The Pembrokeshire Herald 12/12/2025

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coUncillor shares UPdaTe on ongoing flooding issues • p9

Milford Haven woman jailed after stabbing partner before confessing at police station

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who stabbed her partner in the back and bicep walked straight into Haverfordwest Police Station and told officers: “I stabbed my ex-partner earlier.”

Amy Woolston, 22, entered the station at around 8:00pm on June 13 and openly confessed to the attack, Swansea Crown Court heard this week. She later pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and has now been jailed for 12 months.

‘HE’S ALRIgHT –HE LET ME wALk OFF’

Prosecutor Tom Scapens said Woolston told officers she and the victim had both taken acid earlier in the day and that she reacted after “feeling stab marks in her back”.

Police went to the victim’s home to check on his welfare. Although he was not there initially, he returned soon

afterwards. Officers noted he was sober and not under the influence of any substance.

Asked what had happened, he replied: “Just a couple of things,” before gesturing to his back. He had three puncture or stab wounds to his back and a further wound to his bicep.

He told officers that Woolston had been “a bit shifty” when he returned from the shop before grabbing either a knife or a shard of glass from a windowsill

and stabbing him. He refused medical treatment and added he had “had worse from her before”, confirming he did not support any prosecution.

TwENTy PREVIOuS cONVIcTIONS

Woolston, of Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, has 20 previous convictions from 10 court appearances, including several for battery and assaults on emergency workers.

Mitigating, Dyfed Thomas said Woolston has long-standing mental health issues and had stopped taking prescribed medication for paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the incident. She was now medicated, remorseful, and engaging with support.

Judge: ‘Nobody knows what the outcome will be’

Sentencing her, Judge Geraint Walters said: “Whilst having an episode, no doubt, you stabbed your partner –something he adopted a rather blasé approach to. We need to sort out your problems. You taking a knife to somebody – you or somebody else –nobody knows what the outcome will be.”

Woolston was handed a 12-month prison sentence. As she had already served the equivalent time on remand, she was told she would be released imminently.

Judge Walters said a 12-month licence period would be “more helpful” to her going forward.

Johnston woman sentenced after failing to provide breath samples following crash

A JOHNSTON motorist who gave an exceptionally high roadside breath reading after crashing her vehicle into a signpost has been sentenced for failing to provide follow-up specimens at the police station.

Hannah Hayden, 30, was arrested on November 23 following a singlevehicle collision near Llangwm.

“He was travelling in excess of the speed limit,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. “Both number plates appeared to have been removed from the vehicle, while the roadside breath test gave an exceptionally high reading of 93 mcg.” The legal limit is 35.

After being taken to Haverfordwest police station, Hayden failed to provide further samples for analysis.

Given the high roadside reading, District Judge Mark Layton ordered

a pre-sentence probation report.

The report stated that Hayden had been “struggling since the loss of her father” at the time of the offence.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Hayden had gone to Haverfordwest earlier that day and consumed wine with friends.

“She was returning to her mother’s address near Llangwm when she lost control of the vehicle,” she told the court. “She was breathalysed at the roadside and gave a very high reading, but she failed to provide at the station because she was very upset.”

Hayden, of Brookside Avenue, Johnston, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 29 months, fined £180, and ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Amy Woolston: Released from custody after spending time on remand

Phillips found guilty of raping baby in ‘worst case’ judge has ever dealt with

Baby’s mother cleared as judge says case “shaken me to my core”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

cHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS has been found guilty of the most serious offences in the devastating case of seven-week-old Baby c, including multiple counts of penetration and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The baby’s mother, who cannot be named, has been cleared of every charge, including allegations that she failed to protect her child.

The verdicts were delivered this afternoon (Dec 9) at Swansea Crown Court following a harrowing three-week trial.

Following the verdicts, Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered an emotional statement rarely heard from the bench. He told the courtroom: “In my over forty years of experience, this has been the most distressing case I have ever had to deal with.

“This has truly shaken me to my core.”

Turning to the jury, he said: “I would like to show my admiration to you all. I appreciate the toll this may have had on your mental health. You are a testament to our jury system. Thank you for all of your great effort.”

Judge Thomas ordered a presentence report and requested an updated assessment of Baby C’s current physical and psychological health following the injuries he sustained.

He also directed that a psychiatric evaluation be prepared on Phillips to determine the level of danger he poses and to assist in setting the appropriate sentence.

He warned Phillips that he is facing “an extremely long prison sentence”.

Phillips will also be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register within three days of arriving in prison.

The jury’s verdicts confirm Phillips was responsible for the catastrophic injuries inflicted on Baby C in January 2021, including a bleed on the brain, multiple fractures, severe bruising, bluntforce trauma to a testicle and anal injuries described in court as “gaping”.

Medical specialists told the court they had administered morphine to a baby so young only “a handful of times” in their careers.

A sentencing will take place on January 16.

He was taken to prison.

Additional reporting by Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

GUILTY: CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS

Teaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body

A FORMER teaching assistant at Haverfordwest High School has been banned from working in education after sending highly inappropriate messages to two female pupils, including asking one girl to send him photos of her body.

Samuel Davies, who was employed at the school through apprentice agency Ap Prentis, was removed from the classroom in October 2022 when safeguarding concerns were raised. An Education Workforce Council (EWC) panel has now found his conduct to be sexually motivated and amounting to unacceptable professional behaviour.

MESSAgES SENT uNDER FALSE NAME

The panel heard that Davies contacted two mid-teen pupils on Snapchat using the name “Sam Bear Davies”. One pupil identified as Learner B received messages asking whether she felt comfortable sending him pictures. In one message he wrote: “I want to see that body and a few pics maybe?” followed by further requests for images.

Another girl identified as Pupil A accepted a friend request from the same account and was shocked to receive the message: “Oh hey, I am your teacher. Do not tell anyone, I would get into trouble, but I think you are really attractive.”

Davies also warned one of the girls not to tell anyone he had contacted her

because he would “get into trouble”.

Both pupils later provided screenshots to senior staff which resulted in Davies being escorted off school grounds while an internal investigation began.

PREVIOuS

cONcERNS ABOuT BOuNDARy ISSuES

Deputy headteacher and safeguarding lead Tracy Edwards told the hearing she

had already spoken to Davies several times about his over familiar behaviour with pupils. Concerns had been raised including allegations that he offered teenagers a drag of a vape off school premises and that he had shown pupils photos of himself vaping in a school toilet. There were also reports that he had been overheard discussing pubs and clubs with under eighteens.

Although some of the earlier claims could not be verified, his behaviour escalated and a formal complaint was made once the social media messages

were shared with staff.

Davies resigned from his role in January 2023. Police reviewed the matter but did not take further action.

PANEL FINDS SExuAL MOTIVATION

The EWC committee found a number of allegations proven and concluded that Davies had deliberately targeted children under sixteen and that his actions were sexually motivated.

Panel chair Robert Newsome said Davies had abused his position and caused direct harm to pupils. He noted that Davies had shown no engagement with the disciplinary process, no insight and no remorse.

“This was a pattern that developed after he began his employment,” he said. “He knew what he was doing was wrong and took steps to hide it. His actions place him as a significant risk to learners.”

Davies did not attend the hearing and provided no representation. During the school’s internal investigation he denied all allegations.

STRuck OFF INDEFINITELy

The committee ordered that Davies be removed from the EWC register with immediate effect. He cannot apply for reinstatement for at least five years. He has 28 days to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Councillor raises concerns over rural crime after Penfro Garage incident

INDEPENDENT group

councillors have written to Police and crime commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn following an incident at Penfro garage, calling for stronger reassurance that rural crime reports will receive a prompt and effective response.

Cllr Simon Wright, who represents the group on the Police and Crime Commissioner Panel, contacted Mr Llywelyn to express growing concern among councillors and residents after CCTV captured a suspect at the garage earlier this week.

Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy said communities were increasingly frustrated when incidents with “positive leads of enquiry” did not result in swift action.

“Residents and businesses need reassurance that when crimes are reported, particularly with clear evidence available, a prompt response follows,” he said.

He added that rural crime – and the fear it generates – remains a “serious issue” across Pembrokeshire, and insisted that “a prompt and firm policing response is needed on every occasion a crime is reported.”

Image from CCTV at the time of the incident.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Four rescued in night-time RNLI operation

FOuR people were rescued in the early hours of Thursday (Dec 11) after a 24-metre guard vessel ran aground near Aber Hywel, triggering a major response from Fishguard RNLI in rough seas and darkness.

The alarm was raised at around 3:30am, with HM Coastguard requesting the launch of Fishguard’s all-weather lifeboat. Crews faced a southerly force 7 wind and choppy conditions as they made their way to the stranded vessel.

Cliffs and underwater hazards added to difficulty

Coxswain Gemma Gill said the vessel’s close position to cliffs and submerged obstructions prevented the all-weather lifeboat from getting alongside.

“Because of the casualty vessel’s proximity to the cliffs and the underwater hazards between us, we were unable to safely transfer the four people onboard. I requested the launch of our inshore lifeboat, and we were aware the Coastguard helicopter had also been scrambled.”

The inshore lifeboat was launched minutes later. The crew deployed its anchor and veered down towards the vessel’s stern to begin recovering those onboard.

said. “We threw a throw bag, but they were unable to catch it and were starting to be swept further away.”

cASuALTy SwEPT AwAy IN DARkNESS

Crew member Cedwyn Rogers said the plan was for the four people to climb down a rope ladder into their liferaft before being taken aboard the inshore lifeboat.

Two made it safely — but the third slipped and fell into the sea.

“When there is a person in the water you become hyper-focused,” Cedwyn

Helm Warren Bean, an RNLI volunteer with more than 30 years’ experience, manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside the drifting casualty. Crew member Huw was able to reach them, and the team hauled them aboard.

All four casualties were wearing lifejackets and proper safety equipment, which RNLI crews said made a critical difference.

The fourth person was then recovered safely before the inshore

crew cut their anchor line to clear nearby rocks.

LIFEBOATS RETuRN TO STATION

All casualties were transferred to the all-weather lifeboat for care and shelter on the return journey. Both lifeboats were back at Fishguard station by 5:25am.

Coxswain Gill praised the volunteers: “This rescue in the early hours, in poor weather and darkness, shows our crews are ready to respond whenever the call comes in. I’m proud of the teamwork shown by everyone, with the successful rescue of four people who will now get the chance to spend Christmas with their families.”

RNLI LAuNcHES cHRISTMAS APPEAL

Fishguard RNLI volunteers remain on call throughout the festive period. Last Christmas, RNLI lifeboats across the UK and Ireland launched more than 100 times.

The charity has now launched its annual Christmas Appeal, which helps fund essential kit and training for crews. Donations can be made at: RNLI.org/ WinterAppeal.

Seren Baker seren@herald.email

Christmas song pokes fun at Haverfordwest’s ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge

A BRAND-NEw christmas rock song by a Pembrokeshire musician has namechecked Haverfordwest’s much-debated riverside bridge, offering what its creator describes as a “gentle dig” at local decisionmakers while raising money for charity.

Rock track raises money for charity while giving a gentle dig to the council

A BRAND-NEW Christmas rock song by a Pembrokeshire musician has namechecked Haverfordwest’s muchdebated riverside bridge, offering what its creator describes as a “gentle dig” at local decision-makers while raising money for charity.

LOcAL MuSIcIANS BEHIND THE TRAck

The single, Where has the Christmas spirit gone, has been released by Pembroke Dock musician Ray Roberts, who performs alongside Paul Smith, Ian Pearce and his son Nathan. The idea, Ray says, started as a casual chat about Christmas number ones before quickly turning into a full production.

“We were chatting about Christmas number ones; ‘sausage rolls’ got to number one a few years ago and I thought ‘hold my beer’,” he said. “It’s also quite a catchy song and locally everyone

is talking about it. I went to the post office in Pennar and people were saying, ‘I like your song’.”

The accompanying video features locations across Pembrokeshire including Haverfordwest Castle and the new bridge, Pembroke nightclub OUT, Central Motors, Dales Music Store in Tenby, Wisebuys Pembroke, Tenby’s beach and castle, Pembroke Castle, and even a cameo from Ray’s wife’s grandmother, aged 101, who still lives independently in Tenby.

LyRIcS TAkE AIM AT LOcAL FRuSTRATIONS

The song opens with lyrics about the pressures facing older residents:

“No money for heating this Christmas time, Old folks shivering as the frost starts to climb…

Council tax spent on a bridge we didn’t need, Instagrammable views, but we have mouths to feed.”

Ray told The Herald he included the controversial bridge because “it just

p****d me off, simple as that,” referring to recent cutbacks affecting elderly residents in Pembroke Dock, including the closure of the Anchorage day centre.

“Around Pembroke Dock they are having these warm rooms and they’ve recently closed the Anchorage day centre, and they spend £5m…” he said.

SuPPORTERS DEFEND THE PROJEcT

Supporters of the bridge, which forms part of the wider regeneration of Haverfordwest, have pointed out that

the funding came from a levelling-up scheme and could not have been used to support general council services. The actual cost to the county, they say, is only a proportion of the oft-quoted figures.

“They can spin it how they want,” Ray said. “They can spend money how they want to; they’ve always got a spare pot and then can close centres for OAPs. It’s got to p*** you off spending more money on council tax and getting less and less. It kind of hits home when you see close family friends hit by these cutbacks.”

A gOOD-HuMOuRED PROJEcT FOR cHARITy

Despite the pointed lyrics, Ray stresses that the song is intended to be more humorous than hostile.

“It’s a bit tongue in cheek and a bit of a kick at the council and a chance to raise money for charity,” he said. “It’s not about a hard hit, it’s a gentle dig and a call to spend time with your family. Don’t waste your money on glitz, be with your family. That’s where the lyrics are. It’s written with good intent.”

Ray has invested around £1,500 of his own money into producing the song and video. Instead of selling CDs, the track is available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music, with charity proceeds raised through advertising and streaming revenue. The song is also registered for the UK charts.

“I want people downloading it. I want to raise money but not get people paying for it,” Ray said. “Hopefully advertising revenue will do that. None of the £1,500 is coming back to me; I’ve always wanted to do a rock video.”

Whitland man banned after admitting drink-driving and having no insurance

A MOTORIST who mistakenly believed his car was insured has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting drink-driving and using a vehicle without insurance.

Louis Price, 36, was stopped by officers shortly after 10:30pm on November 21 as he drove his BMW through Market Square, Narberth. Police checks confirmed the vehicle had no valid insurance in place.

When questioned, Price told officers

he had consumed three pints of alcohol around 20 minutes before the stop. A roadside breath test recorded 55 mcg of alcohol, well above the legal limit of 35. Price, of North Road, Whitland, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court to both offences.

He was fined a total of £1,800, ordered to pay a £720 surcharge and £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 16 months.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

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Eifion Ap Cadno

Councillor shares update on ongoing flooding issues

REPEATED flooding on The commons in Pembroke has prompted renewed concern among residents, with local councillor Jonathan grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton, seeking clarity from Pembrokeshire county council (Pcc). He has now shared an update following a response from the council’s coastal, Rivers and Drainage Team.

Cllr Grimes said he had raised the issue after further problems in the area, and the council confirmed that teams are currently stretched due to widespread flooding across the county.

A spokesperson for the team stated: “PCC Highways Maintenance teams are attending a high number of locations across the county, to ensure that trash screens, culverts and highway drainage (plus others) are not blocked and free flowing. The Commons will be on their list to attend and inspect. I appreciate residents are concerned but their situation is not unique at this time, and there is widespread flooding across the county.”

The council confirmed that the barrage tipping gate remains out of action and will not be working until midJanuary due to unforeseen issues with its ram. Despite this, a sluice within the barrage is currently open and helping to reduce Castle Pond water levels, although only when the water level in the pond is higher than in the estuary.

ThE uPDATE conTInuED:

“The barrage tipping gate is not operational, and will not be operational until mid-January due to unforeseen issues with the ram. However there is a sluice within the barrage which is open, and is able to assist with lowering the levels of the Castle Pond, when the head of water is greater in the pond, rather than the estuary. Once the tide is high, the flap valve at the outfall of the sluice is unable to open and this prevents tidal

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water entering the Castle Pond, which is a positive feature.”

Council officers added that current conditions are being made worse by a combination of high tides and ongoing yellow weather warnings for rain and wind, which have contributed to tidal surges.

They also addressed comments from residents questioning why maintenance work had not been completed during the summer.

“There have also been comments that the maintenance work at the barrage (and associated infrastructure) should have been completed in the summer, but we were advised that the school summer holiday season was not an appropriate time to do the work. Castle Pond would have become stagnant, no one would be able to use the pond recreationally, the coastal path would need to be closed in peak season, and this would have negatively impacted on the biodiversity. We were not able to foresee the extremely poor weather we have experienced lately but overall, last

winter was mild. December 2024 was the 5th warmest on record, and only Storm Darragh (red weather warning for wind) was noted (Storm Bert didn’t really affect Pembrokeshire when compared to other Local Authorities in Wales).”

The barrage tipping gate is expected to be operational again by mid-January. The coastal path will then be closed for three weeks from 12 January 2026 to allow works to be completed, with new signage to be installed shortly.

Cllr Grimes added that he would continue to keep residents informed as further updates become available.

Housing site director sentenced after failing to provide breath sample following crash

A PEMBROkESHIRE housing and development site director has been sentenced after failing to provide a breath specimen when his Range Rover spun out of control and crashed into the central reservation near Haverfordwest.

Jason Greggain, 47, was seen driving erratically shortly before 8:30pm on September 28, with witnesses reporting the vehicle overtaking another car before hitting surface water and spinning out of control.

“A call was made to police saying that a Range Rover had been seen overtaking another vehicle and driving erratically,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. “The vehicle was then seen spinning out of control.”

When officers arrived, the driver was nowhere to be found. Greggain was later located inside a white bus heading to a local rugby match, where he had been taken after the collision.

Greggain provided a positive roadside breath test, but once taken to Haverfordwest police station he refused to provide a further breath or blood specimen for analysis.

He pleaded guilty to the offence. His solicitor, Samuel Jenkins, told District Judge Mark Layton that Greggain’s refusal was not an attempt to evade justice, but stemmed from his belief that he should speak to a solicitor first.

Mr Jenkins said the collision occurred after Greggain aquaplaned while being followed by a coach returning from a rugby game.

“An ambulance arrived at the scene

and conveyed Mr Greggain to the bus parked a short distance away,” he added. “When he got onto the bus, he was offered two bottles of beer, hence him being over the limit. Normally, he only drinks on special occasions.”

Judge Layton imposed a 12-month community order, requiring Greggain to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for 20 months and must pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Hywel Dda brings back face masks in all clinical areas as winter viruses rise

FROM today (Thursday, December 11, 2025), Hywel Dda university Health Board has reintroduced mandatory face masks for all visitors and staff in clinical and patient-facing areas as cases of flu and other respiratory viruses continue to rise across west wales.

The health board says the number of patients needing care for respiratory illnesses has been “increasing at a steady rate”, prompting the return of precautionary measures. All staff — regardless of role — must now wear a surgical mask when in clinical environments or interacting with patients, unless otherwise advised through PPE guidance. Visitors must also wear masks when entering clinical areas, including when attending appointments at hospitals and community sites.

Sharon Daniel, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said the precaution was necessary to prevent further spread within local hospitals.

“We are seeing a growing number of people with flu and other respiratory viruses needing our care and need to take this proactive step to limit the spread

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

within our services and sites,” she said.

“This change is effective immediately and our Infection Prevention colleagues will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.”

Ms Daniel reminded visitors not to attend hospitals if unwell.

“You should only come to our sites if you are feeling well, and to wait 48 hours after you are free of flu and cold-like symptoms, or sickness and diarrhoea. This helps protect our most vulnerable patients and keeps staff well so they can look after those in greatest need.”

While visiting remains open, Hywel Dda warned this could change at short notice if virus levels continue to increase.

Masks will be available at all hospital and community site entry points.

HEALTH BOARD uRgES PuBLIc SuPPORT

Ms Daniel added: “There are several ways people can support our NHS

during this time. Please follow the maskwearing guidance and ensure that you wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.

“A simple way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe this winter is to have a flu vaccination. Information on where you can get your vaccine — including RSV and COVID-19 boosters if eligible — is available on our website.”

More information about vaccination clinics can be found at hduhb.nhs.wales/ fluvaccine.

Army veteran banned after driving with three drugs in system

AN ARMy veteran has admitted driving through Haverfordwest town centre with three illegal drugs in his system.

Police stopped George McWilliams, 27, as he drove his Renault Clio along Avallenau Drive on August 9, despite no evidence of poor driving.

Blood tests later showed he had 3 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, 65 mcg of cocaine, and 671 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system.

The legal limits are 2, 10, and 50 respectively.

This week McWilliams, of Keeston House, Keeston, Haverfordwest,

pleaded guilty to all three drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Probation officer Julie Norman told District Judge Mark Layton that McWilliams began smoking cannabis after leaving the Army in 2021.

“It’s not an issue for him,” she

said. “He very occasionally uses cocaine, but hasn’t taken any since this offence.”

McWilliams was banned from driving for 38 months. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and must pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Man accused of assaults, false imprisonment and threats to kill to stand trial

A MAN accused of a string of violent offences against a woman in the west wales area over several months has pleaded not guilty and will face trial at Swansea crown court next spring.

Patrick Smyth, born in 1975 and formerly of Oaks Avenue, Romford, appeared before Swansea Crown Court this (Dec 10) where he denied all charges put to him.

The case follows an earlier appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in November 2025, where the allegations were first sent to the Crown Court due to their seriousness.

Multiple allegations across several dates

Smyth is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on multiple occasions, with alleged incidents said to have taken place on September 25, October 24, and October 26 this year.

He also faces two counts of false imprisonment, with the prosecution alleging that a woman was unlawfully detained on July 9 and again on October 26.

In addition, Smyth is charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour between November 2024 and November 2025, an offence brought under the Domestic Abuse Act.

Prosecutors further allege that Smyth made threats to kill and that he threatened a person with a bladed article or offensive weapon on October 26.

No details of the evidence were opened during today’s short plea hearing.

Not guilty pleas entered Smyth denied all counts and a trial date has now been set for April 21, 2026, at Swansea Crown Court.

He remains on bail until his trial.

Motorist banned for driving with cannabis in system

A 40-yEAR-OLD Milford Haven motorist has lost her driving licence after being caught driving with cannabis in her system.

Joanna Bates was stopped by police on the afternoon of September 22 after officers received reports of a suspected drug driver travelling along Hamilton Terrace in a Vauxhall Astra.

Blood tests later confirmed she had

2.8 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in her system. The legal limit is 2 mcg. Bates, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, pleaded guilty to the drug-driving offence when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

She was disqualified from driving for three years, fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Kilgetty scaffolder sentenced after driving with cocaine and in system

A PEMBROkESHIRE scaffolder who was caught driving with a cocktail of drugs in his system has been sentenced by a judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ court.

Jordan Whalley, 26, was seen driving his Ford Fiesta at excessive speed on the A478 near Begelly on October 3. A roadside drugs wipe tested positive, and subsequent blood analysis showed he had 36 mcg of cocaine, 240 mcg of benzoylecgonine, and 152 mcg of ketamine in his system.

Whalley, of Ryelands Lane, Kilgetty, pleaded guilty this week to three counts of drug-driving.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court: “He’d been to a party the day before and thought the drugs would be out of his system by the following day.”

District Judge Mark Layton banned Whalley from driving for 36 months and ordered him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Johnston woman banned for three years after late-night drug-drive stop

A 54-yEAR-OLD woman has been banned from the roads for three years after being caught drug-driving on the main road through Johnston.

Julie Meehan was stopped by officers in the early hours of July 25 as she drove her Ford Fiesta along the A4076. A roadside drugs wipe returned a positive result, and subsequent blood analysis recorded 8 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The legal limit is 2

mcg.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Meehan, of Silverdale Lodge, Johnston, had a previous drinkdriving conviction within the last ten years, meaning her driving ban was subject to an automatic extension.

District Judge Mark Layton banned Meehan for a total of three years. She was also fined £120, ordered to pay £85 costs, and a £48 surcharge.

Pembroke Dock coach helped steer Lando Norris to F1 world title

A FORMER Pembroke Dock man has been revealed as one of the earliest influences behind newly-crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris – adding an unexpected Pembrokeshire chapter to one of the biggest sporting stories of the year.

Robert Dodds, who grew up in Pembroke Dock before later moving to Poole, was Norris’s first coach at BKC Racing. He began mentoring the future McLaren star when he was just seven years old, helping shape the early foundations of a career that reached its peak on Sunday (Dec 7) when Norris secured the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to The Herald, Mr Dodds said Norris’s talent was obvious from

the very first outing.

“There was something special about him from day one,” he said. “By the time he was eight, he was already as quick as the 10–12-year-olds. He just had this will about him – he wanted it.”

PEMBROkESHIRE LINk TO A gLOBAL SuccESS STORy

Dodds coached Norris for four years, guiding him through kart setup, technique, and competitive racecraft. He says he remains “immensely proud” that his own Pembrokeshire roots now form a small part of the

world champion’s rise.

“Ten or fifteen years ago he was sat in the front of my van as we drove to tracks,” he said. “Now he’s flying around the world racing in Monaco. It’s incredible how far he’s come.”

That early development included a fierce sibling rivalry with Norris’s older brother, Oliver – something Dodds believes accelerated his progress.

“Because of that rivalry, his pace shot up. He wanted to beat his brother – and then he wanted to beat everyone.”

BKC Racing has produced other top talents too, including 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Phil Hanson, further underlining the pedigree of the team that helped launch Norris’s career.

Dodds still recalls an early test at Clay Pigeon Raceway, where a seven-year-old Norris completed a lap in 39 seconds – a benchmark usually achieved only by much older cadet racers.

“He came past me with his thumb up – this tiny kid doing senior cadet times. That was the moment we knew.”

Norris made his Formula 1 debut in 2019, claimed his first podium in 2020, took pole position in 2021 and secured his first Grand Prix win in Miami in 2024. His 2025 campaign saw him take multiple victories before clinching the world championship in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first British driver since Lewis Hamilton to lift the title.

PRIDE BAck HOME IN PEMBROkESHIRE

Motorsport fans across the county followed Sunday’s title decider closely, with many celebrating the unexpected local connection.

A local F1 fan who watched the race in a Haverfordwest pub told The Herald:

“Everyone here was proud of Lando – and hearing that one of his early coaches came from Pembroke Dock makes it feel like Pembrokeshire had a tiny part in his journey.” Dodds, who continues to mentor young racers today, says Norris’s success is already inspiring the next generation.

“It’s like something out of a film. I’m proud of what he’s achieved –and proud to have been part of the journey.”

For Pembrokeshire, the story adds a local footnote to a global sporting triumph – and a reminder that world champions sometimes start out much closer to home than anyone realises.

Seren Baker seren@herald.email

Proud mentor: Pembroke Dock’s Robert Dodds helped shape Norris’s early racing career (Pic: Robert Dodds)

Champion: Lando Norris

Paul Davies MS opposes proposed closure of Ysgol Clydau

LOcAL Senedd Member Paul Davies has spoken out against Pembrokeshire county council’s proposal to close ysgol clydau, warning that the timing of the public consultation — launched in the weeks before christmas — is “deeply concerning” and unfair to affected families.

Mr Davies said the school plays a vital role in the community, and that any attempt to close it would have a damaging impact locally, including on efforts to promote and protect the Welsh language.

“Ysgol Clydau is a crucial part of the local community, and its closure would have a huge impact on the local area,” he said. “It’s unacceptable that this consultation has been

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

launched without any discussion with local stakeholders, and announcing it just before Christmas is very disappointing.”

He pointed to the school’s strong record, noting that Estyn inspectors highlighted positive relationships between staff and pupils and praised a curriculum that makes purposeful use of the surrounding area to inspire curiosity.

“Closing this school would be to the detriment of local families, and it would also undermine efforts to protect and promote the Welsh language in the community,” he added.

Trainee accountant banned after late-night drink-drive stop

A TRAINEE Pembrokeshire accountant has been banned from the roads after admitting driving his Volkswagen Polo while over the drinkdrive limit.

Ryan Phillips, aged 22, was stopped just after midnight on November 22 as he travelled along the B4314 between Robeston Wathen and Coxlake Bridge. A roadside breath test showed 45mcg of alcohol in his system; the legal limit is 35.

Phillips, of Lynmouth, Wooden, Saundersfoot, pleaded guilty when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. He was represented by solicitor Samuel

Mr Davies urged Pembrokeshire County Council to ensure the consultation is meaningful by “genuinely listening to local

voices” and working with parents, representatives and the wider school community to find a constructive way forward.

Jenkins, who told the court his client had been experiencing “a bad time” at the point of the offence.

“Shortly before the incident he had separated from his long-term partner of several years, which impacted him quite badly,” he said.

“That night he’d had an argument with his parents and decided to leave home and sleep in his car. He’d had two glasses of rum and didn’t believe he was over the limit.”

Magistrates disqualified Phillips from driving for twelve months. He was also fined £220 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and an £88 surcharge.

Pembroke Dock officers carry out speed checks under operation Atal

POLICE teams in Pembroke Dock and Pembroke have been carrying out speed checks today as part of Operation Atal – a Wales-wide road safety initiative led by GoSafe and the four Welsh police forces.

The operation targets the key factors that contribute to road

collisions, with officers focusing today on speeding in areas that have recently been highlighted by local residents.

A spokesperson said the checks would continue as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety across Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

Milford Haven firefighters quicky extinguish flat balze

FIREFIgHTERS in Milford Haven are attending a residential blaze in a flat at waterloo Square Emergency services were called the scene at approximately 8:45 pm and responded quickly with two fire engines.

The gentleman who lives in the flat is not hurt, and the blaze - which seems fairly minor in nature - is now under control.

Shocking decline in river quality sparks fresh call for ‘Clean Water Bill’

cONcERNS over the state of Wales’ rivers have intensified this week as the welsh Liberal Democrats renewed their call for a tough new clean water Bill — warning that pollution levels have reached a critical point from the usk to the cleddau.

The proposed legislation, drawn up by Save the River Usk (STRU) and backed by a wide coalition of environmental groups, sets out a sweeping overhaul of how Wales manages water quality. It calls for a new legal principle that no discharge should harm a water body, legally binding targets for water quality and biodiversity, and the creation of a fully independent regulator to hold polluters to account.

IMPAcT FELT AcROSS PEMBROkESHIRE

While the campaign has been driven by ongoing problems on the Usk, environmental groups say the concerns apply equally to West Wales. The Eastern and Western Cleddau, together forming the Milford Haven waterway, have recorded repeated issues linked to agricultural run-off, sewage discharges and failing infrastructure — with local residents and businesses long frustrated by slow progress and finger-

pointing between agencies. Communities based along the Haven have frequently raised alarm over storm overflows and the effects of increased sediment and nutrient loading on shellfish, wildlife habitats and waterbased tourism. Campaigners argue that Pembrokeshire’s economy, heavily dependent on its natural environment, is especially vulnerable if water quality continues to decline.

‘PEOPLE AcROSS wALES HAVE HAD ENOugH

OF ExcuSES’

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said the public mood was clear.

“Communities across Wales have had enough of excuses,” she said. “People want a clean river when they walk the dog, when their children play near the water and when local businesses depend on the natural

environment to thrive. A Clean Water Bill is the chance to finally set clear rules, enforce them properly and stop the decline before it becomes irreversible.”

Ms Dodds said ministers should adopt the principles set out by campaigners and bring forward legislation that “puts the health of our rivers above the convenience of polluters”.

uk-wIDE REFORMS NOT ENOugH, SAy

LIB DEMS

The call comes in the wake of the UK Government’s Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which introduced tougher sanctions for failing water companies — including bonus bans, automatic fines, criminal charges for obstructing investigations and mandatory real-time sewage reporting.

However, the Welsh Liberal Democrats argue that these measures, while welcome, do not replace the need for a Wales-specific approach with stronger statutory protections and enforcement.

STRU and its partner organisations say that without binding targets and a regulator with genuine independence, Wales will continue to lag behind in restoring its rivers to good ecological health.

Opportunist thief jailed for Carmarthenshire handbag robbery

JAkE DIgHTON, 31, of Bridge Street, Llanelli, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after admitting to snatching a woman’s handbag as she walked home after a work’s night out in Llanelli.

Describing the incident that

happened late on Friday 20 June, the victim explained how she noticed a shadow appear over her left shoulder as she walked home with colleagues along Glenalla Road.

She recalled thinking the shadow was just a passer-by, but then felt someone forcefully grab her handbag, causing her

to fall to the ground.

Despite suffering cuts and bruises, she attempted to chase the suspect as he ran away with her handbag, but lost sight of him and made her way home.

A report was made to police who launched an investigation to identify the suspect. Thanks to CCTV in the local area, the suspect was identified as Jake Dighton who was swiftly arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The strength of evidence against Dighton led him to plead guilty to the charge when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 25 July.

On Friday 5 December, he was sentenced to three years and three months for the offence.

The officer in this case, DC Rhydian Davies, said: “We welcome the sentencing of Jake Dighto. This was a traumatic incident for the victim who has been reliving the incident since that night.

“I’m hopeful that this sentencing will help the victim, who has struggled to go out in public since the ordeal, to continue her progress in returning to her ‘old self’.

“Dighton’s predatory behaviour is

completely unacceptable, and no one should fear walking the streets of their hometown.

“The impact on the victim cannot be underestimated, and I commend her for her bravery and the strength with which she supported our investigation and the court proceedings that followed.

“It was evident that the incident had had an impact on the victim’s family too, and I’m grateful to her friends, family, and the wider Llanelli community for their support. The level of support shown clearly illustrates that this behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets.

“This was an excellent example of how several departments within DyfedPowys Police worked together to bring the perpetrator to justice. I extend special thanks to Llanelli’s Criminal Investigation Department, the Local Investigation Unit, our Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team, and our response colleagues.

“Thank you to the local community and wider public who responded to our appeal for information and for supporting our investigation.”

10 years in prison for dealer involved in major drug supply network

A BARgOED man who used his car workshop as a front for large-scale drug distribution has been jailed for almost ten years — with links to supply routes reaching into west wales, including Pembrokeshire.

Thirty-seven-year-old Peter Ian Yandell, from Bargoed, was arrested at his business premises on 11 June after officers from Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales, executed a warrant at his Tredegar vehicle workshop. Investigators found that Yandell had been using the business as a cover for the wholesale movement of controlled drugs.

A search of the premises uncovered significant quantities of Class A and Class B drugs, specialist equipment used to manufacture illicit substances, and an imitation firearm.

His mobile phone was seized at the scene. Subsequent analysis uncovered extensive evidence of large-scale supply operations across South Wales, including communication patterns and distribution activity indicative of a wider network reaching beyond the Valleys.

The Herald understands that this network included the movement of

cocaine and cannabis into West Wales — including Pembrokeshire — as part of a broader regional supply chain.

Yandell pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and possession of an imitation firearm. He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to nine years and ten months for the offences, with a further two months added for breaching a suspended sentence.

Detective Constable Rhys Richards, of Tarian ROCU, said: “This operation dismantled a sophisticated drug production setup that was responsible for supplying harmful substances into communities across the region.

“Yandell attempted to hide his criminal enterprise behind a legitimate business, but the evidence recovered – in particular from his mobile phone – revealed the true extent of his offending.

“This investigation demonstrates Tarian’s continued commitment to exposing and disrupting organised criminality. We will work tirelessly to protect the public and ensure that those who profit from the supply of illicit commodities are brought before the courts.”

Motorist spared jail after speeding through town centre with multiple drugs in system

A NORTH Pembrokeshire

motorist has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after he was caught driving at excessive speeds through Haverfordwest town centre with cannabis, cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

George Cornell, aged twenty-seven and of Golwg y Llan, Eglwyswrw, was stopped by officers shortly after 2:30pm on June 9 as he drove his Peugeot 207 past Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

“He was travelling in excess of the speed limit,” Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.

Subsequent blood tests showed Cornell had 4.6 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system, together with traces of cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine.

District Judge Mark Layton said the presence of a second drug meant the offence “crossed the custody threshold”.

Cornell pleaded guilty. Representing him, solicitor Tom Lloyd said his client had recently suffered two broken vertebrae, forcing him to abandon his work as a full-time carer.

“He’s gone from someone who worked in the caring industry to someone who now needs care himself,” he said. “He is remorseful and terrified of the prospect of prison.”

Cornell was sentenced to eight weeks’ custody, suspended for twelve months. He was disqualified from driving for thirty months and ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Major changes for Tenby area schools could be backed

PEMBROkESHIRE councillors are being asked to back major potential changes to school provision in the south of the county which could see multiple schools discontinued, along with the potential establishment of new 3-19 and 3-11 schools.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting of December 12, a recommendation before members asks that the Director of Education be authorised to undertake a public consultation on establishing a new 3-19 school, on a split site initially, but as part of a future investment to rebuild/extend Tenby’s Ysgol Greenhill site, or on a new site.

As part of that it also recommends Tenby Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and Ysgol Greenhill are discontinued.

A second part of the series of recommendations is a call to establish a new 3-11 primary school

on the Saundersfoot School site “that encompasses the catchment of Saundersfoot and the catchment of Stepaside and Kilgetty, discontinuing Saundersfoot School and Stepaside school”.

A report for members says: “At a meeting of Cabinet on November 3, cabinet resolved that the [schools] Modernisation Working Group be requested to determine the final preferred outcomes in relation to the Tenby Area and that those recommendations be presented to full council in December 2025.”

It adds: “There are 534 surplus places in the primary sector in the Tenby area. There are 341 surplus places in the secondary sector in Greenhill School. Welsh Government does not set a fixed percentage or number of

surplus places for schools, but there is guidance in the School Organisation Code and related documents.

“Surplus places should be minimised to ensure efficient use of resources and value for money. Historically, Welsh Government has considered 10 per cent surplus capacity as a reasonable planning margin for flexibility. When surplus places exceed 25 per cent, local authorities are expected to review provision and consider reorganisation or alternative use of space.

“In the Welsh context there are approximately 17 per cent surplus places in primary schools and 18 per cent in secondary schools. The Tenby area is 10 per cent above this in the primary phase at 27 per cent, and 10 per cent above in the secondary phase at 28.6 per cent”

For Ysgol Greenhill it says the 1,194-pupil-capacity school has 877 pupils as of 2025, 28.5 per cent surplus places.

In the case of Saundersfoot Community Primary School, which has a capacity of 280 places, it says numbers were down to 151 by 2025, creating a surplus of almost half its capacity, (49.2 per cent).

For Stepaside, it says: “By 2025, enrolment is projected at 107, creating 101 surplus places—over half of the school’s capacity (50.5 per cent).”

The recommendations “to meet the council’s responsibility towards the planning of school places and ensuring a sustainable school estate to address the surplus places in the Tenby Area,” which will need public consultations, will be debated by members.

The meeting also includes two petitions opposing the potential closure of Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau, Tegryn, schools, after consultations on their futures were previously backed by councillors.

Man in court accused of threatening to kill local newspaper editor

A PEMBROkE man has appeared in court accused of threatening to kill local newspaper editor Tom Sinclair during a phone call, as well as a separate racially aggravated harassment charge involving a police officer.

Anthony Jones, aged thirty-four, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, was in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this week and will return on Monday (Dec 8) for a further mention. His

full trial is listed for February. Jones faces two charges.

RAcIALLy AggRAVATED HARASSMENT

The first allegation relates to an incident on 8 April 2025 in Pembroke. He is accused of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards PC823 Stuart Gray, causing harassment, alarm or distress. Prosecutors say the offence

was racially aggravated under section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

THREAT TO kILL DuRINg PHONE cALL

The second charge alleges that on 24 February 2025, also in Pembroke, Jones made a phone call in which he threatened to kill Mr Sinclair, contrary to section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023. Prosecutors say the call conveyed a

threat of death and that Jones intended — or was reckless as to whether — the threat would make the recipient fear it would be carried out.

NExT STEPS

Monday’s hearing will be an administrative mention. Jones remains on court bail, and a full trial is scheduled for February 2026.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Manorbier Castle Inn warns colossal rates hikes will ‘push venues to the brink’

MANORBIER castle Inn has warned that its business rates are set to soar from £13,500 to £33,750 when the next revaluation takes effect on 1 April 2026, calling the increase “beyond justification” and a direct threat to local jobs and the rural economy.

The jump, published on the Valuation Office Agency website, represents a rise of more than 150%. The Inn says that even with any relief applied, the scale of the bill will be impossible to absorb.

In a statement, the venue said: “This is not just another attack on independent hospitality businesses – it’s an attack on everything they hold up: employees, suppliers, other businesses, tourism, artists, musicians, the entire community. Even with relief, we and many other businesses will not be able to meet this hike.”

The Inn added that the likely consequences will be severe:

“This scale of increase will force venues to cut jobs, raise prices, and in many cases close entirely. The impact on youth employment, already fragile, will be severe.”

Local residents reacted swiftly on social media, calling the increase “utterly unreasonable” and urging elected representatives to step in.

Manorbier Castle Inn is one of many hospitality and tourism businesses in Pembrokeshire facing substantial

rateable value increases. Some premises have reported valuations doubling, tripling or worse.

The Herald has reported extensively on the emerging pattern in recent weeks, prompting significant public debate. Following this scrutiny — and concerns raised by businesses, councillors and industry bodies — the

Welsh Government moved to introduce a new support package.

On 3 December 2025, ministers announced a £116 million transitional relief scheme designed to soften the impact of next year’s revaluation. Under the plans:

• Any business whose bill rises by more than £300 due to revaluation will have that increase phased in over two years, instead of being

applied immediately.

• For the first time since 2010, ministers will reduce the standard business rates multiplier, lowering bills for some smaller premises.

However, the multiplier cut is expected to benefit mainly small retail outlets — not pubs, cafés or restaurants, which are among the hardest hit by soaring valuations.

Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy, leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council, publicly thanked local media — including The Herald — for helping to raise the alarm. He said the coverage had “pushed the issue up the agenda” and confirmed the group would continue lobbying for support for tourism and agriculture.

Industry bodies have welcomed the relief but warn that it does not counteract the central issue: large increases in rateable values and the loss of previous reliefs that many hospitality venues relied on to survive.

wHAT IT MEANS FOR MANORBIER cASTLE INN — AND THE SEcTOR

While the Welsh Government’s intervention offers some breathing space, many independent venues say the measures fall far short of what is needed to prevent closures.

Manorbier Castle Inn says the phased-in increase will still undermine the business’s long-term viability, adding that just as trading conditions were beginning to stabilise, “another round of firefighting lands at your feet.” Across Wales, operators warn that without more comprehensive reform, the sector could see widespread job losses, reduced opening hours and further closures — particularly in rural counties where tourism-dependent businesses sustain local economies.

OuTLOOk

The introduction of transitional relief and a reduced rates multiplier marks a shift in government policy, and follows significant pressure from businesses and media coverage across Pembrokeshire. But for venues facing unprecedented revaluations, including Manorbier Castle Inn, the question remains whether the support will be enough.

With many independent pubs and inns already on the edge, Pembrokeshire’s hospitality sector says the coming months will determine whether cherished local venues can survive into 2026 — or whether the rates rises will finally push them over the brink.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Four independent town councillors join Reform

FOuR independent town councillors in Towyn and kinmel Bay have announced they are joining Reform uk

Luke Knightly, Dave Johnson, Debbie Mulvaney and Geoff Corry issued a joint statement saying they were “joining the only party that is putting our left-behind communities first.”

Their move follows the defection of Pontypool community councillor Nick Jones last week, and comes in the constituency represented in the Senedd by Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar.

In a joint statement, the four councillors said: “Towyn and Kinmel Bay, just like so many parts of Wales, have been failed by the political establishment. We’re delighted to be joining the only party that is putting our left-behind communities first.

“Right across Wales, hardworking community representatives are making the same decision and joining Reform. That’s because Reform is the party that will deliver real change for our community and for communities right across Wales.”

A photograph was supplied with the announcement.

Community order after police find illegal images playing during raid

A LLANDOVERy man has been handed a three-year community order after officers discovered an illegal child-abuse video playing on his mobile phone during a search of his home.

Police executed a warrant at the property of Lawrence Cooper, aged 69, of Lon Rhys Pritchard, on 19 September last year. When officers entered the bedroom, a video involving two underage girls was found playing on his device.

Two phones, two laptops, a hard drive and an SD card were seized. Cooper told officers at the scene that they would find further illegal material on the equipment.

Digital analysis confirmed more than 1,000 indecent images of children stored across his devices. These included Category A, B and C still images and videos, featuring victims aged between two and 16. The court heard that Cooper had also used search terms associated with childsexual-abuse content and incest.

Cooper answered “no comment” in two police interviews but later admitted three counts of making indecent images of children.

At Swansea Crown Court, Hannah George, defending, said Cooper had no previous convictions and had entered early guilty pleas. She told the

Man remanded after denying threats and stalking allegations

A PEMBROkESHIRE man has been remanded in custody after allegedly threatening that he would “go down for his girlfriend’s murder with pleasure”.

Brandon Pugh, 26, is accused of sending the threatening message to the complainant on November 6. He is further charged with stalking her on October 30 and November 7 by allegedly kicking her door and threatening to harm her, damage her reputation and contact social services.

Pugh is also accused of intentionally

sharing photographs that showed, or appeared to show, the woman in an intimate state. Additional charges include the alleged theft of a pair of Nike Air Force trainers worth £140 and assault by beating.

Pugh, of Fir Grove, Begelly, denies all charges.

Despite an application for bail by his solicitor, District Judge Mark Layton refused the request. Pugh was remanded in custody ahead of his trial later this month.

court he accepted gaining gratification from the material, despite denying a sexual interest in children, and said he felt “shame” about his actions.

Passing sentence, Judge Paul Hobson said Cooper had been actively seeking out illegal content and was watching such material at the moment officers arrived.

Cooper was made subject to a three-year community order requiring 180 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

He must also sign the sex-offenders register for five years and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.

Welsh minister ‘concerned’ by proposed jury trial restrictions

wALES’ top lawyer has vowed to challenge Ministry of Justice proposals to limit appeal rights and scrap jury trials for crimes with a likely sentence of three years or less.

Julie James, who is counsel general, the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser, committed to raising concerns with UK counterparts because justice is largely nondevolved.

Last week, the Ministry of Justice unveiled plans for judge-only “swift courts” in Wales and England to fast track cases to cut delays due to a backlog in the justice system.

Answering questions in the Senedd today (December 9), Ms James agreed with her Labour colleague Mick Antoniw who described the plans as the “wrong way to go”.

The former solicitor said she would raise the issue during a meeting of the inter-ministerial group (IMG) on justice, a UK-wide forum which she was due to chair later in the week.

Mr Antoniw told the Senedd: “I think this is the wrong way to go and will not solve the growing backlog problem. Jury trials have been a cornerstone of our justice system.

“Juries are a check and balance on judges, as well as a protection for the independence of the judiciary, and they give ownership to part of the judicial system into the hands of the people, so we restrict them at our peril.”

Mr Antoniw, a former trade union lawyer and counsel general, urged his successor to press for access to justice, investment in court infrastructure and the devolution of justice powers.

Ms James responded: “I personally

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

am particularly concerned about the proposals to limit the rights of appeal from magistrates’ courts to points of law only at the same time as increasing magistrates’ sentencing powers.

“So, there are a number of things in the system that we will be raising at the IMG and more generally. Because although it is a reserved matter, of course it directly impacts on a number of things that are devolved.”

Rhys ab Owen, a former criminal barrister who sits as an independent, pointed to previous comments from David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister and UK justice secretary.

He said: “’Jury trials are a fundamental part of the democratic settlement, criminal trials without juries are a bad idea… those aren’t my words – that’s a tweet written by David Lammy back in 2020.”

He argued the figures are skewed due to “huge” backlogs in big English cities.

Mr ab Owen was similarly

concerned by proposals to limit rights of appeal as he recalled some “baffling” decisions made by magistrates.

He told Senedd Members: “The truth is if this was a proposal by a Conservative government, there would be outrage in this place.”

Mr ab Owen also raised comments from Karl Turner, a Labour MP, who described the proposals as the “daftest idea” that any justice secretary could have come up with.

Pressed on whether she agreed, Ms James said: “I agree that there are serious questions to be asked about the UK Government’s proposals… I also agree the right to trial by jury is a hugely important protection for defendants, I absolutely do.

“Victims need to be assured that justice is delivered effectively but in an unbiased way, and that the punishment fits the crime.”

She stressed that trial delays also impact victims, defendants and witnesses, so “it’s absolutely right to look at ways of speeding up that process”.

Ms James told Senedd Members there are no significant delays in magistrates’ courts and crown court performance in Wales has consistently been considered among the best.

She explained trials in Wales are currently being listed into 2026 and 2027, compared with London where listings are currently well into 2030.

Criticising a “disappointing” lack of consultation before the announcement, the counsel general said: “These are proposals at the moment, there’s a long way until they become law [but] we will be making our feelings known on it.”

Pensioner to face trial over £18,000 car dealership damage

A PENSIONER accused of causing more than £18,000 worth of damage at a ceredigion car dealership will stand trial next summer, it was confirmed at Swansea crown court this week (Dec 9).

Seventy-eight-year-old Matthew Edmunds, of Dinas Ceri, Cwm Cou, pleaded not guilty to criminal damage at Cawdor Cars, Newcastle Emlyn, on April 19, 2024.

He is accused alongside a 15-yearold child, who cannot be named for legal reasons. That child has already admitted the offending, the court heard.

Earlier hearings were told that six vehicles were damaged, with repair costs estimated at £18,373.31.

Edmunds attended court in a wheelchair, and the court was informed that he requires kidney dialysis sessions lasting around four-and-a-half hours, three days a week. The judge said the Crown Court would ensure the trial timetable accommodates his medical needs.

The case was adjourned for trial on June 16, 2026.

The court heard that the child applied paint stripper to several vehicles at the dealership and later helped to dispose of the clothing seen on CCTV. The prosecution allege that Edmunds denies involvement and permitted the child to take full responsibility for the incident.

Parent challenges council over Manorbier school closure data as long-running dispute deepens

A ROw over the future of Manorbier church in wales Vc School has intensified after a parent and former governor accused Pembrokeshire county council of using “misleading and incomplete” data in its statutory consultation on permanent closure.

Suzanne Pearton-Scale contacted The Herald this week after receiving a formal response to her complaint from Steven Richards-Downes, the Council’s Director for Education. He said the consultation process meets statutory requirements and that the data used by the authority is accurate.

But Ms Pearton-Scale says the Council has failed to address fundamental issues about the figures underpinning its case to shut the fire-damaged school — issues the community says have been raised repeatedly since the consultation began on 5 November.

FIRE, DELAyS AND TEMPORARy AccOMMODATION

The dispute comes more than three years after the October 2022 fire that destroyed Manorbier’s main building. The Council later moved pupils into temporary accommodation, where the school has remained ever since — despite early hopes that a rebuild could be completed by 2026.

The Herald has reported extensively on delays linked to insurance negotiations, the £2.6 million rebuild estimate, and uncertainty over how much of that figure would be covered by insurers. At one stage the Council confirmed that its own liability included a £200,000 excess, but refused to confirm the total amount insurers were prepared to fund.

By April 2025, community frustration was growing, with residents saying the long delays had left the school in limbo while wider “school modernisation” proposals were being developed.

cAPAcITy FIguRES AT THE cENTRE OF DISPuTE

In its consultation documents, the Council states that Manorbier has 86 places and more than 70% surplus capacity — one of the key criteria used to justify closure.

Ms Pearton-Scale says this figure is “entirely hypothetical” because the school has not had 86 usable places since 2022.

She says the temporary site only has a functional capacity of 30 pupils, and that with 23.5 pupils currently on roll, the true surplus is around 21%, well below the School Organisation

Code thresholds for closure.

“The figures being presented to the public are not based on the school that actually exists today,” she said. “You cannot run a consultation on numbers that ignore three years of reality.”

wAS THE ScHOOL REMOVED FROM THE cOuNcIL wEBSITE?

She also alleges that at one stage the school was removed from the Council’s website, something she says misled prospective parents and suppressed enrolment during a period when pupil numbers were being monitored.

PCC did not address this point in its response to her complaint.

REbuIlD coSTS: ‘SEPARATE ISSuE’ OR cENTRAL JuSTIFIcATION?

Mr Richards-Downes told Ms Pearton-Scale that the rebuild is “a separate matter” from the consultation.

However, The Herald notes that the Council’s own consultation documents repeatedly cite rebuild costs, temporary accommodation fees, and insurance factors as part of the rationale for closure.

Ms Pearton-Scale said: “The authority can’t claim it is not relevant while using those same costs to argue

the school is no longer viable.”

DIOcESE OPPOSITION AND cOMMuNITy cAMPAIgN

Earlier this year, The Herald reported that the St David’s Diocesan Board of Finance formally opposed closure, stating the school should be reinstated.

Local politicians, including county councillors, have previously accused PCC of “steamrolling” the closure through the modernisation process.

A petition launched by residents in mid-2024 gained hundreds of signatures in its first week and has since grown to more than 1,500 signatures in a parish of around 1,900 people.

Campaigners say this level of engagement shows overwhelming opposition and should carry weight in the consultation.

cOuNcIL FIguRES cHALLENgED

Ms Pearton-Scale disputes several other key consultation claims:

• That parental preference has shifted away from Manorbier: she says the cramped temporary site has deterred families, not lack of demand.

• That pupil numbers have declined by nearly 60% since 2015: she says the true decline prior to the fire was around 30%, and the remainder is due to enforced displacement.

• That per-pupil costs are high: she argues that temporary accommodation inflates figures that will not apply if a rebuild proceeds.

She says these issues were not adequately addressed in the Council’s response.

wHAT HAPPENS NExT

The statutory consultation runs until 19 December 2025, after which officers will publish a consultation report and the Council’s Cabinet will decide whether to issue a statutory notice of closure.

If approved, the school could close in summer 2026.

cOuNcIL RESPONSE

Pembrokeshire County Council says the consultation is lawful, that its data is accurate, and that it has consulted all statutory bodies, including the Diocese.

The authority has been approached for further comment in light of the issues raised.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

More progress for WASPI campaigners as Government reconsiders compensation

ALMOST 7,000 women born in the 1950s across the ceredigion Preseli constituency could be affected by an imminent uk government rethink over whether they are owed compensation for receiving little or no notice that their state pension age would rise by up to six years.

In December last year, the then Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall announced that no compensation would be paid, despite the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman recommending it. The Government did, however, accept that there had been maladministration, and said the women were entitled to an apology.

But on 11 November, her successor Pat McFadden told MPs that new evidence had been uncovered, prompting him to look at the matter again. The evidence relates to research commissioned by the Department for Work & Pensions on how many women would have benefitted from earlier notification letters about their rising state pension age — research which, he said, had not been shown to the previous minister.

The reversal came shortly before a Judicial Review brought by the Women Against State Pension

Inequality (WASPI) campaign, which was scheduled for hearings on 9–10 December. That case will now not proceed after the Government committed to:

Reconsidering the decision in full within 12 weeks, unless there is a compelling reason for delay that can be scrutinised by the court.

Retaking the decision entirely afresh, considering all relevant evidence.

Paying over half of WASPI’s legal

costs, leaving the campaign with sufficient funds to challenge any future legal errors if necessary.

Pamela Judge, Co-ordinator of Ceredigion Preseli WASPI, said the development marked a major step forward.

“This is a major success for WASPI and would not have happened without WASPI’s legal action,” she said. “With Ben Lake’s help we launched our campaign locally nearly seven years

ago when the national campaign was already in full swing. It’s taken a long time to get this far.

“The Government has now raised our hopes by saying, quite rightly, that it will consider the matter of compensation afresh. Our hopes must not be dashed again.

“We know the Government can do the right thing. It is already compensating victims of the contaminated blood scandal, the postmasters who suffered losses due to faulty accounting software, and it has revised the Windrush compensation scheme. It’s time the WASPI women were treated fairly too.”

Ben Lake MP for Ceredigion Preseli said he welcomed the development.

“I am pleased that the Judicial Review does not need to go ahead as planned and that the Government will reconsider evidence that wasn’t previously available to the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

“The UK Government must now give a speedy decision on their reconsideration of the Ombudsman’s findings. After years of disappointment, these women deserve certainty and long overdue redress.”

The Government’s reconsidered decision is due by 24 February 2026.

Bike challenge in memory of Samantha to raise funds for St David’s Hospice

A MILFORD HAVEN man will take on an eight-hour stationary bike ride early in the new year to raise money for the hospice that cared for his sister-inlaw during her final months.

Ian Hobbs will complete the challenge at Inner Tiger Fitness on Friday, 3 January, in support of St David’s Hospice, Newport, which provided end-of-life care for Samantha, who died from bowel cancer earlier this year at the age of 44.

Ian and his wife Steph say the fundraiser is a way to thank the hospice for the “tremendous care and support” Samantha received during her illness. Ian set an initial target of £500, which has already been met, and has now increased the goal to £1,000.

The effort is also offering an opportunity for local businesses to sponsor Ian’s challenge. He will be wearing a T-shirt displaying the hospice logo, with space for additional business logos to be added ahead of the event.

Steph said the family hope the community will get behind the fundraiser to help raise as much as possible for the hospice, which relies heavily on donations to continue its work.

The JustGiving page for the challenge can be found here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ianhobbs-1

Mid and West Wales Fire Service wins Project of the Year at national awards

MID and west wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAwwFRS) has been honoured with the Project of the year Award at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards 2025, recognising the transformative impact of its On-call Improvement Programme (OcIP).

The awards ceremony, held at the Institution of Civil Engineers at Parliament Square in London, brought together leaders and frontline personnel from across the UK to celebrate innovation and outstanding achievement within Fire and Emergency Services.

TuRNINg AROuND A LONg-TERM cHALLENgE

MAWWFRS’s OCIP was established in 2023 to address a sustained decline in On-Call firefighter availability — an issue of particular importance in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, where many communities rely entirely on On-Call stations. Around 75% of MAWWFRS fire stations are staffed exclusively by OnCall crews.

Before the OCIP was launched, availability had dropped from 95% to 83% over seven years. Nationally, the number of On-Call firefighters has fallen by 25% since 2004.

The programme introduced targeted recruitment and retention strategies, improved training opportunities, and invested in evidence-led systems to strengthen resilience across the service. As a result, MAWWFRS has already recorded a 3% increase in OnCall availability, beating the projected

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

downward trend and standing out as one of the few services in the UK showing improvement.

Group Manager Phil Morris, who has led the programme since its creation, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the OCIP has been named Project of the Year. This award reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. We set out to make a difference for our On-Call Firefighters and the communities they serve — and we have gone some way to achieving this. It is further proof that the On-Call duty system remains valid, provided it is properly supported.”

NATIONAL REcOgNITION

In the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) National On-Call Research Study published in September 2025, MAWWFRS was the only UK service to be featured twice as a case study, highlighting the scale of the improvements made.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, Senior Responsible Officer for the programme, said the award reflected the service’s determination to solve a long-standing problem:

“This recognises our efforts to address the perennial challenge of On-Call availability and resilience. Using contemporary research to drive improvements has shown a real return. One size does not fit all, and I’m proud of the creativity and innovation shown across our area.”

A key innovation has been the introduction of new software enabling officers to identify skills and availability gaps, shaping recruitment and training decisions to help keep engines “on the run”.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Chair of the NFCC’s Strategic On-Call Forum, Steve Healey KFSM, praised MAWWFRS for bucking a national trend: “Fire and rescue services across the UK are facing increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining On-Call Firefighters. The progress MAWWFRS has made through its OCIP is promising and will help inform national work to strengthen and future-proof the On-Call system.”

The alternative view By Mike Dello

I start this week with an extraordinary – and tragic – story from the world of sport. It was hearing the name of Liverpool legend Mo Salah, currently earning £400,000 a week and locked in a dispute with his club over team selection, that jogged my memory. But it wasn’t that Salah — it was another, spelt Sala — that brought the real story back.

On 21 January 2019, Argentinian striker Emiliano Sala — no ‘H’ in his surname — had just signed for Cardiff City from French club Nantes. After putting pen to paper, Sala asked to fly back to France to say his goodbyes. He didn’t get the private jet treatment his Liverpool namesake might expect. Instead, Nantes arranged an unlicensed two-seater Piper Malibu for the trip.

That flight never made it. It went down over the English Channel, killing both Sala and the pilot, David Ibbotson. Sala’s body was recovered days later; the pilot’s, tragically, never was. It was a stark reminder that not

every footballer lives the gilded life fans imagine.

And then – nothing, until last week. Six years on, Cardiff City are now suing Nantes for compensation, arguing the transport arranged was wholly inadequate. One only hopes Emiliano Sala’s family receive the care and attention they deserve, just as the club seeks to look after its own interests.

Shock news this week from the Unite union, which bankrolls the Labour Party. Unite is openly considering withdrawing support from what it calls a “Starmer-style socialist party.” Its anger spans several fronts: the collapse of hospitality — with two pubs and restaurants shutting every day — the employment fallout from Ed Davey’s “zero fossil fuel” crusade, and what it sees as a steady erosion of workers’ rights as the wealthy grow wealthier. Hardly typical Labour politics.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer appears to be laying the groundwork to welcome Angela Rayner back

into the Cabinet, despite her previous scandals. Rumour mills in Westminster whisper that both Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting are sharpening their knives should Labour stumble at the May local elections.

In the wings, Green leader Zack Polanski — now the rising star of the left — is gathering momentum. Starmer reportedly calls him “nuts.” No wonder Labour seem reluctant to push ahead quickly with the planned mayoral elections in England — something Nigel Farage is already pouncing on.

We also learned this week that a working family with three children must earn £71,000 a year to match the income of a family living entirely on benefits. Another bleak milestone for a government that seems to be discovering the harsh realities of the power it spent years desperate to attain.All this reminded me of the tale of The Emperor’s New Clothes. The vain ruler wanted to flaunt his grandeur but had nothing splendid

cALL FOR NEw REcRuITS

The service is using the award as an opportunity to encourage more people across Mid and West Wales to consider joining as On-Call Firefighters. On-Call crews respond to a wide range of emergencies including fires, road traffic collisions, flooding, chemical incidents and animal rescues. They also deliver vital community safety work such as Safe and Well checks in local homes. MAWWFRS says the role is “exciting, fulfilling and unpredictable” — and offers a unique chance to make a real difference in one’s own community. If you’d like this adapted further with Pembrokeshire-specific references (Haverfordwest, Tenby, Pembroke Dock crews etc.), just tell me.

to wear, so he convinced himself he could parade naked — believing no one would dare laugh. It took one honest child to shout, “The emperor has no clothes!” and the illusion shattered.

And so we arrive at the Turner Prize. This year’s winner, Nnena Kalu, received £25,000 for what looked — to many — like an arrangement of recycled waste: VHS tape, discarded materials, general rubbish. Thirtyfour thousand visitors nodded along as if they understood it. But allow me to be the little boy in the crowd again: in good Cockney rhyming slang — what a load of pony and trap.Finally, the State Crown at the Tower of London was attacked this week by a group calling itself “Take Back Power.” Their chosen weapon? Crumble and custard. Perhaps symbolic of a crumbling UK? Either way, the culprits have been — forgive me — taken into custard. Yes, it’s terrible. No, I’m not apologising.

Mike Dello

You drink, we’ll drive! THIS FESTIVE

SEASON

RESIDENTS are being urged to plan their nights out carefully and book local taxis as Dyfed-Powys Police warn of the dangers of drinkdriving during the busy christmas party season.

Although this year’s enforcement campaign has not yet been formally launched, last year’s figures show the scale of the problem facing the force. According to official Dyfed-Powys Police data, 55 people were arrested for drinkdriving in December 2023. Across a wider twelve-month period from September 2022 to September 2023, a further 446 people were charged with drink-driving offences – 358 men and 88 women.

Police say those figures should act as a “clear reminder” that too many motorists are still taking risks, particularly the morning after heavy drinking.

POLICE: NO SAFE LIMIT AND NO QUICK FIX

In public guidance issued on their website, the force warns that there is no safe way to judge whether a driver is under the limit, stating: “It’s

impossible to get alcohol out of your system quickly. A shower, coffee or any other method won’t remove the alcohol from your body.”

Officers stress that alcohol can remain in the system well into the next day, leaving drivers unknowingly over the legal limit even after a night’s sleep.

A spokesperson for DyfedPowys Police said that drivers should plan their transport before leaving home, adding: “The safest option is to leave the car at home and arrange a lift or book a taxi.”

LOCAL DRIVERS URGED TO BOOK AHEAD

Taxi operators across Pembrokeshire report that they are already receiving increased bookings from workplaces, pubs and clubs for Christmas gatherings. Many firms will be running extended hours on the busiest weekends, but availability will still be tight.

Residents are being advised to book taxis early and avoid relying on being able to “grab one at closing time”, particularly in rural areas where fewer vehicles are on the road.

Taxi firms also point out that the “morning-after risk” is one of the most common causes of drink-drive arrests in winter, and encourage anyone unsure of their alcohol level to arrange transport rather than take a chance.

WINTER ROADS ADD TO THE DANGER

Pembrokeshire’s rural road network, narrow lanes and exposed coastal routes can be particularly hazardous in wet and icy conditions. Local councillors have backed the safety message, reminding

residents that impaired driving on these roads puts lives at risk.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “Every drink-drive collision is preventable. Planning ahead can protect you, your family and other road users.”

Police are urging residents to look out for friends on nights out, make use of taxis and designated drivers, and avoid becoming a statistic on the county’s winter roads.

The message remains simple: Plan it. Book it. Don’t risk it.

Saundersfoot lights up for Christmas as crowds gather to see Santa

SAuNDERSFOOT’S christmas lights were officially switched on christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and

windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing,

bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home celebrates Co-op Community Fund support

PAuL SARTORI Hospice at Home is celebrating more than £3,000 of funding from the co-op Local community Fund and has announced it has once again been selected as a beneficiary for the 2025/2026 funding round.

The Haverfordwest-based hospice at home charity is now appealing to Coop members across Pembrokeshire to choose Paul Sartori as their nominated cause, helping to secure crucial support until October 2026.

Co-op members can decide how the Local Community Fund is distributed simply by selecting a preferred local cause via the Co-op Membership App.

“We welcome this opportunity once again to appeal to Co-op members to choose us as their local Co-op cause, especially as funds for charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, with greater competition,” said Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer. “This is an opportunity for us to engage and encourage our community – and it doesn’t cost Co-op members a penny. Engaging with our local Membership Activator, Anwen, has really helped us to do this.”

things are increasingly challenging for local causes, and our funding can make a real difference — helping people and communities thrive.”

The new round of support will help sustain the charity’s Equipment Loan Service, which provides essential items at short notice to help patients remain at home. The service complements statutory healthcare provision and often steps in where statutory services struggle to respond quickly, offering a compassionate, community-led model of care that promotes dignity and independence at the end of life.

Since its launch in 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund has supported nearly 40,000 community projects across the UK, with a focus on enabling communities to thrive by improving

The charity has received £3,044 in the 2024/2025 funding year. “This, along with the Co-op’s ongoing support, will help us make a difference and continue supporting end-of-life patients and their families in Pembrokeshire by providing the resources and equipment they need to live independently at home,” Judith added.

access to food, boosting mental wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening community cohesion and supporting sustainable futures.

David Luckin, Head of Social Value and Community Engagement at Coop, said: “We are delighted to hear the difference that our funding for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is making in the community. As a co-operative, we are focused on creating value for our members and communities, and members have a say in where and how our funding is shared. We know that

All Paul Sartori services are free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year thanks to local generosity. The charity provides home nursing care, 24-hour support, standby services, complementary therapies, physiotherapy, bereavement and counselling support, future care planning and training. These services enable people with life-limiting illnesses to remain at home — pain free, supported and surrounded by loved ones, where that is their wish.

Further information about Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is available at www.paulsartori.org or by calling 01437 763223.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Freyja’s ‘Aquantis’ named winner of Torch Theatre’s festive design competition

TEN-yEAR-OLD Freyja from St Francis Rc School has been crowned the winner of the Torch Theatre’s Design an Evil Sea creature competition – beating more than 300 imaginative entries that ranged from cyclops creations to fanged dolphins and double-headed stingrays.

Her design, Aquantis, caught the eye of the judges and will now be brought to life on stage in this year’s Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel, at the Torch Theatre.

Freyja said she was “ecstatic” to hear the news.

“It was really good news to have. Drawing and creative writing is something that I enjoy and have a passion for, so to be given this opportunity and to win was incredible. I’d like to say well done to everyone else who entered – it was a fun competition to be part of.”

A SEA MONSTER wITH A STORy

So what exactly is the Aquantis?

“She was once a tiny kraken with a big heart,” Freyja explained. “She has special powers and shoots slime balls that can paralyse her victims – and during the paralysis phase they are

completely under Aquantis’ control. She swims joyfully through the enchanting depths of the sea with a love of exploring every corner of the ocean.”

Freyja said her imagination and a recent snorkelling trip inspired the creature.

“My idea for the Aquantis came through my imagination, after deciding what backstory I wanted to create for her. I can’t say I’ve seen any sea monsters up close, but I’ve recently been snorkelling in the Red Sea so that helped give the Aquantis an edge. I’m really honoured to have been chosen and can’t wait to see it all come together on stage.”

wORkSHOPS INSPIRE yOuNg ARTISTS

This year’s project was delivered in partnership with the Arts Society West Wales, whose representatives joined Torch Theatre professionals for daylong creative workshops in three Milford Haven primary schools. The aim was to help pupils imagine, design and model their own scary sea monsters.

The children’s enthusiasm and creativity were clear throughout the sessions, with dozens of colourful, sci-

fi-inspired designs produced. All entries are now on display in the Torch Theatre Gallery.

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard, said she was so impressed by the range of ideas that several of the friendlier creatures will also feature in Rapunzel, voiced by members of the Torch Youth Theatre.

Rapunzel this Christmas

Rapunzel runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December.

Tickets: £24.50 | £20.00 concessions | £78.00 family. Relaxed Environment Performance: Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm. BSL Interpreted Performance (Liz May): Tuesday 16 December, 6:00pm.

Narbelles WI celebrate successful AGM and present charity cheque

MEMBERS of Narbelles wI gathered this November for a warm and lively Annual general Meeting, marked by friendship, fundraising and a touch of friendly competition.

The meeting opened with a heartfelt President’s Address delivered by Kayla, setting an uplifting tone for the evening. Laughter soon followed as members took

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr rieve.nesbitt-marr@herald.email

part in an entertaining quiz, ultimately won by the aptly named No W-Idea team — Alyson, Sharon and Jo — who secured bragging rights for the night.

A highlight of the AGM was the visit

from Rosie-Faye Hart, attending on behalf of the Paul Sartori Foundation. She received the group’s 2025 fundraising cheque for £333, raised through the Narbelles WI’s sunflower bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week as well as proceeds from their September guest talk on the Ocky White Finds. That talk was delivered by Fran

Murphy of Heneb, The Trust For Welsh Archaeology and proved both popular and informative among members.

The Narbelles WI look ahead to the coming year with pride in their community efforts and gratitude for the continued support that makes their charitable work possible.

Eisteddfod-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular celebration

THOuSANDS turned out for Small world Theatre’s cardigan giant Lantern Parade on 5 December, a flagship event of this year’s Festival of Light. This year’s theme, inspired by the upcoming Eisteddfod y garreg Las, brought colour, creativity and community spirit to the streets of cardigan.

The Parade was made possible thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered and supported by the Cynnal y Cardi team at Ceredigion County Council, with further support from National Lottery Awards for All and Cardigan Town Council.

Cardigan’s Mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, joined the celebrations as Samba Doc, Jake Caswell and a spectacular array of giant lanterns led hundreds of participants through the town. The procession wound its way to the quayside, delighting thousands of spectators who lined the route.

Among the standout creations were large lanterns made by pupils from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Clwb Gwawr and Cardigan Rowing Club. Welsh lady hats and top-hat lanterns, crafted by local primary school pupils, added extra charm to the festive spectacle.

Now in its seventh year, the Lantern

Parade has become a cornerstone of Cardigan’s winter calendar, drawing significant footfall and boosting the local economy. Alongside the Parade, Small World Theatre has developed a Festival of Light Trail — an immersive after-dark experience running from 4:30pm to 9pm, with buildings and shop windows illuminated across the town.

Mayor of Cardigan, Cllr Olwen Davies, said: “We’re so lucky to have this annual celebration that unites the town and is a Christmas treat for all. Congratulations to Small World Theatre’s team and volunteers for creating another wonderful evening.”

A spokesperson for Small World Theatre added: “Thanks to everyone who helped — Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, the marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant team and volunteers. And special thanks to Samba Doc and Jake for the joyful rhythms. Together we created a very special event for all.”

There is still time to support Small World Theatre’s fundraising appeal. Every contribution helps ensure this magical community event continues for years to come.

More than £5,000 raised for young surfer after serious car crash

A FuNDRAISINg campaign has passed the £5,000 mark in support of Delphi, a talented young surfer from South Pembrokeshire who was seriously injured in a car accident last week.

The teenager, who had been preparing to compete in the Euros Surf Competition next year, was left with significant injuries after the crash. Emergency services had to cut her free from the vehicle before she was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. She remains there awaiting surgery after suffering a broken pelvis and other trauma, with what is expected

to be a long road to recovery. Her family are currently travelling to Cardiff every day and staying by her side as she undergoes treatment. Friends say the injury has been devastating for a young athlete whose life revolves around the ocean, training, and the competitive surf scene.

A GoFundMe campaign titled “Back to the Waves – Support Delphi’s Rehab Journey” was launched this week to help ease the financial strain on the family

and provide specialist rehabilitation support once she is well enough to begin recovery. Organisers say the aim is to give her “the best possible chance of getting back to the sport she loves.”

Within days, donations had climbed above £5,000, with contributions pouring in from fellow surfers, local residents, beach communities and well-wishers across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Messages on the page describe Delphi as “a rising star”, “full of promise”, and “a lovely young girl who lights up the line-up.”

A spokesperson for the fundraiser said: “Delphi has big dreams for her

surfing future. This accident has knocked her world off its axis, but with proper rehab and support she has every chance of coming back strong. We’re incredibly grateful for every donation, message and share.”

The Herald understands the family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support during what they describe as the worst week of their lives.

The GoFundMe page can be found here for those wishing to donate or share the campaign: Back to the Waves – Support Delphi’s Rehab Journey.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home celebrates Co-op Community Fund support

PAuL SARTORI Hospice at Home is celebrating more than £3,000 of funding from the co-op Local community Fund and has announced it has once again been selected as a beneficiary for the 2025/2026 funding round.

The Haverfordwest-based hospice at home charity is now appealing to Coop members across Pembrokeshire to choose Paul Sartori as their nominated cause, helping to secure crucial support until October 2026.

Co-op members can decide how the Local Community Fund is distributed simply by selecting a preferred local cause via the Co-op Membership App.

“We welcome this opportunity once again to appeal to Co-op members to choose us as their local Co-op cause, especially as funds for charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, with greater competition,” said Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer. “This is an opportunity for us to engage and encourage our community – and it doesn’t cost Co-op members a penny. Engaging with our local Membership Activator, Anwen, has really helped us to do this.”

The charity has received £3,044 in the 2024/2025 funding year. “This, along with the Co-op’s ongoing support, will help us make a difference and continue supporting end-of-life patients and their families in Pembrokeshire by providing the resources and equipment they need to live independently at home,” Judith added.

Since its launch in 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund has supported nearly 40,000 community projects across the UK, with a focus on enabling communities to thrive by improving access to food, boosting mental wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening community cohesion and supporting sustainable futures.

David Luckin, Head of Social Value and Community Engagement at Coop, said: “We are delighted to hear the difference that our funding for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is making in the community. As a co-operative, we are focused on creating value for our members and communities, and members have a say in where and how our funding is shared. We know that things are increasingly challenging for local causes, and our funding can make

a real difference — helping people and communities thrive.”

The new round of support will help sustain the charity’s Equipment Loan Service, which provides essential items at short notice to help patients remain at home. The service complements statutory healthcare provision and often steps in where statutory services struggle to respond quickly, offering a compassionate, community-led model of care that promotes dignity and independence at the end of life.

All Paul Sartori services are free of charge and available 24 hours a

day, 365 days a year thanks to local generosity. The charity provides home nursing care, 24-hour support, standby services, complementary therapies, physiotherapy, bereavement and counselling support, future care planning and training. These services enable people with life-limiting illnesses to remain at home — pain free, supported and surrounded by loved ones, where that is their wish.

Further information about Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is available at www.paulsartori.org or by calling 01437 763223.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Santa arrives by lifeboat as Milford Haven lights up for Christmas

LARgE crowds gathered in Milford Haven on Saturday afternoon (Dec 6) as the town’s christmas lights were switched on – with Santa making a dramatic entrance by RNLI lifeboat.

The popular annual event began at 4.30pm with a festive parade setting off from Charles Street, outside the old police station, before making its way down through the town to Hamilton Terrace and on to the Town Hall. Families lined the route despite the cold, with children waving lanterns and cheering as Santa and his helpers joined the procession.

RNLI crew members from Milford Haven gave Santa a very Pembrokeshire-style arrival earlier in the day, escorting him into the marina aboard their all-weather lifeboat. Volunteers posed with Santa for photos before he headed off to meet waiting families.

After entertainment and stalls

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

outside the Town Hall, the countdown began — and the Christmas tree lights were officially switched on to cheers from the crowd.

One notable absence this year was the traditional lighting along Hamilton Terrace. Milford Haven Town Council confirmed that new lamp posts installed earlier in the year were not yet ready for Christmas light fittings, meaning the usual display could not be installed in time for the switch-on.

Despite this, the area around the Town Hall was brightly illuminated, with the building covered in colourful lights and a Christmas tree standing at the entrance, creating a festive atmosphere as the town marked the start of the holiday season.

Festive choir begins Christmas season with community performances

FESTIVE invitations have come early this year for Pembroke and District Male Voice choir, with a series of mini concerts in the runup to christmas.

The choir visited Kensington Court in Steynton for the first time, where residents gave them a warm welcome. Choristers performed seven pieces from their repertoire before leading a selection of carols. Accompanist Rev William Lambert also contributed a solo performance of You Raise Me Up. The concert concluded with Calon Lân, sung at the request of a resident, and a donation to the choir was handed over on behalf of residents by Rosemary Cooper.

The following Saturday the choir performed at Pembroke Castle as part of the Christmas Fayre festivities, again mixing seasonal carols with their own programme. Soloist Mirelle Ryan, who has appeared at several concerts this year, performed Mary’s Boy Child. A few days later the choir – suitably dressed in Christmas jumpers and ties – led carols at Cartref Cleddau in Pembroke Dock. Musical Director Juliet Rossiter conducted at each venue, with Rev Lambert at the keyboard and Matthew John acting as MC.

Another visit to a local residential home is planned before Christmas.

Plan to offer construction and hospitality roles to young people in west Wales

YOUNG people on Universal Credit in West Wales will be offered new training and work experience placements in sectors such as construction, hospitality,

and health and social care, as part of a UK Government drive to bring down rising youth unemployment.

The programme – funded from the £820m announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last month’s Budget – will create 350,000 training and workexperience places across the UK, and guarantee 55,000 jobs in areas judged to be most in need from spring 2026. South-west and south-east Wales are among the regions singled out for focused support.

Ministers say the measures aim to move young people aged 16–24 off long-term benefits and into stable work. Almost one million young people across the UK are currently classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training), a figure that has been rising steadily since 2021.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the new pathways would give out-of-work young people “a fair chance to make something of their lives”. The support will include a dedicated work session for every claimant aged under 25, followed by four weeks of intensive coaching before they are placed on one of six routes: paid work, work experience, an apprenticeship, wider training, classroom learning, or a workplace-based training scheme with a guaranteed interview.

Focus on sectors vital to the West

Wales economy

For West Wales – where seasonal work, rural isolation and limited transport links have long affected youth employment – the concentration on construction, hospitality, and social care is likely to be significant. These industries remain major employers across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, with businesses regularly reporting difficulties recruiting local staff.

The Herald understands that officials expect more than 1,000 young people nationally to move into jobs within the first six months, with additional programmes promised as the government prepares to publish its national youth strategy.

Political dispute over the impact

The Conservatives accused the Chancellor of “driving youth unemployment up” through recent tax decisions, claiming the new scheme “gives with one hand while taking with the other”. However, ministers insist the investment represents a “downpayment on young people’s future” and will help address the rise in long-term sickness and disability among under-25s – one of the biggest barriers to work.

Further announcements are expected next week, including new details on the government’s pledge to make apprenticeships for under-25s at small and medium-sized businesses completely free.

Christmas cheer as Young at Heart group fills Pembroke Town Hall

PEMBROkE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke young at Heart group held its annual christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event.

helpers included Liz, Ann,

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.

The

Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Young carer joins Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey carol service

A yOuNg carer from Haverfordwest was among those welcomed to a special christmas carol service at westminster Abbey on Friday (Dec 5), hosted by the charity’s patron, HRH The Princess of wales.

Ambassadors, staff and young people supported by Action for Children were invited to the fifth annual Together at Christmas service, held to recognise and thank people across the UK who are showing love, compassion and community spirit in their daily lives.

Among the guests was sixteenyear-old Meghan, from Haverfordwest, who helps care for her younger sister, who has autism, OCD and a learning disability. She attended the event with Vikki Phillips from Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire Young Carers service.

The service brought together a 1,600-strong congregation, including Members of the Royal Family, and offered a moment to reflect on the importance of love in all its forms — within families, friendships, communities and even moments shared between strangers.

Meghan said: “Being invited to

Westminster Abbey felt amazing – it’s something I’ll never forget. The carol service was so festive and uplifting, and it made me feel proud to be part of a community that cares so much about helping others. It was lovely to see everyone come together to celebrate love and kindness.”

Vikki Phillips added: “It was an incredible honour to be part of such a special occasion at Westminster Abbey. The service was a beautiful reminder of how love and kindness can transform lives, and it was inspiring to see so many people celebrated for the positive impact they make in their communities. For our young carers and families, moments like this show that their efforts and resilience truly matter.”

Action for Children said it was thrilled to have such dedicated young people and staff representing the charity at the event, demonstrating its commitment to building a more caring and connected society. Further details on guests can be provided on request.

The carol service was filmed for broadcast and will air as part of a special programme on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.

gaming

If you enjoy horror games that mix mystery, dread, and claustrophobic tension, She’s Leaving is shaping up to be a hauntingly intriguing ride — albeit one that may not quite reach the heights it aims for. From the moment you step into the eerie corridors of House Haywood as forensic analyst charles Dalton, the game immediately sets a mood of creeping dread: dim lighting, foreboding shadows, and every corner potentially hiding grim secrets. The core draw is its forensic-style gameplay: examining blood spatter, analyzing clues, and piecing together a string of disappearances in the snowshrouded town of Haywood. That emphasis on investigation gives it a cerebral edge among horror games — you’re not just running from monsters, you’re trying to prove a serial killer is real, using your wits and scientific reasoning rather than brute force.

gameplay leans strongly into stealth and tension. you’re armed only with a taser — enough to stun a threatening

presence, but not to guarantee safety. The constant possibility of being hunted, of making one wrong move, adds weight to every decision: do you sneak past, hide, or try to stun and slip by? The environment — from the Tudor-era mansion to fog-drenched docks — is meticulously crafted, every room and passageway rich with atmosphere and hidden details begging to be uncovered.

But while the setting and initial concept are promising, there are cracks. The forensic mechanics, while novel, reportedly don’t carry enough variety to stay gripping over the full game. what starts satisfying — connecting blood patterns to clues — can become routine and predictable. Enemy encounters, initially terrifying, lose some fear once you realize the stalker doesn’t always react with the unpredictable brutality you might expect, and after a few run-ins the tension can wane. The puzzles and stealth segments don’t always feel deep enough to sustain high stakes, and the story — which

begins with such mystery and promise — doesn’t always deliver the shocking revelations or emotional payoff the atmosphere seems to set up.

ultimately, She’s Leaving shines brightest when it leans into mood: the oppressive silence, the dread of unseen eyes, the slowly unraveling mystery. For fans of horror that’s more psychological and investigative than actionheavy, it could be a quietly effective, unnerving journey through fear and suspicion. But if you’re expecting a consistently chilling, “shutoff the lights and hide under the covers” kind of horror, it might falter once the novelty of clues and corridors fades. It’s a game with a strong aesthetic and concept, and while it doesn’t fully deliver on all its ambitions, those first few hours — creeping through darkness, piecing together clues, wondering what’s watching you — are genuinely engaging.

wiTh eddie The game gUrU

CliCk to

James cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash appears to be shaping into the most daring evolution of the series so far, a film that seems ready to ignite both the mythology of Pandora and the emotional core of its characters. Even from what little has been revealed publicly, there is a sense that the franchise is stepping into a darker, more mature rhythm, where the wonder of the world is still present but is now shadowed by a gathering sense of inevitability. The title itself hints at destruction and renewal, and the story seems poised to explore the tension between these forces with a clarity the previous films only hinted at. Instead of simply expanding the world, this installment feels like it is testing its foundations, pushing its characters into environments that challenge their identities, loyalties, and the very idea of what it means to protect a home that is constantly changing.

What stands out most is the atmosphere—thicker, heavier, almost mythic. Pandora appears more alive than ever, but also more unpredictable, as if the planet is responding to the pressures placed upon it by conflict. The volcanic and desert

regions teased in concept art and industry chatter add a rawer visual palette, replacing serene oceans and lush forests with landscapes shaped by heat, ash, and ancient elemental forces. These new frontiers seem to carry storytelling weight, reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters, particularly the Sully family, who appear to be navigating fractures not just from external threats but from choices that split their priorities. The family dynamic, once defined by unity and protection, now seems to crack under the strain of competing destinies and the lingering trauma of their ongoing fight for survival.

Visually, Cameron looks set to push the boundary between spectacle and symbolism. The series has always been known for its technological leaps, but here the grandeur seems to serve something more intimate. Firestorms illuminating the night sky, ash drifting like snow over alien deserts, and bioluminescent life flickering in defiance of encroaching destruction all hint at an aesthetic that mirrors the emotional stakes. Scenes that blend catastrophe with beauty suggest a film that’s not just about conflict, but about transformation—both for Pandora and for the characters

who inhabit it.

Emotionally, the film seems poised to cut deeper than its predecessors. The Na’vi and humans appear to be heading toward a collision where diplomacy is no longer possible, and this growing tension promises to test every alliance and every belief the characters hold. Themes of legacy, identity, and the cost of survival seem primed to take center stage, particularly as younger members of the Sully family begin to carve their own paths, sometimes in ways at odds with their parents’ hopes. If executed well, this could add layers of nuance that elevate the narrative beyond the straightforward colonial allegory of the earlier films.

Ultimately, Fire and Ash feels like a turning point—less an expansion than a reckoning. It carries the energy of a story that knows it is approaching a critical crossroads, one that could redefine the emotional and thematic trajectory of the entire saga. If Cameron brings together the technical mastery he’s known for with the weightier storytelling hinted at so far, this chapter may not only surpass expectations but also give the series the depth and urgency it has been steadily building toward.

Tech and Taff

Oracle’s Wobbly Week and the Great AI Bubble Panic

Llongyfarchiadau, annwyl ddarllenwyr — you’ve survived another week in the mad world of technology, where billionaires lose £40 billion before breakfast and still have enough left over for a cheeky latte in San Francisco.

This time, it’s Oracle — the Californian software giant with a logo the colour of a Ponty chippy sign — that’s had a right old cwbwl.

Their shares fell 13% in one day, all because their latest earnings report was… how shall I put this… a tiny bit off what Wall Street’s robot calculators demanded. Analysts wanted $16.2bn. Oracle produced $16.1bn. A miss so small it wouldn’t register on a school dinner scale, but apparently enough to send investors into hysterics.

Honestly, if Welsh mam-gu’s ran the stock market, they’d say:

“Oh bach, calm down — it’s only a hundred million. Have a custard cream and think about your life.”

The AI Bubble: Is It Going Pop or Just Having a Little Fart?

Despite the wobble, Oracle’s revenue was up 14%, and its AI unit — Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (or OCI, which sounds like a cough mixture you’d buy from Boots) — grew 68%.

But investors are twitchy. Everything in AI is ‘bubble this, bubble that’. I haven’t seen so much bubble talk since I put Fairy Liquid in the Taff fountains on Rag Week. Allegedly.

Why the panic?

Well, in September Oracle signed a mahoosive deal with OpenAI (y’know — the ChatGPT lot). OpenAI promised to spend $300 BILLION on Oracle’s computing power over five years. That’s billion with a “b”, or as we say in Wales:

“A sum big enough to fix the A40, twice, and still have money left over for a stadium roof that doesn’t leak.”

For a brief moment, this deal made Larry Ellison, Oracle’s grand wizard, the richest man on Earth. Briefly. His share price then did a swan dive off the Pembroke Dock quayside and has now lost 40% of its value since September.

Still, he’s up for the year. Unlike my pension.

Larry’s ‘Chip Neutrality’ – Like

Switzerland, but Nerdier

In his latest statement, Ellison said Oracle must stay “agile” because AI is changing fast. Fair enough — I still haven’t worked out how to reset my smart kettle.

More interestingly, he basically told Nvidia (king of the AI chips) that Oracle will buy GPUs from “any maker” customers want. He called it chip neutrality.

Imagine going to your butcher and he says:

“I will sell you lamb, but if you prefer a llama steak or a pigeon thigh, I can source that too.”

That’s the vibe.

Circular Financing – Or ‘Buying Off Yourself’

Oracle is now involved in so many AI infrastructure deals that analysts are whispering about something called “circular financing”: companies lending each other money so they can spend that money buying each other’s products. It’s like when you and your cousin pass the same £20 note back and forth every Christmas and pretend it’s a new gift each year.

OpenAI’s profitability is in question. Oracle’s debt is rising. And now analysts are nervously chewing their pens like they’re invigilating an A-level maths exam.

Wall Street Outrage vs Welsh Common Sense

Some analysts said Oracle deserved the punishment. Others said Wall Street was being dramatic — “a great quarter”, they called it.

For context, Oracle has signed $385 billion worth of contracts in six months, including with Meta and Nvidia. Billion. Six months. Even Milford Haven Port Authority would struggle to misplace that many invoices.

But markets don’t care about reality anymore; they care about vibes. And right now AI vibes are rotten.

So Will the AI Bubble Burst, Prof?

Here’s my official academic verdict, after years of research and three coffees:

Maybe. Maybe not. Possibly. Probably. Ask me again on Monday.

Capturing the stories of the stars at the Torch Theatre

RENOwNED storytellers Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are bringing a new intimate theatre experience to wales next spring, exploring classic myths inspired by the night sky. Stars and their consolations, produced by Adverse camber Productions, will tour wales in Spring 2026 and arrives at the Torch Theatre in March.

The production reimagines well-known Greek star myths through a blend of live storytelling, projected animations of the night sky and a mesmerising electroacoustic soundscape created by awardwinning Welsh composer Sarah Lianne Lewis.

The show has evolved from an earlier collaboration between Adverse Camber, Morden, Lupton and Lewis. Its first incarnation premiered in west Wales at the Beyond the Border Storytelling Festival 2021, and the company further developed the piece in 2022. This enhanced touring version promises a majestic, hypnotic experience that brings ancient tales to life with fresh theatrical energy.

Described as a beautiful way to reconnect with stories that have been shared around fires for thousands of years, the production explores familiar constellations such as Orion, Pegasus, the Pleiades, Sirius and the Milky Way.

Storyteller and co-creator Daniel Morden said: “Stars and their Consolations is a way of restoring the night sky. When we listen to these myths, we are connecting with our ancestors. It is as if a hand has reached out from the past and taken our own, and we feel less alone.”

The two-hour show, suitable for ages 12 and over, invites audiences into an enthralling world where gods toy mercilessly with mortals, and stories of pride, lust and passion unfold against the vast canvas of the cosmos. The epic sweep of the sky, the creators say, offers a grounding and consoling perspective on human troubles.

Producer Naomi Wilds added: “Stories shared together bring people together. We all live under the same sky, though it looks different depending on where you stand. Star-related stories help us remember constellation patterns, mark the seasons

and even warn us about issues such as light pollution. They remind us why the night sky is valuable, and why we must protect it for future generations.”

Six-month bilingual storytelling project across Wales

Ahead of the spring tour, Adverse Camber—supported by Prosiect Nos Partnership, Theatrau Sir Gâr, Arts Council Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Colwinston Foundation, The Darkley Trust, Welsh Government, Literature Wales and People Speak Up— is launching a six-month initiative: Cysur y Sêr (The Comfort of the Stars).

This Welsh-led, bilingual project will develop new Welsh-language stories, explore the environmental impacts of light pollution and climate change, and leave a long-lasting storytelling legacy. Ten bilingual storytellers will work with communities near venues across Wales in the lead-up to Dark Skies Week in February 2026, before linking into the touring production in March and April.

Although Stars and their Consolations focuses on Greek mythology, the creative team emphasises that Wales itself has some of the best protected night skies in the world—and a largely forgotten tradition of celestial storytelling.

Morden noted: “The Welsh landscape used to be populated with stories. We’ve forgotten many of them—on the ground and in the heavens. If STARS helps make the night sky magical and precious again, perhaps we will do more to protect it.”

Dani Robertson, Dark Sky Officer for the Prosiect Nos Partnership, added:

“Interest in Dark Sky watching across Wales is growing. We suspect many of the star stories once told in rural and coastal communities have been lost, but Cysur y Sêr may uncover memories people still hold. Sharing them helps pass this knowledge on to the future.”

How to watch

Stars and their Consolations will appear at the Torch Theatre on Tuesday, 24 March.

For more information and tickets, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

HOROSCOPES

W HEN the series drops on Netflix on 10 December 2025, all six episodes of this new docuseries will land at once — inviting binge-watching rather than slow anticipation. The premise is irresistible to anyone who grew up with early-2000s pop-star mania: at the centre is Simon Cowell, legendary talent-scout and hitmaker, back at his roots with cameras following him as he tries to craft a new boy band from scratch. We see the entire process: open casting calls across the UK and Ireland, boot-camp style selection, group formation, recording and (ultimately) a debut single.

What makes The Next Act feel worthwhile — beyond nostalgia — is its promise of

rawness and vulnerability.

The trailer teases a version of Cowell we haven’t seen in decades: stressed, emotionally invested, visibly aware that “if this goes wrong, it will be ‘Simon Cowell has lost it’.”

There’s tension — between hopeful contestants, between ambition and reality, even in his personal life as his partner appears on camera. That tension might turn familiar boyband building into something more human, flawed and unpredictable.

It’s easy to wonder, however, whether the show can really recapture what made Cowell’s early projects magical. The music landscape today is vastly different: social media dominance,

streaming-driven fandoms, global K-pop competition, and audiences less enticed by the manufactured “boyband boom.” For a 66-yearold music mogul whose last major breakthroughs belong to another era, the gamble feels huge — and the chances of instant global success seem slim. Watching him try to adapt could be interesting, but it also risks coming off as dated or out of touch.

Still, there’s a powerful pull in nostalgia and anticipation for both potential triumphs and awkward failures. For fans of early pop-band phenomenon — and observers of pop culture’s endless cycles — The Next Act promises to be a compelling ride: a window onto the messy, emotionally raw process behind instant fame — whether it lands or crashes.

information or you just plain promised too much, be up front about it right now. Nobody expects you to be infallible, but they do expect to be kept informed. Be open about the situation and you’ll only gain respect.

LIBRA

If you were a surfer and today was a wave, you’d do best to ride it out. There’s no predicting exactly what the natural forces will do. You just have to paddle out there, catch the wave, feel your way to standing, and then balance, balance, balance. You’ll react to shifts in speed or direction as necessary, so hang on tight and trust your instincts.

SCORPIO

Get out your cotton swabs and give the old ears a careful cleaning before you head to work. Why? Because today’s all about listening, and you don’t want to miss anything. People are going to be telling you some very important things (and some not so important things) all day long, and what you hear could change the course of your work life in a very positive way. So listen hard!

SAGITTARIUS

The shopping bug has bitten and it’s not letting go, but this fascination with material goods is not going to be good for you right now. All signs still point to save, save, save! Not only is throwing your cash around going to drain your resources, but it’ll distract you from things that matter most. There’s more delight to be found in the people around you than in some silly new gadget or trendy accessory. Put yourself on a budget and avoid the mall for a while.

CAPRICORN

Get ready for an increase in responsibility. Don’t worry, this won’t make you feel stressed out and overloaded. On the contrary, more responsibility is just what you need to feel good. Sure, it isn’t easy, but you’re really at your best when you’re in charge and accountable. So embrace your additional duties and celebrate your new responsibilities and then do your best to do a good job. It shouldn’t be too hard for you.

AQUARIUS

If a cheetah hesitated before it tried to catch an antelope, do you think it would have dinner? No, it wouldn’t. The antelope would seize its chance and bound away. In the nature show that is life, are you hesitating? If there’s something you want (promotion, new job, date), you need to go for it. No second thoughts. Just pounce.

PISCES

Conflict isn’t fun, but today it’s something you should try to enjoy. After all,

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a p e M brokeshire p erspe C tive

by editor toM sinClair

why the mother of baby c was rightly found not guilty she was a vunerable young person manipulated by a clever narcissist and peadophile

SINcE the Baby c verdicts were delivered, public anger has focused on the child’s mother. Many have asked how she “didn’t know.” Others have suggested she must have been involved.

Those reactions come from shock and grief - not from an understanding of the evidence. And anyone who sat through the full three-week trial, as we did, saw something that cannot be denied:

The mother was a victim. Not a perpetrator.

The man now convicted of raping and torturing a seven-week-old baby did so while exerting total control over a vulnerable young mother who had been abandoned, isolated and overwhelmed.

This point cannot be stressed enough. Baby C was repeatedly

examined by medical professionals in the days before he was rushed to hospital in January 2021.

Safeguarding-trained clinicians failed to detect:

A broken wrist

A broken ankle

A brain bleed

Extensive bruising

A swollen testicle

As defence counsel Tom Crowther KC told the jury:

“If the doctor didn’t see the broken bones, how could the mother?”

And further: “None of the doctors or medical consultants said ‘this baby looks like it’s got a brain injury… or suspicious bruising.’ These are highly trained people. How could the mother see that which the doctors couldn’t?”

This was not denial.

This was not negligence.

This was impossible knowledge.

Phillips himself - the man now proven to have inflicted the injuries.

She was not failing her child. She was being deceived by a predator.

For a mother to be guilty of “allowing” harm, the prosecution must prove she:

Knew, or

Ought to have known that her baby was at risk.

After weeks of expert testimony, cross-examination and clear judicial direction, the jury found that she had neither actual nor constructive knowledge.

Crowther KC: Her failure was human, not criminal

Perhaps the most important moment came when Crowther KC addressed the mother’s role in his closing speech.

He told the jury: “Yes, she did failbut parents fail in big and small ways in their children’s lives. When things happen to our children we rack our brains knowing we could have done things differently. Most of us move on.”

Then he delivered the line that will stay with many who heard it: “But she must look back at that last moment of love and peace with her baby, with a man who did everything to take it from her.”

The jury heard how the young mother had just broken up from the baby’s biological father four days before his birth. She was navigating early motherhood alone.

Into that void stepped Christopher Phillips - now exposed as a malignant narcissist and one of the most dangerous offenders this region has encountered.

In her evidence, she described his behaviour as “micromanagement”: dictating where she went, who she spoke to, and even how she parented. Experts call this coercive control - a pattern of grooming designed to isolate, dominate and remove outside scrutiny.

Far from ignoring signs of harm, she sought help when she noticed the bleed. She turned to doctors. She asked her family. She even asked

This was not a mother who turned a blind eye.

This was not a mother who permitted abuse.

This was a young woman who will carry a lifetime of sorrow for something she did not cause, did not allow and did not know was happening.

Outrage should focus solely on the man the jury convicted: a manipulative, calculating predator who groomed and controlled a teenager and committed unthinkable violence against her child.

The jury saw the evidence in full. They applied the law correctly. They reached the only verdict that justice allowed - not guilty.

She must not be condemned for a crime she did not commit. She deserves compassion and not vilification.

BADGER AND THE END OF THE GAME

THE OTHER week, Badger visited the welsh capital city to watch some rugby. wales played New Zealand and, to Badger’s relief, the All Blacks only pummeled the boys in red rather than inflicting total humiliation (see the wRu and South Africa for that). wales scored four tries, which was nice.

Less nice was the constant flow of people going backwards and forwards to top up their alcohol intake at the many bars inside the ground. Standing up mid-play to let someone whose thirst or bladder has got the better of them is annoying. It’s even more annoying when it happens regularly and obscures your view of the action.

There were around sixty-eight thousand people inside the ground. Badger was among the minority present who wanted to watch the rugby. Most of the others were there to drink heavily and urinate copiously. Badger has a fantastic offer for those whose rugby experience revolves around getting drunk and inconveniencing real fans. If you want to get bladdered out of your tiny minds in a drafty tin shed while watching the telly, Badger is prepared to lease you his garage during next year’s Six Nations tournament. It’ll be cheaper than paying hundreds of pounds to ruin the experience of those who want to watch the Welsh team attempt rugby union.

So, this week, for a change, readers, Badger is miffed. He’s let his miffedness mature for a few weeks, having concentrated his recent outrage on the uselessness, venality, and stupidity of Welsh and UK politicians.

This week, Badger has a different target.

Enter stage right, the WRU.

Ahem. Where to begin?

If you were designing a governing body for a modern professional, semiprofessional, shamateur, and community sport, dreaming up the WRU is like asking an Irishman for directions to Dublin from Nephin Beg and getting the answer: “If I were you, I wouldn’t start from here.”

Let’s consider the cyclical nature of Welsh rugby. Since time immemorial, the Welsh national team has had periods of dominance followed by a decade or more of indifferent and adverse results.

The dominance of the early years of the twentieth century subsided after the First World War, and the international

side showed signs of recovery only in the seasons immediately before the Second.

After the war, Wales dominated the late 40s and early 50s, even beating the All Blacks. The national side spent a period in the doldrums before a new golden age between 1969 and 1979.

From around 1982 onwards, with short relief in 1988, the Welsh national side was ... umm ... not very good. Not very good at all.

Not very good at all with knobs on.

Signs of life emerged at the turn of the Millennium, with sustained success from 2005 to 2017.

Since those years, results have moved from average to indifferent to dire.

The pattern is clear. Worsening returns follow periods of good results.

It’s hard to escape the conclusion that arrogance born of success breeds the belief that good times will continue forever, thanks to the innate (and uniquely Welsh) skills of our rugby players. All that folksy romanticism is stale. It reminds Badger of the dictum that failure to mend the roof when the sun shines leads to soggy, protracted, and miserable winters.

The modern game’s evolution means that rugby, with vanishingly few exceptions, is no longer a game that can be played successfully at the very top level by players of differing physiques.

Now, Badger is a very large mammal who, many moons ago, played rugby at a modest level. At the time he played, Badger was also uncommonly large and, you might be shocked to learn, had a fair turn of speed for a prop forward. Many years after his boots went to the great Patrick’s home in the sky, Badger watched a cricket match in which the Wales and British Lions scrum half Mike Phillips played.

When Badger played, scrum halves tended to be small and nippy. Very occasionally, he came across those who looked like a barrel of knuckles. Put it mildly, Mike Phillips had muscles in places Badger didn’t even have. He was sodding massive, readers.

The experience brought home to Badger the huge gap between the exceptional and the rest.

And the gap has only grown.

There is nothing in genetics that makes Welsh rugby players slower, smaller, and less skilful than players elsewhere. Yet, when Badger has been to international matches recently, it’s been men against boys - at least physically.

Something is going wrong. It occurs to Badger that young Welsh players are not being developed, coached, and guided as well as their peers elsewhere. The selection process in the player

development pathways is not working. The WRU pays lip service to developing young players’ excellence. Still, it’s an inescapable truth that the excellence being developed is out of sync with the physical demands of elite rugby. The days when a good little un could take on a good big un on more or less equal terms have gone.

Everyone playing the pro game should be physically able to play for Wales. It’s madness that they can’t. It’s their job. In New Zealand or South Africa, virtually every pro player has the capacity to play international rugby. However, Welsh players must raise their games to otherwise untouched heights once selected. It’s farcical.

The solution, if one exists, is not to tinker with the professional game. If players are too small, weak, or lack the skills to play international rugby, they should not be stealing a living from regional rugby. Picking the best of the best to play for Wales is the minimum requirement. And that means picking players who have the right level of physicality to make an impression on the opposition.

Instead of pottering about with regional rugby, the WRU should invest in a coaching and development system designed to develop elite athletes, for whom regional rugby serves as a finishing school. That will improve the level of rugby at all levels, as those who don’t quite make it to the top filter back into the club game.

The WRU, fixated on its tin shed in Cardiff and on making rugby an event rather than a sport, lacks the imagination, personnel, and ruthlessness to spell out the hard truth to its member clubs and the regional sides. The truth is that the overall standard of Welsh rugby is poor, and the only way of changing it is through a change in attitude and approach.

At the top, rugby is a profession. It’s time to be professional at every level. The reason for that is simple: if standards don’t improve, rugby union in Wales will end up a sideshow. Football has had far more players and participants for decades, even in its halcyon years. However, never before has rugby faced the risk of becoming irrelevant to all but those who can afford to spend hundreds of pounds getting drunk in a tin shed in Cardiff while ignoring the international game unfolding in front of them.

Who has nicked the NHS’s chips?

SwARk! clear the quay, you landloving loungers. It is me, Stephen Seagull, king of the Milford Haven Docks, Scourge of the Slipway, and champion of Stealing Anything Not Nailed Down.

I bring tidings that honk worse than a bucket of week-old sprats outside the ice plant.

I heard a funny thing about that miner fellow, Arthur Scargill. Apparently he used to read the Financial Times first thing every morning to get the facts before reading the Morning Star. Imagine that. A human wanting facts. Almost as rare as a fisherman who can eat his chips in peace when I am around.

So in the grand spirit of Arthur and in the slightly fishier spirit of me, I stuck my beak into this shiny new medicine deal your leaders have cooked up with Donald Trump. And oh boy, SWARK, it absolutely reeks.

Down in Westminster they are bouncing around like gull chicks when they think mam is bringing a sardine. World beating, they shout. Tens of thousands will benefit, they trill. The newspapers are clapping along too, bless them. Happy pills. Lifelines. So much cheerful noise you would think someone had discovered a fresh mountain of chips on the quay.

But glide over to America and you hear a different chorus. American workers have won, they say. Americans come first, they say. They are practically dancing on the White House lawn waving discount coupons for medicine.

So who is actually telling the truth? Here is the dockside way to look at it. If two gulls fight over a pasty and both claim they won, check your pockets because the pasty is gone. And guess what. Britain is the pasty.

The New York Times says it very plainly. Britain has agreed to pay more for the same medicines just to avoid Trump’s tariffs. More money. Same pills. No improvements. It is like

going to the chippy, ordering cod, and the bloke behind the counter saying it now costs triple because an American said so. SWARK?

Three billion pounds a year according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. Three billion that buys nothing extra. Not a single pill. Not a single jab. Not even a free plaster. Just bigger bills for the same thing. If I could charge humans like that for my elegant little droppings on the Marina, I would be flying private by next Tuesday.

Where will that three billion come from? From the NHS budget of course. Unless the Treasury has finally learned how to raise money by feeding coins to a parking meter and praying, it means cuts. Fewer scans. Slower ambulances. Endless A and E waits. Operations pushed back. People dying who did not need to. A professor reckons it could mean almost sixteen thousand extra deaths

a year. Sixteen thousand! I do not even know that many fish.

You would think this would be headline news but no. The papers have been far more excited about doctors striking than about the government signing a deal that bleeds money faster than a gull who flew into a window. There is barely any paperwork and no proper assessment of the costs. Just cheerful slogans stuck on a press release and chucked into the air like stale breadcrumbs.

This all began when Trump slapped tariffs on medicines and told drug companies to invest in America. They responded by cancelling British projects in a strop that would embarrass a hungry gull chick. The UK panicked and offered up the NHS like a picnic basket surrendered on Tenby beach when a flock of my cousins lands and starts making eye contact.

And now the government is calling

this a triumph. The pharma giants are delighted. And the NHS, that beloved institution your politicians adore using as a prop at election time, has been laid out on the negotiating table like a haddock waiting to be filleted. Here is the seagull truth, delivered with full wing power. This deal is not world beating. It is not even sea gull beating. It is a straight up dockside mugging dressed up as a victory parade.

Anyway, someone has left a half eaten pie outside the Texaco and a crow thinks he has first dibs. Time to remind him who rules these docks. Until next week, keep your chips tight and your politicians tighter.

SWARK

Stephen Seagull Supreme

Ruler of Milford Haven Docks and Defender of Unattended Food

Shopping hacks to make your Christmas dinner kinder to animals

cHRISTMAS is the season for eating, drinking and goodwill to all – but for shoppers who care about animal welfare, it can feel like a difficult balancing act.

The good news is that it has never been easier, or more affordable, to make small changes that result in a kinder Christmas if you choose to eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy.

“The best place to start is by choosing higher-welfare meat, dairy, eggs and fish,” says Charlotte Thomas, regional assessment manager at RSPCA Assured. “There’s still a myth that these products are hard to find, but in reality there

are now plenty of affordable higher-welfare options available, including in budget supermarkets.

“This growing availability means more shoppers are making the switch. And finding these products is simple – just look for the RSPCA Assured label. It’s the only UK food label dedicated solely to animal welfare, meaning the product comes from a farm meeting hundreds of higherwelfare standards. Look out for it on your Christmas shop and feel more confident about the choices you’re making.”

Here are seven ways to make your festive food shop

kinder this year:

1. Make your mince pies matter

Hens kept in cages have less space to move than the average chocolate advent calendar.* So whether you’re baking mince pies, Christmas cake or Yorkshire puddings, pick cage-free eggs. If in doubt, look for the RSPCA Assured logo.

2. Get creative with leftovers

Turkey sandwiches are a Boxing Day classic, but higherwelfare meat goes further when every part is used. From turkey curries to bubble-andsqueak, stretching leftovers is both ethical and economical.

3. Ask your supermarket If you’d like to see more higher-welfare products on the shelves, tell your supermarket directly using RSPCA Assured’s quick online tool at rspcaassured.org.uk/ ask-your-supermarket. It takes two minutes and helps show retailers that welfare matters to customers.

4. Level up your charcuterie Charcuterie boards are tipped to be one of 2025’s biggest food trends. Choose one or two higher-welfare meats and focus on quality over quantity, then fill out the

board with crackers, chutneys, nuts, figs or pomegranate seeds for a festive, Instagramready centrepiece.

5. Get the family involved If you’re hosting Christmas lunch, ask guests to contribute one higher-welfare item each. RSPCA Assured’s website lists which supermarkets stock certified products, making it easy to split the list and keep costs down.

6. Swap one for welfare If changing everything feels overwhelming, start small. Switching even one ingredient to a higher-welfare alternative sends a message to retailers and helps more animals live better lives. It could even be a New Year’s resolution to upgrade one regular purchase.

7. Say no to foie gras Foie gras is made by forcefeeding ducks and geese until their liver expands to up to ten times its normal size. Its production is illegal in the UK, but the product can still be imported. Avoid it if you want to steer clear of supporting this practice.

For more information on choosing higher-welfare products this Christmas, visit rspcaassured.org.uk.

Pembrokeshire creative project experiences ‘significant success’

yR EgINy, university of wales Trinity Saint David’s creative and digital centre on the carmarthen campus, is proud to report the early impact of ground-breaking project Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro!

The project received £49,952 in funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, distributed by Pembrokeshire County Council and in only 6-months Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro! has engaged with 49 businesses and community groups, worked alongside 10 creative freelancers and social media specialists and trained in depth six young content creators to capture and share the stories and heritage of Pembrokeshire.

At the heart of the project was a commitment to provide young people with handson, real-world experience in researching, filming and

engaging audiences with authentic digital content creation. Thanks to Yr Egin’s industry expertise, mentoring, and infrastructure, the participants, who were all aged between 18-22 years old, gained first-hand insight into production and storytelling.

The Project was delivered through a dedicated Instagram platform, generating 134,714 content views since launching mid-August; with each content maker developing their own style, all while making contacts for further work.

Manon John, from Crymych and a recent graduate of UWTSD, one of the six content creators, shared how transformative the experience has been for her:

“Being part of Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro has changed the way I see myself. After studying BA Perfformio at The Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts, I always thought

I’d be in front of the camera. But now, I realise I’m just as passionate about producing and working behind the scenes.

“I’ve loved uncovering under-represented stories across Pembrokeshire, like the community fundraising efforts for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026, and the work happening at diversity group, Llwy Gariad. There are so many voices in our communities that need to be heard and celebrated, and I feel honoured to help share their stories.

“As the project comes to an end, I am now so proud to have secured a role working at Yr Egin, where I can continue to build on my skills and network with the many creative businesses working within the space. This wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunities offered by Gwd Thing:Sir Benfro.”

Commenting about boosting the creative sector and

businesses in West Wales, is Carys Ifan, Director of Yr Egin:

“Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro wasn’t just about storytelling, it was about future-proofing.

“Projects like this are vital to securing the future of the creative sector in West Wales. Yr Egin has always aimed to generate linguistic, cultural, economic, and social benefits for our region, and this project does all that. By giving young people practical training in content creation and real-world opportunities, we’re helping to build the next generation of creators. At the same time, the stories reported helped change perspectives and raise awareness of the many small businesses, community groups and talented artistes, that make Pembrokeshire such a special place to live, work and enjoy.”

The project’s impact has travelled beyond social media, with Molara Awen, founder of weekly safe-space group for young black and brown people in rural Pembrokeshire, Llwy Gariad, has seen a profound impact through its inclusion in the project.

Molara, said: “One of the most powerful aspects of Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro is how it amplified under-represented voices.

“Gwd Thing has helped raise visibility for Llwy Gariad in a way we never imagined. For our young people, this space is more than a meeting point, it’s a place where they can connect, explore their identities, feel seen and heard. Having our group feature as part of the project has been fantastic in raising awareness of our members and the challenges they can sometimes face living in rural Wales.

Following the Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro programme that ran from June to November 2025, Yr Egin expects its effects to ripple well beyond that timeline. The training, content, and connections made will persist as part of a longerterm legacy; nurturing talent, increasing digital capacity, and strengthening cultural infrastructure in West Wales.

Wolfscastle farm’s new shed sparked ‘noise nuisance’ claims

A PEMBROkESHIRE farmer “jumped the gun” in his enthusiasm to build a new cattle shed which includes ‘robot slurry scrapers’ that have been causing a noise nuisance for neighbours, county planners heard.

In a retrospective application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Aled Jenkins sought permission for a replacement cattle housing and silage clamp at Upper Ty Rhos, Wolfscastle.

An officer report said Upper Ty Rhos consists of a herd of 630 youngstock beef cattle, the

applicant seeking permission for the replacement 100-metre-long cattle housing building.

It said the building benefits from a robotic scraping system to internally clean it to improve animal welfare and efficiency.

However, the slurry scraper system in operation has been found to constitute a statutory noise nuisance.

“The introduction of the slurry scraper system has resulted in a new noise source to the locality that is having a significant detrimental impact upon local amenity. The nuisance noise is directly associated with the extended hours of operation of the slurry scraper system and

the noise created by the two motors powering the system including the drive mechanism that moves the scraper through the building to remove slurry produced by the housed cattle.

“To further exacerbate the situation, the building has open voids to the eastern gable end, which is within close proximity to the neighbouring property resulting in the building being acoustically weak.

“An acoustic report has been submitted with mitigation methods provided including relocating motors and associated equipment into external enclosures, reduction of noise egress through

openings by installing hit-andmiss louvres and/or PVC strip curtains and consideration of blocking the gap between roof pitches along the ridge of the building.”

Three letters of concern were received from members of the public raising concerns including visual and environmental impact, noise issues and a potential for the herd size to increase.

Speaking at the meeting, neighbour Dr Andrew Williams, who stressed he was not seeking to have the shed removed, raised concerns about the noise from the ‘robot scrapers,’ exacerbated by cattle being concentrated in the immediate area from the wider farm complex.

Agent Wyn Harries addressed concerns about the retrospective nature was a result of over-enthusiasm by his client who “jumped the gun”.

He said there was now a scheme that was “fully worked through,” dealing with noise and other issues.

Members backed approval, which includes noise mitigation to address the impact of the robot scrapers; one member, Cllr Tony Wilcox, abstaining on the grounds of the retrospective native of the building “the size of a football field”.

FUW urges government action as plunging dairy prices threaten family farms

THE FARMER’s uNION OF wALES has sounded the alarm over a sharp and sustained collapse in dairy prices, warning that the situation is placing intolerable pressure on family farms already grappling with regulatory change, rising costs and wider economic uncertainty.

The Union convened an emergency meeting of its Animal Health and Dairy Committee last week to assess the scale of the crisis. Representatives from across Wales reported widespread anxiety, with many members seeing milk prices fall dramatically through the autumn. Processors are now signalling further cuts in early 2026, while commodity markets offer little sign of stability heading into spring.

Farmers, fearful of jeopardising commercial relationships, have approached the FUW confidentially to express grave concern about projected milk payments for the coming months. Many say the offers being made will fall far below the cost of production.

Average milk prices are forecast at just 30–35 pence per litre, against estimated production costs of 39–44 pence per litre (Kite Consulting). On current trajectories, the FUW warns a typical Welsh dairy farm could lose thousands of pounds per month for as long as the downturn persists.

Following its committee meeting,

the Union raised the matter directly with Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS during talks in Cardiff on Wednesday, December 3. Officials stressed the immediate threat facing family-run dairy farms and called for urgent consideration of government support to prevent longterm damage to the sector.

Gerwyn Williams, Chair of the FUW Animal Health and Dairy Committee, said the pace of the price crash was “unprecedented”.

“Farmers are facing an impossible situation where input costs remain high while the value of their product plummets. The viability of many family

farms is now at serious risk. We need immediate assurances that this crisis is being treated with the urgency it deserves.

“Some can weather a short storm, but rumours that this could continue into summer 2026 will see businesses shut. These modest family farms have already invested heavily to meet regulatory requirements. Cuts on this scale will severely impact their ability to service repayments.”

FUW Deputy President Dai Miles warned that the consequences extend far beyond farm gates.

“Dairy farming underpins thousands of jobs in Wales and

is central to the economic, social and environmental fabric of rural communities. When prices fall this sharply, it isn’t just farmers who suffer — local businesses, services and entire communities feel the impact.

“We have made it clear to the Deputy First Minister that government must work with the industry to provide immediate stability and a long-term resilience plan.”

The FUW says it will continue to work with the Welsh Government, processors and supply-chain partners to seek solutions and secure fair, sustainable prices for producers.

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

A cALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that

due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the selfcatering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Eglwyswrw bungalow farming condition dropped after 33 years

AN AgRIcuLTuRAL workeronly condition imposed when a Pembrokeshire bungalow was built more than 30 years ago has been removed following a request to county planners.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Pamela Griffiths sought permission for the removal of a previously imposed agricultural worker-only condition for bungalow Maes Yr Awel, Eglwyswrw, near Crymych.

Members heard an application for a certificate of lawfulness allowing the applicant to stay at the bungalow, there having

been a breach of that condition in excess of 10 years, had been granted earlier this year, the latest application seeking to remove the condition entirely.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to stay at a development if they can provide proof of occupancy over a prolonged period.

A supporting statement for the earlier certificate of lawfulness said: “The dwelling was constructed in 1992 and has been occupied in breach of the occupancy restriction since February 2014, on the death of the applicant’s mother.”

It added: “The dwelling was substantially complete in

R E c ENT weeks have been a cause of alarm for many dairy farmers across wales as milk prices continue to drop. w hile fluctuations in milk price are nothing new to the industry, the speed and direction of the current downward trend has prompted understandable concern among producers, particularly given wider pressures such as regulation and wider uncertainty.

where covering dayto-day costs becomes unsustainable, if not impossible.

1992 and first occupied 28th January 1992. Mr EC and Mrs ME Griffiths were farmers and were the original occupiers of the property, together with their daughter, Ms P Griffiths, the applicant.

“There is no dispute that the condition was originally complied with by the applicants’ mother and father, but on the death of the applicants’ parents the applicant became the sole resident and has not been solely or mainly employed in agriculture at any time.”

A report for committee members said the removal of the condition was now recommended as the site benefitted from the lawfulness certificate and the agricultural condition remaining was “no longer considered reasonable”.

Approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously supported by committee members.

In response, the FUW recently held an emergency meeting of our Animal Health & Dairy Committee to gather a clearer picture of what farmers are experiencing on the ground. Representatives from across Wales shared their observations, and although every business is different, a consistent theme emerged: milk prices have fallen over the autumn, and processors are indicating further reductions into the new year. Current signals from the commodity market suggest that recovery may not be immediate, making financial planning more challenging for many farms.

Current forecasts point towards average farmgate prices in the region of 30–35p per litre, while previous analysis from Kite Consulting places production costs at 39–44p per litre. If these figures continue, the average dairy farm in Wales would expect to lose thousands per month – placing many in a position

Following our committee discussion, we raised the issue directly with the Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, in Cardiff on 3 December. We outlined the potential implications for Welsh dairy businesses if prices remain suppressed for a prolonged period, and stressed the importance of exploring options that may help maintain stability in the sector.

Dairy farming underpins thousands of jobs in Wales and plays a vital role in the economic, social, and environmental fabric of our rural communities. When prices fall this sharply and this quickly, it isn’t just farmers who feel the strain; the ripple effects are experienced by local firms, contractors, and wider rural businesses. For that reason, we have emphasised to the government that maintaining a healthy and resilient dairy sector is crucial, not only for producers but for the sustainability of rural Wales as a whole.

Going forward, the FUW will continue to monitor developments closely and work constructively with the government, processors and the supply chain. Our focus remains on achieving fair returns for producers, supporting members during this unsettled period, and ensuring Welsh dairy maintains a stable footing for the future.

TCHERY UK surges to 3,930 first-quarter sales with 30th dealership now open

cHERy uk has confirmed that its uk market debut is among the brand’s strongest in Europe, having sold 3,930 vehicles between 1 September and 30 November*.

The figures, independently corroborated by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), also show CHERY achieved a 0.9% market share in November*, marking a significant foothold for a brand that only entered the UK a few months ago.

This growth milestone coincides with the opening of CHERY UK’s 30th dealership, underscoring the brand’s rapid expansion and commitment to nationwide accessibility for sales and aftersales support.

CHERY’s initial UK portfolio features the CHERY TIGGO 7 and CHERY TIGGO 8, two SUVs engineered to deliver strong value, modern design and family-focused practicality. The line-up will continue to strengthen in early 2026, with the CHERY TIGGO 9 Super

Hybrid arriving in January 2026, and confirmation that the CHERY TIGGO 4 will join the range later the same year.

Backed by parent company

Chery International – China’s largest vehicle exporter for 22 consecutive years – CHERY is fast becoming a recognised name among British drivers. Together with its growing UK retail network, CHERY continues to build momentum through a compelling vehicle line-up, a comprehensive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (where applicable), and RAC Home Start as standard.

The brand’s early success is supported by continued global momentum. Across its portfolio of brands in the UK, now including CHERY alongside OMODA&JAECOO, the group recorded 6,490 new registrations in November alone*, further demonstrating the scale of Chery International’s commitment to the UK market.

Farrell Hsu, CHERY UK Country Director, said: “The UK is one of the most competitive and advanced automotive markets in the world, so to see CHERY establish such strong early traction in its first three months is a powerful indicator of what’s to come. We’re so happy.

“Today’s [SMMT] data [relating to November sales] reinforces that this is not a onemonth spike – it’s sustained customer interest driven by the strength of the TIGGO range, the quality of our dealer partners and the trust we are already starting to build with UK drivers.

“As we introduce the [CHERY] TIGGO 9 in January and accelerate towards further model launches in 2026, we are setting a new benchmark for value, warranty leadership and customer reassurance in the UK market. This is only the start of CHERY’s story here – and the momentum is only moving in one direction.”

CHERY customers benefit

from robust aftersales support across the expanding UK dealer network, including the brand’s 7-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, and RAC roadside assistance for the first year, subject to annual servicing.

The CHERY TIGGO 7 and CHERY TIGGO 8 are available now, with prices starting from £24,995 OTR** and £28,545 OTR** respectively. The CHERY TIGGO 9, offered in one well-equipped flagship specification, is priced from £43,105 OTR**, with premium paint the only optional extra.

CHERY formally confirmed its UK market entry on 28 August 2025, with its ongoing expansion into 2026 laying strong foundations for sustained growth, customer confidence and long-term brand equity.

* SMMT, smmt.co.uk/ vehicle-data/car-registrations

** All prices correct at time of writing, December 2025

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Skywell strengthens network with quartet of new dealers in South Wales

Skywell is delighted to announce the appointment of four new sites across South wales. Existing dealer Bob Davies car Sales (in Ebbw Vale) joined the Skywell franchise earlier in 2025, and will now be joined by Panda Motors (cwm Level Road, Swansea), and J&J Motors across three sites in Haverfordwest (St Peters Road, Johnston), Llanelli (crosshands Business Park, crosshands) and Bridgend (on the A48, Laleston).

Panda Motors was established in Swansea in 1986 by ex-Swansea City chairman and ex-Llanelli football club owner, Robert Jones. Robert still takes an active interest in the business, which is now run by his son Anthony Jones, who has worked in the business since 1991. The family-run business has built up a strong local presence, with a reputation for great customer service – online scores achieved of 4.5/5.0 (Google) and 4.8/5.0 (Facebook) from feedback of more than 250 customers.

Having been previous franchisees for Skoda, Subaru, Daihatsu, Proton and for the last decade MG (for whom they remain an authorised repairer); Panda

Motors have spent the last decade specialising in the sale and aftercare of electric vehicles, making them wellplaced to join the Skywell franchise.

Anthony Jones, Managing Director, Panda Motors, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as a main dealer for Skywell. We see electric car adoption as an essential part of protecting the environment we live in, and Panda Motors’ core values align perfectly with the core values of Skywell – trust, quality and value for money. It’s central in everything we do”.

J&J Motors operate across three sites from Haverfordwest on the western Pembrokeshire peninsula, to Bridgend in the South. The original approach of owners Jackie and John Plimmer of selling “excellent value for money cars supported by first class customer service”, matches Skywell’s philosophy.

Having set the business up in Porthyrhyd in 1984, J&J Motors has expanded to four sites including its indoor used car superstore at Crosshands, Llanelli, with an impressive 45-car showroom. J&J Motors celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, and remains

family owned.

John Plimmer, Managing Director, J&J Motors said: “We’re delighted to announce that J&J Motors has proudly taken on the Skywell franchise, bringing an exciting new era of innovative electric mobility to South Wales. As a business with more than four decades of trusted heritage across the region, J&J Motors has always been built on strong community roots, a commitment to quality, and long-lasting customer relationships.”

“We’re excited to welcome Skywell to our showroom and to continue serving the people of South Wales with the passion, integrity, and care they’ve come to expect from J&J Motors over the last 40 years.”

“Taking on the Skywell brand is a natural step forward for us. It reflects our ongoing dedication to offering drivers the very best in modern, sustainable vehicle technology—backed by the same customer-focused approach that has defined J&J Motors from day one.”

Skywell now has representation across 17 locations in the UK from Lancashire in the North of England, to

Norfolk in the East and Devon in the South West of England.

David Clark, General Manager, Skywell UK said: “We offer a low-cost franchise for our dealer partners, and we have exciting new products coming through over the next 18 months, including a new electric C-segment hatchback and all-electric large panel van.

“I’m proud to welcome both Panda Motors and J&J Motors to the Skywell Dealer network ahead of an exciting year ahead in 2026. Both businesses are well established, have a long history of offering great levels of customer service and are fully committed to electrification, which will assist us in our growth plan next year.

As we continue to increase representation of Skywell dealers with our emphasis upon ‘local heroes’, the appointment of our four new sites, creates a strategic network in South Wales, reducing the customer drive time in the region to any of our showrooms, to less than 45 minutes or 30 miles.”

‘Funky’ Kilgetty holiday lodge development refused

A SEcOND call to keep a ‘funky’ holiday lodge in woods near a Pembrokeshire village, previously turned down partly over a dispute on what constitutes a caravan, has been refused again.

In an application refused by Pembrokeshire County Council planners in June, Greg Baker, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought retrospective permission for the creation of a second tourism unit with a bespoke fixed holiday lodge/hot tub with parking area at Cabin in The Woods, near Woodcocks House, Carmarthen Road, Kilgetty.

Work started on the scheme in April 2023.

A supporting statement through Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “The current application presents a scheme to provide a second bespoke holiday unit on land in our client’s ownership. The application for a second holiday let unit is in response to demand for more ‘funky’ holiday accommodation in Pembrokeshire and the popularity of the Kilgetty area, it being central to many visitor attractions in the county.”

It said a previous 1998 application, Woodberry Cottage, has operated as a holiday let for a number of years, adding: “This remains the case and as such, the proposal is still intended to extend and complement the existing holiday letting business

settlement boundary.

on the site.”

The application was refused by county planners on the grounds the scheme “is for self-catering accommodation in the form of a cabin, on the basis of information submitted with the application, this is considered to be a caravan rather than built development, as there is no robust information to demonstrate that it is permanently fixed to the ground”.

It was also refused on the grounds of being in a countryside location outside of any defined

Since then, a fresh application aimed at addressing the reasons for refusal was submitted, saying works had been carried out making the lodge a fixed structure.

“Our clients have provided further information to support the claim that the holiday lodge is indeed fixed to the ground and not moveable and with the fixed decking it also clearly goes over the maximum size of a caravan,” the statement said.

It also said the development was an extension to an existing holiday business rather than one in the open countryside.

An officer report,

recommending refusal, said the authority was “of the opinion that the chassis on which the cabin is built is still only bolted to the timber plates attached to the metal poles and therefore could potentially be unbolted to enable the removal of the cabin.”

It was again refused on the basis it “is considered to be a caravan rather than built development, as there is no robust information to demonstrate that it is permanently fixed to the ground,” and “The application site is located in a countryside location outside of any defined settlement boundary.”

Extra £2.5m boost for Wales’ creative industries

THE wELSH gOVERNMENT has announced a further £2.5 million for wales’ creative industries, delivering fresh investment for the film and television sector and extra support for publishers facing ongoing financial pressures.

Creative Wales currently supports more than 3,500 businesses, employing over 35,000 people. The latest figures show the industry generated £1.5 billion in turnover during 2023 – up more than ten per cent on the previous year.

The additional funding comes shortly after the Government confirmed £2 million for Bad Wolf to deliver two new highend TV productions, a move expected to generate £30 million

of economic activity in Wales.

Since Creative Wales was launched, the Welsh Government has now committed £33.8 million across 70 productions, resulting in £419.7 million of investment back into the Welsh economy.

Wales’ creative strengths were showcased this week at the Wales Investment Summit, and again on Friday when the BritishIrish Council placed “Creative” at the centre of its discussions.

Culture Minister Jack Sargeant said Wales had every reason to be proud of its creative talent.

He said: “The creative industries are a real success story for Wales. Whether it’s actors, storytellers, musicians, animators or games developers,

our creative industries consistently put our nation on the global stage.

“Not only is the industry an important economic driver, but we are fostering the next generation of creatives by incentivising training and apprenticeship opportunities. We are committed to nurturing talent, supporting creative businesses and encouraging the creation of high-quality content that stands tall among other countries.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNg’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on

company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson

Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to

the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

cARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between cardiff (cwL) and Paris-charles de gaulle (cDg) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans,

the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge

said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

• 13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)

• 14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)

• 15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)

• 15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)

• 16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)

• 16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

• 13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)

• 14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)

• 15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)

• 15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)

• 16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)

• 16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Government orders clinical review amid sharp rise in mental health diagnoses

A cLINIcAL review into how mental health conditions are diagnosed across the uk is expected to begin this week, following concerns within government over rapidly rising sicknessbenefit claims linked to conditions such as autism, ADHD and anxiety.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned leading clinical experts to examine whether ordinary emotional distress is being “over-pathologised” and to assess why the number of people receiving sickness and incapacity benefits has grown to 4.4 million – an increase of 1.2 million since 2019.

According to reports in The

Times, ministers are particularly alarmed by the surge in the number of 16- to 34-yearolds now out of work because of long-term mental health conditions.

Streeting said he recognised “from personal experience how devastating it can be for people who face poor mental health, have ADHD or autism and can’t get a diagnosis or the right support,” but added that he had also heard from clinicians who say diagnoses are “sharply rising”.

“We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence-based understanding of what we know, what we don’t know, and what these patterns tell us about our

mental health system, autism and ADHD services,” he told the newspaper. “That’s the only way we can ensure everyone gets timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.”

The review is expected to be chaired by Prof Peter Fonagy, a clinical psychologist at University College London specialising in child mental health, with Sir Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, acting as vice-chair.

Prof Fonagy said the panel would “examine the evidence with care – from research, from people with lived experience and from clinicians working at the frontline of mental health, autism and ADHD services – to

understand, in a grounded way, what is driving rising demand.”

The move comes as the UK Government faces mounting pressure over the rising welfare bill. Ministers earlier this year pulled back from proposed changes to disability benefits, including those affecting people with mental health conditions, after opposition from Labour backbenchers.

Speaking on Monday, the Prime Minister said a fresh round of welfare reform was needed.

Keir Starmer said: “We’ve got to transform it; we also have to confront the reality that our welfare state is trapping people, not just in poverty, but out of work.”

Fresh alarm over life expectancy in Wales as CMO warns of ‘prevention revolution’

wALES is living sicker for longer, the chief Medical officer has warned, as new figures show a worrying drop in the number of years people can expect to live in good health – with women hit hardest.

The findings, published today in Dr Joanne Absolom’s first annual report since taking over from Sir Frank Atherton, have prompted immediate calls for the next Welsh Government to overhaul its approach to public health after the 2026 Senedd election.

Dr Absolom says Wales must now move decisively away from a system that largely treats illness towards one that prevents people becoming ill in the first place. Her report warns that healthy life expectancy is falling across the country and highlights widening inequalities between communities.

Responding to the findings, Darren Hughes, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said the message could not be clearer.

“NHS leaders in Wales welcome the report’s call for a prevention-first approach,” he said. “We have to move from simply treating illness to actively promoting wellbeing, and that means

a proper cross-government strategy that tackles inequality and gives people the support to take control of their own health.”

He added that every pound spent on proven public health programmes delivers an average return of £14 –evidence, he said, that prevention “makes moral and financial sense” at a time when NHS budgets are under extreme pressure.

“It is deeply concerning to see

healthy life expectancy falling, particularly for women,” he said.

“Investment in prevention is vital if we are to make our health and care services sustainable.”

While health boards, councils and community groups are already working on preventative programmes, the Welsh NHS Confederation says Wales needs far greater ambition –and the NHS must be given the tools and flexibility to scale up what works.

The Chief Medical Officer’s report also raises serious concerns about NHS workforce shortages and urges significant investment in digital technology to improve productivity and patient outcomes.

Mr Hughes said all political parties should “take heed” as they prepare their manifestos for next year’s Senedd election.

“Those seeking to form the next Welsh Government have a clear blueprint here. We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results. Prevention, workforce and digital transformation have to be top priorities.”

The Welsh NHS Confederation — which represents all seven health boards, the three NHS trusts, HEIW and Digital Health and Care Wales — has already outlined its detailed priorities in its own election document, Building the health and wellbeing of the nation.

With the Senedd election just over a year away, today’s report adds fresh, authoritative evidence that Wales needs a radical shift in how it approaches health if it is to secure a healthier future for all.

Paediatricians urge parents in Wales to get children vaccinated against flu this winter

PAEDIATRIcIANS are urging parents and carers across wales to ensure their children receive the flu vaccine, as early-season data shows high rates of flu among babies, children and young people.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published a new fact sheet for families in Wales, amid concerns that flu is already circulating widely in communities. Clinicians say

many people still underestimate the seriousness of flu, wrongly believing it to be little more than a heavy cold. However, flu can cause severe illness in children and lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Each winter, thousands of children across the UK – including those with no underlying health conditions – require hospital care because of flu.

The RCPCH fact sheet aims to provide clear, evidence-based information for families and includes:

• Who is eligible for the flu vaccine

• Where to get vaccinated in Wales

• What to do if an appointment has been missed

• Answers to common questions on safety and effectiveness

The guidance is available now and comes as health services prepare for what is expected to be a challenging winter.

Dr Malcolm Gajraj, RCPCH Officer for Wales, said: “Flu is not something to take lightly. We are already seeing considerable cases of flu among children in Wales, and we know from experience that flu can lead to serious illness and hospital stays. The vaccine is safe, effective and the best way to protect your child. By getting your child vaccinated, you’re helping to keep them well and reduce the spread of flu in our communities.”

Kurtz launches investigation after local firms hit with business rate hikes

LOcAL businesses across Pembrokeshire are reporting unprecedented increases in their rateable values, with some facing rises of up to four hundred per cent. In response, local Member of the Senedd and Shadow Economy Minister Samuel kurtz has launched an investigation to gather evidence, testimonies and real-world impact statements from those affected.

The 2025 revaluation of non-domestic properties in Wales — carried out to reflect current open-market rental values — has resulted in steep jumps for a significant number of premises. While some adjustments have been modest, a growing number of firms say their valuations have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled, raising concerns about job losses, cancelled investment and long-term viability.

Kurtz is now urging any business experiencing sharp increases to come forward. His investigation will compile previous and current rateable values, together with any impact on staffing, investment plans and future operations. He has already spoken with business owners at a recent advice surgery in

Pembroke Dock and intends to hold a wider business roundtable in the coming weeks.

“No business should be punished for a revaluation they had no control over,” said Kurtz. “If rateable values have soared — in some cases by 300–400 per cent — I want to hear from those affected. Their stories must be heard. I’ll take this evidence straight to the Senedd and fight

for fairer business rates.

“At a time when businesses are already feeling squeezed by rising costs, this new bill threatens not only the survival of our high street retailers, it affects all those operating in leisure and hospitality, industrial workshops and tourism.”

Kurtz said he had recently spoken to a hospitality business owner now facing an additional

£8,000 a month. “The pressure and stress of this latest rate hike is huge for those affected, and I fear this may be the final straw for many. I want to do all I can to help fight alongside those businesses,” he added.

Businesses wishing to share their experience can contact the campaign at www.samuelkurtz. com/campaigns/businessowners

Greyhound Bill faces fresh scrutiny as second committee raises ‘serious concerns’

THE PROHIBITION of greyhound Racing (wales) Bill has been heavily criticised for a second time in 24 hours after the Senedd’s Legislation, Justice and constitution (LJc) committee published a highly critical Stage 1 report yesterday.

The cross-party committee said the welsh government’s handling of the legislation had “in several respects, fallen short of the standard of good legislative practice that we would normally expect”.

Key concerns highlighted by the LJC Committee include:

• Introducing the Bill before all relevant impact assessments (including a full Regulatory Impact Assessment and Children’s Rights Impact Assessment) had been completed – a step it described as “poor legislative practice, particularly … where

the Bill may impact on human rights”.

• Failure to publish a statement confirming the Bill’s compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The committee has recommended that Rural Affairs Minister Huw Irranca-Davies issue such a statement before the Stage 1 vote on 16 December.

• Inadequate public consultation, with the 2023 animal-licensing consultation deemed “not an appropriate substitute” for targeted engagement on the specific proposal to ban the sport.

The report follows Tuesday’s equally critical findings from the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, which questioned the robustness of the evidence base and the accelerated legislative timetable.

Industry reaction Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), described the two reports as leaving the Bill “in tatters”.

“Two consecutive crossparty Senedd committees have now condemned the Welsh Government’s failures in due diligence, consultation and human rights considerations and evidence gathering,” he said. “The case for a ban has been comprehensively undermined. The responsible path forward is stronger regulation of the single remaining track at Ystrad Mynach, not prohibition.”

Response from supporters of the Bill Luke Fletcher MS (Labour, South Wales West), who introduced the Member-proposed Bill, said he welcomed thorough scrutiny and remained confident the legislation could be improved at later stages.

“I have always said this Bill is about ending an outdated practice that causes unnecessary suffering

to thousands of greyhounds every year,” Mr Fletcher said. “The committees have raised legitimate procedural points, and I look forward to working with the Welsh Government and colleagues across the Senedd to address those concerns while keeping the core aim of the Bill intact.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Minister has noted the committees’ reports and will respond formally in due course. The government supports the principle of the Bill and believes a ban on greyhound racing is justified on animal welfare grounds. Work is ongoing to finalise the outstanding impact assessments and to ensure full compatibility with the ECHR.”

The Bill is scheduled for a Stage 1 debate and vote in plenary on Tuesday 16 December. Even if it passes that hurdle, it would still require significant amendment at Stages 2 and 3 to satisfy the committees’ recommendations.

Conservatives reject calls for more Senedd powers amid Labour devolution row

wELSH cONSERVATIVE leader

Darren Millar MS has dismissed renewed Labour calls for further Senedd powers, warning that the welsh government should “stop making excuses” and focus instead on tackling crises in health, education and the economy.

His comments follow an extraordinary intervention earlier this week by 11 Labour backbench MSs, who wrote to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on 3 December accusing his government of “rolling back” devolution. The signatories — including former ministers Mick Antoniw, Lesley Griffiths and Lee Waters — said they were “increasingly concerned” by the lack of progress on key commitments such as reforming the Barnett formula, devolving rail infrastructure, policing and justice, and transferring the Crown Estate to Wales.

The letter singled out the UK Government’s new “Pride in Place” funding scheme — which sends regeneration money for town-centre improvements directly to Welsh councils — as a “constitutional outrage,” arguing that it sidesteps devolved powers through the UK Internal Market Act 2020. Although First Minister Eluned Morgan has raised the issue with Starmer, no Welsh ministers added their names to the letter, laying bare internal tensions as Labour falls back in polls ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

Opposition parties seized on the dispute. Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said it showed Labour “falling apart,” while Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds criticised Westminster’s “deep lack of understanding” of the devolution settlement.

At a Council of the Nations and Regions summit on Thursday, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones — standing in for Starmer — defended the UK Government’s record, saying Labour in Westminster had been “delivering at pace” in partnership with Wales. The 26 November Budget provided £508 million in additional resource and capital funding for Wales over the Spending Review period, alongside commitments to Port Talbot brownfield remediation, a South Wales semiconductor cluster, nuclear investment at Wylfa and a £547 million Local Growth Fund devolved to the Welsh Government. Welsh ministers welcomed many of these as having

“generational” value, though the Labour MSs’ letter said they fell short of promised constitutional reform.

The Welsh Conservatives have consistently opposed further Senedd powers, arguing that Cardiff Bay already holds significant authority under the existing settlement established in 1997 and expanded in 2011, 2014 and 2017. Millar, who became Welsh Conservative leader in 2024, has previously ruled out abolishing the Senedd as unrealistic, while urging ministers to “transform people’s lives with devolution” by using existing powers more effectively.

Pointing to record pressures in devolved services, Millar said Labour was fixated on constitutional arguments while outcomes worsen.

NHS waiting lists in Wales stood at 789,929 pathways by mid-2025 — nearly one in four residents — with first outpatient waits in parts

of Rhondda Cynon Taf stretching from 28 to 68 weeks or more. Public satisfaction with the Welsh NHS averaged 5.1 out of 10 in the year to March 2025, down from 6.3 in 2021–22. Education attendance figures for 2023–24 showed slow post-pandemic recovery, while youth employment (16–24) fell to 52.5% in the year to March 2025. Wales’ unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in the year to June 2025, slightly above the UK’s 4.0%, with areas such as Swansea reaching 8.2%. Economic inactivity among 16–64-year-olds remained high at 24.1%.

Darren Millar MS said: “One Labour Government damaging Wales was bad enough — now we have two, and things are twice as bad.

After two damaging budgets, Welsh Government ministers are focused on infighting about Senedd powers instead of fixing the everyday

problems families are facing.

The Senedd doesn’t need more powers. What we need is a government that accepts responsibility, stops making excuses, and uses the extensive powers already available to get to grips with the crisis in our NHS, improve standards in our schools, and tackle Wales’ spiralling unemployment.

Only a Welsh Conservative Government will fix Wales.”

The dispute reflects wider public debate on whether devolution is delivering results. Polling suggests consistent support for having a Senedd, but growing frustration over service performance. With the 2026 election approaching and Reform UK and Plaid Cymru gaining ground, Labour’s internal split over devolution exposes fresh vulnerabilities as the party tries to navigate its relationship with Westminster.

LAST wEEk saw David Lammy (Lord chancellor and Justice Secretary, as well as Deputy Prime Minister) announce that jury trials in England and wales for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than 3 years, will be scrapped.

Serious offences such as murder, robbery and rape would still go before a jury and magistrates would take on even more cases. Currently, over 90% of criminal cases are decided by magistrates courts.

There is currently a backlog of 78,000 cases for Crown Courts and it is expected to increase to 100,000 by 2028. David Lammy has suggested that without reform, the backlog could hit 135,100 by 2030

A person currently charged with an offence might have to wait until 2030 for trial. Statistics also show that in 6 out of 10 cases of rape, the victims are withdrawing from prosecution.

The reforms will remove the right for some defendants to ask for a trial by jury where they will either be heard by magistrates or a new form of judge only, Crown Court.

David Lammy’s proposals could see a 25% reduction of jury trials.

The Conservatives have called it “the beginning of the end of jury trials.”

Yes, there is a backlog. Cases can drag on. Witnesses move away and memories fade. And victims lose hope.

But it wasn’t the jury system that created the backlog. It was political decisions of closing courts and fewer sitting days. Buildings needing repairs and upgrading. Legal aid cuts.

Juries are one of the

foundations of our justice system. Now Labour wants to curtail trial by jury, in which 12 ordinary men and women decide the outcome of difficult cases.

Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson, Jess Brown-Fuller MP commented:-

“Jury trial is a cornerstone of our justice system and a fundamental safeguard of liberty and fairness. It’s not a peculiar inconvenience; it’s a fundamental right.

“The Government makes it seem like there’s no alternative. That is simply not true. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a comprehensive strategy that increases court sitting days, makes better use of underused courtrooms, fixes broken private contracts that leave defendants stuck in prison vans, and invests in rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.”

These suggestions do not require the dismantling of trial by jury.

We must be clear: anyone facing serious criminal charges must keep the right to choose a jury trial. Not just for the rare headline cases, but for the serious offences that affect real lives every day—assault, fraud, serious public order offences, some sexual offences.

Labour can call this modernisation or a tough choice. It looks like a government trying to cover up years of neglect by trading away one of our oldest liberties.

Jury trial isn’t a luxury or a quirky tradition. It’s what stands between a liberal democracy and something colder, narrower, and far easier to abuse. Take that away, and you lose something deep and precious.

First Minister welcomes political leaders to Wales to celebrate creative industries

cARDIFF hosted senior political leaders from across the uk, Ireland and the crown Dependencies on Friday (Dec 5), as First Minister Eluned Morgan welcomed delegates to the latest meeting of the British-Irish council – with a focus on unlocking the potential of the creative industries.

The First Minister chaired the summit, which was attended by a wide group of political leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man; Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin; Tánaiste Simon Harris; Irish Ministers Helen McEntee and Darren Jones; Scottish First Minister John Swinney; and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Also present were Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales; and the Welsh Government’s

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans, alongside Culture Minister Jack Sargeant.

This is the second major international-facing event hosted by the First Minister this week, following Monday’s Wales Investment Summit, which attracted more than 300 business leaders from across the globe.

Speaking after the meeting, First Minister Eluned Morgan said the gathering highlighted Wales’s growing reputation as a creative powerhouse.

“Today’s summit was a great opportunity to welcome friends to Wales to celebrate our vibrant and dynamic creative industries. Our creative industries enrich our lives in so many ways – providing enjoyment and memories,” she said.

“The sector is also a cornerstone of our economy – the sectors supported by Creative Wales have over 3,500 businesses, employing

35,000 people with an annual turnover of £1.5bn.”

Cabinet Secretary for Culture Jack Sargeant said Welsh creativity continues to make an impact well beyond the nation’s borders.

“From film and television to gaming, music, publishing and immersive technologies, Welsh creativity is making waves globally,” he said.

“Our creative sectors are a huge success story. Just this week we announced £2m for Bad Wolf to produce two new TV productions that will bring £30m to the Welsh economy. That takes our production investment to £33.8m in 70 projects, generating £419.7m since Creative Wales was launched in 2020.”

The Herald understands the Welsh Government intends to continue using the BritishIrish Council as a platform to promote Wales’s cultural output, economic potential and creative expertise on the international stage.

Labour and Plaid Cymru strike £300m budget deal

THE LABOuR welsh government has struck a £300m deal with Plaid cymru to pass its £27bn spending plans for next year, with additional money for the NHS and councils.

The budget agreement will allow the Welsh Government’s final budget for 2026/27 to pass through the Senedd in January, averting a potential crisis for public finances.

Labour cannot pass a budget on its own because the party is two votes short of a majority after Plaid Cymru won the Caerphilly by-election.

Since the draft budget was published, councils have warned of a £400m funding gap and experts suggested the NHS faced a “historically low” funding settlement.

Without a deal, the picture would have been far worse – with the Welsh budget automatically reverting to 75% of last year’s, rising to 95%, costing public services billions of pounds.

The deal, which was announced in a written statement from First Minister Eluned Morgan, includes an extra £112m for councils, so all local authorities will receive at least 4% more.

An additional £180m will be spent on health and social care, the equivalent of a 3.6% increase. Meanwhile, £120m of longer-term capital funding will be available for the next government following the Senedd election in May 2026.

Baroness Morgan said: “This agreement shows the strength of the Senedd parties working together on shared priorities to deliver for Wales. Through this agreement we have secured the passage of the budget and prevented potentially catastrophic cuts to funding next year.”

Plaid Cymru previously supported Welsh Government budgets under the cooperation agreement, which contained 46 commitments, between December 2021 and May 2024. The party was in the ‘One Wales’ coalition government with Labour from 2007 to 2011.

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow finance secretary, warned the Labour draft budget would have been “catastrophic” for public services. She said her party was not prepared to let that happen as she pointed to more funding for councils and the

BLUE VIEW

with Paul Davies MS

Pushing for Progress on Prostate cancer Screening

Two weeks ago, the UK National Screening Committee took the decision not to recommend a national screening programme for prostate cancer. It was deeply disappointing news for campaigners like me, who have long been advocating for a screening programme to be rolled out. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and I know all too well just how important early detection is – and I want to see as many men as possible being tested because as more men are tested, more diagnoses are made, and more lives are saved.

including MRI scans and improved testing pathways, mean that the risks of overdiagnosis are reducing significantly.

The Committee does propose a targeted screening programme for men between the ages of 45 and 61 with a genetic risk of prostate cancer (which is a confirmed BRCA gene variant). However, it excludes other high-risk groups such as Black men and men with a strong family history of the disease – which is why we need a national screening programme, not a targeted one to specific men.

NHS under the deal.

Last year’s budget was voted through after ministers cut a £100m deal with Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrats’ Welsh leader and the party’s sole Senedd Member.

Ministers had been in budget talks with Conservative and independent Senedd Members for weeks, with the Tories calling for land transaction tax on primary homes to be scrapped.

Darren Millar, the Conservatives’ leader in the Senedd, described the deal as “another Labour-Plaid Cymru stitch-up”, accusing the First Minister of “playing games”

He said: “Labour and Plaid’s deal will mean yet more of the same wasteful spending on extra politicians, overseas embassies and trees, instead of focusing resources on the priorities of the people of aWales, and putting more cash into people’s pockets.”

A Reform UK Wales spokesperson said: “This is more evidence that a vote for Plaid next year is a vote for Labour. While Labour find themselves without a paddle, Plaid have stepped in yet again to save them.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK and responsible for over 12,000 deaths annually. Here in Wales, 1 in 8 men will develop it in their lifetime and those figures are on the rise. At the Senedd last week, I highlighted figures from Public Health Wales which showed that between 2017 and 2019, there were 931 more prostate cancer cases each year compared to between 2002 and 2004. That’s a huge increase of 44% - which I believe, is exactly why we urgently need a national screening programme.

The UK National Screening Committee has said that it believes a screening programme for prostate cancer was likely to cause more harm than good. They argue that current tests for the disease are unreliable and that a screening programme could lead to men being treated for a slow-growing cancer that isn’t going to cause them any harm. However, finding cancers early and treating them can save lives and we need to take the same approach that we do for breast cancer and bowel cancer. Advances in diagnostic techniques,

So where are we now? Well, the UK National Screening Committee’s advice is subject to a three-month public consultation and then the Committee will meet again and give its final advice to Ministers across the United Kingdom before each nation makes its own decision on prostate cancer screening.

But we can’t stand still and wait. If you haven’t’ already done so, please visit the Prostate Cancer UK website - https:// prostatecanceruk.org/ to find out how you can help the campaign. For my part, I’ve hit the ground running and raised this in the Senedd. I’ve asked for the Welsh Government to publish a statement on its assessment of the UK National Screening Committee’s advice and details of what’s being done to tackle the growing number of prostate cancer cases in Wales. I’ll of course, keep fighting for a national screening programme because I believe the sooner prostate cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated.

Chris Haines

ICNN Senedd reporter

SEND

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

Pic TUre oF The week!

END OF LIFE CARE MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR POLITICIANS IN WALES

DEAR SIR,

END of life care in wales is reaching breaking point. gaps in provision and a system under severe pressure mean too many people are spending their final days isolated, in pain, or struggling financially. This is not the dignity any of us would wish for our loved ones, and it is clear that urgent change is needed. People living with a terminal illness, and those who care for them, deserve better.

The Senedd election in May offers a crucial opportunity for political parties to put palliative and end of life care at the forefront of their priorities. That is why I am supporting Marie Curie Cymru’s campaign for meaningful reform.

We only get one chance to help someone have the best possible death. Yet our current system is already overstretched. By the 2040s, around 37,000 people in Wales will require palliative and end of life care each year. If we are struggling now, we will have little hope of meeting this future demand without decisive action.

Fixing the system requires commitment from all parts of government and healthcare — but leadership must come from the top. We need sustainable funding, 24/7 access to care and advice, and proper support for the thousands of unpaid carers who shoulder so much of the burden.

Only bold, practical commitments will ensure that everyone in Wales can receive the compassionate end of life care they deserve.

As the election approaches, I hope all political parties will recognise the scale of this challenge and commit to the action needed to transform end of life care in Wales.

gAyNOR PRITcHARD

THREATS TO OUR JUDICIARY AND DEMOCRATIC FREEDOMS

DEAR SIR,

wE are entering a critical moment for our democracy. with no written constitution, the uk relies on long-established checks and balances to prevent abuses of power. These include

the right to peaceful protest, free assembly, free speech, an independent judiciary, and a jury system in which twelve ordinary people may be acquitted according to their conscience. These safeguards exist to protect us from undue influence by the wealthy, powerful corporations, and even foreign governments.

Yet these protections are being steadily eroded by an increasingly authoritarian, antiprotest government. A healthy democracy also requires a free and independent press, but much of our media is owned or funded by a small number of wealthy interests whose priorities often align with corporate power rather than public accountability.

Most people are unaware that judges have barred climate campaigners from explaining their motives in court, threatening contempt proceedings if they mention terms such as “climate change”, “climate crisis”, or “fuel poverty”. When juries do hear the reasons behind these actions, many have been acquitted. The same restrictions are now being applied to activists opposing the arms trade and highlighting civilian deaths in Gaza. When juries hear the full truth, they often find in

favour of peaceful protest.

It is particularly troubling to learn that right-wing think tanks funded by fossil-fuel giant ExxonMobil have helped shape these clampdowns on protest. We also know that Israeli officials have lobbied the UK Government to suppress peaceful demonstrations against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza—culminating in Palestine Action being proscribed as a terrorist organisation.

Now, the Government is openly considering abolishing trial by jury in some cases. The right to a fair trial is a cornerstone of justice. For centuries, juries have ensured that ordinary citizens— rather than the state alone— play a role in determining guilt or innocence. Research shows that jury trials often lead to fairer outcomes, particularly where state or prosecutorial bias might otherwise dominate. Juries bring community conscience, diversity of experience, and a crucial check on authority.

At a time when fundamental rights are at risk, it is vital that the public remain informed and speak out. We must not allow hard-won freedoms to be dismantled piece by piece

ANgIE ZELTER

PresiPe by Andy briggs

JonaThan edwards PlAid’s CAlCulAted budget gAmble

ALONg with momentum, relevance is the most important political commodity.

Relevance makes the electorate take you seriously and the media, providing a virtuous self-fulfilling cycle. During the devolution years to date, the annual Welsh Government Budget negotiations have provided opposition parties and sometimes independent sole traders the opportunity to gain relevance by helping the Welsh Government pass their annual financial plans. Plaid Cymru, when not partnered in government, would normally therefore bite off your right hand to strike a Budget deal to provide some tangible examples of what the party had achieved.

Relevance is not an issue for Plaid Cymru as we approach the end of 2025. In the lead in the polls; basking in the aftermath of a stunning Caerphilly byelection victory; and with Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth hot favourite to be First Minister after May’s Senedd elections - the party are scaling previously unimaginable heights.

Considering that the party’s strategy going into the Senedd elections is to portray itself as an alternative to Labour, there are obvious risks in striking a deal to help the party they say is unfit to govern Wales and must

be replaced. The backlash from the Tories and Reform to the Budget deal news was completely foreseeable as they sense a gaping weakness in the narrative Plaid Cymru is attempting to sell to the people of Wales, especially to those who are desperate for a change of direction next May.

Considering that the Rhun ap Iorwerth Leadership project has been based on distancing himself from Labour, there is also a lack of coherence. Why end a formal Partnership Agreement where the party had influence over policy as well as financial allocations if then only to prop up Labour via a Budget deal?

The £300m extra secured for frontline services is the ‘win’ the party is trying to spin for its decision to strike a deal. However, I don’t think many Plaid leaflets over the coming months will be referring to the Budget deal as a reason to vote for them next year. It is very much a stand-alone statement. Plaid will be hoping that Welsh voters will forget the whole affair long before the Christmas festivities are over.

My feeling therefore, is that the Plaid Leadership were not desperate for a Budget deal this year. Why therefore have Plaid decided to strike a deal on this year’s Budget?

Firstly, the party in this regard is a victim of its own success. Winning

Caerphilly meant that last year’s avenue for the Welsh Government of striking a deal with the sole Liberal Democrat, Jane Dodds, was a no goer. Plaid Cymru politicians are mostly motivated by doing the right thing for the country as they see it. The wider Plaid project is based on devolution working. Getting the Budget through means that the election will be fought in a degree of stability. Whilst most opposition parties in more established institutions would revel in seeing the government of the day squirm, a dysfunctional Senedd is not something that would benefit the argument for more powers.

Secondly, I would imagine that Plaid strategists have calculated that chaos following failure to get the Budget through, whilst damaging Labour, won’t necessarily benefit Plaid Cymru come the election. The anti-politics of Reform UK Ltd has most to gain from a Senedd in Budget paralysis a mere weeks before the polls open.

Thirdly, the reported extra cash for Local Government in an election year will be handy to reduce expected council tax increases and stave away reported potential bankruptcies. Plaid and Labour continue to run swathes of Councils. It’s a flank they don’t want exposed come May where council tax increases will agitate voters to put it

mildly.

Fourthly, the reported extra capital investment for immediate spend after the election could be a handy tool Plaid will be hoping to deploy as part of a first 100-day programme. A new Plaid led Government in May could have attempted to pass an emergency Budget of some sort, but this would be a perilous position with no majority. Better to have the kitty ready to spend on some early wins.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Mr ap Iorwerth will need Labour support if he is to become First Minister in the next Senedd if the numbers fall as currently expected considering Plaid’s strategic choice to not entertain working with Reform or the Tories. He would have burnt bridges with his decision to end the Partnership Agreement, nodding the Budget through might provide some atonement in the eyes of the Labour party.

Observing matters from afar, it seems that there is more long-term strategy at play therefore than short term tactics.

Political gambles come in many forms. How the cookie crumbles on the Budget deal in the eyes of Welsh voters who want change in the next Senedd could go a long way to determining the election result next May.

death notices

A LFIE P ICKERSGILL

THE death occurred peacefully at withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday 27th November 2025 of Mr Alfred Pickersgill, affectionately known as Alfie, aged 96 years, of Narberth.

Beloved husband of the late Phyllis. Dearly loved Dad of Julia and Wynne and Father-in-law to Mark and Michelle. Cherished Grampy of Kyra, Hannah, Rachel and Bethan.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 17th December 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 3.15pm.

There will be family flowers with donations in memory of Alfie for Wales Air Ambulance c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834 831876) or 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

K

EVIN BARRY B OSWELL

THE death occurred suddenly but peacefully at his home on Sunday 23rd November of Mr kevin Barry Boswell of Paterchurch court, Pembroke Dock. He was 75 and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral will take place on Monday 15th December with a service

at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12.15. pm.

Immediate family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu for the The Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements. (or online at www. paulsartori.org)

J OHN A RTHUR L EW WALTERS

PEAcEFuLLy At withybush Hospital on Friday 28th November 2025 John Arthur Lewis walters of Johnston aged 81 years. Beloved husband of Cynthia, he will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 17th December, 1:45pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to the Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent directly to Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest SA61 1RP or contact Paul Sartori on 01437 763223 for payments over the phone.

Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418

S HEILA G ROVES

THE death occurred peacefully at Apley Lodge Care Home on Thursday 13th November of Mrs. Sheila Groves of Laws Street, Pembroke Dock.

Sheila was 90 and will be very sadly missed by all her family and many friends.

The funeral will take place on Friday 12th December with a service at St. John’s Church, Pembroke Dock at 11.30.am followed by a private family cremation.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu for the The Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements. (or online at www. paulsartori.org)

BARRIE L AWTON YOUNG

IT is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barrie young on 29th November 2025, peacefully at Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth.

He is survived by his beloved wife Eira and devoted children, Simon and Clare.

Much loved father in law of Tash

and Dafydd.

Loving grandfather of Lydia, Jack, Annie and Lily.

Barrie will be remembered for his kindness, humour and devotion to his family.

The funeral service will be held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Thursday, 18th December at 11.30 am.

Family flowers only and donations in memory of Barrie made payable to Hywel Dda Health Charities (in support of Enlli Ward, Bronglais Hospital) c/o Messrs W and M J Rossiter & sons Ltd Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www.rossitersfunerals.co.uk

Barrie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

T HOMAS

‘’TONY ’ ‘ D I xON

TONy passed away peacefully at williamston Nursing Home on the 28th November aged 95 years.

Much loved, he will be sadly missed by all his family.

Funeral service, Monday 15th December 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

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Robins get well deserved victory over Carew

PENNAR ROBINS 2 cAREw 0

A gOAL in each half by Toby Davies and Jack Jones earned Pennar Robins a thoroughly deserved victory over carew.

The pitch at Bush Camp was in excellent condition for the match as Carew were the visitors. Playing against the swirling wind, the home team come flying out the traps as they dominated the early stages with some good passing on the deck to have all the possession, with a couple of good early chances falling to strike partners Davies and Jones.

The home sides dominance appeared to be the story of the first half, and after the half hour mark the Robins took a deserved lead with the lively Noah Davison teeing up Toby Davies from 22 yards out who nestled one into the bottom right hand corner. The home side continued to dominate proceedings with Carew being limited to a few long balls that didn’t come to anything. Nick Willis was shown the only yellow card of the game as he was adjudged to have brought down Carew winger Dylan Morgan, the away side wanting a red but referee Hicks brandished

a yellow as the score read 1-0 at the interval

The second half started in the same vein, as the Rooks made a double change at half time hoping for something to spark their performance but it didn’t come as Butland’s boys continued to threaten from the flanks and create good openings but couldn’t find the elusive second goal. On the hour mark, Pennar made their first sub with Adam Phillips coming on for Davison.

In the 83rd minute, it was Phillips who cooly played the ball into Jack Jones who slotted past on rushing keeper Davies.

The second goal

seeming to kill the game, it wasn’t until the 87th minute that home keeper Clark was called into action for his first meaningful save of the game, as he saved well from a close range effort. Williams came on for goalscorer Davies to try and see the game out in the middle for the last minutes and the Robins come away with a thoroughly deserved three points and their first clean sheet of the season after a solid all round team performance.

PEnnER RobInS: Ryeley Clark, Nick Williams, Alex Wheeler, Ethan Ball, Bobby Jones,

Tom Grimwood, Conner Willis, Kieran Smith (Captain), Jack Jones, Toby Davies, Noah Davison.

SuBS: Adam Phillips, Harry Jones, Mitchell Williams.

cAREW: Tom Davies, Ethan Shapcott, Gareth Lewis, Paul Hodge, George McDonald, Dylan Morgan, Harry Peniket, Rhys Lewis (Captain), Joseph Bullock, Jordan Richards.

SubS: Scott Richards, George Davies, Gareth Brown, Simon Lewis.

REfEREE: Stefan Jenkins.

Merlins Bridge strike early to down Clarbeston Road again

MERLINS BRIDgE 2

cLARBESTON ROAD 1

MERLINS BRIDgE edged victory against derby rivals clarbeston Road which was switched to the all weather surface at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Mike Preddy will be delighted his Wizards’ outfit have completed the league double over their

near neighbours, only last month they won 3-0 at The Road.

The Bridge currently sit sixth place in the table whilst The Road are two places below in eighth.

The Wizards got off to a dream start as Nathan Evans assisted for Tomos Gwilliam to score in the opening minute.

Midway through the first period The Road deservedly equalised

through striker Ben John thanks to a neat Matthew Bowen assist. Preddy’s outfit regained the lead just a minute later as again Evans the provider with Daniel Isaac who got the crucial scoring touch which earned his side the crucial victory as there were no further goals in the second period.

MERlInS bRIDGE: Ben

Henton, Billy Martin, Gethin Roberts, Jordan Thomas (Captain), Andrew John, Iwan Howells, Sam Nicholas, Daniel Isaac, Tom O’Toole, Nathan Evans, Tomos Gwilliam.

SubS: Oscar Willington, Karl Hedley, Matthew D’Ivry, Dai Davies, Peter Thomas.

cLARBESTON RoAD: Rhys Mansell,

Matthew Bowen, Matthew Ellis, Travis Jones, Dan Rees, Greg Brown, Emyr Griffiths, Matthew Davies (Captain), Ben John, Jack Ashman, Jake Wesley.

SuBS: Henry Lucas, Richard Bevan, William John.

REfEREE: Stefan Jenkins.

Pic: Pennar Robins

manderwood Pembrokeshire leagUe

wHEN Lando Norris climbed out of his McLaren in Abu Dhabi last week, eyes shining and hands still trembling, it was the look of a young man who had finally caught the dream he’d been chasing since he first clambered into a kart.

At 25 years old, the Bristol-born racer became Formula 1 World Champion — Britain’s newest, youngest hero of the hybrid era — and for many fans across Wales and the rest of the UK, it felt like watching one of our own finally get the moment he deserved.

This wasn’t a title won through dominance or luck. It was earned lap by lap, heartbreak by heartbreak, season by season. And when it finally happened, the sporting world stopped for a breath — because everyone knew how much this one meant.

A SEASON WON THROUGH HEART, NOT HyPE

The story of Norris’s championship isn’t written in

runaway wins or unshakeable confidence. It’s a tale of grit. Of showing up when the car wasn’t the fastest. Of holding his nerve when the title fight turned cruel. Of brushing himself off after near-misses and saying, gently but firmly, “We go again.”

Across the year he delivered a season of remarkable consistency — a string of podiums, hardfought victories, and the kind of measured racecraft that marks out true champions. The final race in Abu Dhabi wasn’t about glory; it was about composure. Norris didn’t need fireworks. He just needed enough. And enough was exactly what he found.

When the radio crackled with confirmation — “Lando, that’s it. You’re World Champion.” — he didn’t scream. He exhaled.

And in that exhale was every year he’d waited.

A BRITON BELOVED ON BOTH SIDES OF OFFA’S DyKE

Welsh fans have long embraced Norris — maybe because he wears his joy so openly, or because his humility feels so familiar. He has become a fixture in households from Wrexham to Swansea, where Sunday afternoons mean mugs of tea, roast dinners, and Formula 1 on the telly.

This title isn’t just McLaren’s first since 2008; it’s a British celebration. A reminder of the strength of motorsport across the UK — from Silverstone to the small karting tracks where the next Norris is already daydreaming.

THE KID WHO STAyED KIND

One of the most compelling things about Norris is that success hasn’t sanded down his edges. He is still the lad who laughs at himself, still the gamer streaming from his hotel room, still the driver who admits when he’s nervous, gutted or glowing.

In an era of polished PR machines, Norris feels disarmingly real.

He talks about pressure. He talks about mental health. He talks like someone whose feet remain firmly planted on British soil, no matter where his passport takes him. It’s why kids adore him, why parents trust him, and why motorsport lifers have quietly hoped the sport wouldn’t change him.

So far, it hasn’t.

And judging by how he celebrated — awkward dancing, a questionable fast-food order at 4AM, and

hugging everyone within reach — he’s still wonderfully, recognisably Lando.

CELEBRATION, CHAOS, AND ONE FAMOUS SMILE

The party that followed the championship win was the sort of joyful chaos that only a long-awaited dream can produce.

Mechanics wept. Teammates roared. His parents looked like they were trying to memorise every second. Norris himself wandered around smiling in a way fans had never quite seen before — wide, unguarded, relieved. It was triumph without arrogance. Relief without collapse. Pure, human happiness.

A MOMENT FOR MCL AREN AND A MESSAGE TO EVERy FAN

McLaren’s resurgence has been one of sport’s most uplifting turnarounds, and Norris’s title puts a bold underline beneath it. But this win also speaks to every fan who has followed him from day one — through the near-wins, the painful defeats, the “almosts” and “what ifs.”

This championship is, in many ways, a love letter to loyalty.

Norris stayed. McLaren believed. And together they climbed.

WHAT COMES NEXT ?

MORE THAN POINTS. A LEGACy.

The questions will start soon enough: Can he defend the t itle? Can McLaren keep pace? Will fame reshape him?

For now, though, none of that matters. This moment is about a young man who turned promise into proof, potential into history.

It’s about the fans — in Wales, across Britain, and around the world — who watched a local lad become a global champion. It’s about joy. About perseverance. About sport at its most human.

And as winter settles across the UK, one truth feels certain: Lando Norris is our new champion — and his story is only just beginning.

Haworth at the Double as Goodwick United Ease into last sixteen wesT wales inTermediaTe cUP

MAN of the match will Haworth struck in each half to steer goodwick united to a comfortable victory over Division Two outfit Milford united at Marble Hall – a pitch in surprisingly good condition despite the recent spell of dreadful weather.

Goodwick began brightly and moved in front early on. A cross from the right by Tom Jago found Haworth in space inside the area, and he calmly side-footed beyond Robins goalkeeper Charlie Malloy to give the visitors the lead.

They carried that slender advantage into the interval but were made to wait for their second. It finally arrived in the 74th minute when Jago was brought down in the box, leaving Rhys Jones to step up and dispatch the resulting penalty with confidence.

Haworth then wrapped up the scoring two minutes from time with a superb solo effort. The wide midfielder seized upon a loose ball in his own half, surged forward and unleashed

an excellent 25-yard strike to cap an impressive individual display.

Manager Nigel Delaney was pleased to see his Goodwick side secure their place in the hat for the last sixteen of what he described as a “prestigious competition”.

MIlfoRD unITED: Charlie Malloy, Rhys Brawn, Wesley Hill, Daniel Armstrong, Ben Lloyd, James Morgan, Ieuan Rutherford, Morgan Picton, Liam Parr, Liam Davies, Scott Reid (Captain).

SubS: Alex Ouzman, Josh Lees, Curtis Davies, Joey Jones, Will Goodall.

GooDWIck unITED: Nick Jones, Josh Wood, Steff Hayes, Ross Jones, Scott Delaney (Captain), Ben Adams, Rhys Jones, Jake Smith, Tom Jago, Will Haworth, Jonny Horgan.

SubS: Sion O’Sullivan, Kyle O’Sullivan, Guto Roberts.

REfEREE: Paul Jones.

CyMRU ENDS WINLESS RUN

cyMRu brought an emphatic end to their 12-match winless run with a spirited 3–2 victory over Switzerland in Jerez, as goals from Sophie Ingle, Hannah cain and Lily woodham delivered a muchneeded lift for Rhian wilkinson’s side.

Ingle set the tone inside the opening minutes, nodding Cymru ahead after Ceri Holland’s arcing, volleyed cross prompted a misjudged clearance from Viola Calligaris. The lead, however, was short-lived. Switzerland, preparing for next summer’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals, responded swiftly when Aurelie Csillag drilled past Safia Middleton-Patel from a tight angle.

Undeterred, Cymru regained control. Ingle, alert to a Swiss lapse, released Cain with a quickly taken free-kick from deep inside her own half. Cain surged clear before lifting a superb finish high into the net from 20 yards, restoring Cymru’s advantage in fine style on the stroke of half-time.

Wilkinson introduced Woodham at the interval, and the Reading

defender made an almost immediate impression. With barely half a minute played in the second half, she arrived at the far post to sweep home Cain’s low cross, capping a flowing move that also involved debutant Laura Hughes, the Australia-born midfielder who recently switched allegiance to Cymru.

Switzerland, ranked eight places above Cymru at 24th in the world, were handed a route back into the contest after Cymru faltered while attempting to play out from the back. Middleton-Patel’s heavy pass left Angharad James exposed, allowing Iman Beney to pounce and guide a low effort into the bottom corner with 19 minutes remaining.

Cymru, though, refused to buckle. Beney sent another attempt wide late on, but the defence— bolstered by disciplined, last-ditch work—held firm to secure a first victory since their Euro 2025 play-off triumph over the Republic of Ireland almost exactly a year ago. The barren run had been their longest since the bleak spell between 1997 and 2001, when they went 15 games without a win.

The result provided an added highlight for Ffion Morgan and the recalled Ceri Holland, who each celebrated their 50th cap as part of a strong Cymru line-up. Holland, her influence evident throughout the first half, was forced off after the break through injury, but her earlier contribution helped set the platform for a morale-boosting result.

A TIMELy AND TELLINg STEP FORwARD FOR cyMRu

Rhian Wilkinson has maintained throughout a testing year that her side’s development has outstripped their results. Her willingness to schedule demanding friendlies has been part of a broader effort to harden Cymru into a team capable not only of reaching major tournaments, but of competing in them with conviction.

For that reason, this win—her first in a friendly since taking charge—feels more than a footnote in an otherwise experimental autumn. Cymru had fallen short against several

TENBy U16 Girls Celebrate First Win

THE Tenby u16 girls are carving out a remarkable new identity this season after leaving the Pembrokeshire League to join the west wales women’s & girls League — a bold, last-minute move that has already revitalised the team and delivered their first league victory this weekend.

With too few local opponents to sustain regular football, the coaching team faced a difficult choice: stay and risk the squad folding, or step into a tougher, more demanding league to guarantee the girls football to play. They chose the latter.

“It wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said coach Luke Rowland. “But the girls needed a season with real fixtures, real competition, and real opportunities to grow. Moving leagues was the only way to give them that.”

high-calibre opponents in recent months; to overcome Switzerland at the fifth attempt offers tangible evidence of progress and lifts the psychological weight of a lengthy winless streak.

The timing could scarcely be better. Cymru open their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign in March with a potentially tricky visit to the Czech Republic before hosting Montenegro. They will approach those fixtures with renewed confidence and a sense of forward momentum— qualities that have been in short supply since the international retirement of Jess Fishlock.

Wilkinson has often spoken of Fishlock’s irreplaceability, and the squad is still adjusting to life without its most decorated player. Yet the past week in Spain, which included an encouraging draw with South Korea before this victory, suggests that a new-look Cymru is beginning to emerge. The promise may be fragile, but it is unmistakably there—and, at last, accompanied by the reassurance of a result.

Coach Angie Nicholls praised how the players adapted: “Everything was new — the opposition, the intensity, the travel. But they embraced it. Their attitude has been first-class from day one.”

And the results are beginning to show. Tenby have been competitive in all but one fixture so far, with performances growing stronger each week. Two of the squad’s newest additions, Ffion and Grace, have settled in instantly, each earning Player of the Match awards for their early-season efforts. Their arrival has added both warmth off the pitch and a fresh competitive edge on it.

Coach Craig Templeton highlighted the squad’s collective spirit: “Every player has stepped up. The new girls have brought energy, the older players have led by example, and the standard has risen right across the team.”

Longstanding captain Sophie reflected proudly on how the group has handled the upheaval:

“It was scary at first, moving leagues and facing teams we didn’t know. But we stuck together, trained hard, and showed that we belong here. Getting our first win means everything — it proves all the effort was worth it.”

With this exciting new chapter underway, the club continues to welcome experienced players not currently linked to academies who want to be part of the journey. Interested players are invited to attend a training session and meet the squad.

The club also expresses its sincere thanks to its generous sponsors, whose backing has been vital in covering additional travel and running costs. The coaches offered special appreciation to the parents for their trust, patience, and belief during the transition.

“Without their support, none of this is possible,” added Rowland. “They backed the move, they backed the team, and they backed us as coaches. We’re hugely grateful.”

As the Tenby U16 Girls look ahead to the rest of the season, one thing is already clear: their courage to forge a new path is paying off — and this determined young squad is only just getting started.

CyMRU ENDS WINLESS RUN