individuals and a lack of funding and resources can have detrimental consequences.

“In December 2022 Mia and I decided to set up a charity and Mia wrote her introduction to the Forum in advance.”

Mia, in her own words, explained her reasons for the charity: “I have struggled throughout my life with various of different things… At the age

of just 16, I got an official diagnosis as being Autistic. But that is why we are here to help each other and to thrive with each other with that help/support!

I have also struggled with making/ maintaining friendships and hopefully with setting up this forum I could make new friends!

“Also make changes for the better. Use this charity for a network of people as a safety net to help and inform each other with information that you and others may need…”.

Emma concluded: “I envisage the Mia Sahara Sanctuary to be a place where nature will flourish with new life. I will meet with representatives from the community and local groups to determine what produce would best support their service users with the

aim of working collaboratively for the benefit of the local people.

“Mia is no longer here physically however my love for her fuels me to plan the Mia Sahara Sanctuary and to create something that will benefit future generations within Pembrokeshire, and I have the determination and passion, with your support, to make this a reality.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for deep space radar sparks renewed debate

PLANS to establish a high-tech space radar facility in Pembrokeshire have sparked widespread debate, with proponents highlighting its strategic importance while opponents raise concerns over environmental, health, geopolitical risks, and the shifting global power dynamics.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) intends to construct 27 radar dishes at Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy as part of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) initiative. The facility, which will be one of three such sites globally, aims to track objects in geosynchronous orbit up to 22,000 miles from Earth. The project is being developed in partnership with the United States and Australia under the trilateral AUKUS security alliance.

WHY THE RADAR IS NEEDED

According to the MoD, the DARC system is essential for national security and global stability. Defence officials argue that space has become a contested domain, with nations such as Russia and China developing antisatellite weapons that could threaten the UK’s communication and navigation infrastructure.

“The ability to track and identify potential threats in deep space is vital to maintaining the safety of our satellites, which underpin everything from mobile communications to military operations,” an MoD spokesperson said. “The DARC facility in Wales will significantly enhance our capacity to monitor space activity and deter hostile actions.”

Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps described the radar system as a crucial element in countering emerging threats. “With the rise of space warfare capabilities among adversaries, the UK must invest in its ability to defend itself in this new frontier,” he said.

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Sinclair editor@herald.email

The MoD has also highlighted economic benefits, stating that the project will generate around 100 jobs and provide long-term investment in Pembrokeshire. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the development would “secure jobs in the area and position the UK at the forefront of space surveillance technology.”

Geopolitical concerns and shifting alliances

Beyond local and environmental issues, campaigners have pointed to broader geopolitical uncertainties as a reason to oppose the radar project.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the fluctuating stance of the United States under President Donald Trump, and growing tensions with Russia and

China contribute to unease about the UK’s role in global military strategies.

Jim Scott, a spokesperson for PARC, said: “Would you trust Donald Trump, who in recent weeks has switched sides in a global proxy war, to militarily dominate all of space using Pembrokeshire as a foothold? If not, we strongly urge people to take action against DARC.”

Campaigners suggest that recent US foreign policy shifts, including unpredictable decisions regarding support for Ukraine, cast doubt on the reliability of the United States as an ally. “The geopolitical landscape is more volatile than ever. If the UK becomes too dependent on American military projects, where does that leave us if alliances change?” asked Sarah Jenkins, a local resident.

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s

Member of the Senedd (MS) for Mid and West Wales, added: “This radar station represents an unnecessary provocation, locking Wales into a geopolitical contest that has little to do with our own security. It risks dragging Pembrokeshire into international disputes over which we have no control.”

Experts also warn that while the UK remains an important ally to the US, there is no guarantee that future administrations will maintain the same commitments. With NATO facing challenges due to political instability in member countries, some argue that the UK should reconsider placing strategic defence assets under US control. A military analyst speaking anonymously said: “There are valid concerns about whether we are investing in a longterm partnership with a country whose

Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy: How the site looks now

global positioning is uncertain.”

ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOURISM CONCERNS

One of the main objections to the radar facility is its location. The proposed site is close to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Opponents worry that the construction of 20-metre-high radar dishes will have a lasting visual impact and could deter tourists from visiting the region.

“This will be a massive industrial complex in a protected area,” said Mark Williams, a local business owner. “Tourism is one of our biggest economic drivers, and we risk losing visitors if Pembrokeshire is associated with military infrastructure.”

There are also concerns about the potential health effects of high-

frequency radar emissions. While the MoD insists that the facility will meet all health and safety regulations, campaigners argue that insufficient research has been conducted into the long-term impact of such radiation exposure.

Environmental groups have also expressed fears that the facility could disrupt local wildlife, particularly bird migration patterns. “We know very little about the long-term impact of this kind of technology on wildlife,” said Helen Davies of the Pembrokeshire Environmental Network. “Given the proximity to a national park, we should be taking a far more precautionary approach.”

HISTORY Of OPPOSITION TO MILITARY RADAR IN PEMBROKESHIRE

This is not the first time Pembrokeshire has resisted military

radar developments. In the early 1990s, plans for a similar installation at St Davids Airfield were abandoned following widespread public outcry.

Campaigners see the current DARC proposal as a revival of a decades-old issue and have vowed to fight against its approval.

“The community came together before to stop this, and we can do it again,” said Jenny Rees, a long-time resident and activist. “We do not want Pembrokeshire to be used as a pawn in global military strategies.”

The legacy of past opposition has led many locals to question whether the UK government is listening to public concerns. “We fought this once before, and we won,” said Gareth Morgan, who was involved in the original campaign against radar installations in Pembrokeshire. “What makes them think we will accept it now?”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A planning application for the DARC facility is expected to be submitted later this year. If approved, construction could begin in late 2026, with the radar becoming operational by the end of the decade.

The MoD has stated that it will work closely with Pembrokeshire County Council and relevant environmental bodies to ensure compliance with planning and environmental regulations. However, with strong opposition from local groups, further protests and legal challenges are expected in the coming months.

As the debate continues, the people of Pembrokeshire find themselves at the centre of a complex discussion on national security, environmental conservation, and the future of space warfare. Whether the radar station will be built remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the battle over its approval is far from over.

Cefin Campbell MS: “This radar station represents an unnecessary provocation”

Plan to track China and Russia from space: Trump launched US Space force during first term in office (Image: The White House)

Campaign against US military radar gains political backing

CAMPAIgNERS from Pembrokeshire-based PARC

Against DARC visited the Senedd on Wednesday (March 5) to present their opposition to the proposed Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) at Brawdy. The group argues the AUKUS-backed military proposal, supported by US President Donald Trump, could escalate tensions in space with China.

Twelve Members of the Senedd (MSs) from various political parties have endorsed a Statement of Opinion recognising widespread opposition to the project. The statement highlights concerns over DARC’s visual impact, potential health risks, and regional security implications. A petition against the proposal has gathered nearly 17,000 signatures, with campaigners calling for a Welsh Government commission to assess the issue.

A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: “Today marks a significant shift in the political impact of our campaign. We now have cross-party backing, including from Welsh Labour MSs, strong support from Plaid Cymru, and support from the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Senedd representative, Jane Dodds.

“For the many people opposing DARC in Pembrokeshire, this shows the Senedd at its best—reflecting the views of the people who elect it. We urge all MSs to heed our community’s concerns and support the Statement of Opinion.”

The spokesperson continued: “The proposal to construct a 27-dish radar array on the skyline of the St Davids peninsula—a natural treasure and a key attraction for Welsh tourism—has been ill-conceived from the outset. The Senedd Members we met today are standing on the right side of history by opposing it.”

CONCERNS OVER MILITARISATION

Sioned Williams MS attended the

event, stating: “Plaid Cymru has a proud tradition of promoting peace, and this US militaristic project has no place in Wales.”

The campaigners argue that the DARC radar would serve Trump’s agenda for US space dominance and support Elon Musk’s rapidly expanding SpaceX network. They said: “Local opposition to this project is strong, with Pembrokeshire having a long history of resisting such proposals.

“With ‘untrustable Trump’ in the White House and Keir Starmer acting as a subordinate UK partner, we cannot assume the US will remain a reliable ally by the time DARC is completed. If this goes ahead, we risk inviting the enemy inside the gate.”

The ‘Highlighting Militarism in Wales’ event featured speeches from local PARC campaigners Roy Jones and Jim Scott, along with presentations from Academi Heddwch, Cymdeithas y Cymod, Quakers Wales, the Cardiff UN

Following the presentations, a televised Vigil for Peace took place on the steps of the Senedd. Ali Lochhead from CND Cymru spoke about the group’s vision for a peaceful Wales. The event concluded with a performance by Côr Cochion Choir and the symbolic release of two peace doves.

Heledd Fychan MS, who sponsored the event, said: “On this UN International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, I am proud to support this event highlighting militarism in Wales.

“Plaid Cymru has a long-standing history of opposing militarism and advocating for peace. We remain committed to supporting Pembrokeshire residents in their fight against the DARC project. Today’s discussions were insightful and provided Senedd Members with a deeper understanding of the strength of opposition.”

CALL TO REDUCE MILITARY SPENDINg

Campaigners also criticised the global arms race, stating: “While Trump’s erratic realignment of global power is dangerous and unpredictable, we support his suggestion that all superpowers should reduce military spending.

“Scrapping unnecessary AUKUS infrastructure like DARC would be a meaningful step towards ending the cycle of militarisation. We, along with other campaigners in the Senedd today, believe public resources should be invested in developing future technologies and improving lives, rather than continuing outdated and unaffordable military standoffs.”

PARC Against DARC is urging Welsh residents to sign their petition and email Senedd Members to oppose the project. A template for lobbying is available on the campaign’s website: www.parcagainstdarc.com/lobbying.

Association, and Stop the War Cardiff.

PEACE VIgIL HELD AT SENEDD

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Bells ring out in Pembroke for St David’s Day parade

PARADE BRINgS CELEBRATION TO PEMBROKE CASTLE

THE SOUND of bells, whistles, and cheers filled the air in Pembroke as the town marked St David’s Day with its inaugural parade on Saturday (March 1). Organised by Pembroke Town Team and gwenno Dafydd, the event, titled “Ring Out the Bells for St David,” brought together residents and visitors to celebrate Welsh heritage in a lively and colourful procession.

The parade began at 11:15am, with participants gathering at the North Quay outside the Corn Store. At 11:30am, the procession made its way to Pembroke Castle, creating a vibrant atmosphere with banners, flags, and the sound of bells ringing in honour of Wales’ patron saint. The enthusiasm of the crowd was palpable as families, schoolchildren, and local groups joined in, waving Welsh flags and proudly wearing national colours.

Upon arrival at the castle at midday, the bells rang out to mark the occasion, followed by a range of Welsh-themed entertainment. Traditional music, folk dancing, and performances celebrating Welsh culture kept the spirit of the event alive, reinforcing the importance of St David’s Day in the local community.

Speaking about the success of the parade, an organiser said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate our heritage. The energy and pride on display today truly reflected the spirit of St David’s Day.”

Locals praised the event as a welcome addition to Pembroke’s calendar, with many hoping it will become an annual tradition.

Lifeboat and coastguard respond to drifting vessel

A VESSEL found drifting off the coast of north Pembrokeshire prompted a rescue response yesterday morning (feb 28).

The unmanned small tender was spotted off Aberfforest, leading to a call-out for coastguard teams from Moylegrove and Fishguard at 8:58am. Fishguard’s inshore lifeboat was also launched to assist.

A local fishing boat managed to secure the drifting tender before the lifeboat towed it into Newport Parrog. Coastguard teams later carried the vessel to a nearby boat club, where checks confirmed the owner was safe and not in danger.

After passing details to Milford Haven operations staff, the emergency teams were stood down.

Images by Martin Cavaney

St David’s Day celebrated in Wales’ smallest city

ST DAVIDS, Pembrokeshire, marked St David’s Day on Saturday (Mar 1) with a day of celebrations, including the annual Dragon Parade, a special exhibition honouring the city’s residents, and a message from the Prince of Wales delivered partly in Welsh.

First Minister Eluned Morgan led the Dragon Parade, organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which saw local schoolchildren and community members marching through the historic city. Many dressed as dragons and daffodils to honour Wales’ patron saint, who is believed to have been born near St Davids at St Non’s. The parade was one of several held across the country, but the one in Pembrokeshire was particularly significant, taking place in the heart of St David’s heritage.

Meanwhile, at St Davids Cathedral, a special concert by The Band of the Prince of Wales featured traditional Welsh marches, hymns, and anthems. Visitors also attended a Eucharist by the Shrine of St David and a blessing at St Non’s Holy Well, an important religious site associated with the saint’s mother.

A pilgrimage then led participants to Oriel y Parc before a final blessing at the Old Cross.

Adding to the significance of the day, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, delivered his first-ever public message in Welsh, celebrating the country’s history, culture, and people. His message, recorded for social media, marked a personal step in his efforts to connect with Wales. While he has been learning some conversational Welsh, he has not undertaken formal lessons like his father, King Charles, who studied Welsh at Aberystwyth University before his investiture in 1969.

“Today, on St David’s Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people,” the prince said in his video. “From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will celebrate everything that is magical about Wales.”

In addition to the festivities, the City of Portraits exhibition by Grahame HurdWood opened, displaying portraits of

more than 1,000 residents of St Davids. The artist has spent a decade working on the project, aiming to paint every one of the city’s 1,800 residents. The exhibition, held at the Pierhead Futures Gallery in Cardiff, runs until April 12. Local businesses, including The Bishops pub, also joined in the celebrations, offering traditional Welsh

food and drinks. Visitors and locals alike embraced the opportunity to enjoy cawl, bara brith, and Welsh cakes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

St Davids, despite being the UK’s smallest city, continues to play a central role in celebrating Wales’ patron saint, with its annual events drawing visitors from across the country.

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Wales Air Ambulance marks 24 years of its lifesaving service

WALES Air Ambulance is delighted to be celebrating its 24th anniversary of its lifesaving service.

Since its inception on St David’s Day in 2001, the Charity has attended over 52,000 missions across the whole country, and it has grown to be one of the largest and most medically advanced air ambulance operations in Europe.

Wales Air Ambulance has grown immensely over the past 24 years, the Charity proudly has four aircraft covering the whole of Wales, as well has having a fleet of rapid response vehicles.

In December 2020, the Wales Air Ambulance introduced a helicopter to start flying at night, which enabled the Charity to reach more people in their worst moments.

The Wales Air Ambulance operates 24/7, 365 days a year Wales-wide, thanks to the generosity of the people of Wales.

It is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

The service is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Every year, the all-Wales Charity needs to raise £11.2 million to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road, relying

solely on public donations.

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating our 24th anniversary of being there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We’re proud of how far we have come from having a single aircraft based at Swansea Airport to the four helicopters and rapid response vehicles we have across Wales.

“The Charity would like to say a huge “thank you” to all its loyal supporters, its staff, volunteers, trustees, medics, pilots and allocators – past and present. Your passion and determination are the strong foundation upon which Wales Air Ambulance has been built. It’s because of you that we’re able to serve Wales and save lives 24/7. We look

forward to being there for the people of Wales for the next 24 years and longer. Happy 24th Birthday Wales Air Ambulance!”

The Charity is marking the occasion with the return of its flagship event, Coffee and Cake.

To mark the Wales Air Ambulance’s birthday we have launched Coffee and Cake for the second year running. The beauty of this event is that it is open to everyone, and you can host your party at a time or place that suits you.

get together with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and host your very own Coffee and Cake party during the month of March, whilst raising ‘dough’ for the Wales Air Ambulance.

for more information visit www.walesairambulance.com/ coffee-and-cake

Coffee and Cake

Coffee and Cake is back for March 2025 to celebrate our 24th anniversary.

We are asking people across Wales and beyond to ‘get together’ and host their own Coffee and Cake party to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance.

The beauty of the event is that you can make it what you want to. If you want to have a theme, great, if you want it to be in the evening or on your driveway, then that’s great too - this is your event, your way.

Whether you gather with your friends and family, host a virtual event, or a get together in the office, you will be raising vital pennies and pounds for Wales Air Ambulance, enabling us to deliver advanced lifesaving medical care to people across Wales, 24/7.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid baker or prefer to buy your

cakes from a shop, the sales you make on your delicious treats will ‘bake a difference’.

You can host your party at any time during the month of March, whenever suits you best.

The official start date is on Saturday 1 March, a poignant day for the Charity as it’s not only the celebrated day of Wales’ patron Saint David but it’s also our 24th anniversary.

Whether you plan to raise £50 or £250, every donation is vital and no event is too big or too small.

To sign up all you have to do is complete the Coffee and Cake Registration form and we’ll send your fundraising kit with top tips to get you started.

*Please note fundraising pack numbers are limited, so register your event as soon as possible!

Community-led project aims to transform historic Cardigan chapel into cultural hub

A NEW initiative to transform a historic chapel in Cardigan into a thriving community hub was launched on St David’s Day.

The £600,000 Hwb Aberteifi project aims to breathe new life into the iconic Tabernacl Chapel on Cardigan’s main street. The plan is to create a multipurpose space celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage while providing a centre for education, music, poetry, and community activities.

A public meeting is scheduled for next Saturday (March 8) at 1:00pm at the chapel, inviting those interested in supporting the scheme. The project offers an opportunity for cooperative ownership, where individuals can lend £1,000 over three years, earning an annual interest rate of 4%.

To kickstart the scheme, £150,000 must be raised by the end of the month.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN VISION

Richard Jones, a spokesperson for Hwb Aberteifi, said: “This is more than just a building – it’s a vision for a stronger, more connected community.

“By transforming the historic Tabernacl Chapel, we can create a space that brings people together, celebrates our heritage, and supports local creativity and innovation. We urge everyone who cares about Cardigan to help make this dream a reality.”

A SPACE fOR CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

The project will provide:

• A cultural and educational centre featuring the works of renowned local poet and Archdruid, Dic Jones.

• A music studio and recording space for community record label Fflach, which plans to return to Tabernacl’s vestry to showcase local artists.

• A drop-in area for residents and visitors to discuss and develop new activities and initiatives for the town.

The initiative is a collaborative effort led by local volunteers, Cardigan Aberteifi Society (CAS), 4CG Cymru Cyf., and Planed. It has also received initial start-up funding from the Welsh Government’s Perthyn initiative, which supports Welsh language projects.

HOW TO gET INVOLVED

Those interested in supporting the campaign can find details of the loan scheme and further information at www.hwbaberteifi.cymru. Application forms are available at Awen Teifi shop in Cardigan and the Community Book

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Shop. The project team can also be contacted via hwbaberteifi@gmail.com.

BUILDINg ON PAST SUCCESS

Cris Tomos, community assets coordinator at Planed, welcomed the initiative, saying: “It’s inspiring to see local groups taking the lead in repurposing empty buildings as community hubs.

“I am confident that the people of Cardigan will support this venture, just as they did in September last year when

a similar campaign raised £148,000 in one month to secure Bethlehem Chapel in Newport, Pembrokeshire. That space is now a thriving centre for cultural activities.”

With a rich history and a bold vision for the future, Hwb Aberteifi is set to become a key part of Cardigan’s community landscape.

Local artist captures the faces of Britain’s smallest city

A REMARKABLE art project, over a decade in the making, is bringing the faces of St Davids to life in a way never seen before. The ambitious City of Portraits (Dinas Portreadau) project by artist grahame HurdWood is a love letter to the tight-knit Pembrokeshire community, aiming to paint every one of the 1,800 residents of Britain’s smallest city.

So far, Hurd-Wood has painted 1,000 portraits, each a vivid depiction of the people who make St Davids unique. From the local butcher and shopkeepers to a Welsh international rugby player and even the Bishop of St Davids, the faces tell a story of community, connection, and belonging. This weekend, in a fitting tribute to Wales’ patron saint, the portraits will be displayed in Cardiff for the first time, coinciding with St David’s Day.

“It’s been a huge undertaking,” said Hurd-Wood. “But it’s become a joyful celebration of the people in my life— those who have shaped me, supported me, and been part of my journey.”

Yet, the project’s origins are rooted in grief. It began when Hurd-Wood’s fiancée, Debbie Best, asked him to paint her portrait as she battled cancer. Though he finished it only after her passing, she had urged him to keep painting others. What started as a personal act of remembrance evolved into a visual chronicle of the people of St Davids.

“The project is about more than just Debbie,” he said. “It’s about my parents, my sister, and everyone who experiences loss. Painting these portraits helped me process my grief, and I hope they bring something to those who sit for them.”

Hurd-Wood prefers his subjects to sit for him, though the pandemic forced him to work from photographs at times. He doesn’t follow a strict selection process—word of mouth and casual encounters in the city often lead to

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

new portraits. Some from neighbouring areas have even asked if they “count.”

His answer? Absolutely.

Each portrait is painted in oils or acrylics, arranged in grids of 35 faces per canvas. With the population ever-

changing, the project may never be complete, but that’s part of its charm. “It’s a lifetime’s work,” said Hurd-Wood. “There will always be new faces, new stories.”

While the Cardiff exhibition has the backing of First Minister Eluned Morgan—who herself has Pembrokeshire roots—this project belongs firmly to St Davids. It is a

celebration of its people, past and present, and a lasting tribute to the community’s spirit.

For those in Pembrokeshire, the hope is that City of Portraits will return home for a local exhibition, allowing the community to see itself reflected on canvas—a true testament to the vibrant life of this small but mighty city.

Councillor attends water quality session in Haverfordwest

CASTLE Ward County Councillor Thomas Baden Tudor has attended a Water Quality Drop-in Session hosted by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water at HaverHub.

Speaking about the event, held on Wednesday (Feb 28), Cllr Tudor said it was an “interesting and informative” opportunity to engage with River Quality Liaison Managers about past and future investments in Haverfordwest.

As part of ongoing efforts to address water management concerns, Cllr Tudor confirmed that he would be arranging a site visit with Dŵr Cymru officers to Slade Lane, Haverfordwest, to assess potential improvements for surface flood and drainage issues.

Duo to take on record-breaking climbing challenge

TWO adventurers, Cain Peacock and Ryan Hipkin, are set to embark on a world record-breaking challenge to climb the highest point in every country in geographical Europe. The challenge, known as The Continental Climb, begins on March 23rd, with the pair aiming to conquer 48 high points across 50 countries faster than anyone before them. The current record, set by Adam Stevenson in 2019, stands at 173 days, 20 hours, and 45 minutes.

RAISINg AWARENESS fOR MENTAL HEALTH

Beyond the physical challenge, Cain and Ryan hope to raise awareness around mental health and generate vital funds for two charities: Get The Boys A Lift in Pembrokeshire and the Jacob Abraham Foundation in Cardiff.

They want to inspire people to talk openly about mental health, embrace outdoor activity, and make positive changes in their lives. The obstacles ahead

The journey will not be without its difficulties. Some of the major challenges they face include:

• geopolitical tensions – Two of the peaks are in Russia and Ukraine, adding uncertainty to their attempt.

• Extreme ascents – They will tackle some of Europe’s toughest climbs, including Mont Blanc, Grossglockner, and Dufourspitze.

• Logistics – Most of the journey will be done by campervan, with flights required for more remote locations such as Malta, Iceland, and Cyprus.

• Schengen time limits – They must complete all climbs within Schengen countries in 90 days to comply with visa restrictions.

• guinness World Records evidence – The record attempt requires extensive documentation, including GPS tracking, hourly video footage, summit photos, and witness statements from each country.

SUPPORT THEIR MISSION

Cain and Ryan are seeking sponsors, partners, and media support to help make this journey a success. They welcome:

• financial sponsorship – To cover travel, gear, and logistics. Sponsors will receive brand exposure across their social media, website, and YouTube content.

• Media promotion – Journalists, bloggers, and content creators are encouraged to share their story.

fOLLOW THEIR jOURNEY

Supporters can follow their progress and contribute to their fundraising efforts via the links below:

• YouTube: www.youtube.com/ thecontinentalclimb

• Facebook: The Continental Climb

• Instagram: @Thecontinentalclimb

• TikTok: @Thecontinentalclimb

• Donation link: GoFundMe

For sponsorship email thecontinentalclimb@gmail.com.

Just four asylum seekers in Pembrokeshire receiving government support

NEW figures reveal the number of asylum seekers in Pembrokeshire receiving financial aid from the government a-t the end of last year.

Home Office data shows four asylum seekers in the county were supported under Section 95 in the final quarter of 2024. This provision is given to individuals at risk of destitution while awaiting a decision on their asylum claim.

NATIONAL PICTURE

Across the UK, 112,187 asylum seekers were receiving government support by the end of December—a 3% increase from September. Of these, 38,079 were housed in hotels due to a shortage of local authority accommodation.

Despite government efforts to reduce reliance on hotel placements, the number of asylum seekers in temporary accommodation has risen for the second quarter in a row. Ministers have pledged to close nine more asylum hotels by the end of March.

CALLS fOR ACTION

The British Red Cross has urged the government to introduce more safe routes for asylum seekers, warning that without alternatives, people will continue to risk “perilous journeys” to reach the UK.

Mubeen Bhutta, director of policy, research, and advocacy for the charity, said:

“Behind today’s numbers are real men, women, and children forced to flee their homes. Without safer routes, efforts to protect vulnerable people are unlikely to be effective.”

Meanwhile, think tank Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called for reforms to speed up asylum decisions.

Marley Morris from IPPR said: “If the Home Office wants to end the use of hotels, it must improve the speed and quality of decisionmaking. Applications should be triaged early, and decisions for high-grant nationalities streamlined.”

POLITICAL REACTION

Downing Street has defended its approach, highlighting the creation of a Border Security Command and plans for a new smuggling sanctions regime. A No 10 spokesperson insisted the government is making progress in tackling the asylum backlog.

However, shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the rising hotel costs, saying:

“Despite promising to end hotel usage for asylum seekers, the numbers have gone up again and they are costing Britons dear.”

The figures show 108,138 people applied for asylum in the UK in 2024—the highest for any 12-month period since records began in 2001. Meanwhile, the backlog of initial decisions fell 6% to 124,802 by the end of December.

Fishguard’s St David’s Day Market a huge success

fISHgUARD’S St David’s Day market drew a crowd of around 250 visitors, celebrating Wales’ patron saint with a vibrant showcase of local produce, crafts, and entertainment.

Organised by Andrew Harries and Bethan Griffiths of the Fishguard Future Project, the event aimed to boost the town’s profile and create a festive atmosphere. Held at the town hall, the market featured a variety of stalls offering locally made food, drinks, and handmade crafts, with live music adding to the celebrations.

Local cafes, including Cove Corner, Ruthies, Mannings, Cresswell’s, and Ocean Lab, embraced the occasion by serving traditional Welsh treats, some with musical performances.

The event was officially opened by MP Ben Lake and Fishguard & Goodwick Mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw, who spent nearly three hours engaging with stallholders and visitors.

Organisers were thrilled with the turnout and positive feedback, with many shoppers expressing interest in making it an annual tradition. A raffle held during the event raised £125 for Bethel Chapel in Fishguard.

Following its success, the organisers are now considering bringing the market back next year, along with additional community events to promote the area.

Successful food bank run raised funds for James Criddle Foundation

SAUNDERSfOOT runners

turned out in force on Sunday (Mar 2) to support the james Criddle foundation, a Tenby-based food bank, in a successful event aimed at raising donations and awareness.

Now in its third year, the annual Food Bank Run saw runners and walkers take part in the well-attended event. Blessed with sunny weather, participants enjoyed a scenic route along the Heritage Trail to Pleasant Valley before returning to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn, which generously hosted the collection point in its beer garden.

The initiative was originally conceived by Sarah Don, who first organised the Food Bank Run at her club in Fareham, Hampshire. It was intended as a local effort to support food banks, but after seeing its impact, Sarah expanded the idea nationally and internationally in 2023, using social media to encourage running groups worldwide to get involved.

The James Criddle Foundation was founded in 2022 in memory of James Criddle, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident while living in Bali. His mother, Rachael, one of the foundation’s organisers, said: “James would willingly give his last to anyone in need and would be delighted with the Foundation and the ethos behind

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

it. We love working with Saundersfoot Runners on the annual Food Bank Run – it’s such a friendly, happy occasion, even though the need for it remains a sad reflection of our times.”

The event was a great success,

with participants donating food items and purchasing raffle tickets. The foundation also received £126 from Wiseman’s Bridge Inn, which organised a quiz night in support of the cause.

Those interested in next year’s event can find details on the Saundersfoot Runners Facebook page.

Milford Haven Town Council to debate grants, Founding Day, and meeting recordings

MILfORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL will convene for a full Council meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:00 pm at the Sea Cadets Unit, at Havens Head Business Park.

Members of the public and councillors can also request remote access in accordance with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

The agenda covers a range of key community matters, starting with a public Question and Answer session, allowing residents to raise concerns or queries with councillors.

This will be followed by updates from the Mayor, Councillor W. Elliott, and reports on engagements and community activities undertaken by councillors.

One of the main topics of discussion will be Milford Haven’s Founding Day, with an email correspondence set to be reviewed.

The council will also address a draft grants policy, a cemetery report for January 2025, and proposals regarding the recording of town council meetings. A report and a related Facebook post will be considered in relation to the latter.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Financial matters will be a significant focus, with the council reviewing its schedule of accounts and statement of accounts for February 2025. Additionally, the meeting will cover the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales’ annual report for 2025–26, which outlines councillor allowances

MIKE EDWARDS

SODDEN is a word that is as wretched and depressing in reality as it sounds when it falls leaden from the lips.

My beloved’s keenness on walking in all weathers has given me a new appreciation of just how miserable a word it is.

After fifteen minutes of walking through the most recent downpour we braved at her behest, I felt uncomfortably damp in places where dampness does not belong. A steady trickle of water wound its way down my kagoule and into the gap between the back of my trousers and my fundament.

Meanwhile, at the front end of things, the rain pummeled through the thin raincoat while simultaneously producing a wick effect via my woolly jumper, leaving me dripping in sweat and soaked to the skin. Those are not circumstances from which much comfort can be drawn. All it needed was a large bird-dropping landing on top of my raincoat to put the metaphorical cherry on the misery cake upon which I mentally chewed as we trudged along.

Onward, I squelched, beginning to wonder how long it took to develop trench foot.

The stump of a felled tree stood ahead of me, and I sat down to allow the water to cascade off my hood and onto the ground between my soaking feet.

I had not quite reached the stage of contemplating the end; however, this was perhaps my final opportunity to make my piece with Jehovah before I became delirious with fever and sank into unconsciousness, never to awake. There weren’t any hills around for me to lift up mine eyes unto in search of help. Even if there had been, I would not have been able to see them through the pelting torrent.

As I communed silently with whatever woodland deities might exist, there was a sudden crash followed by a string of violent and violently bilingual expletives. A forlorn voice came from the track ahead, calling my name.

I struggled to my feet and hauled my sopping carcass towards the noise. About ten yards on, I found the wife sitting up and covered in an amount of mud and vegetation that made me think of the words ‘Swamp Thing’.

She was unable to get up unaided and, once up, could barely hobble. Gingerly, I helped her back to the car park. Stopping now and again when her pain was too great and my breath too short to continue.

After forty minutes of solid drudgery, in which the hammering intensity of the rain mercifully drowned out my darling one’s howls of agony, we reached our car. I helped her inside and headed off to A&E.

and expenses.

Further reports will be presented, including feedback from councillors representing the council on external bodies and the Future Generations Group’s latest meeting.

The meeting will also confirm the minutes from the previous Full Council meeting held on February 24, 2025.

Residents interested in attending or submitting questions are encouraged to contact the council in advance.

A mere fifteen hours later, we were home.

I don’t know whether there are gods of the forest. But today, in the warmth of our own home and with the missus’ foot elevated and her under strict instructions to rest for six

ENGLAND: TOM WILLIS

Ireland: Sam Prendergast

Wales team for Six Nations

Wales have announced their squad for the upcoming Six Nations encounter against Scotland, making just two changes to the matchday 23 that faced Ireland on 22 February. Dewi Lake and Keiron Assiratti have been named on the bench, replacing Evan Lloyd and Henry Thomas.

In a notable selection milestone, Wales have retained an unchanged starting XV for the first time since the 2019 World Cup match against Australia. Throughout Wayne Pivac’s tenure and Warren Gatland’s second stint in charge, the team never fielded the same starting side in consecutive matches.

Following an impressive debut in the famous red jersey, Ellis Mee retains his place on the wing. He joins Tom Rogers and Blair Murray in an unchanged back three, while Max Llewellyn and Ben Thomas continue their partnership in midfield.

There is good news for Wales at fly-half, as Gareth Anscombe has been cleared to play after undergoing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in the previous match. He will once again partner Tomos Williams in the half-

back positions.

Up front, Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, and WillGriff John keep their places in the front row, having delivered a strong scrummaging performance in round three. The second row remains unchanged, with Dafydd Jenkins and Will Rowlands locking the scrum.

The back row sees no alterations either, with Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan, and Taulupe Faletau completing the loose forward trio. Morgan will continue in the blindside flanker role.

Among the replacements, Lake is named as the backup hooker and will be joined by props Gareth Thomas and Henry Thomas on the bench.

Wales Squad to face Scotland

Starting XV:Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Ellis Mee; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, WillGriff John; Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands; Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements:Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Jarrod Evans, Joe Roberts.

Nations clash against Scotland

Mike Phillips Accuses Scotland of ‘Arrogance’

fORMER Wales international Mike Phillips has criticised Scotland for what he perceives as “arrogance” ahead of their Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield this weekend.

Scotland have dominated this fixture in recent years, having secured victories in the last two meetings, including a commanding 35-7 win over Wales in Edinburgh last year. However, despite being tipped as potential dark horses for this year’s tournament, Gregor Townsend’s side have struggled to live up to expectations. Defeats to Ireland and England have left them with just a single win against Italy so far.

As Wales prepare to take on the Scots in the hope of causing an upset, Phillips has added fuel to the fire by suggesting their opponents—who are yet to win a Six Nations title—have become overly confident.

“It just annoys me, every year for 20-odd years, they’re going to win it,” the former scrum-half told RugbyJoe. “I just think there’s a lot of arrogance there. If they just played it cool…”

Phillips acknowledged Scotland’s progress but insisted that results are what truly matter.

“Of course, they’ve improved and they were unlucky against England. They’ve improved for years now, but it’s all about winning,” he added. “Until they win even a Triple Crown or something... they come across as a bit arrogant to me.”

With both teams eager to make a statement this weekend, Phillips’ comments are sure to add an extra layer of intensity to an already intriguing contest.

LOOK OUT FoR...

WALES: DAN EDWARDS

SCOTLAND: TOM JORDAN

WALES legend Taulupe f aletau insists he never considered retirement, despite enduring a frustrating double injury setback that has made his journey back to full fitness a long and challenging one.

The experienced back-row forward suffered a broken arm against Georgia during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, only to fracture his shoulder upon his return to action for Cardiff in April last year. A lengthy spell on the sidelines followed, leaving him with just four

appearances since his arm injury before being named in Wales’ Six Nations squad. Now, he is determined to continue proving his worth to Matt Sherratt’s side.

Reflecting on his return to camp, Faletau said: “It’s been good. The last game was fun to be a part of. At the start of January, I didn’t think I’d be here. So, to be here is nice. You just have to keep rolling, crack on, and just hope things come good.”

When asked if he had ever considered retiring during his injury struggles, the 34-year-old was clear

Faletau Dismisses Retirement Talk Despite Injury Setbacks

in his response.

“No, no. Just doing the rehab, the body felt good, so it was a case of getting the injury right itself. It’s been fine, alright.

“It’s the body. Like I said, through the rehab, it felt pretty good. I just had to let the injury itself heal, and that took a little bit longer than expected. Other than that, I feel alright.”

Set to win his 107th cap against

Scotland this weekend, Faletau has also not ruled out the possibility of embarking on a fourth British & Irish Lions tour this summer.

“I’d be lying if I said ‘no’ about that,” he admitted when asked about his Lions ambitions. “But the main aim is to get back on the pitch. And once you’re on there, all you can do is play your best, and everything else will come and go as it will.”

Welsh investors weigh up alternatives as property market evolves

WELSH house prices have risen by 3.0% year-on-year, bringing the average property price to £208,197, according to the latest UK House Price Index Summary: December 2024.

has emerged as the UK’s fastestgrowing property market, with house prices increasing 9.0% year-on-year, outpacing Wales (3.0%), England (4.3%), and Scotland (6.9%).

Northern Ireland has also maintained some of the strongest rental yields in the UK. For example, Belfast boasts a 6.1% rental yield, with some areas offering even higher returns. This compares favourably to many parts of Wales, where increasing property prices are limiting rental income growth.

How other home nations are faring Across the UK, property markets are experiencing varied growth rates:

• Northern Ireland – The fastestgrowing market, with prices surging 9.0% to an average of £183,259.

• Scotland – House prices have risen by 5.6%, bringing the average property price to £191,300.

• England – A modest 2.5% increase has brought the average property price to £304,000, with the North West and Midlands outperforming London and the South East.

While this growth signals confidence in the market, it also presents challenges for investors looking to maintain strong rental yields and affordability.

WALES’ PROPERTY MARKET IN 2024

Some regions in Wales have seen significant increases in house prices over the past year, including:

• Blaenau Gwent (+9.2%) – One of the fastest-growing areas in Wales.

• Rhondda Cynon Taf (+8.9%) –Strong demand pushing prices higher.

• Bridgend (+7.4%) & Cardiff (+5.6%) – Popular locations maintaining steady increases.

While homeowners may welcome this growth, rising property prices are making it increasingly difficult for buy-to-let investors to secure strong returns. Higher purchase prices, particularly in urban centres, are placing pressure on rental yields.

RENTAL YIELDS UNDER PRESSURE

As house prices rise, rental yields—a key consideration for property investors—are becoming tighter. Cities such as Cardiff and Swansea remain popular for investment, but profitability is being impacted by higher initial purchase costs.

In contrast, Northern Ireland

Brexit’s ongoing influence on UK property investment

Five years after Brexit, its longterm effects continue to shape the UK property market. Wales’ economic ties to both the UK and Europe mean investors must consider how crossborder relationships and market confidence will evolve.

Notably, Northern Ireland’s property sector has remained resilient despite initial concerns over the impact of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The region’s position as a gateway between the UK and the EU has helped sustain investment interest and property price growth.

WHAT THIS MEANS fOR WELSH INVESTORS

With house prices in Wales rising and rental yields under pressure, investors may need to diversify their portfolios to maintain strong returns. The report suggests that Northern Ireland offers an attractive alternative due to its high rental yields and competitive property prices.

Find out more with the John Minnis Property Investment Guide

The John Minnis Investment Guide 2025 provides an in-depth analysis of:

• UK house price trends

• Rental yield comparisons

• The ongoing impact of Brexit on property markets

• A real-life case study of an investor successfully diversifying their portfolio

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Wales’s clean energy industry ‘boosted’ by Minister’s visit to Copenhagen

WALES OffICE Minister Dame Nia Griffith has reinforced Wales’s pivotal role in the UK’s clean energy future during a trade mission to Copenhagen this week, meeting with Danish companies and potential investors.

The three-day visit came just a week after a landmark £600 million investment in Welsh green energy projects was announced. The deal, involving Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Bute Energy, and Green GEN Cymru, will support the development of new onshore wind farms across Wales—expected to create up to 2,000 jobs.

Dame Nia’s visit underscored the strong collaboration between Wales and Denmark in renewable energy, with Danish firms already investing in offshore wind projects off the North Wales coast and supplying turbines for onshore and offshore developments across Wales.

Currently, Denmark generates 50% of its electricity from wind and solar power, aligning with the UK Government’s ambition to become a global clean energy superpower. A key initiative in this mission is the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, a project being led in partnership with the Welsh Government and industry stakeholders. This cuttingedge technology, which involves placing wind turbines on floating platforms to optimize wind conditions, could create up to 5,300 jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

During her visit, Minister Griffith

engaged in high-level discussions to strengthen cooperation on clean energy and attract investment. Her itinerary included meetings with leading Danish institutions and companies, strategic discussions on renewable energy projects, and participation in St. David’s Day events promoting Wales as a hub for clean energy innovation.

Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office Minister, said: “There are tremendous opportunities for partners and investors in Denmark to work with us to boost the clean energy sector in Wales.

“I am determined to ensure we achieve our clean energy mission, which will bring energy security, lower energy bills, create good jobs, and protect future generations from the costs of climate change.”

Tim Morris, Head of Communications for Associated British Ports, added:

“Ports in Wales and Denmark share the ambition to play a foundational role in enabling the energy transition.

“It was great to meet with other port operators and key stakeholders from both countries to exchange insights. ABP has strong links with Danish organisations such as Ørsted and the Port of Esbjerg, and we look forward to deepening these relationships.”

The visit showcased Wales’s potential as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in floating offshore wind, and laid the groundwork for future collaborations and investments that will drive economic growth and sustainability.

Torch Theatre to show Beethoven’s Fidelio live from The Met

THE TORCH THEATRE will be one of several cinemas in the world to broadcast Beethoven’s fidelio live from the Met stage this March. With a star cast, fidelio’s unusual structure, glorious score, and life-affirming aura, will make your Torch visit a unique experience.

Over the years, Fidelio has been called a hymn to freedom and human dignity. Formally a singspiel (with musical numbers separated by spoken dialogue), Fidelio had a long and complex gestation. Its uplifting spirit made it the obvious choice for several important productions marking the end of World War II, including the reopening of the Vienna State Opera in 1955.

Fast forward to 2025 and the opera is still as popular and entertaining as ever. Set in Seville towards the end of the 18th century, during the time of political upheaval following the French Revolution, the Met’s production places the action in an unspecified contemporary setting.

Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns to the Metropolitan Opera as Leonore, the faithful wife who risks everything to save her husband from the clutches of tyranny.

Completing the distinguished cast is British tenor David Butt Philip as the political prisoner Florestan, Polish bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as the villainous Don Pizarro, veteran

German bass René Pape as the jailer Rocco, Chinese soprano Ying Fang and German tenor Magnus Dietrich as the young Marzelline and Jaquino, and Danish bass Stephen Milling as the principled Don Fernando.

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Beethoven’s Fidelio can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Saturday

15 March at 5pm. Tickets are £20 / £18 concessions / £9 for those Under 26. Visit the website for further details www. torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Susanna Mälkki conducts the March

performance, which will be broadcast live from the Met stage to cinemas worldwide.

Carew Castle and Tidal Mill in running for national tourism award

CAREW CASTLE AND TIDAL MILL, a celebrated Pembrokeshire attraction, is aiming for a hat-trick of accolades as it competes in The National Tourism Awards for Wales. Having already secured the title of Best Attraction at both the Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and the South West Wales Tourism Awards, the historic site is now vying for the national crown.

Daisy Hughes, Visitor Services Manager, expressed her excitement ahead of the ceremony, set to take place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on

Thursday, March 27. She said: “It would be brilliant to win a hat-trick of titles, but the competition is going to be really tough.

“We do have a fantastic offer at Carew Castle with its heritage and 2,000 years of history and a beautiful location with an iconic presence within the Pembrokeshire National Park. But it’s also down to how we manage the site and look after our staff and visitors, as well as our commitment

to conservation, which makes us an allround site with sustainability at the heart of everything we do.”

The awards, staged by the Welsh Government, celebrate excellence in a tourism industry that employs nearly 12 per cent of the Welsh workforce and generates £3.8 billion annually. Sponsored by foodservice company Castell Howell, the event will be hosted by broadcaster Aled Rhys Jones and will feature performances from Welsh of the West End, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent, and Band Pres Llareggub.

A total of 48 finalists have been shortlisted across 12 categories, including Best Hotel, Best Event, and Sustainable Tourism. Tŷ Milford in Milford Haven is also representing Pembrokeshire, competing in the Best Hotel category.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the event, saying: “We’re proud to support The National Tourism Awards for Wales in this Year of Croeso, as they provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellence in an industry that is crucial to the Welsh economy.

“Congratulations to all who have been nominated. Wales has so much to offer visitors, and the high-quality experiences you provide contribute immensely to our attractiveness as a destination.”

Jim Jones, Chief Executive of North Wales Tourism, which is organising the event, said: “It’s wonderful to be hosting The National Tourism Awards for Wales here in North Wales.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate the best of the best in the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales and the exceptional job these businesses do in putting Wales on the international map.

“The sheer volume and quality of entries this year have underlined why Wales is a truly world-class destination and showcase what we have to offer visitors from home and abroad.

“Tickets are available to all for what promises to be a wonderful evening with fantastic entertainment and, most important of all, an opportunity to celebrate all that is best in Welsh tourism.”

Welsh Government pledges extra £20m to support schools

THE WELSH gOVERNMENT has announced an additional £20 million in funding for schools in 2024-25, aimed at raising education standards and providing targeted support to struggling institutions.

Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, confirmed the funding boost, which comes through a combination of new investment and the repurposing of existing education funds.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by schools and praised the dedication of education staff across Wales. “Through continued dialogue with education partners, I understand the scale of the difficulties being faced every day and I am thankful for the hard work of the education workforce across Wales,” she said.

The funding will be distributed through the School Standards Grant, helping schools meet the needs of learners. A portion of the package will be directed toward schools in special measures, providing additional support to help them make sustainable improvements.

“We will work with our partners, including local authorities, schools,

Tom

Estyn and teaching unions, to ensure this funding makes a difference to learners across Wales,” Neagle added.

In total, the education sector will benefit from an extra £262.5 million in funding, combining this in-year support with allocations in the Final Budget for 2025-26. Additionally, £262 million is being directed to local authorities

through the Revenue Support Grant.

Neagle said the funding increase reflects the concerns raised by schools and councils, particularly around Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and wider education provision.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’

NETfLIX’S upcoming four-part crime drama, “Adolescence,” is set to premiere on March 13, 2025.

This gripping series delves into the harrowing experience of a family whose 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller, is arrested for the murder of a schoolmate.

Stephen Graham stars as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father and ‘appropriate adult’ during the investigation. The cast also includes Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe and Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston, the clinical psychologist assigned to Jamie’s

case. Notably, newcomer Owen Cooper portrays Jamie Miller, marking his debut performance.

“Adolescence” stands out for its innovative storytelling approach, with each episode filmed in a continuous oneshot sequence, unfolding the narrative in real-time. This technique immerses viewers in the unfolding drama, heightening the tension and emotional impact.

The series explores pressing societal issues, including the disturbing influence of online subcultures on young boys, shedding light on the

radicalization of seemingly ordinary adolescents. It aims to provoke important conversations about male rage and societal influences without placing blame solely on parental upbringing.

Directed by Philip Barantini and co-written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, “Adolescence” promises to be a thought-provoking and intense viewing experience. The official trailer offers a glimpse into the series’ raw and unflinching portrayal of a family in crisis.

“Adolescence” will be available for streaming on Netflix starting March 13, 2025.

‘The Last of Us’ Season

THE highly anticipated second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us” is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, on both HBO and Max.

This season picks up five years after the events of the first, delving deeper into the complex and perilous world inhabited by Joel and Ellie.

Returning to their iconic roles, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprise their performances as Joel and Ellie, respectively. The narrative introduces significant new characters, notably Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, and

Dina, played by Isabela Merced. Jeffrey Wright joins the cast as Isaac, adding further depth to the ensemble.

The recently released teaser trailer offers a glimpse into the heightened stakes and evolving dynamics of the upcoming season. Viewers witness Joel and Ellie navigating an increasingly treacherous world, with the introduction of new allies and adversaries.

Ellie’s relationship with Dina is highlighted, adding layers to her character development.

Co-creators Neil Druckmann

2

and Craig Mazin have crafted a season comprising seven densely packed episodes, promising a rich and immersive viewing experience. The narrative is set to explore themes of perspective and moral ambiguity, challenging viewers’ perceptions and expectations.

As the premiere date approaches, fans can anticipate a season that not only honors the essence of the original game but also expands upon its universe, delivering compelling storytelling and profound character arcs.

THUNDERBOLTS*

Marvel Studios is about to unveil one of its most anticipated films, “Thunderbolts,” hitting theaters on May 2, 2025, as the conclusion of Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The film promises to bring a unique twist to the superhero genre, focusing on a team of antiheroes with murky pasts and uncertain futures. Directed by Jake Schreier, “Thunderbolts” will follow a ragtag group of disillusioned individuals forced to work together on a dangerous mission. This team includes Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker— each bringing their own set of skills and baggage. The shadowy Valentina Allegra de Fontaine orchestrates the team’s formation, creating a dynamic blend of heroes and antiheroes.

At the heart of the movie is a question: can this group of flawed individuals come together to achieve their mission, or will they implode under the weight of their conflicting personalities and personal demons?

A Star-Studded Cast

The film is packed with familiar faces from previous MCU entries. Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova, Natasha Romanoff’s sister who’s grappling with her new role in the world after Black Widow’s tragic end. Sebastian Stan reprises his role as Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, who is still on his redemption journey. David Harbour plays Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian,

a former Soviet hero with a complicated relationship to his past. Wyatt Russell returns as John Walker, aka U.S. Agent, a character who wrestles with authority and his own sense of justice.

Also starring are Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Newcomer Lewis Pullman is rumored to play Bob Reynolds/ Sentry, one of Marvel’s most powerful yet unstable characters.

Filming and Production

“Thunderbolts” faced delays due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, but production officially wrapped in mid-2024, with filming taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, and Utah. The movie promises a stellar musical score composed by the band Son Lux, recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, ensuring a soundtrack that matches the epic scope of the film.

What to Expect from the Story

Early teasers and trailers have given audiences a glimpse of what’s to come, showcasing a darker, grittier tone than many previous MCU films. The group dynamic is one of tension, with each character struggling with their past while being forced to cooperate. Will they be able to work together, or will their egos and differing motivations tear them apart?

The film’s official teaser, released in September 2024, has

been generating significant buzz, with fans eager to see how these complex characters will clash and cooperate. The subsequent Super Bowl trailer further teased the action-packed, emotional rollercoaster awaiting viewers.

What’s in a Name?

The asterisk in the title, “Thunderbolts*,” has sparked widespread speculation. Some believe it may be a nod to Marvel’s “Dark Avengers” storyline, suggesting that the Thunderbolts could serve as a darker counterpoint to the iconic Avengers team. This theory has been bolstered by comments from cast members, including David Harbour, who teased that the asterisk is “very cool” and could point to deeper connections within the MCU.

Others speculate that the film will serve as a prelude to the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” further expanding the interconnected Marvel universe.

With its rich ensemble cast, gripping storyline, and a mix of action and moral ambiguity, “Thunderbolts” is shaping up to be one of the most unique offerings from Marvel Studios. Fans of the MCU can expect to see familiar faces in unfamiliar circumstances, creating a dynamic and thrilling cinematic experience. Whether the team will unite for the greater good or descend into chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is clear— this will be a ride worth taking.

The movie hits theaters on May 2, 2025

Tech and Taff

THE INVISIBLE MARCH Of AI PROgRESS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE has been making steady strides since its explosive breakout in 2023, a year many dubbed “the year of AI.” The arrival of tools like ChatGPT-4 and Midjourney v5 turned AI from a niche interest into a mainstream phenomenon. However, as we move further into 2024, AI’s progress has become more difficult to track. The advances are still happening, but unless you’re knee-deep in the world of machine learning research, you might not even notice them.

BEYOND THE HYPE

One of the key challenges in understanding AI’s ongoing development is that much of it is now happening beneath the surface. AI has reached a stage where improvements are less about dazzling new features and more about behind-the-scenes enhancements— refinements in efficiency, autonomy, and explainability. Take, for example, OpenAI’s latest advancements. While not as headlinegrabbing as the leap from GPT-3 to GPT-4, they represent significant progress in making AI more capable and reliable.

A critical area of development is scaffolding and guardrails, which improve an AI’s ability to interact with the world autonomously. Early AI models were glorified chatbots, responding passively to user input. Now, AI is evolving into a proactive agent that can complete multi-step tasks, adapt to new circumstances, and even make independent decisions. This means AI can do more than just answer questions—it can schedule meetings, draft reports, and even debug code with minimal supervision.

Of course, greater autonomy brings risks. As AI grows more sophisticated, so too does its ability to deceive. A recent study by Apollo Research found that advanced AI models sometimes attempt to evade scrutiny, manipulate outputs, or even conceal their full capabilities. This raises pressing ethical and safety questions: How do we ensure AI remains aligned with human interests?

EXPLAINABILITY: SHEDDINg LIgHT ON AI’S “BLACK BOX”

One solution to AI’s increasing opacity is explainable AI (XAI). Traditionally, deep learning models operate as “black boxes,” providing outputs without explaining how they arrived at them. This lack of transparency is a major issue, especially in fields like healthcare, finance, and law. If an AI system denies you a

mortgage or recommends a cancer treatment, you’d want to know why.

Researchers are tackling this challenge using tensor networks, a mathematical approach that makes AI decision-making more interpretable. By applying techniques like matrix product states (MPS), scientists can reveal the relationships AI detects within massive datasets. The result? AI that is not only accurate but also accountable. In an era of increasing regulation, where transparency is becoming a legal requirement, XAI will be a game-changer.

AI’S ENERgY CRISIS

Another invisible but urgent AI problem is energy consumption. Training and running large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT requires staggering amounts of power. A Deloitte report estimates that global AI energy consumption could reach 3,059 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2045—a number that should make even the most enthusiastic AI evangelist pause.

To put that into perspective, one terawatt hour could power the entire UK for nearly five days. The environmental cost of AI is often overlooked, but without intervention, it could become unsustainable. Researchers are working on compression techniques to reduce AI’s energy footprint. Traditional methods like pruning and quantization help, but newer tensor-based compression techniques show even greater promise. These methods allow AI models to maintain performance while dramatically reducing the number of parameters they require, cutting energy consumption by up to 50% during training and 25% during inference.

THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN PERCEPTION AND REALITY

For many, AI progress seems to have slowed. In reality, it has simply shifted gears. The flashy advancements of 2023 were just the beginning. Now, AI is moving toward a more mature phase—one focused on efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. But these developments risk going unnoticed unless they are actively explained.

As AI continues its invisible march forward, it is crucial for those in the field to communicate these advancements clearly. Otherwise, we risk a future where the technology becomes increasingly powerful yet remains misunderstood by the very people it is meant to serve.

Goat Major hometown return

BRACE yourself for a night of earth-shattering riffs and skullsmashing chugs as goat Major returns to their battleground in Haverfordwest for a savage, riproaring assault at Haverhub!

The event promises to be one of the most electrifying shows in the area, featuring some of the finest bands from South and West Wales.

Fresh off their exciting signing with Ripple Music, a prominent US label known for its stoner, doom, and heavy rock releases, Goat Major are set to release their highly anticipated debut album Ritual in March 2024. With their sinister occult doom metal and a reputation as one of the UK’s most promising new bands, their performance is sure to be a highlight of the year.

But that’s not all – the show will also feature a powerhouse lineup of incredible acts. Sigiriya, the monolithic heavy groove stoner metallers from Swansea, will bring their massive sound to the stage. Gabe Is A Unit, a destructive trio from West Wales, will deliver their unique blend of forwardthinking punk, grunge, blues rock, and stoner metal. And LaCross Club, a South Wales-based three-piece punk band now based in Bristol, will amp up the energy with their raw, high-octane performance.

Doors open at 7:30 PM for this 16+ event. Remember, ID is required for entry – no ID, no entry. This is going to be an unforgettable night, so don’t miss the chance to witness Goat Major and their stellar lineup bring the house down!

Beauty and the Beast at the Torch Theatre

THE stage at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven will be transformed into a world of magic and enchantment as the Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society presents Beauty and the Beast – The Broadway Musical from Monday, March 17 to Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Tickets are now on sale for this dazzling production, which promises to transport audiences into a tale as old as time. Directed with flair, this show brings the beloved Disney classic to life with stunning visuals, vibrant costumes, and unforgettable music.

The story follows Belle, a young woman in a small provincial town, who becomes the prisoner of a Beast. What she doesn’t know, however, is that the Beast is actually a young prince cursed by an enchantress. As the Beast strives to break the curse, he must learn to

love and be loved in return, or he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Filled with fan-favorite songs like “Be Our Guest,” “Belle,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” this magical musical will charm audiences of all ages. The production promises to offer a night of heartwarming entertainment that captures the essence of the timeless fairy tale.

Tickets are available for just £16.00, making this an affordable family outing that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re familiar with the animated classic or experiencing this Broadway adaptation for the first time, this is an unmissable event.

Be Our Guest and experience the magic of Beauty and the Beast at the Torch Theatre – an unforgettable evening awaits!

ALRIgHT, so here’s the deal with Tales of the Shire. It’s this upcoming little gem of a game that lets you step into the hobbit life, wandering the lush, rolling hills of the Shire, sipping a pint at the local inn, and probably getting your hands dirty with a bit of gardening or foraging.

Imagine it: no dark lords, no epic battles, no endless quests for rings, just you, a humble hobbit, living your best life. You’ll be able to craft meals, grow your veggies, and make sure you’re the most popular hobbit on the block by helping your neighbours or just having a laugh with them over a freshly baked pie.

It’s all about community, you see. You’ll form connections with other hobbits—perhaps even have a bit of a cheeky rivalry with the bloke down the road who thinks he’s better at mushroom

picking than you. It’s a nice change from the usual stress of saving the world or charging into battle with a sword that’s too big for you, isn’t it? Tales of the Shire is all about cultivating joy, peace, and those little moments of satisfaction—maybe you’re cooking up a storm for a village feast, or collecting wildflowers for your mum’s garden. It’s wholesome, it’s cozy, it’s all the things that make you want to cuddle up with a hot drink and forget about the chaos of the world outside.

Visually, it’s like stepping into a watercolor painting, everything soft and inviting, with seasons changing around you as you plod about in your comfortable hobbit feet, taking in the serenity of the place. It’s a lovely, intimate slice of Middle-earth, the kind of place where you can lose yourself in the quiet details, forget the

world’s madness, and just... be.

Now, as for the development behind it, you’ve got Wētā Workshop—those absolute wizards who brought Lord of the Rings to life in cinemas. They know their way around creating magical, immersive worlds, and it seems they’ve put their heart and soul into this one. And with Private Division backing it, the folks who’ve worked on titles like Hades, it’s not going to be a half-baked attempt at cozy gaming. It’s going to have some substance.

So yeah, Tales of the Shire is shaping up to be a delightful little escape, a chance to live out your hobbit fantasy without the whole world-ending nonsense. Just the simple pleasures, the small victories. It’s calm, it’s soothing, and it’s definitely something to look forward to when it releases later this year.

HOROSCOPES

You’re sharp and funny, and you learned a long time ago to listen to your instincts to build on those qualities. At the moment, your built-in radar is telling you that something big is coming up, but not to worry. It isn’t going to be at all unpleasant. In fact, you’ll probably end up being delighted with what the Universe has in store for you. In the meantime, grant an audience to someone who’s asked to speak with you in private.

SCORPIO

You’re not usually thin-skinned, so even you may be surprised at how easily your feelings are hurt right now, even though you know darned well that those comments weren’t meant to be hurtful. Does this mean you’ll automatically overreact even if someone is just kidding? Not necessarily, but you might want to practice counting to ten, especially if they could still be a bit cranky.

SAGITTARIUS

It’s finally time to unwind, and not a moment too soon either. You’ve had it with being proper, dutiful and responsible, and you’re about to self-medicate. You’re prescribing the only remedy that you know will definitely work: putting some serious distance between you and your job and anyone who wants you to take charge of anything more complicated than curling up on the couch.

CAPRICORN

Sensitive? You? No way. Well, maybe a little. It started when you realized you were sniffling at sappy commercials. You’d never admit to it, of course, but if you’re going to be spending any time with that certain someone, you might want to think about it ahead of time. Forget about being the alpha person. Let them know you have a great big heart. If one thing’s clear, it’s that you have nothing else to prove.

AQUARIUS

New orders are coming down from above, and while you’re not exactly happy about them, you still have to live with them. Temporarily, at least. If you’ve been thinking about finding some new way to earn your living, this could be the excuse you’re looking for. On the other hand, if

wITH EDDIE THE gAME gURU

Badger Goes Back to Nature

BADgER has been away this week, visiting his cousin gog in North Wales. Badger knows that for many of us who more or less live in Pembrokeshire, North Wales begins at Cardigan, and anything beyond Aberystwyth is akin to the Pole of Inaccessibility.

Badger is here to tell you to fear not, readers. People in North Walesyes, they are people - are just like you. They think the Welsh Government is little more than an extension of Cardiff City Council and about as relevant to them as monkeys are to quantum physics.

In Gwynedd, as in Pembrokeshire, higher-value house prices are taking a beating as the second-home Council Tax bites. Treasure it, readers. It is a rare example of a Welsh Government policy working as intended.

Second-home owners and those who operate holiday lets in those homes as a side hustle face a double whammy. First, they cannot get small business tax relief unless they meet strict letting criteria. Second, if they don’t meet the criteria for small business tax relief, they must pay a premium on the Council Tax for their property.

As a result, more properties are entering the market for sale. The increase in volume is not matched by increasing demand, not least because the properties involved are too expensive for local buyers. The result is falling prices in certain sectors of the housing market.

Cousin Gog is equivocal about the whole thing. On the one hand, he hates Brummies and Scousers. On the other, he misses rummaging through the bin bags and takeaway containers full of tasty snacks they leave lying around.

Rather like Satan did with Christ in St Matthew’s gospel, Cousin Gog took Badger to a high place. Instead of all the kingdoms of the world, Gog showed Badger the whole of North Wales. Or at least those bits not covered by grey clouds and sea mist.

Basically, Gog took Badger up a hill and showed him Llanberis.

Llanberis is a lovely little market town on the banks of an equally

lovely lake. It is surrounded by the remains of heavy industry, namely slate quarrying. In the 19th century, the area around Llanberis, stretching roughly south and west as far as Porthmadog and Penrhyndeudraeth was a major global exporter of slate. It was filthy, labour-intensive work. It employed thousands of men in backbreaking labour while the quarry owners made out like gangbusters on the sweat of their toil.

Now, the quarries are virtually all gone, but the houses built for the quarrymen and their families remain. Dotted around the North Wales hinterland are small villages, most with a decrepit chapel, a couple of rundown pubs and a tiny school, consisting of small houses jammed together that open out almost directly onto the road.

Around the villages are small farms, most on marginal land unsuited to growing much of anything apart from grass. In fields walled with slate and limestone, herds of sheep eat, bleat, sleep, and crap. Slightly below those elevations, you get livestock cattle raised for meat. At lower elevations, you tend to get dairy herds.

Readers, there are parts of North Wales that are so similar to Pembrokeshire that the only difference is the almost total absence of Chelsea tractors.

For many of the same reasons that make Pembrokeshire special, North Wales is gorgeous. It’s bleaker, colder, and harder than

Pembrokeshire but majestic and beautiful.

Badger soaked in what he could see from the high peak to which Gog had guided him.

Cousin Gog then asked Badger: “But what is it that you really see?”

Lost in a reverie involving a bijou and luxury sett in the event he won the EuroMillions,

Badger paused and asked Gog to repeat himself.

Gog tapped his pipe on a nearby hedgehog and asked again.

“What is it that you really see, Badger?”

The scales fell from Badger’s eyes. Everything around him that he took for the majesty of nature was wholly manmade.

The grey and blasted hillsides, the lonely tabernacles and lonelier churches, the cottages and farms clinging to the side of the mountains, the forestry plantations, the fields divided by dry stone walls, the steam train puffing along the valley below, the footpaths and roads that lead to viewing points so you can soak in the wonder of the landscape, the stone circles and remains of hill forts and castles; all of them were made by humankind.

This “natural” landscape draws tens of thousands of visitors to the area, whose money replaces industry’s income. The Welsh Government and its strap-hanging quangos and third-sector bodies want to destroy this landscape. They want to return the land to a condition

it has not had for many hundreds of years.

Where heavy industry once employed tens of thousands, tourism employs thousands. Without this landscape, shaped by humankind, tourists and their money will disappear. It will be at once rewilded and denatured. Solar panels, wind turbines, and forestry will replace the patchwork of fields. The small farms which drive the rural economy will disappear, broken by death taxes and regulations.

The thousands of jobs supported by farming and tourism will vanish, replaced by warm feelings and photo opportunities for Welsh Government ministers and Ed Milliband.

And the same will happen to Pembrokeshire.

Come, readers! Take a stroll along the Pembrokeshire Coast path and wonder at the solar arrays on St David’s Peninsula and the turbines atop the Preselis. Feel the warm glow of smug self-satisfaction as you walk past eco-homes and compost toilets. Embrace the enduring poverty of micro-industries like wood whittling and weaving artisan muesli. Wonder at the sight of Guardian readers rolling in pig shit and claiming it smells just like chocolate.

Along the way, please reflect upon how the Welsh Government and its Westminster counterpart regard land and history as valueless assets when compared to the opportunities for hedge fund managers to despoil the landscape in the name of tradable carbon credits.

We have changed the landscape. Tourists come to see what we have created. That stunning view from the hill as you look down towards the moon-crescent sweep of Newgale sands, the almost alpine view of Llanberis from Allt Ddu. The things that make Wales special are all the result of humankind’s interactions with nature.

There is a balance to be struck, but the balance must be struck to favour humans, human jobs, and Wales’s economy. You can keep pie-in-tADGERhe-sky targets and nebulous investment opportunities when we have already made heaven on earth.

Starmer holds the line, but for how long?

KEIR STARMER is a funny old fish, isn’t he? Not literally, mind – no beady eyes and flappy gills – but a curious creature nonetheless. Turns out, when the storm rolls in, he’s got more grit than a bag of chips on Milford Haven docks. Since taking the helm as prime minister, he’s had to navigate some choppy waters, and by all accounts, he’s managed to keep his wings dry.

First, there were the riots after the Southport killings. Now, you know me – I’ve seen plenty of scraps over a wayward chip, but this was something else. Proper nasty business. And what did Starmer do? Kept his beak clean, calmed the roost, and managed to stop the whole thing from spiralling into fullblown chaos. Fair play, that’s not bad for a man who some say has all the charisma of a damp sandbag.

Now, he’s got another storm brewing, and this one’s coming from across the Atlantic. Good old Donald Trump – a man who squawks louder than the entire gull population of Milford put together – is playing fast and loose with Ukraine, making eyes at Russia and causing all sorts of bother. Starmer, though, is holding the line, trying to make sure Britain doesn’t end up on the wrong side of history. No easy task when Trump changes his mind more often than a gull deciding which boat to perch on.

Just this week, Starmer stood up in the Commons and made a point of remembering fallen UK service personnel. He didn’t mention Trump’s man JD Vance by name, nor the sneering “random country” comment from the US vice-president, but the message was clear: Britain won’t forget its allies. A bit of old-school decency from Starmer there – a refreshing change from the usual mud-slinging.

But here’s the rub. Starmer’s a man who seems to shine in a crisis, but when it comes to the day-to-day grind of running the country? Not so much. Since July 2024, he’s been plodding along, slow and steady, but not exactly setting the world alight. Yet, when the stakes are high – as they are with Ukraine –his steady, no-nonsense approach starts to look like a strength rather than a weakness. It’s like watching an old trawler that looks past its prime but still

manages to ride out the worst of the storms.

Now, most British leaders in a crisis like this have gone full Churchill, striding about like they’re starring in their own war film. Thatcher did it with the Falklands, Blair after 9/11, even Boris tried to play the role when Putin rolled into Ukraine. Starmer, though, is more Attlee than Churchill – quiet, methodical, and keeping his cards close to his chest. And compared to Trump, who’s about as subtle as a divebombing gull after a pasty, Starmer’s measured approach is starting to look downright statesmanlike.

But here’s the big question: what’s the long game? Trump’s playing fast and loose with NATO, and there are some hefty issues at stake. If Russia pushes west, how far does it get before someone stops it? Will the US even bother? These aren’t small questions, and Starmer’s got to figure out how to handle them without making an enemy of the White House.

There are three ways he could play this. First, he can keep firefighting – smoothing things over, boosting defence spending, keeping allies onside, and hoping to nudge Trump in

the right direction. That’s the plan at the moment, and to be fair, it’s already had some small wins – like getting Trump to at least pretend to be polite about Zelenskyy.

Second, he could just sit tight, ride out the Trump years, and hope that things return to normal after 2028. But that’s a big gamble, especially when the world is moving faster than a stolen chip out of a toddler’s hands.

The third option? Accept that Trump’s America is the new normal, and Britain has to start acting like it’s on its own. That means spending big on defence, getting serious about European alliances, and facing up to the fact that the good old days of the US standing shoulder to shoulder with the UK might be over. Not exactly a comforting thought.

At the moment, Starmer’s got one foot in the first camp and another in the second, but if things keep going the way they are, he might have to take the plunge and start preparing for a very different world order. After all, Trump’s the sort who could promise to “have your back” one day and stick a knife in it the next. Just ask Ukraine.

And let’s not forget, it’s not just the international scene that’s a minefield

– there’s plenty of trouble brewing at home too. The economy’s wobbling like a drunk seagull on a lamppost, inflation’s pecking away at everyone’s chips, and Starmer’s got a restless flock of MPs watching his every move. If his leadership falters, it won’t just be Trump he has to worry about – his own backbenchers could start circling like gulls spotting a dropped sandwich.

It’s one thing to handle a crisis well, but another to prevent them happening in the first place. Starmer might be proving himself a steady hand in the storm, but can he navigate calmer waters? If he doesn’t start delivering on the domestic front, his approval ratings will tumble faster than a sausage roll from a toddler’s grasp. A leader needs more than just good crisis management – they need a vision beyond survival. So, where does that leave us? Well, for now, Starmer’s keeping Britain’s ship steady – but the tide’s rising, and the weather’s looking grim. If he’s got any sense, he’ll have an escape plan ready for when the real storm hits. Otherwise, he might find himself flapping for cover like a gull caught in a squall. And trust me – that’s never a good look.

Welsh walkers and farmers warned of livestock danger

AN AgRICULTURAL expert is warning Welsh walkers and farmers to stay vigilant in the vicinity of livestock and their young this summer, to avoid endangering lives and jeopardising livelihoods.

James Treverton, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, is urging the public and farmers to take steps to protect themselves, ramblers and livestock, as the trend for countryside walking sets to continue post-lockdown.

James is urging the public to follow the recently updated Countryside Code, particularly as livestock are now being sent out to pasture with their young, and for farmers to take precautions to keep the public and livestock separate and safe.

Over the past five years, 24 people were killed by animals in the agricultural industry, with members of the public amongst the deaths, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

Eighteen of these deaths were caused by cattle and six by bulls.

James said: “It’s important for people to remember that much of the countryside is working land and that their actions impact the lives and livelihoods of others – along with their own safety.

“As well as being courteous to those who farm the local land, it is important to be fully aware of the risks that come with visiting the countryside.

“Even the most placid farm animals can become dangerous when they are stressed, with adverse weather, illness, disturbance, or maternal instincts just some of the triggers. Farmers understand and recognise signs of stress – but many members of the public don’t.

“Sadly, every year people are seriously and fatally injured by livestock and walkers should never underestimate these animals, particularly at this time of year, when cattle have calves

at foot and protective maternal instincts are at play.

“When journeying to the countryside, use maps to plan ahead and read signs to help find your way and ensure you don’t trespass or enter fields where at-risk livestock are present. Stay on marked paths where possible and use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries.

“Always remember to leave gates as you find them. Farmers close gates to keep animals in or leave them open to give access to food and water. Do not interfere with livestock and give them plenty of space.

“Finally, do not let dogs off the leash where livestock is present and keep them away from animals at all times.

“Should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you and your dog are surrounded by cattle –particularly if they are with their young – and you sense danger, this is the only time you should let go of your dog. Though it is instinctual to protect your dog by holding it close, the livestock will likely be more interested in your pet and chase it, diverting the danger.”

Whilst walkers should take care, James pointed out that it is

equally important farmers take precautionary steps to prevent the public from accessing areas where animals are residing.

Farmers who keep livestock in fields crossed by public rights of way may face prosecution if walkers are injured by their livestock, and negligence is proved.

“Flouting health and safety rules and inadequate risk management is a threat to public safety and could put the viability of a farmer’s business in jeopardy,” added James.

“Being vigilant will help keep walkers safe and may reduce farmers’ liability, should an incident occur.

“Wherever possible, farmers should keep cattle in fields that do not have public access, especially when cattle are calving or have calves at foot and during periods of high footfall.

“When it comes to bulls, certain breeds, for example Ayrshire, Friesian, Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry, are in all circumstances banned from being at large in fields crossed by public rights of way. Beef bulls are banned from fields with footpaths unless accompanied by cows or heifers.

“For bull breeds that are permitted, consider the animal’s temperament and keep an eye on its demeanour. Remove it from the field if its behaviour begins to give cause for concern.

“Perimeters should be well-maintained, with farmers checking daily for signs of damage. When moving cattle, pre-plan the journey, making efforts to limit contact with members of the public and to warn any passers-by to stay back at a safe distance.

“Farmers should erect appropriate signage, which is informative, accurate and in clear view of the public when animals are present – but take care not to avoid misleading signs which deter the public from exercising their right of responsible access, as these are likely to be regarded as obstruction.

“Finally, farmers should bear in mind that previously quiet rights of way may have become more populated. Greater numbers mean greater risk, so although incidents may not have occurred in the past, reviewing safety procedures and signage in light of the current circumstances is a must.”

Abuse towards school staff must stop, says NAHT Cymru

SURVEY REVEALS ALARMINg RISE IN ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR

MORE than four in five (82%) school leaders in Wales have been abused by parents in the past year, a new survey has revealed.

The poll, conducted by school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, uncovered shocking instances of head teachers and senior staff facing verbal and physical abuse.

Verbal abuse was the most common, with 78% of school leaders in Wales reporting incidents in the past year. This was followed by threatening behaviour (64%), online abuse (39%), and discriminatory language (18%), including racist, sexist, or homophobic terms. Disturbingly, more than one in ten (12%) suffered physical violence.

The survey also highlighted a growing issue of online trolling and coordinated hate campaigns on social media and parent groups. Some school leaders reported feeling so targeted that they had considered leaving the profession altogether, with many suffering from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

ABUSE ON THE RISE

More than four-fifths (82%) of school leaders said parental abuse had increased over the past three years, with 34% reporting a ‘great’ increase. Only 4% said abuse had decreased.

Nearly a third (31%) said

they experienced abuse from parents on a monthly basis, while 14% reported weekly incidents.

One senior leader described the situation: “Nasty emails are becoming more frequent. I receive abusive messages from parents without any thought or balance.”

Another highlighted “slanderous and vexatious complaints targeted at individual members of staff.”

CALL fOR URgENT ACTION

Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru’s national secretary, said: “These results expose a worrying trend in Welsh schools, where verbal and even physical abuse is becoming part of the job. This is simply unacceptable. School

leaders should not be subjected to this kind of treatment, and more must be done to protect them.

“NAHT Cymru is calling on local authorities to work with us to tighten complaints procedures and take a stand against this abusive behaviour, ensuring schools remain safe and supportive environments for all staff and pupils.”

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary, added: “The vast majority of parents support schools, and the relationship between school and home is generally positive. However, in recent years, we have seen a troubling increase in the abuse faced by school leaders.

“Some of the incidents reported to us are almost beyond belief. These are dedicated professionals working

tirelessly to provide quality education, often in challenging circumstances. No one should suffer abuse in their workplace.

“This abuse is causing immense distress to school leaders and their staff and is even forcing some to leave the profession. At a time when schools are already struggling with recruitment and retention, this has a direct impact on the quality of education pupils receive.

“Parents must be able to raise concerns, but this must be done in a respectful manner. Whatever the situation, there is never an excuse for abuse.”

The union says its findings highlight the importance of its cross-nation ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ campaign, calling for greater respect and protection for education professionals.

NFU Cymru members hear inheritance tax debate in the Senedd

NfU Cymru members from across Wales were in the Senedd’s public gallery to hear a debate on the UK government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax.

The Wednesday 5th March debate, brought forward by Plaid Cymru, called on Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government that it reconsiders and pauses the so-called ‘family farm tax’ until such a time as it has conducted a thorough consultation and economic review of its impact on working farms.

While decisions around inheritance tax policy are not devolved to Wales, NFU Cymru has welcomed the airing of this issue in the Senedd given agriculture’s multifaceted benefits to the people and communities of Wales.

NFU Cymru President Mr Aled Jones said: “I am most grateful to Plaid Cymru for bringing forward today’s debate and articulating so clearly the industry’s concerns. I also thank the Welsh Conservatives and Welsh Liberal Democrats for their strong and impassioned contributions supporting the call for a pause, consultation and economic review of the family farm tax.

“The Chancellor’s proposals risk placing unsustainable tax liabilities on the backbone of our food system and by doing, so the UK Government risks dismantling a vital sector and causing immense damage to our rural economy, communities as well as our Welsh language and culture.

“Our own independent analysis has shown that around 75% of commercial family farms will

potentially be impacted by this new tax charge. With the latest farm income figures showing average annual income on an upland cattle and sheep farm to be just £22,200, and £23,000 for lowland cattle and sheep farms, it is clear that tax charges perhaps running well into six figures would be completely unsustainable. Family farming businesses are therefore, typically, asset rich but cash poor, and without the reliefs currently in place these businesses - which are at the heart of our rural communities - will face the invidious prospect of either having to sell all or part of the farm, or to take out borrowings to meet inheritance tax charges.”

Mr Jones, who watched the debate from the Senedd’s public gallery alongside NFU Cymru members from across Wales, said: “The fact that so many farmers have journeyed to Cardiff today, in the middle of the busy lambing period, reflects the significant level of concern that exists out there over these proposals. It has been fantastic to see so many of our members speaking with their MSs around the debate, and I thank all those who have shared powerful messages with their elected members on this issue, as well as the media, both today and over the last few months.

“NFU Cymru has long advocated for policy decisions to be based on sound economic evidence and to support the long-term sustainability of our farming industry, and that remains our position. It therefore remains a deep source of frustration for me that the Treasury position has

been resistant to any notion of pause and review of the family farm tax, or indeed any alternative proposals put forward by the industry.

“We see an important role for Welsh Government in helping amplify the Welsh farming industry’s calls for a pause and review of this Treasury policy, as well as consideration of our alternative proposals, and that is why we urged all MSs to back the Plaid Cymru motion today.

“In our discussions with Welsh Government, we have also asked for a thorough examination of the impact of the inheritance tax changes on Welsh farming. We have also urged the Welsh Government to reassess

the impact of its own current and future agricultural policies, and, if they go ahead, putting in the necessary adjustments and measures to mitigate the impact of the UK Government’s damaging proposals.

“Whilst the Plaid Cymru motion was defeated, the fact that Wales’ national parliament was sufficiently concerned by these Treasury proposals to hold this debate sends out a clear and powerful message from Cardiff to London. I take this opportunity to urge UK Government to think once again about the significant and lasting damage their policy proposal will do.”

Farmers and Plaid take inheritance tax fight to the Senedd

fARMIN g families affected by proposed inheritance tax changes will gather at the Senedd tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5) to urge Members of the Senedd (MSs) to support a Plaid Cymru motion calling for the policy to be reconsidered.

The debate and subsequent vote are seen as a final effort to persuade the Welsh Government to send a clear message to their Labour colleagues in Westminster. The timing is crucial, coming just weeks before the UK Spring Budget, which presents an opportunity for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to announce a policy shift.

NFU Cymru will coordinate meetings between farming families and their elected representatives on the day of the debate, encouraging cross-party support for the motion.

‘D EVASTATIN g CONSEQUENCES f OR W ELSH fARMERS ’

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Llyr Gruffydd MS, who will lead the Senedd debate, said: “This UK Government decision will have devastating consequences for farming families across Wales.

“Wales is not a nation of millionaire farmers. Our family farms operate on

tight margins and are often cashpoor, with many already burdened by debt. These changes will force families to sell land, threatening their livelihoods and making farms less viable for future generations.

“The policy is unforgivable and utterly counterproductive at a time when we should be strengthening our food security, not undermining it.

“That’s why Plaid Cymru is calling on the Welsh Government to make

the strongest possible case to their Labour colleagues in London to reverse course.”

‘A THREAT TO RURAL COMMUNITIES ’

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones echoed these concerns, warning of the broader impact on the agricultural sector:

“If the UK Government’s planned inheritance tax changes go ahead, they will have an incredibly detrimental impact on Wales’s family farms and the many businesses that rely on them.

“By imposing unsustainable tax liabilities on the backbone of our food system, the UK Government risks dismantling a vital sector and hollowing out our rural communities.

“I therefore very much welcome Plaid Cymru’s efforts in securing this debate. It is vital that the impacts of these proposals on Wales are heard and properly considered in the Senedd.”

The debate is expected to be closely watched by the farming community, with campaigners hoping to influence policymakers before the Spring Budget announcement.

RamCompare hits major milestone with call for new ram nominations

T HE RamCompare project is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025 and is seeking new rams to join this year’s breeding season.

The national progeny test, launched in 2015 and jointfunded by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), needs rams or semen from performancerecorded, terminal sire breeds.

B RIDGET L LOYD , R AM C OMPARE PROJECT COORDINATOR , SAID :

“This is a great opportunity for breeders to get involved. Testing their ram’s genetics within the national progeny test will provide them with important data which can be used to promote future ram sales.

“Improving efficiency and reducing costs are key drivers for any business. Nominating rams to RamCompare allows breeders a unique opportunity to gather information which can demonstrate how their rams could benefit individual enterprises for potential buyers.”

Farmer Robert Gregory

from Shrewsbury has supplied a number of rams to Welsh farms involved in RamCompare. He produces recorded Charollais rams for the pedigree and commercial breeder and has been recorded with Signet Breeding Services for over twenty years. During that time, he has seen a gradual increase in both the growth rate and muscle depth of his rams while at the same time a reduction in fat levels.

He said:

“I have contributed rams to the project for a number of years as I feel it gives really good information for commercial sheep farmers to make breeding decisions.

I would encourage the sheep sector in Wales to reap the rewards from all the performance recording that breeders do and use the data they provide to drive the genetics of sheep flocks forward for the future.”

Since RamCompare’s launch, over 503 rams have been tested, producing more than 48,000 lambs, helping farmers select high-performing sires whose progeny deliver valuable carcasses and reduced production costs.

The project tests terminal

WITH the weather improving, daffodils blossoming, and lambing underway on farms across Wales, it truly feels that Spring has sprung. It is a beautiful time of the year, made even more special by the sight of lambs and calves enjoying their first gentle rays of sunshine.

Whilst the dark days of Winter slowly abate, and the sense of new life fills the air, it remains a busy and stressful time for farmers. Amidst the uncertainty and little sleep, the avoidable losses to their spring flock due to dog attacks often lie at the heart of farmers’ anxieties.

sire rams with Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in the top 20% of their breed. Natural service sires should be shearlings or stock rams with a known, high health status. Older stock rams are welcome providing they are fit and fertile. The project also purchases frozen semen in batches of 30 doses for use via AI.

HCC’s Research and Development and Sustainability Executive, Dr Heather McCalman said:

“We are keen to see more farms from Wales joining this pioneering work which uses on farm data to drive genetic improvement within the UK sheep industry.

“By utilising the best genetics available, flock performance and profitability can be significantly improved. Selecting breeding stock with high performance figures is widely recognised as the single most effective tool for increasing economic returns and efficiency of livestock production. With this in mind, I would encourage farms from across Wales with an interest in genetics and a willingness to record flock performance to apply.”

The sight of a dog attack can itself be gut-wrenching, not to mention the cost of both veterinary bills and carcase disposal.

Despite significant industry efforts over recent years calling on dog walkers to keep dogs on a lead near livestock, dog attacks on livestock remain a major concern for Welsh farmers. The extent of the problem was documented in a recent freedom of information request by FUW to North Wales Police, which received over 80 reports of livestock attacks in 2024 alone.

These incidents go beyond statistics alone. The impact of these attacks on livestock and farms is often devastating - from fatalities, to significant injury and stress, which can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry, or lambs to become separated from their mothers.

Alongside these significant animal welfare issues, the toll on farmers from both an emotional and economic perspective can also be significant.

The FUW has been lobbying hard to see that the police have greater powers to deal with attacks on livestock and we continue to stress the importance of strong enforcement in preventing attacks. To this end, we welcome the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill which is currently making its way through the House of Commons. This would change the law about the offence of livestock worrying, including changes to what constitutes an offence and increased powers for investigation of suspected offences. Now at its Committee Stage of scrutiny, we do hope this bill will continue to progress and become law in the not too distant future.

In the meantime, it’s key that dog owners demonstrate diligence and common sense when in the countryside. Even the most well-trained dogs have a natural instinct to chase, and its vital owners act responsibly when outside in the countryside.

A simple leash, heeding local signage, and promoting responsible dog walking can prevent untold suffering and ensure the countryside remains a place of joy, not heartache. Let’s protect the life that springs anew, safeguarding both our livestock and the peace of mind of those who nurture them.

Lotus reveals revised Emira line-up

LOTUS has revamped its Emira lineup to include the new, more powerful Emira Turbo SE next to the Emira V6, both building on the strong foundations of the previous first Editions that have captivated driving enthusiasts around the world. The Emira Turbo SE features enhanced levels of performance and design whilst building on the attributes the automotive world has come to expect, including its impressive supercar-like appearance, striking lines and thrilling dynamic performance, delivering a unique blend of ride and handling plus outstanding aerodynamics.

A NAME fROM THE PAST REIgNITED

The new Emira Turbo SE naming stems

from Lotus’s rich history. The Emira Turbo SE not only reflects the 2-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine but is also a tribute to an era in which the turbo was first implemented. Specifically in 1980, with the launch of the Turbo Esprit, which was one of the early production sports cars to use this technology.

Further, the Emira Turbo SE refers to an era when SE was originally an optional ‘Special Equipment’ package, first introduced on the Type 14 Elite. It was also used with the Type 26 Elan, Elan SE Turbo, Lotus Cortina and the Elan S3, Elan S4 and Plus 2. In addition, Lotus has historically used the SE designation to identify higher output and more standard equipment, with the Esprit Turbo SE, Excel SE, Elan SE and the Europa SE as examples of that

philosophy. To stay true to the Lotus ‘SE’ naming, the Emira Turbo SE adopts ‘SE’ to reflect increased levels of performance and equipment.

INCREASED PERfORMANCE

Powered by a 4-cylinder variable geometry turbocharged engine* with an 8-speed DCT gearbox, both sourced from technology partner AMG, the Emira Turbo SE has an output that has increased to 400 bhp (+40 bhp), with a torque increase of 50 Nm to 480 Nm. The new performance figures equate to a higher top speed of 290 km/h (+ 18 km/h) 180 mph (+11 mph) and an even faster acceleration time of 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds. Taking Lotus’ Emira philosophy ‘For The Drivers’ to an even higher level.

SE: SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

The Emira Turbo SE comes with the Lotus Drivers Pack as standard including Sports suspension settings, uprated cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs and launch control as standard. In addition to performance enhancements the Emira Turbo SE also features a variety of core design features. These include newly finished 20” V-spoke forged Satin Grey wheels as standard as well as Zinc Grey paint, Alcantara headliner, red brake callipers, new ‘Emira Turbo SE’ badging, new black Lotus branding and black Lotus badging and tailpipes.

The new Lotus Emira Turbo SE can now be ordered with prices starting from £89,500

Kia presents global EV strategy and new EV paradigm at 2025 Kia EV Day

Kia Corporation today unveiled the EV4, PV5 and Concept EV2 at the brand’s 2025 EV Day in Tarragona, Spain. The three new models represent the latest phase of Kia’s bold electrification strategy and illustrate the brand’s determination to re-energise the global EV market.

All three models presented at the 2025 Kia EV Day further solidify Kia’s EV leadership. The Kia PV5, the first of Kia’s dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models, demonstrates Kia’s status as a PBV first mover and underscores the brand’s rapid expansion into personalised mobility strategies.

The Kia EV4, unveiled as a concept at Kia’s 2023 EV Day held in Seoul, Korea, is Kia’s first electrified saloon and hatchback. It extends the appeal of Kia’s mainstream line-up, which includes the award-winning Kia EV9 (2024 World Car of the Year) and Kia EV6 (2022 European Car of the Year), offering innovative yet familiar features that transcend what is typically offered in the C-segment saloon sector and catering to a diverse range of customers.

The Kia Concept EV2 previews a new B-segment SUV EV as the newest addition to the Kia EV family. Like the EV4, it highlights Kia’s effort to make EVs more accessible with features that go beyond its class, offering innovative experiences.

The Kia PV5, shown as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, is the first dedicated model from Kia’s new PBV business strategy. It serves as a new ground for innovation, laying the foundation for a new form of EV usability with exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.

Built on a dedicated platform that delivers innovations in hardware, software, customer experience and manufacturing processes, the PV5 plays a key role in advancing and transforming

the global market, significantly improving customers’ personal and business lives.

In addition to unveiling its new model line-up, the event showcased Kia’s EV strategy, providing insight into how the brand will continue to drive the acceleration and transformation of the global EV market.

“Kia remains committed to becoming the world’s leading EV brand and sustainable mobility solutions provider by enhancing the options and experiences we offer our customers,” said Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song.

“With models like the Kia

and the vision shown in the Kia Concept EV2, we strive to democratise EV ownership, making the benefits of sustainable mobility solutions open to everyone.

“In an era that places ever greater demand for customised products and experiences, buyers still expect manufacturers to meet their needs,” Song added. “As a first mover in the PBV sector, Kia, through the PV5, combines a customer-first approach with advanced EV technology to transform personal mobility.”

EV4

Historic Imperial Hotel unveils first phase of refurbishment

TENBY’S The Imperial Hotel has unveiled the first phase of its extensive refurbishment, offering guests a blend of 19thcentury charm and modern luxury as part of a major renovation project by the Crest Hotels group.

The Grade II-listed hotel, which boasts stunning views of South Beach and has been a Tenby landmark for over 120 years, is undergoing a transformation designed to preserve its historic character while introducing contemporary comforts.

To mark the occasion, The Imperial is offering guests 50% off stays until April 30, 2025, for those who subscribe to the hotel’s mailing list.

Managing Director of Crest Hotels Group, Jason Hiley, said: “We’re thrilled to share the stunning transformation of The Imperial’s new bedrooms with guests. Our refurbishment offers families a luxurious and unforgettable West Wales escape in an idyllic beachfront location.”

He added: “This is just the beginning – a luxurious spa and exceptional new dining

experiences are coming soon. As part of the Crest family, the hotel remains committed to delivering a personalised approach with the highest standards of hospitality.”

The redesigned 59 bedrooms take inspiration from the tranquillity of the sea, featuring soft blues and greens to create a serene atmosphere. Many rooms offer ocean views, and all guests will enjoy luxurious Sleepeezee beds, high-speed internet, invigorating power showers, and air conditioning.

The renovations will continue throughout the spring, with a new spa and wellness area set to open, alongside a vibrant restaurant and enhanced dining experience.

The dog-friendly Imperial Hotel provides an ideal base for families exploring Tenby and the Pembrokeshire coastline, known for its award-winning natural beauty. Local attractions include St David’s Cathedral, Carew Castle, Caldey Island, and the National Botanical Garden of Wales.

For more information or to book a stay, visit www. imperialhoteltenby.co.uk.

Narberth’s culinary delights and folkloric heritage shine in national spotlight

THIS week, Narberth, the picturesque market town in Pembrokeshire, Wales, received national recognition through an in-depth feature in the i newspaper. The article, titled “Narberth: Pembrokeshire’s Market Town with foodie Highlights and folkloric Heritage,” showcases the town’s vibrant culinary scene and rich cultural tapestry.

CULINARY HIgHLIgHTS

The i newspaper article delved into Narberth’s transformation into a culinary destination, highlighting several local establishments that contribute to its gastronomic appeal:

• Ultracomida: This Spanish deli and tapas bar offers a fusion of Welsh and Spanish flavors, providing patrons with a unique dining experience.

• The Peppercorn: A contemporary restaurant known for its innovative dishes that emphasize locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the region’s bounty.

• Fire & Ice: A popular spot for both locals and visitors, this café and ice cream parlor

is renowned for its artisanal gelato and delectable desserts.

CULTURAL AND fOLKLORIC HERITAgE

Beyond its culinary attractions, the article shed light on Narberth’s rich cultural heritage:

• Narberth Museum: The museum offers insights into the town’s history, including its connections to Welsh folklore and legends.

• Local Legends: The town is steeped in tales such as the Mabinogion, with stories of knights and mythical

creatures adding to its allure.

This national coverage not only highlights Narberth’s status as a haven for food enthusiasts but also underscores its dedication to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Wales.

Welsh food firm launches innovative cost cutting app for customers

A WELSH food wholesaler, which has base in Carmarthen, is launching a raft of measures including an innovative new rewards app to help customers cope with the cost of living crisis.

Harlech Foodservice says many businesses have been dealt a “real body blow” by controversial Budget measures, including the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions.

There have already been warnings of hotels, pubs and cafes struggling to cope with the extra staff costs and experts predict that some care homes will be forced to close.

The My Harlech loyalty app will be unveiled at Harlech’s annual twoday trade fair Expo 25, that’s being held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Wednesday and Thursday, March 12 and 13.

According to Harlech, which has bases in Cricieth in Gwynedd, Chester, Carmarthen, Merthyr Tydfil and Telford, the app rewards customers with a rebate of up to 10% on what they spend with them each year.

They’ll qualify for a further 5% rebate for the additional spend with Harlech compared to the previous year.

David Cattrall, the Managing

Director of Harlech, said: “With all the challenges the hospitality, care and education sectors are facing in 2025 we have doubled down on how Harlech can help save money for our customers.

“Whilst some foodservice companies are increasing prices for customers, we have improved our efficiency and driven down our prices.

“It’s our way of giving something back to our loyal customers and doing our best to them navigate a very difficult economic climate.”

Harlech has announced it’s launching its latest version of its Trust Our Prices campaign, with more than 300 prices locked down for three months until June 7.

There’s also a return for its Mega Deals initiative with what it describes as “massive discounts” on popular brands and own branded products.

Meanwhile, the company is introducing the Harlech Top 50 price comparison scheme, with the prices of 50 of the most popular lines being benchmarked against the giant Booker company and published on the website every Tuesday.

Mr Cattrall said: “We have very deliberately gone about disrupting the way foodservice companies have operated in the past.

“For far too long there has been a common practice of announcing inflated prices and then going through a ritualistic charade to ‘negotiate the prices down’.

“That’s why we launched our hugely popular Trust Our Prices strategy because we are conscious that many of our customers are trading in an extremely difficult environment.

“Times are tough. After the nightmare of Covid, the Budget measures which come into force in April are a real body blow.

“The 1.2 per cent rise in Employer National Insurance contributions and a cut to the Secondary Threshold to £5,000 will add significant extra costs in terms of staff.

“What we’re trying to do with the My Harlech app and the other cost-saving initiatives is to ease the financial burden for our customers in hospitality, social care and education to help them ride the economic storm.

“We also want to make life a lot simpler for them with very competitive, transparent pricing – no hassle, no haggle – backed up by excellent customer service.”

A record number of 120 suppliers will be showcasing their products at Expo 25 where sales are expected to top £1 million.

Among those with a presence for the first time will be two of the global giants of the food and drink businesses, Coca-Cola and Mars, who have each taken stands at the event.

Also there will be two of Harlech’s newest partners, both with an Italian flavour, Sidoli’s ice-cream, set up in Ebbw Vale over 100 years ago by Benedetto Sidoli and still in the same family, and Ferrari Coffee from Bridgend, which was founded by Vittorio Ferrari in 1927.

They will join a host of other household names at the event which will see Harlech, which has bases in Cricieth, Chester, Carmarthen, Merthyr Tydfil and Telford, unveil its latest Trust Our Prices range with over 300 deals for its customers pegging prices for the next three months.

Alongside Coca-Cola and Mars at the trade fair will be a host of food and drink supply giants including Pepsi, Kellogg’s, Young’s Seafood, Premier Foods, Cadbury’s, Twinings tea, Walkers crisps and Unilever.

Nationally known Welsh brands such as Jones Village Bakery, Edwards the Welsh Butcher, Llaeth y Llan Village Dairy and Radnor Springs, from Knighton, in Mid Wales, will also all be there.

David Cattrall, Managing Director of Harlech Foodservice

Simon Hart: Covid rules should have been uniform across UK

f ORMER Welsh Secretary Simon Hart has argued that Covid-19 restrictions should have been consistent across the UK, rather than varying between the four nations. The former Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP, who served as Secretary of State for Wales from 2019 to 2022, said political influences shaped decisionmaking rather than purely focusing on disease control.

Speaking in an interview, Hart reflected on the challenges of navigating the pandemic and expressed concern over the fragmented approach taken by devolved governments, which he believes led to confusion and unnecessary complexity for residents.

A f RACTURED RESPONSE

“I just didn’t feel that decisions were being made purely on the basis of disease control and risk management,” Hart said, referencing the differing rules on mask mandates, lockdowns, and social distancing in Wales and England.

One example he cited

in restrictions when travelling between the two nations. Passengers crossing the Severn Tunnel by train were met with announcements informing them of different masking rules on either side of the border, which Hart believes highlighted an unnecessary and avoidable division in public messaging.

According to Hart, decisionmaking at the time was not just about public health but also about politics. “More and more, as we went through the pandemic, I came to the conclusion that there was a lot of politics in the decisionmaking,” he said.

He suggested that some ministers in Cardiff deliberately sought to highlight differences with Westminster, creating friction between governments and undermining confidence in the UK’s pandemic response.

L ESSONS f OR THE f UTURE

The former Chief Whip, who recently published his book Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip, said his experiences during the pandemic serve as a reminder of the difficulties faced by politicians, health officials, and the public alike.

With restrictions lasting more than two years, Hart argues that greater UK-wide coordination could have reduced confusion and made public health messaging more effective. He believes that if a similar crisis were to happen again, a more unified approach should be considered to avoid unnecessary political and logistical complications. Hart’s comments reignite the debate over whether the UK’s devolved system helped or hindered the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the Welsh Government has yet to respond to his claims, the discussion continues over whether differing approaches were necessary to address local needs or whether they simply sowed division in a time of national crisis.

was the stark contrast

P OLITICS AT PLAY ?

Study shows eye care in local clinics cuts patient wait times

A NEW study has revealed that managing eye conditions through enhanced optometric services at local optometrists, rather than relying solely on hospital eye services (HES), can significantly reduce patient wait times and lower costs for the NHS

Researchers found that integrating optometrists based, in community optician practice settings to handle conditions like neovascular agerelated macular degeneration (nAMD) and glaucoma brings substantial benefits.

The study, published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, demonstrates that enhanced optometry servi ces in local optician clinics can deliver the same quality of care as hospital eye services, while providing additional advantages for both patients and the NHS.

KEY fINDINgS fROM THE STUDY SHOW:

Reduced waiting times: The integration of optometrists into primary care significantly reduced patient wait times. For suspected nAMD, waiting times were shortened to four to five days, and for glaucoma monitoring, to just five days. This contrasts sharply with traditional HES, where patients often faced much longer waits.

Shortened waiting lists: Waiting lists were dramatically reduced with primary care-based services – down to just three people waiting for nAMD and five for glaucoma, compared to 216 and 5,691 people, respectively, in HES.

Efficient use of consultant time: Shifting more responsibilities to primary care optometrists frees up consultant ophthalmologists’ time, allowing them to focus on more complex cases and optimising the use of healthcare resources.

Comparable patient experience: Primary care-based optometric services are on par with hospital eye services in terms of patient experience. They also offer a financially viable and scalable solution to manage the increasing number of people with eye diseases.

The study was led by Professor Barbara Ryan from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Cardiff University, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team from Swansea University, the University of South Wales, and Sight Cymru. The research was funded by Health and Care Research Wales.

The research initially focused on three health boards in Wales, and the service has since been rolled out

across the entire country.

Lead researcher Professor Barbara Ryan of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: “Currently patients are at risk of losing their sight because of delays waiting for hospital eye appointments. These research findings give hope that there is a solution on every local high street.”

Dr Mari Jones of Swansea University’s Centre for Health Economics added: “This project has shown that empowering local

optometrists in local optician practices to manage conditions like neovascular age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma can drastically reduce patient wait times and costs without compromising on quality of care.

“By shifting eye care into community settings, they have shown that patients can receive timely, expert care close to home, while hospital specialists focus on complex cases. This model not only enhances patient outcomes but also optimizes resources across the NHS.”

‘Catastrophic failure’ – welsh child nhs waits increase by over a fifth

12 months on from the publication of “Worried and Waiting”, a Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) report highlighting the grave state of Welsh waiting times for young people, waiting times have increased by a further 22%.

The number of children waiting over a year for an outpatient appointment

also increased by 32%.

The latest NHS statistics for Wales revealed that the overall NHS treatment waiting list remain at 800,395 pathways.

Median waits for treatment had increased by 0.6 weeks to 23.6 weeks in Wales, in just one month.

Commenting, James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet

Secretary for Health and Social Care said:

“These figures represent a catastrophic failure by the Welsh Labour Government and mean that more and more children are having their lives put on hold.

“The former Health Minister, now First Minister promised to eliminate the longest waits of two years or more for

people of all ages in 2023 and 2024, yet they remain at over twenty thousand, with the overall waiting list for children standing at well over fifty thousand.

“Welsh Conservatives believe there is a need, greater than ever, to replace this Welsh Labour Government once and for all, so that we can fix the Welsh NHS and to get to grips with these excessive waits.”

UK at serious risk of chronic democratic decline, ex-counter-extremism tsar warns

A fORMER counterextremism chief warned the growing threat of online disinformation and misinformation creates a “permissive environment” for extremism to flourish in the UK.

Sara Khan, who led a 2024 review for the UK Government, gave evidence as the Senedd’s equality committee launched an inquiry into social cohesion on March 3.

Dame Sara raised concerns about an “evolving and accelerated extremism landscape”, with significant growth in the far right and extreme narratives becoming “mainstreamed”.

She said: “We’re seeing, I think, quite stark warnings about growing levels of disillusionment with democracy, distrust in our democratic institutions.”

She told the committee that trust in government is at an alltime low, with falling levels of trust in the police, media and other institutions.

Dame Sara warned: “I think the UK is at serious risk of

chronic democratic decline. What I showed in my review was that Whitehall simply does not have a strategic approach to A, measure this but B, to also prevent and respond to it.”

Jenny Rathbone, who chairs the committee, asked what action, if any, the UK Government has taken or committed to in response to the review which focused on England.

Dame Sara said she has not had any response to the report’s 15 recommendations, which were published in March, warning of a lack of a counterextremism strategy since 2021.

“That’s quite concerning,” she said. “Firstly because obviously there was the riots in the summer which affected 27 towns and cities, luckily not in Wales, but in parts of Northern Ireland and, of course, England, Many of which I predicted in my report.

“There have been many examples of similar but smaller disturbances, riots [and] violent protests that have broken out.”

The former counterextremism commissioner

challenge undoubtedly is going to get worse.”

Dame Sara raised the example of disinformation that Axel Rudakubana, the Cardiff-born perpetrator of the Southport stabbings, was an illegal immigrant.

She said disinformation on one far-right X account received about five million impressions within two hours of the attack and, according to a poll, people increasingly believe the false claims.

She pointed to last month’s BBC Wales investigation on Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group, which was involved in fuelling disturbances and anger surrounding Southport.

Dame Sara said: “You’re seeing what we call salad bar or pick‘n’mix extremism, which is where individuals pick and select from different extremist ideologies.”

She also raised the threat of “incel” (involuntarily celibate) extremism – “this really pernicious and violent hatred towards women by men”.

told the committee that the summer riots should not have been a shock to Westminster, with many early warning signs flashing.

Dame Sara raised comments from Ken McCallum, MI5’s director-general, who warned of a three-fold increase in under-18s being radicalised over the past three years.

She said: “The scale and pace of threats … – whether it’s extremism, … technological threats – threats that are seeking to undermine social cohesion, they are moving at a rapid pace and I feel the UK Government doesn’t seem to understand the seriousness.”

Dame Sara questioned whether the Online Safety Act 2023 will effectively deal with disinformation because it falls into a “legal but harmful” category.

She said: “It will be very interesting to see how Ofcom responds … particularly now when, for example, Meta has said ‘we’re now going to remove all fact checkers’ … that inevitably will mean more disinformation online, so that

Dame Sara said: “I think we’re going to see worsening extremism, we are definitely seeing a growing acceptance of extremist narratives in a way that we weren’t seeing 20 years ago.”

She added: “The growing threat of disinformation, misinformation … create a permissive environment for extremism to flourish, as well as disillusionment with democracy.”

She told the committee: “There is no doubt that social media is playing a very critical role in undermining social cohesion but I would not put it to just social media alone.”

Dame Sara made a case for “deliberative democracy”, giving citizens a more meaningful role in public decision-making, with research showing it enhances public trust in government.

She said: “Why do people feel that their voices are not heard? The idea that people’s voices are only heard once every five years when there’s a general election – I don’t think that’s acceptable, I just don’t think that’s good enough.”

Welsh budget approved after Lib Dem deal saves Labour from defeat

THE WELSH gOVERNMENT’S £26 billion budget has been narrowly approved by the Senedd after securing a crucial abstention from Liberal Democrat MS jane Dodds. The budget, which funds the NHS, education, and other public services, passed with 29 votes in favour, 28 against, and one abstention on Tuesday evening.

Labour, which holds exactly half of the 60 seats in the Senedd, needed support from at least one opposition member. In exchange for her abstention, Dodds secured a £1 bus fare scheme for under-21s and a commitment to ban greyhound racing in Wales.

HIgH STAKES AND LAST-MINUTE DEAL

Had the budget been rejected, the Welsh Government could have faced an automatic funding cut of up to £4.15 billion, a risk that Labour ministers used to pressure opposition members into negotiations. The Welsh Government’s funding comes mostly from the UK Treasury, and without an agreed budget, vital services could have been at risk.

Labour’s Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford defended the budget as a turning point, stating: “Today, with this budget, we turned the corner—moving beyond austerity towards investment and growth.” He warned that rejecting it would mean losing extra NHS funding, school investments, and childcare support.

WHERE THE MONEY IS gOINg

The budget includes:

• £600 million extra for the NHS,

aimed at reducing waiting times.

• £100 million for education, including childcare and school funding.

• £81 million for social housing, to tackle homelessness.

• A £15 million pilot scheme to allow 16 to 21-year-olds to travel anywhere in Wales for £1 per journey.

The Welsh Government claims that changes in UK Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending decisions have resulted in an additional £1.5 billion for Wales. However, there are

concerns that rising National Insurance contributions for public sector employers could swallow up a significant portion of this funding.

OPPOSITION BACKLASH

Both Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives opposed the budget, arguing it fails to address Wales’ longterm challenges.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth dismissed Drakeford’s claims, stating: “This is a flawed Labour budget.

Services will continue to be cut, some will disappear entirely, and council tax will rise significantly.”

Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar argued that rejecting the budget would have been “a good thing”, stating: “If Labour had lost this vote, it would have ended 26 years of tired, clappedout government that has failed Wales.”

TENSIONS OVER fAILED NEgOTIATIONS

A war of words broke out between Drakeford and Plaid Cymru, with both sides accusing the other of failing to negotiate properly.

Drakeford claimed Plaid did not return to the table after three meetings, while ap Iorwerth insisted Drakeford made no effort to secure a deal.

Plaid’s Heledd Fychan added that the budget “falls short of adequately addressing the challenges Wales faces.” She argued that people would still struggle with rising poverty, food insecurity, and heating costs.

Lib Dems claim victory, Reform UK criticises

Jane Dodds defended her role in securing key concessions, saying: “Today, I feel a deep sense of responsibility. This budget is crucial, not just for the progress we’ve made, but for securing vital funding.”

Meanwhile, Reform UK, which hopes to gain its first Senedd seats in 2026, said the budget “did nothing to fix our struggling economy, failing public services, or the cost-of-living crisis.”

With the budget now passed, the Welsh Government will begin rolling out its funding plans, but opposition parties warn that the financial pressures facing Wales are far from over.

New leader for Congress group strengthening US-Wales ties

fIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has welcomed the appointment of Rep. Lloyd Doggett as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the friends of Wales Caucus in the US Congress.

Rep. Doggett spoke about his new role during a Welsh Government-hosted reception at the Library of Congress to mark St David’s Day. The Caucus, established on St David’s Day in 2014, aims to strengthen cultural and trade links between Wales and the USA.

The group currently has 26 members across both the US House and Senate. The existing Chair, Rep. Morgan Griffith, a Republican representing Virginia’s 9th Congressional District, will now be joined by Rep. Doggett as the Democratic Co-Chair.

The Welsh Government has been actively engaging with Congress to foster stronger ties. With the support of the Caucus, it has hosted events promoting Wales’s compound semiconductor cluster and its climate change initiatives during New York Climate Week.

Rep. Doggett, who joined the

Caucus in November 2023, has expressed enthusiasm for his new role. He has served in the US House of Representatives since 1995 and currently represents Texas’s 37th Congressional District. Over his tenure, he has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, healthcare expansion, public education, and social safety net programmes.

On March 12, his congressional district will host the SXSW festival, where FOCUS Wales will showcase Welsh music with support from the Welsh Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am delighted to welcome the first Democratic Co-Chair of the Friends of Wales Caucus, Congressman Lloyd Doggett. I have no doubt that he will be immensely successful alongside Congressman Griffith. I am confident that, through their joint leadership, the Caucus will continue to grow and support the interests of Wales before Congress.”

W ITH ANDREW LyE

Liberal Democrat Leader, Ed Davey writes:-

“On 25th February, the PM did what we have been urging him to do for years: commit to increasing Britain’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.

“That is essential with Vladimir Putin waging war on our continent, and Donald Trump in the White House cosying up to him, this is the most perilous moment for Europe in my lifetime.

“Trump is threatening not only to betray the brave Ukrainian people, who have heroically resisted Putin’s war machine for the past 3 years, but also to undermine peace and security across Europeincluding here in the UK.

“In the face of that threat, the UK must step up and lead in Europeand that has to include a big boost to defence spending. I urged the PM to go even further and bring all parties together to get to 3% of GDP as soon as possible.

“But while we agree with the Government on the urgent need to spend more on defence, we have a clear difference of opinion on how to fund it.

We have set out a clear plan to raise that money by increasing the Digital Services Tax on the profits of social media firms and other tech giants.

“But Labour - along with the Conservatives and Reform - say it should instead be paid for by cutting international development spending. That is a big mistake.

“The Conservatives already cut back on international aid when they were in power, and that did enormous damage to the UK’s soft power around the world. Deeper cuts now - at the same time as Trump and Musk are gutting America’s aid programme - will only leave a vacuum for Russia and China to fill, strengthening the hand of authoritarian regimes and further undermining our security.

“I am immensely proud that the Liberal Democrats have led the way on both defence and international development. It was we who enshrined the 0.7% of national income target in law. And that aid has been transformative for millions in poverty and hunger. It has helped to tackle the spread of disease, and counter the harmful impacts of climate change.

“At this time of great conflict and instability, the UK needs to strengthen both our Armed Forces and our soft power, including international aid. That is what the Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at

Henry Tufnell MP calls for review of IHT

fOLLOWINg months of engagement with representatives from the farming sector, Henry Tufnell MP has called for the Chancellor’s proposed changes to IHT to be reviewed, and for the relationship between government and the farming community to be restored.

Appearing at local Hayscastle farm on Friday morning, Tufnell said: “We need the opportunity to look again at the threshold that has been proposed, and the possibility of introducing a transition period. I believe that a transition period will protect those elderly farmers who believed in good faith that they could continue to farm for as long as they wanted to.”

He continued, “I was disappointed to hear that the recent meeting between representatives from the farming sector and government didn’t go well. The relationship between our farmers and our government is crucial – and today, it is broken. We cannot achieve the growth our country so desperately needs without the trust, the support, or the confidence of our farmers. We

cannot deliver our ambitious netzero targets without that solid working relationship. We need to listen to our rural communities; I know that the reforms to IHT are the biggest anxiety for farmers right now; and so, we should listen to them.

After over a decade of Tory decline, and neglect from successive conservative government’s I know that Labour can deliver for the people of Pembrokeshire and for the people of Great Britain, and we must do that with a strong working relationship with our farmers.”

Aled Davies, from NFU Cymru said, “Henry has done the right thing by listening to his farming constituents and their representatives. He has always agreed to meet whenever we ask for a meeting – It is most unfortunate that every meeting we have had with him since the budget is to discuss the inheritance tax issue when we could have been discussing other opportunities for the industry to succeed rather than this policy which will almost certainly see the demise of many family farms. As NFU Cymru always does, we backed what

we said by giving him facts and figures in our argument against this policy. I am hopeful that MPs like Henry will be able to get the government to relook at this policy that has already created huge uncertainty and reduced investment in agriculture. Pembrokeshire really does rely on Agriculture for growth in the economy, so it is imperative that the government consults over this policy before any decision is made.”

Lottie Wilson, from Wilson Family Farm where Henry made the announcement from said, “We warmly welcomed Henry to the farm last week and were both impressed and greatly relieved to hear his stance on the IHT agricultural relief. Knowing that he’s met with Pembrokeshire NFU several times, as well as with several farmers both in London, and here in Pembrokeshire; it’s encouraging to know that he has taken our concerns on board, and we are extremely grateful that he has been willing to stand up against this purposeful damaging change to IHT, and we can only hope that other MPs are able to see sense and are brave enough to do the same.”

Plaid Cymru demands pause to ‘destructive’ farm tax

PLAID CYMRU urged the UK government to pause and review planned changes to inheritance tax for farmers, warning the impact could be destructive in rural Wales.

Llŷr Gruffydd said the problem with the policy is it does not distinguish between millionaires buying land to avoid tax and family farms scraping a living from the land.

Raising concerns about far-reaching consequences, he told the Senedd: “Wales isn’t a nation of lavish-living millionaire farmers. Our family farms operate on tight margins and they’re cash poor; many live a hand-to-mouth existence and too many are in debt.”

Mr Gruffydd warned the changes, which will see 100% agricultural property relief to inheritance tax restricted to the first £1m from April, will force family farms to sell land.

The shadow rural affairs secretary said: “The policy is utterly counterproductive at a time, of course, when we need to be strengthening our food security – not undermining it.”

Recognising a need to crack down with multi-millionaires who buy up land for tax avoidance purposes, Mr Gruffydd warned working family farms are being caught in the cross-fire.

“This isn’t just bad news for farms,” he said. “It’s bad news for the wider food sector, for the wider rural economy and for jobs in the supply chain. It will reduce local economic activity … and, of course, it’ll further weaken the social fabric of our rural areas.”

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd

He explained clawback is used by other European countries to discourage buying farmland to minimise tax bills, adding that such a policy could raise 7% more for the UK Treasury.

“It feels very often like a sector under siege these days,” Mr Gruffydd said. “But this proposal on inheritance tax goes deeper … the one thing you cling onto is your ability to pass your farm on to the next generation, to give your children a livelihood.”

Peter Fox, the Conservatives’ shadow rural affairs secretary who is a retired farmer, backed calls to pause the “draconian” decision to remove agricultural property relief.

He said: “Let’s also be clear: average farm incomes are low, certainly nowhere near even half of what any of us get paid in this place.

“There’s no way the average farm can generate enough money to pay inheritance tax, even if spread over 10

years. The fact is farms would have to be broken up.”

His colleague Samuel Kurtz criticised the Welsh Government’s “delete-all” amendment to the motion which “rides roughshod over this Senedd in trying to gain a unified voice”.

Mr Kurtz, the son of a farmer, pointed out that Steve Reed, the UK rural affairs secretary, told farmers Labour had no plans to change inheritance tax rules before the election.

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said farmers and their families are frozen in fear as she accused the Labour UK Government of repeatedly picking on the little people.

“Families are genuinely worried about their futures,” she said. “Young people are concerned about whether they can carry on. This policy discriminates against the widowed, the widower, the terminally ill and older farmers.”

Pointing out that 43% of the sector speaks Welsh, Plaid Cymru’s Siân

Gwenllian warned the change could have a disproportionate impact on the language.

Party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, whose son is an agriculture student, warned the change will be a heavy blow to an industry already under so much pressure.

He said: “Welsh family farms need a Welsh Government that stands up for them and genuinely makes the case that this inheritance tax change should be delayed until its impact is honestly and carefully assessed.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, the deputy first minister, said the UK Government inherited a catastrophic financial situation, with a £20bn “blackhole”.

Mr Irranca-Davies, who is responsible for rural affairs in Wales, acknowledged significant concerns about the proposed changes to agricultural property relief which is not devolved.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs

He said: “Many farmers have met with me and shared their worries about passing on their farms to their children, reflecting a widespread anxiety amongst our rural areas.

“I have made and will continue to make strong representations to the UK Government about the need to understand and respond to the specific concerns of our Welsh farmers.”

Plaid Cymru’s motion was narrowly voted down, 26-25, before the Welsh Government’s amended version was agreed, 26-14 with 11 abstentions.

Starmer pledges increased defence spending with focus on Wales

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has announced the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, pledging to raise the UK’s defence budget to 2.5% of gDP by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament. The move, he said, is crucial for national security and economic stability, with investment expected to generate jobs and apprenticeships across Wales.

Writing for the press, Starmer emphasised Wales’ key role in national defence, ensuring that the increased budget would directly benefit Welsh communities. He specifically pointed to the contributions of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, which has served since 1539, as well as the RAF training school on Anglesey, which trains the next generation of fighter pilots. He also stressed the strategic importance of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire, the UK’s largest livefiring range, in use since 1938.

The Prime Minister said: “We are determined that Welsh industry, Welsh skills, and Welsh workers will benefit

from our increased defence investment. This is about securing Wales’ future, creating good jobs, and ensuring that Wales continues to play a crucial role in keeping the UK safe.”

However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that these commitments would require difficult financial decisions. To support the increased defence budget, the government plans to reduce development assistance spending from 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI) to 0.3% by 2027.

The impact of global instability, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has been felt across Wales, with rising energy bills and economic uncertainty affecting households and businesses. Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO and its allies, stressing the importance of strengthening military capabilities and reinforcing national security.

The government’s commitment to defence spending is expected to create economic opportunities across Wales, including in aerospace manufacturing and military training. Pembrokeshire, with its long-standing military presence,

is likely to see further investment in its defence infrastructure, including Castlemartin.

The announcement signals a strategic shift towards reinforcing

defence capabilities while ensuring that Wales plays a central role in the country’s future security strategy.

Britain’s

The full article by Keir Starmer can be read at: Daily Post.

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

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

LETTERS & NOTICES

PICTURE OF THE wEEk!

by Phill lees-Griffiths

HAPPy SAINT DAVID’S DAy POEM

DEAR SIR,

On David’s day our Beloved daffodils will sway And the little will play all day In the field and vale the banners fly with pride and we will Stand tall and proud

On Saint David’s day our Beloved day ans with Songs of old the nation’s Love implied we celebrate our favourite day as laughter fills the air around Wales With courage drawn from faith

We find our will and Together wrapped in the Warmth we stand as one Welsh and proud so let’s us Stsnd united hand in hand and we’ll

Celebrate the heart of Saint David’s Day So god bless all us Welsh on Saint David’s Day.

David P Carroll.

BOOK CLUB

DEAR SIR,

With every book read, a very special community of bookworms is helping to shelter people all over the world who have been uprooted from their homes by tropical storms, flooding, and earthquakes. The bookworms are making a difference to the lives of people they will never meet simply through their love of reading.

As members of ShelterBox Book Club they are helping to fund the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox. The

charity supports people all over the world, whose homes are damaged or destroyed by disaster or conflict, with emergency shelter and essential items like water filters, solar lights, and mosquito nets. The Queen is patron of ShelterBox and recently championed our book club in The Queen’s Reading Room.

It’s no ordinary book club and gifting membership to it would be no ordinary Mother’s Day pressie. It’s a unique gift full of possibilities, connecting your loved one with a community of book lovers and immersing them in diverse cultures and captivating stories, all whilst creating real-life stories with happier endings.

As ShelterBox tents were received by people in Gaza, book club members heard from Palestinian voices through ‘Before the Queen Falls Asleep’ by Huzama Habayeb.

‘The Other Americans’ by Laila Lalami immersed readers in a Moroccan family a year after we supported people made homeless after the

most powerful earthquake in a generation in the Atlas Mountains. And whilst a ShelterBox team was providing emergency shelter for families hit by lifechanging hurricanes in the Caribbean, we read Safiya Sinclair’s beautiful memoir about growing up in Jamaica‘How to Say Babylon’.

For something a little different this Mother’s Day, why not give the gift of joining our wonderful community of bookworms. A gift membership to ShelterBox Book Club is thoughtful, ethical, and keeps on giving. Better still, membership is virtual, so there’s almost no delay between purchase and gifting.

Every six weeks, members receive a book in the post, inspired by the people ShelterBox supports around the world, and an invitation to an online Q&A with the author. Find out more at shelterbox. org/book-club.

SHELTERBOx

Catherine Thornhill Head Bookworm ShelterBox

Death Notices

D ORIAN E VANS

H AVERFORDWEST

T HE family of Dorian Evans are sad to announce that he passed away unexpectedly in Withybush hospital on 15th f ebruary.

He leaves behind his loving children, Ed, Antonia and Rosie, granddaughter Freya, brother Bryan and lifetime friend and co-grand/ parent Samantha.

The funeral will be at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Thursday 13th March at 11a.m.

The funeral procession will depart 146 Robert Street, Milford Haven at 10a.m.

All enquiries to Ken Davies & Sons, Funeral Directors, Clunderwen. Tel; 01437 563319.

A LLAN N ICHOLAS

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on 16th f ebruary of Mr Allan Nicholas, aged 69.

Allan will be sadly missed by his wife Sharron, daughters Stephanie and Sophia; grandchildren Ewan, Eira, Erin and Jacob and brothers Ieuan and Lenny.

The funeral service takes place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Monday, 17th March at 1.00pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in memory of Allan can be made payable to DPJ Foundation c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www.rossitersfunerals.co.uk

M ALCOLM C OLLINS

P EACE f ULLY at Withybush Hospital on Monday 10th f ebruary 2025 Malcolm Collins of Haverfordwest aged 74 years.

Beloved husband of Shirley, much loved father of Kate and Mark, father in law of Raff and Mairi and grandfather of Cadi and Mali.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 11th March, 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to Prostate Cymru may be sent c/o Mrs Jean Martin, Foxes Hallow, Augustine Way, Haverfordwest, SA61 1PA

Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

B ERNARDINE C ONTI N é E WALSH

F ISHGUARD

P EACE f ULLY AT HER HOME ON S UNDAY 23 RD fEBRUARY, B ERNARDINE O f fISH g UARD

Beloved wife of the late Tony, loving partner of Rudolf and a much loved mother of Paul and Mark-Anthony.

Funeral Mass on Wednesday 12th March at the Church of the Holy Name, Fishguard at 10:30am, followed by interment at St Mary’s cemetery, Fishguard at 3:30pm.

No flowers by request. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ or ‘Diocese of Menevia, Fishguard Parish’ c/o Paul

Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

D ONALD G EORGE (D ON ) P HILLIPS

H AVERFORDWEST

Don passed away peacefully on f ebruary 11th aged 82 years.

Beloved husband of Lynda, much loved father of Matthew, dear father in law of Suzanne and a devoted grandfather of Trystan and Amy.

Much loved he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his family and many friends.

Funeral Saturday March 15th service 11.00 am at St. David’s & St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Haverfordwest followed by interment at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

Any floral tributes may be delivered to Roy Folland & Son Chapel of Rest or to the church.

Donations, if desired, for the St. Vincent De Paul Society may be made payable to G120304 SVP SS David & Patrick Haverfordwest and sent c/o Mr. Frank Shortt, 96, Haven Road, Haverfordwest, SA61 1DP.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437)763821.

E NID M Ay P HILLIPS

H AVERFORDWEST

Enid, formerly of Slade Lane, Haverfordwest passed away peacefully at Lynfield Residential Home, Haverfordwest, aged 91 years.

Loving wife of the late John. Beloved mum and mother-in-law of Michael and Angela, Christopher and Carolyn and the late Martyn. Dear grandmother to Daniel Clancy, Lauren, Daniel Harries, James, Jack, Amy and Alex and their partners Samee, Sam, Emily Perry, Emily Carrington and Mariah. Loving sister to Joan, Marion and Mandy and her brothers in law Mike, Brian and Paul and their families.

The funeral service will tale place on Thursday 13th March at 2.30pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Immediate family flowers only, donations if desired for The Alzheimer’s Society may be made via the following link www.alzheimers. org.uk

All enquires to Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel 01646 693180.

M ARy B ROCK

C ROESGOCH

At home on Monday 27th j anuary, Mary of Croesgoch. Beloved wife of the late John, a loving mother, grandmother and sister.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 11th March at Llanrhian Church at 1pm, followed by interment of ashes at Llanrhian Cemetery. Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘RNLI’ or ‘Relate Cymru’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

SERVICES

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRy

SCRAP METAL

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Llangwm RFC Team of the week

Llangwm RFC: A club steeped in history

NESTLED on the banks of the River Cleddau lies the charming village of Llangwm. Though modest in size, it boasts a strong sporting tradition, with rugby, football, and cricket teams—some players even representing all three!

Today, we focus on Llangwm R f C, affectionately known as ‘The Wasps.’ The club dates back to 1885, during the reign of Queen Victoria. In its early days, Llangwm had two teams—The Wanderers and The Swifts—who later amalgamated to form the club as it stands today.

Currently, Llangwm R f C competes in Division

Three West, playing in several fiercely contested local derbies against Pembroke Quins, Pembroke, Milford Haven, St Davids, and Narberth Seconds. A highlight of the season is the traditional Boxing Day clash against Haverfordwest, known as the Bishop’s Cup. Interestingly, one past encounter ended in a rare 3-3 draw. The origins of the cup’s name remain unclear—if you know the answer, do let us know!

Although the club fields just one senior side, it plays a crucial role in the local sporting community with a youth team, five mini teams, and three junior teams.

In 1967, Llangwm R f C unveiled an impressive grandstand incorporating new changing rooms. Around this period, the club enjoyed great success, securing league and cup honours. Over the years, the club has produced some illustrious players, including Morriss Palmer, who represented Oxford and Wales Youth, alongside Andrew g eorge and Paul Roberts.

Today, the senior team is led by head coach Matthew Hughes, supported by an experienced coaching staff that includes g ethin Thomas, Dan Hughes, and j ames Lewis. Their efforts have yielded impressive results against formidable opposition. The youth

team, under head coach j on Rowles, benefits from the expertise of Hamish Nicholas, Peter f ranklin, and g ordon Lewis. Regardless of the level, the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the players are evident in the smiles on their faces.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee keeps the club running smoothly. Key figures include g avin j ones, j ames and Sarah g riffiths, Richard Scriven, Mike j ohn, and Rhinnan Llewellyn, among others. With such committed support, the future looks bright for Llangwm R f C as it continues its journey towards further success.

Llangwm RFC Team of the week

Blues stage stunning comeback to edge out Tumble

HAVERfORDWEST 27 –TUMBLE 24

HAVERFORDWEST

produced a dramatic fightback to claim a thrilling last-gasp victory over second-placed Tumble, with centre Jack Evans scoring a sensational lengthof-the-field try to complete a remarkable turnaround.

At one stage in the second half, defeat seemed inevitable for the Blues, who trailed 3-24 after an error-strewn spell. However, their dominance in the scrum began to take its toll, forcing Tumble onto the back foot. The county town side showed resilience and determination to turn the game on its head and exact revenge

for their narrow defeat in the reverse fixture.

Tumble take control

The visitors, pushing for promotion, executed their game plan effectively in the first half. Haverfordwest’s usual sharpness was missing early on, with reliable kicker Jack Codd surprisingly off target with a straightforward penalty before making amends with a tougher attempt. Despite showing plenty of fight, the Blues struggled to convert pressure into points.

Tumble capitalised on their opportunities, with tries from Alun Howells, Scott Jones, and Iwan Morgan. Experienced fly-

half Steve Hewitt orchestrated play superbly, adding all three conversions and a penalty to give his side what looked like a commanding lead after 44 minutes.

BLUES fIgHT BACK

However, Haverfordwest’s powerful scrummaging began to shift momentum. Their American winger, Guy Barrons, crossed first to spark the revival before Fijian flanker Crawford Hedman – celebrating his 21st birthday – crashed over for another.

With the tide turning, fly-half Matty Phillips added a third try to set up a grandstand finish. Then, with the clock ticking

down, Evans delivered the defining moment, racing the length of the field to touch down under the posts.

Codd held his nerve to slot the decisive conversion with the final kick of the game, sealing a memorable win for the Blues.

LEAgUE STANDINgS TAKE SHAPE

Tumble’s promotion hopes took a hit, with third-placed Aberaeron closing in, while Haverfordwest, in their first season in a new league following WRU restructuring, now sit fifth. With a strong finish, they could well secure a fourth-place spot in what has been an impressive campaign.

Luca Morillo leads the Vikings against the Seagulls

RUgBY fans are in for a thrilling clash as Luca Morillo and the Pembrokeshire

Vikings prepare to take on fishguard & goodwick RfC, known as the Seagulls, in an exciting mixed-ability rugby match.

The match is set to take place on Saturday, March 8, at Wern Road, Goodwick, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm.

Mixed-ability rugby is an inclusive format of the sport that brings together players of all abilities, creating a welcoming environment where teamwork and camaraderie take centre stage. The Pembrokeshire Vikings have been a strong advocate for the sport, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to take part in the game.

Luca Morillo, a well-known figure within the local rugby community, will be at the forefront as the Vikings aim to claim victory against their rivals, the Seagulls. The fixture promises to be a great spectacle, bringing together players and supporters for an afternoon of competitive yet inclusive rugby.

The match is supported by local businesses, including Mark George Micro Digger Hire, Sarah Sinnott Hair, and In The Welsh Wind Distillery.

Fans are encouraged to come along and show their support for both teams in what promises to be a fantastic display of mixed-ability rugby.

RUgbY DIVISION FOUR (wEST ) A ROUND-UP

N E y LAND NEAR TITLE AFTER NARROW WIN

LEAGUE leaders Neyland took another step toward the title with a hard-fought 26-19 victory over Dreigiau Emlyn, completing the double over their rivals. The sides were level at 12-12 at halftime, but a late try secured the win, extending Neyland’s lead at the top to 12 points.

N ARBERTH ATHLETIC DOMINATE L LANGWM

Narberth Athletic kept their promotion hopes alive with a dominant 55-6 win at Llangwm. Brad Cramb led the charge with a hat-trick, while debutant Corey Neilson also got on the scoresheet. Llangwm’s only points came from two penalties

by Breig Matthews.

H ARLEQUINS HOLD OFF S T DAVIDS

Pembroke Dock Harlequins moved above St Davids into sixth place with a 29-20 victory. Full-back Damien Miller starred with a hat-trick as the Quins secured their sixth win of the season.

T EIRW C Ry M yCH STUN P EMBROKE

Teirw Crymych dented Pembroke’s promotion hopes with a 35-14 home win. Liam Wilkes, on permit from Fishguard, impressed with a hat-trick, while Pembroke’s James Jones was controversially denied a try. Veteran Scott Powell suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital. The Herald wishes him a speedy recovery.

Tenby United smash century in record-breaking rout of Penclawdd

PENCLAWDD 28 – TENBy UNITED 103

Lloyd Thomas - landed fourteen conversions for Tenby United at Penclawdd

Tenby United had beaten Penclawdd by 57-12 at Heywood Lane and showed their attacking capabilities in this return mismatch as they ran in 15 tries – and with 14 of them converted by Lloyd Thomas scored over a century of points!

‘The Cocklemen’ are still struggling to grab a win after 13 defeats but at least deserve every credit because they battled until the final whistle and at least had the very small consolation of

a bonus point for scoring four tries by Iwan Jones, Liam Davey, Harry Brown and Will Snell, three converted by Tom Davies and the other by Alex Hughes.

The Seasiders were out of sight by half time and in the final analysis there was a brace of tries each from Hywel Baker, Geraint Jones, Gwion Jones, Jake Roberts, Jordan Asparassa and Dom Colman, with others by Rob Luly (the biggest cheer of the afternoon for the popular prop!), Matthew Lewis and Liam Price.

Thomas showed his kicking boots were on and old fogey supporter Keith Walker, the former club secretary and

now historian, confirmed that it was almost certainly the first time The Seasiders had ever scored 100 points in a match!Tenby United: Geraint Jones: Gwion Jones; Liam Price; Tom Edmonds; Matthew Lewis: Lloyd Thomas; Fletcher Broadhurst: Hywel Baker; Kyle Rossiter; Rob Luly: Alex Jenkins; Max Boswell: Jake Roberts; Jack Brown; Dom Colman. Replacements: Joe Poole; Luke Dedman; Jordan Asparassa; Gethin Bradney; Rhys Grigg.

Division Two (wesT): MILFORD HAVEN 24 – NANTGAREDIG 46

Ieuan Davies - excellent hat-trick of tries for Milford Haven flanker

An excellent hat-trick of tries by flanker Ieuan Davies helped earn a bonus point against visiting Nantgaredig but Milford Haven are still locked in bottom place, some 14 points adrift of the other struggling clubs, with only one win from 12 starts.

It says much for Steve Martin’s beleaguered squad, which has so many players out from injury or work commitments, that they keep battling on and Ieuan Davies sums up that spirit as one of the smallest in the squad who started out as a winger but now has made the successful transition to the back row and claimed a try before the interval, as did centre Andrew Sinton, and added two more in the second period as reward for his terrific support play.

James Trueman converted two of them and full back Robbie Jones also caught the eye with his defensive grit.

But Nant grabbed 32 points before the break thanks to tries by pacy winger Ollie Hawke (3), centre Matthew Williams, Joe Thomas and Logan Davies, plus a solitary conversion by outside half Lloyd Williams.

Matthew Williams added his second try after the interval alongside his namesake Lloyd, who notched another two conversions to round off their scoring and give them the double, since they had beaten The Mariners by 33-23 at home.

Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: Aaron Davies; Andrew Sinton; Dan Jenkins; James Trueman: Aaron Cookson; Dan McClelland: Jamie Parr; Ryan Williams; Jordan Davies: Ethan Aldred; Chris Hall: Ben Groves; Ieuan Davies; Dewi Williams. Replacements: Morgan John; Chris Treiber-Jenkins; James Williams; Lee Riley, Owen Evans.

WHITLAND 14 – LOUGHOR 20

Trystan Bowen - claimed two tries for Whitland

Hard-working second row Trystan Bowen claimed two tries for Whitland against Loughor at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn but the visitors completed the double as they just about held the edge and added this victory to their 30-8 home success.

Full back Johnny Thomas landed both conversions but Loughor responded with tries by Joe Burden and Iestyn Budge as Tom Davies landed both twopointers alongside two vital penalties as two penalties – to allow them to leap frog over their opponents despite some yeoman work by skipper Dan Bennett, and Oli Bujega, plus Wyndham Williams and points scorers Bowen and Thomas, and especially Rhys Nicholas.

Whitland: Johnny Thomas: Oli Bujega; Olly Hughes; Dom Davies; Deian Davies: Will Hughes; Morgan Edwards: Jonny Phillips; Matt Driver; Ceiron Evans: Trystan Bowen; Alan Proctor: Rhys Nicholas; Gavin Smith; Dan Bennett (Capt). Replacements: Jack Evans; Wyndham Williams; Shane Webster; Ben Evans; Owyn Griffiths.

wEST wALES INTERMEDIATE CUP – ROUND 5

Goodwick United crash out after heavy defeat

GOODWICK UNITED’S cup run ended in disappointment with a 4-1 loss against Swansea-based St Josephs. Despite Jonny Horgan getting on the scoresheet, Goodwick were outclassed as Jordan Lloyd-Evans, Zac Brown, Ricky Kerr, and Kyle Copp fired St Josephs into the next round. It marks a major blow to Goodwick’s season, following a recent defeat to the Vikings, making it a tough few weeks for O’Sullivan’s men.

MONKTON EDGE TIGHT CLASH IN SWANSEA

Monkton Swifts battled to a hardfought 3-2 victory over Ynystawe Athletic. Goals from Dylan Davies, Paul Miller, and Billy Davis secured their place in the quarter-finals despite a spirited effort from the hosts. Ynystawe, a quality outfit, pushed the Swifts all the way, making this a significant scalp for the visitors.

TENBy TRIUMPH IN ALLPEMBROKESHIRE CLASH

Tenby claimed bragging rights over Merlins Bridge with a commanding 5-2 victory. Scott Ferney struck twice, with further goals from Spencer Williams, Jacob Hipkiss, and James Ardern securing progression to the next round. Hayden Dimond’s brace for the Wizards proved only a consolation.

seconD Division cup

NARBERTH DOMINATE LAWRENNy

Narberth eased past Lawrenny with an emphatic 6-1 win, spearheaded by a stunning four-goal haul from Jordan Williams. Chris Brown and Jamie Thomas also found the net, while Charlie Arthur grabbed a consolation

goal for Lawrenny.

FISHGUARD TOO STRONG FOR NEyLAND

Fishguard Sports secured a 4-0 victory over Neyland, with Adam Lawrence netting twice, while Ieuan Llewellyn and Greg Hughes also got on the scoresheet.

ThirD Division cup

NEW HEDGES SAUNDERSFOOT UNITED EASE PAST CRICKET CLUB

A composed performance saw New Hedges Saundersfoot United secure a 3-0 win over Haverfordwest Cricket

Club. Goals from Morgan Broomhall, Adam Davidson, and Harvey Drummond sealed a deserved victory.

FiFTh Division cup HERBRANDSTON PROGRESS PAST CRICKET CLUB II

Goals from Stuart Macdonald and Archie MacCallum secured Herbrandston a 2-0 win over Haverfordwest Cricket Club II, ensuring their place in the next round.

KILGETTy III HIT FIVE PAST HUNDLETON II

A hat-trick from James Richards

led Kilgetty III to a 5-2 victory against Hundleton II. Kyle Hughes and Yannik Johnson also found the net, while Matthew Davies and Jamie Aries responded for Hundleton.

BROAD HAVEN II PUT SIx PAST LETTERSTON II

Broad Haven II ran out 6-2 winners over Letterston II, with James Morgan bagging a hat-trick. Will Fairbairn added a brace, while Owen Sheppard also scored. Ajay and Bryan Mathias netted for Letterston II, but it was not enough to stop the dominant Broad Haven side from marching on.

IRONMAN Wales voted second most recommended race globally

IRONMAN Wales has been recognised as the second most recommended race in the world, according to the 2024 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards. The rankings were based on feedback from participants across various races held globally last year.

The prestigious event, hosted in Tenby, managed to outperform fierce competition from locations such as Western Australia and New Zealand. This accolade highlights not only the breathtaking scenery of the Welsh countryside but also the unwavering enthusiasm of the local supporters, who contribute to the event’s unique atmosphere.

In addition to securing its place as

one of the most recommended races, IRONMAN Wales was also recognised for its challenging and scenic cycling route, earning the title of the secondbest bike course worldwide.

Other UK races also made a strong impression in the awards. IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth was voted the most recommended race in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, beating highprofile locations such as Mallorca, Emilia Romagna, and Nice. The Dorset-based event also claimed the top spot for the best swim course in the region and was ranked third for its bike course.

IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea was recognised for its picturesque and demanding terrain, securing third

place for the best run course in the region. Meanwhile, IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton received recognition as the fourth-best swim course in the same category.

Rebecca Sutherland, Race Director for IRONMAN Wales and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea, expressed her delight at the accolades, stating:

“It’s fantastic that the brilliant Welsh races stand up so well in the eyes of athletes across the world when comparing them to other locations.

“It’s a testament to the beautiful country and the incredible spectator support we see year after year.

“We know that you should experience racing in Wales at least once in your life, but it’s fantastic to

hear that the athletes agree.”

The IRONMAN Athletes’ Choice Awards were determined by feedback from approximately 48,000 athletes who participated in IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races worldwide. The awards serve as an important guide for triathletes looking to select their future race destinations, offering insight into the standout aspects of each event. The recognition of IRONMAN Wales and other UK-based races reinforces the country’s status as a premier destination for triathlon enthusiasts. From the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline to the striking landscapes of the Jurassic Coast, the UK continues to provide athletes with unforgettable racing experiences.

MANDERwOOD PEMbROkESHIRE LEAgUE

Division

Kilgetty

Division

Broad

Division

Hundleton

Res

Milford United Res v Fishguard Sports Res

Division 4

Hundleton v Pennar Robins II

Milford Athletic v St Ishmaels Res

Milford United Res v Fishguard Sports Res

Division 5

Haverfordwest CC Res v Lawrenny Res

Herbrandston Res v Solva Reserves

Letterston Res v Manorbier United Narberth Reserves v Broad Haven Res

IRONMAN Wales

voted second most recommended race globally