THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD 13/06/2025

GIANT cRUDE cARRIER ARRIvES at Milford Haven • P8

Couple targeted by rogue roofers in Milford Haven

A VULNERABLE couple in Milford Haven were left distraught and their home exposed to the elements after rogue roofers climbed onto their property under false pretences — and one reportedly grabbed the arm of 68-year-old Jane Scourfield, who suffers from spinal issues and relies on a walking stick.

The incident happened on Saturday (May 31) at the home of Jane and Dean Scourfield, aged 68 and 58, who live on Pill Road in Milford Haven.

Two men arrived at the property claiming they were there to provide a quote for roof repairs.

Without permission, they climbed onto the roof and began removing tiles, leaving the property damaged and exposed to the weather.

Witnesses said the men were seen in a silver van, and have also been spotted in a bronze or gold coloured SUV.

When Jane challenged the pair, one of the men grabbed her by the arm. She later told police she felt frightened and intimidated. A neighbour who witnessed the incident has confirmed the contact.

Jane, who has a serious spinal condition, relies on a stick to walk and was left shaken by the ordeal. Speaking to The Herald, she said: “Following this I feel very vulnerable. They are targeting people who are older. They are looking at people who have disabled bars on their houses — we all have these hand rails on Pill Road. It’s a vulnerability.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The man who grabbed her is described as around 5ft 10in, with very bright ginger hair, and believed to be in his late twenties. The second male was a teenager, possibly 18 or younger. Both fled the scene after causing the damage.

contacted by a genuine local roofer, Wayne Rogers of Rogers Roofing, who offered to carry out the repairs at cost, asking only for materials to be covered. He saw the appeal on Facebook and immediately stepped in to help.

24 hours of terrible stress, we have a hero on a white charger coming to our rescue. Thank you so much both for restoring our faith in humankind.”

Wayne Rogers has confirmed that he will carry out the repairs to the couple’s roof this week.

The couple were left distressed — but less than 24 hours later, they were

Jane and Dean’s daughter, Ellen Tamilia, praised their kindness: “After

Dyfed-Powys Police have been contacted for a statement.

Man threatened partner with pitchfork before headbutting her

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who headbutted his partner and threatened her with a garden pitchfork in full view of neighbours has avoided an immediate jail sentence.

Footage shown to magistrates captured the moment Paul Evans, 39, assaulted Rachel Palmer outside their shared home on Fernhill Road, Merlins Bridge, at around 5:00pm on Sunday (June 8).

The video, filmed by a concerned neighbour, showed Evans grabbing Ms Palmer by the neck and forcing her to the ground. He then picked up a garden fork and waved it at her before dropping it.

Moments later, he hurled a blue suitcase— believed to belong to Ms Palmer—towards an upstairs window.

Evans could then be seen headbutting his partner before again forcing her to the ground with considerable force. He later ran towards her wielding a large plank of wood.

“All this was witnessed by members of the public who were understandably very concerned for the victim’s welfare,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. “It was distressing for everyone who saw it, including the person who submitted the footage.”

Probation officer Catrin Jones told the court the couple had been together for around 15 years, but their relationship had recently deteriorated due to drug misuse.

“The relationship had been good, but it’s recently deteriorated,” she said. “An argument had started earlier that day and the defendant wanted her to leave the property. He never intended to use weapons to cause harm.”

The court heard Evans had taken cocaine that day and consumed alcohol the previous night. He has been using cocaine daily for several years, having developed an addiction around the age of 30. He also uses amphetamines and ecstasy.

“Despite what happened, the defendant loves his partner to bits,” said Ms Jones. “It’s fair to say he’s self-medicating with drugs, and needs support to manage this in a pro-social way.”

Evans, who works as an occasional handyman, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was

represented by solicitor Alaw Harries.

“The drug misuse has caused tension with the victim and things have been a challenge for them,” said Ms Harries. “He deeply regrets his actions and acknowledges that his drug use is at the heart of the problem.”

Magistrates sentenced Evans to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

“Because it was committed in public and involved domestic violence, the charge has crossed the custody threshold,” said presiding magistrate Mary Smith. Evans must also complete a ninemonth drug rehabilitation programme, 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 250 hours of unpaid work. No compensation order was made after the Crown confirmed Ms Palmer had not supported the prosecution.

He was also ordered to pay £154 in court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

Sudden death prompts major police response

A HEAVY police presence was reported in Grove Street, Pennar, and nearby Hill Street, Pembroke Dock, on Monday afternoon (June 9) following the sudden death of a man.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 1:00pm, prompting a large police response that quickly drew attention from local residents.

“There were officers everywhere,” one witness told The Herald. “It was clear something serious had happened.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a sudden death of a man in Grove Street, Pennar, Pembroke Dock at around 1:00pm on Monday, June 9, 2025.

“The death is not being treated

as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the H.M. Coroner.”

It is understood that the man had links to an address in Hill Street.

No further details about the

deceased have yet been released. Officers remained at the scene for several hours as they carried out enquiries and secured the area.

The coroner will now consider the circumstances of the death in due course.

Pembroke Road closed after serious crash near school

PEMBROKE ROAD in Pembroke was completely closed this afternoon (Tuesday, June 10) following a serious road traffic collision near Ysgol Harri Tudur.

Emergency services, including two land ambulances and the Wales Air Ambulance, were called to the scene at around 4:00pm.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the road closure shortly after 5:00pm, urging motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

The collision occurred near the entrance to a new housing estate. Local reports indicated the road was “completely closed and taped off” near the junction with Prospect Place and Red Roses. Access to Pembroke Leisure Centre was restricted, with entry only possible from the Pembroke/Bush Hill direction.

The Herald is working with emergency services to confirm further details.

Woman faces multiple assault charges including against police officers

A HAVERFORDWEST woman has appeared in court charged with a string of violent offences, including the attempted wounding of a man and multiple assaults on police officers.

Kelly Picton, 34, of Skomer Court, Siskin Close, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 9), facing four separate charges relating to two separate dates.

Picton is accused of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously wound Paul Robin Gurney with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on June 7.

This serious allegation falls under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and is considered an

indictable-only offence, meaning it will be referred to the Crown Court.

On the same date, Picton is also alleged to have assaulted PC 1288 Jones, a serving police officer, both in a general assault and in her capacity as an emergency worker.

These charges are brought under Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018.

In relation to a seperate incident, Picton previously admitted to two further charges of assaulting police officers at Haverfordwest Police Station on March 13.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting both PC1385 Aries and PC1288 Jones, who were acting in their roles as emergency workers at the time.

The court heard the March assaults took place while Picton was in custody.

She indicated guilty pleas to both charges at Monday’s hearing.

Magistrates Mr E Jones, Mrs M Scott, and Mrs J Robson presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Tom Lloyd representing the defendant. Due to the serious nature of the attempted wounding charge, the case was sent to Crown Court. Picton was remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Swansea Crown Court at a future date.

No pleas were entered in relation to the June 7 allegations, and legal discussions surrounding those matters will continue.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

National Insurance rise creates black hole in council budget

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD

has confirmed that Pembrokeshire County Council faces significant budget pressure due to Labour’s hike in employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs).

The pressures stem not only from the local authority’s obligation to pay increased NICs for its own staff, but also from the added costs passed on by external service providers — particularly in social care — who are also affected by the rise.

SETTING A BUDGET BLIND

When former Cabinet Member for Finance Josh Beynon presented this year’s budget, he flagged the potential risks the NIC increase posed to the Council’s finances in both the current and following financial years. However, at the time, due to the UK Government’s delay in confirming its funding plans, he did not know whether the full NIC increase would be covered.

The Welsh Government has claimed it lobbied Westminster to ensure the full increase would be funded, avoiding in-year pressures on already stretched council budgets. Instead, a combination of Westminster funding and Welsh Government reserves will cover around 85% of the increase. Whether that support remains in place beyond

the current financial year is unclear. Once the first two years of the current spending review period end in April 2027, further funding looks unlikely.

NI RISE WILL HIT COUNCIL SERVICES

Even absorbing a fraction of the cost will have a significant impact on Pembrokeshire’s budget.

We asked the County Council to outline the scale of the impact.

Cllr Alistair Cameron, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, said: “We have been advised that the UK and Welsh Governments will meet circa 85% of the cost of raising the employer’s National Insurance contribution rate. This leaves Pembrokeshire County Council with an in-year pressure of approximately £0.75m. This will also be a pressure for the 2026–27 budget.

“The Council delivers many of its statutory functions through external organisations (such as social care providers). I understand they are not receiving any compensation for this added expense. This will, therefore, add an estimated £2m to their cost base. I fear they will be looking to the Council to meet the additional costs.

“Pembrokeshire County Council

is already working hard to plan for next year’s budget, and we will have to take account of this shortfall, along with other pressures, including UK and Welsh Government funding settlements and rising demand for statutory services such as social care.

“We have made significant cost savings over several years and are trying to run our services as efficiently as possible while responding to public need.

“We will be consulting with the Pembrokeshire public on different budget options, but it will not be easy.

“The final decision on next year’s budget rests with Full Council. We aim to discuss all options with the political groups and non-aligned councillors to try to reach an agreement that best serves the people of Pembrokeshire.”

SOCIAL CARE IN CRISIS

The increase in NIC has already led to warnings that the social care sector in Wales faces a £150 million funding gap.

An increase in employer NICs from 13.8% to 15%, alongside a reduction in the earnings threshold from £9,100 to £5,000, is expected to hit the sector hard.

These changes equate to a 37% rise in NICs for an employee earning £25,000 — equivalent to the Real Living Wage.

Combined with the increase in both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, these changes are set to add tens — or even hundreds — of thousands of pounds in additional annual staffing costs for care homes.

In Pembrokeshire, one major care provider has already reorganised its staff structure and reduced the number of full-time equivalent posts. Smaller providers are also being forced to cut back on where and how often staff work in a bid to control costs.

The Nuffield Trust, an independent think tank, has warned that the Chancellor’s policy decisions could see “swathes of the social care market [collapse] under these extra cost pressures.”

If social care provision fails to keep pace with demand, the resulting pressure on the NHS will inevitably grow. In Pembrokeshire — with one of the oldest populations in Wales — that could prove disastrous.

To maintain care levels and ensure service users’ dignity, Pembrokeshire County Council would be left with two stark choices: cut other services, raise council tax, or most likely, both.

Whether Rachel Reeves has considered that consequence is unclear — particularly in light of the continuing prioritisation of the NHS, which is exempt from the NIC rise, and the lack of investment in the wider system that props it up.

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

Youth custody crisis : Parc Prison offers rare progress

A MAJOR report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons has exposed alarming failings across the youth justice system in England and Wales – revealing that many children held in custody feel unsafe, isolated, and unable to build basic trust with staff.

The report, published on Tuesday (June 10), followed inspections at three Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) – Wetherby in West Yorkshire, Werrington in Staffordshire, and Parc in Bridgend, Wales. While conditions in the English institutions were found to be deteriorating, inspectors described Parc as a clear outlier, with more structured routines, stronger staff relationships, and significantly more time spent out of cells.

CHILDREN LOCKED UP, IGNORED AND FAILED

At Wetherby and Werrington, children reported being locked in their cells for up to 21 hours a day, often alone and without any meaningful conversation with staff. Many said they did not feel safe. The use of segregation was widespread, with some children spending over 100 days separated from others, in conditions bordering on solitary confinement.

The report concluded that chronic staff shortages, excessive redeployment, and poor implementation of national care frameworks had eroded any chance of building positive relationships. In some cases, boys were only spoken to when being escorted between rooms. Dining alone in cells was the norm, and staff were frequently rotated, breaking continuity of care.

One boy told inspectors: “I haven’t had a proper conversation with a single officer since I arrived.”

PARC: A DIFFERENT PICTURE

In sharp contrast, HMP & YOI Parc in Bridgend, operated by G4S, was praised for providing more stability and structure. Children at Parc typically spent 7–9 hours out of their cells on weekdays, and up to 8 hours even on weekends — double the freedom seen in English YOIs.

Officers at Parc worked in consistent units, enabling them to build familiarity and trust with the boys they supervised. The report said: “Children were out of their cells for much longer every day, the rules were well established, and relationships were stronger.”

Staff at Parc had a better understanding of the Framework for Integrated Care, and children could access education, health support, and

therapeutic activities. Importantly, even children placed in separation units at Parc continued to receive education and were not locked in cells all day — a standard not met in England. However, inspectors still found room for improvement at Parc. Literacy and numeracy outcomes remained below expectations, and while staff were more consistent, not all were effectively trained in trauma-informed care.

NACRO: SYSTEMIC FAILURE MUST BE ADDRESSED

Reacting to the report, the crime reduction charity Nacro said the youth justice system is now in a “growing state of crisis.”

Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, said: “Self-harm, violence and isolation are all major issues in the youth estate. Children need adults they can trust – yet this report shows they are being failed. The number of children who say they feel unsafe in custody has doubled in a year. That must change.”

Nacro, which operates in more than 40 prisons across the UK, including Wales, urged the Government to ensure that youth custody is used only as a last resort, and that all children in detention are given a safe and rehabilitative environment.

EDUCATION FAILURES ADD TO THE PROBLEM

In addition to prison conditions, the

report drew attention to widespread failures in education provision within the youth estate. A separate December 2024 progress inspection at Parc noted reasonable progress on most issues, but flagged persistent shortcomings in teaching quality, literacy strategies, and reintegration planning.

The education watchdog Estyn, in its annual prison report, also raised concerns about inconsistent teaching and leadership at Parc and HMP Cardiff. Despite some pockets of good practice, inspectors said many learners were not reaching basic levels of literacy or numeracy and that opportunities for purposeful education remained too limited.

Inspectors recommended that education providers and prison staff work more closely together to identify learning needs, plan better lessons, and give young people meaningful qualifications before release.

WEAPONS, VIOLENCE AND RISING DANGER IN ENGLAND

The severity of the problems in England was underscored by new data from Wetherby, where nearly 900 improvised weapons were seized in a single year. Staff recorded over 1,100 restraint incidents, and classroom time was lost on more than 12,000 occasions due to fights, lockdowns, or unsafe conditions.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said: “This report sets out in stark terms the failure by the Youth Custody Service to create environments in which children in YOIs can form positive, appropriate relationships with authoritative, well-trained and wellsupported staff.”

He added: “In 2018, my predecessor reported that children who had these relationships with staff were likely to be motivated to engage with behaviour management schemes. Seven years on, behaviour management is an increasing challenge.”

WALES: A MODEL FOR REFORM?

Despite Parc’s relative success, campaigners warn it must not be seen as a reason for complacency. Children in Wales are still subject to the same overarching policies and pressures from the Ministry of Justice and Youth Custody Service. And while Parc offers some of the best practice in the UK, its lessons have yet to be properly implemented elsewhere.

The report calls on the UK Government — and by implication, the Welsh Government in its devolved responsibilities — to:

• End long-term cell confinement of children

• Ensure every child receives at least 15 hours of education per week

• Improve staff training in mental health and trauma-informed care

• Phase out harmful segregation and separation practices

• Reduce custodial use and invest in community alternatives

Parc is not perfect — but it is proof that a better approach is possible. While most YOIs across England continue to fail children, Wales has the opportunity to lead by example. With political will and investment, Bridgend’s example could be the start of a muchneeded transformation in how we treat the most vulnerable young people in

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Man due to stand trial over disqualified driving charge

A PEMBROKE DOCK man is due to stand trial this month accused of driving while disqualified and without insurance.

JAKE JONES, aged 24, of Highway House, Ferry Terrace, is alleged to have driven a Ford Ranger on St John’s Road, Pembroke Dock, on 2 April this year while banned from holding or obtaining a driving licence.

He is also accused of using the vehicle on the same road without third party insurance in force, as required by law.

Jones has pleaded not guilty to both

offences. The case, brought under the Road Traffic Act 1988, was first heard in April and adjourned to allow for trial.

He is expected to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (June 18) at 2:00pm.

If convicted, he faces a potential maximum sentence of six months in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The offence of driving without insurance also carries further penalty points or disqualification.

The Herald will be following the outcome of the case.

St Ishmaels man to stand trial over alleged assault and strangulation

A ST ISHMAELS man is due to stand trial this month accused of a series of offences including intentional strangulation, assault, and criminal damage.

PHILIP STODDART, aged 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, is charged with four separate offences, all alleged to have taken place on 4 April 2025 at his home address.

He faces one count of intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015. The charge alleges that Mr Stoddart intentionally strangled a person during an incident on the farm.

He is also accused of causing criminal damage, specifically damaging a hooded top and a electronic item belonging to the same individual.

In addition, Mr Stoddart faces two separate counts of assault by beating, both relating to alleged attacks on another.

Mr Stoddart has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case was previously adjourned on 7 April to allow for a full trial, which is now scheduled to take place at 12:00pm on a date this month.

The offence of intentional strangulation carries a maximum sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine in the magistrates’ court, while the assault and criminal damage charges also carry custodial sentences if convicted.

The Herald will be attending the trial and will publish further updates as the case progresses.

Giant crude carrier arrives at Milford Haven in major milestone

A SHIP longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall has arrived in Milford Haven, marking a significant operational milestone for the Valero oil refinery.

The Yasa Southern Cross, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) with a deadweight of 318,000 tonnes, berthed safely at the Valero jetty this week with the help of local pilots and tugboats.

At 1,096 feet in length, the Turkishowned tanker dwarfed surrounding vessels and infrastructure. It is among the largest ships ever to enter the Haven, and its arrival is seen as a strong indicator of both port capability and refinery scale.

The Yasa Southern Cross was carrying a staggering 2 million barrels of crude oil—enough to significantly boost refining throughput in a single delivery, reducing the frequency of smaller shipments and improving operational efficiency.

West Wales Marine, commenting on the ship’s arrival, said: “This is a major milestone for the Valero refinery and Milford Haven. Handling a vessel of this magnitude demonstrates worldclass port infrastructure and marine coordination.”

It’s understood that the ship’s visit could signal broader logistical and economic changes. Sources close to the port suggest this may be part of a shift toward fewer, larger crude deliveries, improving cost-efficiency and reducing environmental impact from marine traffic.

Tugboats from Milford Haven safely guided the ship into berth, with Watch Manager Gary Solomon sharing images of the crew dwarfed in front of the colossal hull. “Look how small we

look in front of this ship,” he wrote. The successful docking of the Yasa Southern Cross also points to potential future upgrades at the refinery and port

facilities to regularly accommodate vessels of this size, which could have wider implications for the regional economy and trade networks.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Firefighters tackle large barn blaze near Carmarthen

FIREFIGHTERS from four stations were called to a major fire at a farm in Abergwili, near Carmarthen, on Wednesday afternoon (June 11).

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The alarm was raised at 1:32pm, prompting a response from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews based at Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Port Talbot and Llandysul.

The fire involved a barn measuring approximately 50 metres by 20 metres, containing around 27 tonnes of hay bales and agricultural machinery. At the height of the

Police warn of facebook posts about ‘missing police officer’

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have warned the public not to share a social media post circulating in Pembrokeshire that falsely claims a police officer has gone missing.

In a statement published on the official Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police Facebook page on Wednesday (June 12), officers confirmed they have received no official report from any force about a missing colleague and believe the post to be part of a scam.

The post reads: “We have been made aware of social media posts relating to an alleged missing police officer in the Pembrokeshire area. We can confirm that we have received no official report from any other police force relating to this individual and believe the post to be a scam.”

The force added: “To prevent the spread of misinformation, we ask you not

to share the post.”

The page, which has nearly 3,000 followers, regularly shares community policing updates, public appeals, and advice. It is managed by Dyfed-Powys Police and serves as the main information hub for residents in and around Pembroke Dock and Pembroke.

The Herald understands that no formal missing person report has been logged in the area in recent days concerning any officer.

Police are urging residents to check the legitimacy of any dramatic or alarming claims on social media, and to verify information through official sources before sharing.

Anyone with concerns or credible information is urged to contact police directly via 101 or the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

A water shuttle system was set up using a bowser to ensure a steady supply, and firefighters worked closely with the farm owner to agree a plan for safely removing and extinguishing the burning bales.

Using four hose reel jets, two 45mm main jets, small gear and the farmer’s telehandler, crews removed the bales from the structure and tackled the fire outside.

The incident was brought under control by late evening, with the last crews leaving the scene at 11:20pm. No injuries were reported.

incident, the bales were fully alight, sending smoke billowing across the area.

Tufnell calls for ‘jobs-first’ approach to Net Zero

MID AND SOUTH Pembrokeshire

MP Henry Tufnell has urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the county benefits from a “just transition” to Net Zero, calling for investment in renewables that protects existing jobs and creates new ones.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (June 11), Mr Tufnell said Pembrokeshire’s proud industrial history—particularly in oil and gas—should be matched by

a future focused on clean energy and high-quality employment.

The MP highlighted the potential of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea and pressed the Prime Minister for a commitment to support Pembrokeshire’s ports and communities through the energy transition

“Pembrokeshire has the resources and the talent to be a world leader in Floating Offshore Wind,” said Mr Tufnell. “FLOW has the potential to bring lots of good, secure, well-paid jobs to our county, which would have a hugely positive impact on our local economy.

“It is critical that new energy infrastructure projects benefit the communities they are built in.”

Mr Tufnell emphasised that the push for renewables must not come at the expense of the existing oil and gas workforce, saying: “To create and protect jobs, there must be a longterm strategy to ensure that both new and existing industries are globally competitive.

“I am committed to a jobs-first approach to Net Zero, and I am delighted the Prime Minister shares that commitment.”

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, welcomed

the remarks.

He said: “As the UK’s leading energy port, and the closest port to the Celtic Sea FLOW opportunity, we have been working closely with Government and industry to fully realise the opportunity for our communities.

“Through the Celtic Freeport development process, we identified that future energy has the potential to deliver thousands of new jobs and billions in inward investment for the region. That will mean real, lasting change for our communities.

“Neither should we forget the enormous potential of our ports to contribute to our nation’s wider needs: energy security, defence, innovation and technology. Ports can be hubs for growth across our nation.”

The Herald understands Pembrokeshire has been identified as a key location for assembling and launching floating wind turbines, placing the region in a strong position to benefit from FLOW projects in the Celtic Sea.

Earlier this year, the UK Government named Pembrokeshire a priority growth area for clean energy, with funding allocated for training and upskilling the local workforce.

Driver disqualified after telling police to ‘just take him in’

A MOTORIST who approached police officers in the middle of Pembroke town centre and admitted to drink-driving has been banned from the roads for 14 months.

David Bowditch, 54, walked up to officers on Main Street in the early hours of May 22 while they were dealing with an unrelated incident.

“He approached them and told

them to just take him in, because he’d been drinking,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A subsequent breath test revealed Bowditch had 47 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd told the court that Bowditch was an extremely

vulnerable man who had made a grave error of judgment.

“Whenever he hears voices in his head, he finds going out for a drive extremely beneficial and therapeutic,” said Mr Lloyd. “He’ll no longer be able to do that, and already he feels the walls closing in around him.”

Bowditch, of St Oswalds, Main Street, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to

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

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 14 months, fined him £240, and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £96 court surcharge. His licence was endorsed.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Heavy lift: The turbine under construction

West Wales activists join international march to Gaza border

ACTIVISTS from West Wales are among thousands of international campaigners marching through Egypt this week in a daring bid to reach the Rafah border crossing and demand humanitarian access to the besieged Gaza Strip.

At least eight to ten people from Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, including a CND Cymru delegation, are taking part in the Global March to Gaza, a growing international mobilisation involving more than 4,000 participants from 54 countries.

The group includes Jim Scott of Mathry, a longtime Pembrokeshire campaigner and member of CND Cymru, along with other residents from across Wales. They arrived in Cairo earlier this week and are due to depart for Al Arish in North Sinai on Thursday morning (June 13) via coach, before beginning a 30-mile walk on foot through the desert.

The marchers plan to reach the Rafah crossing on Saturday (June 15), camping en route in tents as they navigate the harsh terrain of the Sinai Peninsula, where daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C. The crossing itself remains under tight Egyptian and Israeli military control.

Organisers say the march is a symbolic act of solidarity and an urgent call for Israel to lift the blockade and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 60,000 people have been killed and thousands more displaced, according to activists and aid agencies.

WEST WALES VOICES ON THE FRONTLINE

In an open letter sent to Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell, Eluned Morgan MS, and other Welsh and UK representatives, Jim Scott wrote:

“I feel I must act where you have not acted. The UK Government has failed to stop a genocide and has, in fact, been complicit by continuing to authorise

arms sales and military cooperation with Israel.”

Scott warned of the dangers marchers face: “We may face arrest, detention, deportation—or worse— military aggression. But we are prepared. History will judge whether we stood with the victims or remained silent.”

Tasmin Nash, a Pembrokeshire art curator and mother of four, also joined the delegation. She told The Herald:

“I saw four bewildered children bleeding on a hospital bed. I cannot rest or stay silent while Israel destroys and burns people alive. I’ve protested, fundraised, disrupted—but now I must walk.”

“Alongside the 12 hearts aboard the Freedom Flotilla, I will do what governments have failed to do—rise and move. The people will make the difference.”

Jo Barrow, aged 60, who also travelled from Wales, added: “I could have been born in Gaza. My children could be the ones we see dying on our screens. When you really absorb that truth, how could I not lend my presence to this cause?”

“We must get the aid in. This is about our collective humanity.”

A MARCH AMID UNCERTAINTY

Whether the Egyptian authorities will allow the march to proceed to Rafah remains unclear. But organisers have stated that the aim is not confrontation but awareness—to create international pressure on Israel and Western governments to allow aid through the crossing.

The march is timed to coincide with a 7,000-strong convoy approaching Gaza from Tunisia and follows a wave of global actions, including blockades, vigils and civil disobedience.

A spokesperson for CND Cymru said:

“We are proud to support this march. The silence of Western governments in the face of genocide is unacceptable. In taking part, we bear witness. And we will not forget the brutality committed.”

“As the Madleen and Conscience flotillas carried aid and the hope of the world, so too does this international march.”

The group is marching with minimal supplies, sleeping rough and relying on community support and crowdfunding to cover basic costs.

CRITICISM OF WELSH COMPLICITY

Adam Johannes, of Cardiff Stop the War Coalition, also voiced support for the march and criticised the Welsh Government’s links to arms firms.

“Wales is welcoming weapons manufacturers under the guise of economic development—some of these firms are directly connected to the oppression of Palestinians.”

He added: “We must choose a peace-first approach, just as the Lucas Aerospace workers once proposed turning weapons factories into centres for building life-saving medical devices and wind turbines. The spirit of resistance lives on.”

The Global March to Gaza has been endorsed by dozens of organisations across the UK, including Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Peace and Justice Project, and Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

The delegation from Wales say they are buoyed by support from home, including crowdfunders, social media campaigns, and solidarity vigils, and remain committed to finishing the journey.

“We may be only a few people from Pembrokeshire,” said Jim Scott, “but we carry with us the conscience of a much wider community. This is what solidarity looks like.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Pentagon review puts radar project in doubt

A DEEP space radar facility planned for the former RAF Brawdy base in Pembrokeshire could be scrapped or delayed as the United States reconsiders its defence commitments under the AUKUS security pact.

The Herald understands that the Brawdy site has already been the subject of consultations led by the UK Ministry of Defence, which has confirmed its involvement in the proposed development

of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) — a joint project with the United States Space Force.

DARC is a state-of-the-art tracking system designed to monitor satellites and space debris in high orbits, including geostationary orbit. Once operational, it would provide 24/7 global coverage

through three radar sites in Alaska, Australia, and the UK, with Brawdy identified as the UK location due to its strategic Atlantic position and Cold Warera infrastructure. However, the project has now been thrown into uncertainty following a Pentagon review into the broader AUKUS defence pact signed in 2021. While originally focused on nuclear submarines, the AUKUS agreement

has since expanded to include advanced military technologies such as quantum computing, cyber warfare, undersea surveillance, and space domain awareness.

The current review — being led by former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby — will assess whether the US should continue funding all aspects of AUKUS, amid growing concerns in Washington over the rising costs and strategic focus of the agreement.

If the DARC programme is scaled back or cancelled, the proposed Brawdy installation may be among the casualties. That would be seen as a victory by long-time anti-militarism campaigners and environmental activists in West Wales, who have opposed the return of foreign defence infrastructure to Pembrokeshire.

In public statements, the MOD has acknowledged holding local engagement sessions and confirmed Brawdy as the preferred site, but has so far declined to comment on the potential impact of the Pentagon’s review.

If approved and built, the radar facility would represent the most significant military installation in Pembrokeshire in decades and would restore Brawdy’s strategic role within a new era of space-based surveillance.

The Herald will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information emerges from both Washington and Whitehall.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

There have been huge protests against the facility being located in Pembrokeshire (Image: Supplied)

Bad news as freeport job hopes downgraded

PROMISES of job creation at two freeports have been stealthily downgraded by thousands of jobs, with Wales falling far behind the curve, a Senedd member warned.

Plaid Cymru’s Luke Fletcher criticised the pace of change at the Anglesey freeport as well as the Celtic freeport based around Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire.

Mr Fletcher said people were promised transformative economic benefits, tens of thousands of jobs, billions in investment and a green revolution – “but years on, we are still waiting”.

“That’s a fact, that’s a reality,” the shadow economy secretary warned.

“Now, if freeports are meant to be a cornerstone of our economic strategy, then we need to actually understand exactly what we’re getting and, right now, there’s a huge lack of clarity and credibility.”

Freeports, originally a Conservative UK Government policy, offer tax breaks in an effort to boost business.

Mr Fletcher said an initial promise of 20,000 jobs by 2030 was revised down to 17,000 on the Welsh Government’s website, a decrease of 15 per cent.

He added that the Celtic freeport was downgraded by 31per cent from a promise of 16,000 jobs to nearer 11,000 today.

“All we’ve seen from the Celtic freeport so far are strategies, frameworks and meetings: no clear

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

delivery, no major employment, no visible change,” he said.

Rebecca Evans, Wales’ economy secretary, told Senedd members it remains early days with “an awful lot” of work going on behind the scenes

and the freeports only open for business for a matter of months.

Samuel Kurtz, the Conservatives’ shadow secretary, welcomed the Celtic and Anglesey freeports but raised concerns about sites in England such as Teesside being further along.

He also hailed “significant” progress at Wales’ two investment

zones – based on advanced manufacturing in Wrexham and Flintshire, and semiconductors in Newport and Cardiff.

In her statement, Ms Evans said the Welsh Government has agreed full business cases for both freeports and the final agreement with UK ministers was close to completion.

Have your say on NHS changes in Pembrokeshire

A SERIES of public events is being held in Pembrokeshire this month and next as part of a major consultation by Hywel Dda University Health Board on the future of local NHS services.

The consultation, which covers nine different areas of care, could lead to significant changes in how services are delivered at hospitals and community facilities across west Wales – including Haverfordwest, Tenby and Pembroke Dock.

The Health Board says the aim is to tackle long-standing issues, reduce waiting

times, and improve standards of care.

The services under review include:

• Critical care

• Dermatology

• Emergency general surgery

• Endoscopy

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopaedics

• Radiology

• Stroke

• Urology Proposals include reorganising how

and where these services are delivered – something which may affect Withybush Hospital and community clinics across the county.

Local residents are being urged to attend one of several drop-in events, where Health Board staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback.

Public events in Pembrokeshire include:

• Friday 27 June – HaverHub, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG, 2:00pm–7:00pm

• Friday 4 July – Tenby Leisure Centre, SA70 8DU, 2:00pm–7:00pm

• Thursday 10 July – Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DD, 3:00pm–6:00pm

A further event will be held in neighbouring Ceredigion at The Guildhall in Cardigan on Tuesday 8 July, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

There will also be a series of online consultation events, each focusing on

specific service areas. People can register via the Hywel Dda website.

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning at Hywel Dda, said: “No decisions have yet been made and no options have been preferred at this stage. This consultation is your chance to shape how services are delivered in the future. We are keen to hear from residents about what matters to them and how services can be improved.”

The Herald understands the proposed changes are part of the Health Board’s longterm strategy to build a more sustainable NHS in Mid and West Wales, but local campaigners have previously voiced concerns about potential downgrading of Withybush Hospital.

Pembrokeshire residents can share their views by attending an event or by completing an online questionnaire.

Full information about the proposals –including the consultation documents and registration links – is available at: hduhb.nhs.wales/clinical-servicesconsultation

Tenby lifeboat launched to assist kite surfer

TENBY RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on Monday evening (June 9) after reports of a kite surfer in difficulty off the Pembrokeshire coast.

The call came in at 5:35pm, when Milford Haven Coastguard received information that a kite surfer appeared to be struggling approximately 300 metres off Giltar Point.

The volunteer crew launched promptly and made their way to the scene, where they located the individual.

After speaking with the surfer, he explained that a sudden drop in wind had left him unable to make progress. However, conditions had since improved, and he was confident he could now return to shore unaided.

With the situation under control, the lifeboat crew were stood down and returned to station, arriving back at 6:00pm.

Appeal after theft from campervan in Pembroke

POLICE are appealing for information following a theft from a campervan parked in Pembroke overnight.

The incident occurred between 8:00pm on Friday (June 6) and 8:00am on Saturday (June 7) while the vehicle was parked at the eastern end of Main Street.

A fitted radio and a unisex navy-blue Finisterre dry robe were stolen from the vehicle.

Officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area during the relevant times, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward. Information can be reported through the following channels:

• Online: https://orlo.uk/Y3amP

• Email: 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Locals rally to support Milford Haven taxi driver after terrifying robbery

A FUNDRAISER has been launched to support a Milford Haven taxi driver who was the victim of a traumatic armed robbery.

Barry, a well-known local driver in his sixties, was robbed on October 18, 2024, by two passengers who threatened him with a knife and a needle. At first, Barry thought their demand for his wallet was a joke— until he was jabbed with the needle during the struggle.

The attackers, Ashlee Rees, 23, and Kelly Rees, 35, have since been jailed for their roles in the crime. But for Barry, the ordeal is far from over.

He now suffers from regular nightmares and has developed severe anxiety when picking up passengers. The emotional toll has extended to his family, with his grandchildren fearing they might lose him. As a result of the needle injury, Barry must

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now undergo regular blood tests to monitor for possible infections.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by local resident Karen Cole to help Barry recover—both financially and emotionally.

“He’s always been there for the community, and now it’s our turn to be there for him,” said Cole. “This attack has shaken him to his core.”

At the time of writing, the fundraiser had reached £60, with more donations expected as word spreads.

To donate, visit: www.gofundme. com/f/barry-the-taxi-driver

Barry has not yet spoken publicly about the attack, but organisers hope to share his words once he feels ready.

Man accused of racial harassment remanded over risk of reoffending

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of racial and religious harassment has been remanded in custody amid concerns he may reoffend if released on bail.

Steven Camp, 39, of Silverdale Lodge, Johnston, is alleged to have

racially harassed Michael Ogunwumiju in Pembroke Dock on May 8, with the intent of causing alarm or distress. He is also accused of using threatening or abusive language towards Jessica Willis on the same day and of using threatening words or behaviour in the presence of

others, likely to cause alarm or distress. Camp denies all three charges.

This week, his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, informed magistrates that Camp has since been assessed by psychiatrists with a view to being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

“This may affect the trial,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

Magistrates agreed to remand Camp in custody until June 19, pending the outcome of the psychiatric evaluations and due to concerns that he may commit further offences if released on bail.

Pembrokeshire MP urges recognition of Palestinian state

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has called on the UK Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine, citing the “death, horror, and humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in the region.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Tufnell said: “The people of Pembrokeshire watch in despair at the events unfolding on their TV screens — the death, the horror, the humanitarian catastrophe. I would urge the minister, as I add my voice and those of my constituents: you need two states for a two-state solution.

When will the government recognise the State of Palestine?”

Responding, Hamish Falconer, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, acknowledged the strength of public feeling in Pembrokeshire and elsewhere. He said:

“I thank my honourable friend for the question, and I recognise the strength of feeling in Pembrokeshire and Lincoln and so many other places.”

While declining to provide a specific timeline, Mr Falconer said the Government was in active discussions with international allies ahead of a major conference next week. He also reiterated the manifesto commitment under which both he and Mr Tufnell were elected.

Crimestoppers campaign targets neighbourhood crime in Wales

A NEW campaign to raise awareness of neighbourhood crime has been launched across Wales by the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Running for three weeks from Monday (June 10), the initiative aims to encourage vigilance, promote community involvement, and boost anonymous reporting to help tackle offences such as burglary, vehicle theft and anti-social behaviour.

Crimestoppers says neighbourhood crime is a key concern for many residents and directly affects quality of life. The charity hopes the campaign will empower communities to take proactive steps by recognising and reporting suspicious activity—without fear of identification.

Hayley Fry, Wales Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said:

“Our communities are strongest when residents work together to address crime. This campaign encourages everyone to report suspicious activity, safe in the knowledge that their identity will remain completely anonymous.”

The campaign will feature targeted digital adverts across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, highlighting how to pass on crime information securely. Crimestoppers assures the public that its service guarantees full anonymity, with no caller ID, IP tracing, or data logging.

Anyone with information about a crime can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always call 999.

Police renew appeal for witnesses after three-vehicle crash on A477

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a three-vehicle road traffic collision on the A477 between Sentry Cross and Johnston.

The crash happened at approximately 5:40pm on Friday (May 9).

The vehicles involved were a silver BMW, a grey BMW, and a small white vehicle. Officers say they are particularly keen to identify the owner or driver of the small white vehicle.

Anyone who was travelling along the A477 in either direction between Sentry Cross and Johnston around the time of the incident is urged to come forward.

Police are especially interested in hearing from motorists with dashcam footage from the area during the relevant timeframe.

Information can be provided via: | Dyfed-Powys Police online contact form | 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk | Call 101

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 28*384659

Police and grieving family warn drivers after fatal crash on A458

POLICE and the family of a woman killed in a crash on the A458 near Middletown have issued a joint plea to drivers, warning them not to ignore road safety signs after a motorist was jailed for causing her death.

Margaret Lee, a well-known local pensioner, died in November 2023 after a head-on collision with a car that had overtaken a bus on a blind stretch of road. The driver, Matthew Parrott, ignored solid white lines and hidden dip warnings before colliding with Mrs Lee’s vehicle. He has since been sentenced to three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

In the wake of the sentencing, Dyfed-Powys Police have released dashcam footage of the collision and issued a renewed call for caution on the road, where dangerous overtaking continues to be reported.

Sergeant Rob Hamer from the force’s serious collision investigation unit said: “This was a preventable tragedy. Margaret Lee had simply gone out to buy her morning newspaper. She never made it home.

“Matthew Parrott’s decision to overtake without full visibility of the road ahead cost a life. What is deeply concerning is that we now have further evidence of similar dangerous

to assess whether changes to the road layout are needed. However, they say the biggest danger remains driver behaviour.

manoeuvres happening on the same stretch of road. We fear another serious or fatal incident is only a matter of time.”

Police have conducted site visits and are working with partner agencies

“The road already has clear warnings in place,” said Sgt Hamer. “These include double solid white lines, signs for hidden dips, a 50mph speed limit, red warning markings and surface grip improvements. But some

drivers are still taking reckless risks.” He added: “We urge motorists to think again before overtaking. If you can’t clearly see it’s safe, don’t do it. One bad decision can destroy lives.”

Mrs Lee’s family have echoed the appeal: “We urge people to drive carefully, especially on this road. We don’t want any other family to go through what we have.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Call for blood donors after Pembrokeshire father saves son with rare blood disorder

A WEST WALES father who saved his son’s life with a stem cell donation is calling on local residents to give blood or register as stem cell donors as part of National Blood Donor Week (June 9–15).

Matt Hodgson-Smith, from Mumbles, Swansea, was a perfect match for his seven-year-old son Jasper, who was diagnosed with Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS), a life-threatening and incredibly rare blood disorder.

Jasper is the only known child in Wales with APDS and one of just 35 cases across the UK. He endured years of hospital visits, repeated infections, and intensive treatment before receiving a life-saving stem cell transplant from his father.

Now the family is sharing their story in the hope of inspiring others to register with the Welsh Blood Service and help other families still searching for a donor.

Matt said: “Some people think donating stem cells is painful or invasive. For me, the process was simple. I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant saving someone’s life.”

Appointments for blood donations are now available locally:

• Giraldus Centre, Haverfordwest –Thursday, 20 June

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• Neyland Community Hub – Monday, 24 June

More donation sessions are being rolled out across Pembrokeshire and West Wales in the coming weeks. Over 10,000 donations are needed

every year to support patients in local hospitals, including Withybush General Hospital.

Jasper’s mother, Sophie, said: “Despite everything he’s faced, Jasper has remained incredibly strong. He even danced his way through the transplant.”

The Welsh Blood Service said only 1 in 4 patients will find a stem cell match within their family. For most, an unknown donor is their only hope. The

need is especially urgent for donors from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Stories like Jasper’s show the true value of donation. We need more people to sign up and become lifesavers.”

To make an appointment or check your eligibility, visit www.wbs.wales/ NBDW25 or call 0800 252 266.

Kurtz and Davies slam Welsh rail investment as ‘insult’ to West Wales

WELSH CONSERVATIVE Senedd

Members Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies have accused the Labour-run Welsh Government of abandoning rural West Wales following the Chancellor’s announcement of £445 million in rail funding for Wales over the next decade.

The package, which amounts to £44.5 million per year, is a significant reduction on previous infrastructure investment. Between 2014 and 2024, more than £1 billion was spent on rail improvements in Wales by the UK Conservative Government.

Samuel Kurtz MS, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, criticised the plans as Cardiff-centric:

“Five new stations within a 13-mile stretch between Cardiff and Newport offer no benefit to the communities I represent,” he said.

“The former UK Conservative Government had committed to funding a new station at St Clears. That pledge has now disappeared under Labour – a government presiding over a shrinking economy and threatening working families with higher taxes.

For any Labour politician to claim this is a good deal for West Wales is

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

an insult to our intelligence.”

Paul Davies MS, who represents Preseli Pembrokeshire, echoed those concerns: “The Chancellor’s

Spending Review fails to deliver for Pembrokeshire – in fact, it fails to deliver for anyone living west of Cardiff,” he said.

“The overall infrastructure funding for Wales is substantially lower than what was delivered under the

previous UK Government, and there is absolutely nothing in it for rural communities in the west.

We need strong voices at Westminster to fight for Pembrokeshire – because right now, we are being completely ignored.”

Beavers enjoy Father’s Day celebration with fires, bird boxes and S’mores

THE 1ST PEMBROKE BEAVERS had a brilliant evening on Treowen Road, Pennar, as they celebrated an early Father’s Day with a special session dedicated to male role models.

The youngsters were joined by dads, grandads and other important men in their lives for an evening of hands-on activities, including bird box building, fire lighting and toasting S’mores over an open flame.

The event was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of smiles as the Beavers enjoyed quality time outdoors while learning new skills.

One leader said: “It was lovely to see so many happy faces. The kids really enjoyed having their role models join in.”

Weekly produce market brings fresh flavour to Saundersfoot Harbour

SAUNDERSFOOT HARBOUR’S Schooner Decking transforms into a vibrant marketplace every Tuesday, offering locals and visitors a taste of Pembrokeshire’s finest produce.

Running from 10:00am to 2:00pm each week, the open-air market features stalls selling local meats, cheeses, ferments and other handmade delicacies. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Saundersfoot’s bustling marina, the market has become a popular attraction for both residents and holidaymakers alike.

Organised by the Saundersfoot Harbour team, the initiative encourages people to “shop local, shop small” — supporting independent producers from around the county.

A striking feature of the market’s setting is the replica schooner, moored alongside the wooden deck and serving

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

as a central landmark for the event. Colourful tents line the quayside, while fishing boats and leisure yachts bob in the water just metres away, creating a unique maritime shopping experience.

Social media posts from Saundersfoot Harbour have drawn praise from attendees, with one commenter asking: “Hope this is on in the summer?” — a sentiment echoed by many keen to see the event continue during the peak holiday season.

With its mix of fresh produce, coastal charm and community spirit, the Tuesday market is fast becoming a staple of the seaside town’s weekly calendar.

In inclement weather the market moves to the nearby Welcome Centre.

Bustling quay: Saundersfoot Harbour’s Schooner Decking hosts a popular Tuesday produce market (Pic: Ross Grieve/Saundersfoot Harbour Facebook)

Police and council meet residents at Monkton street event

A COMMUNITY outreach event in Monkton has been hailed a success by police and councillors, after residents gathered to discuss pressing local issues.

The “Meet The Street” session took place on Sunday (June 9) at Gwilliam Court, with officers from Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police joining forces with council staff and other agencies.

Also present were the Pembrokeshire County Council Dog Warden and a representative from Environmental Health, who listened to concerns from local people and committed to follow-up action.

County councillor Jonathan Grimes said: “This was not just a photo opportunity – many issues were raised and discussed, including fly tipping, dog fouling, litter, abandoned vehicles, and electric bikes. All these have been noted and will be followed up.”

The event was part of an ongoing series in Monkton aimed at improving relationships between authorities and residents, while tackling anti-social behaviour and environmental issues head-on.

Police officers praised the turnout and said they valued the opportunity to work with partners and engage directly with the community.

A police spokesperson added: “It was great to work with partner agencies and discuss current and ongoing work with our community.”

Residents welcomed the initiative but one social media comment suggested the event could have been better publicise

Display unveiled to honour Terrence Higgins on 80th anniversary of his birth

TWO new artworks commemorating the life of AIDS awareness pioneer Terrence Higgins have gone on display at Haverfordwest Town Museum to mark what would have been his 80th birthday.

Terrence Higgins, known to friends as Terry, was born in Haverfordwest on June 10, 1945. He spent nearly half of his life in the town before going on to serve five years in the Royal Navy and later working for Hansard and as a bartender in Soho.

Higgins became one of the first people in the UK to die of an AIDSrelated illness in 1982, aged just 37. Following his death, the Terrence Higgins Trust was founded by his partner, Rupert Whittaker, along with Martyn Butler. The charity has since become a leading voice in HIV and sexual health education, campaigning against stigma and prejudice.

To mark the 80th anniversary of his birth, Haverfordwest Town Museum has unveiled a special display featuring two portraits of Higgins.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The first, The Three Ages of Terry by Curtis Holder, is a coloured pencil portrait showing Higgins at three stages of his life: as a teenager in the Navy, as a young man, and in his later years. The artwork has previously been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery and is on loan to the museum until January 2026.

The second is a signed limited edition print of a school-age Terry by artist Nathan Wyburn. The work was generously donated to the museum by the Terrence Higgins Trust.

The items were formally presented to the museum by Tracey Bartlett, Cymru volunteer co-ordinator for the Trust.

Museum curator Simon Hancock said the museum was “very honoured” to receive the artworks, describing the display as “an important tribute to one of Haverfordwest’s most significant and inspiring sons.”

Milford Haven function centre outdoor dining area refused

A RETROSPECTIVE scheme for an outside dining area on a listed building in the most prominent street in Milford Haven’s conservation area, brought before planners after potential enforcement action was started, has been refused once again.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Lee Bridges sought retrospective permission for works to provide an external dining area at the Grade-II-listed Masonic Hall, Imperial Function Centre, 1 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, the works having started in May 2021.

The application was supported by Milford Haven Town Council, but objections had been raised by the council’s Head of Infrastructure and Historic Buildings Conservation Officer, along with three letters of objection from the public.

The scheme was indirectly brought before planners after an enforcement investigation was started in July 2021 to look into a breach of conditions of a previously approved scheme for a new external door to provide an external dining area, an officer report saying the development was not being carried out in accordance with the previously approved plans.

That led to a 2023 application as a form of regularisation, broadly similar to the current one, which was refused in late 2024.

An officer report recommending refusal for the current scheme says submitted plans “are not an accurate illustration of the ‘as built development’”.

It added: “This application seeks to regularise the proposal, however, it does not address all the reasons for refusal as set out within [the previously refused] planning application,” going on to say: “In respect of environmental impacts, the visual impact of the proposed development harms the setting of the Masonic Hall, a Grade-IIlisted building. The proposal also fails to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Objections from the public, two from the same person, raised concerns including impact on residential amenity, and the conservation area, and not addressing issues raised in the enforcement notice.

The officer report concluded: “It is considered that the application would not comply with the policies of the Pembrokeshire Local Development Plan. The proposal fails to have special regard to preserving or enhancing the historic environment, therefore does not comply with the duty under The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 and planning permission shall be refused.”

The scheme was refused on grounds including “a harmful visual impact on the character and appearance of the listed building and this part of the Milford Haven Conservation Area,” the

and

development being of an unacceptable design,

the lack of a Green

Infrastructure Statement. Back in February, a call for the scheme to be decided by councillors rather than planning officers was narrowly turned down, after the committee’s chair cast a second vote.

Members voted three in favour of it being decided by committee, and three against; chair Cllr Guy Woodham casting a second vote in the event of a tie, again voting against the call, meaning it was later decided by officers.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

A haunting tribute to Nick Drake at the Torch

The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven will play host to a hauntingly beautiful concert on Saturday 9 August, as renowned singer and guitarist Keith James presents The Songs of Nick Drake.

Nick Drake, one of the most enigmatic and revered figures in British music, remains a cult icon whose fragile and poetic songwriting continues to resonate across generations. Though largely overlooked during his lifetime, Drake’s three cherished albums — Five Leaves Left, Bryter Layter, and Pink Moon — have since become recognised as masterpieces. Following his tragic death in 1974 at the age of just 26, his work faded briefly into obscurity before enjoying a powerful resurgence in the early 2000s, cementing his status as a national treasure.

Keith James was the first artist to bring Nick Drake’s music to UK theatres in a dedicated concert tour back in 2001. Since then, his deeply moving performances have captivated

audiences across the world — from Glastonbury Festival to Nick Drake’s own schools and colleges. Over the past two decades, James has performed more than 1,000 concerts in venues throughout the UK, Europe, the USA and South America.

A unique figure in British music, Keith James has devoted his life to songwriting, poetry, and live performance. Eschewing the commercial pop and folk scenes, he carved his own path as a thoughtful and intimate artist, beginning in the late 1970s in London’s wine bar circuit. His ability to draw audiences into the emotional core of a song has made him one of Britain’s most respected concert performers.

In addition to his talents as a musician, James is an accomplished record producer, with a deep understanding of sound that ensures every concert he delivers is acoustically rich and emotionally powerful.

Tickets for Keith James – The Songs of Nick Drake on Saturday 9 August at 7:30pm are priced at £20. For more information or to book, visit

Lifesaving club receives £500 boost from Boxing Day Swim

TENBY SURF LIFESAVING

CLUB has received a £500 donation from the organisers of the town’s iconic Boxing Day Swim.

The cheque was handed over during a presentation this week, with club members gathering on the beach to mark the occasion. The funds were raised as part of the annual festive event, which draws hundreds of swimmers and spectators to the South Beach every year.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the club, Angelo Fecci thanked the swim organisers and the local community for their ongoing support.

The club said the donation would help towards equipment and training for young lifesavers, ensuring they continue to provide a vital service throughout the summer months.

A spokesperson for the club posted on social media: “Huge thanks to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim team for their generous donation. It’s fantastic to see local events supporting local causes.”

The presentation was captured by local photographer Gareth Davies, who has waived his usual fee for the image.

Life-changing move: Disabled man praises Llanybydder’s ‘best-kept secret’

A DISABLED man who recently relocated to a supported housing complex in Llanybydder has described the move as “lifechanging” and is encouraging others to consider it.

Derek Wiltshire, who now lives at Cwm Aur – an over-55s independent living development – says the site offers an exceptional quality of life in a warm and welcoming community.

“There are 40 apartments here, and I was amazed to find that around ten are still available to let,” Mr Wiltshire said.

Cwm Aur offers both one and two-bedroom flats with lift access at either end of the building. Communal facilities include a large lounge, dining room (where lunch is served seven days a week), a library, a hobby and activities room, laundry, and even an

on-site gym.

Residents can also enjoy a full calendar of events, including quizzes, bingo, movie nights, and seated exercise classes.

“It’s Llanybydder’s best-kept secret. Everyone is so friendly, and it’s very suitable for anyone with disabilities – it’s easy to get around and fully accessible,” Mr Wiltshire said.

“There’s on-site caretakers available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and I would encourage anyone living alone or thinking of downsizing to come and take a look. This is stress-free living at its best.”

Anyone interested in viewing one of the available flats at Cwm Aur can contact the site directly on 01570 481560.

Angelo Fecci receives a £500 donation on behalf of Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography)

Public toilets at Parrog saved from closure as sale nears completion

THE PUBLIC toilets at Parrog in Newport will remain open past their planned closure date, after Newport Town Council secured further support to keep the facility running while its purchase is finalised.

The toilets, which were originally due to close on 31 March 2025, have been under threat since Pembrokeshire County Council first proposed withdrawing support in 2023. In response, Newport Town Council, backed by community groups and residents, has been working for more than a year to ensure the facilities remain open.

The Herald understands that Newport Town Council is now in the final stages of completing a deal to take over ownership of the toilets from the County Council.

An earlier agreement had guaranteed the toilets would stay open until the end of March 2025. However, with the transfer not yet complete, there were fears the facilities could be closed prematurely. Thanks to the intervention of County Councillor Huw Murphy and continued co-operation from Pembrokeshire County Council, the closure has now been delayed, and the toilets will remain open until the sale is concluded.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

“The community has come together over many months to protect this

Attenborough’s Ocean to be screened at Theatr Gwaun for Great Big Green Week

A SCREENING of David Attenborough’s latest featurelength documentary Ocean will take place at Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard, on Thursday (June 13) as part of Great Big Green Week.

Organised by local volunteers from Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG), and supported by Climate Cymru, the evening will also include a short community film and an introduction to TBG’s new energy advice service.

The event celebrates local action on climate change and highlights practical steps residents can take to live more sustainably. The screening is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire community-led solutions.

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TBG has been active in Fishguard and Goodwick since 2008, bringing people and organisations together to share skills and resources that support individuals, households and businesses to reduce their carbon impact. The group is also involved in developing renewable energy opportunities for the local community.

Anyone interested in learning more about TBG’s work in North Pembrokeshire can visit: https://transitionbrogwaun.org.uk/ contact-us

Full event details are available online at: www.greatbiggreenweek. com

A spokesperson for Newport Town Council said the toilets were a vital

asset for both residents and visitors in what is one of the town’s most popular and scenic areas.

essential service,” they said. “We are grateful for the support from Councillor Huw Murphy and the County Council, which has helped us reach this point.”

Charities invited to apply for £50,000 to help young people into work

REGISTERED charities are being invited to apply for one of two £50,000 grants from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation to support projects that help young people into employment.

The funding is open to UK-based charities working with 14 to 25-yearolds, with a particular focus on those living in areas of economic and social deprivation. Projects must show clear, measurable outcomes, and support young people to stay in education, enter training, or find work.

The scheme is part of the Foundation’s new open application programme, launched in March this year. A total of £200,000 will be distributed annually, giving more charitable organisations the chance to benefit.

In the first round, more than 800 applications were received. Thanet Community Development Trust in Kent was awarded £50,000 to help people gain qualifications for construction jobs. Another £50,000 went to Bothwell Futures in South Lanarkshire to support young people who have disengaged from education or left school without a clear career path.

Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, said: “For the second funding round, we are focusing on employability projects for young people. We want to hear from charities that share our commitment to supporting the next generation into a brighter future.”

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday, June 22. Successful charities will be notified in August. Applications can be submitted via the Foundation section of the Persimmon Corporate website: www.persimmonhomes.com/ corporate/foundation

Welsh Government extends funding for coastal capacity building

COASTAL communities across Wales – including Pembrokeshire –will benefit from a fresh injection of funding as the Welsh Government extends its Coastal Capacity Building Scheme for another two years.

The scheme, delivered in partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), will provide £260,000 per year from 2025 to 2027 to support grassroots environmental projects aimed at restoring and protecting the marine environment.

Since launching in October 2023, the scheme has already funded eleven projects that connect people with the coastal environment, helping communities understand their role in tackling nature loss. In Pembrokeshire, groups such as the local Biodiversity Partnership and marine awareness organisations are understood to be exploring applications for the next round of funding.

The next phase of the scheme will have a particular focus on fisheries, aiming to boost community capacity and ensure people living along the coast have the skills and evidence they need to support sustainable development and nature recovery.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This funding extension reflects our commitment to improving resilience in our coastal communities. These locally-led projects are exactly the kind of collaborative approach we need –

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bringing together communities, local authorities and businesses to protect our precious marine environment while creating sustainable opportunities.”

One of the current projects is the Coastal Connections initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council, which has delivered beach cleans, seashore safaris, and even a marine mammal medic course. The aim is to reconnect people with the coastline and highlight habitats that are often overlooked in post-industrial landscapes.

Rebecca Sharp, Countryside and Wildlife Team Leader for Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Neath Port Talbot’s coastline is generally associated with its rich industrial heritage rather than its habitats and wild spaces. The Coastal Connections project aimed to change that narrative – and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Locally, similar projects could include work with school children, harbour users, conservation groups and the fishing industry, particularly in areas such as Milford Haven, Fishguard, Tenby and St Davids. Applications for the next round of funding are now open. Interested groups should contact their Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator, who will act as the lead applicant. Further information is available by emailing lnpcymru@wcva.cymru.

Empowering amputees through co-production and digital innovation

A GROUNDBREAKING new initiative led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is set to transform the way psychological and emotional support is delivered to people living with limb loss.

The Walking in Our Shoes project, launched by UWTSD’s Centre for Psychology and Counselling in partnership with national charity Limbless Association and funded by The VTCT Foundation, places lived experience at the heart of resource development. By combining the voices of amputees with cutting-edge digital design, the project aims to co-create meaningful psychosocial support tools.

Central to the project is the principle of co-production—ensuring that those who have experienced limb loss are fully involved in designing the tools and support others will rely on. The first co-production workshop was recently held at the Heath Community Centre in Cardiff, where ten volunteers with lived experience came together to share insights and ideas alongside the university’s research team.

One of the participants, amputee Barrie Evans, explained: “Being involved in this gives me a chance to prove there is life after limb loss. Your world can go on,

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even if it is in a slightly different way. If I can help one person not go through what I went through, that will make me happy.”

Dr Ceri Phelps, Health Psychologist and Project Lead at UWTSD, said:

“This project is about truly listening to people whose lives have been altered by limb loss. We’re developing psychoeducational resources informed by real experiences to help address the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by this community. Working with the Limbless Association ensures this work is grounded in the realities of amputees across the UK.”

Deborah Bent, CEO of the Limbless Association, described the project as “vitally needed,” and praised its focus on psychological outcomes. “Amputation is a hugely traumatic, life-changing experience. As a user-led charity for over 40 years, we bring a wealth of lived experience to this collaboration and are proud to support its development.”

Support for the project also comes from UWTSD’s Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) and the Wales Institute of Digital Information (WIDI), who

are working on the best ways to present the content digitally.

Dr Fatma Layas, Innovation Fellow at ATiC, said: “We are committed to codesigning digital tools that are meaningful, intuitive, and empowering. Our work is informed by direct observation and usability testing to ensure the final platform meets the real needs of those it is designed for.”

Further focus groups will be held across the UK in the coming months, aiming to capture a broader range of experiences. The team will assess how the resulting tools support amputees throughout their

journey—from hospital discharge to social reintegration—and explore their potential in raising public awareness and empathy.

Associate Professor Paul Hutchings added: “The psychological impact of limb loss can be as profound as the physical. By educating the wider public, we can foster a more empathetic and informed society—one better equipped to support those living with limb difference.”

For more information or to get involved, contact Dr Ceri Phelps at ceri.phelps@uwtsd.ac.uk. Visit the Limbless Association at www.limblessassociation.org.

Year 8 pupils to perform at YPDVA Expressive Arts Festival

DEWI CAMPUS will host a vibrant evening of drama, music and art on Thursday June 26, as Year 8 pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA take centre stage for their Expressive Arts Festival.

Families are being invited to attend the 6:00pm showcase, where students will present short ‘scratch’ performances—informal pieces developed during class time without the benefit of extra rehearsals. The evening will include a series of short plays performed by each form group, alongside musical and dance numbers that reflect the pupils’ work in lessons.

Organisers say the festival offers an “authentic purpose for learning” and a valuable opportunity for families to see what students have been creating in their performing arts classes. While the event is not a full-scale school production, the performances will give a snapshot of the pupils’ creativity and enthusiasm.

Tickets are free, with two allocated per family in the first instance. These must be confirmed via an online form by Wednesday 18th June at 3:00pm. Any unclaimed tickets will be made available to the wider community from

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Thursday 19th June, with additional reservations possible through the school office.

Although there is no charge, voluntary donations will be welcomed at the door. All proceeds will go toward funding future performing arts events and purchasing fiction books for the school.

Pupils will either remain in school after lessons under staff supervision or return by 5:00pm via the hall entrance. Audience members will be admitted from 5:45pm.

Parents are also being asked to help provide simple costumes—dark trousers or leggings, and plain dark tops without logos. Any difficulties sourcing clothing or props will be addressed by the school.

In addition to the live performances, a special exhibition of Year 8 artwork will be on display in the windows of Oriel-Y-Parc gallery from 24th June until the end of term, featuring portraits and silk textile paintings created by the school’s young artists.

C Bramley, Assistant Headteacher, and Mrs K Morris, Head of Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, thanked parents for their continued support.

“We’re excited to see our students bring their work to life and look forward to welcoming families for what promises to be a creative and uplifting evening,” they said.

Mrs

Half a century of song for dedicated chorister

A CHORISTER with half a century of service was honoured at a recent performance by the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir.

Winston Owens, a baritone, was presented with a framed certificate by choir chairman Huw Morgan during a concert at St Mary’s Church, Angle — one of the choir’s many engagements this year. The award marked Winston’s remarkable 50 years of dedication to

the choir, having joined in 1975. Over the decades, Winston has performed in countless concerts and served as a mentor to many new recruits, helping guide them in both voice and confidence. In that time, he has sung under just four musical directors: founder W.P. ‘Bill’ Lewis,

followed by David Gwynne, Christine Lloyd, and current musical director Juliet Rossiter.

The Angle concert was very well attended, with a warm welcome extended by Chris Hirst. Master of Ceremonies Matthew John opened proceedings by revealing that it was Chris’s birthday — prompting an impromptu rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ by the choir and audience.

The evening also featured two notable firsts: a soloist debut by Mirelle Ryan of Pembroke Dock, and the choir’s first public performance of Elvis Presley’s classic The Wonder of You, which has been recently added to their repertoire. Accompaniment throughout the evening was provided by the Rev William Lambert, who is also Priest-in-Charge of the Angle Peninsula churches, including St Mary’s.

Mirelle delighted the audience with four songs, and the choir is looking forward to welcoming her back for future concerts. Juliet Rossiter gave her approval to the choir’s Elvis debut, praising their performance after only a few weeks of rehearsal.

After the concert, refreshments were served in the village hall, with thanks given by Huw Morgan to the church ladies for their hospitality.

The choir’s next appearance will be at St John’s Church, Tenby, on Tuesday, June 17, starting at 8:00pm — the first of two visits to the venue this year.

MIKE EDWARDS

LAST Saturday was dry, mild, sunny, and I had the sense that the world was beginning to look like summer might arrive during summer.

Yes, I would soon be back out in the garden tending my beloved plants and fighting my continual battle against slugs, snails, and next door’s fleabitten moggy. That ginger beast can’t outrun my lawnmower forever.

My reverie on pleasant things that would be happening in the not-toodistant future was disturbed when my wife revealed that the rather more imminent future would involve physical exertion, much sweating, and Wellington boots.

Yes, reader, it was that time of year again. Time for the annual ‘big walk’.

I dared not complain. The wife was wrapped in so many layers of combustible material of varying neon hues that one spark might have resulted in a display of fireworks to rival those at the Rio Carnival or on Sydney Harbour Bridge at New Year’s.

I headed truculently into the kitchen, my eagle eyes alert to any object that might cause me an incapacitating injury that could recur at convenient future movements.

I pulled on my old walking boots from where they were quietly fermenting and shoved my feet in. Gilet slipped over the jumper with the Rudolf Reindeer pattern, which I had seldom changed since Christmas.

“We’re going somewhere different this year, Mike.” The wife told me. I shuddered. What had she found on Google?

We drove on and on until we arrived in a tiny village surrounded by roadworks. As we parked, I noticed a sign—‘Waterfall Country’.

The wife strode off confidently , and I followed. Through a small gate, we were on a winding muddy track alongside which flowed water bubbling over what I could not help noticing were decidedly jagged rocks. I looked at a sign. This was a thirty-five-minute walk. We walked on and on. I couldn’t help but notice that thirty-five minutes came and went, with no end in sight to our tromping.

The mud became slicker and deeper. Soon, every step was accompanied by the sort of horrible sucking sounds associated with a vampire convention in a convent.

Finally, the path split in two; there was a sign reading ‘viewing point’. It was up a flight of the muddiest and most lethal-looking steps I had ever seen. We negotiated with some care. There was a large level area of churned mud. I want to say that the view of the waterfall was worth the sweat, toil, and mud. But I was too busy rescuing the wife who had slipped and landed on her back, struggling like a stranded tortoise to get up.

The walk back to the car was silent. It was dusk when we reached it.

The journey home ditto. It was dark as we pulled onto the drive.

Finally... I thought... an end to the ritual torture of my feet.

As we got to the house, the wife looked at me: “Well, that was nice! We’ll have to do it again!”

Pictured in St Mary’s Church, Angle, are (left to right): Male Voice Chairman Huw Morgan, 50-year chorister Winston Owens, soloist Mirelle Ryan, Stage Manager David Halsted, Secretary David Powell, and Accompanist the Rev William Lambert.

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Crowds turn out in force to celebrate Milford Haven’s 235th birthday

CHARLES STREET in Milford Haven was packed with smiling faces on Saturday (June 7) as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025—marking 235 years since the town was established in 1790.

The event, organised by the Milford Haven Business Circle, was a vibrant showcase of local pride and community spirit, with live performances, funfair rides, and charity stalls lining the street from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr William

Elliott, officially welcomed guests with his consort Mr Lloyd Jones, joined by dignitaries from across the county, including mayors and mayoresses of Haverfordwest, Neyland, and Pembroke. Paul Davies MS formally opened the day’s proceedings outside the Boulevard Theatre, where host Chris Didcote led the entertainment schedule.

Crowds enjoyed performances from Al ’n’ Steph, Milford Haven Town Band, Gelliswick Community Choir, and local favourites Tom & Abz, before

Greenlight Traffic Management, and many local businesses.

the Boulevard Theatre Team closed the stage with a lively finale.

Young families flocked to the free bouncy castles and children’s rides, while shoppers browsed local crafts, food vans, and raffles in support of the community. Stalls from businesses and charities added to the festive feel, with music and laughter echoing through the town centre.

Organisers paid tribute to the volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible, including Port of Milford Haven, Pegasus Ambulance Service, Milford Haven Town Council,

In a post-event message, Milford Haven Town Council described the day as “fantastic,” noting the busy street scene and joyful atmosphere. “Thank you to the Milford Haven Business Circle for their efforts and great work in organising the day,” the council wrote.

The celebration brought together generations in honour of the town’s founding, originally established by Sir William Hamilton in 1790 as a planned maritime community.

The Herald understands the event will now become a firm fixture in the town’s annual calendar.

Chris Didcote provided entertainment on the day (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Crowds at a busy Founding Day (Pic: H Hammond/Herald)

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Milford Haven celebrates community heroes at Citizens’ Awards 2025

A HEARTWARMING celebration took place at the Pill Social Centre on Friday evening (June 6) as Milford Haven Town Council hosted its annual Citizens’ Awards Ceremony.

The evening recognised the outstanding contributions of local individuals and groups who go above and beyond for the community.

A Mayor’s Civic Award was presented to Mr Rob Allen, in recognition of his service, commitment, and leadership as Chair of the Milford Haven Round Table during the last financial year.

This year’s Citizens’ Awards were awarded to:

• Alexia Morgans-Hurley and Helen Davies (joint award) – for their dedication to Girlguiding Pembrokeshire

• Lizzy Austwick – for her work with animal rescue in Milford Haven through South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue

• Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Margaret Gage – for her continued support of the Milford Haven Sea Cadets &

Royal Marines Cadets

• Robert Hoggins – for bringing joy to many through his volunteering, fundraising, and work with the Precelly Place planter

• Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society – for their long-standing commitment to performance and the arts in the town

Entertainment on the night was provided by the Milford Haven Town Band and the Gelliswick Community Choir, adding a celebratory atmosphere

to the proceedings.

Special thanks were extended to Cllr Vicky Brown and Cllr Colin Sharp, who lightened the evening with their entertaining ‘Ant and Dec’ style compering.

The Council also thanked Victoria’s Buffets for providing delicious refreshments, and The Pill Social Centre for once again being generous and welcoming hosts. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners – your dedication to Milford Haven is truly appreciated.

Ginny & Georgia Season 3

Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia has always walked a fine line between small-town charm and chaotic intensity—and Season 3 leans fully into its emotional complexity, offering the most mature and highstakes storytelling yet.

From its opening moments, Season 3 raises the stakes for the Miller family in a way that feels both daring and earned. This season isn’t about high school dances or quirky neighbors— it’s about the consequences of buried secrets, the cost of loyalty, and what it means to protect the ones you love. The tone is darker, but never hopeless. In fact, what makes this chapter so compelling is how it blends messy family drama with moments of surprising tenderness and humor.

Brianne Howey delivers a powerhouse performance as Georgia, whose world begins to unravel in unexpected ways. She portrays the character with more vulnerability than we’ve seen before, balancing fierce survival instincts with raw emotional cracks. Meanwhile, Antonia Gentry continues to shine as Ginny, now more emotionally grounded but just as complex. The mother-daughter dynamic remains the show’s driving force, and this season pushes it to new, emotionally resonant depths.

Mental health, identity, and personal agency are major throughlines this time around. Rather than shying away from difficult conversations, the show confronts them headon—whether it’s about trauma, self-worth, or navigating adult

decisions as a young person. There’s a notable shift in how the story treats these issues, with a sense of thoughtfulness that’s both timely and responsible.

Visually, the show remains slick and engaging, with fastpaced editing and sharp dialogue. But it’s the writing that stands out most this season. The characters feel fuller, more livedin, and their arcs—while still laced with the series’ signature drama—carry emotional weight.

That said, the series still indulges in its soapier instincts. At times, the narrative veers into over-the-top territory, and some twists require a suspension of disbelief. But for fans who’ve embraced Ginny & Georgia’s wild energy, this will feel like an evolution, not a departure.

28 years later

NEARLY a quarter of a century after 28 Days Later first unleashed the Rage Virus onto British cinema screens, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return to the world they helped define with 28 Years Later—the long-awaited continuation of one of the UK’s most iconic modern horror franchises. Reuniting the creative core of the original, the new film is set to hit UK cinemas on 20 June 2025, bringing a fresh vision of devastation, survival, and evolution to audiences who’ve waited patiently— and nervously—for the next outbreak.

set in a post-apocalyptic Britain that has largely been left to rot, the film introduces us to a secluded island community that has managed to stay untouched by the horrors of the mainland. This fragile sanctuary is shaken when a father and son make the fateful decision to journey across the causeway and explore what remains of England. What they find is worse than expected: the virus hasn’t just survived—it has changed.

From the first haunting frames, the atmosphere is thick with dread. Opening with a child’s voice singing the Teletubbies theme—twisted into something uncanny and eerie—the tone is pure folk horror meets urban decay. The mood is bleak, intimate, and authentically British, evoking both the trauma of past films and a contemporary anxiety that

feels closer to home than ever.

Leading the new cast is Jodie Comer as Isla, a woman with fractured memories and a quiet resilience, partnered with Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie, a protector shaped by hardship.

Ralph Fiennes plays Dr Ian Kelson, a cold, calculating figure whose motivations remain unsettlingly ambiguous. The ensemble is rounded out by rising UK talents including Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Alfie Williams—offering both raw emotional power and a grounded sense of realism. Their performances anchor a story that is as much about the psychological toll of survival as it is about the infected. This is not just a film about monsters, but about what happens when civilisation breaks and something far older, darker, and more desperate takes its place.

While fans may have hoped for Jim’s return, Cillian Murphy’s role this time is behind the scenes. Serving as executive producer, his influence is clear—especially in the film’s creative risks and emotional undercurrent. Though not appearing on screen in this first instalment, Murphy is expected to reprise his role in the second chapter of this new trilogy, currently titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, due early 2026.

Danny Boyle brings a raw immediacy to the film’s visuals, experimenting with unconventional techniques including the use of iPhones

for a hyper-real, documentary feel. Shot in a striking ultrawidescreen format, the film manages to blend gritty streetlevel chaos with sweeping, desolate landscapes of a Britain forgotten by the rest of the world.

What makes 28 Years Later particularly compelling is its commitment to psychological horror. It’s not just about fast zombies—it’s about what fear, isolation, and desperation do to people over time. The infected may still sprint, scream, and terrify, but it’s the humans— their cults, their trauma, their broken societies—that linger in the mind long after the credits roll.

This isn’t a nostalgic retread, but a bold reimagining. Boyle and Garland aren’t just revisiting old ground—they’re expanding it. The story feels urgent and contemporary, touching on climate dread, media decay, and the lingering aftershocks of collective trauma. It’s a horror film, yes, but also a sobering reflection on the state of a fractured world—and a fractured UK.

As the first chapter of a planned trilogy, 28 Years Later sets a high bar. With stunning performances, sharp direction, and a haunting sense of place, it promises not only to satisfy longtime fans but also to hook a new generation of viewers. Brutal, brilliant, and unmistakably British, it may well become one of the year’s defining cinematic events.

Tech and Taff

META FINALLY BARES ALL OVER ‘NUDIFY’ APP SCANDAL

Now then, butt, if you’ve spent more than five minutes online recently without being bombarded by nonsense AI ads, you’re either blessed or using dial-up from a caravan in Cilgerran. This week’s digital drama comes courtesy of Meta— yes, that’s Facebook and Insta to you and me—who’ve finally decided to sue the pants off a company flogging so-called “nudify” apps.

What’s a nudify app, you ask? Think Photoshop meets perv: these dodgy tools use AI to strip clothes off people in photos—without their say-so. Lovely stuff. The firm behind it, going by the name CrushAI, has been playing hideand-seek with Meta for months, firing out thousands of sleazy ads across their platforms. According to a watchdog blog called FakedUp (yes, really), they clocked over 8,000 of these digital dirty tricks back in January alone.

Meta’s now finally cracked and taken CrushAI to court. In their own words, they’re doing it to protect the “community” – that’s you, me, your nan, and everyone in between. They’ve also shared over 3,800 links to similar sites with other tech companies to try and stem the AI sleaze tsunami. Better late than never, I suppose.

This isn’t just about pervy pixels.

AI’s also being used to crank out deepfake scams, including a Facebook post featuring a doctored video of Brazilian footie legend Ronaldo. Not the pastahair Ronaldo, the other one. Even Meta’s Oversight Board gave them a ticking off for leaving that up.

Now, political deepfakes are another headache. Meta’s made it a rule that if you’re using AI in political ads, you’ve got to come clean. Probably because no-one wants a CGI Nigel Farage moonwalking into Number 10.

Back in April, the Children’s Commissioner for England said these apps are so dodgy they should be banned outright—and honestly, she’s not wrong. While AI can do brilliant things (like helping this columnist remember his online banking password), it’s also being used to churn out absolute filth, scams, and fakes faster than a Barry Island burger van on bank holiday.

So fair play to Meta for finally taking action—but let’s not kid ourselves. Big Tech’s been asleep at the wheel while these apps have run riot. Maybe next time, instead of letting the algorithms run wild, they could try something radical—like moderation.

Until next time, keep your data locked down, your AI settings tight, and your nudes strictly analogue.

Professor Barry Davis University of Cardiff (probably)

The Rozzers bring the music of Sting and The Police to life at the Torch

AUDIENCES are in for a musical treat this July as A Tribute to Sting and The Police, performed by leading tribute act The Rozzers, takes to the stage at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.

Fronted by Owen James, a remarkable Sting look- and soundalike, The Rozzers are widely regarded as the most authentic Sting and The Police tribute in Europe. Having performed internationally for several years, the band is now embarking on its biggest UK tour to date – and the Torch Theatre is proud to be part of the journey.

The Police dominated the music scene between 1977 and 1983, scoring five number-one hits on both sides of the Atlantic. Sting then launched a hugely successful solo career, going on to sell over 100 million records across his body of work. He has

received multiple accolades, including three Brit Awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and four Academy Award nominations. Just over a decade ago, he was named an Ivor Novello Fellow – one of the highest honours in British songwriting.

Fans can expect pitch-perfect renditions of the classics, from Roxanne and Every Breath You Take to solo favourites like Fields of Gold and Englishman in New York. The band’s attention to detail and vocal accuracy promises a night of nostalgia and world-class entertainment.

A Tribute to Sting and The Police starring The Rozzers comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday 5 July at 7:30pm. Tickets are £24 and can be booked online at torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267. Early booking is advised.

GAmING

GEX TRILogy

THE upcoming GEX Trilogy bundles together three beloved retro platformers: Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. These classics are being remastered using Limited Run Games’ Carbon Engine and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam and GOG). The digital release is set for 16 June 2025, with physical editions also confirmed.

There are several editions available. The Standard Edition is priced at around £34.99 and will be available both digitally and physically. The Classic Edition (approx. £64.99) includes a SteelBook case, poster, and a CD soundtrack. For collectors, the Tail Time Edition (roughly £159.99) offers a 36” inflatable Gex, a 7” statue, trading cards, the complete soundtrack, and

exclusive artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.

The remasters include a host of modern features such as full analogue control, widescreen support for the two 3D titles, and resolution upgrades. Quality-oflife improvements include save states, a rewind function, music player, media viewer, and neverbefore-seen interview footage with Dana Gould, the original voice actor of Gex. Trophies and achievements are also supported on console platforms.

Initial reception has been mixed. While fans appreciate having all three titles in one polished package, it’s worth noting that this is an emulationbased remaster—not a full remake. The Carbon Engine retains much of the original look and feel, meaning older camera systems and visuals are still

present. Some players welcome this authentic retro experience, while others feel it lacks the visual overhaul seen in remakes like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy or Spyro Reignited.

What the GEX Trilogy does offer is a faithful revival of a cult classic. All of Dana Gould’s quirky voice lines remain intact and are more accessible than ever. And for retro fans or collectors, the physical editions—with extras like trading cards and Amano artwork—offer strong nostalgic appeal.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to replay the Gex series with a few modern comforts, this is an easy recommendation. But if you’re after a completely modernised remake, it may fall short of expectations.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

TAURUS

Are

GEMINI

You’re a clever, witty person, and it takes a lot to confuse you. Today’s events, though, might throw you off your game, especially if you feel the need to ask someone for advice. Don’t feel bad about it, and don’t let anyone give you a look or a comment that makes you feel weird. Everyone is entitled to be surprised every now and then!

CANCER

Learn to quietly (but firmly) close the door to rooms that you aren’t coming back to. Let the past stay where it belongs. You’re on the brink of something new, and there’s just no need to drag the carcasses of dead and buried situations into it. Let yourself start fresh, and try to see all the possibilities of this brand-new moment. If you’re embarking on a new relationship, it’s crucial to stay present in the moment.

LEO Sometimes all you need is one little spark and then suddenly it’s as if everything is illuminated. The answer to a torturous problem you’ve had at work might bring with it unexpected and welcome gifts, such as a whole new perspective on what’s been going on in your relationships and your private life. This realization should give you the power to change things around here for the better.

VIRGO

Someone you’ve been close with for a long time, someone who’s always acted like a good friend and nothing more, has recently had a lot more than friendship in mind. In fact, they’ve probably had these feelings for as long as you’ve known each other. It’s hard to get your mind around it, but if you think about all the little signals you’ve been ignoring, you should see it. You know what to do now.

LIBRA

Relationships are what you’re best at, so when someone you know shakes things up in a big way by doing something that’s totally out of character, it leaves you wondering who they really are and what they’re really doing. That’s no fun, but it’s happening now, and you have to call on every bit of your normally uncanny intuition to get through it.

SCORPIO

You have to go for it in a big way today. Ask for that promotion or pursue that new client with all the persuasive zeal you can muster, which is a lot! Your enthusiasm may be so infectious that you inadvertently inspire a group of supporters who are swept away by your can-do spirit. Still, it’s important to sort out who’s genuinely loyal.

SAGITTARIUS

Are you feeling stuck and wondering how you got here? This probably isn’t the destination you had in mind when you first set out, so look around and observe the situation. Most importantly, observe yourself as you relate to the situation. The Universe doesn’t leave anything to chance, so if you’re here, there’s a good reason for it. Take advantage of this opportunity to focus on developing your strengths.

CAPRICORN

It’s quite tempting to do something that feels good in the moment, but you need to consider the consequences of what is sure to happen later, not to mention how you might feel following your actions. If you know regret is in your future if you don’t stop yourself, then why do it? Refuse to jump into this hole. Treat yourself with the respect you deserve. Aren’t you worth the best care around?

AQUARIUS

Don’t talk yourself into something just because someone close thinks it’s best for you, especially if your heart is sending you a completely different message. Listen carefully to those instincts, and don’t push them aside even if there’s no logical reason for what you’re feeling. You’re no robot, and you need to be sure to follow your heart when it’s most important, like right now.

PISCES

You’ve been privy to top-secret info lately, and also on the receiving end of several monologues you

wITH EDDIE THE GAmE GURU

Badger and the Great Grants Swindle Gaming the System

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT doesn’t want you to look too closely at its grants to local authorities and readers.

You can find the headline figures easily enough, how many hundreds of millions it doles out to councils to spend on what the Welsh Government tells them. However, drilling down into what each council gets and where it ends up is significantly trickier unless a scandal reveals how that money has been wasted or misspent.

In Pembrokeshire, we remember the Commercial Properties Grant Scheme. That was a European funding scheme administered by the Welsh Government’s European Funding Office. It was subject to fraud by a developer in cahoots with at least one council officer and an inept attempt by other council officers to conceal it.

Some people with small horizons and no imagination take that as evidence of Pembrokeshire County Council’s unique combination of ineptitude and graft.

Hah!

Badger doesn’t laugh much, readers, but “hah!”

Carmarthenshire County Council took millions out of a Europeanfunded coastal communities scheme and misused the money to bolster its general budget. That wasn’t a case of

a bent officer and a crooked developer. It was a deliberate decision to misapply public funds intended to benefit deprived coastal communities and use them for whatever the hell officers and councillors decided.

In the Valleys, similar funding streams were misused to buy votes and target big-money developments in areas where the Labour vote was under pressure. The results were so laughable and the benefits so negligible that instead of voting to remain in the EU to continue the flow of tens of millions of pounds of EU money, the Welsh Valleys voted to leave.

Similarly, the Welsh Government’s Communities First programme, for all the good it undoubtedly achieved in some areas, was plagued by instances of pork-barrelling by local politicians seeking to curry favour with community groups. It wasn’t helped by instances of corruption within a small minority of schemes. And for all the isolated instances where Communities First funding delivered lasting benefits, it did not move the dial on long-term poverty in Wales’s most deprived areas one inch.

Delivering community benefits under the weight of an onerous and box-ticking bureaucracy is very hard. An example from a recent private sector tender document shows that

even family-based micro-enterprises employing a handful of members of the same family must provide a host of policy documents (modern slavery, carbon reduction, DEI) to be considered for a relatively minor public contract. Imagine that bureaucracy duplicated against thousands of bids for funding made by thousands of community groups across Wales’s twenty-two local authorities.

In short, grants are expensive and wasteful to administer, prone to systemic misuse and fraud, and almost never achieve the lofty aims behind them.

But there’s more than that.

Let’s look at education. The Welsh Government doesn’t trust local authorities to decide their priorities for education provision. Instead, the Welsh Government doles out money to enable councils to deliver what it decides a council area needs. In Pembrokeshire, that means an increase in Welshmedium education. That is undoubtedly a good idea. Welsh is the language of Wales and ties us to a shared culture and heritage that brings together all those in Wales. You do not need to be a Welsh speaker to understand that. In addition, bi-lingual education produces better educational outcomes, and Welsh-medium education produces even better ones. There’s no mystery about how Ysgol Preseli carries Pembrokeshire’s exam results and has for years. Its students are no brighter than those from other schools, but they gain benefit from learning in two worlds - Anglophone and Welsh.

However, the decision to put resources into Welsh-medium education has caused division and resentment. Badger is not going to rehearse that argument here. It’s had enough of a recent airing. What he will say is that some people, otherwise wholly uninterested in the Welsh language, will excuse any language and any conduct if it’s made by one of their friends or colleagues on the local authority.

Badger uses that as an example of how national policy aims do not always mesh with what communities think they need.

Staying with education, however, Badger wants to look at how Pembrokeshire County Council dealt

with a specific grant.

County Council leader Jon Harvey personally authorised over £560k of spending on urgent works to Greenhill School on Wednesday, April 16. Badger has no complaint about that. If bits are falling off schools, even in Tenby, repairs are necessary.

Dig a little deeper, though, and something emerges from the mist and mystery of how the council handles grants.

Pembrokeshire delivers secondary education at eight sites. Those are Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Preseli, Greenhill, Ysgol Harri Tudur, Milford Haven School, Haverfordwest High School, Ysgol Caer Elen, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi. Five of those schools have had the benefit of either significant upgrades or are newly built. The other three, Preseli, Greenhill, and Milford, are in different stages of decay and disrepair. They are almost certainly not fit for their current purpose and definitely not fit for the future. Badger dreads to think how much asbestos riddles their walls. What he can say is that their fabric and structural integrity are risk factors that must exercise the minds of Pembrokeshire’s Education Directorate.

Greenhill’s dilapidated state has been evident for some time. As with all buildings, the school’s lifespan is finite. Greenhill is beyond its endpoint.

The County Council had the money to carry out the “urgent” repairs last year. Instead, the local authority spent the money elsewhere within the education estate. Among the projects funded were long-overdue asbestos works at Ysgol Preseli.

The project’s budget was earmarked within the Welsh Government Education Backlog Maintenance Grant provision for 2024-25. Note the word “backlog” readers. Now, the money for the urgent works will come from the council’s building maintenance reserves for its schools’ capital programme.

One thing’s for sure: the cost of the repairs will not have gone down.

The council is gambling that it will get the money to do the work back as part of another grant from the Welsh Government. The council’s conduct is one example of how grants can be gamed and, importantly, how the Welsh Government allows them to be gamed.

NUTTERS IN THE NEST

Farage, ghosts and the great British drama

By

Stephen Seagull, your feathered friend on the docks

WELL now, what a week for the political seagull watchers among us. If you thought Reform UK was just another party of puffed-up pigeons flapping about with leaflets, think again. These birds are full-on reality TV – and I should know, I once dive-bombed a hen do on the Tenby lifeboat and still ended up with less drama than Reform’s Zia Yusuf managed in 72 hours.

One minute he’s squawking his resignation. Next he’s back in the nest. Then his job gets split in two like a poorly buttered bacon bap. And now, just when you thought the feathers had settled, Nigel Farage comes flapping out of the shadows with a new party chairman: Dr David Bull. Yes, that David Bull – the one who used to present ghost-hunting telly and probably believes orbs are just shy fairies.

And look, I’m not saying the man isn’t qualified to chair a political party. I’m just saying it’s a bold move to put your faith in someone whose main qualification is hearing things go bump in the night

and declaring it was probably a Roman soldier with unfinished business. Still, stranger things have happened. I once saw a puffin win £20 on a scratchcard outside Milford Haven Tesco. Honest truth.

This is the kind of stuff you can’t make up. Honestly, if a seagull wrote it on the back of a Greggs wrapper and shouted it from a lamppost, even I’d say, “Come off it, mate.”

Still, I admire the hustle. While the Labour lot speak like someone’s left a dull voicemail on repeat, and the Tories are too busy eating each other like chips in a heatwave, old Nige is out there promising to reopen steelworks in Port Talbot. That’s right — reopen. Like you can just pour a bit of Red Bull on a cold furnace and shout “Make Britain Great Again!”

You’ve got to admire the confidence. Or the delusion. Or both.

But here’s the thing, and it’s as true in politics as it is on the docks: the British public love a bit of chaos. They don’t want grey-suited clipboard types talking about fiscal responsibility. No, they want nutters with conviction. Passion! Fire! Possibly even actual fires.

Farage has that rogue energy. He’s the political equivalent of that one seagull who steals your chips, poos on your windscreen, and still gets invited on Question Time. He’d turn up at a Milford Haven council meeting, shout something about liberty, throw a haddock at the mayor, and walk out to applause.

And it works. The more bonkers it gets – chairs resigning, ghost hunters in charge, promises to restart the industrial revolution with a paperclip and some old ambition – the more people flock to it. It’s like a weird pantomime where everyone’s booing but secretly loves it. Even the boos sound like votes now.

So while Keir Starmer mumbles like a tannoy announcement at Llanelli station, Farage is out here doing punchlines. “Maybe we hit a speed bump,” he said of the whole Yusuf resignation debacle. “Maybe it’s because we were driving over 20mph.” Mate, I’ve seen better excuses from gulls caught nicking a Babybel from a toddler.

But here’s the real clanger. Reform’s poll numbers? Up. After all that nonsense? Still rising like the smell of old fish in the sun.

Because discipline is boring. Order is dull. And these days, the punters want chaos with a pint. They want politics like they want their telly: unhinged,

unscripted, and probably featuring someone who talks to ghosts.

Don’t get me wrong — I love a bit of order when I’m trying to steal chips in an organised fashion. But even I have to admit, there’s something deeply British about backing a bloke who’s basically a walking pub rant in pinstripes.

So will Farage be Prime Minister? I mean, stranger things have happened. Derek Acorah might not be available to serve as Home Secretary – having crossed over to the big séance in the sky back in 2020 – but honestly, that probably wouldn’t stop him standing in North Cornwall for Reform. And he’d probably win.

As for me, I’ll be watching from my perch above the docks with a bag of stolen Frazzles, one eye on the horizon and the other on County Hall, where I half-expect the next Reform candidate to announce they’re a clairvoyant lobster who used to run a vape shop in Llangwm. Because when it comes to British politics now, you just never know who’s going to come squawking out next. Till next week, keep your wings dry, your beak sharp, and remember – never trust a man who promises to restart a blast furnace with vibes alone.

— Stephen Seagull

How Queenie the labrador changed a life

And why dogs matter more than ever this Loneliness Awareness Week

As Loneliness Awareness Week (June 9–15) gets underway, the team at Dogs Trust Cardiff are reminding us that dogs are so much more than companions—they can be lifelines.

Recent research from Dogs Trust shows that a staggering 96% of people believe that owning a dog is good for their mental health. That comes as no surprise to Stephen Thompson, who says that rehoming Queenie, a Labrador from the Cardiff rehoming

centre, transformed his life in ways he never imagined.

“We were told Queenie was a stray and had been through a rough time,” Stephen said. “She was shy at first, but we visited a few times to let her warm up to us. From the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one.”

Before Queenie came into his life, Stephen says he barely left the house. “I’d just go to the supermarket, and that was about it. I’m a big bloke and I think people used to avoid me. But now, thanks to Queenie, strangers stop to talk. She’s given me a reason to get outside, to walk, and even

helped me lose weight.”

Far from being just a pet, Queenie has become a social bridge and a source of joy not only for Stephen, but for his entire family. “She’s brought us all closer. She’s more than a dog—she’s part of the family.”

Dogs Trust hopes that stories like Queenie’s will help break the stigma around loneliness, encouraging more people to talk openly and consider whether a four-legged friend could be just the change they need.

With loneliness among the over-50s projected to hit two million by 2026, the power

of a wagging tail and a pair of kind eyes shouldn’t be underestimated. While a dog isn’t a cure-all, 89% of dog owners report becoming more active, and over half say they feel less socially isolated. If you think a canine companion could be right for you, Dogs Trust Cardiff is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00–4:00pm. No appointment needed— just pop in and meet the dogs waiting for a new start.

To learn more, visit www. dogstrust.org.uk/cardiff

Stephen and Queenie enjoying life together (Pic: Dogs Trust).

Catchment area change for Haverfordwest school approved

AMENDMENT to an ‘oversight’ error in a Pembrokeshire school catchment area have been backed by senior councillors.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of June 2, members were asked to amend the school catchment area for Waldo Williams Primary School so that the new school site sits within its boundary.

Back in 2019, Waldo Williams Primary School was established and utilised on both of the former school sites for Mount Airey Nursery and Infants School and Haverfordwest Church in Wales VC School after they were previously discontinued.

Following a refurbishment of the school building as part of the Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning

Programme, Waldo Williams Primary School moved to the former Ysgol Glan Cleddau School site at Scarrowscant Lane, Haverfordwest in February 2022.

“However, the new school site currently sits marginally outside the existing catchment area, and it is logical that this is addressed by amending the catchment boundary,” report for members said.

It added: “It is proposed that, with effect from September 2025: The catchment area for Waldo Williams Primary School is extended marginally eastwards to include the location of the new school site on Scarrowscant Lane with the catchment area for Fenton Community Primary School realigned accordingly.”

It concluded: “It is acknowledged that the school site moved in February 2022, and the catchment area should have been amended at that time, but this was an oversight,” adding:

“There is evidence that no current pupils live in the area subject to the proposed change and extending the catchment area will therefore merely formalise access to the school in the future.”

It was recommended that “Cabinet approves the proposal to extend the catchment area of Waldo Williams Primary School to include the location of the new school site on Scarrowscant Lane, with the catchment area for Fenton Community Primary School realigned accordingly”.

Members unanimously backed the recommendation, which had been moved by Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham.

Parents in Ceredigion blindsided by school transport changes

PARENTS across Ceredigion say they have been left “blindsided” by a sudden change to school transport rules which restrict free bus travel to only the nearest secondary school — even when another school is just marginally further away.

The new interpretation of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 means children who live more than three miles from school are eligible for free transport — but only if that school is deemed the nearest ‘suitable’ one.

The policy is being applied strictly, with families reporting that even a difference of half a mile between two schools is being used to deny access to school buses — despite places being offered and bus services already running past children’s homes.

Campaigners say the change, introduced without public consultation, has already forced some children to switch schools or make long and impractical journeys. A new grassroots group, Let Us Travel – Ceredigion, is calling on the council to pause enforcement and review the policy.

Miesha Evans, whose son was due to attend Ysgol Aberteifi, said: “There’s a school bus that passes our house every morning with empty seats. My son has a place at the school, but now the council says he can’t get on it — because another school is half a mile closer on paper. It’s nonsense, and families like mine feel ignored.”

A parent from Beulah added: “We applied in good faith after attending open days and reading the bus timetables. Now we’re being told our daughter can’t even travel with her

own sibling.”

Other parents have highlighted cases where public buses are not a viable option due to cost, timing, or safety concerns. One campaigner said: “There’s a public bus from the town two miles away, but it leaves very early and doesn’t return until after 5:00pm. That’s not suitable for an 11-year-old girl — especially in winter.”

Children already attending schools they’ve settled into — sometimes after transition days or friendship-building events — are now being asked to move to different schools based solely on distance.

Ceredigion County Council has yet to release a formal public statement on the matter. However, it is understood the authority is enforcing the policy to ensure legal compliance with the Learner Travel Measure, which requires councils to provide transport only to the nearest suitable school, not necessarily the school of parental choice.

A council spokesperson previously told The Herald on a related matter: “We are obliged to apply national guidelines fairly and consistently to all families. Discretionary arrangements are reviewed on a case-bycase basis where exceptional circumstances apply.”

The Learner Travel Measure does include exceptions — such as where routes are unsafe, or where a child has special educational needs or a disability. But campaigners argue these exceptions are not being applied flexibly enough in rural areas with poor public transport links.

The campaign group is calling on the council to:

• Pause enforcement for pupils already offered a place

• Consider family links, such as siblings already attending

• Reintroduce discretion where no realistic alternative transport exists

Local MP Ben Lake, Senedd Member Elin Jones, and several county councillors have been contacted by parents and are being urged to raise the issue urgently.

A petition and Facebook campaign have gained momentum, with over 500 signatures in the first week.

Until this year, the council routinely allowed access to school buses that passed through adjacent villages — even if they weren’t serving the absolute nearest school. Buses will continue to carry older pupils under existing arrangements, but new Year 7 students in the same households may be barred from using them.

Under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents have the right to express a preference for which school their child attends. However, that does not guarantee free transport if the school chosen is not the nearest one judged suitable by the council.

The Herald has asked Ceredigion County Council for a full statement in response to the campaign and will publish any update received.

Kurtz: ‘Time to follow the science’ as TB slaughter figures hit record high

SHADOW Rural Affairs

Secretary Samuel Kurtz MS has called on the Welsh Government to urgently rethink its opposition to badger culling, as new figures reveal a record number of cattle have been slaughtered due to bovine TB in Wales.

In the 12 months to March 2025, 13,174 cattle were killed due to the disease—an increase of 17.7% compared with 11,194 the previous year. The number of new TB herd breakdowns also rose, with 619 incidents recorded, up from 607.

Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the figures as devastating and urged ministers to take a “pragmatic and science-led” approach. He referenced new data from Lincolnshire, where a five-year badger cull saw TB prevalence in wildlife drop from 24% to just 4%, with Natural England confirming a further ten culling areas are due to begin later this year.

The call comes amid mounting frustration from farming families in long-standing TB hotspots such as Pembrokeshire, where

confidence in the Welsh Government’s eradication strategy is at an all-time low.

Mr Kurtz, who has supported the Pembrokeshire Project—a local, evidence-based initiative to combat TB—said: “Farmers are being pushed to the brink financially and emotionally. The toll this disease takes on entire communities is devastating.

“Welsh Government must be willing to look at all the evidence,

including the impact of targeted wildlife control in parts of England. It cannot keep asking farmers to endure these losses while ruling out tools that might work.”

He also criticised Welsh Labour’s 2021 manifesto pledge to “forbid” badger culling, branding it “ideological and absolute”.

“To use the word ‘forbid’ in a manifesto is extraordinary,” he said. “It suggests that no matter

what evidence emerges, the decision is made. That’s not science-led—it’s politics getting in the way of progress.”

The latest figures have added pressure on Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths, with farmers demanding action as cases continue to rise.

A full copy of Mr Kurtz’s letter to the Deputy First Minister is available on request.

‘Monstrous’ solar projects ‘taking over farmland’

SENEDD Members debated calls for a temporary ban on “monstrous” solar developments, warning the countryside, food security and Welsh farmers could all be compromised.

Janet Finch-Saunders said hundreds of acres of agricultural land across Wales will otherwise be switched from a focus on food production to electricity generation.

The shadow climate secretary accused UK and Welsh ministers of turning the countryside into “meadows of metal and glass” by approving “huge, controversial” developments

Leading a Conservative debate on June 11, Ms Finch-Saunders called for a moratorium on all applications to place solar panels on agricultural land.

She said: “Such a pause will enable this parliament to develop a solar strategy for Wales, looking at where we want those panels to be placed and where they are made.”

Criticising plans for solar on Anglesey, she told the Senedd: “I think we’re quite united on these monstrosities; these huge schemes are not what are in the interests of Wales.”

Plaid Cymru’s Luke Fletcher supported the principle but called for a nuanced approach, describing the Conservative motion as “too blunt” and warning of unfair consequences.

He said: “If an individual farmer wanted to install a modest number of solar panels on their own land, perhaps

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

to power their farm, cut emissions or generate a little extra income, they’d be prevented from doing so. Now, that simply doesn’t make sense.”

Peter Fox, the Tory council leaderturned-Senedd Member, warned of a lack of a national solar strategy to guide investment, regulation and grid integration.

He urged the Welsh Government to look at more innovative options, such as the rooftops of public buildings, rather than “needlessly building over good farmland throughout Wales”.

Mr Fox, a farmer, said: “We cannot simply sell parts of Wales’s natural beauty off to the highest bidder, for it to be used simply as an investment.”

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth also called for a strategy, describing solar as “another example of that extraction that has been characteristic of Wales’ industrial history”.

He said: “In that vacuum without a strategy, these major corporations step in and see how they can make their millions from our landscape, agricultural land and our communities.”

Conservative Gareth Davies warned replacing farmers with an array of solar panels built from polluting factories, largely in China, risks undermining the principle of sustainability.

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen

Griffiths and Labour’s John Griffiths raised concerns about plans for solar farms on the Gwent levels, potentially the size of a thousand rugby pitches.

Mr Griffiths welcomed recent changes to Planning Policy Wales which “offer much greater protection through the planning system against some of these large-scale solar farms”.

Rebecca Evans, responding for the Welsh Government, said solar plays an important part in an ambition to host enough green energy to meet electricity consumption by 2035.

The economy secretary explained that there are more than 86,000 solar projects across Wales, making up about 15% of total renewable energy generation.

Ms Evans argued national planning policy already includes a “clear commitment” to protecting agricultural land when considering applications.

Senedd Members voted 23-13 against the Tory motion, with ten abstaining. The Welsh Government’s “delete-all” amendment was also defeated, 24-23.

Pembrokeshire farmers hit out at rise in cheap meat imports

PEMBROKESHIRE farmers have voiced alarm at a growing trend among major UK supermarkets to stock cheap imported chicken and beef— warning that it threatens the future of local agriculture.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has confirmed that chicken from Poland, beef from Uruguay and steak from Australia are increasingly appearing on supermarket shelves, often at prices undercutting British produce by up to 20%.

One of the most high-profile retailers involved is Morrisons, which is now selling raw Polish chicken in its poultry aisles. Polish farms allow higher stocking densities—up to 39kg per square metre—compared with the UK limit of 30kg, making it cheaper to produce, but raising concerns about welfare standards.

Morrisons has also started selling Australian sirloin steak, which, according to the NFU, has been made possible by the controversial trade deal brokered by Liz Truss. Australian meat is often produced in feedlots, and is rated ‘D’ for animal welfare by the RSPCA, compared with the UK’s ‘B’ grade.

Despite the supermarket’s public commitment to British farmers—including sponsoring the hit TV series Clarkson’s Farm—many local producers feel this latest move undermines their trust.

Tim Farron MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on the environment, said: “This is appalling from Morrisons. They seek kudos for supporting UK agriculture while quietly switching to lower-standard imports.”

ASDA has also joined the shift, offering Uruguayan sirloin and ribeye steaks at around £22-£23 per kilo—roughly 20% cheaper than British beef. Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, is stocking wagyu beef from New Zealand, although it claims this accounts for only 0.1% of its overall beef range.

Stuart Roberts, a Hertfordshire beef and cereal farmer, called the move a “huge betrayal of UK family farms.”

Locally, the impact could be devastating. Pembrokeshire’s agricultural economy remains heavily dependent on beef and poultry production. Local farmers have spent years investing in higher welfare standards, including reduced antibiotic use and lower poultry stocking rates, which come at a financial cost.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, an NFU Cymru spokesperson said: “We’re deeply concerned about the impact this will have on Welsh farmers. It’s vital that retailers maintain their commitments to homegrown produce, especially at a time when farming is facing pressures from every angle— rising costs, subsidy uncertainty, and climate volatility.”

LAST week the Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to present evidence to Westminster’s Welsh Affairs Committee inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing farming in Wales in 2025.

food production. These agreements threaten to pull the rug from beneath Welsh farmers by reforming agricultural policies and replacing domestic food production with imports, with little consideration of the economic viability of Welsh farming businesses.

“When supermarkets abandon British meat in favour of lower-standard imports, they not only erode trust—they damage longstanding supply chains built on quality and sustainability.”

Retailers claim they are responding to customer demand for cheaper options. Beef prices have surged more than 40% in the past year, with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) warning of a 5% fall in UK beef production in 2025 due to declining profitability and subsidy cuts.

Supermarket statements

A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We remain 100% British on all our meat counters. We are trialling some imported meat from trusted suppliers to offer value during seasonal fluctuations. We are still the single biggest supermarket customer of British farming and remain committed to increasing overall British meat volumes.”

ASDA and Sainsbury’s made similar claims, emphasising transparency and labelling, while insisting the majority of their meat remains UK or Irish sourced.

Call for response

Are you a Pembrokeshire farmer affected by this? Get in touch with our newsroom: call 01646 454545

The FUW was represented by our Head of Policy, Gareth Parry, who was questioned by MPs on a number of the ongoing challenges facing Welsh agriculture; including the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the changes to agricultural and business property relief and how changes to the UK Government’s funding for Welsh agriculture will impact the sustainability of the sector.

As part of the session, the FUW highlighted the impact the UK’s departure from the EU has had due to the loss of the intermediateterm stability provided by the EU’s seven year Multiannual Financial Framework. The lack of such replacement financial frameworks has allowed the UK Government to apply the Barnett Formula to any future adjustments to Welsh agricultural funding, meaning that Wales will receive subsequent uplifts based on a historical share of the UK population as opposed to rural needs.

Beyond the uncertainty regarding future farm funding, the FUW also highlighted how successive UK governments’ appetite to sign trade agreements with other countries has undermined domestic

Several questions during the session focused on the proposed inheritance tax reforms, with Mr Parry relaying the latest figures from Family Business UK and CBI Economics on the potential impacts for the UK economy. In summary, the report suggests that the reduction in business activity will lead to a loss in Gross Value Added (GVA) of £14.8 billion over the next five years. These latest figures again demonstrate HM Treasury’s failure to consider the wider economic and social impacts of the proposed changes, and farreaching implications on Welsh family farms and the economy.

Frustratingly, it’s been clear since the Budget announcement that HM Treasury Officials have had no intention of even acknowledging our concerns. They have slammed the door on the industry and appear to have thrown away the key.

It remains the case that the FUW are not calling for the policy to be scrapped, however we continue to seek an opportunity to design a policy with HM Treasury that works for genuine family farms whilst closing the loopholes that currently exist.

David Barton, NFU Livestock Board chair, added:

New Enyaq SportLine 85 variant delivers higher range and lower price

ŠKODA is expanding its new Enyaq range with the addition of a SportLine derivative that will sit alongside the recently introduced 85x (4WD) model. Available in SUV and Coupé body styles, the new SportLine 85 shares its sporty looks and sharp driving dynamics with the allwheel-drive 85x. But, thanks to its single-motor drivetrain, it delivers even greater efficiency and longer driving ranges.

Available to order from 12 June 2025, with prices starting at £47,260 OTR (Coupé from £49,160 OTR), both new Enyaq SportLine 85 models feature 82 kWh (77 kWh net) battery packs and are powered by a rear-mounted motor that generates 286 PS and 545 Nm of torque. This allows the new models to sprint from 0–62 mph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 111 mph.

In terms of efficiency, the SportLine 85 SUV returns up to 354 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, while the more aero-efficient Coupé offers up to 356 miles - both figures higher than those delivered by the all-wheel-drive 85x version.

Rapid DC charging can be carried out at speeds of up to 135kW, while AC charging peaks at 11kW. When conditions allow, a 10–80%

charge on a suitable rapid DC charger can be achieved in around 28 minutes.

Like the SportLine 85x, the single-motor SportLine 85 comes with a generous specification that enhances its sporting nature. Both SUV and Coupé models feature 20-inch Vega black alloy wheels, sports bumpers, and

gloss black styling details as standard. Inside, SportLine drivers benefit from a headup display (HUD), front sports seats, sports steering wheel, and a CANTON sound system.

To ensure the SportLine 85 models drive as well as they look, both variants are equipped with progressive dynamic steering and sports

suspension that lowers the ride height by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. Both models also feature a variable boot floor and Area View camera as standard.

A full database of images and other media assets relating to all Škoda models is available at skodamedia.com.

1.2

OMODA 9 SHS is already delivering as first cars land with UK drivers

OMODA’s new flagship SUV –the OMODA 9 SHS – is now on sale across the UK, priced from £44,990 OTR*. Combining advanced hybrid performance with refined design and quiet luxury, the all-wheel drive OMODA 9 SHS sets a new

benchmark in the premium plug-in hybrid SUV segment.

Coinciding with the lifting of the UK media drive embargo, customer deliveries have now begun through OMODA UK’s growing nationwide network of 74 retailers.

range of over 700 miles, including up to 93 miles in pure electric mode. CO2 emissions are as low as 38 g/km, while total system output reaches 449 PS and 700 Nm of torque – enabling 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Quiet, capable and engineered for comfort, the OMODA 9 SHS features a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, intelligent allwheel drive and electromagnetic suspension. Cabin noise is reduced to just 45.8 dB at urban speeds thanks to acoustic glass and specially designed acoustic tyres.

Inside, the OMODA 9 SHS places comfort and technology at the heart of the driving experience. Standard features include a 540-degree panoramic camera system, cabin air purification, a 1.3-metre panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats for four occupants, and a premium 14-speaker SONY surround sound system. A curved 24.6-inch HD display, ambient lighting and electronically reclining rear seats complete a cabin designed for quiet luxury.

Visually, the OMODA 9 SHS is defined by golden-ratio proportions, a wide-body stance, and a dramatic LED front signature that illuminates on approach – reinforcing its bold, confident character.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, OMODA UK, commented: “Seeing the first OMODA 9 SHS vehicles reach customers is a significant milestone. This model represents everything we stand for – intelligent engineering, elegant design and hybrid technology that fits seamlessly into daily life –without the premium price tag.

“Our SHS system, which also powers the best-selling JAECOO 7 SHS, proves that hybrid technology has evolved. The OMODA 9 SHS delivers electric-like performance, exceptional comfort and true ease of use. It’s the kind of car that offers more than just efficiency – it brings power, calm, and a real sense of quality to every journey.”

Praised for its comprehensive standard specification, the OMODA 9 SHS blends refined performance with intelligent technology and impressive efficiency. Its advanced self-charging hybrid system – which also offers plug-in capability – delivers a WLTP

Offering the refinement, quality, technology and safety of a large premium SUV at the cost of a mid-size alternative, the OMODA 9 SHS is available now through OMODA&JAECOO UK’s expansive retailer network. It is priced from £44,990 OTR* and includes a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), with unlimited mileage in the first 3 years, plus an 8-year battery warranty and RAC home start cover as standard.

Kia EV3 achieves best Euro NCAP assisted driving grade

THE Kia EV3 has been awarded the highest possible rating of “Very Good” in the assisted driving test of Europe’s independent vehicle safety authority, Euro NCAP. The test evaluated the model’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), a system that combines real-time driver monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane centring.

The EV3 was assessed in two categories: ‘assistance competence’ and ‘safety backup’, scoring 74 and 88 out of 100 points, respectively. Resulting in a total score of 162 points, the model secured the top rating, making it Kia’s first model, as well as Hyundai Motor Group’s first model, to achieve this grade.

Euro NCAP noted that the EV3’s HDA 2 balances a high level of vehicle assistance with driver engagement, supporting the driver in a range of realworld scenarios, including changing lanes, maintaining lane position at various speeds, and coming to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive. Combined with excellent safety back-up, the model offers “very good” motorway assistance.

“This excellent outcome reflects Kia’s

commitment to delivering advanced technologies that enhance driver convenience and passenger safety,” said Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe and COO of Kia Connect Europe. “The EV3’s performance in the Euro NCAP assisted driving test draws attention to the capabilities of Highway Driving Assist 2 and serves as a milestone for Hyundai

Motor Group.”

The EV3 is Kia’s dedicated, highvolume electric car for the compact SUV market, offering the versatility and affordability to be the main car of the household. The model has been named as the 2025 World Car of the Year at the 2025 World Car Awards. In addition, the vehicle has won numerous awards in the UK including, most recently, ‘Best EV

Crossover’ at the TopGear.com Electric Awards 2025, and ‘UK Car of the Year 2025’ at The UK Car of the Year Awards. Now available in Europe, the EV3 features a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles* and an innovative interior design that optimises space, comfort, and accessibility. To expand the range of choice for customers, Kia plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive variant.

Milford Haven hotel earns top green award

TŶ HOTEL Milford Waterfront has been recognised as one of Wales’ leading environmentally sustainable hotels, after securing the prestigious Green Dragon Environmental Standard Level 4.

The accolade, awarded by Groundwork Wales, marks the hotel’s commitment to environmental management and sustainability. It is part of the wider Celtic Collection group, which has seen seven of its properties achieve Level 4 accreditation.

Hotel manager Mathew Verallo proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Milford Haven site, which was named Hotel of the Year at the South West Wales Tourism Awards in 2024.

The Green Dragon accreditation recognises ongoing improvements across large and complex operations. Katy Stevenson, chief executive of Groundwork Wales, said: “We are delighted to have worked

with the Celtic Collection and ICC Wales for a number of years, accrediting their venues through the Green Dragon Environmental Standard and now uplifting to Level 4.”

The Celtic Collection has committed to net zero emissions by 2050, and its properties now source 100 per cent of their electricity from REGO-backed renewable supplies, send zero

waste to landfill, and recycle food waste into renewable energy.

Fitzroy Hutchinson, energy and environment manager at The Celtic Collection, said the group had “made significant investment in our facilities to minimise our energy and water consumption, reduce our waste and raise our recycling levels”.

He added: “Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of Level 4 recognition is that it reflects the enthusiastic participation of our team.”

In 2024, the group also opened Tŷ Hotel Newport –Wales’ first all-electric large hotel – and continues to roll out eco-initiatives at other venues such as the Celtic Manor Resort, where 5,000 trees have been planted and beehives introduced to house 150,000 honeybees.

The award for Milford Haven reinforces the town’s growing reputation for sustainable tourism, with Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront leading the way.

Interest develops in the sale at auction of Tenby townhouse

A TOWNHOUSE complete with former photographer’s studio in the heart of Pembrokeshire’s premier historic coastal town is poised to be snapped up at auction later this month (June).

If keen interest develops as it is likely to do, after coming into sharp focus of investors, the substantial eight-bedroom terraced town house set over four floors, could be fixed for an exciting future.

Located close to the centre of the culturally buzzing town of Tenby, Napleton House, on Warren Street, offers a wealth of potential to the new owner.

It’s listed with an auction guide price of £225,000

Sean Roper, of South Walesbased Paul Fosh Auctions, says the notable townhouse ticks so many boxes for the auction buying investor

Sean said: “For starters the townhouse is located in arguably one of the most sought-after towns in South and West Wales. It’s a towering, imposing house, positioned centrally and surrounded by a wealth of shops, amenities and all that wonderful Tenby has to offer in terms of attractions for tourists and visitors.

“It oozes history from all its parts having for many years housed a photographer’s studio with plentiful living

accommodation above.

“The property has previously had planning permission for conversion to an eight-bedroom guest house.

“The townhouse offers versatile accommodation with its 1,558-set ft (145 sq. m) of space. It could also make a truly awesome single, large dwelling or become luxury flats or some other commercial uses, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.

“The property is in Warren Street which is the main thoroughfare from Tenby train station to the centre of the

town. The property is ideally placed for those wishing to stay in this popular tourist town. It’s a short walk to the town walls, golf course, train and bus stations, with the town’s beautiful beaches within easy reach.

“I have high hopes for this lovely Tenby property so let’s just see what develops up to and during the online auction.”

“The accommodation currently offers a lower ground floor with floor entry basement, two receptions, a storage room and wk. On the ground floor is the shopfloor

and a rear reception. On the first floor is a bathroom, four bedrooms, one of which was previously the photographer’s studio and kitchen. The second floor has a further three bedrooms and then there is the loft.

The former Tenby townhouse with former photographer’s studio, along with some eighty plus other lots is included on the Paul Fosh Auctions online sale, which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 24 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, June 26.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Restaurant at ‘flagship’ Saundersfoot harbour approved

A CALL to turn a vacant unit at a Pembrokeshire seaside village’s flagship marine centre of excellence into a high-quality seafood restaurant has been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Red Rosesbased Rhianwen Lane of Catch Cymru sought permission for a change of use of Unit 21, Marine Centre of Excellence, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot to a food and drink establishment with indoor seating and a takeaway.

The proposal was supported by Saundersfoot Community Council.

A supporting statement with the application said: “Catch Cymru is an established, independent seafood business based in Carmarthen, with a strong reputation for high-quality takeaway seafood.

“As a result of the success and demand for our current operation, we are now looking to expand by opening a second restaurant in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.

“Our aim for this new shop is not only to replicate our successful takeaway model but also to enhance the customer experience by providing a unique, seaside dining experience that will appeal to both locals and tourists alike.

“In addition to our existing offerings of fried fish and chips, the Saundersfoot

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

restaurant will offer a broader menu, including seasonal grilled and barbequed fish, fresh salads, and a variety of side dishes to cater to a wider demographic, to include halloumi fries, corn on the cob etc.

“This expansion will also allow us to continue our popular takeaway service while providing a casual dinein atmosphere with a drinks menu that

features locally sourced beers and IPAs.”

The application says a key feature of the menu at the dog-friendly restaurant will be ‘Catch of the Day’ specials, “based on the freshest seafood available from the local harbour,” giving customers “a unique experience and encourage repeat visits knowing that we support local fishermen”.

It also plans to host live music events from local artists on selected weekends, especially during peak season and bank holidays to “help create a dynamic and

engaging atmosphere that encourages customers to linger, enjoy their food and drinks, but most importantly return for more”.

An officer report recommending approval said the change of use of an existing chandlery from A1(Shop) to A3 (Food & Drink) “will ensure that the vacant unit within the Marine Centre of Excellence is brought back into use and positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour”.

The Marine Centre of Excellence was given planning consent in 2016, subject to a condition which restricts the available retail floor space and its use.

The report says a viability statement from the Saundersfoot Harbour Authority” detailed how the unit was no longer viable for A1/A2 use and that an A3 use would provide vitality and vibrancy to the harbourside location”.

It finished: “The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the special qualities of the National Park and will positively contribute to the character of Saundersfoot Harbour.

“A seafood business would fit within the character of the seafront at the Marine Centre of Excellence and will bring a vacant unviable retail unit back into use providing a benefit to the community and local economy.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

Proposed wind turbines could tower over Bluestone resort

FORMAL plans for three 328-foot-high wind turbines close to Pembrokeshire’s Bluestone holiday park and the former Oakwood theme park has been lodged.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, High Wycombebased Slebech Investments Limited seeks permission for three wind turbines of up to 100 metres height on land at Newhouse Farm, Canaston Bridge, close to the two parks, and close to the border with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The proposed site on agricultural land across three fields is some 3.5 kilometres from Narberth, and would be accessed from the A4075 via an existing track opposite Bluestone Resort’s service entrance, some 350m south of the main roundabout entrance to Bluestone.

The formal application follows an earlier screening request submitted to the council in February, and details of the proposal being sent to local county councillors, community councils and residents.

context of the site is rural with the site surrounded to the south and east by agricultural fields and woodland areas.

354 deliveries to the site. It is anticipated that a public consultation event will be held during the planning process, the applicants have said.

In the initial screening application, Sirius said the turbines could be used to provide power for Bluestone Holiday Park Resort and/or Oakwood Theme Park.

Since the initial application Oakwood has closed, but proposals for a revival have recently been mooted.

The three 1MW turbines, if granted, would generate electricity equivalent to powering 1,900 homes, the applicants say; power connected to the grid, but explorations are underway for its potential use by local businesses.

A supporting statement through agent Sirius Planning said: “The footprint of the proposed development is modest in scale, with the wider fields and landholding able to continue to operate with minimal impact from the proposal.

“ In addition, ecological enhancements implemented in recent years within the landholding will not be impacted by the proposed wind turbine development. The overcall

“To the north is PBE Fuels, Bluestone Resort head office (The Grange) and Newhouse Farm. To the west are agricultural fields and the A4075, beyond which is Bluestone Resort, comprising holiday lodges and leisure amenities, and Oakwood Theme Park. A ground-mounted solar scheme is located to the south-west of the site beyond the A4075.”

If granted, the scheme would take some four months in construction, the statement says, with approximately

On that screening application, Sirius said: “There are no designated or non-designated features within the application site which are protected for their landscape and scenic value. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park lies to the north and west beyond the Bluestone Resort and Oakwood Theme Park.

“The landscape character already incorporates existing wind turbines and other large vertical structures, such as Oaklands [sic] Theme Park rollercoasters which are existing detractors within the landscape.”

On Companies House, Slebech Investments Limited, of West Wycombe Park Office, West Wycombe Park, lists two directors: Sir Edward John Francis Dashwood and Lady Lucinda Nell Dashwood.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

New equipment will help locate NHS patients’ veins

THANKS to generous public donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has funded two handheld vein viewing systems for the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit and the Outpatients Department at Withybush Hospital.

At times, due to medical conditions or patient anxiety, it can be difficult for staff to take blood samples or insert a cannula. The new vein-finding equipment, worth over £9,000, will help reduce the number

of unsuccessful attempts and improve the experience for both patients and staff.

Helen Johns, Hospital Service Manager, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donations that have allowed us to purchase these two vein finders for Withybush Hospital.

“Both departments regularly take blood samples, and SDEC often needs to cannulate patients before starting treatment. As SDEC focuses on early interventions to avoid hospital admissions, any delay in treatment can impact that goal.

“This equipment will make a real difference – especially for anxious patients who may already be worried about their condition. If we can reduce failed attempts, we improve care and reduce delays.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “The support from our local communities helps us to fund enhancements above and beyond what the NHS can provide in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Every donation makes a real impact, and we are truly thankful.”

Dental crisis deepens as MP reveals survey shock

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has published the results of a major survey exposing the scale of the dentistry crisis in West Wales — with 88% of respondents saying they do not have an NHS dentist.

Now, with the Welsh Government proposing sweeping reforms to NHS dental services, concerns are growing that continuity of care could worsen and families may be forced to attend separate dental practices under a new centralised system.

Mr Tufnell said the responses to his survey were “shocking” and pointed to a system “failing to meet the needs” of Pembrokeshire residents.

SURVEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE:

88% of respondents do not have an NHS dentist

60% tried to register but were told no places were available

Over one-third have not seen any dentist at all

Most reported emergency-only care or temporary treatment

Families cited long travel distances, unaffordable costs, and health deterioration from delays

In some cases, residents described waiting up to 16 years for an appointment. One patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer after multiple emergency visits, and a parent reported paying over £2,000 privately for their son’s treatment.

Mr Tufnell has presented the findings to Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), which is responsible for managing local NHS dental contracts. He has pledged to work with the board and local dentists to push for urgent reform.

“Patients are suffering, and services are falling short,” Mr Tufnell said. “Our local dental professionals are doing their best, but they are trapped in a system that simply isn’t working.”

CENTRALISED ‘DENTAL PORTAL’ PROPOSED

The survey comes as the Welsh Government launches a public consultation on radical new proposals to tackle the growing backlog and access problems in NHS dentistry.

The plan would see all adult patients placed on a central waiting list, called the Dental Access Portal, and then assigned to any surgery within the health board area — not necessarily their local or regular dentist.

UNDER THE NEW MODEL:

Patients would only remain with a surgery while actively receiving treatment

Those with healthy teeth would be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months

Children would remain with their initially assigned dentist

Some charges would increase (e.g. routine check-ups rising from £20 to £24.75), while others would drop (e.g. single crowns falling from £260 to £239.15)

Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the proposed changes aim to improve fairness and make NHS dentistry more attractive to providers. “When people need to see a dentist, they’ll be able to access one — that’s the critical thing,” he said.

BDA AND DENTISTS VOICE SERIOUS CONCERNS

But the British Dental Association (BDA) and frontline dentists have warned that the proposals risk undermining continuity of care and could accelerate the move towards private dentistry.

Dr Lauren Harrhy, a dentist from Pontypool, said the system may become saturated: “There is a risk that practices will be overwhelmed with complex cases and won’t be able to return patients to the central system — blocking new access entirely.”

Others warned the changes could split families between surgeries and discourage patients from attending regularly, while offering no new funding to support the transition.

Dr Harj Singhrao, a dentist in Newbridge, said: “This could be devastating. If people are punished for looking after their teeth — and families are split across surgeries — it breaks trust and continuity.”

LOCAL VOICES SPEAK OUT: ‘A TOTAL MESS’

As Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell released the results of his dentistry

survey, social media erupted with hundreds of personal stories and strong opinions about the crisis — and what the Welsh Government plans to do about it.

Years without care, soaring bills

Emma Roach shared her struggle: “I haven’t seen a dentist in seven years… I’ve got bleeding gums, probably need fillings, and can’t afford even the checkup. I just paid £97 for new glasses — it’s a mess. I’m a vet nurse, single parent, and even my 12-year-old son doesn’t get free NHS dental care.”

MelJane Bainee added: “My daughter has always looked after her teeth. Now we’ve been told it could cost up to £5,000 to fix a dental issue — and we’re not getting any help.”

Others reported resorting to private schemes. “Paying £45 a month now because of the mess of my teeth not being able to access a dentist for so many years,” wrote Abigail Louise Evans.

FURY OVER GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES

Abi Hallett criticised local spending priorities: “I think the money pledged for a footpath from Narberth to Haverfordwest… would be much better spent on providing some NHS dentistry.”

Another comment read: “On the day we find out Mark Drakeford is giving £36 million of Welsh taxpayers’ money to Starmer, we’re here without NHS dentists. Fund care in Wales first!”

Warnings over Welsh Government’s reforms

Kirsty Fisher didn’t hold back: “The new Welsh Government dental contract is the final nail in the coffin. They’re driving NHS dentists out by making the contract unworkable. Stop blaming the practices — it’s government policy

doing this.”

Dan Chambers described the cycle many patients face: “Get registered, get seen once, place shuts down, repeat.”

Mary Dempsey added: “If you’re an NHS patient, they declare you fit after your check-up. They won’t do any preventative care, especially in the elderly.”

MIXED VIEWS ON HENRY TUFNELL’S EFFORTS

While some praised the MP for raising the issue, others questioned the impact.

“Does Henry live in cloud cuckoo land?” asked Ian Sturley.

Myles Lewis-McGinley wrote: “While I appreciate Henry’s efforts, this has happened under 26 years of Labour in Wales. These problems didn’t appear overnight.”

Kevin Lloyd asked the MP directly: “Do you use NHS dentistry yourself, or private? And how many people actually filled in this survey?”

Others were more sceptical of all political parties.

Mike Gideon Hodgson commented: “Reform aren’t going to make things better either — the whole political system needs reforming, not just the party.”

MP CALLS FOR LOCAL SOLUTION

Henry Tufnell told The Herald: “This isn’t just about waiting lists or contracts — it’s about people’s lives. The heartbreaking stories in my survey make one thing clear: reform must be grounded in patient care and local accountability, not bureaucracy.”

The public consultation on the new proposals remains open until Wednesday, 19 June.

Big Promises Up Front, Tight Squeeze Later

TO MAKE sense of this week’s Spending Review, it’s important to understand how the Government is dividing up time and money. Ministers are referring to two phases.

Phase One covers the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26 — essentially, the here and now. Phase Two, beginning in 2026–27 and running to the end of the parliament, is where most of the long-term plans lie.

Taken together, the two phases suggest strong growth in government spending. However, looking more closely at Phase Two, the picture tightens considerably.

PLANNING FOR CUTS

Most departments will end up with more money in real terms by the end of the parliament than they had at the start. But much of that extra cash will already be in the system by April. In fact, eight departments are set to see real-terms budget cuts between now and 2029.

Although this is not an austerity budget, it is heavily frontloaded, with less room for manoeuvre in the years to come. That means real cuts in the future, especially if the economy continues to grow slowly.

The Chancellor’s statement was heavy on headline figures, but the real priorities are buried in the small print. There were no great surprises: the funding broadly reflects Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ priorities and the Government’s “missions”.

The NHS in England comes out on top. A funding uplift is earmarked for reducing waiting lists and hitting the 18-week target for treatment by the end of the parliament, though some experts question whether the increase will be enough to meet such a goal. Defence spending also sees a

indefensible.”

RAIL INVESTMENT STAYS OFFTRACK

The consequences are particularly stark in the context of Welsh rail infrastructure, which remains chronically underfunded. The UK Government has pledged £113 billion in additional capital investment — including transport outside London — but Wales is not receiving its fair share.

Despite having 11% of the UK’s rail network, Wales gets just 2% of rail infrastructure investment. The Welsh Government’s ambition to re-open the Carmarthen-Aberystwyth line, electrify the North Wales Main Line, and improve Pembrokeshire’s east-west rail links remains largely unfunded.

Hugh Evans, Chief Executive of the business group Prosperity West Wales, said: “We need more than press releases. Pembrokeshire’s economy — particularly hospitality and tourism — is being held back by poor connectivity. The lack of direct investment is glaring.”

HARD TIMES AHEAD

For Pembrokeshire — with its strong agricultural heritage and rural economy — these developments are especially significant.

The phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support without clear transitional funding leaves many local farms in limbo.

Farming families from St Davids to Angle face the prospect of rising compliance costs, stricter environmental obligations, and declining public support.

Local MS Paul Davies said: “Farmers in Pembrokeshire don’t want handouts — they want certainty, fairness, and respect. This Spending Review offers none of those.”

The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society also raised an alarm. In a statement, it said: “Our sector is already fragile. Unless the UK Government delivers a fair funding settlement for rural Wales, this county — and its next generation of farmers — will bear the brunt.”

substantial rise, with a target of 2.5% of national income, bolstered by capital funding that sits comfortably within the Government’s new fiscal rules.

However, the cost of these commitments falls on other departments. School funding in England is effectively frozen once free school meal expansions are excluded. The budgets for departments like DEFRA, Culture, Media & Sport, and the Home Office are facing real-term cuts, with overseas aid slashed by around 40%.

LOST MONEY CASTS LONG SHADOWS

For Wales, the consequences of the Review are shaped by familiar mechanisms. The Barnett formula determines how spending changes in England are translated into adjustments to the Welsh block grant.

On paper, there are modest gains for Wales in health, education, and transport infrastructure. In practice, most of that growth is concentrated in the early years, creating long-term planning uncertainty.

But the biggest grievance remains HS2.

Before the July 2024 General Election, Labour promised to reassess HS2’s classification as an “England and Wales” project. This fiction denied Wales more than £4 billion in consequential funding - or, at least, that’s what Labour claimed before the General Election. That promise has now been shelved. The £4 billion has remarkably shrunk now that the Conservatives are not in charge.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, leader of Plaid Cymru, said: “The Government promised fairness. Instead, we see the same Whitehall logic, where major investments in English infrastructure are counted against Welsh needs. It’s

Railfuture Cymru chair John Rogers added: “The gap between UK capital spending on transport and what reaches Wales is unacceptable. Devolving rail infrastructure powers to the Senedd is the only way to ensure rail investment meets Welsh needs.”

In 2005, the Labour-led Welsh Assembly rejected Welsh control of rail investment.

FARM BUDGETS UNDER MORE PRESSURE

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is one of the departments facing real-terms cuts. Through Barnett, that squeeze is passed on to the Welsh Government’s Rural Affairs budget.

Rural Wales is already under pressure. With EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments gone and no full UK replacement, Wales continues to operate on a reduced budget.

The new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) — intended to deliver environmental improvements while supporting incomes — remains in development, but funding is already falling short.

FUW President Ian Rickman warned: “We are now being asked to deliver transformational change in how we farm and care for the land — but with less support than we had under Europe. That is not sustainable.”

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones also voiced concern: “Food security, biodiversity, and economic resilience are interlinked. Without adequate budgets, the Sustainable Farming Scheme risks falling at the first hurdle.”

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) called for urgent clarity on transitional funding. Spokesperson Catrin Davies said: “Policymakers are expecting farmers to meet ambitious targets while cutting the legs out from under the system. That approach will drive young people away from agriculture and damage rural culture.”

Beyond farming, the lack of rail investment continues to hamper broader economic development. Improved transport links into West Wales are essential not just for tourism but also for business resilience and social mobility. With UK capital investment priorities focused elsewhere, Pembrokeshire risks further isolation.

DELIVERY AND DRIFT

This Spending Review may look generous at first glance, but once you strip away the frontloading and the selective priorities, the outlook for Wales is sobering.

Promises made before the General Election — on HS2, fair consequentials, and equal investment — are now receding into the rear-view mirror. In their place are the realities of departmental squeezes, tighter devolved budgets, and a mounting backlog of infrastructure and policy delivery in rural regions.

With borrowing up, capital spending constrained by rising debt costs, and no clarity on fair funding, the message from Wales is clear: without delivery, ambition means very little.

No matter how Eluned Morgan tries desperately to sell this spending review as a triumph for joint working between Westminster and Wales, the fact remains that, taking her at her own words to the Senedd this week, she had no idea what was in it until the Chancellor revealed its contents to everyone. Moreover, the truth remains that Wales’s Labour government in Cardiff Bay has been forced to accept less than it (and UK Labour) demanded and then offered to the electorate when it was scuttling around for votes in the run-up to July 2024’s General Election.

We’ll find out how impressed the Welsh electorate is with that record of big talk and bigger promises followed by acceptance of small beer and broken pledges in May 2026.

Sizewell C funding a ‘missed opportunity’ for Wales and the environment, say Lib Dems

THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have criticised the UK Government’s decision to invest £14.2 billion in the Sizewell C nuclear plant in Suffolk, calling it a “massive missed opportunity” for Wales and the UK’s wider climate ambitions.

While Sizewell C is expected to power six million homes, none of those homes will be in Wales — and the project is not expected to create any Welsh jobs.

Welsh Lib Dem Leader Jane Dodds MS has written to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, urging the Government to prioritise investment in Welsh renewable energy projects, particularly the long-awaited Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.

“This Labour government is once again putting other parts of the UK ahead of Wales,” said Ms Dodds.

“Just imagine the economic boost to Wales if they had chosen to invest in tidal lagoon power here. It would have created thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs and transformed coastal communities — all while helping us meet our climate commitments.”

“For generations, Wales exported energy to the world. We can do it again — this time through renewable sources like tidal power.”

Ms Dodds added that both the UK and Welsh Labour governments “lack ambition” when it comes to securing Wales’ long-term energy and economic future.

The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project, first proposed nearly a decade ago, was expected to create up to 1,900 full-time jobs during construction, and around 180 longterm positions linked to operations and maintenance.

Under current planning rules, major energy projects above 350MW are designated as “England and Wales” projects and fall under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) framework. Despite this, all of the homes benefitting from Sizewell C’s power will be in England.

Concerns have also been raised over escalating costs. While the official budget is £14.2 billion, industry insiders quoted in The Financial Times have warned it could reach £40 billion — a claim the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has dismissed as “speculative”.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto in 2017 pledged to give the “immediate go-ahead” to the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project.

Jobs Tax’ puts Pembrokeshire frontline services at risk, warns Paul Davies MS

PAUL DAVIES MS has written to the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council raising urgent concerns over the impact of a £72 million shortfall in employer National Insurance (NI) funding on council budgets across Wales.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd said the funding gap stems from a decision by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves to increase employer NI contributions without passing on full financial support to local authorities.

The change means councils must now pay more to employ staff— adding further strain to already stretched budgets. At the time of the announcement, Wales’s then Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, gave a public assurance that the extra cost would be fully funded by the UK Government.

Speaking in November, Mr Drakeford told the Senedd: “The Treasury has said that there will be additional funding for public sector workers to cover the costs of employer national insurance contributions… it will provide full funding to deal with the national insurance contributions of employers in those circumstances.”

However, earlier this week, Mr Drakeford confirmed that the UK

Government would not be honouring that commitment in full—leaving a £72 million black hole in the budgets of public services across Wales.

Commenting on the impact locally, Paul Davies MS said: “Local authorities are already under immense financial pressure, and it is bitterly disappointing

that the Welsh Government is failing to provide the funding that was promised.

“I have written to the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council to express my concern that core services such as social care, waste collection, and road maintenance could be at risk.

“If the council does not receive the

support it was assured, it may be forced to either reduce essential services or increase local taxation. This crisis has been caused by decisions made by the UK Labour Government—decisions that are now putting the sustainability of our local public services in jeopardy.”

W ITH ANDREW LYE

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have sharply criticised the Labour Government following comments from Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport Ken Skates, who appeared to defend the UK Government’s position on rail funding for Wales.

The row was sparked by information uncovered by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, revealing that the new multi-billion-pound Oxford-Cambridge EastWest rail line is set to be designated as an “England and Wales” project.

This classification could deprive Wales of an additional £360 million in consequential rail funding for its own network.

In response, Ken Skates claimed the UK Labour Government “acknowledges that it short changes Wales” and pointed to an “ambitious pipeline of improvements” for Welsh rail. However, the Welsh Liberal Democrats dismissed his defence as “desperate,” noting that no major rail projects are currently planned for Wales.

The Lib Dems have argued that the current evidence shows that any new funding from the UK Government in the spending review is likely to be minor, and not make up for the large shortfalls caused by the use of the “England and Wales” classification over recent years.

The party also referenced a Freedom of Information request they submitted, which revealed that neither North nor South Wales electrification is being actively considered by Labour.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds stated that the UK Labour Government could immediately reclassify HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, and East-West Rail as “England-only” projects—

freeing up funds for Wales. She also highlighted that the government could easily bring forward legislation to devolve rail powers fully to the Welsh Government if it had the political will to do so.

The Liberal Democrats argue that the controversy highlights a broader failure of Welsh Labour MPs to stand up for their constituents and of the Welsh Government to exert meaningful influence over Westminster.

They further noted that there is a clear precedent for such designations: the Elizabeth Line in London (formerly Crossrail 1) was labelled an “England-only” project, which resulted in consequential funding being allocated to Wales under the current Barnett formula rules.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Regional MS for Mid & West Wales, Jane Dodds said:

“The defence we have seen from the Welsh Labour Government on this issue is pathetic. Meanwhile, it doesn’t even look like the UK Government can be bothered to issue a response to address the outrage.

“Until the general election, Labour agreed with us that the situation over Welsh rail funding was a massive scandal, now that they are in power, they seem intent on keeping the same rotten system in place.

“It isn’t good enough. If they really wanted to, they could change this system tomorrow. They could redesignate the projects and they could fully devolve rail to Wales. It’s a political choice not to do so.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for Wales to have its fair share of infrastructure investment so we can not only improve public transport for people who rely on it, but also drive economic growth and investment in Wales”.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Farage pledges coal revival and steelworks comeback for Wales

FARAGE visited Port Talbot on Monday (June 10), promising to reopen the town’s steel blast furnaces and revive Welsh coal mines if Reform UK wins the next Senedd election.

Speaking shortly after noon, Farage placed traditional steelmaking at the heart of Reform UK’s 2026 campaign in Wales, claiming the town had been “betrayed by 26 years of Labour rule.”

“Our long-term aim is to hopefully reopen Port Talbot steelworks—and instead of importing coal for it, use our own,” Farage told The Mail ahead of his speech.

“Wales needs Reform.”

The plan, which includes reopening domestic coal pits to fuel the blast furnaces, comes after Indian-owned Tata Steel confirmed plans to close both blast furnaces at the Port Talbot plant. The company is shifting to a lower-emission electric arc furnace, but this will not be operational until 2028 and will produce less steel overall— prompting warnings of up to 2,800 job losses.

Farage framed the proposal as an economic rescue mission and a patriotic industrial policy, aiming to outflank Labour on its traditional turf. His speech marks the latest escalation in Reform’s ambition to challenge for power at the 2026 Senedd election, with polls already placing the party above Labour in some regions.

But the proposal drew immediate fire from opposition politicians.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS

accused Farage of peddling fantasy politics while ignoring international realities.

“Nigel Farage has some real cheek to come to Port Talbot and promise them the world while his best mate Donald Trump is threatening to destroy the remnants of our steel industry, with yet more tariffs at the end of this month,” she said.

“Like his idols, Donald Trump and Liz Truss, Nigel Farage would wreck the Welsh economy and local services with unfunded tax cuts and the hollowing out of public services.”

Dodds said that while many voters feel abandoned by both Labour in Cardiff and the Conservatives in Westminster, it is the Liberal Democrats who offer realistic local change, especially in health and education.

“In a recent by-election in Neath Port Talbot, we easily beat Reform and pushed Labour into fourth place,” she added. “Industrial heartlands aren’t buying what Reform is selling.”

Nigel Farage’s calls for Port Talbot’s blast furnaces to be reopened are ‘more lies from an opportunistic chancer’, GMB union has said.

Ruth Brady, GMB Regional Secretary, told The Pembrokeshire Herald in a sharply worded statement exactly what he thought of the plan: “The people of Port Talbot will see this for what it is: more lies from this opportunistic chancer.

“Nigel Farage was happy to let British Steel go to the wall.

“He’ll trot out any line when the cameras are rolling. He doesn’t care about steel communities or steel workers.

“The deal to shut the blast furnaces was signed and sealed by the last Tory government.

“With the opportunities offered by floating offshore wind and the industrial clusters strategy, it’s now time for the Labour government to make good on their promises to our members in Port Talbot.

“We’ll be watching the spending review this week closely.”

Farage’s visit comes just days after party turmoil saw Zia Yusuf resign as Reform chairman, only to return two days later in a redefined leadership role. Monday’s rally was seen as an attempt by Farage to reset the campaign and reassert his party’s direction.

The promise to reopen coal mines will be controversial in Wales, where the last deep coal mine closed in 2008, and the environmental legacy of mining remains raw in many communities. Environmental campaigners have previously warned that such proposals ignore climate commitments and the long-term shift to greener energy.

However, supporters at the rally welcomed the focus on jobs and national self-reliance. Local resident Martin Davies, 58, told The Herald: “We’ve had enough of broken promises. If someone’s talking about proper work and not just cutting back all the time, I’ll listen.”

Farage ended his speech by warning voters not to let “the political establishment shut Wales down from the inside out,” and said Reform would “bring energy, jobs and pride back to this country.”

NIGEL

Welsh Conservatives slam Farage’s ‘fantasy economics’ over steelworks

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have accused Nigel Farage of peddling “fantasy economics” after the Reform UK leader pledged to reopen the blast furnaces in Port Talbot if his party wins power.

Speaking during a campaign visit to Wales, Mr Farage said he would bring coal and steel back to the country, promising jobs, energy and pride. But the Conservatives say he has no plan, no costings, and no conversations with Tata Steel, the owners of the Port Talbot site

The Welsh Conservatives pointed to their record of

securing a £500 million investment deal that they say has protected thousands of jobs in the region and ensured the future of steelmaking in South Wales.

Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “Labour promised to save every job at Port Talbot before the election — then stood by as the furnaces shut. Now Reform is making even wilder promises without even speaking to Tata.

“Unlike Labour before the election and Reform now, the Conservative Party will not make wild promises we cannot keep.

“We promised to save thousands of jobs by working

with Tata and investing £500 million, and that’s precisely what we did.”

Mr Millar added that the Conservatives remain the only credible opposition to what he described as a “failing Labour Government,” and accused Reform UK of being more interested in headlines than delivering real solutions.

“When Tata said they were going to close the blast furnaces and withdraw from making steel in Wales, we came forward with a plan that has saved thousands of jobs and will ensure that steelmaking continues in South Wales. Reform are interested in headlines — we believe in hard work.”

BLUE VIEW

With Brian Murphy

There is a real prospect of civil disorder breaking out across the UK this summer. The riots in Ballymena this week have brought to the surface the frustrations of local communities that they are being lied to and ignored. Comments by the PSNI that “racist thuggery” was the motivation does nothing to address the concerns that people have.

I want to be abundantly clear that there is no justification for setting cars alight or attacking police officers with petrol bombs and bricks That is thuggery, but to brand the people involved as racist does nothing to alleviate the problems. It is more likely to aggravate the rioters.

We had riots in Southport, London, Hartlepool, Manchester and Aldershot after the brutal killing of three young girls by Axel Rudakubana and the authorities branded the protesters as “far-right” Also the jailing of normally law-abiding people who tweeted during the riots has led to the accusation of two-tier policing. Especially when criminals convicted of serious sexual and violent offences received lesser sentences.

I do not condone the tweets or inciting violence by anyone, and protests should be done by way of reasoned argument. But when people feel that their voices are ignored, they

start to vent their anger in other ways. But that plays into the hands of those who seek any bandwagon as an excuse to take part in riotous behaviour, and no one wins.

This week has seen the UK government perform a U-turn on the pensioners’ winter fuel allowance. Is this the start of them taking note of what the public want and listening? Probably not. It is no more than an attempt to stop losing support and votes in elections. They fear the rise of Reform, who are taking votes from Labour and will be targeting the Senedd elections next year. They have not done a U-turn on the devastating tax on family farms, or disastrous rise in NI contributions. These are equally as important and should be reversed.

I don’t think Kier Starmer will make these changes and will continue to damage the economy with his attack on wealth creation and innovation. At the same time unemployment has risen every month since he became PM. Also, there is the £30bn which he is giving away to Mauritius to rent back the Chagos Islands, which we owned. All these need to be paid for.

I urge the PM and all politicians to listen to what the public want and deliver it, without having to make U-turns. If the fail to do that then there will be more unrest and sadly there may be more riots.

‘Fantasy economics’: Darren Millar MS is not impressed with Nigel Farage’s promises

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

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

LETTERS & NOTI c ES

PIc TURE OF THE wEEK!

IMPERIAL FUNCTION CENTRE IMPROVEMENTS

DEAR SIR,

The external renovations to the former Masonic Hall—now beautifully redecorated— have undoubtedly enhanced the appearance of the neighbourhood and provide a welcome visual uplift for passersby.

The Centre not only creates local employment but is also ideally situated for wedding parties, allowing guests to walk from St Katharine’s Church to the gardens for photographs, and then on to the reception venue. Watching elegantly dressed guests moving through the area is a heartening sight—proof that cherished traditions continue to flourish.

The local council should be doing everything in its power to support such a valuable community asset. They must remember that they serve the public interest—not act as unelected arbiters of taste or progress.

HARVEY HENRICKSEN

THIS IS My BODy, GIVEN FOR yOU

DEAR SIR,

THE day before his death, Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my body, given for you,” and “This is my blood, shed for you.”

Two thousand years later, these words should still challenge us. In a world where children are being killed in Gaza, we must ask what it means to give ourselves for others.

The latest military actions by the Israeli Government, said to be in pursuit of justice against Hamas, have instead brought devastation upon countless innocent lives.

There is no excusing the inhumanity of Hamas. But their evil should not be allowed to infect the conscience of those who respond. Justice must not become vengeance, and children must never become collateral. Criticising such actions is not anti-Semitic; many Jewish people themselves are among the strongest voices for

Labour MP Rachael Maskell recently received confirmation from Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard that UK forces are “currently” training members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This alone is shocking, but it does not stop there. The UK continues to export components for F-35 fighter jets—jets that are being used in Gaza. Meanwhile, British surveillance aircraft fly over Gaza, reportedly providing intelligence to Israel.

peace and compassion. Hatred, wherever it arises, is always a personal and inhuman choice.

Children—Arab and Jewish alike—are not yet poisoned by inherited hatreds. In their innocence, they remain closer to the vision Jesus offered: a world shaped by love, sacrifice, and shared humanity.

Can we not see that same vision reflected in modern acts of compassion—such as when an organ donor saves the life of another, regardless of race or creed? In such acts, we glimpse the deeper design of a universe built not on domination, but on grace.

What more proof of that design could we possibly need?

C N Westerman

THIS IS A MORAL CRISIS

DEAR SIR,

THE UK Government’s complicity in Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza is beyond appalling.

These actions amount to aiding and abetting what many international observers now consider a genocide. More than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the assault—over half of them women and children. Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza has now pushed hundreds of thousands towards famine. Yet the UK not only refuses to support international efforts to hold Israel’s leadership accountable for alleged war crimes, it actively continues to assist them.

This is a moral crisis. If our government will not act, then we, the people, must. We must demand an immediate end to all UK military support for Israel. We must support a complete boycott of Israeli goods and services. We must call for the lifting of the siege on Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid by any means necessary— by land, sea, or air. Most of all, we must insist that the long-promised rights of the Palestinian people to freedom, dignity, and statehood are finally upheld.

With peace and justice, Angie Zelter Larch House, Knucklas, LD7 1PN

Musselwick Bay, PeMBrokeshire By DaviD keogh

Death Notices

E DITH ‘M ARy’ F RANCES M ORRIS

Mary passed away peacefully at home on the 27th May, aged 87 years.

A dearly loved Wife to the late Tony, devoted Mother to Seimon and Sally, respected Mother-in-Law to Peter and treasured Mamgu to Christopher and Charlotte.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Her Funeral Service & Interment will take place on Monday 16th June, 3pm at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Wiston.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, for the Paul Sartori Foundation can be sent directly to: Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 1RP

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

J EFFREY J ENKINS

Peacefully at his home on May 26th, Jeff, aged 75 years.

Beloved husband of Vanessa, dearly loved father and father-inlaw of Gary and Emma, Sharon and Nick, Nicola and Richie. A much loved grandfather to Courtney, Jessica, Sam, Kieran, Fynn, Holly, Evie, Ruby and the late Thomas.

Funeral Service on Monday 16th June, 11.00am at St. David’s Cathedral.

Family flowers only, donations if desired for Greenacres Animal Rescue

c/o W.G.Bernatd Mathias & Daughter, 62 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU

G WENDA AURIOL T HOMAS

The death occurred peacefully at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen on Saturday 24th May of Mrs Gwenda Auriol Thomas, aged 74 years of Broadmoor, Kilgetty.

Devoted wife of Brian. Dearly loved Mum of Stephen and the late Matthew. Cherished Nanny of Celyn, Seren and Anwen. Much loved Sister, Sister-inlaw, and Aunt.

Funeral Service will take place at Sardis Congregational Chapel, Saundersfoot on Thursday 19th June at 11.00am followed by interment in the Chapel Cemetery.

There will family flowers only with donations, if so desired for Wales Air Ambulance c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH or 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS or www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

T EIFRYN W ILLIAMS

Peacefully at his home, with his family at his side, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, Thomas Teifryn Williams, 8 Cross Lane, Crundale, Haverfordwest (formerly of Moylegrove and Cardigan) aged 86 years.

Beloved husband of Gwyneth, much loved father and father-in-law of Bryan and Angela, Geraint and

Pauline, Eirian and Richard, proud ‘Dats’ of 6 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren, dear brother of Berian, Margaret, Mair, Hefina, Pat and the late Meirion and Eryl.

Public funeral service on Thursday, June 19 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45pm.

Family flowers only, but donations, if desired, to ‘Ward 8 Withybush Hospital’ or the ‘British Heart Foundation’ c/o Colin Phillips and Daughters Funeral Directors, 4 Morgan Street, Cardigan, SA43 1DF Tel: 01239 621192.

D ONALD ‘D ON ’ DAVID R EES

Don passed away peacefully on May 23rd, aged 93 years.

Beloved husband of the late Grace, much loved father of John, dear fatherin-law of Elizabeth, loving gramps to Richard and his wife Kimberly and Ben and his wife Sheena, devoted great gramps to Violet and Hazel and brother to Alan, Noreen and the late Ken.

He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his family and many friends.

Funeral, Wednesday June 18th, service 2:00pm at St. Jerome’s Church, Llangwm followed by interment at City Road Cemetery.

There are family flowers only. Donations, if desired, may be made payable to The Paul Sartori Foundation, Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1RP

J UNE F OLDER

Who sadly passed away on the 18th April 2025. Who for 46 of her 93 years presided over the metamorphosis of Tything Barn’s derelict tidal quarries into Carew Oyster Farm and Naturist Holiday Retreat. Hostess, Farmers Wife, Mother, the Perfect Teacher of Life.

The birds in the air and the fish in the sea, medicinal plants and animals of the estuary. Organic land producing tasty food in bye, trees and wildflowers to gladden the eye. ‘What a Wonderful World’.

Of memories, of places, of friends, of life, no politicians, regulators or strife. Joe Folder ‘the farmer’ for 63 years of her life, thanks all who’ve blessed my trouble and strife and wished Craig, Liz and their families as rewarding a life.

You’re not here today to say goodbye, but to release me to fly in the sky. Don’t be sad for I am free, to enjoy the sweet smell of the dew in the dawn, the rustle of breeze in the trees and the corn. Don’t be sad for I am free, the sun, our guiding light, that star the shines so bright. Don’t be sad, it might be me, for I am free.

SERvIcES

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENTRY

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHy

CLEARANCES

ELECTRICAL

FENCING, DRIVEWAyS AND LANDSCAPING FABRICATION

GARDENING

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRy

SCRAP METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGy AND COMPUTERS

TRAILERS

VAN CONVERSIONS WINDOWS

Rider list announced for Lloyds 2025 National Road Championships

TWENTY former national road champions are set to headline the provisional rider list for the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships, which gets underway on Thursday 26 June in Wales.

Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) will be one to watch in the women’s elite road race and under-23 time-trial. Ferguson is fresh off the back of an impressive 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women campaign where she claimed both the points classifications and best young rider jerseys, the best British rider accolade and a career-first stage win in Kelso.

Three-time national road race and 2022’s under-23 time-trial champion Pfeiffer Georgi (Team Picnic PostNL) is set to defend her title, as well as Anna Henderson (Lidl-Trek), who won the timetrial last year in preparation for her silver-medal winning performance in the Olympic time-trial later that summer. Be sure to keep an eye out for Max Walker (EF Education–EasyPost), looking to do one better after winning silver last year in the national road elite time-trial, while Seb Grindley (Lidl – Trek Future Racing) will look to build on his junior silver at worlds last year in the under-23 time-trial.

A host of Welsh riders are entered to be some of the crowd favourites in the event, including Owain Doull (EF Education – EasyPost), sisters Zoe Backstedt (CANYONSRAM zondacrypto) and Elynor Backstedt (UAE Team ADQ), Elinor Barker (Uno-X Mobility) and Megan Barker (Tekkerz CC).

Two-time national champion, two-time Olympic champion and 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) is entered in the road race and time-trial in his home country in what would be his last National Road Championships, after announcing he is due to retire

at the end of the year.

Aberaeron’s hometown hero Josh Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers) is hoping to return to make it a hattrick and defend his time-trial title from the previous two years, while Tomos Pattinson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development) will aim to defend his U23 men’s time-trial title from last year.

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships provides a fantastic platform for British riders to enjoy the home roads and experience the support of friends, family and local fans.

A total of 10 coveted national champion’s jerseys are up for grabs across three days of racing, with the timetrial on Thursday 26 June 2025, the circuit race on Friday 27 June 2025, and the road race concluding the action on Sunday 29 June 2025.

Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “We are pleased to see such an exciting line up for the Lloyds National Road Racing Championships and we look forward to welcoming the riders and supporters to Ceredigion.”

To discover the routes of all three stages of this year’s Lloyds National Road Championships in more detail, and more information about the race, host venues, and participating teams, please click here: Routes revealed for the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships starts off with a challenging time-trial in Aberaeron on Thursday 26 June. Starting in Ffos-y-Ffin, the elite women, under-23 women and under-23 open will take to 27km of road, while the elite open will have to battle over 41km.

Aberystwyth plays host to both the circuit race on Friday 27 June and the road race on Sunday 29 June, allowing fans to come down and watch their favourite national riders battle for the title.

From Haverfordwest to Kentucky: Rob Edwards relaunches iconic US wrestling brand

THE ENTREPRENEUR behind Haverfordwest County AFC’s dramatic rise has now set his sights on the world of professional wrestling – by taking over one of America’s most iconic promotions.

Rob Edwards, who took control of the Pembrokeshire club in 2019 and steered it from the brink of collapse to European competition, has relaunched Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), the US-based promotion that helped launch the careers of John Cena, Batista, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton.

All Rights Reserved by the photographer, Steve Bainbridge. Any reproduction without prio consent is strictly forbidden. Tel:(+44)7887-982798 Email: info@stevebainbridge.net

Edwards’ London-based sports management company, MSM, has taken a controlling stake in OVW, which featured in the popular Netflix documentary Wrestlers. He plans to transform the promotion into what he calls the world’s “top independent wrestling company.”

It marks an ambitious new chapter for Edwards, whose story began not with a sports background but with a wine business. Speaking to reporters this week, Edwards said the journey began during lockdown, when he was questioning the future of his company and clicked on a listing for a semi-professional Welsh football club – one with no staff, no players under contract, and gates under 100.

Six weeks later, he owned Haverfordwest County.

The club has since become one of Welsh football’s most compelling success stories. It reached its highest league position in 20 years, secured its first-ever European win in 2023, and qualified again for Europe this year. The club’s academy also claimed the FAW Youth Cup and a place in the UEFA Youth League.

Now, Edwards is applying the same strategy in Kentucky.

He told the Herald: “It’s completely surreal. But it all comes from the same place. I’m obsessed with sport and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. With OVW, I saw the same raw

potential that Haverfordwest had when I first took over.”

Under Edwards’ leadership, OVW has already begun to change. A fan-first strategy has been introduced, a new leadership team put in place, and surveys rolled out to reconnect the brand with its audience.

“There’s something visceral about live wrestling,” Edwards said. “The energy, the storytelling, the crowd – it’s all there. But OVW needed a new identity and a fresh plan. That’s what we’re building.”

Comparisons have been drawn with the Hollywood-backed revival of Wrexham AFC, but Edwards is quick to distance himself from the celebrity-driven model.

“I was the first Rob to buy a football club in Wales,” he joked. “But we’re not Wrexham, and I’m not famous. This isn’t about nostalgia or cameras. It’s about real people, grassroots passion, and creating a lasting legacy through sport.”

Edwards says MSM’s long-term vision is to own five to seven clubs across different sports – each rooted in its community, with strong commercial backing. OVW, he says, is a cornerstone of that plan.

“We’re not just bringing OVW back,” he said. “We want to show the world what modern wrestling can be – and build something that lasts.”

Haverfordwest County announce first summer signing as Luc Rees joins the Bluebirds

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY

AFC have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Luc Rees, with the 22-year-old joining the Bluebirds ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Rees becomes the club’s first addition of the summer transfer window and arrives at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on a two-year deal. He most recently played for Barry Town United in the JD Cymru Premier.

The Swansea-born keeper came through the youth ranks at Swansea City, before going on to feature for Forest Green Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Widnes. During his time at Jenner Park, he made 34 appearances in all competitions.

Now, Rees links up with a Haverfordwest side preparing for their second European adventure in three seasons. The draw for the first qualifying round is scheduled to take place at UEFA headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday 17 June.

Speaking about the new signing, manager Tony Pennock said: “I’ve known Luc for many years and have always kept an eye on his career.

He’s had a variety of experiences for a young goalkeeper and has worked under some excellent coaches.

I believe in strong competition for places, and having two young but talented goalkeepers is a crucial part of our squad going forward. I’d also

like to thank Steve Jenkins and Barry Town United for their cooperation throughout the transfer.”

Commenting on his move, Rees

said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be joining such a fantastic club. From everything that’s happening both on and off the pitch, there was only one

place I wanted to be. I can’t wait to meet the players, staff and supporters – it’s going to be a big, exciting summer.”

Young cricketers shine in Narberth hard ball debut

A FANTASTIC evening of junior cricket took place in Narberth this week as the town’s Under 10s and Under 12 Girls teams faced off in what was, for many, their first ever hardball game.

Both sides put in an impressive performance with the final scores standing at U10s 315-7 and U12 Girls 276-9.

The match was played in great spirit, with enthusiastic support from families and friends, and marked an important step in the development of young players at Narberth Cricket Club.

Special thanks were given to coaches Richard Morton and Jordan Jones, whose dedication and guidance made the event possible.

The U10s are next in action on Monday with an away fixture against Haverfordwest, while the U12 Girls will play at home against Cresselly next Thursday.

Well done to all involved!

Carew continue dominance as Lawrenny and Whitland bounce back

CAREFULLY constructed innings and dominant bowling displays were the story of Week 7 in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League.

In Division 1, leaders Carew maintained their perfect record with a comprehensive 104-run win over Herbrandston, powered by Tim Hicks’ unbeaten 115 and a sixwicket haul from Sam Harts (6-24). Shaun Whitfield also impressed with a half-century and two wickets.

Neyland climbed with a dominant 102-run victory at Llangwm, bolstered by a commanding 108 from Dia Davies and a five-wicket haul from Alan Webster (522).

Whitland made a statement by thrashing Haverfordwest by 84 runs, thanks to a team effort led by Kevin Pearce (52) and Iwan Bevan (4-12).

Cresselly narrowly edged Saundersfoot by 2 wickets, with key contributions from Phil Williams (54) and Tom Arthur (4-35). Despite a valiant

106 not out and four wickets from Sam Franklin, Saundersfoot slipped to third.

At Burton, Lawrenny bounced back with a solid 67-run win, as Rob Williams (31 & 3-23) and Jamie Lewis (3-26) delivered with both bat and ball.

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire League Table

RESULTS: 07/06/2025

Carew (249-4) beat Herbrandston (145) by 104 runs

Lawrenny (173) beat Burton (106) by 67 runs

Llangwm (178) lost to Neyland (280-7) by 102 runs

Saundersfoot (209-7) lost to Cresselly (213-8) by 2 wkts

Whitland (204-9) beat Haverfordwest (120) by 84 runs

Burton II (124) beat Llechryd (106) by 18 runs

Cresselly II (270-6) beat Llanrhian (216-5) by 54 runs

Johnston (92) beat Carew II (79) by 13 runs

Narberth (161-9) beat Hook (160-9) by 1 wkt

St Ishmaels (226-8) beat Pembroke (217-9) by 9 runs

Haverfordwest II (165-4) beat Pembroke Dock (164-7) by 6 wkts

Hook II (153) lost to Fishguard (154-3) by 7 wkts

Kilgetty (99) lost to Hundleton (103-4) by 6 wkts

Laugharne (108-2) beat Lamphey (104) by 8 wkts

Neyland II (175) lost to Stackpole (209-8) by 34 runs

Carew III (127) lost to Saundersfoot II (207-3) by 80 runs

Crymych (152-5) beat Llangwm II (151-3) by 5 wkts

Haverfordwest III (171-6) beat St Ishmaels II (137) by 34 runs

Llanrhian II (95) lost to Lawrenny II (237-3) by 142 runs

Pembroke II (206-5) beat Narberth II (70-9) by 136 runs

Herbrandston II (103-1) beat Neyland III (102) by 9 wkts

Hundleton II (128-7) beat Cresselly III (127-7) by 3 wkts

Llechryd II (122-8) tied with Haverfordwest IV (122-8)

Pembroke Dock II (111-1) beat Whitland II (110) by 9 wkts

H’west-Cresselly (78) lost to Llechryd III (194-3) by 116 runs

Pembroke III (75-1) beat Lamphey II (73) by 9 wkts

Whitland III (26-6) beat Kilgetty II (25) by 4 wkts

FIXTURES: 14/06/2025

Burton v Saundersfoot

Carew v Cresselly

Haverfordwest v Neyland

Herbrandston v Llangwm

Lawrenny v Whitland

Cresselly II v St Ishmaels

Hook v Johnston

Llanrhian v Burton II

Narberth v Llechryd

Pembroke v Carew II

Fishguard v Pembroke Dock

Hundleton v Laugharne

Kilgetty v Hook II

Neyland II v Lamphey

Stackpole v Haverfordwest II

Carew III v Crymych

Haverfordwest III v Lawrenny II

Llangwm II v Narberth II

Saundersfoot II v Llanrhian II

St Ishmaels II v Pembroke II

Llechryd II v Herbrandston II

Neyland III v Haverfordwest IV

Pembroke Dock II v Cresselly III

Whitland II v Hundleton II

H’west-Cresselly v Kilgetty II

Lamphey II v Whitland III

Llechryd III v Pembroke III

Rob Edwards relaunches iconic US wrestling brand • P70