The Pembrokeshire Herald 18/04/2025

Businessman ‘honoured’ to become Wales Air Ambulance’s first business ambassador

PEMBROKESHIRE businessman

Darren Briggs has been named the first-ever Business Ambassador for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, recognising his long-standing support and commitment to the lifesaving service.

The 54-year-old entrepreneur, who founded Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, said he was “totally honoured” to take on the new role.

Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Darren Briggs as the Wales Air Ambulance Charity’s first business ambassador. This role recognises Darren’s exceptional commitment to our lifesaving service.”

Ascona Group operates sixty-two forecourts across the UK, including twenty in Wales, and recently announced the acquisition of three more in Mid Wales. The business has supported the Charity for many years, raising more than £168,000 in the past three years alone.

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important that I can use my business skills and network to promote the service even more.

we operate.

“We are only a successful business because of our customers, and this is our way of saying thank you.”

Ascona Group has sites across north, mid, west, and south Wales, and others as far afield as Scotland, Hastings and Dorking. Darren said the business plans to continue expanding over the next two years while maintaining strong support for the Charity.

Darren, who holds a pilot’s licence, has visited several of the Charity’s airbases and met the Wales Air Ambulance Royal Patron, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, during a visit to the Dafen site in September 2024.

“It was a great honour to meet His Royal Highness,” Darren said. “The Prince of Wales is so passionate about the work of the Charity and took time to talk with everyone.

“When you meet the clinicians and they tell you about the kind of scenarios they’ve been involved with, it is truly humbling.

“What they do, day-to-day, is unbelievable. It is fantastic that we have such a service available in Wales that can help those facing life or limbthreatening situations.

“That is why it is so important for Ascona Group to support the Wales Air Ambulance in the way we do. It’s deeply moving to know that each time we raise money, we are helping save lives.”

LifesAving Work ACross WALes

“We are hugely grateful for the incredible platform we have been given at forecourts across Wales, and to the generous customers who have donated to our lifesaving cause.

“Darren’s appointment comes at a significant time for our Charity as we prepare to mark our 25th anniversary in 2026. We hope to continue to draw upon his expertise in the years ahead.”

Darren acquired his first forecourt site in 2011. Between 2018 and 2022—during the Covid pandemic— he expanded rapidly from two sites to sixty-two. Now employing almost nine hundred people, the Ascona Group serves around 300,000 customers a week and dispenses 4.5 million litres of fuel weekly—equivalent to eighteen tankers per day.

He said: “It is incredibly special to be the Business Ambassador for Wales Air Ambulance. It’s particularly

Dr Barnes added: “Ascona Group has helped fundraise an extraordinary amount of money for our Charity over the years and continues to do so.

“I will always support Wales Air Ambulance. It is a key service for the people of Wales and has saved thousands of lives since 2001. It even came to the aid of one of my longestserving employees, who is thankfully still with us.”

Darren has also teamed up with award-winning fintech charity Pennies, enabling customers to make microdonations at checkouts when paying by card or digital wallet. Ascona Group matches each donation, and the scheme has already raised £68,000 in just over six months.

“We are offering our customers the opportunity to donate 30p each time they fill up or shop, and we will match fund up to £100,000,” Darren said.

“It costs £11.2 million every year to keep the Wales Air Ambulance helicopters and rapid response vehicles operating. We want to do all we can to help. It’s also important to give back because the service is there for everyone in the communities where

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultantled service, bringing hospital-standard treatment to patients at the scene and, where needed, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital. It operates through a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s helicopters and vehicles. They can administer anaesthesia, carry out blood transfusions, and perform minor surgical procedures on site.

As a pan-Wales service, the Charity’s crews travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency care where it is most urgently needed.

The Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to maintain its operations. Darren Briggs’s new ambassadorial role is expected to play a significant part in supporting this vital mission.

Tom

Cracks in the system: Greenhill repairs dodged oversight

Greenhill danger ignored until concrete began to fall

PeMBrokesHire County

Council leader Jon Harvey personally authorised over £560k of spending on urgent works to greenhill school on Wednesday, April 16.

The Council Leader approved the spending following an updated report stating that some of the school’s concrete was unsafe and posed an “immediate risk” to students and staff.

“DeCision DoDges sCrUTinY”

Cllr Harvey’s decision circumvented the need to notify councillors beforehand. It also meant members of key local authority committees were bypassed, with most learning of the decision from a report by Aled Scourfield on BBC Wales online news.

One opposition councillor observed the decision smacked of an attempt to bypass scrutiny by using executive powers. Another wryly suggested they “must have been left off the list” of people who should’ve been notified about the urgency of the situation. Bearing in mind the delay that led to the drama becoming a crisis, councillors on several council committees will certainly want answers.

“signifiCAnT risk” To sAfeTY

A specialist structural report and follow-up monitoring of exposed steelwork showed that urgent essential repair works and stabilisation are needed for parts of the structural concrete frame of Greenhill. That report stated: “Acceleration in corrosion-related degradation [has led] to concrete fracture, spalling, and delamination.” That deterioration poses “a significant risk”.

The report continues: “Sizeable debris has been witnessed falling from the structure, endangering pedestrians and potentially damaging vehicles and surrounding infrastructure.”

The issues at the school do

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not relate to the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which caused the closure of parts of Withybush Hospital.

A section of the report headed ‘immediate risks’ states: “The potential for falling material from the frame is real and immediate. Elements were identified and removed at the time of the survey. The survey also identified items that, while not in immediate danger of falling from the building, could be reasonably expected to do so in a period of time. There are 340+ items in the report that fall into this immediate category.”

Part of the school’s chimney will be demolished, as there is no way to make the worst damaged parts of it safe.

A further 382 items fall into a less urgent category.

DeLAY in rePAirs LeD To UrgenT siTUATion

Regardless of the current urgency, reports published on the Council’s website show that the County Council had the money to carry out the essential work last year. Instead, the local authority spent the money elsewhere within the education estate. Among the projects funded included 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. The value of that grant, scheduled for spending in 2024-25, was over £1.8m, with around £360k of that sum carried over from the preceding year.

One of the documents relating to the decision states: “Due to [a] delay in receiving updated monitoring reports and project costs for the works

required at the school, the earmarked funding was utilised for other schools’ capital projects in 2024/25.”

Now, the money for the urgent works will come from the Council’s building maintenance reserves for its schools’ capital programme.

The Council is gambling that it will get the money to do the work back as part of another grant from the Wesh Government. While it is confident it will get the money, the Council’s conduct highlights how the grants system can be gamed. Questions arise about how much the Council obtains from Welsh Government grants and how much of that cash ends up locked up in reserves or diverted elsewhere.

The use of the original grant funding for other projects also demonstrates that there is no issue so serious that it cannot be allowed to get worse before the local authority acts, usually at a far greater cost than for a proactive planned maintenance programme.

rePAirs WiLL oUTLAsT sCHooL

The chosen repair option also highlights the planned remaining life of the current Greenhill School as being something less than fifteen years. The recommended option will make all identified repairs and obtain a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty to protect the repairs and the areas of the frame not yet succumbing to attack from carbonisation and chlorides. The report notes that the chosen option “fits within the overall longevity required for this school under the schools’ capital programme. Overall, this can be expected to give the structural frame of the school an extended lifespan to 2040.”

Bearing in mind how long it’s taken (and is still taking) to get around to rebuilding an increasingly dilapidated Milford Haven School, residents in Greenhill’s catchment area better get used to waiting.

Driver lies injured in rain for hours after fall from lorry

A LorrY driver who suffered serious injuries after falling from his vehicle at fishguard port was left lying in a puddle for hours, as emergency services warned he could face an ambulance wait of up to eight hours.

The injured man was discovered by local conservation volunteer Ken Barnett, who had been photographing bottlenose dolphins at the outer breakwater in Goodwick Harbour. On his return, he found the driver on the ground in clear distress, having apparently fallen from the back of his lorry.

Ken immediately phoned 999, but was told not to move the casualty and that an ambulance could take between four and eight hours to arrive.

“We had a man in considerable pain lying in a puddle in the rain, facing a four-hour wait at best before he could receive any treatment,” said Cliff Benson, founder of Sea Trust, who arrived at the scene shortly afterwards with his partner Fran.

“If we hadn’t found him, the security man wouldn’t have seen him until 11:00pm during his rounds. He could have died in the dark of exposure.”

Volunteers and the port security guard acted swiftly to protect the man from worsening conditions, building a makeshift shelter using metal fencing, a tarpaulin and a blanket.

Cliff then contacted Fishguard

Tom

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RNLI coxswain Gemma Gill, who, along with local firefighters, lifeboat crew and Fishguard Coastguard Rescue Team, responded quickly to assist. The coastguard was called to the scene at 6:25pm.

“Given how close the casualty was to the lifeboat station, the RNLI crew were first on scene and provided excellent care,” said a coastguard spokesperson. “We supported the RNLI and fire service in extracting and carrying out the casualty to the warmth of the lifeboat station.”

An ambulance eventually arrived and took the driver to Withybush Hospital.

This case highlights growing concerns about ambulance response times in Wales, especially for patients in remote or rural areas. According to official figures released last month, January saw 6,073 red (life-threatening) calls, accounting for 17.9% of all calls — more than 1,000 higher than the same month last year.

On average, there were 196 red calls per day, making January the third highest month on record for life-threatening emergencies. Despite slight improvements in some performance indicators across emergency departments, the Welsh

Ambulance Service continues to face relentless pressure, especially during winter months.

A recent statement from the Welsh NHS Confederation described the situation as a “mixed picture,” praising NHS staff for their dedication, but warning that “challenges remain

across the breadth of health and social care services.”

The Herald understands that without the intervention of volunteers and emergency crews at Fishguard Port, the outcome for the injured lorry driver could have been far more serious.

Horse rescued from marshland

fire crews from Pembroke Dock and st Davids were called to Caerfarchell in Pembrokeshire at 9:02am on Tuesday (March 15) after a horse became stuck in marshland.

The animal, described as approximately 15 hands high, was trapped in boggy ground and unable

to move. Firefighters used specialist large animal rescue equipment, including strops and a telehandler provided by a nearby farm, to safely free the horse.

Crews left the scene at 11:32am after successfully completing the rescue.

Fury as ex-MP Simon Hart handed peerage

forMer south Pembrokeshire MP simon Hart is facing mounting criticism over his appointment to the House of Lords—amid fresh outrage over his decision to publish a revealing political memoir and lingering questions about the “swastika saga” involving defaced campaign material once in his own possession.

Hart, who was MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire from 2010 until he stood down last year, appeared on Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list and is now set to take a seat in the Lords. But his peerage has sparked anger from senior Conservatives, who say Hart breached trust by publishing ‘Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip’, which contains personal and salacious anecdotes about MPs who confided in him while he held one of the most sensitive roles in government.

The Herald understands that at least one sitting Tory MP wrote to the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) in an attempt to block the nomination, arguing Hart had violated the Nolan Principles— guidelines designed to maintain integrity in public life.

In the book, Hart recounts incidents involving MPs caught in compromising situations, including one who allegedly called the whips’ office for help after becoming stranded in a brothel. Critics say the publication undermines the confidential nature of the whips’ office, which exists partly to offer pastoral support to MPs during times of personal crisis.

Former defence minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke branded the book “appalling” and said it risked breaking the trust that Parliament depends

on: “If MPs can’t trust the whips, the system will break down,” he said.

But questions about Hart’s judgement don’t stop there.

Back in 2019, The Pembrokeshire Herald revealed that Hart had shared an image of a defaced campaign poster—infamously bearing the phrase “WILL STARVE YOUR NAN AND STEAL HER HOUSE!”—which had been further altered with Nazi swastikas at some point between its original appearance in 2017 and its reappearance two years later during Hart’s re-election campaign.

Mr Hart had kept the alreadydefaced poster in his personal possession during that time, and critics pointed out that the two swastikas—absent from the original image—were added while the sign was no longer in public display. Hart refused to explain the additions, dismissing questions from the Herald as “totally outrageous” and claiming it was political mischief by opponents.

Local campaigner Jim Scott, who spotted the differences between the 2017 and 2019 images, asked: “Who had access to the sign in those two years? And why were the swastikas

added later?”

The incident caused national embarrassment and raised eyebrows in Westminster, especially as Hart leveraged the graffiti controversy to campaign for civility in politics and even secured a seat on the parliamentary Standa

Despite these controversies—and his refusal to address them publicly— Hart has now been rewarded with a life peerage.

One former Tory MP told the BBC: “You’d expect a chief whip to get a peerage, but doing so after publishing a book like that? It’s very odd.”

Hart has not responded to requests for comment from The Pembrokeshire Herald this week. His publisher, Pan Macmillan, also declined to issue a statement.

Meanwhile, former immigration minister Kevin Foster labelled Sunak’s honours list “a reward for failure,” describing it as “a list of Sunak’s mates.”

The Herald stands by its original reporting on the swastika poster and continues to invite Mr Hart to offer a full and credible public explanation.

Swastikas were added to election sign after it was taken from public display

The Herald broke the Swastika story on its front page in 2019

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Backlash: Senior Conservatives say Hart breached trust by publishing memoir

Hart’s peerage ‘taking the mickey’

forMer Pembrokeshire MP simon Hart’s advancement to the House of Lords in rishi sunak’s resignation Honours List has proven divisive among his former parliamentary colleagues and local Conservative Party members.

There has been no press release from the Conservative Party for either the former Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire or the wider Pembrokeshire Conservative Party. While individuals have offered their congratulations, an official acknowledgement or tribute is conspicuously missing.

Even the Conservative Senedd group, which worked alongside Simon Hart when he was Secretary of State for Wales, has remained silent.

However, the reluctance to comment is not universal.

One local Conservative activist did not hang back with their criticism: “It’s taking the Mickey,” they told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“It’s totally undeserved. Simon did nothing to stop the government from failing, and I’d think more highly of him if he had done that instead of writing a gossipy diary.

“By not declaring his intentions earlier, he helped to gift the Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat to a Labour who is totally out of his depth and who, nine months into his term as one of Pembrokeshire’s representatives in Westminster, remains an embarrassment.”

Another local Conservative picked up the last point: “It was so frustrating. Labour had their candidate nominated and was going out to raise his profile in the constituency. We were left in limbo.

“If we’d have had the same lead in time as Henry Tufnell, we would probably have held Mid & South Pembrokeshire despite results elsewhere. As it was, Tufnell scraped in, largely thanks to our inability to get people out to boost a named candidate, leaving Reform to fill the gap.”

Not all local Conservatives were as harsh.

One dismissed the idea that the delay in Simon Hart’s decision to stand left the local Party high and dry. They told us, “I think that criticism is unfair. You have to remember that Simon was the Chief Whip of a parliamentary party that, as his book title shows, was ungovernable. He was between a rock and a hard place. As it was, he stood in a constituency (Caerfyddin) that was widely acknowledged to be unwinnable, leaving the better chances to Stephen in the new Pembrokeshire

Jon

Coles jon.coles@herald.email

seat.”

Mr Hart’s book has certainly caused ructions among his former Westminster colleagues.

The Times’s coverage of “Ungovernable”’s publication contained a number of anonymous jibes at Mr Hart, notably from former colleagues who felt the book exposed too many of the Whips’ Office’s secrets. Certainly, the book has attracted

significant comment and coverage about revelations concerning colourful incidents involving Conservative MPs, including rescuing one from a brothel.

Mr Hart’s candid revelations about Suella Braverman’s conduct when she was dismissed as Home Secretary have probably caused her reputation lasting damage. Meanwhile, a criticism of a ministerial promotion as “undeserved” has led to the jigsaw identification of the “undeserving” case being current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

In response to “Ungovernable”’s publication, former defence minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke told the BBC it was “appalling” that Mr Hart had “destroyed the sanctity of the whips office” by publishing “very private information” in a book.

He said: “If [MPs] don’t feel they can trust the whips, the system will break down in Parliament.

“I mean the pressure some people are under and they do these stupid things under pressure, if they don’t feel they can talk to anybody there can be serious consequences… not suicide per se, but, drinking themselves to death,” the Wetherby and Easingwold MP said, adding: “That has happened in the past.”

Sir Alec said that he had written to the House of Lords Appointment Commission (HOLAC) before the peerage was confirmed to ask that it be blocked on the basis that Simon Hart had breached the Nolan Principles –standards which should be upheld in public life.

Writing to HOLAC, he said: “Ultimately, the book has its amusing parts, but so would stories from a GP. “If they wroteup stories, the trust would be gone beyond just that doctor.

“He has broken a bond of trust and undermined the whole system of what is effectively the only HR department.”

Another former MP said: “You’d expect a chief whip to get a peerage, but it does seem very, very odd he should get it after writing the book.”

Two men sentenced for vicious crimes against badgers.

A JoinT investigation by DyfedPowys Police’s rural Crime Team and the rsCPA sees two Ceredigion men prosecuted for their disturbing crimes against animals.

The two men were found to have shot a badger dead before dragging its lifeless body down a hill and throwing it into a nearby bog.

On the afternoon of Saturday 6 January 2024, the RSPCA was alerted to a concern about suspicious activity taking place on a grassy hillside in the Esgairdawe area of Carmarthenshire.

A member of the rural community, and key witness in the case, told the RSCPA how they had seen a group of individuals acting suspiciously around an active badger sett near to their home.

Taking a closer look using their camera (fitted with a telescopic lens), the witness observed the group digging into badger sett before seeing a man dragging a heavy animal down the hill and throwing it over a fence into a bog.

The witness also reported seeing another man carrying a terrier with blood on its legs in one arm, and a shotgun in the other.

The same day, RSCPA Inspector Keith Hogben attended to examine the site and was shown the photos taken by the witness. Inspector Hogben gathered evidence from the scene, including the dead body of a badger which was freshly wounded.

Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rural Crime Team was notified of the incident, and further examination of the deceased badger confirmed that the animal had been shot dead. This led officers to believe that the killing was in breach of

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the Badgers Act 1992, and a criminal investigation was launched.

Using the photographs taken by the initial witness, the two main suspects were identified, and plans were put into place to carry out simultaneous arrests during a day of action on Tuesday 9 April 2024.

During the pre-planned operation led by PC 610 Ashleigh Jones and the RSPCA, suspects Sion Davis and Gwynli Edwards were arrested at their homes on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, interfering with badger setts and being in possession of a dead badger.

Further property searches found a total of nine firearms, including a shotgun believed to have been used in the illegal killing of the badger. The quadbike seen by the witness was also located at one of the properties, along with items related to terrier hunting, including dog radio collars, T-bars, nets, and shovels.

Davis’s firearms were seized, his license revoked, and the pair were released under investigation.

Following a thorough joint investigation, Sion Davis was later charged with interfering with a badger sett, using a firearm to kill a badger, and wilfully killing a badger. He pleaded guilty to all three charges at Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 March. Gwynli Edwards was also charged, and pleaded guilty to, interfering with a badger sett and possession of a dead badger when he appeared alongside Sion Davis at the

On Wednesday 16 April 2025, both men were handed sixteen month suspended sentences, and Sion Davis was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work. In addition, the pair were ordered to pay costs totalling £4,960.

DS 405 Paul Roberts of DyfedPowys Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “This result is a testament to the strength of partnership between DyfedPowys Police and the RSCPA. This case reinforces the message that we will do all we can under the all-Wales partnership for rural and wildlife crime, to protect vulnerable wildlife within our force are, and pursue those that intend to bring them harm.”

Echoing DS Roberts’s comments, PC 610 Ashleigh Jones of DyfedPowys Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “Today’s outcome shows that vicious and cruel behaviour against innocent and defenceless animals will simply not be tolerated. I want to commend the initial witness for their proactivity in contacting the RSCPA to report her concerns, which ultimately led to the two perpetrators facing justice for their crimes today.

“I’d also like to thank RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben for the critical role he played in this investigation. His initial actions at the scene, and gathering of key evidence early on were instrumental in securing this prosecution.”

Dock man assaulted former partner after row

A PeMBroke DoCk man with a troubled upbringing has been sentenced after assaulting his former partner during a violent outburst.

Sam Wilkins, 42, of Bethel Road, turned aggressive on November 7 after the woman told him she was going to visit her parents.

“He was yelling at her so much, there was spit coming out of his mouth,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Wilkins grabbed the woman by her jacket, lifted her onto a stair and

then dropped her onto the step below, causing her to fall backwards.

He then left the property, but was recorded on a doorbell camera outside, berating the victim while speaking to a friend.

“Listening to the language he used to describe me was horrible,” the victim said in a statement read to the court.

“I could hear the nastiness in his voice. This was not the Sam I met seven years ago. The disrespect he has for me is unforgivable. What gives him that right?”

Wilkins pleaded guilty to assault by

beating, causing criminal damage to a jacket valued at £60, and breaching bail conditions.

His solicitor, Jess Hill, said Wilkins had experienced a difficult childhood.

“He was in an emotional state at the time and had an unstable upbringing, being introduced to crime at a young age by his father,” she said.

“As a result, he has multiple mental health diagnoses.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, requiring Wilkins to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and undergo

psychiatric treatment. He must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, £60 for the damaged jacket, a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

A two-year restraining order was issued, prohibiting Wilkins from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, except through a solicitor, social services or a court-appointed third party. He is also banned from entering any address she occupies or referring to her on social media.

Teen denies knife threat but admits damaging mum’s property

A HAverforDWesT teenager has denied threatening a man with a kitchen knife and carrying the weapon in public—but admitted damaging his mother’s household items.

Kian Kelly, aged 19, of Freemans View, appeared at Swansea Crown

Court on Friday charged with three offences following an incident on March 8.

He is accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife at an address in Haverfordwest and possessing the knife on Hill Street.

Kelly pleaded not guilty to the knife-

related charges but admitted a count of criminal damage, which relates to damage caused to property belonging to his mother.

Ieuan Rees, prosecuting, told the court that the pleas were not acceptable and that the Crown would seek a trial.

Representing Kelly, Ian Ibrahim said: “He said he didn’t have the knife with him. He fully accepts the behaviour in the house.”

Judge Geraint Walters set a trial date for September 18. Kelly was granted bail until that date.

court hearing in March.

Drunken fisherman caught with knife after takeaway incident

A fisHerMAn who had been drinking swiped a kitchen knife from a town centre takeaway in Haverfordwest before getting into a confrontation outside a pub.

Swansea Crown Court heard that on the evening of September 28, Arturs Malkovs, aged 31, took a knife from inside Smash n Shake on Castle Square and tucked it into his waistband.

Malkovs, who had been staying in Milford Haven for work, was refused entry to Friars Vaults pub shortly afterwards.

Prosecutor Harry Dickens told the court that a scuffle then broke out outside the pub, during which the knife fell from Malkovs’ waistband and was kicked away by a bystander before being returned to the takeaway.

Malkovs walked away down Quay Street but was later arrested by police, who noted he was heavily intoxicated and in possession of 1.85 grams of cannabis.

During police interview, he admitted possessing cannabis but gave no comment to other questions. He was later fined £160 and ordered to pay £85 in costs for the drugs offence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on October 15.

At a subsequent hearing at Swansea Crown Court, Malkovs, of Mamore Crescent, Fort William, admitted possession of a knife in a public place.

The court heard that his only previous conviction was in 2023, for driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Defending, David Singh said Malkovs was remorseful and had taken responsibility by pleading guilty.

“He recognises alcohol was the root of the problem,” said Mr Singh. “His time in custody has had a positive effect—he has been alcohol-free since.”

Judge Huw Rees said the incident may have seemed immature but carried serious risks.

“You did something juvenile, but it had a serious aspect,” said the judge.

“The production of a knife in public is dangerous—it can escalate situations and provoke violence. Nobody is saying you can’t have a drink in Haverfordwest or Milford Haven, but it must be within the bounds of acceptable behaviour.”

Malkovs was sentenced to 19 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring programme.

A487 at Newport made resilient after vital infrastructure work

THe A487 at newport in Pembrokeshire has reopened following essential engineering work to future-proof the road and avoid long-term disruption to the community.

The key stretch of road reopened on schedule on 3 March after a defective culvert running beneath the A487 was fully replaced. The upgrade is expected to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce the risk of emergency closures in the future.

The project involved complex engineering and close collaboration between contractors and key stakeholders, including Welsh Water, Wales & West Utilities, and Openreach. The culvert carries vital infrastructure, including water, sewage and gas pipes, as well as fibre optic telecommunications cables.

Without the repair, a collapse could have caused major disruption to services and forced an emergency closure of the road for an extended period. Localised flooding was also a potential risk.

Given the culvert’s location in the centre of Newport, care was taken to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses, and road users. A number of repair options were considered, but engineers concluded that full replacement of the structure was the only long-term solution.

Consultations were held to identify the least disruptive time of year to complete the works. With tourism vital to the area’s economy, it was agreed that the work would be carried out before the start of the season.

While the road was closed, engineers also carried out resurfacing along the affected stretch to address existing carriageway defects.

During the eight-week closure, local businesses reported a significant drop in

footfall. Traders in Newport said January had been particularly challenging, with customer numbers falling sharply. Some were forced to reduce staffing levels or find creative ways to support loyal customers, including offering private parking for those with mobility issues.

Traders also expressed frustration at signage placed at Cardigan and St Clears, which they said gave the impression the entire road was shut, deterring potential visitors.

A diversion route for light vehicles was implemented locally, while heavy goods vehicles faced a considerably longer detour. Parking outside some businesses was restricted, and an increase in traffic through back roads added to the disruption.

Despite these setbacks, the town is now looking to the future. Businesses are reporting a renewed sense of optimism with the roadworks complete. Several are preparing for the busy spring and summer period, including events like Welsh Art Week, which is set to attract visitors from across the country.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said:

“I understand the disruption caused by works and I’d like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience whilst the work was taking place. However, it was vital that it was carried out at this time to ensure the road can remain open in the years to come.

“This is a beautiful part of Wales which attracts many tourists from across the UK and beyond. Therefore, it was important the work was completed before the start of the busy tourist season.

“I’d also like to thank the South Wales Trunk Road Agent and their supply chain for their hard work to ensure the project was completed on schedule whilst minimising disruption as far as possible.”

Tenby man charged after robbery incident

A MAn is due to appear at swansea Crown Court next month after being charged in connection with a late-night incident in Tenby town centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no one was injured during the disturbance, which took place at a restaurant in Tudor Square on the evening of Sunday, March 30.

Mohammed Miah, aged 44, has been charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and criminal damage. He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 2.

NHS performance ‘a mixed bag’

THe nUMBer of Welsh nHs patients waiting more than two years for treatment has fallen by 26%, according to data released by the Welsh government on Thursday, April 17.

However, waiting times for ambulances have increased, while A&E performance continues to be under severe pressure.

The latest NHS statistics for Wales revealed that the NHS treatment waiting list remains at 793,946 pathways.

Two-year waits are 15,005 in Wales, compared with only 161 in England. The Labour Health Minister, now First Minister, Eluned Morgan, promised to eliminate these waits by March 2023 and again by March 2024 but failed to meet these targets. The target remains a long way off from being met.

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said: “I am very happy

Coles jon.coles@herald.email

to see a significant fall in the longest waits and the overall size of the waiting list falling for the third month in a row.

“This shows what can be achieved when health boards focus on delivering services, including faster treatment and increased NHS capacity, by embracing new ways of working.

“Those efforts have been supported by our £50m additional investment.

“We still have more work to do to reach our ambitious targets, but it is encouraging to see waiting times consistently falling.

“Two-year waits have fallen to their lowest levels since June 2021 and were more than 26% lower compared to the previous month.”

However, the NHS in England has already eliminated two-year waits. At the same time, a significant number of specialisms in Wales, including orthopaedic care, are excluded from

the waiting time data.

Jeremy Miles continued: “The number of pathways waiting more than a year for their first outpatient appointment has fallen for a third consecutive month and is nearly 28% lower than the peak in August 2022.

“The number of patient pathways waiting 36 weeks and the average time waiting for treatment were both lower than the previous month.

“Performance improved against the 62-day cancer target in February, increasing to more than 60%, whilst 1,800 people started cancer treatment and 13,000 people were told the good news they did not have cancer.

“A significant improvement was achieved in March in reducing the total number of delayed hospital discharges, with a drop of 114 delays over the previous month. This was the lowest delay figure over the past year and the overall second lowest since reporting began two years ago.”

However, despite the Welsh

Government blowing its own trumpet, performance still lags far behind the already poor performance of the Welsh NHS against targets preceding the Covid pandemic.

James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Labour Ministers will try to claim success today, but these statistics are worse than a mixed bag.

“The reduction in two-year waits is welcome, but the fact that they still exist at all, when they haven’t for so many months in England, coupled with worsening ambulance response times, is a testament to Labour’s failure to meet their targets.

“The Welsh Conservatives want to see improvements across the board and we can only achieve that by removing restrictions to crossborder, cross-community and crosssector capacity sharing and by, flnally, enacting a long-term workforce plan.”

Dock woman denies breaching restraining order

A PeMBrokesHire woman has accused the Crown Prosecution service (CPs) of pursuing a “malicious prosecution” after she was charged with breaching a courtimposed restraining order.

Marie Thomas, aged 39, of Beach Road, Llanreath, Pembroke Dock, was made subject to the order on August 8, 2024. It prohibits her from contacting

a person either directly or indirectly, and from making any reference to her on social media or other electronic platforms.

However, the Crown alleges that on November 17, Thomas entered material onto social media which referred directly to that person, in breach of the order.

This week, Thomas appeared

before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court where she denied the offence. She elected for the matter to be tried in the Crown Court and told the judge she would be representing herself.

“There is no better person to shed light on the truth,” she said. “This is an injustice. I’m going to prove this and take on the prosecution for malicious

prosecution. I have evidence… and I’m about to shed light on the case.” Thomas was granted conditional bail ahead of her trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 16. Her bail conditions prohibit her from contacting Lindsey Grover directly or indirectly and from making any reference to her on social media.

Jon

Fury as Parc Prison reform advocate arrested

ZACk griffiTHs, a prominent whistleblower and prison reform campaigner, has been recalled to prison and is now facing fresh criminal charges — sparking outrage across Wales and beyond.

The 35-year-old, who has helped lead protests over the management of HMP Parc in Bridgend, was arrested at Cardiff Crown Court last week and is expected to remain in custody until at least October. Supporters have called his detention “a national scandal” and “a clear attempt to criminalise whistleblowing.”

The prison houses hundreds of inmates from Pembrokeshire, as it is the our nearest long-term jail and the largest in Wales.

Campaigners — including bereaved families, justice groups and former inmates — say the authorities are targeting Griffiths because he has consistently spoken out about deaths, alleged abuse and neglect at the G4Srun prison.

Arrested, recalled and facing new charges

Griffiths was arrested at court while attending a scheduled hearing. A video widely shared on social media shows officers detaining him under Section 43 of the Prison Act 1952 — an obscure offence linked to blackmail involving unauthorised prison communications.

That blackmail charge has since been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, with no case to answer. Griffiths now faces a charge of malicious communications under the new Online Safety Act — an offence that could lead to further time in custody.

A spokesperson for South Wales

and reform at UK prisons, particularly HMP Parc.

Since early 2024, he has been one of the most outspoken critics of G4S and South Wales Police — sharing testimonies from families, whistleblowers, and former officers, and helping to organise vigils and protests outside Parc prison.

“Zack is the only one who has dared to name names and shine a light on what’s going on,” said Sean Wilson, a fellow campaigner. “And now he’s been silenced. The system wants him gone.”

Tom Blewitt, another organiser, posted: “He’s had a full recall. They’re panicking because we’re getting too close to the truth. But this won’t stop us — it just proves we’re right.”

On Griffiths’ official Facebook page, his partner shared a heartbreaking message: “I don’t have my partner here to hold me anymore. He sacrificed himself for the greater good… My family is broken.”

“He gave us a voice”: Zack’s final protest

The Herald understands the protest attracted widespread media coverage and placed significant pressure on authorities — just days before Griffiths’ sudden recall to prison.

Parc Prison, Bridgend (Pic: Herald) HMP Parc: A prison in crisis

The arrest comes amid mounting scrutiny of conditions inside Parc. Since the start of 2024, at least seven inmates have died at the Category B private prison, with causes ranging from suspected overdoses and suicide to alleged neglect.

In January, six prison officers were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Investigations are ongoing, and G4S has confirmed it is cooperating with the Ministry of Justice.

“My son died in Parc last year. We still haven’t had an inquest,” one grieving mother told The Herald. “Zack was the only one who cared. Now they’ve taken him too.”

LegAL sUPPorT groWs

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Police, when asked by The Herald about the arrest, said:

“South Wales Police neither confirms nor denies names put to us in connection to an arrest and nor do we provide guidance on names put to us.”

WHY He WAs on LiCenCe

Griffiths was on licence at the time, following a 12-month sentence handed down in November 2024. He had pleaded guilty to transmitting an image from prison and sending offensive communications, after posting a video online which showed HMP Parc officers restraining an inmate.

The court ruled the footage breached prison security and imposed a restraining order banning him from contacting certain individuals or sharing related material. Breaching such conditions — including through alleged malicious communications — allows the Probation Service to recall an individual to custody.

“THe onLY one TeLLing THe TrUTH”

Zack Griffiths says he has been working tirelessly to highlight mismanagement and corruption at Park Prison

Griffiths is the co-founder of Predator Awareness, a group originally set up to expose child grooming gangs and institutional failings. More recently, he co-led the HMP Prison Justice Group, which has campaigned for transparency

There have been several protests at Parc Prison – the largest prison in Wales aorganised what would become his final public protest — a highly visible demonstration outside HMP Parc attended by dozens of bereaved families and national media outlets. Around twenty people stood together at the gates of the troubled Bridgend prison, demanding that G4S be stripped of its contract and that urgent reforms be introduced to tackle what they described as a “drug epidemic” and “mental health emergency” behind the walls.

Among those present were the families of men who had died inside Parc — some from suspected spice overdoses, others by suicide. Mothers, siblings, and partners spoke candidly about their pain, the unanswered questions surrounding their loved ones’ deaths, and their fears for those still incarcerated. Protesters carried placards and gave interviews to TV and radio crews, helping to catapult the issue onto the national agenda.

Clare Jones, whose 29-year-old son Ross died in Parc in 2023, said: “This needs to stop. Ten days before Ross died, another boy passed away. They were warned to make improvements — nothing changed. Zack was the only one who gave us a voice.”

Frances Jones, who lost her nephew Michael “Mikey” Horton to suicide inside Parc at just 19, said: “There were 33 families like us, maybe more now. Zack helped bring us together. We believe justice will come — but not without a fight.”

Brandon Lee-Jones, Mikey’s cousin, added: “He committed suicide, but noone was there to help him. He felt so alone. Zack gave us a reason to keep pushing for answers.”

A fundraiser titled “Justice for Zack Griffiths – Support His Fight” has been launched to help cover legal costs. It has already raised hundreds of pounds, with messages of support from across the UK.

Sophie Lewis, who started the campaign, said:

“Zack stood up when nobody else would. Now we must stand up for him. This is about truth and accountability.”

Concerns have been raised that Griffiths’ legal team needs strengthening ahead of a potential hearing at Swansea Crown Court later this month.

Demands for inquiry and intervention

There are now growing calls for a public inquiry into the management of HMP Parc and the handling of Griffiths’ arrest by South Wales Police.

“If speaking up about dead prisoners gets you jailed, but those responsible walk free — we don’t live in a democracy anymore,” said one campaigner. “We live in fear.”

Several groups are calling on the Justice Secretary, the Parole Board and the Independent Office for Police Conduct to intervene.

“You can’t jail the whistleblower and walk away,” said one supporter. “This country needs to wake up.”

WHAT CoMes nexT

Griffiths remains in custody and is expected to be held until at least October 2025 pending the outcome of the malicious communications charge. A court date has not yet been set.

Meanwhile, protests calling for his release are gaining momentum, both on the streets and online. Supporters say they will not stop until Griffiths is freed and a full inquiry is launched into what they describe as “the Parc Prison cover-up.”

Tom

Warning over fake QR code scam at Tenby car park

D rivers using Pembrokeshire County Council car parks are being warned about a Q r code scam that has been reported across the U k –with Tenby’s multi-storey car park among the latest to be targeted.

Fraudsters are placing fake QR codes on parking machines and signage, which direct users to imitation websites that look like genuine payment platforms. A member of the public was nearly conned out of £59.99 after scanning one of the fake codes in Tenby.

Tenby’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said they have been “engaging with Pembrokeshire County Council parking staff regarding a recent incident of illegal QR codes placed on the pay and display areas in Tenby multi-storey car park.”

They urged the public not to scan QR codes when paying for parking, adding that Pembrokeshire County Council does not use QR codes for car park payments.

Instead, the council uses PayByPhone as an alternative to cash. Drivers are advised to download the official app from their phone’s app store and not follow any links from QR codes.

The council added that neither it nor its enforcement partner issue fines by text message.

Similar scams have been reported elsewhere in the UK and were previously described as a “cruel

hoax” by Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Motorists are reminded that payments made via fake QR code

Lorry driver caught almost three times over limit after domestic row

A LorrY driver who made the “life-changing” decision to drive away from a domestic dispute while almost three times over the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road.

John Roberts, 51, was stopped by police on Pembroke Road, Haverfordwest, on the evening of August 24 after officers spotted his Audi A3 being driven erratically. A roadside breath test proved positive, and a further test at the police station showed he had 94 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Roberts, of Fountain Row, Haverfordwest, had been visiting Pembrokeshire with his partner. At the time of the offence, he was living in Barry and working as a lorry driver.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court: “As a result of a domestic incident at the property, the defendant made the decision to leave in the Audi. Shortly afterwards, he was stopped and breathalysed.”

The court heard that Roberts had voluntarily surrendered his driving licence to the DVLA following his arrest.

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told District Judge Mark Layton that this was Roberts’ third conviction for drinkdriving, with previous offences in 2000 and 2007.

“This shows you have a disregard for other road users,” Judge Layton told Roberts.

Roberts was disqualified from driving for 28 months and handed a 12-month community order. As part of the order, he must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

websites may lead to larger sums being taken from their accounts, often without realising the money has gone to criminals.

Man found with abuse images of children as young as three

A PeMBroke DoCk man has avoided an immediate prison sentence after police discovered indecent images of children on his mobile phone.

Andrew Davies, aged 36, was arrested after officers attended his home on Brewery Street on November 16, 2022. The court heard he handed over his phone and PIN without hesitation. An initial check revealed child sexual abuse material, leading to his arrest.

A full forensic analysis uncovered a total of 67 indecent images of children, including nine in Category A – the most serious level – along with 14 Category B and 44 Category C images. Some of the images dated back to 2019.

Sian Cutter, prosecuting at Swansea Crown Court, said a further 32 “borderline” images were also found. The material featured children as young as three being restrained and abused.

Davies admitted three counts of making indecent images of children when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. He had no previous convictions.

Appearing for the defendant, Ryan Bowen said: “Mr Davies is under no

illusion about the gravity of these offences, which clearly cross the custody threshold. He has taken full responsibility and has not sought to deflect blame.”

The court was told there had been a significant delay in bringing the case to court, and that Davies had not re-offended since the original arrest.

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said: “Viewing child sexual abuse material causes real harm to real children. It adds to their pain and suffering. A particularly serious feature of this case is the very young age of some of the victims.”

She acknowledged the delay in proceedings and accepted there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Davies, she said, had already faced significant personal consequences as a result of his actions.

Davies was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 25 rehabilitation activity days. He will also be on the sex offenders register for 10 years. A further hearing is set to take place on April 11 to consider the imposition of a sexual harm prevention order.

Haverfordwest ‘levelling-up’ access scheme plans submitted

A PEMBROKESHIRE council call for a new access gate in Haverfordwest as part of a wider ‘levelling-up’ scheme to rejuvenate the county town has been submitted to its own planners.

Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Asbri Planning, is seeking approval for the construction of a new access gate, steps and associated works at Castle Back, Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement says: “The development proposed forms part of the wider Haverfordwest Castle Square, Castle Link & Wayfinding Project, which comprised the design and construction of a series of enhancement and drainage

improvement works to Castle Square and Castle Link (Castle Back steps etc) hard landscaping/public realm, combined with dedicated wayfinding provisions to guide people from across the town (including the train station, transport hub and other locations) towards the castle.

“The overarching project has been shaped by, and responded to, particular funding stream from the Levelling-Up Funding (LUF) and Town Improvement Grants, etc.”

It adds: “The application seeks full planning permission for the works

to the rear of the building known as the Old Print Room, Castle Back, Haverfordwest and relates to the demolition of the existing gate piers and archway together with the removal of the palisade fencing which form the current gate.

“The above will be replaced with a new stone gate piers which will interface with existing boundary wall and building to create a 1,900mm opening which will accommodate a 2,100mm steel galvanised powder coated gate which will be Umbra Grey in colour (RAL 7022) as well as the construction of 3 new access steps which replace the existing steps from Castle Back into the site.”

The successful Levelling Up Fund application announced in late 2021 included adding to ongoing improvements at Haverfordwest Castle to create an outdoor performance area, renovation of the jail, and perimeter walks with a direct link to the town centre via Bridge Street, and on to the Western Quayside and Riverside via a ‘signature bridge’.

Due to budget savings, the council later removed the Bridge Street link and walkways – replacing it with an alternative link via Castle Square and Castle back.

The ‘gaol visitor experience’ is intended to be the centrepiece of the Heart of Pembrokeshire scheme.

Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

offiCers from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.

The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

relation to an investigation of assault.”

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in

No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.

Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Steynton woman sentenced for abusive tirade against neighbour

A sTeYnTon woman has been sentenced after launching a foulmouthed, xenophobic rant at her neighbour, telling her to “f*** off back to england”.

Linda McCann, 70, said she was left distressed by the language used by Lisa Thomas during the incident, which took place at around 2:00pm on August 2, 2024.

“Hearing the foul language that she used towards me – language that everyone in the street could hear –was very distressing,” Mrs McCann

told Haverfordwest magistrates during Thomas’s trial.

“Lisa told me to f*** off back to England. And that’s not nice.”

The confrontation occurred after Mrs McCann and her husband returned from shopping in Iceland, Milford Haven, and began unloading frozen food into a garden shed freezer at their property on Honeyhill Grove, Lamphey.

“I came outside to find out what it was and thought my neighbour had possibly thrown a glass bottle or something at my shed,” said Mrs McCann. “But

then I could see that it was shingle that had been thrown from Lisa’s landing window. Lisa then opened the window and shouted stuff out at me.”

CCTV footage captured by Mrs McCann’s motion-sensor camera was played in court, in which Thomas could be heard shouting:

“You want to stick your fingers up at my 11-year-old daughter, you stupid old c***? You stupid little nonce. F*** off back to Birmingham and f*** off back to England.”

Thomas, who has since moved to

Plas Peregrine, Steynton, was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. She was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £300 in prosecution costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

In addition, a two-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Thomas from contacting Mrs McCann, referencing her on social media, or entering the Honeyhill Grove estate in Lamphey.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Man jailed for role in commercial cannabis factory

A MA n who allowed members of an organised crime group to set up a large-scale cannabis factory at his rural property has been jailed.

Martin Evans, 37, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he claimed to be unaware of the extent of the illegal operation. However, the court heard that by renting out part of his home near Kidwelly, Evans had become a “facilitator” for the criminal enterprise.

During a warrant executed in February under Operation Scotney, police discovered nearly 200 cannabis plants—worth up to £264,100—being cultivated at the property.

Further investigation of Evans’s mobile phone revealed incriminating messages referencing police drones and discussions about increasing heat and humidity to accelerate plant growth, confirming his knowledge and involvement.

Evans was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Another man,

Fatjon Xafa, who was actively cultivating the plants, received a 29week prison sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis said: “I am in no doubt that

Evans knew exactly what was going on at his home. He clearly hoped the rurality of the location would allow the operation to go undetected, and he would have allowed it to continue

had we not intervened.”

Police said the bust was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised drug networks operating in west Wales.

FM accused of ‘dereliction of duty’ over winter fuel payment cut

A freeDoM of information request by the Welsh Conservatives has revealed that the first Minister has not corresponded with the Uk government regarding the recent cut to the Winter fuel Payment— despite widespread concern over its impact on pensioners in Wales.

The request, which asked for all correspondence from the First Minister, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers to the UK Government concerning the Welsh implications of the cut, revealed just two letters had been sent. Neither letter came from the First Minister.

One letter, dated 9 August 2024, was from Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice. While it acknowledged the potential impact of the cut and estimated that up to 45% of Welsh households may have fallen into fuel poverty after the 2022 energy price surge, it stopped short of directly opposing the UK Government’s decision. Instead, Hutt reiterated the Welsh Government’s call for the introduction of a social energy tariff and highlighted ongoing hardship in Wales

The second letter was from Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall, who defended the removal of the universal Winter Fuel Payment on the grounds of fiscal responsibility. In her reply to Jane Hutt, dated 18 September 2024, Kendall

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

emphasised the need to focus support on those “in the greatest need” and criticised the low uptake of Pension Credit among eligible pensioners

The revelation that the First Minister has not personally written to the UK Government on the matter has sparked sharp criticism from the Welsh Conservatives.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “The First Minister’s failure to stand up for Welsh pensioners and oppose Keir Starmer’s cut to winter fuel is nothing short of a dereliction of duty.

“It is clear that for Labour at both ends of the M4, older people—who have paid into a system their entire lives—are just an afterthought.

“The Welsh Conservatives will protect our pensioners by rolling back increased spending on Labour’s bureaucracy budget to introduce a new Welsh Winter Fuel Allowance, so that pensioners won’t have to choose between heating and eating.”

The FOI response has raised wider questions about the Welsh Government’s influence over UK-wide policy decisions that have significant effects in devolved areas such as public health and poverty.

The Herald understands that while the Welsh Government has

Police close off street as firefighters respond to Pembroke Dock flat fire

eMergenCY serviCes attended a small residential fire in Laws street, Pembroke Dock on saturday (Apr 12).

Two pumps attended the incident and police closed off the street whilst the incident was dealt with.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

advocated for energy fairness and introduced support schemes within its limited powers, no official protest or

direct appeal from the First Minister’s office was made over the withdrawal of universal Winter Fuel Payments.

Senedd member welcomes police crack down on high street money laundering

seneDD Member gareth Davies

Ms has welcomed a national crackdown on high street money laundering, following a series of targeted police raids on businesses across the Uk.

The police and trading standards also targeted at least one shop in Charles

Street Milford Haven last month (Mar 13), the Herald understands that the authorities were looking for counterfeit or illegally imported cigarettes and tobacco. We are still awaiting an update on the outcome of that raid.

suggesting links to organised crime and illicit financial activity.

At the time, his comments were dismissed by Labour Senedd Members and Welsh Government ministers. Labour MS for Ogmore, Huw IrrancaDavies, said during the debate:

“[…] to brand whole swathes of our high street businesses as potential criminal money-launderers is a terrible slur on the many local businesses who are trying to create jobs and make a living and bring life to our towns.”

However, growing public concern in parts of Wales appears to support Mr Davies’ earlier claims. In Porth, South Wales, a 14th barbershop application was recently submitted in a town with a population of just 6,000 — raising fresh questions about the scale and purpose of some high street businesses.

The nationwide operation, however, is called Operation Machinize. It is being led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), saw coordinated action at 265 premises including barbershops, car washes, vape shops and American sweet stores. Officers made 35 arrests, froze bank accounts holding over £1 million, and placed 97 suspected modern slavery victims under protection. The NCA estimates that up to £12 billion of criminal cash is laundered in the UK every year.

The large-scale operation follows warnings first raised by Mr Davies in the Senedd on 7 February 2024. During that debate, he highlighted an unusual concentration of cash-only barbershops and vape shops in his constituency,

Mr Davies has now challenged Welsh Labour to confirm whether they acknowledge the seriousness of the issue, especially given the NCA operation took place under a UK Labour Government. He is also calling on the Welsh Government to provide support and guidance to local councils dealing with suspected laundering.

Speaking following the raids, Gareth Davies said: “When I first raised my constituents’ concerns about the rise of cash-only businesses on our high streets, they were met with pearlclutching by Labour members who dismissed them outright.

“I welcome the police crackdown, a year on from when I first sounded the alarm, and I hope that Operation Machinize will deliver meaningful results.

“I would like the Welsh Government to clarify whether they now accept this is a real and growing issue, and to set out how they plan to equip local authorities to tackle it head on.”

Haverfordwest man to stand trial over assault and strangulation allegations

A HAverforDWesT man is set to face trial later this year after denying multiple allegations of assault and strangulation involving the same woman.

James Jeffrey, aged 41, of Hill Street, appeared in court charged with six separate offences said to have taken place in Pembrokeshire.

He is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on June 30 last year, and of battery on December 29.

Further charges relate to an alleged strangulation and another assault

causing actual bodily harm between January 15 and March 10 this year.

Jeffrey also faces allegations of criminal damage and a third count of actual bodily harm, both said to have taken place on March 8. The criminal damage charge relates to the woman’s mobile phone.

He pleaded not guilty to all six charges.

Judge Geraint Walters listed the case for trial on October 27. It is expected to last four days. Jeffrey was granted bail until then.

Gareth Davies MS welcomes national crackdown on high street money laundering

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Print works near Pembroke Castle to be redeveloped

PLAns to convert a print works, and former church, close to Pembroke Castle to a holiday let have been approved after being refused last year.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Criag Odlin sought permission for a change of use of the Printing Works, The Green, Pembroke – in the town’s conservation area – to holiday accommodation.

The site is located within the 500m buffer zone of Schedule Ancient Monuments Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Town Wall and Priory Farm Cave.

A previous application was refused last year on the grounds “the nature of the proposed development is considered to have a potential to impact on the protected species and their habitats,” adding: “ Whilst the application includes a Green Infrastructure Statement and demonstrates biodiversity enhancements, the application lacks the provision of a protected species survey. In the absence of such information, the proposed development fails to demonstrate a positive approach to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and thus fails to accord [with policy].”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

An officer report on the latest proposal, recommending approval, said: “The development would provide new self-catering accommodation within the settlement boundary for the Hub Town of Pembroke, resulting in positive environmental and social impacts

through the appropriate re-use of the building and the increase in availability of varied accommodation in the local area and positive economic benefits through expenditure on building materials and on labour during constriction.”

It went on to say: “With regard to ecology, there are multiple bat records in the area, with the building having the potential to support bats. A Preliminary Roost Assessment and a

Green Infrastructure Statement (GIS) have been submitted, the assessment identifies that bats were not using the site and that no further survey work is considered necessary.

“The GIS demonstrates a stepwise approach to the development and proposes biodiversity enhancement measures.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Entries flooding in for Welsh National Tractor Road Run

CArDigAn will be the place to be on saturday, June 15, as entries continue to flood in for this year’s Welsh national Tractor road run (WnTrr).

The popular event is being organised by the North Pembrokeshire Tractor Enthusiasts – a group of like-minded friends led by Dai Rees of Cilgerran.

The Run will begin at Awenfryn, Glanrhyd – the farm of Keith and Kevin Evans – and take in stunning views across Cardigan Bay before heading inland towards Cwm Gwaun and the Preseli Mountains. The route will then return to Awenfryn.

This year’s event will raise money for three charities: the Wales Air Ambulance, Crymych First Responders, and Cardigan First Responders.

Entry is £20 until the closing date of Monday, May 20. Early entries will be listed in the official programme and guaranteed a commemorative souvenir. Entries will also be accepted on the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

day for £25, but late entrants will not be guaranteed a souvenir – a decision made by organisers to reduce disruption caused by last-minute arrivals.

Entry forms can be obtained from members of the local organising team – Dai Rees, Alun Owens, Keith Evans, Kevin Evans, Sion Morgan, and Peter Lewis – at various tractor events. Alternatively, forms can be requested by email from the WNTRR secretary at anne.trials@btinternet. com, or downloaded from the WNTRR Facebook page.

Online entry is also available:

English entry form

Welsh entry form

Anyone interested in sponsoring the event or advertising in the souvenir programme should contact the WNTRR

secretary or Sion Morgan via sion@ pantygarn.co.uk. Spectators are welcome at the

starting point and along the route. More details will be released closer to the date.

Four call-outs in a week for a very busy Angle Lifeboat

AngLe rnLi’s volunteer lifeboat crew responded to four separate emergency call-outs this week, assisting stricken vessels across Pembrokeshire waters.

The first incident occurred at 6:33am on Saturday (April 5), when the All-Weather Lifeboat was launched to assist an 11-metre yacht fouled on a mooring buoy in Dale. The vessel, which had two people onboard, had become tangled overnight and lost its dinghy while attempting to free itself.

The lifeboat was on scene within ten minutes. A crew member was transferred to the yacht and, after several attempts, managed to cut the vessel free. The yacht had secured its bow to another mooring buoy, and once freed, the lifeboat’s inflatable Y-boat was launched to recover the drifting dinghy, reducing any risk to the crew. With all systems checked and working, the lifeboat stood down and was back alongside by 8:00am.

Later that same day, at 5:57pm, the lifeboat was paged again following multiple 999 calls reporting a jet skier clinging to the jetty piles at Hobbs Point. The lifeboat launched immediately but was stood down on arrival after the jet skier had self-recovered. A welfare check was carried out before the crew returned to station.

At 10:50am on Friday (April 11), the lifeboat was again launched to assist a 13-metre yacht fouled on fishing gear around seven miles south of St Ann’s Head. The yacht’s crew had been unable to free the vessel from the seabed. Two lifeboat crew members were transferred to the

yacht and successfully cut it free after ten minutes. However, the yacht’s skipper soon reported steering failure, prompting the lifeboat to set up a tow to Neyland Marina, where the vessel could be lifted out the following day. Shortly into the tow, steering was restored, and the yacht continued under its own power. The lifeboat shadowed the vessel to confirm all

was well before returning to base at 1:30pm.

The final call-out came on Saturday (April 13) at 9:17am, while the crew were already afloat on an exercise. They were alerted to a small angling vessel experiencing fuel issues in the channel off Milford Docks. A local pilot vessel was standing by and requested RNLI assistance. The lifeboat took the

vessel under tow to Neyland Marina, where the marina workboat completed the recovery. The lifeboat then returned to its scheduled exercise.

A spokesperson for Angle RNLI praised the dedication and professionalism of the crew, who responded quickly and efficiently to all incidents.

Palm Sunday marked with procession at St Davids Cathedral

WORSHIPPERS gathered in St Davids today (sunday, Apr 13) for a special Palm sunday service at st Davids Cathedral, marking the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.

Clergy in traditional robes processed through the Cathedral grounds carrying palm fronds, symbolising the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when crowds laid palm branches in His path.

The annual procession, steeped in tradition, is a moving visual display of faith and community. Members of the cathedral chapter and congregation followed in reverence, before taking part in the liturgy inside the cathedral.

Palm Sunday marks the start of the most solemn week in the Church year, leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Services throughout Holy Week will reflect on the Passion of Christ and culminate in the celebration of His resurrection.

A spokesperson for the cathedral said the service was well attended and expressed gratitude for the continued support of the local and visiting worshipping community.

Town Mayor opens Llandeilo Bowling Club’s 2025 season

THe 2025 lawn bowls season for Llandeilo Bowling Club (LBC) has now commenced with the formal opening of the green on saturday April 12.

With the weather remaining onside there was a big turnout for the opening with Llandeilo Town Council’s Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, bowling the first wood of the season with remarkable accuracy. Apologies had been received from Cllr Edward Thomas who was unable to be present due to ill health.

Before games commenced the traditional “spider” competition took place with everyone bowling simultaneously to the jack in the centre of the green. The fun competition was won for the second year in succession by Pat James.

The green was in excellent condition after the winter due to the hard work of volunteers and members bowled on all rinks for a couple of hours all trying to get their hand in before the season’s league competitions commence. Everyone then retreated to the club house for a sumptuous tea prepared by members with a raffle thereafter.

LBC President, Gareth James, congratulated the club’s short mat teams – Tywi (division 1) and Teilo

(division 2) both of which had done extremely well in their divisions considering they were relatively new teams to the short mat league but both had proved forces to be reckoned with. It was hoped that now that the 2025 lawn bowls season had started LBC would again meet with success. Deborah Mathews, Jamie Davies, and Doug Davies, captains of the

ladies, mens and veterans teams respectively were wished well for the impending season.

The Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, who remained in the company of members for the afternoon, said that she had followed with interest LBC’S successes and it was hoped this would continue for the coming season. It was encouraging to see

the club thriving and in regular use with a cross section of age groups enjoying the facilities.

LBC will be holding an open day on Sunday 27th April from 2pm onwards. No previous experience is necessary. Bowls and free coaching will be provided. All you need is flat footwear. LBC looks forward to welcoming you.

Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock among top towns in Wales for sex toy sales

MiLforD HAven and Pembroke Dock have been named among the top five towns in Wales for sex toy purchases per capita, according to new data from adult retailer Lovehoney.

The UK Sex Map 2025, released this week, reveals that Milford Haven ranks third and Pembroke Dock fifth in the

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all-Wales rankings. They are joined by Tonyrefail (1st), Aberystwyth (2nd), and Aberdare (4th), with Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport failing to make the top five.

The data is based on anonymised online sales figures, adjusted by

population, to determine where residents are most enthusiastic about buying adult products.

A spokesperson for Lovehoney said: “We analysed the number of purchases per person to get a true picture of which towns in Wales are most passionate about sexual wellness. Some of the smaller communities are clearly leading the way.”

Locals in Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock met the news with a mix of humour and curiosity. One resident told The Herald: “We might be quiet, but we’ve got our ways of keeping busy behind closed doors.” Another said: “I suppose we have to make our own fun — there’s not much else to do in winter!”

WHY PeMBrokesHire?

There may be more to it than meets the eye. While some might find the figures surprising, local factors could explain why the two Pembrokeshire towns are so high up the list.

For starters, there are no licensed sex shops in the county. Pembrokeshire County Council has historically steered away from licensing adult premises, which means residents looking to buy sex toys must do so online. With retailers like Lovehoney offering discreet packaging and next-day delivery, it’s an easy and private alternative.

In addition, everyone knows everyone in towns like Milford and the Dock. The idea of shopping locally for something so personal is enough to put most people off — but the anonymity of an online purchase makes it far more appealing.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Pembrokeshire has one of the oldest populations in Wales. Yet rather than shy away from the topic, older residents appear to be embracing sexual wellness.

One retired resident of Pembroke Dock, laughing, told The Herald: “We might be older, but we’re not dead!”

nATionAL TrenD

Lovehoney’s figures also show that interest in adult products spikes during the winter months and around Valentine’s Day, as people look for ways to improve intimacy or practise self-care.

The data comes with some extra quirks — the company’s interactive map also allows users to compare towns by average dildo length, girth, and lube volume sold.

Whatever the reason, it appears Pembrokeshire is anything but prudish. As one local quipped: “At least it proves we’ve still got a sense of adventure!”

As can be seen from the national press, the government is continuing debates on the best way forward for the period of change with regards to getting Britain working. The Department for Work and Pensions stands ready to make the necessary changes in order to achieve what is considered to be right and fair for all individuals, whether able to work or not, and for taxpayers.

Pembrokeshire has already geared up to the anticipated increase in tourists; the hospitality sector employers are making plans to ensure that their staff plans will meet the demand, thus ensuring that our county can give our own residents and visitors a memorable season; all of this boosts the Pembrokeshire and Wales economy at a time when all residents are urged to pull together to move the country forward; Jobcentre staff aim to provide the right support to get jobseekers job ready, including access to training and voluntary work experience which can act as a springboard to a new career. As Fred Hatton of the DWP employer and partnership team for Pembrokeshire said, “Jobcentre work coaches are geared up to provide the right support, including access to training and voluntary work experience to help jobseekers get job ready. For those in work, and those aspiring to enter the world of work, increases

to the National Minimum and National Living Wage came into effect this month, putting more money into people’s pockets. Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will get a £1,400 annual boost, while full-time workers on the Minimum Wage could see a £2,500 annual boost. Furthermore, the largest welfare reforms for a generation are in place to help sick and disabled people who can and have the potential to work into jobs is backed by a £1 billion investment. Our dedicated employer and partnership teams are working closely with local employers and we encourage them to get in touch to find out how we can help fill their vacancies.”

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP said:

“We’re determined to get Britain working again as part of our Plan for Change by overhauling Jobcentres, creating good jobs, transforming skills, transitioning to net zero and delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation.

“This month, local areas are also starting to roll out their plans to tackle the root causes of inactivity as we get Britain back to health and back to work – backed by a share of £125 million of investment.

“Real wages are continuing to rise, and the National Living Wage is also coming into effect this month – boosting working people’s payslips and improving living standards as part of our Plan for Change.”

New build property to become holiday let

An APPLiCATion to demolish a Pembrokeshire storage building, replacing it with a new build holiday let has been granted, after a previous scheme for its conversion was refused, only being allowed on appeal.

In the application to Pembrokeshire County Council, K & M Ferney, through agent James Dwyer Associates, sought permission to replace the building with a new holiday let at Chronicle Park, Parsonage Lane, Begelly.

The initial 2021 application for a change of use was refused by county planners but allowed on appeal in late 2022.

A supporting statement said: “The planning inspector, in their decision, confirmed the proposal to convert a storage building into a holiday let, including an increase in the height of the building and the addition of a porch, met the local planning authority’s policies and should be allowed.

“In short, the proposal was acceptable in principle as well as in relation to its effect on the character of the surrounding location.

“Given it is now established that a building for holiday lets of that scale and in that location, is acceptable, it is not unreasonable to seek to ensure that the development is the best it can be in terms of its appearance, outlook, facilities, car parking, and importantly the privacy and enjoyment of those using

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

the holiday let, and those occupying the adjacent dwelling.

“Accordingly, the most practical solution would be to provide a new building of the same scale, as approved, to meet those aims, and in doing so provide a structure that meets the latest environmental and sustainability requirements, rather than the inevitable compromised outcome, in converting an existing building of relatively poor quality.”

An officer report for the latest application, recommending approval, said: “The proposal is to replace an existing storage building located within the curtilage of Chronicle Park which has extant planning permission for a change of use and conversion into a holiday let.

“The new building would also be for holiday use and would have positive social impacts through the provision of additional accommodation on offer within the local vicinity. It would have positive economic benefits by providing an income stream to the applicant, expenditure on building materials and labour during the construction phase and expenditure from tourists within the local economy.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Government announces preferred candidate for S4C Chair

DeLYTH evAns is the government’s preferred candidate for the s4C Chair, the Culture secretary Lisa nandy announced this week (Apr 16).

Delyth started her career as a journalist at HTV Wales, working on the flagship current affairs programme ‘Y Byd ar Bedwar’ for S4C. She subsequently worked as a reporter on BBC Radio Four’s ‘World at One’ and ‘PM’ programmes. Delyth became a Labour Member of the Welsh Assembly (now the Senedd) in 2000, representing the Mid and West Wales constituency, and was a deputy minister for Culture, Environment and Rural Affairs. After stepping down from politics Delyth worked in the charity sector as Chief Executive of Smart Works, a women’s employment charity. Delyth is currently a Board member at Sport Wales, a Governor at Coleg Gwent, and a trustee of the Alacrity Foundation and the Urdd.

Delyth will now appear on 23 April before MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for preappointment scrutiny.

This process for appointing the Chair of S4C is set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990.

Ministers were assisted in their decision-making by an Advisory

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Assessment Panel which included a departmental official and a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Welsh Government and UK Government Wales office were also represented on the Panel.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Delyth began her career as a broadcast journalist, and her vision for S4C’s future reflects a deep understanding of the Welsh cultural and media landscape, as well as an enduring commitment to public service.

“I’m pleased to recommend her for the role of Chair, in which she will no doubt be a proud champion of Welshlanguage broadcasting. This marks an exciting chapter for S4C as we develop plans to boost the job opportunities and growth potential of the creative industries in Wales and the rest of the UK.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Delyth has a great track record in broadcasting and wealth of experience in public service to bring to the role of S4C Chair.

“S4C plays a pivotal role in Wales, sustaining and promoting the

Welsh church leader calls for peace in powerful Easter message

THe PresiDenT of the Union of Welsh independent Churches has used his easter message to highlight the continuing suffering caused by violence and war — and to call for a future where graves remain empty.

The Revd Jeff Williams, who represents more than 300 chapels across Wales, drew parallels between the hatred that led to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the modern-day violence that continues to claim innocent lives around the world.

He said: “The same hatred and systems of oppression that crucified Jesus are still killing countless thousands of innocent people by bullets and bombs today.”

In a heartfelt reflection on current global conflicts, Revd Williams spoke of the pain seen daily on television screens, as grieving families bury their loved ones.

“As we watch heartbroken relatives weeping over graves being filled with the bodies of their loved ones, we pray for the day when graves remain empty — free from the victims of war and violence,” he said.

The Easter story’s central image of an empty tomb was offered as a sign of hope and challenge.

Welsh language and strengthening our unique identity and culture. The channel is a cornerstone of the strong creative sector in Wales which is vital for economic growth.”

South Wales Central MS and former Welsh Conservative Senedd Leader Andrew RT Davies has raised concerns over the proposed appointment.

Mr Davies said: “Appointing a former

especially following BBC Wales’ decision to appoint the former chief executive of Plaid Cymru as its Director of Programming.

“The public expects impartiality from Welsh media, not political recycling.

“If the Welsh media wants to be trusted, these cosy Cardiff Bay appointments need to stop.”

“The empty grave of Easter speaks of a future where peace and reconciliation prevail,” he said. “It challenges every one of us — whether we have a religious faith or not — to do all we can to promote peace, beginning in our own hearts.”

The Union of Welsh Independent Churches, known in Welsh as Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg, is a fellowship of congregations rooted in the tradition of Welsh nonconformity, with deep historical ties to peacemaking and social justice.

Labour politician to chair S4C will rightly raise eyebrows,

‘Pink Puffins’ race the Cleddau thanks to local vet’s vision

Anyone who has sailed with a yacht crew will know just how bonding that experience can be.

From the moment the boat is launched, the crew hauls away as one cohesive body, resulting in one of the strongest team ethics imaginable.

But if you’re female, then a degree of ‘gender division’ may rear its dampening head, quashing your confidence, your ability and your downright enjoyment of being at sea.

But now, thanks to the foresight of local vet Charlotte Hamilton and her iconic pink boat, ladies of all ages and all sailing abilities are being introduced to the joys of sailing whilst supporting two of the UK’s foremost breast cancer charities – Breast Cancer Now and Metup UK.

Two years ago Charlotte lost one of her closest friends to breast cancer, following a ten-year battle after she was diagnosed with the disease when she was just 23. In 2022, Charlotte’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer; thankfully has made a complete recovery.

“Because of what I’ve witnessed, with my mother and with Connie, who was my best friend from college, breast cancer is something that’s very close to me,” Charlotte told The Pembrokeshire Herald from her home in Neyland.

“Connie was only 23 when she was diagnosed, but by then, the cancer had gone to her liver as they initially thought it was hormonal. She fought it for ten years and always wanted to visit Pembrokeshire, but sadly she died two weeks before she was due to come and visit.”

As a result, the pink boat is being sailed in memory of Connie, while the women who are learning to sail her are called ‘The Pink Puffins’.

Charlotte, who is a vet with the Fenton Vets practise in Haverfordwest, was given the boat some 18 months ago by her husband, Lloyd.

“Lloyd is a keen sailor who regularly races on the Cleddau, but I’d never really taken part,” she explains. “So the idea was for me to start building my sailing confidence. Last summer I took the boat out with two other women and we enjoyed it so much it got us thinking about starting to race. If the men can do it, so can we.”

The boat is an Achilles 24 cruiseracer, capable of reaching decent speeds and covering good distances.

“She’s capable of crossing the Atlantic, although The Pink Puffins are perfectly content to stick with the Cleddau for the time being,” laughed Charlotte.

“Since launching her a few weeks ago, we now have around 40 women

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

who are starting to sail her,. We train every Sunday at Neyland and we took part in our very first race last Wednesday.

“Ok, we didn’t win, but being able to take part was fantastic and that’s the whole purpose of The Pink Puffins. It’s about having fun, and the women taking part can do as much or as little

as they like. A lot of women have never set foot on a sailing boat before, and because it tends to be such a maleorientated thing, the thought of learning to sail can be a bit intimidating. So if somebody wants to come out with us just to watch, that’s perfectly fine. And if they want to get involved with sailing her a little later on, then that’s great.”

The interest that is already being shown and the rise in numbers means that additional racing sessions will

be introduced later this season on Sundays.

Everyone attending the training sessions and the races is asked to make a donation which will be shared between Breast Cancer Now and Metup UK, however individuals can give as much or as little as they choose. If anyone is interested in finding out more about The Pink Puffins can email Charlotte on sailpinkpuffins@hotmail. com

Give Cardigan Bay marine wildlife the space they deserve

visiTors and residents enjoying the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay are being urged to keep their distance from marine wildlife as the nesting season gets underway.

Under the North and West Wales Marine Code, people are advised to stay at least 100 metres—the length of a football pitch—away from dolphins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife, whether on the water, cliffs or shoreline.

This is a crucial time for nesting seabirds, and disturbances can have fatal consequences. Chicks or eggs may be knocked from the cliffs into the sea if humans or dogs get too close.

Melanie Heath, Marine Protected Area Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “If you encounter any sick or injured wildlife, such as a stranded seal or dolphin, do not attempt to intervene.

“Do not try to put the animal back in the water yourself. They have stranded for a reason—because they are unwell or injured and need urgent professional medical assessment. Keep your distance and ensure others, including dogs and gulls, are kept away too.”

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “It’s important to follow the Marine Code

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and stay at least 100 metres away. We are proud to work in partnership with many agencies to protect wildlife along our coastline and inland.”

To report a live stranding, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999. For dead strandings, contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333. Disturbances can be reported online at: www.cardiganbaysac. org.uk/disturbance/

The North and West Wales Marine Code has been developed by the Wales group of European Marine Site Officers to help protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.

Cardigan Bay is cherished both for its rich marine biodiversity and as a popular location for recreational activities on, in, and under the water.

However, past disturbances have included motorboats, kayaks and paddle boarders getting too close to marine mammals, passing through flocks of resting seabirds, and people attempting selfies with seals and pups hauled out on the rocks.

Ramsey Island closed to visitors this Easter after slipway deemed unsafe

rAMseY isLAnD, one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular wildlife destinations, will be closed to visitors over the easter holidays due to serious safety concerns.

The RSPB-owned nature reserve, renowned for its towering cliffs, seabird colonies, and rare plants, normally welcomes thousands of tourists each year between April 1 and October 31. However, this year the island will remain closed after the RNLI shut the St Justinians slipway used by ferry and tour boats.

The RNLI confirmed that the concrete structure had suffered ‘catastrophic’ storm damage over the winter and earlier this year, making it unsafe for public use.

“An urgent safety critical issue with the slipway following the recent storm damage has led the RNLI to take the responsible action to remove access,” said a spokesperson. “As a lifesaving charity, we cannot continue to carry the liability or invest in the maintenance of a site which does not support our lifesaving mission.”

The charity said a risk assessment highlighted major issues with the slip’s concrete, metalwork, steps and handrails.

As a result, no boats are able to land on the island, and visitor access has been suspended. Three tour boat operators are reportedly still running restricted trips around the island at high tide, but the majority of services have

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been disrupted. A spokesperson for the RSPB confirmed: “The slipway is not in a

condition to be used, and visits to Ramsey Island will not be possible for the Easter holidays.

”They added that alternative access options are being explored and further updates will follow.

and supports internationally important

and

shearwaters, peregrines, and grey seals.

Ramsey Island is designated as a Special Protection Area for choughs

flora

breeding colonies of Manx

Tumble dryer fire in Milford Haven sparks safety warning

FIRE crews from Milford Haven fire station were called to a domestic property in steynton at 5:52pm on Wednesday (Apr 9), after a tumble dryer caught fire. The blaze was caused by the use of a block adapter. Fortunately, the occupiers were at home at the time and were able to raise the alarm quickly. The fire service said the incident could have ended very differently had the property been empty.

Fire crews from Milford Haven tackled a tumble dryer blaze in Steynton on Wednesday evening (Pic: MAWWFRS)

Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) left the scene at 6:15pm.

Following the incident, MAWWFRS issued a safety reminder about the risks of using extension leads and adaptors incorrectly, and the importance of maintaining white goods safely.

A spokesperson for the service said: “Most households use extension leads or adaptors to increase the number of appliances that can be plugged into a wall socket. It is important that these devices are fused to minimise the risk of overheating and fire.”

The fire service shared the following advice:

• Never plug in appliances that

together exceed 13 amps or 3000 watts.

• Don’t leave tumble dryers running

when you go out or go to bed.

• Don’t overload your tumble dryer or dry items soaked in flammable substances such as cooking oil.

• If you smell burning or clothes seem excessively hot after a drying

cycle, stop using the appliance and have it checked by a professional.

More information is available on the fire service’s website: www.mawwfire.gov.uk

Caban Pendine celebrates launch of new 12-hole crazy golf course

A BrAnD-neW 12-hole crazy golf course has officially opened at Caban Pendine, bringing fun and adventure to the heart of Pendine sands.

The course was unveiled at a special launch event held at 2:00pm on Friday (April 11), with families,

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residents, and visitors among the first to enjoy the colourful and creative course. The attraction features imaginative obstacles, bold designs, and plenty of twists and turns— offering a light-hearted challenge for

players of all ages.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Pendine Sands, the new course adds to the area’s growing reputation as a leisure and tourism hotspot.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:

“We are delighted to officially open the Crazy Golf course at Caban in Pendine. It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. This new addition enhances our leisure offering and provides a great activity for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.”

CoUrse noW oPen DAiLY

The Caban Crazy Golf Course is now open every day between 11:00am and 5:00pm, offering an affordable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a casual game with friends, or just looking for something different, the course promises plenty of fun and laughter.

visiTor inforMATion

• Location: Caban Pendine, Pendine Sands

• Opening hours: 11:00am –5:00pm daily

• Admission: Adults £5, Children £4, Concessions £4

For more information, visit www. cabanpendine.wales or follow @ CabanPendine on social media for updates, events, and special offers.

Fire crews from Milford Haven tackled a tumble dryer blaze in Steynton on Wednesday evening (Pic: MAWWFRS)

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Tenby mobile signal branded ‘worse than the 1990s’

TenBY residents and traders are once again raising the alarm about poor mobile phone coverage, as the town enters another busy tourist season with no clear sign of improvements.

County Councillor Michael Williams first raised the issue with Pembrokeshire County Council’s trading standards department back in November, warning that unreliable mobile signal was becoming a serious concern for both residents and businesses. With Easter holidays now underway and visitors flooding back into the town, the problem has resurfaced as a pressing issue.

“All the providers are blaming visitor numbers, but that excuse doesn’t justify the charges people are paying,” Cllr Williams said. “It’s the same problem every year, and it’s time something was done.”

reAL-Life iMPACT on resiDenTs

One local resident, Paul, who is disabled following a serious leg injury, told The Herald that poor signal had led to missed hospital appointments and vital calls.

“It’s ridiculous that in 2025, my phone signal is worse than it was in the 1990s,” he said. “I’ve missed calls from my doctor and the Ambulance Transport Service trying to arrange transport to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. My provider, Three,

dropped my bill to £9.99 a month, but what’s the point if I still can’t use the phone?

“I’ve looked into switching providers, but I contacted them all and they said there are problems in Tenby too.”

MisseD Bookings AnD sAfeTY ConCerns

Ben Jones, a local plasterer, said the problem is also costing him work.

“I’ve missed bookings from clients because they couldn’t get through,” he

said. “One persistent customer said it took him five tries to make contact. I don’t know if emergency calls are prioritised, but if not, this could be a serious safety issue too.”

Local businesses relying on mobile networks for card machines, bookings, and deliveries also say they are being let down.

“It’s embarrassing having to explain to customers that we can’t process a payment because the network’s gone down again,” one shop owner told The Herald. “It makes us look like we’re stuck in the past.”

infrAsTrUCTUre PLAns fACe

resisTAnCe

Although all four major UK networks— EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three—operate in Tenby, the infrastructure struggles to cope during peak seasons. While there have been plans to install new masts, including a proposed 20-metre 4G mast, progress has been hampered by objections linked to the town’s location within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“There’s a tension between improving connectivity and preserving the landscape,” said a council planning officer. “But the pressure on mobile networks isn’t going away.”

regULATor UrgeD To sTeP in

The Herald contacted Ofcom to ask whether they are aware of Tenby’s ongoing mobile signal issues and whether they intend to work with providers to improve service ahead of the summer.

In a recent Parliamentary debate, ministers acknowledged concerns that Ofcom’s mobile coverage reports may not always reflect users’ real-world experience—an issue likely to resonate with residents in Tenby and other rural tourist hotspots.

As the Easter holiday rush continues, locals are left hoping that 2025 will finally be the year something changes.

Local accountant adds up the miles in readiness for London Marathon

Local accountant Jim Cornock, who is a partner with the Ashmole & Co accountancy firm, is clocking up the miles this month in readiness for his toughest running challenge to date when he runs the London Marathon to raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care.

The marathon comes hot on the heels of last week’s Newport marathon which he completed as part of his training, and the Marathon Eryri which he ran last autumn.

Jim is no stranger to running but is more familiar with the half marathon distance rather than a full marathon. He has agreed to take on London’s 26.2 mile challenge for the first time on Sunday, April 27, to help raise funds for Ashmole & Co’s chosen charity for this year. But it also has a special meaning for him personally.

Jim said, “Tenovus Cancer Care provides so much support for people with cancer. This one is personal for me as my mum passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of just 61. I have no doubt there were times when she wanted to just turn around and go home but like thousands of others facing a cancer diagnosis, she couldn’t. That is what keeps me going during my training runs. I felt like turning back lots of times recently

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

when I was out on my longest runs,but I kept remembering why I’m doing this.”

Jim has worked for Ashmole & Co for the past 31 years and became a partner in the Ammanford office in 2004. He currently works out of the Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery offices.

Married to Pamela, the couple have two children Rosie and Owen, and Owen will be running the London Marathon alongside his dad for support, although Jim suspects his son might well leave him behind when the going gets tough.

“Taking part in the London Marathon will bring to a close Ashmole & Co’s 12 months of fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care,” added Jim, “ and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my endless training during this time. It means a lot.”

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Walesbased charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Jim’s London Marathon can do so on the Justgiving link.

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Complaints are growing that lack of mobile phone capacity in Tenby is having real implications on people’s lives

National cultural landmark threatened with downgrade

ConCerns are mounting over the Pembrokeshire Coast national Park Authority’s (PCnPA) proposed reconfiguration of oriel y Parc Landscape gallery, regarded as a landmark cultural venue in st Davids.

The plan would see the gallery’s world-class art exhibition spaces repurposed into a National Park Discovery Centre, which campaigners say will effectively downgrade its original mission to showcase Welsh artistic heritage and fine art from the National Collection.

Built with £3.3 million in public and EU funding, Oriel y Parc was purpose-designed as a premier venue

to celebrate the landscapes and artistic richness of Wales. It serves as the permanent home for works by renowned British artist Graham Sutherland and has previously hosted exhibitions featuring Constable and other greats, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and benefiting local schools, families, artists, and the wider tourism economy.

Campaigners fear that turning away from its original artistic focus would not only undermine the building’s architectural integrity but also betray the vision that first brought it to life.

“How can a gallery thrive when it is no longer given the opportunity to showcase the art it was built for?”

asks campaign organisers.

“The recent decline in visitor numbers is not due to waning interest in art, but rather a lack of ambitious fine art programming since 2018.”

But Tegryn Jones, who is the Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, stated in a recent BBC Wales Today interview:

“The gallery has to change… audience tastes develop during that time and I think we would be rightly criticised if we hadn’t evolved and tried to meet the needs of current visitors and current residents.”

While campaigners agree that evolution is necessary, they argue that the solution is to revitalise – not repurpose – the gallery’s fine art offering.

They are now calling on PCNPA to restore the full Class A gallery space for its intended use and to collaborate with the National Museum of Wales and the wider arts community to reinstate a dynamic, high-quality art programme that reflects the gallery’s founding vision.

A petition has now been launched urging PCNPA to:

Reinstate the entire gallery space for ongoing exhibitions from the National Collection;

Continue the permanent rotating display of Graham Sutherland’s work;.

Protect the architectural and cultural integrity of Oriel y Parc; Reaffirm its role as a cultural jewel in Wales.

The petition can be signed by clicking on the following link.

Police and council carry out waste carrier licence checks

PoLiCe officers in Milford Haven and neyland joined forces with Pembrokeshire County Council on Monday (Apr 14) to carry out checks on waste carriers operating in the area.

PC Kate and PCSO Gabs, alongside Matthew from the council’s enforcement team, stopped a number of vehicles as part of a joint operation targeting unlicensed waste transporters.

The officers checked that drivers were carrying the correct waste carrier licences and documentation required by law.

A spokesperson for the neighbourhood policing team said: “It was great to see our road users were compliant and were carrying the relevant documentation.”

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to tackle fly-tipping and ensure responsible waste disposal practices across Pembrokeshire.

MIKE EDWARDS

THE CRICKET season approaches.

There are subtle signs in the air. The recent fine weather has been replaced by torrential rain, and small schools of porpoises are frolicking on Haverfordwest High Street.

Nevertheless, through extensive throwing of stones at next door’s moggie, I’m convinced one more season will see my undoubted talent recognised by the England selectors for the home test series against India. Never mind “Bazball”, I’m thinking of “Fatball”, where one portly gent of advancing years spins England to victory by running through the Indian batting lineup single-handed.

I don’t want to do too well, of course. Possibly twenty wickets for bog=all in a couple of tests, followed by an injury that precludes me from going to Australia for the Ashes tour. I don’t want to go to a Land Down Under. Too many of my beloved’s relatives went there in the early nineteenth century on convict ships for comfort. Besides, a full Christmas roast dinner in tropical Brisbane sounds like the definition of hell.

I have not shared my ambitions with my darling one: she’s inclined to snort with derision whenever I mention my cricketing dreams. Yet she always shows a keen interest in players returning from a hard year playing rugby for their universities. As a former nurse, she’s always eager to offer them a quick rub down to ease muscular tension or localised high blood pressure.

As I look forward to the season, I do not think of the inevitable aches, pains, sprains, and cricket ball-shaped bruises. Instead, I imagine warm - but not too warm - sunny days, the smell of cut grass, and the reassuring thwack of ball on stumps. I think of teas with cream cakes and corned beef sarnies without a whole raw onion in them. The laughter to be shared and the temper tantrums to be witnessed.

By and large, local cricketers - at least at my level - are a congenial lot, always ready to share a joke or an insult with equal good humour. Of course, there are exceptions. I was very disappointed that one particular side failed in its bid for promotion last year, not because I wish them well but because I’d be only too glad to see the back of them. For them it’s all about the whingeing instead of the taking part. I will be unavailable for fixtures against them for the very good reason that - at my time of life - I don’t need 50-year-old plus toddlers ruining an afternoon I could spend enjoying myself pulling out my toenails with pliers.

But they are one grim cloud on the horizon of my pleasure. The rest of the sky is blue, with fluffy white clouds in it. Apart from when it’s not. Apart from when it’s dry all week but tips down on Saturday.

On those days, I pine at the windows of our bungalow. Today, I say to myself, today would have been the day when the England selectors visited Pembrokeshire and whisked me into the test team. And virtually every other club cricketer thinks the same of themselves.

Holiday let crackdown puts ‘thousands of Welsh jobs at risk’

HoLiDAY let owners across Pembrokeshire and the wider Welsh tourism industry say they are being pushed to breaking point by “brutal” tax changes that could cost thousands of jobs, force businesses to close, and lead to mental health crises among struggling operators.

The Professional Association of Self Caterers (PASC UK) says Welsh Government reforms introduced in 2023—intended to free up housing stock for local people—are having unintended and damaging consequences.

Under the new system, self-catering properties must be made available to let for at least 252 days a year and actually let for 182 days in order to qualify for business rates. Failing that, they are classed as second homes and liable for full council tax—often with steep premiums of up to 300% applied by local authorities.

The Herald understands that many operators, particularly in rural Pembrokeshire and west Wales, are simply unable to meet those targets during the quieter winter months, and are now receiving council tax bills running into tens of thousands of pounds.

‘TOO FAR, TOO FAST’

Nicky Williamson, chair of PASC Wales, said: “Without this bed stock, we simply won’t have the capacity to house tourists. And if the tourists

One such case, cited by PASC, involved a farming family—previously encouraged by Welsh Government policy to diversify into tourism—who were hit with a £37,000 bill after falling short of the 182-day threshold.

stop coming, the pubs, the cafés, the shops—everyone suffers. This is a domino effect that could be catastrophic for our communities.”

She added: “The mental health strain is immense. Operators are telling us they’re lying awake at night worrying about unexpected council tax demands. The uncertainty is brutal.”

A recent PASC survey found that 94% of respondents reported increased stress levels, with 60% saying they did not expect to meet the 182-day requirement this year.

DisCoUnTs, PAniC AnD eMPTY HOMES

Karen Jones, who operates a holiday cottage business in Conwy county, said she and her husband had resorted to offering 20% discounts during February and March to lure back regulars. “If a booking cancels, panic sets in. We delay maintenance work, we scramble to fill gaps—it’s unsustainable.”

Frankie Hobro, who owns Anglesey Sea Zoo, said visitor numbers had fallen more than 20% since 2023. She directly linked the drop to the 182-day rule and fears the knock-on effects could be devastating.

“We’re seeing huge numbers of empty homes up for sale—but they’re not being bought by local families. They’re being snapped up by corporate buyers who can afford to keep running them commercially. That doesn’t help communities—it does the opposite.”

The closure of Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire last month has already sent shockwaves through the sector, and Hobro warned that more businesses could follow unless action is taken. “We’re sleepwalking into a tourism crisis,” she said.

William Matthews, who runs Oyster Holiday Cottages in north Wales, told The Herald: “We understand the principle—these homes shouldn’t just sit empty all year. But the bar has been set too high, too fast. There needs to be more flexibility.”

Matthews said his agency had always tried to extend the season into the so-called ‘shoulder months’, but the weather and school term patterns often made it impossible to reach 182 days of bookings. “This rule may have tipped the balance too far,” he warned.

BALAnCing HoMes AnD JoBs

Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith has supported the changes, arguing they help reduce the dominance of second homes and rebalance the housing market. Spokesperson Jeff Smith said: “We need to prioritise local people who are being priced out of their own communities. This policy helps make housing more accessible.”

The Welsh Government defended the move, saying: “We recognise the importance of tourism to the Welsh economy, but must balance that with the needs of our communities. Everyone has the right to a decent, affordable home.

“Our package of measures is designed to ensure that second home owners and holiday let operators are contributing fairly to local services and infrastructure.”

Figures show around 159,000 people are currently employed in tourism across Wales, many in coastal and rural communities like Pembrokeshire. PASC has warned that without a rethink, a significant proportion of those jobs could be at risk in the coming years.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Councils spend £78 million on supply staff amid teacher shortage

A reCenT investigation has revealed that 16 out of 22 Welsh councils spent over £78 million on agency staff for supply teachers and teaching assistants during the 2023/24 academic year. The data, obtained through freedom of information requests by the Welsh Conservatives, highlights the growing reliance on temporary staff in schools across Wales.

The Welsh Conservatives have criticized the Labour-led Welsh Government for not tracking this expenditure and argue that funds would be better invested in recruiting and retaining permanent teaching staff. Shadow Education Secretary Natasha Asghar MS stated, “The staggering costs incurred by councils across Wales on agency staff makes it difficult to see any value for money from the taxpayers’ perspective.”

CHALLenges in reCrUiTMenT AnD reTenTion

An Estyn report from earlier this year underscores the challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, particularly in secondary schools and Welsh-medium education. The report notes a significant decline in the number of applicants for teaching positions, with some schools needing to advertise multiple times to fill vacancies. This shortage has led

to situations where staff are teaching outside their areas of expertise, potentially impacting the quality of education.

governMenT iniTiATives AnD resPonses

In response to these challenges, the Welsh Government has implemented measures to support supply staff and address recruitment issues. A new national framework contract for agency staff was established in September

2023, aiming to enhance professional learning opportunities and employment safeguards for supply teachers . Additionally, the government has initiated a pilot National Supply Pool in Ynys Môn, allowing supply teachers to be directly employed by local authorities, granting them access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. While this model shows promise, its broader implementation across Wales faces logistical challenges .

Union PersPeCTives

Teaching unions have expressed concerns over the high expenditure on agency staff. A representative from a teaching union described the £78 million spent as a “shocking waste of money,” emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to staffing shortages.

LoCAL AUTHoriTY vieWs

Local councils, responsible for staffing in schools, have defended the use of agency staff as a necessary measure to cover absences and maintain educational continuity. A Cardiff Council spokesperson noted that schools employ agency staff for various reasons, including covering shortterm absences and meeting temporary demands during recruitment processes.

ConCLUsion

The significant expenditure on agency staff highlights the ongoing challenges in teacher recruitment and retention in Wales. While the Welsh Government has taken steps to address these issues, including new frameworks and pilot programs, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. Stakeholders across the education sector continue to call for comprehensive strategies to ensure sustainable staffing and high-quality education for students.

Tenby’s popular Air Ambulance charity shop seeks volunteers

THe WALes Air AMBULAnCe charity shop in Tenby is calling for new volunteers to join its friendly and hardworking team ahead of a busy summer season.

Karen Ward, Assistant General Manager at the Upper Frog Street store, says volunteering has been one of the most rewarding decisions she’s made. Karen, 66, lives in Hundleton and makes the thirty-minute drive to Tenby five days a week.

“I haven’t looked back since joining the team two years ago,” she said. “Our shop is very popular – there’s always someone coming through the door!”

Originally from the Midlands, Karen previously worked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter before moving to West Wales. She spent 22 years working at Kiln Park and returned to retail in 2023.

The grandmother of four added: “The shop is so much fun. We create a great atmosphere for our volunteers –we want everyone to enjoy being here. We love to celebrate birthdays with cake, silly hats, music and a good singsong. We definitely go over the top!”

Karen says no two days are the same, and there’s always plenty to do. “There’s never a dull moment,” she said. “Some days you’re sorting through donations, other days you’re pricing stock or serving customers. Our manager, Kirsty Gardiner, and I do the back-of-house work, while our wonderful volunteers handle the shop floor.”

From tidying rails and cleaning to dressing windows and helping customers, there’s a job for everyone. “We want the shop to look great and be welcoming – it’s about creating a space

Sinclair editor@herald.email

people want to come back to,” said Karen.

The shop attracts a wide mix of customers. “We have regulars who visit every day and always find something to buy,” she said. “Holidaymakers pop in too – the kids head for the toys and books, mum browses the clothes, and dad makes a beeline for the furniture.”

The shop also plays an important social role. “Some of our older visitors come in just for a chat,” Karen added. “Sometimes we’re the only people

they’ll talk to all day. That ten-minute conversation means the world.”

Window displays are a point of pride for the team. “People often poke their heads in and say, ‘Is this really a charity shop?’” Karen laughed. “Kirsty and I do the windows – we love getting creative with new themes. The volunteers always take the credit when people compliment the display, which is lovely – everyone feels proud.”

Upcoming displays include a colourful spring theme, followed by Easter decorations and then a ‘Glastonbury-style’ summer festival window.

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations of pre-loved items such as clothes, furniture, games, ornaments and music.

Karen said: “We’re a busy shop with a brilliant team, but we really do need more volunteers as we head into summer. There’s no age limit, and no experience is needed – we’ll train you. It’s a great way to gain confidence and new skills, and it looks fantastic on your CV.”

To find out more about volunteering, donating, or shopping at Wales Air Ambulance stores, visit: walesairambulance.com/shops

Tom

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

spring has sprung, dear readers, and in the rolling, sea-spritzed hills of Pembrokeshire, easter isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full-blown hop-era of fun. Whether you’re a beachbound bunny, an adventure-hungry chick, or a cream egg connoisseur, there’s something for every curious creature this April.

Ewe Must Be Joking: Meet the Lambs!

Start your Easter break with a fluffy dose of joy at Folly Farm or Clerkenhill Adventure Farm. It’s lambing season, which means adorable baby sheep bouncing around like little woolly popcorn. Warning: you may fall in love and want to smuggle one home. (Don’t. They nibble slippers.)

Egg-citing Adventures at the Coast

If the sea’s your jam, St David’s Peninsula is your Easter playground. Puffins are popping back to Ramsey Island like tiny feathered tourists, and the cliffs are ringing with the squawk of seabirds (some sound like they’ve had one too many chocolate eggs).

Try a wild boat ride with Thousand Islands Expeditions—but hold on to your bonnets! It’s wetter than a water balloon fight in a thunderstorm.

The Great Golden Egg Hunt Rumour has it that a Golden Egg is hidden somewhere in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Clues are sprinkled like fairy dust across local cafés and trail signs. Crack the code and win… well, eternal glory. And maybe a very large chocolate bunny. (Disclaimer: this may or may not be organised by a mysterious group of pensioners in wellies calling themselves “The Hare Force.”)

Carrots and Crafts at Carew Castle

On Easter Sunday, Carew Castle transforms into a medieval bunnyfest with storytelling, archery (safely, promise), and a carrot-themed bake-off judged by a very stern rabbit. Bonus points if you arrive in costume— historical or hare-brained.

Daffodils, Dragons & Daydreams

The wildflower meadows around Bosherston Lily Ponds are bursting with yellow daffodils like little trumpets of joy. Take a whimsical wander through the woods and spot real-life Easter magic: bluebells, butterflies, and the odd fairy door nailed into an old oak.

Don’t Forget Your Picnic

And of course, no Easter in Pembrokeshire is complete without a good old-fashioned picnic. May we recommend The Beach at Barafundle Bay, which is basically heaven with sand?

Pro tip: hide chocolate eggs in your socks to stop the seagulls nicking them. (Yes, it’s weird. Yes, it works.)

Spring into the Easter holidays with family fun

The easter holiday promises action-packed fun in the Pembrokeshire Coast national Park, with family-friendly activities taking place across the Park and at the Authority’s three main attractions –Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and oriel y Parc.

The events coincide with the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight (4 to18 April), which celebrates the UK’s protected landscapes.

Carew Castle

At Carew Castle, visitors can look forward to trails, tales and plenty of medieval mischief. From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April, Bunny’s Big Egg Hunt invites children to search the Castle grounds for hidden eggs using a smartphone, with a sweet reward for those who succeed. The ever-popular Horrid Histories will also return with gory stories and terrible tales of Castle life, included free with admission on weekdays at 11am from 7 to 25 April.

Those in search of adventure can take on Find the Key!, a quest to uncover four hidden keys – only one of which unlocks the Castle’s treasure chest. The challenge takes place daily at 3pm, excluding Tuesdays. On those days – 8, 15 and 22 April – the focus shifts to a Guided Family Castle Tour at 1.30pm, followed by FIRE! Launch of the Giant Trebuchet at 2.30pm, when the legendary siege engine is set into motion.

The Storymaster’s Quests: Castle of Adventure will return with immersive fantasy experiences created by Oliver McNeil and voiced by Tom Baker. Suitable for ages 6+, tickets are £6 per person, with Castle admission also applying. Dates vary. See website for further details.

To round off the fun, the Mini Easter Fair runs from 18 to 21 April, offering rides and games for younger visitors. Small charges apply.

For opening times and booking information, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Castell Henllys

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, families will be able to travel back in time this Easter with a mix of hands-on activities and ancient skills.

On Tuesdays 15 and 22 April, Druid Magic offers the chance to light fires, bake bread and try traditional face painting, while learning how the Druids of Iron Age Britain connected with the world around them.

Fun in the Fort on Wednesdays 16 and 23 April features a changing lineup of prehistoric crafts, while Discovery Days on Thursdays 17 and 24 April invite visitors to try something new –from ancient techniques to creative experiments inspired by the past.

A new Family Spinning Workshop on Sunday 13 April will teach the ancient art of turning fleece into yarn using a drop spindle. Sessions take place at 11am and 1.30pm. See website for booking information.

Further information can be found at www.castellhenllys.com.

Oriel y Parc

At Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, the focus turns to nature, creativity and seasonal celebration. Running from 12 to 27 April, the Egg Trail Adventure will invite young explorers to search the site for beautifully designed eggs inspired by local birdlife. Hands-on fun continues with two drop-in Make & Take workshops. On Wednesday 16 April, visitors can build a cosy shelter for hedgehogs in time

for Hedgehog Awareness Week. The following Wednesday, 23 April, children can create a colourful pinecone insect in the Ladybird Sanctuary Workshop.

For those looking for a deeper creative experience, a Foraged Poetry Prints Workshop with artist Bean Sawyer will take place on Thursday 24 April from 10am–1pm. Using cyanotype printing and found fragments of poetry, participants will create striking blue-toned artwork using natural materials. Booking is essential.

Visitors can also browse the St Davids and Solva Art Group exhibition from 17 to 23 April, showcasing spring-themed work by local artists, with proceeds supporting charity.

To find out more, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

..and beyond

Beyond the main attractions, visitors can enjoy a selection of guided walks and wildlife experiences across the wider National Park.

Bird enthusiasts can enjoy two chances to connect with the Park’s feathered residents. On Thursday 24 April, What’s That Bird? at Minwear Wood will help participants learn how to identify woodland species by sight and sound, guided by a National Park Ranger. The season concludes with a peaceful Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 27 April, starting from Lower Fishguard at 6am — an early morning opportunity to welcome the day to the sound of birdsong.

To plan your visit and discover more events, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast. wales/events.

Explore Welsh History This Easter

Cadw is gearing up for an exciting spring with a full schedule of events and activities planned across its historic monuments for the easter school holidays.

Whether hunting for Easter eggs, following bunny trails, stepping back in time with medieval reenactments, or learning new skills at circus training workshops, there’s something designed for everyone over the Easter break. The events provide fun, adventure, and educational experiences to visitors of all ages.

Head of Cadw, Gwilym Hughes, said: “The Easter holidays is the perfect time for families to get out, and explore the rich history and stories right on their own doorstep. We wanted to create an action-packed schedule of events that not only helps families to enjoy quality time together but also inspires a sense of pride and curiosity about Welsh heritage.

“Children go free with any adult membership, which offers great value for families looking to make the most of multiple visits and events throughout the year. Members enjoy unlimited access to 132 historical locations

across Wales year-round, along with exclusive discounts at gift shops and similar attractions across the UK.”

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer across some of the most popular Cadw locations in west Wales this spring:

Let’s Use a Camera Easter Trail, Kidwelly Castle sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, 10:00-16:00

Capture the beauty of Kidwelly Castle, a Norman masterpiece overlooking the River Gwendraeth. Families will follow the trail and take photos of specific landmarks and features within the castle grounds, a perfect activity for budding photographers and history enthusiasts.

Easter Egg Fun Trail, Laugharne Castle sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, 11:00-16:00

Explore the enchanting Laugharne Castle for its annual Easter Egg Hunt, where visitors will search for hidden eggs scattered throughout the castle grounds and be in with a chance to win an Easter prize! Easter bonnets are welcome.

For more information about the events taking place this month, visit Cadw’s official website: www.cadw.gov.wales

A VERY HUNGRY Easter TREAT

THe TorCH THeATre in Milford Haven is set to enchant audiences with ‘The very Hungry Caterpillar show’ on Wednesday, 23rd April, and Thursday, 24th April 2025.

This critically acclaimed production, crafted by Jonathan Rockefeller, brings to life Eric Carle’s beloved tales through a delightful ensemble of 75 puppets.

The performance faithfully adapts four of Carle’s cherished stories: ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’, ‘10 Little Rubber Ducks’, ‘The Very Busy Spider’, and, naturally, the titular ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. Since its 1969 publication, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ has captivated readers globally, selling over 48 million copies. Meanwhile, ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’ celebrates its 50th anniversary with more than 18.2 million copies sold.

Described by Time Out as “A Triumph!” and hailed by The Stage as “Charming and ingenious”, the show offers an ideal introduction to live theatre for young audiences.

Anwen Francis from the Torch Theatre’s Marketing Team expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming performances:

“We can’t wait to welcome The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show here to the Torch Theatre. Everyone has heard of the Caterpillar or read about him and now you can see the loveable

character on the Torch stage with his friends. What better way to spend a morning or afternoon with the three performances we have on offer.”

Performance schedule:

Wednesday, 23rd April at 2:00 PM Thursday, 24th April at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

For further details and to purchase tickets, visit the Torch Theatre’s official website or contact the Box Office at (01646) 695267.

Mad Hatter magic for Milford

The Easter festivities kick off on Good Friday (April 18) with a Mad Hatter’s Easter Egg Hunt, promising a fun-filled adventure for children and families.

On Saturday (April 19), the venue hosts a Mad Hatter’s Cocktail Tea Party, with live music from The Hideaway Trio, offering a more grown-

up twist on the Wonderland theme. The weekend culminates on Easter Sunday (April 20) with the Queen of Hearts Grand Finale, rounding off the holiday celebrations in style. For more information or to get involved, contact: enquiriesthevibe@ gmail.com

HAVOC

Netflix’s highly anticipated action thriller Havoc, starring Tom Hardy, is set to premiere on April 25, 2025. Directed by Gareth Evans— renowned for The Raid and Gangs of London—the film promises a gritty, highoctane experience that blends brutal action with a tense, character-driven narrative.

In Havoc, Hardy plays Walker, a bruised and worldweary detective who plunges into the violent depths of a city’s criminal underworld after a drug deal spirals out of control. His mission is to rescue a politician’s estranged son, but as he digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption and conspiracy that threatens to consume not just him but the entire city. The film explores

themes of redemption and moral ambiguity, with Hardy’s character forced to face both external enemies and his own haunted past.

The film brings together a powerhouse cast.

Alongside Hardy, we’ll see performances from Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker, Luis Guzmán, Justin Cornwell, and Quelin Sepulveda. With Gareth Evans steering the project, audiences can expect tightly choreographed action scenes and a relentless pace that never lets up.

The visuals, as teased in the red-band trailer, are intense and unforgiving. Hand-to-hand combat, urban chases, and gritty shootouts dominate the screen, captured with the raw, kinetic

energy that has become Evans’ signature. Hardy’s portrayal of Walker appears visceral and grounded, immersing viewers in every bruise and blow as he fights his way through layers of crime and deception.

Filming took place across various Welsh locales, including Cardiff and Barry. These locations lend the film an authentic and textured backdrop that heightens its dark and suspenseful tone.

Set for exclusive release on Netflix, Havoc looks to be a standout entry in the platform’s growing collection of gritty thrillers. With Gareth Evans’ masterful direction and Hardy’s commanding presence, this is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of raw, pulse-pounding cinema.

Until Dawn

Until Dawn (2025), directed by David F. Sandberg, is an upcoming survival horror film that reimagines the acclaimed 2015 video game in a cinematic format. Rather than retelling the game’s story beat-for-beat, the movie introduces a new narrative set within the same universe, centered on a group of friends who become trapped in a nightmarish time loop.

The story follows Clover (played by Ella Rubin) as she and her friends journey into a remote mountain valley to investigate her sister Melanie’s mysterious disappearance. Their search leads them to a long-abandoned visitor center— where they are suddenly hunted by a masked killer. But death isn’t

the end. Instead, each character wakes up again at the start of the evening, doomed to repeat the horror. With each loop, the terror escalates as new killers and supernatural forces enter the fray.

The film plays with genre conventions, blending slasher thrills with supernatural elements, body horror, and even found footage segments. This mix is designed to keep the audience constantly unsettled and unsure of what’s coming next. Sandberg, best known for his work in horror, leans into the chaos of the time loop format to create a kaleidoscopic experience that evolves with each repetition.

The ensemble cast features fresh young talent, including

Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, Belmont Cameli, and Maia Mitchell. Horror fans will be particularly excited to see Peter Stormare reprise his role from the game, offering a connective thread between the original and this cinematic iteration.

While some longtime fans of the game have voiced concerns about the movie’s departure from the original’s branching narrative and moral choice system, the film looks poised to deliver a unique and intense horror experience in its own right.

Whether it lives up to its cultclassic origins or becomes a standalone horror hit, Until Dawn (2025) is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing genre entries.

Tech and Taff

TrUss To LAUnCH

‘UnCAnCeLLABLe’ APP

BeCAUse of CoUrse sHe is

LIZ TRUSS has decided that what the world really needs right now – in between wars, elections, and the slow-motion collapse of Earth’s climate – is her.

And not just her in a podcast or a few angry tweets, no. She’s threatening to launch her very own “uncensored and uncancellable” social media platform – because apparently there aren’t enough digital echo chambers already peddling rage, red-pilled memes and righteous grumbling about ‘the elites’.

The announcement came (where else?) at a cryptocurrency conference in Bedford, which feels about right. If you were writing a satire, you wouldn’t dare put the ex-PM who blew up the UK economy in the same room as men selling fake money and promising you’ll be a millionaire by Tuesday. But here we are.

The idea, we’re told, is to create a platform where Trussites (yes, apparently that’s a thing now) can gather without the fear of being silenced by woke moderators or inconvenient facts. In reality, it sounds like Truth Social with a Union Jack slapped on it, where you can shout about how the deep state brought you down, without anyone asking why the lettuce lasted longer.

HAnCoCk DiD iT firsT. kinD of.

Of course, Truss isn’t the first Conservative to try and storm the tech world. Remember Matt Hancock’s app? Launched in 2018 to baffled silence, it was billed as a way to “engage with others on issues that matter to you.” Translation: tell Matt Hancock what you think, while the nation tried to remember why he thought anyone would care.

By the time the app shut down five years later, it had been downloaded

just 5,000 times and scored a generous 2.7 rating on Google Play – mostly, one assumes, by journalists looking for scandal and Hancock’s mum.

Then there was Louise Mensch with Menshn – “Twitter for topics” – which lasted about five minutes before collapsing under the weight of its own confusion.

The right to say the unsayable –loudly

In Truss’s world, the main problem facing the UK isn’t poverty, housing or the NHS. No, it’s the terrifying prospect that someone might not be able to tweet hate speech without consequences.

Like her American heroes –Trump, JD Vance, and the gang –she’s pushing the line that “freedom of speech” means freedom to attack whoever you like, while labelling any pushback as censorship. Forget the irony that some of these same voices are perfectly fine banning books and arresting protestors – in this upsidedown logic, shouting louder is a civil right.

And now, instead of tweeting her thoughts into the void like the rest of us, she wants to build a new stage –one where the curtain never falls and the audience can’t leave.

But the big question remains: is it a threat or just another vanity project?

With no known backers (yet) and even fewer fans, it might end up like her economic policies – talked about for a week, then quietly buried while someone else picks up the mess. Then again, in a world where outrage sells and “cancelled” means getting a bigger slot on GB News, we’d be foolish to underestimate the staying power of delusion with a WiFi signal. Still, maybe there’s a simpler solution. Someone give her a column in the Daily Mail and be done with it. The rest of us have got real things to worry about – like potholes, bin day, and how to stop Uncle Dai posting conspiracy theories on Facebook.

Let’s

‘raise a little hell this spring’ at The Torch Theatre

sTArring Tony-nominee Jeremy Jordan and olivier-nominee frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning, cult-favourite production Bonnie and Clyde The Musical (including Best new Musical – What’s on stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Watch the lovers as they go on a crime spree on the Torch Theatre screen this May.

Captured in stunning, world-class quality, the musical follows the most notorious lovers and bank robbers who take the country by storm in a sexy and compelling adventure. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie and Clyde went from being two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes who created a serious headache for the law enforcements. From kidnappings to murders in the 1930’s, the lovers robbed gas stations, restaurants, and smalltown stores in the areas of New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas and it is believed that they murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians before being shot and killed in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana.

Bonnie and Clyde The Musical can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 1 May at 7pm. Tickets: £15.00 | £13.00 Cons | £8.50 Under 26. Visit the website for further details www. torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

fatal fury: City of the Wolves marks snk’s bold return to the fighting game spotlight, reviving a legendary franchise with a modern twist. Launching April 24, 2025, on PC and consoles, the game blends legacy systems with fresh mechanics in a vibrant, stylized package.

At the core is the new rev system, featuring powerful moves like rev Arts, Accel, and Blows, all tied to a meter that adds strategic depth. overusing these moves leads to an overheat state, requiring careful pacing. Classic mechanics like Just Defense, Braking, and feints make a return, alongside an evolved

T.o.P. system now called selective Potential gear, letting players pick a portion of their health bar to gain buffs and access to rev Blows.

The game launches with 17 characters, including fan favorites like Terry Bogard and rock Howard, alongside newcomers like Preecha and vox reaper. five more characters are slated for post-launch release. for solo players, the episodes of south Town mode offers rPginspired progression, while online play includes ranked matches and streamlined matchmaking. visually, the game adopts a comic bookinspired style with bold

outlines and expressive animations. it offers two control schemes: a traditional arcade layout and a simplified option that makes the game more accessible to newcomers. not without controversy, the inclusion of real-world celebrities such as Cristiano ronaldo and DJ salvatore ganacci as fighters has stirred mixed reactions. While some welcome the novelty, others see it as straying from the series’ roots. overall, City of the Wolves looks to satisfy both veteran fighters and curious newcomers, balancing nostalgia with bold, modern flair.

HOROSCOPES

LIBRA

This may sound counterintuitive, but the stars say you should seek out conflict today. You’re not one for confrontation, but it is sometimes a necessary evil, and it’s something you should perhaps work on becoming more comfortable with. The future holds some battles for you, and practicing on some easy skirmishes will help you later. You will always be able to see the problems at hand, but you should develop more skills that allow you to do something about them.

SCORPIO

No matter what’s going on in your life right now, whatever you need to prepare for, you’re feeling restless. You want to do something, try something, or even take a risk on something daring. Go for it! You have every right to enjoy your life as you see fit, as you well know. Besides, when was the last time you blew something or someone off? It probably doesn’t happen all that often. It’s your turn.

SAGITTARIUS

You’re bored, and that’s dangerous for someone like you. You need a change of pace, a change of scenery, or maybe even a change of occupation. That could be why you’re upset about work, even though it’s not going all that bad right now. You’ve put in your time, often even more than your time. It could be that a week off would help, or even just a couple of days. You’re entitled to a break!

CAPRICORN

There’s really not much that can go wrong for you right now, and you ought to take full advantage of the circumstances. Why not? You rarely take chances, and this one you’re contemplating is as well calculated as a risk could possibly be. Think of the expressions on your friends’

AQUARIUS

Badger crunches the council’s cockeyed calculator

firsT of all, readers, an apology: this Badger deals with Pembrokeshire County Council’s finances. so, if you are of a nervous disposition, please be aware that what follows may terrify you.

If you are one of those prannies who think councillors rip you off, “we should sack the lot”, or cannot distinguish between capital expenditure and spending on services, bear with this column. You might learn something.

We’re going to start with something familiar to all of you: Council Tax.

The current administration first set Council Tax in 2018 (the election in 2017 came after councillors set the Council Tax for that year).

In 2018/19, the Band D Council Tax (used as the Welsh Government benchmark) for Pembrokeshire was £1252.41.

In 2025/26 (the current financial year), the Band D Council Tax for Pembrokeshire is £2059.82.

That is an increase of 64.85%as (current minus start)/start x100 or 807.41/1252.41 x 100 = 64.85.

That is how you calculate a percentage increase.

Now, let’s look at the Welsh average for Band D Council Tax using the same dates.

In 2018, the average Band D Council Tax for Welsh local authorities was £1492.03.

In 2025/26, the average Band D Council Tax for Welsh local authorities is £2169.71.

That is an increase of 45.21%.

The percentage calculator tool is here

So, Pembrokeshire’s Council Tax has risen by more than the Welsh average, but the average Band D Council Tax in Pembrokeshire is still below the Welsh average. The difference between the Pembrokeshire Band D figure and the average Welsh Band D figure is now around £110 per year.

Another way of looking at it is that the gap between Pembrokeshire’s Band D Council Tax and the Welsh average has halved, which makes arithmetical sense.

The source for the above figures is the Welsh Government’s official stats here.

Now, let’s look at the funding the Welsh Government provides to local

authorities through its annual spending settlement.

In 2018/19, the amount that Pembrokeshire County Council received in revenue support from the Welsh Government (excluding grant funding was £161,744,000.

In 2025/26, the amount of funding Pembrokeshire County Council will get from the Welsh Government (excluding any grant funding) was £233,534,000.

The percentage increase in Welsh Government revenue funding for Pembrokeshire County Council between 2018/19 and 2025/26 (using the same methodology above) is 45% (plus a minuscule fraction of one percent. However, the proportion of Welsh Government money sent to the Council as a percentage of the Council’s revenue budget has fallen (the decline is particularly steep looking back further in time, but Badger is focussing on the current administration).

For the 2018/19 financial year, Pembrokeshire County Council’s net expenditure was £242.3 million, made up of £399.5 million in gross expenditure and £178.1 million in income.

At this point, we must make an educated guess. The last year with a published statement of accounts, something that shows actual expenditure and income instead of

forecasts or provisional figures, is 202324. That means the 2024/25 figures are unaudited and hence provisional. The projected gross expenditure for 2024/25 was £484m (give or take), with revenue of c.£175m. That provides a net expenditure figure of £309m. The final figures will vary and include transfers from reserves and other income and expenditure.

Accounting for inflation, the Council’s expenditure in 2024/25 was less in real terms than it was in 2018/19 by around £20m.

It’s at this point that something struck Badger.

Even though the 2024/25 figures are provisional, the Council’s income has fallen. In cash terms, the decline is small (£3m, or around 1.75%). In real terms, however, that’s a fall of 23%. Even accounting for periods of relatively high inflation, that represents a sharp decline in the value of Council revenues. Expressed in simple terms, the Council’s income (what it gets in from the public and businesses in payments for services) is worth around £40m a year less than it was in 2018/19.

What the Council gets from the Second Homes Council Tax does not come near to bridging the chasm between 2018/19 and 2024/25. It brings in around £1.1m a year.

Badger has scrutinised both sets

of figures. Some significant changes became apparent.

Let’s look at a demand-led service: adult social care. Badger wants to be clear: the demand for adult social care has risen inexorably and will continue to rise. Well, unless the UK Government mandates a version of Logan’s Run as a supplement to the Assisted Dying Bill.

In 2018/19, the Council’s gross spending on adult social care was £77m. It received £23m in income from social care, providing a net spend of £54m.

Wind forward to 2023/24, and the position changes dramatically. In that year, the Council’s gross spending on social care was over £112m. It pulled in £33m in income, providing a net spend of £79m.

A net spend of £54m in 2018/19 equates to a net spend value of £69m in 2023/24. That means the net price paid by the Council for social care has outstripped inflation by over 14%.

Even in a relatively inelastic service, where demand and supply are finite, Housing, the real value of the Council’s income has fallen.

Intriguingly, the amount the Council raises from residents in Council Tax has increased by less than the percentage increase in Council Tax.

In 2018/19, the local authority collected £68m in Council Tax. In 2023/24, that figure was around £96m. The value (in today’s money) of £68m in 2018/19 is a touch over £87m. When one sets that figure against the £96m collected in 2023/24, the net percentage increase in Council Tax income is 10.34%.

To summarise, readers: the cost of providing services has increased. The Council’s income is not keeping pace with those increased costs and is falling further behind in its real value.

The Council has few options open to it. The number of current services delivered is unaffordable. There are two practical possibilities: transfer certain functions out-of-house (for example, environmental services, parking, and leisure services) or continue cutting services to close the gap between the Council’s income and the cost of providing services.

If you want to have a grown-up debate about how the Council is funded, how it pays for services it commissions, and the burden of Council Tax, start with first principles.

COURTS, CLAWS AND CONFUSION OVER ‘WOMEN’

ALrigHT me lovers – gather round, stephen seagull ‘ere, perched on a rusting bollard with one eye on the news and the other on someone’s unattended chips.

Now listen ‘ere – apparently the big wigs in the Supreme Court have been dragged into the age-old question: “What even is a woman?” I know, I know – I thought it were simple too. But turns out it’s slipperier than an eel in a bucket of shampoo.

The headlines screamed: “Supreme Court defines woman!” But no, they didn’t. They said – and I quote (sort of): “Oi, not our job to play dictionary.” All they were doing was looking at some Scottish law from 2018 that tried to balance the gender scales on public boards – aiming for a nice neat 50/50

of women and men. So far, so sensible. Enter a group called For Women Scotland, flapping their wings about trans women being included. They marched this all the way to the Supreme Court, waving nearly a quarter of a million quid at the judges – which, might I add, could’ve bought a lot of battered cod.

So what did the judges decide?

Brace yourselves:

If you’ve got one of them Gender Recognition Certificates (that’s a GRC to you and me), the law says you’re legally that gender “for all purposes” –unless a particular law says otherwise.

The Equality Act 2010 – the big one – talks about “women” in ways that make more sense if it means “biological” women.

Therefore, for some bits of law, “woman” means someone born that way. Not someone with a certificate. Which means that 2018 Scottish law can’t count trans women towards that 50%.

Confused? I nearly fell off me perch. Now don’t go panicking – this doesn’t strip anyone of protection. Trans folk are still protected from discrimination, under other bits of the law. It just means that the word “woman” in some legal corners now comes with a very fiddly footnote.

Also worth noting – at the time of the law, there weren’t even any trans women on these public boards. So all this shouting and court drama? It’s over something that’s happened less often than I turn down a pasty.

What really gets me beak in a twist, though, is that no trans people were allowed to take part in the case. Not one. Even a retired judge tried to flap in and was told to jog on. That’s like having a council meeting about seagulls and not inviting yours truly. Outrageous. The court told politicians not to make a meal out of this. But knowing that lot, they’ll be picking at it like a half-eaten kebab on the pavement at 2:00am. So what’s the takeaway, folks? The law’s now even more complicated, there’s more legal categories of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ than flavours of ice cream down by the docks, and everyone’s still rowing over the definitions while the rest of us just want to get on with things. Until next time – keep your feathers dry and your chips covered.

CORNER

PETS c ORNER

Wildlife Friends launched by RSPCA so volunteers can do their bit for wildlife

People have a unique opportunity to become part of a millions strong movement to change the lives of animals for the better in 2025, by becoming a Wildlife friend with the rsPCA.

Last year more than 2,000 people signed up for Wildlife Friends and completed a range of seasonal tasks aimed at helping wildlife to thrive in their own gardens and community green spaces. These included building dead hedges and bug hotels and cleaning bird feeders.

Now, the RSPCA is relaunching Wildlife Friends with Spring in full swing so even more animal lovers can enjoy fun activities that will help protect and nurture wildlife.

By volunteering and taking action for animals in their communities, the microvolunteers taking part will not only be helping wildlife but will be ensuring that the animal charity’s highly-skilled frontline staff have more time to focus on tackling cruelty and neglect.

Last year there was a 35% increase in the numbers (10,209) of wild animals admitted to the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres, compared to 2023 (7,519). The animal charity fielded 40,003 incidents relating to wild animals in 2024, including 1,758 in Wales. The need to increase awareness of the problems faced by wildlife and how best it can be protected has never been greater. That is why the 99 people who have already joined up as Wildlife Friends in Wales are helping to make a difference.

Wildlife Friends enjoyed an inspiring start this week when social media influencer Esme Higgs visited RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre (pictured above) to learn about the work staff do rehabilitating wild animals so they can be released back into the wild. Esme has generated a huge social media following promoting horse welfare, best practice in equestrianism and her own experiences of countryside life. Her commitment to nature was enhanced further by a tour of the East Sussex centre, which included feeding seals their lunch, meeting two fox cubs that had recently been rescued from a building site and filling up the bird feeders in the woods as part of her Wildlife Friends tasks.

Esme said: “We all know our natural world is facing huge challenges but the great news is that everyone can do something to help. We need everyone for every animal. If you want to get involved, become a RSPCA Wildlife Friends to find dozens of simple ways you can make life better for wildlife in your community.

“All these small acts of kindness don’t take long, but they’ll make a huge difference for animals, so join thousands of other people who care, and sign up today.”

Wildlife Friends has proved hugely popular with those seeking out volunteering opportunities with the RSPCA because of the ease with which they can sign up and complete tasks. It has opened up volunteering to people who might not be able to join in with our volunteering activities because they work full time or don’t live close to a centre. Seventy per cent of the RSPCA’s microvolunteers, including Wildlife Friends, are aged 16 to 34 and more than 10% of Wildlife Friends identify as being of Asian origin - making it one of the RSPCA’s most diverse volunteering opportunities.

Among the regular volunteers for Wildlife

Friends since the scheme was first launched in 2023 is Charlotte Lister, a busy mother from Retford, Nottinghamshire (pictured on right with friend Marcie Reed), who says taking part helped her lose weight and banish stress. Charlotte’s dedication to the environment has seen her complete many tasks over the years.

“This will be my third year volunteering as a Wildlife Friend for the RSPCA and it’s been an amazing experience. The tasks you complete benefit animals and they are great for your own wellbeing too. I found spending time outdoors and connecting with nature has been amazing for my mental health, relieved stress and boosted my mood,” said Charlotte.

“I suffered from a really bad bout of food poisoning at the end of last year and was off work for a long period, but getting involved in Wildlife Friends has given me a real lift. I completed every task in 2023 and I’m determined to do them all in 2025. They give you a real sense of achievement and so many of them are easy to do such as cleaning bird feeders.

“By signing up you will be joining thousands of people across the UK who are working together to build a better world for every animal. No matter how much time you have - five minutes or five hours a week - there is something you can do to protect and nurture wildlife in your community. Whether you live in a flat or a narrowboat or a house with a garden there are simple and meaningful ways you can get involved from creating safe and clean habitats to helping injured wildlife.”Last year hedgehogs (2,275) and wood pigeons (1,113) were the wild animals most likely to need specialist assistance from the charity’s skilled staff.

And by helping to create habitats and environments where wildlife can thrive and be safe from harm Wildlife Friends is making a difference for the nation’s wildlife.

For their first task of Spring Wildlife Friends have been making a simple apple and seed bird feeder, as demonstrated by Charlotte. Other tasks to complete during the Spring include building a nest box for all kinds of wildlife in your garden, including bats, as well building neighbourhood corridors for wildlife such as hedgehogs. Building bug hotels and planting wildlife-friendly plants to support the

local ecosystem are also other tasks that have been set for later in the season.

The RSPCA’s Lead Wildlife Officer Inspector Geoff Edmond has some invaluable tips about what kind of wildlife-friendly plants to sow.

“There are many species you can plant that are beneficial for wildlife and can be enjoyed during the year. They include native shrubs such as Hawthorn and Bramble as well as Berberis, which flower in the spring to provide insect nectar, and produce berries in the autumn which the birds will enjoy,” explained Geoff

“Some shrubs like these do have thorns and are prickly but this provides extra safe nesting sites for birds. Something everyone can do easily is to sow wildflower seeds in containers, plant pots and gardens between April and May. They will add colour and beauty to your outdoor environment and provide nectar rich sources for bees, butterflies and other insects.

“It’s great fun seeing lovely flowers buzzing with activity on a late Spring/Summer’s day when you see beautiful butterflies feeding on your plants. Whatever you plant it will make a difference, and is the start of a journey with nature which you are taking to safeguard our wildlife.”

Last year RSPCA Wildlife Friends completed 1,653 tasks, the most popular of which were providing food for hedgehogs, taking part in a butterfly count and putting out a bird feeder. Nearly 60% of those signing up for the scheme felt they had made a difference in their roles *

This year the charity wants to recruit at least 2,500 new Wildlife Friends and RSPCA Head of Volunteering Brian Reeves said: “By becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend animal lovers can join with their community to make a safe space for the animals who share our world. We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them.

“The RSPCA’s Wildlife Friends volunteering scheme is great for anyone who can spare even just a few minutes, or a couple of hours, to create a better and kinder world for every animal.”

University crisis: ‘Credential factories’ blamed

A BoMBsHeLL new report has branded Wales’ university sector as bloated, inefficient, and no longer fit for purpose—accusing it of churning out debt-ridden graduates with degrees that fail to match the needs of the modern economy.

The report, titled The University Industrial Complex and published by the Prydain Centre on Thursday (Apr 10), claims that the eight universities currently operating across Wales have evolved into “credential conveyor belts,” more concerned with racking up tuition fees than providing meaningful education.

In a searing analysis of the state of higher education, the authors argue that mass participation has eroded academic standards, with many students paying tens of thousands of pounds for degrees that leave them underemployed—or unemployed.

The report argues that universities have become “visa mills” reliant on overseas money

THe keY figUres

According to the report, there are over 135,000 students enrolled in Welsh universities—despite Wales having a population of just 3.1 million. The average

student debt upon graduation now exceeds £37,000, and one in three graduates finds themselves in non-graduate jobs five to ten years after leaving university.

“This isn’t education—it’s exploitation,” said lead author Chris Harries. “We’ve created a generation weighed down by debt, false promises, and qualifications that offer little in terms of real-world value.”

The paper argues that universities have become “visa mills” reliant on overseas student fees, while whole departments and even campuses are being shuttered due to financial pressures.

A neW vision for WeLsH HigHer eDUCATion

The Prydain Centre proposes a sweeping set of reforms that would see the current eight universities reduced to just three elite institutions—each with a clear and distinct focus:

• Cardiff: a global leader in academic research, STEM and humanities.

• Swansea: a centre for applied sciences and industrial collaboration.

• Aberystwyth and Bangor: hubs for Welsh culture, environmental science and rural leadership.

Student numbers would be halved to around 65,000, with raised entry requirements and targeted support for disciplines linked to national priorities such as engineering, healthcare and technology.

Instead of encouraging mass enrolment, the report champions a shift toward merit-based admission and the reintroduction of rigorous academic standards.

froM Degrees To DigiTAL

In perhaps its boldest proposal, the report calls for the launch of a “Digital Knowledge Hub”—a free or low-cost online platform offering lectures, short courses and learning forums.

Built in partnership with leading universities and edtech firms, the hub would be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, enabling lifelong learning without incurring debt.

“Education must be about knowledge, not credentials,” said Harries. “This is not nostalgia for an elitist past. It’s a practical leap toward a fairer, smarter system.”

THe CAse for ConsoLiDATion

The Prydain Centre argues that maintaining eight

institutions spreads resources too thinly and dilutes academic quality. By consolidating funding, the three remaining institutions could become internationally respected centres of excellence.

The estimated £500–600 million annual higher education budget would be more effectively used, the report claims, by reducing duplication and investing in talent, research, and student support.

It also acknowledges that the transition would require careful planning, with phased closures and support for affected staff and students, including relocation options and course transfers.

CALLs for governMenT ACTion

The report urges the Welsh Government to pilot the Digital Knowledge Hub as a first step toward system-wide reform. Ministers are being asked to consider a roadmap for consolidation and entry reform over the next five years.

“Wales has a choice,” the report concludes. “Maintain the failed status quo—or build a higher education system that commands glbal respect.”

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Bird flu restrictions lifted after major outbreak, Defra confirms

BirD fLU restrictions requiring poultry and captive birds to be housed indoors in part of shropshire have been lifted.

The measures were introduced in January following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at Griffiths Family Farms, part of Oakland Farm Eggs, near Wem.

A 3km protection zone and a wider 10km surveillance zone were established around the site. The surveillance zone extended into the Wrexham local authority area.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that disease control measures have now been completed. The area previously within the protection zone is now part of the surveillance zone only.

Around one million hens had to be culled at the site—one of the largest poultry farms in the UK— after the virus was detected in the flock.

Under protection zone rules, all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors. Surveillance zone rules require premises to keep records of all poultry and egg movements in and out of the area.

Sheep worrying by dogs: Ongoing threat to animal welfare

A fAiLUre by dog owners across the Uk to recognise the danger their pets pose to livestock is continuing to result in devastating attacks on sheep, the national sheep Association (nsA) has warned.

The warning comes as the NSA launches its annual Sheep Worrying by Dogs Awareness Week and shares the findings of its latest survey, which reveals that 87% of respondents experienced at least one dog attack on their flock in the past year.

The most common cause identified is dog owners refusing to keep their pets on a lead while walking in the countryside.

NSA Project Manager Nicola Noble said: “Dog owners often assume their beloved pet could not be capable of causing harm to other animals, yet it is an instinctive response of a dog to chase, and for some, attack prey animals such as sheep. Barking, chasing, and physical attacks can all have devastating effects on sheep, especially at this time of year when so many are heavily pregnant or have young lambs at foot.”

Survey results released this week (Apr 14) show the situation is worsening, despite years of awareness-raising by farming and countryside organisations. On average, each farming respondent reported four sheep deaths due to dog attacks over the past year—an

increase on previous years. These figures do not include unborn lambs lost when pregnant ewes miscarry from the trauma of being chased or attacked.

The consequences of sheep worrying are not only physical. They include long-term suffering for the animals and significant financial losses for farmers—through vet bills and a reduced number of healthy animals to sell.

Mrs Noble added: “Sheep worrying by dogs not only causes suffering to livestock but is also a real cause of stress and worry to farmers. Many farmers told us their mental health has been impacted by the continued threat to their animals. Alarmingly, 80% of those surveyed reported a negative experience when asking dog owners to put their pet on a lead, with nearly half receiving verbal abuse and, in some cases, even physical aggression.”

The issue of straying dogs is also highlighted in the survey. Some 43% of respondents discovered evidence of sheep worrying without witnessing the attack itself—suggesting dogs had either escaped from gardens or that owners were unwilling to admit their pet had attacked livestock.

More than half of the reported incidents occurred in private fields with no public rights of way, again suggesting either straying dogs or a blatant disregard for private farmland.

This makes identifying the dogs involved—and seeking compensation—especially difficult.

Almost half of the farmers surveyed said they didn’t even attempt to claim compensation, citing a lack of faith in the system and feelings of helplessness when reporting incidents to the police.

NSA Communications Manager Katie James said: “It’s a common misconception that nothing will be done if sheep worrying is reported to the police, but if no reports are made, the scale of this issue will never be fully understood. This hampers our efforts to push for stronger legislation and proper enforcement.”

To help build a clearer picture of the scale of the problem, the NSA

has launched a new online reporting tool for farmers. Mrs James added: “Although it is not a legal obligation to report attacks, we are urging all sheep farmers to use our new service alongside making reports to the police. The online log form is simple and quick to complete.”

The reporting tool and further advice are available at www.sheepworrying. org.uk.

The Sheep Worrying by Dogs Awareness Week runs from today (Monday, April 14) until Sunday, April 20. Throughout the week, the NSA will share real-life case studies and highlight new technologies being developed to help secure more prosecutions of those responsible for allowing attacks on sheep.

Host farms needed to gather commercial lamb data for industry genetics project

ramCompare, the Uk’s national sheep progeny testing initiative, is seeking new commercial farms to join the project this season across Wales and england.

RamCompare “host” farms are needed to provide around 300 commercial ewes of a uniform breed type which are mated to terminal sire rams provided by the project using single-sire, natural-service mating groups or artificial insemination (AI).

Jointly funded by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), RamCompare gathers valuable performance data from commercial lambs to drive genetic improvements in the sheep industry.

Bridget Lloyd, RamCompare project coordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for host farms to benefit from using top genetics within their flock. They have the chance to use rams with high health and genetic merit, they will get support to benchmark their flock performance against other project farms and the opportunity to engage with a small group of innovative likeminded farmers.”

All rams selected for use rank within the top 20% of performance-recorded terminal sires. Throughout the process, farms will collect detailed data using electronic identification (EID) from birth to slaughter. This ensures lambs are reared as a single management group within a fast-finishing system.

To be considered as a host

farm, the following requirements need to be met:

• Provide 300 commercial ewes

• Use high-index, performance-recorded terminal sire rams supplied by the project

• Ewes must be single-sire mated

• Data must be collected on lambs using EID from birth to slaughter

• Lambs will be raised as one management group within a fast-finishing system

Optional artificial insemination can be organised for 90-120 ewes as part of the project. Host farms will receive funding to support data collection.

Alwyn Nutting has been a host farm for RamCompare since 2021, collecting data from his commercial lambs at Glascoed Farm, Aberhafesp for the fourth year. Rams provided by the project are high health status and have high genetic potential being from the top 20% of performance recorded, terminal sire breeds.

Alwyn explains: “Our interest in using performance recorded stock began when we selected a bull based on his performance figures some years ago and we then also wanted to achieve the best from our commercial flock. RamCompare enables us to use high genetic merit rams of different breeds with high health status’ which are

THis week, submissions closed for the Welsh Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing farming in Wales. The farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this inquiry, highlighting the perfect storm of challenges facing Welsh farmers from a Uk government perspective.

agricultural funding.

selected on specific traits such as scan weight and muscle depth, that suit our commercial system. The genetic potential of these rams means their progeny have higher value carcases with lower production costs through reduced days to slaughter. I enjoy being part of this project and urge you to contact HCC to find out more if you would like to get involved!”

Dr Heather McCalman, Research and Development and Sustainability Executive at HCC, said: “A number of pedigree performance recorded flocks in Wales have submitted rams to this project over the years in order to test their value in a commercial progeny test.

“To hear more about them, the project and genetic improvement in sustainable grassland livestock systems, we will be hosting an open day at Glascoed farm on Thursday 4 September. It will also be a chance to hear about the economic benefits achieved for lamb enterprises using top performance recorded sires in a commercial system. Save the date and keep an eye out for more information later in the year.”

If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating in the project, please contact Dr Heather McCalman at HCC for more information on hmccalman@hybucig.cymru or visit ramcompare.com.

Nominations for farm recruitment close on Friday 16 May 2025.

The ongoing concern over the illthought-out changes to Agriculture Property Relief (APR) played a prominent part in our submission. As the FUW warned HM Treasury in our meeting in February, these changes could have a significant impact on our rural communities and food production.

Whilst the Prime Minister previously insisted that a “vast majority” of Welsh farmers would not be affected by the changes, our analysis suggests 48% of BPS recipients in Wales could be subject to the new inheritance tax proposals. Our submission therefore provided an opportunity to highlight this disproportionate impact and outline our alternative proposals. These alternatives include advocating for transitional arrangements for those in these impossible circumstances and the establishment of a UKwide working group to agree on a dataset that accurately represents the extent and impact of this change in policy.

The inquiry also provided an opportunity for the FUW to once again voice our concern over the UK Government’s decision to ‘Barnettise’ future

Historically, Wales has received around 9.4% of the total UK EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) budget - this allocation was based on a need-based formula, which reflected Welsh farm and rural characteristics. The UK Government’s Autumn Budget however saw a change; with future adjustments to the Welsh agricultural budget now being subject to the Barnett Formula. This will result in a fall from 9.4% to 5% of any proportional uplifts (or reductions) the UK agriculture budget receives.

Whilst this point may seem technical, it could have a drastic impact on the amount of funding Welsh Government receives for agriculture in future. At a time when Welsh farmers are expected to deliver an ever increasing range of sustainability and environmental objectives, while also producing food, the FUW believes that the previous needsbased allocation formula, which reflects Welsh farm and rural characteristics, should be restored for future consequential adjustments.

The inquiry also provided an opportunity to consider the impact of leaving the EU on Welsh farms. This again provided an opportunity to relay our concerns that successive UK Governments have not held agriculture and rural development in as high regard as the EU Commission continues to do for its Member States through the Common Agricultural Policy.

The FUW’s full evidence submission can be found on the FUW website.

OMODA E5 takes the brand’s ‘Value. Every. Thing.’ mentality to a new level

oMoDA is making the move to electric driving easier – and more affordable – than ever, with the launch of gamechanging finance offers on its first all-electric model, the oMoDA e5. right now, customers can get behind the wheel of this leading ev with £0 deposit and 0% APr* finance, making the oMoDA e5 one of the most value-oriented electric mid-size sUvs on the market today.

And the impact has been immediate. Since the E5 arrived in the UK in September 2024, nearly 2,000 cars have already hit the road – but it’s the introduction of these offers that will further propel the model’s popularity. With a surge in enquiries and orders, OMODA’s nationwide dealer network of 73-and-counting retailers is seeing unprecedented interest from both private buyers and fleet customers.

The timing couldn’t be better. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), March 2025 marked the UK’s best-ever month for electric vehicle registrations, with 69,313 EVs sold – a clear signal that electric mobility is going mainstream. OMODA’s latest offers, available until 30 June, ensure the E5 is front and centre

as more drivers make the switch.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director OMODA UK commented:

“Having successfully established itself in the UK market since September last year, the OMODA E5 is now proving a very popular choice for drivers across the board. Customers recognise the blend of high quality, extensive specification and value for money that the car represents, and early monitoring shows that they are keen to take advantage of this. With the

favourable finance terms being offered with the OMODA E5, we expect more people to start their OMODA journey with our allelectric model.”

Using the latest technology, the OMODA E5 comes fitted with a 61kWh battery with blade cell design for improved safety. Due to class-leading battery management, 99% of the battery is usable at all times. Combined with the low coefficient of drag, the OMODA E5 uses just 15.5kWh/100km.

Available now from OMODA&JAECOO’s growing UK dealer network, the fully-electric E5 is priced from £33,065 – and with finance offers this strong, demand is charging ahead. OMODA will be showcasing the E5 on its stand at the upcoming Everything Electric LONDON show at the ExCeL from tomorrow, 16 April to 18 April inclusive. Not only will the brand have static displays but also offer test drives subject to availability and checks.

1.2

Renault Scenic and Megane E-Tech electric updated with new esprit Alpine trims

The renault Megane e-Tech electric and scenic e-Tech electric are now available in simplified and sportier three-version model ranges that gain a new one Pedal driving function, vehicle-to-Load (v2L) adaptor, and access to the convenient Plug & Charge service.

In addition, both the Megane and Scenic E-Tech electric now feature a new lower starting price. The awardwinning EVs start from only £32,495 OTR for the Megane E-Tech electric, while the family-focused Scenic E-Tech electric is now available from £37,195 OTR.

Orders are expected to open by the end of April.

Sporty style with new esprit Alpine trims

The simplified line-up for both models now consists of techno, techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine, the latter two inheriting the sporting character from the storied Alpine brand.

For the Megane E-Tech electric esprit Alpine trims, this is most evident by the F1® blade finished in Matte Shadow Grey, with a matching finish to the rear diffuser.

All Scenic and Megane esprit Alpine models wear Ice Black logos front and rear, 20-inch esprit Alpine

alloy wheels, gloss black side window trim, and esprit Alpine badging.

The value of these new esprit Alpine models is further enhanced with all available paint options now available at no extra cost.

Inside, the esprit Alpine bodyhugging seats gain six-way electric adjustment as standard with two-way lumbar and massage functions on the driver’s seat, and are upholstered in an embossed titanium black mesh made from recycled materials, finished with blue top-stitching. This same contrasting detail repeats throughout the cabin such as on the door panels, centre console, armrest and seatbelts, while esprit Alpine blue carpets round out the sporting enhancements.

Scenic esprit Alpine models now boast a face ID feature that automatically selects the appropriate driver profile and seat position, while both the Megane and Scenic E-Tech electric benefit from an improved rear-view camera with enhanced quality.

Megane E-Tech techno models now also feature a new rear lighting signature.

One Pedal – smoother driving and optimal regeneration

Megane E-Tech electric and Scenic

electric both now include One Pedal driving as standard across the range. By optimising regenerative braking, the vehicle decelerates smoothly when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, coming to a stop without the driver having to apply the brake. This delivers a smoother overall driving experience for all occupants and maximises the energy that can be recuperated to extend the driving range while also reducing brake pad wear. For situations where

more manual control is preferred, the steering wheel-mounted paddles can be used to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking system.

V2L functionality as standard

Both Megane E-Tech electric and Scenic E-Tech electric are now equipped with a new 11 kW charger. The included V2L (vehicle-to-load) adaptor also allows external 230V devices to be powered by energy stored in the car’s battery – anything from a laptop to a coffee machine!

E-Tech

Principality strengthens high street commitment until 2030

Wales’ largest building society – The Principality – is celebrating its 165th year birthday in style after announcing its commitment to maintaining its high street and community presence until at least the end of 2030.

Announced as part of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, Principality confirmed its intention to extend its commitment to the communities it serves, recognising the importance of a high-street presence, access to cash and in-person services.

First established in Cardiff in 1860, Principality continues to provide a community cornerstone with over 50 branches and 14 agencies across Wales and its borders, partnering with charities and funding affordable home initiatives along with its financial services. Pembrokeshire is served with two branches based in Fishguard and Haverfordwest.

Principality’s own research reveals more than 70% of people agree that branch presence is a key factor in deciding which financial provider to choose. This comes against a backdrop of branch closure announcements from providers across the UK and wider markets.

“All our branches have played an integral role in supporting their local communities, and today’s announcement means that our

members can continue to access essential in-person services for years to come as we maintain our presence in the community,” commented Vicky Wales,who is the chief customer officer at Principality Building Society.

Principality’s continued commitment to local communities

is further demonstrated by its recent partnership with shared banking innovator OneBanx to bring cash services to rural areas affected by bank closures.

“As more financial institutions announce branch closures, we remain focused on supporting our members and the local

community with vital financial services,” said Kelly Young, who is head of customer services savings.

“We know that access to cash and our extensive branch presence enables us to provide the services that our members rely on.”

Local MP raises a glass to Pembrokeshire’s Nestlé bottling plant

P e MB rokes H ire ’ s nestlé bottling plant was given the once over by local MP Henry Tufnell this week when he visited the Waters & Premium Beverages bottling site in Princes gate near narberth.

The visit marked Tufnell’s first visit to the factory since his appointment as MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire in July, 2024.

He met factory manager Matthew Faulkner, and engaged with staff, learning about the company’s commitment to stewarding water resources and helping to regenerate local water cycles. He also learned about the plant’s operations, sustainability initiatives and its on-going commitment to local employment.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Tufnell to our factory,” commented Matthew Faulkner, “as his visit provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce our team and showcase our factory and what

we do.

“We take pride in being part of the local community and are committed to supporting local initiatives and helping create a

positive water impact locally.”

The workforce at the bottling site consists of more than 120 employees, including specialists in production,

warehouse operations, quality, safety, and water management, with the majority residing within a 20-mile radius of the factory.

Bluestone to become UK’s first fossil fuel free family resort

PeMBrokesHire’s Bluestone national Park resort is set to make history by becoming the Uk’s first fossil fuel free luxury family holiday park in 2025.

The resort, located near Narberth, has unveiled ambitious operational plans to eliminate fossil fuels from all aspects of its operations. Bluestone will purchase only renewable electricity through its partnership with Ecotricity –widely recognised as Britain’s greenest energy provider – while replacing traditional fuels with sustainable alternatives. These include bioLPG in place of mains gas, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel and kerosene. Solar power generated by the resort’s on-site 3.2MW solar park already meets a third of its annual electricity demand.

Bluestone has long demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices. In 2008, it became one of the first in the world to heat a water park – the Blue Lagoon – entirely without fossil fuels. Since then, the resort has continued to reduce its carbon footprint, and the completion of the solar park in 2024 marked a major milestone on its journey.

The resort’s approach extends beyond its own operations. Two external grounds maintenance contractors working on-site have also now transitioned to using electric machinery and HVO fuels in support of the wider sustainability mission.

In 2024, both Bluestone and Ecotricity received top-three rankings in their sectors by Which?, with Bluestone recognised as one of the UK’s best holiday resorts, and Ecotricity ranked among the leading eco energy providers.

The partnership supports Bluestone’s efforts to eliminate all fossil fuels across its scope one and two emissions – those generated directly by the resort and through purchased

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

energy. The resort is also aiming to become entirely self-sufficient in renewable electricity generation within the next decade.

Marten Lewis, Bluestone’s Sustainability Director, said:

“Bluestone’s partnership with Ecotricity showcases there is another way forward. There’s a genuine synergy between our two companies, shaped by visionary founders who believed in putting people and the planet at the

heart of business. In 2004, Bluestone’s founder, William McNamara, began the regenerative tourism movement here in Wales by transforming a 500acre dairy farm into a pioneering, sustainable resort – a vision laid out in his original green book the same year the UN coined the term ESG.”

Mr Lewis added that Bluestone’s solar park project includes a long-term partnership with Swansea University to monitor biodiversity at the site, with the goal of producing influential academic research over the coming years.

“Bluestone doesn’t aim to have zero impact – we want to have a positive

impact with everything we do,” he said. Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said:

“Big congrats to Bluestone. From ditching intensive farming in favour of regenerative tourism to building a new solar park – this is a holiday park that fits with our values. I’m pleased Bluestone has chosen Ecotricity to provide the balance of green energy they need to go fossil free. We’re looking forward to helping them bring their green ambitions to life.”

More information about Bluestone’s sustainability journey and bookings can be found at: bluestonewales.com

Carmarthenshire business named as Wales Business Awards finalist

A CArMArTHensHire business has this week been announced as a finalist for the Wales Business Awards 2025 by Chambers Wales south east, south West and Mid.

Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors across Wales entered to be in with a chance of winning a prestigious accolade, with 50 companies named as finalists across 12 categories.

Whitland-based consultancy Landsker Business Solutions has secured a spot on the shortlist for Professional Services Firm of the Year.

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne and sponsored by Bevan Buckland LLP, on 12 June at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. One finalist will also be

awarded ‘Wales Business of the Year’ during the ceremony.

Gus Williams, interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The Wales Business Awards are an exciting showcase for the successes and achievements of the very best of Welsh business. We were thrilled to have received hundreds of fantastic entries this year, highlighting the innovation, creativity and ambitions of companies across the country.

“We are looking forward to celebrating our incredible finalists at our ceremony in June, together with members of the Welsh business community, distinguished dignitaries and ministers including Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP.”

Ambulance delays linked to patient deaths, as local tragedy highlights crisis

PArAMeDiCs across the Uk are warning that patients are dying because ambulances are unable to offload them into overcrowded A&e departments — a situation tragically echoed in the death of a Pembrokeshire mother whose ambulance never arrived.

Charlotte Burston, 40, from Llanteg, began experiencing severe chest pains on Christmas Day 2023. Her teenage daughter called 999 twice, but was told it would be an hour and a half before help could arrive.

No ambulance was dispatched in time, not because of a lack of willingness, but because so many vehicles were already stuck in hospital bays, unable to hand over patients due to chronic delays and lack of space inside emergency departments.

With no other option, Charlotte’s stepfather drove her towards Withybush Hospital. She suffered a heart attack on the way and later died at Morriston Hospital on New Year’s Eve.

An expert report presented at a recent pre-inquest hearing concluded that had ambulance staff been present at her home, she would “on the balance of probabilities” have survived.

The case comes as a new report by Unison highlights the scale of the crisis facing ambulance services. A survey of almost 600 ambulance workers found that two-thirds had witnessed patients deteriorate during prolonged waits outside hospitals, and one in 20 had seen patients die in their care due to delays in handover.

More than half of respondents reported delays of over six

hours, and one in seven had waited 12 hours or more outside emergency departments.

Unison General Secretary Christina McAnea said: “Ambulance workers want the best for their patients. But this is no longer the reality. Ambulances and hospital corridors have become makeshift treatment rooms. The pressure on the NHS is unsustainable.”

Unison is calling for urgent

action to increase staffing levels across ambulance, hospital and community services, improve GP access, and expand social care capacity to free up hospital beds.

Pembrokeshire Coroner Mark Layton, who is overseeing the Burston inquest, said that had the 999 call been prioritised properly, paramedics would have been sent and the tragic outcome may have been avoided.

NHS charity funds innovative surf therapy programme

foLLoWing generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has funded a Tonic surf Therapy programme worth £4,000. The funding paid for ten young people receiving support from mental health services to take part in the ten-session programme.

The Tonic Surf Therapy programme provides structured surf instruction and gives young people the opportunity to experience the joy and wellbeing that comes from engaging with the marine environment.

The sessions provide an effective way for Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (sCAMHS) practitioners to engage with service users in a positive way and help prevent mental health issues from developing or continuing into adulthood.

Alastair Wakely, Service Delivery Manager (sCAMHS), said: “We are so grateful that kind donations from our local communities have funded the Tonic Surf Therapy sessions.

“The sessions are an effective intervention for young people with mental health problems, delivering positive outcomes

including improvements in mood, a reduction in thoughts of self-harm and suicide, reduced social anxiety and improved self-esteem.

“The project has also allowed us to evaluate and explore the potential of surf therapy as an effective intervention for young people with mental health problems.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “It’s great to see really ambitious and creative

programmes like this being delivered thanks to charitable donations.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our local communities which allows us to offer services beyond what the NHS can normally provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities. org.uk

Changes proposed at children’s care home near Haverfordwest

A CALL to change a mixeduse therapy centre to a children’s care home classification has been submitted to Pembrokeshire planners.

Skybound Therapies Ltd, through agent Carl Bentley Architectural Services, seeks permission for the change of use of the Skybound Care Farm & Therapy Centre, Campbell Farm, Wiston, near Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement says: “Situated in a discrete rural setting in Pembrokeshire, the Therapy Centre is at the heart of a family-owned Care Farm. It is a working beef and forestry farm, providing a unique and tranquil environment for their services,” adding: “Skybound Care Farm offers a variety of services for both children and young adults. From young adult day opportunities to week-long intensive programmes. The forestry fields provide an ideal setting for practicing walks. Visitors can interact with animals, learn about water safety near their ponds, and immerse themselves in the peaceful beauty of the working farm. Vegetable growing and harvesting is a recent addition to the Care Farm.

“Skybound welcome clients from the local area as well as those travelling from all over the UK and abroad. There is a variety of accommodation types close to the farm and centre, including a holiday village, caravan parks, holiday cottages and log cabins. Many clients

like to combine visits to the care farm / therapy centre with exploring local beaches, amenities and attractions.

“The Care Farm HQ and Therapy Centre are in Southwest Wales, but they also cover many locations across the UK, including Cardiff, Newport, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Yorkshire and Norfolk. Skybound are taking on new locations all of the time.”

It says the original Therapy Centre which was constructed in 2012/13 when it “began its journey as a leading national and international therapy centre providing behaviour analysis, positive behaviour support, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy for children and young adults with special needs and behavioural issues”.

In August 2022 planning permission was granted to extend the therapy centre, completed in 2024; the business currently employs 45 staff on a full time and part time basis, a small number of staff are located at the Care Farm & Therapy Centre and at other locations across Wales and the UK.

“Whilst the centre has been running since February 2024 the applicant and business has found that the use of the centre is changing from previously planned and consented usage,” the statement says.

It says that since then discussions have taken place with council planners to clarify the centre’s current planning use class, along with “other opportunities

and ideas for the expansion of the business and services to potentially use other existing buildings at the site are currently being investigated, which will no doubt take further time to consider”.

“There is a long-term plan to expand the Care Farm & Therapy Centre activities within the whole of the site and this full planning application is the third stage of the plan. The long-term plan is to provide more ‘settings’ to provide more training, utilising more of

the farm setting for example with further interactions with small farm animals and to perhaps house some therapy sessions within other existing farm buildings to provide different types of training settings.”

Late last year, the site was granted permission to extend staff facilities through a temporary building. The current application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Calls for all Pembrokeshire schools to have EpiPens on site

A CALL to develop a group to look at a Pembrokeshire-wide policy on schools stocking potentially lifesaving epiPens has been deferred, awaiting the outcome of a Welsh government scoping exercise.

The current Welsh Government position on emergency adrenaline auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, is different from England, where it was mandatory for schools to hold a stock.

EpiPens are commonly used in the emergency treatment of Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

Welsh Government guidance allows schools to obtain adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) without prescription for emergency use, with Pembrokeshire favouring a school-led decision rather than an authority-led one, replicating Welsh Government guidance.

A call to review the county policy was heard at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools and Learning Overview committee following a request from Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy.

Cllr Murphy had said: “Ysgol Bro Ingli H&S Committee met on April 1 to review existing policies, one of which

was the First Aid policy. The document provided is the Ysgol Bro Ingli First Aid Policy, which appears to be an adaptation of a generic PCC First Aid document sent to all PCC schools to adapt/implement as appropriate.

“It was highlighted at this meeting that the subject of ‘EpiPens’ was absent, and it appears that PCC may

not have developed a county-wide policy on this subject to date, which I think needs scrutiny. At present the stocking of EpiPens is a matter for the Head of a School & Governing Body.

“As was the case when we as an O&S Committee moved to support the introduction of a mobile phone ban in schools, I think we as councillors should provide political leadership to also move to develop a county-wide policy on schools stocking EpiPens

(possibly inhalers for asthmatics) and that PCC should fund this cost. It cannot be assumed every child with an allergy will always bring their EpiPen to school and furthermore this does not cover other potential severe allergic reactions eg bee stings.

“I was going to submit an NoM to council but with hindsight feel that the Schools O&S would be the appropriate forum for the matter to be given a thorough airing from where we can hopefully move a recommendation to council.”

Cllr Murphy’s call was backed by Cllr Micheal John, saying: “If there’s a chance of one person dying due to a lack of policy it’s something we have to consider,” moving for a working group to be established to obtain more data ahead of any formal decision.

Another supporter was Cllr Anji Tinley, herself an EpiPen user, compared the provision in schools with defibrillators, saying: “You don’t know you’re going to have a heart attack,” later adding: “£70 to save a life, I don’t think that’s a lot of money.”

Members heard a scoping exercise was currently taking place in Wales, with members agreeing to write to Welsh Government to for an update on its position ahead of any formal group being created.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

SFormer Welsh Secretary awarded peerage in Sunak’s resignation honours

FORMER Carmarthen West and south Pembrokeshire MP simon Hart has been appointed to the House of Lords in rishi sunak’s resignation honours list.

Mr Hart, who previously served as Secretary of State for Wales under Boris Johnson and later as Chief Whip for Mr Sunak, lost his seat at the general election in July 2024. The Conservatives were wiped out in Wales during that election.

Several other former ministers were also recognised. Michael Gove, who served as education secretary and housing secretary under different administrations, was granted a peerage. He is currently editor of The Spectator magazine.

Knighthoods were awarded to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary James Cleverly, former defence secretary Grant Shapps, and former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride.

Outside politics, former England cricketer James Anderson was knighted after retiring from Test cricket in July. He holds the record for most wickets by a fast bowler in Test history.

Filmmaker Matthew Vaughn also received a knighthood for services to the creative industries. His credits include Layer Cake, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, and the Kingsman films.

Authority refuses bank’s bid to build

A Uk banking company’s appeal against a national park refusal to allow the siting of a cash pod in Tenby’s conservation area, close to its historic town walls, has been dismissed.

The HSBC application for a standalone community cash pod at Tenby’s Five Arches pay and display car park was refused by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners last summer.

The proposed site – in the town’s conservation area – would have been directly opposite St Teilo’s Church, a Grade-II-listed building, and in close proximity to Tenby’s Town Walls, a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

A planning officer report at the time, recommending refusal, said: “The site is therefore highly sensitive. The proposed cash pod would be located within the north-eastern corner of the car park.

“Given its prominent location and its impact upon important views of Tenby Town Walls and the listed Church, and its failure to preserve or enhance the appearance of Tenby’s Conservation Area, it is considered that the cash pod is inappropriate in terms of its siting and design.”

The application was refused on those grounds.

Since the refusal, an appeal was lodged with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), along with an application for costs.

Members of the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee meeting of April 9 heard the appeal had been dismissed.

cashpoint in Tenby

Following a site visit earlier this year, an inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers dismissed the appeal, saying: “Due to its design, position and orientation, the CCP would be a prominent and unsympathetic structure that would be particularly noticeable from the seafront approach and partially obscure views of the church, although its windows would likely remain visible.

“Although it would be less prominent in views from the town centre approach, it would visibly protrude forward of the church’s front elevation. This would introduce a discordant feature into the streetscene and visual clutter into the setting of the church and town walls when viewed in both directions along South Parade.

“Furthermore, this intrusion would draw the eye to the CCP and detract from how the three historic assets are experienced together.”

The inspector disagreed with claims there would be a neutral impact, saying: “Rather it would make a negative contribution to the setting of the Church and Town Walls, causing harm to their significance, and fail to preserve the character and appearance of the CA.”

The related application for costs was also dismissed.

At the April meeting, officers told members: “Hopefully the applicants will come back with a better application that doesn’t sit next to a listed church.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

‘Bitter disappointment’: Wales left out of UK steel rescue

WeLsH politicians from across the political spectrum have accused the Uk government of double standards, after emergency legislation was passed to protect a steelworks in england—while similar calls for support in Port Talbot were ignored.

The backlash follows the passing of a bill in Westminster aimed at saving the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe, where the UK’s last remaining blast furnaces are under threat. In contrast, Port Talbot’s blast furnaces were shut down in September 2024 with the loss of 2,800 jobs—without any such intervention.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts told Parliament: “Scunthorpe gets security. Port Talbot gets a pittance.”

She said the same emergency powers now being used to protect jobs in England could have been used to save blast furnace steelmaking in Wales, calling the lack of action for Port Talbot a “bitter, bitter disappointment.”

‘WALes TreATeD As seConDCLAss’

The Port Talbot site is now transitioning to electric arc furnace technology, with a new plant expected by 2027. While this is seen as a move toward greener steel production, the method requires fewer workers— leading to widespread concern about long-term job losses and economic decline.

MS Luke Fletcher said Welsh steelworkers were promised support if Labour won power at both Westminster and the Senedd—but the final outcome looked very similar to what the Conservative government had already put forward.

Welsh Conservative MS Darren Millar said the UK Parliament should have recalled the Senedd during the Port Talbot crisis, just as it acted swiftly for Scunthorpe. “When crisis hits Wales, it’s tolerated. When it hits elsewhere, it becomes a national emergency,” he said.

LiBerAL DeMoCrATs: ‘sALT in THe WoUnD’

David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said the decision to step in now for Scunthorpe while Port Talbot was left to suffer had enraged his constituents.

“It’s rubbing salt in the wound to now hear the government call primary steelmaking a strategic national asset— months after letting our own furnaces go cold,” he said.

“My grandfather worked the blast furnaces at Port Talbot. He would be heartbroken to see this level of inaction for Welsh workers.”

UK government defends its stance

Ministers have defended the difference in approach, arguing that the two sites face different circumstances.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones said the Labour government inherited a deal with Tata Steel that it could not reopen but improved upon. “There was a private investor willing to move forward in Port Talbot. That’s not the case in Scunthorpe,” she said.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds added that Scunthorpe is the last site in the UK still producing virgin steel, making it strategically vital. “This is about national resilience. The world is changing, and we need the capability to produce primary steel for defence and key infrastructure.”

sTiLL, for MAnY in WALes, THe DAMAge is Done.

One Port Talbot resident told The Herald: “It’s clear now. If this was happening in the South East of England, it would have been called a national crisis. But because it’s happening in Wales, it’s business as usual.”

Plaid

Darren Millar MS: Fuming at government response to UK steel crisis

Blast furnaces at Port Talbot were shut down in 2024 with the loss of 2,800 jobs (Pic: Herald)

W ITH ANDREW LyE

acebook shows a photo of Liz Truss and Donald Trump. Truss says “i crashed the Uk’s economy in 44 days”. Trump replies “i crashed the world’s economy in 3 days”

Harold Wilson also famously said “a week is a long time in politics.” How right he was as every day, the news is dominated by the antics of the US President and his administration.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has called on the PM to host a virtual summit of world leaders to discuss a collective response to Donald Trump’s tariffs.

This would be similar to the virtual summit of world leaders organised by Keir Starmer in March to discuss support for Ukraine.

Ed Davey said that “now was not the time for complacency” after Trump put a 90 day pause on higher tariffs against most countries. He said that a “united front” was needed to convince the White House to remove their remaining tariffs, and that the best way to end this trade was by “standing tall with our allies” not “cowering in the corner”.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to build an “economic coalition of the willing” led by the UK, Canada and the EU and including other democratic countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Korea. This would be similar to the 31 countries that have formed a “coalition of the willing” in support of Ukraine in the wake of the Trump Presidency, led by the UK and France.

Ed Davey said:

“Both Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage want the UK to go cap in hand to Trump and beg him for a trade deal. That is not the way to stand up for Britain or our national interest.

“We need to show a united front and put pressure on the US to not just make this 90day pause permanent, but remove their remaining tariffs on British businesses and our car industry completely.

The best way to end this trade war for good is by standing tall with our allies, not cowering in the corner.”

Responding to news that Trump has paused higher tariffs against most countries for 90 days, but not those affecting the UK, Ed Davey said:

“This is Donald Trump’s Liz Truss moment. He’s been forced into an embarrassing climbdown.

“Now we need to get him to go further and get rid of his remaining reckless tariffs. That means an economic coalition of the willing and uniting with our allies.”

Meanwhile, at the recent Scottish Liberal Democrats Conference, Christine Jardine, MP for Edinburgh West has proposed the creation of a special visa route for Americans seeking to leave the US, due to the policies of Trump’s administration. Jardine advocated a “fast lane” visa specifically targeting highly skilled US citizens, emphasising the potential benefits to the UK economy through their talents and financial contributions.

Jardine highlighted the challenges faced by certain groups in the US, stating “People in America who are unhappy with a lot of things Trump is talking about domestically - the LGBT community for example - we welcome them here ..... we would be a much more welcoming society for an awful lot of people who are finding America , at the minute, difficult”.

We truly live in sad times where we are seeing people being targeted in the US that some might find it safer to leave, while they still can.

Jardine highlighted the challenges faced by certain groups in the U.S., stating, “People in America who are unhappy with a lot of the things [Trump] is talking about domestically— the LGBT community, for example—we welcome them here… we would be a much more welcoming society for an awful lot of people who are finding America, at the minute, difficult.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Conservative MS suspended after being charged for gambling offences

WeLsH ConservATive Member of the senedd, russell george, has been suspended from the party’s group in Cardiff Bay after being charged with gamblingrelated offences.

Craig Williams, former MP for Montgomeryshire has also been charged.

In a statement issued on Monday morning (Apr 14), the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, said: “Having been informed that Russell George MS has been charged with gambling related offences, I have taken the decision to suspend him from the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd.

“The suspension is a neutral act pending the outcome of the justice process.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

Mr George, who has represented Montgomeryshire in the Senedd since 2011, previously stepped back from the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet in 2024 after it emerged he was under investigation by the Gambling Commission over alleged bets on the timing of the next UK General Election.

At the time, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew

RT Davies confirmed that Mr George had received a letter from the Gambling Commission and said: “Russell George has stepped back from the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet while these investigations are ongoing.

“All other members of the Welsh Conservative Group have confirmed that they have not placed any bets.”

Mr George also issued a public statement in 2024, saying: “Whilst I will cooperate fully with the Gambling Commission, it would not be appropriate to comment on this independent and confidential process.

“I have stepped back from the Shadow Cabinet while the investigation is ongoing. I have done this as I do not wish to be an unnecessary distraction to their work.”

The latest development marks a significant escalation, with the Gambling Commission’s investigation apparently resulting in formal charges.

No further details of the specific charges have yet been released, and it is not known when Mr George is due to appear in court.

Mr George’s constituency, Montgomeryshire, has also been in the spotlight recently

after Craig Williams—formerly the area’s MP—was himself investigated for placing bets on the date of the General Election. Mr Williams had the Conservative whip withdrawn in Westminster as a result.

Ellie Reeves MP, Chair of the Labour Party, commenting on the Gambling Commission charging 15 people, including Russell George, Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, and Craig Williams, former MP for Montgomeryshire, with offences relating to betting on the General Election, said: “This is a very serious development. The British people will expect that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing faces the full force of the law.

“Kemi Badenoch must make crystal clear that anyone found guilty of using insider information to cheat the system to try to enrich themselves has no place in the Conservative Party. No ifs, no buts.

“Labour is turning the page on 14 years of Conservative chaos and scandal and we’re turning our country round through our Plan for Change. Only Labour can be trusted to deliver security for working people and the renewal Britain needs.”

The Herald will provide updates as the case develops.

Milford Haven to receive £6m boost for new transport hub

MiLforD HAven is set to benefit from a £6 million investment in a major new transport project aimed at transforming the town’s connectivity.

The Welsh Government has announced funding for the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of a wider £27 million investment in transport infrastructure across South West Wales.

The funding will kickstart construction on the longanticipated project to redevelop Milford Haven train station, creating a modern transport hub that will include a dedicated bus interchange, taxi rank, improved public realm areas, and new active travel links for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme, led by Pembrokeshire County Council, received an additional £1.4 million in capital funding from the local authority earlier this year. It forms part of broader efforts to enhance access to and from the

town, supporting both residents and visitors.

Deputy council leader Paul Miller said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now, and I’m delighted we’re in a position to move these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right, but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.”

The plans include relocating the existing rail platform to improve integration with other forms of transport, a formalised car park, and a new layout connecting the station directly with the nearby retail area.

Mr Miller added: “A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.”

He confirmed that the council

is continuing discussions with both the Welsh and UK Governments, as well as Great Western Railways, to restore direct high-speed intercity services to the town.

The new interchange will also link with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, supporting tourism and future urban development.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity — not just for visitors but, more importantly, for our residents.

“The associated works will enhance safety, improve parking, and provide a muchneeded focal point for public transport in the town.”

The project will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

BLUE VIEW

PAUL DAVIES AS

ToUrisM Tax

Avoided for now…

Herald readers will no doubt be aware that a few weeks ago Pembrokeshire County Council issued a statement confirming that it will not be implementing a visitor levy in Pembrokeshire. The Council rightly stated that the local tourism industry has faced some significant challenges and it decided that it isn’t the right time to implement a ‘per person per night charge’ to those staying overnight in the area. That news is of course, welcome. The dreaded ‘tourism tax’ has been avoided…for now.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing in Pembrokeshire County Council’s statement that stops future administrations from implementing the levy – and there will be local elections in 2027 when a new administration could be elected and they could decide to push through a visitor levy at that time. Of course, there will be significant local pressure during the run up to the elections and candidates will likely have to decide what their position on a tourism tax is. The local electorate must know the views of all candidates before casting their vote and candidates must be clear about their position on this tax.

Right now, the Welsh Government is in the process of pushing through The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill which will give local authorities the choice to introduce a levy on overnight stays in visitor accommodation. It’s a policy that was taken forward as part of the Welsh Government’s CoOperation Agreement with Plaid Cymru and the reason for the levy is to generate revenue that will then be used to improve local services and infrastructure. However, as we’ve seen with Pembrokeshire County Council’s second homes tax, the money

generated hasn’t entirely been used on increasing the supply of affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities – which is exactly what the policy was designed to do. Therefore, there’s no actual guarantee that any future monies raised by a visitor levy will actually deliver improvements in local services and infrastructure.

My party has long opposed the introduction of a visitor levy – tourism is an industry that provides valued jobs in our local communities in Pembrokeshire and we want to protect that.

We know that tourism businesses have faced a wave of taxes and policy changes lately and we believe that a visitor levy is the last thing that they need. There’s also the issue of geography – local authorities are free to implement the levy if they wish and if Pembrokeshire County Council decides to implement a policy in the future, there’s nothing to stop visitors from staying in another county and just driving into Pembrokeshire to visit local attractions, in order to avoid the charge –and can you blame them? As the costs of holidays and trips continues to rise, people will naturally look for ways to make their visits more cost effective and so there’s a valid concern that this policy may drive people to stay outside of areas where there is an additional charge.

Sadly, the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill will pass as Labour and Plaid Cymru have a majority at the Senedd and so the buck will stop with local councils on what happens next. Tourism businesses in Pembrokeshire can breathe a sigh of relief for now, but the 2027 elections aren’t far away and it’s vital that we get guarantees that this levy won’t be pushed through by any new administration.

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!

by Jenny Ambler

TOxIC AND UNEQUAL “SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP”

DeAr sir,

it is time for the Uk to re-evaluate and ultimately withdraw from the toxic and unequal “special relationship” we maintain with the United states. True independence, a just society, and a sustainable future are simply not possible while we remain tethered to a global superpower that prioritises exploitation and conflict over peace and cooperation.

We need fair trade, not socalled “free trade” that benefits multinationals at the expense of our workers and environment. We must rebuild our industries, protect our farmers, and invest in self-defence, not NATOdriven offensive militarism. Our survival in today’s rapidly changing world depends on

country we can be proud of: one that leads with integrity, peace, and genuine security for all.

Recent declassified Ministry of Defence documents confirm a major threat to our safety. US forces stationed in the UK are exempt from emergency radiation and nuclear safety regulations. Local councils are barred from creating emergency plans for potential nuclear accidents at US-controlled bases like RAF Lakenheath, which is now set to host new US nuclear weapons. This puts US security above our own, and we have no control over the deployment or consequences of these weapons. At least 10,000 US Department of Defence personnel are stationed at 13 RAF bases, including Brize Norton and Fairford—both of which host nuclear-capable aircraft.

We must organise and take to the streets in our millions. Our country is fast becoming a police state run for the wealthiest 1%, and while this has been the case for years, it is now increasingly visible. Democracy cannot survive without protest. Thousands of people are already standing up for a better world. We need to join them.

Zelter

transforming the structural inequalities that have been upheld by successive governments, while essential public services for ordinary people are neglected or dismantled.

Neither the Conservatives, Labour nor Reform offer the fundamental change we urgently need. We must tax the ultra-wealthy, stop subsidising destructive transnational corporations, and implement a money system controlled by the people through government— not by profit-hungry banks. There are solutions to the crises we face, but we won’t achieve them within the current political and economic system. It’s time to demand bold, systemic change.

The United States is eyeing our NHS and dragging us into its endless wars to exploit other nations’ resources. Our closeness to the US—and to Israel—has made us complicit in war crimes and genocide. We must reclaim our independence to become a

the bank holiday period.

Hannah Pitt nsPCC Community fundraising Manager for south Wales

SHELTERBOx’S SPRING APPEAL

DeAr sir,

UPWArDs of 12 million people have been uprooted from their homes in sudan by an intense civil war that has created a humanitarian crisis not seen in recent history. People’s lives have been upended in an instant, they have been displaced again and again, and families have no homes to return to.

At the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, we have launched an urgent Spring fundraising appeal to raise £120,000, so we can provide emergency shelter and crucial support to displaced people in places like Sudan. Every bit of support matters and can be the difference for one family who have lost their home to disaster, conflict, or the climate crisis.

HOPPER THE EASTER BUNNy

DeAr sir,

Here at children’s charity the nsPCC, we’ve teamed up with Hopper the easter Bunny to deliver personalised letters to little ones (and the young at heart) this spring.

As well as a personalised illustrated letter you’ll find a recipe for Hopper’s Easter Rocky Road Bars; an activity sheet to help you organise an Easter egg hunt, with cut-out eggs for the children to find, each featuring fun facts about some Spring-time animals; and DIY Easter Egg Bunting.

Each pack costs £3 which covers the cost of designing, printing and delivering your pack. Additional voluntary donations can also be made.

Letters can be ordered online at shop.nspcc.org.uk between now and 6 April and will arrive in time to keep your little bunnies entertained over

In Sudan, most people have had to flee their homes urgently, and with few belongings. There are few safe places to settle, so people live in the open, making shelters under trees or damaged plastic sheets.

With INTERSOS, Airlink, Action Medeor, and HOPE Sudan we are supporting thousands of people in North Darfur, with kitchen sets to prepare food, blankets to keep warm at night, mosquito nets to protect against life-threatening illnesses like malaria, and water carriers to collect and store water safely. It may not seem much, but items like these can ease the strain and uncertainty people face.

As well as our work in Sudan, we’re supporting tens of thousands of people seeking refuge across the border in Chad with emergency shelter and items like solar lights and mosquito nets.

To find out more about ShelterBox or to support our Spring Appeal, people can visit shelterbox.org/sudanappeal

sarah robinson sudan Programme Manager shelterBox

Angie

Death Notices

A NTHON y (T ON y) S HAW

Passed away on 29th March 2025 aged 88 years.

Funeral service will take place at Wyre Forest Crematorium on Thursday 24th April 2025 at 4.30pm.

No flowers please but donations, if desired, are being received for the British Heart Foundation c/o Edwin Harris & Sons Ltd, 1 Crane Street, Kidderminster DY11 6XT. Tel. 01562 822625.

J OHN S OARIAN M EREDITH E VANS

Suddenly but peacefully on Friday 4th April at Withybush Hospital, John of ‘Hafod-y-Dail’, Llanychaer, aged 88 years.

Beloved husband of Rhian, devoted father and father in law of Eirudd and Peter, Elin and Julian, and Eurig.

Much loved dadcu of Siôn and his partner Ffion, Mari and Gwenno.

Proud great grandfather of Ilar bach. Dear brother of the late Teifion, fond uncle of Dyfan and Sioned, and great uncle to Rhys and Cerys. Brother in law, cousin and friend to many. (Late Treffgarne and Bolton Hill Quarries.)

Private family funeral service. Donations in lieu if desired made payable to ‘Glandwr Chapel’ c/o Mr Gareth Lloyd Trellan Farm, Llanychaer or Paul Jenkins and Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

R OBERT J AMES

FARQUHAR

Peacefully at Withybush Hospital on March 27th, aged 85 years.

He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and neighbours.

Funeral service Wednesday 23rd April at 12 noon at the W.G Mathias Chapel of Rest, St. Davids.

Donations if desired for the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o W.G. Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 64 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU.

J OHN L EWIS

Peacefully on Thursday 3rd April at Hillside Home, John of Morfa, Nevern. Beloved brother of Martin and the late Gwendoline, loving uncle and great uncle of Eifion & Ceri, Arwel & Clair, Angharad and Iolo.

Funeral service on Wednesday 23rd April at Tabernacle Chapel, Newport at 10:30am followed by interment at St Mary’s Churchyard, Newport.

Family flowers only.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.

E VELy N C OLE

Peacefully on Monday 31st March at The Meadows Nursing Home, Evelyn of Stop & Call, Goodwick.

Beloved wife of Dai, loving mother of Mark & Denise, Nicola & Bob and much loved Godmother of Jodie.

Funeral service on Wednesday

23rd April at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 2pm followed by interment at Llanwnda Cemetery.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Meadows Nursing Home’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

P ETER G RIFFITHS

Peacefully on Sunday 30th March at Withybush Hospital, Peter of Treffgarne (formerly of Lower Town, Fishguard).

Beloved husband of Janet, loving brother of Mary, Mark, James and the late David, a dear brother-in-law, he will sadly missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral service on Thursday 17th April at St Mary’s Church, Fishguard at 2pm followed by interment in the Church Cemetery.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to ‘Greenacres Animal Rescue’ or ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

E MMA R ICHARDS

Peacefully at Morriston Hospital on Monday 17th March 2025 Emma Richards nee Cooke of Narberth, aged 59 years.

Beloved wife of the late Chris, cherished mother of Tom and Owen,

mother in law of Cath and Lorna, devoted grandmother of Luke, Jacob, Sofia and Poppy, wonderful daughter of Jean and the late Robin and dear sister and sister in law.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 23rd April, 1:00pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to the British Heart Foundation or Narberth Cricket Club may be sent c/o Mr Richard Howell, 10 Potters Grove, Templeton, Narberth, SA67 8UX.

Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

O LIVE N ICHOLAS

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on 7th April of Mrs Olive Nicholas, she was aged 95 and of Slade Farm, Jameston. Olive is predeceased by husband Thomas Nicholas and brother Normal Brace and is survived by Derek, Austyn, Kelly, Owen, Lowis and Nyfain, also by Haydn and Cathy.

The funeral service takes place on Thursday 1st May at Penuel Chapel, Manorbier at 11am.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to “Cancer Research” or “Alzheimer’s Society” c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www.rossitersfunerals.co.uk

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VAN CONVERSIONS WINDOWS

Neyland All Blacks crowned champions in style

neYLAnD rfC stormed to the Division four (West) A title in emphatic fashion on saturday (Apr 13), running in eight tries to crush Pembroke and seal a memorable campaign with silverware.

A first-half onslaught saw the All Blacks race into a 28-0 lead, with tries from Josh Watts (2), George Williams, and Oli Rothero. Scrum half Owen Hamer was at the heart of Neyland’s dominance, setting a relentless tempo and providing slick service from the base.

Watts completed his hat-trick after the break, with Williams adding his second, Fletcher Picton scoring with his first touch off the bench, and a commanding pack effort rounding off the demolition.

There were standout displays across the park, with George Evans, Ben Williams and Owain Evans combining discipline and flair in front of a jubilant home crowd.

To their credit, Pembroke fought to the end and were rewarded with two late consolation tries. Veteran Robin Badham, bowing out

at 39, delivered a defiant final performance, supported by Scott Powell and Deryn Williams. Outside half Lewis Davies battled on bravely after an early knock, while Fletcher Broadhurst, playing on permit, impressed throughout and was named man of the match.

After the final whistle, Welsh rugby stalwart Anthony Buchanan presented the trophy to Neyland captain George Williams, sparking celebrations to mark one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.

Mixed fortunes as Narberth fall short and Crymych crushed

iT was a weekend of frustration for Pembrokeshire’s top rugby sides

Narberth narrowly missed out on valuable points in the Premiership Division and Crymych suffered a heavy defeat in the Championship (West). Despite showing fight and flashes of quality, both teams were ultimately undone— Narberth by second-half ill-discipline, and Crymych by a well-drilled Trebanos side.

NEATH 29 – NARBERTH 21

Narberth produced a spirited performance but came away empty-handed after a hardfought battle against high-flying Neath in the Premiership Division. The Otters showed impressive character, recovering from a 17-point deficit to trail by just a single point at the break—but second-half disciplinary issues ultimately proved their undoing.

Neath stormed into an early lead with

two tries from Rhodri Wall and one from Iestyn Morgan, with Steff Williams adding a conversion. Narberth responded with tries from winger Dean James, scrum-half Lewys Gibby, and centre Llew Jones. Fly-half Osian Evans converted all three to keep the visitors in touch.

However, the tide turned when Jones was shown a second yellow card, and replacement Alex Williams also saw time in the sin-bin, reducing Narberth to 13 men. Neath took full advantage, with centre Kieran Charles crossing for a decisive try, converted by Williams, extending the gap to eight points— just out of reach for a losing bonus point.

The result leaves Narberth hovering just above the relegation zone, with Bonymaen close behind and holding a game in hand.

TREBANOS 45 – CRyMyCH 12

Crymych endured a heavy defeat on the road as a depleted side, still reeling from a recent illness outbreak, were comprehensively beaten by a slick Trebanos outfit in the Championship (West).

The Preseli Men trailed 19-0 at the break but managed second-half scores through captain Carwyn Phillips and replacement Jac Delaney, with one converted by Elis Thomas. However, it wasn’t enough to stem the flow as Trebanos ran in seven tries.

Home captain Steffan Lewis led the charge with a brace, while Sam Lewis, Matthew Hutchinson, Conor Thomas, and Rhodri Jones (2) also crossed. Kris Jones added five conversions to round off an emphatic victory. Crymych remain in the relegation zone, but with four matches left to play, their hopes of survival are still mathematically alive.

Bluebirds edge closer to third with draw in the capital

HAverforDWesT CoUnTY earned a valuable point in their final away game of the Cymru Premier season with a 1-1 draw against Cardiff Metropolitan University on friday (April 11).

In a tightly-contested match at Cyncoed Campus, Adam Roscrow gave the home side the lead five minutes before half time, but the Bluebirds drew level in the 68th minute when goalkeeper Kelland Absalom inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

The result strengthens Haverfordwest’s grip on third place, extending their lead over Caernarfon Town to six points with one match remaining. The Canaries would now need to win both of their final fixtures and overturn a 12-goal deficit to leapfrog County in the table.

FEW CHANCES, PLENTy OF FIGHT

Both sides pressed with intent from

the start, and it was the visitors who threatened first. Kyle Kenniford’s quick footwork opened up space to release Owain Jones, who burst into the box and fired from a tight angle, only to find the side netting.

Cardiff Met responded through experienced winger Eliot Evans, whose deep delivery was met by Ryan Reynolds—his looping header narrowly clearing the bar.

The breakthrough came in the 40th minute after a mix-up at the back. Zac Jones’ attempted clearance struck Barnaby Soady, and the ball fell kindly for a shot that was heading wide—until Roscrow pounced to steer it in at the far post.

Just before the break, Owain Jones had a chance to level, but his shot lacked composure and sailed over.

OWN GOAL LEVELS THINGS UP

Cardiff Met came out strongly after

the interval, with captain CJ Craven testing Zac Jones from range. At the other end, Rhys Abbruzzese led the charge for Haverfordwest, winning the ball high and making room for a shot that curled wide.

The hosts remained dangerous on the counter, and Zac Jones had to be alert to deny Jac Clay after a midfield error.

Haverfordwest’s persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute in bizarre fashion. A cross from Jacob Owen found Kenniford, whose shot rebounded off the post, struck Absalom, and trickled over the line—giving the Bluebirds a deserved equaliser.

Sensing an opportunity to snatch all three points, Greg Walters surged down the flank and found Ben Ahmun with a low cross, but the substitute’s effort went straight into the arms of the Cardiff Met keeper.

Late pressure from the home side

nearly saw them win it when Tom Vincent powered a header goalwards, but Zac Jones pulled off a brilliant reflex save to preserve the point.

SOLID SEASON CONTINUES

The result means Haverfordwest have lost to just three teams all season—The New Saints, Penybont, and Flint Town United—and head into next weekend’s clash with league leaders TNS full of confidence before turning attention to the European playoffs.

LINE-UP: Z. Jones, Humphreys (J. Owen 58’), Jenkins, Rees (C), McCarthy, Abbruzzese, Shephard, Walters, Kenniford, Hawkins, O. Jones (Ahmun 58’).

SUBS NOT USED: Knott, H. John, Watkins, L. Owen, D. John.

Calm seas postpone Tenby Sailing Club races

TenBY sailing Club was left becalmed last week, with scheduled races abandoned due to a complete lack of wind.

Both the Tuesday (Apr 8) and Saturday (Apr 12) dinghy races had to be called off. Despite the slow start, members are hopeful for more favourable weather when the National Redwing series gets underway on May 15.

Cruiser racing is set to begin on Sunday (May 4) at 11:30am, marking the start of a packed sailing calendar.

Meanwhile, two familiar vessels have now departed the club’s fleet. Cocoa, formerly owned by Frank Miller, has been sold and relocated to Aberdovey. Heather, once skippered by Denny Young, has been retired after reaching the end of her sailing days.

Looking ahead, a passage race from Pembroke Haven to Tenby on Saturday (Jun 14) promises to be a major event, bolstered by sponsorship offering £500 in prize money.

That same day, Swansea Sailing Club plans to cruise to Tenby, which could result in a large and impressive flotilla anchoring in North Bay. To assist visiting crews, Tenby Sailing Club will run a Rhib shuttle to shore.

In the junior section, 26 young sailors have enrolled in this season’s training sessions. From Wednesday (Apr 16) at 5:30pm, they’ll be out on the water in three newly acquired RS Teras, expanding the club’s training fleet to six boats.

Pembrokeshire teen awarded for inspiring work on the water

A TeenAge sailing instructor from Pembrokeshire has been recognised for her dedication to the sport with a prestigious royal Yachting Association (rYA) Cymru Wales impact Award.

Keira Edwards, 15, volunteers as an assistant instructor at Neyland Yacht Club, where she supports junior sailors and helps introduce others to the sport.

The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to help more people enjoy time on the water. Keira’s commitment and passion for sailing have made her a standout recipient.

Keira began sailing at the age of eight after taking part in a taster session. Since then, she has earned multiple qualifications, including RYA Levels 1 to 4 through the Pembrokeshire Powerboating and Sailing Academy, as well as certificates in Powerboating, First Aid, and Assistant Instruction.

Despite living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Keira sails all year round. She recently competed in Neyland Yacht Club’s Frostbite Series in the doublehanded 29er class and went on to win Pembrokeshire Yacht Club’s 2024 series in the single-handed ILCA 6 class — the youngest sailor in her fleet.

Keira said: “I really enjoy teaching sailing because it’s fun and rewarding to

see the children at the club learning new skills. I want to help more people get on the water because I enjoy sailing and I want others to enjoy it too.”

Commodore Lloyd Hamilton MBE said: “Keira has been actively volunteering at Neyland Yacht Club and has taken on the role of assistant instructor. She teaches both children and adults, sharing the skills she has learned over the years.

“Keira is a highly talented and dedicated young individual, always the first to offer her help to anyone in the club. Volunteers like her are crucial in helping more people experience the joy of sailing.”

Club development officer Hester Walker, who first introduced Keira to sailing, added: “We are so proud of Keira. She joined us aged eight with no experience, taking part in a taster session through our All Afloat programme, which gives young people in Wales the chance to try boating.

“Since then, she has gone from strength to strength. She’s passionate about the sport and is a relatable role model who inspires the next generation.”

Keira is a pupil at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St David’s — the former school of her own role model, Welsh sailor and Paris 2024 Olympian Mickey Beckett. She hopes to become a fully qualified RYA dinghy instructor when she turns sixteen this summer.

The new dinghies were secured through funding from the Sport Wales Be Active Wales Fund. Senior instructor

Harrison Richards welcomed the additions, which were delivered to the club by Jon Nuttall.

Dedicated and determined: Keira was presented with the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award for her voluntary work at Neyland Yacht Club (Pic: Hester Walker)

Hakin United lift 13th Senior Cup title

Parks double sinks Milford in derby final

HAkin UniTeD secured their 13th senior Cup triumph with a 2-0 victory over local rivals Milford United at the ogi Bridge Meadow stadium on friday night.

Striker Liam Parks scored both goals – one in each half – to seal the win for the Vikings. In a poignant twist, Parks is the son of Milford United manager Steve Parks, making for a bittersweet evening for the family. While there will have been pride in Liam’s performance, it was Hakin, not Milford, who lifted the trophy.

The opener came in the 38th minute. A well-delivered free-kick was met by Jack Britton, whose header was parried by Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy. The loose ball fell kindly for Parks, who made no mistake from close range.

The second goal arrived in the 67th minute. Talented winger Leon Luby delivered a pinpoint cross from the right and Parks finished emphatically, firing high into the net from inside the box.

Earlier in the match, Malloy had kept Milford in contention with a superb one-on-one save to deny Shane Walsh.

Further Hakin chances came through Jordan Kilby, who fired wide, Luby, who struck the crossbar, and Walsh again, who shot narrowly off target.

In the second half, Ben Aldred saw a long-range effort tipped wide by the busy Malloy. From the resulting corner, Britton glanced a header just wide of the post.

Milford’s best effort came from substitute Mark Jones, whose longrange shot whistled just past the upright. Despite a determined effort from the Robins – who will play in Division Two

season – Hakin remained largely

Credit must go to Milford for a disciplined defensive display, with Malloy producing several impressive saves. But it was Hakin who showed their quality in key moments and were worthy winners on the night.

Celebrations for the Vikings were sure to continue long into the night –likely down at the Obs – as they added yet another piece of silverware to their proud history.

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mANDERWOOD PEmBROKESHIRE LEAGUE

Monkton

Division

N/

Division

Prendergast

Division

Hakin United lift

13th Senior Cup title