The Pembrokeshire Herald 21/03/2025

Ombudsman finds ex-councillor made racist slave remark

A FORMER Pembrokeshire councillor was found to have made racist comments in a recorded audio message, according to an investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Andrew Edwards, who represented the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward on Pembrokeshire County Council, was identified in a 16-second audio clip in which a man is heard saying white men “should have a black man as a slave or black woman as a slave”. The recording also included a statement that black people were “lower class than us white people”.

Mr Edwards, a former Conservative Party member, stepped down from the council in December 2024 following the allegations. He referred himself to the ombudsman but denied making the comments, claiming the recording was a “deep fake” created using artificial intelligence to manipulate his voice.

However, Public Services Ombudsman Michelle Morris concluded that “on balance”, the voice in the recording was his and that the

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comments were “considered racist”. The investigation found that the audio message had been sent as a voice note via WhatsApp to his partner.

The ombudsman’s report also revealed that Mr Edwards had shared council business information with his partner through WhatsApp messages, which included disrespectful remarks about members of the public. He admitted to sending the messages, stating that he had been “venting” due to personal pressures at the time.

Ms Morris determined that his actions “could reasonably be considered as disreputable and were capable of seriously undermining public confidence in the council and the office of member”.

The case has been referred to the Adjudication Panel for Wales, which will determine whether Mr Edwards breached the local authority’s code of conduct and if further action should be taken.

Bare-knuckle boxer caught with lock knife and cannabis

A PROFESSIONAL bareknuckle boxer has appeared before Pembrokeshire magistrates after admitting to possessing a lock knife in a public place.

Luke Steele, 25, was spoken to by police officers on February 28 after they became aware of his vehicle parked on the A4076 in Johnston, Haverfordwest,

with steamed-up windows. During the interview, Steele admitted to being in possession of the bladed article as well as 2.4 grams of herbal cannabis.

Outlining the facts to Haverfordwest magistrates this week, Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said this is the fourth knife offence committed by Steele.

Steele, of Park Villa, Cross Street, Whitland, pleaded guilty to possessing the lock knife and the herbal cannabis. He was represented in court by solicitor Peter Tarr, who informed magistrates that the defendant has recently signed a license with the British Boxing Board of Control as a professional bare-knuckle boxer.

Due to his previous convictions, magistrates requested an all-options probation report prior to sentencing, which will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on April 8. Steele was released on conditional bail, with the condition that he cooperates fully with the probation service.

The Ivy Bush Inn crowned best local pub in Samuel Kurtz MS competition

THE IVY BUSH INN in Narberth has been named Best Local Pub 2025 in a competition run by Samuel Kurtz MS.

The popular pub was awarded the title following weeks of public voting, securing the most nominations in a contest that saw 569 votes cast for 102 different pubs.

As part of its prize, The Ivy Bush Inn received a free keg of beer from Templeton Beer Wine and Spirit Co, along with a winner’s trophy, certificate, and bespoke beer mats. Samuel Kurtz MS presented the awards at the pub on Monday (March 17).

The competition, launched by the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and supported by Templeton Beer Wine and Spirit Co, aimed to recognise the vital role of local pubs in their communities.

The Highgate Inn in Hundleton claimed second place, praised for its friendly atmosphere and wide selection of drinks, while The Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay took third.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Our local pubs are the heart of our communities. They provide a place for people to come

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together, celebrate, and support one another.

“This competition was about recognising our local pubs and the impact they have on our communities and the local economy. I want to thank everyone who took part and congratulate The Ivy Bush Inn on their well-deserved win.”

He added: “Across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, there are 150 pubs and two breweries contributing £39 million to the local economy, supporting 1,179 jobs. That’s why this competition has been important in showing our appreciation for their role.”

Jason Vaughan, owner of The Ivy Bush Inn, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named the Best Local Pub. This award means so much to us because it comes from our loyal customers who make our pub such a special place. We want to thank everyone who voted and supported us—we couldn’t have done it without you!”

Competition sponsor Lyndon Belt,

from Templeton Beer Wine and Spirit Co, added: “I’m delighted to have supported this competition, which shines a spotlight on our local pub and

hospitality industry. They really are important hubs for people to socialise— and they provide jobs and opportunities for people.”

£5bn benefits crackdown: What It means for Pembrokeshire New reforms could hit disability claimants hardest

THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled a major reform of the welfare system, aiming to save £5bn by 2030 through stricter eligibility rules for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). With 19.5% of households in Pembrokeshire claiming Universal Credit, these changes could have a significant impact locally, particularly for disabled residents.

However, early analysis suggests PIP claimants will be hardest hit. While Universal Credit recipients will see some structural changes, including the scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in 2028 and a permanent above-inflation rise, PIP recipients face much tougher eligibility criteria, potentially disqualifying around a million people nationwide.

LOCaL IMPaCT ON PEMBROKESHIRE

With 26% of its population aged over 65—one of the highest proportions in Wales—and above-average disability rates, Pembrokeshire could be disproportionately affected. Many residents rely on PIP to supplement low wages or provide financial support when work is not an option.

Pembrokeshire’s economy is heavily dependent on seasonal work, tourism, and public services, with 14%

of workers self-employed—many in physically demanding jobs. Health and disability benefits play a crucial role for those unable to work year-round. Key changes announced

Universal Credit (UC)

• Above-inflation increase –Payments will rise permanently to £775 per month by 2030.

• Work Capability Assessment scrapped (2028) – Future assessments for extra support will be through PIP instead.

• Right to Try – Claimants will be encouraged to return to work without immediately losing benefits.

• Under-22s lose incapacity top-up –Young people will no longer qualify for an additional health-related payment, a move designed to deter school leavers from going straight onto benefits.

Impact: Universal Credit claimants face mixed consequences. The removal of WCA could reduce stress for those with long-term conditions, and higher payments may help some households. However, the removal of incapacity topups could create financial hardship for young disabled claimants.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Stricter eligibility rules – Claimants must score at least four points in one category to qualify for PIP’s daily living element.

• Up to one million people could lose support – Early estimates suggest a significant number may no longer qualify.

• No means-testing (yet), but tougher assessments – Changes may disproportionately affect those with mental health conditions and fluctuating illnesses.

Impact: Many disabled residents in Pembrokeshire may struggle to qualify for PIP, which in turn affects their Universal Credit top-ups. Those with mental health conditions, long COVID, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia may face difficulties meeting the new criteria. What does this mean for Pembrokeshire?

• Higher risk for disabled claimants – With an aging population and a significant number of residents on disability benefits, many may lose essential support.

• Rural and seasonal work challenges – Physically demanding jobs in tourism, construction, and agriculture mean PIP is crucial for those unable to work due to health conditions.

• Potential rise in hardship – Child

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poverty in Pembrokeshire is already one of the highest in Wales (24.7%). If PIP claimants lose financial support, demand for food banks and social services could increase.

LOCaL PERSPECTIVE

Pembrokeshire has a lower-thanaverage employment rate (73.8%) and high self-employment (14%), meaning many workers lack stable income or sick pay. The county also faces social care pressures, with 641 adults receiving domiciliary care. If PIP eligibility tightens, many claimants could lose both disability payments and their health-related UC top-ups, leaving some without financial support entirely.

Responding to the Government’s Green Paper on Welfare reforms, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: “You don’t get more people into work by slashing support for disabled people who need it.

“If we are to reduce the welfare bill, we need to focus on prevention and get serious about fixing health and social care in Wales, alongside improving mental health treatment provisions.

“Far too many people in Wales are left deteriorating on extreme waiting lists, unable to work and often become sicker while they wait for treatment.

“We are also concerned that the Chancellor’s budget is failing to create new jobs for people to join, with the national insurance rise contributing to

job losses and hiring freezes across Wales.

“This is in addition to the fact that in many former industrial parts of Wales, jobs that were lost have never been replaced which is why we need a real economic strategy to breathe new life into these communities.”

WHaT HaPPENS NExT?

The government has launched a Green Paper consultation on the reforms. However, with Labour facing internal criticism over the changes, further amendments could still be made before they take full effect.

Have your say

The Herald wants to hear from Pembrokeshire residents:

• Are you worried about losing your benefits?

• Do you think the “Right to Try” scheme will help you get back into work?

• How will these reforms impact your household?

Email The Herald with your views.

FINaL VERdICT

Pembrokeshire at higher risk – With a high disability rate, older population, and reliance on seasonal work, the county may see a rise in financial hardship due to these reforms.r say Universal Credit claimants – Some may benefit from higher payments and no longer facing Work Capability Assessments, but young disabled people will be hit hardest.

PIP claimants – The biggest losers. Many may lose their entire benefit due to stricter scoring rules, which in turn affects their UC top-ups.

We want to hear from Pembrokeshire residents affected by these changes. Are you worried about losing your benefits? Will the new support help you get back into work? Email The Herald with your views.

Trial over affray charges

THREE men from Cardigan are set to stand trial later this year after pleading not guilty to affray.

Alfie Copeland, Robbie Edwards, and Anthony Jones were accused of being involved in a violent incident on August 26, 2023, outside an address on Bron Y Dre. It is alleged they used or threatened unlawful violence in a manner that could have caused fear for personal safety.

During a court hearing, Edwards, 21, of Bro Teifi, was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Jones. However, the Crown Prosecution Service later decided not to proceed with this charge.

Copeland, 21, of Heol Y Felin, faced an additional charge of criminal damage related to the window of a vehicle

Fairground lorry fire

a FIRE broke out in the cab of an articulated lorry at Pembroke Fair in the early hours of Sunday (Mar 16), prompting a call-out for Pembroke Dock firefighters.

Showmen sleeping in their caravans at the Commons had a lucky escape when their generator truck caught fire in the middle of the night. By the time the alarm was raised, the vehicle was already well alight.

Thanks to the swift actions of those at the scene, the blaze did not spread to nearby caravans—a potentially deadly situation due to the presence of sleeping occupants and Calor Gas bottles used for heating and cooking.

The incident occurred near Commons Road, Pembroke, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) receiving the call at 2:42am.

A MAWWFRS spokesperson said: “The crew responded to a vehicle fire involving the cab of an articulated lorry.

“The main fire was out on the crew’s arrival, and firefighters used one hose reel jet to dampen down the area. A thermal imaging camera was deployed to check for remaining hot spots.

“Safety information and guidance were given to the vehicle’s driver.

“The crew left the scene at 3:18am.”

No injuries were reported.

belonging to Jones. He admitted this offence.

Judge Geraint Walters granted the defendants bail ahead of their trial, which is scheduled to begin on September 9.

Protest in Pembroke Dock over release of convicted sex offender

a SMaLL group of protesters gathered outside a house in Pembroke dock on Tuesday (Mar 19) following the release of convicted sex offender Matthew Gilbert.

The demonstration took place on Water Street, where Gilbert now resides. Protesters, including some youths, voiced their concerns about his presence in the community, particularly due to the number of young children living nearby. The property is also close to a local boxing club used by youngsters.

Gilbert, 39, was previously sentenced to 16 months in prison after sexually assaulting a 15-yearold boy on a bus traveling from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven. During the incident, Gilbert sat next to the teenager, engaged him in conversation, and proceeded to touch the boy’s thigh inappropriately. The victim later reported feeling “frozen” and “shocked” by the assault.

At his sentencing, the judge

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described Gilbert as posing a “significant risk to young boys” and placed him on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

In addition to this offense, Gilbert has a record of other criminal activities. He previously admitted to making obscene phone calls to the Pembroke Dock fire station, which caused distress among the emergency crew. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting another man in Neyland in September 2023.

Residents are now questioning why Gilbert has been allowed to reside so close to children and a boxing club frequented by young people. The protest on Tuesday remained peaceful, with police confirming that no arrests were made.

Authorities have yet to comment on whether further action will be taken regarding Gilbert’s presence in the community.

Inquest opens into teenager’s death in Burton

aN INQUEST has opened into the death of 15-year-old Kady Hannah absalom, who was found at a property in Burton on Saturday, March 15.

HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, heard that emergency services were called to the property at 4:27pm. Paramedics were already at the scene, where the teenager was reported to be in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead shortly after.

Coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan confirmed that the girl who sadly died was Kady Hannah Absalom, a school pupil born in Haverfordwest.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter at West Wales General Hospital.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, with enquiries ongoing.

The death has deeply affected the local community, with Haverfordwest High School issuing a letter to parents expressing their sorrow. Headteacher Mrs J Harries described the loss as a “great shock” and extended her condolences to Kady’s family and friends.

The school has offered pastoral

support to pupils affected by the tragedy and urged the community to be mindful of the impact of sharing unverified information on social media.

Mr Bennett expressed his sympathies to Kady’s family, saying: “I

would like to say how sorry I am for the family that they have to endure not only the loss of their daughter but also the inquest process itself.”

The inquest has been adjourned until June for a review hearing.

Crackdown on illegal tobacco in Pembrokeshire

a MULTI-aGENCY operation has resulted in the seizure of illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two shops in Pembrokeshire, as part of a major crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade.

Specialist Regional Trading Standards Officers (from Operation CeCe), Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team and Dyfed-Powys Police, took part in the operation on Thursday March 13th.

As well as a haul of illegal products from two cars used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for having no tax or insurance.

It is believed that many of the cigarettes seized would have ended up in the hands of children and young people in Wales’ poorest communities which are targeted by criminals selling illegal tobacco at a significantly reduced cost.

Councillor Jacob Williams, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco has strong links to other criminal activity. It creates a cheap source of unregulated tobacco, and undermines the good work being done to help people of all ages quit smoking.

“Non-compliant vaping devices are also of concern, particularly as they are

known to be popular among youngsters. They may contain a much higher amount of nicotine than permitted by UK Regulations, presenting a serious risk of harm because nicotine isn’t just highly addictive, it’s also a poison. Among the other toxic ingredients found in counterfeit vapes are arsenic, lead and formaldehyde.”

Around 6,000 children in Wales take up smoking every year and three out of four of those children will go on to be long-term smokers.

Smoking is an addiction that begins in childhood. A recent ASH Wales survey found that 76% of smokers in Wales tried their first cigarette before the age of 18.

There are also safety issues as counterfeit cigarettes may be contaminated with toxic elements

such as arsenic and lead compared to genuine brands.

Since the launch of the crackdown four years ago, Trading Standards and HMRC have been gathering intelligence on criminal tobacco gangs and have seized over six million cigarettes. More raids across Wales are planned in the next few months.

“We need to keep tobacco out of the hands of children, cheap tobacco products make it easier for children to start smoking, as it is sold at pocket money prices by criminals who don’t care about age-restriction laws,” said officers from Operation CeCe.

“Operation CeCe has led to the biggest crackdown on illegal tobacco in Wales since devolution.”

Sergeant Claire Evans of DyfedPowys Police, added: “Working with our partner agencies with a robust approach has proven to be successful, and we will continue to target such establishments who are selling illegal contraband in Pembrokeshire, seizing cash, vehicles, and any other property linked to the running of these illegal operations.”

If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://crimestoppers-uk.org. Your information can help keep your community safe and healthy.

If you want to quit smoking, contact Help Me Quit on freephone 0800 085 2219 or visit https://www.helpmequit. wales/

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Pensioner feared for life after brutal attack

a VULNERaBLE 73-year-old cancer patient was left fearing for his life after being assaulted by a 32-year-old man in his own home, a court has heard.

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Haverfordwest magistrates were told how the pensioner suffered head lacerations and bruising to his arms when an argument with James Britton turned violent on December 23, 2023, at a property in Winch Crescent, Haverfordwest.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court: “What began as a verbal row turned physical. The victim, a vulnerable man, was unable to fight back.”

In a victim impact statement, the pensioner described the lasting trauma the attack had caused him.

“Before the assault, I was a happy, outgoing person who wasn’t afraid to go out by myself. But since then, I’m scared to leave the house. I’m terrified about bumping into James Britton, and I’m terrified that he’ll carry out his threat to kill me.

“Before this, I’d never been physically assaulted. He knew I had cancer and that I was recovering. Now I’m just existing … I just want to stay at home.”

Britton, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage to the victim’s mobile phone, glasses, and dentures—together worth £915.98.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd told the court Britton regretted his actions and wanted to leave the area.

“The defendant wants to put this behind him and start a new life outside of Haverfordwest. It might not be the

most productive place for him,” he said. Mr Lloyd admitted Britton had “a chequered past”, noting he had recently spent four months in prison on remand for an offence he denied before the case

Copper’s hand bitten

a 24-YEaR-OLd Pembroke dock man has been sentenced by magistrates after admitting to biting a police officer’s hand.

Ryan Brundrett was apprehended by officers on the night of December 6 after being found inside a storage container at Wesley Court, Pembroke Dock.

Body-worn video footage shown to the court depicted officers using considerable force while apprehending Brundrett.

“This was the reason that he reacted in the way that he did,” his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He deeply regrets it as this isn’t a person who takes coming to court lightly. He’s extremely upset.”

Probation officer Julie Norman informed magistrates that the incident occurred shortly after Brundrett

during arrest

discovered that his long-term relationship had ended.

“He’d been drinking, went to the storage container, and when police arrived, he ran away because he didn’t want to get arrested,” she said.

“He’s very remorseful as he’s never previously been involved in any violence. He’s very disappointed to be here today.”

Ms. Norman added that since the incident, Brundrett has stopped drinking alcohol.

Brundrett, of Kavanagh Court, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to the common assault of an emergency worker.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £250 in compensation to the police officer, a £114 court surcharge, and £85 in costs.

Warrant issued for charity box suspect

A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Milford Haven man accused of stealing a charity box from the Castle Hotel in Haverfordwest.

Daniel Fairlie, 29, of Observatory Avenue, Milford Haven, was listed to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, March

18. However, after failing to attend, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.

Fairlie is accused of stealing the charity box on November 23, 2024, along with multiple shoplifting offences and drug possession.

Jailed: James Britton

Calls to amend payout rules for wrongly convicted

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forensic evidence during a threeweek retrial. A jury took just over an hour to return a unanimous “not guilty” verdict.

But despite being completely exonerated, Mr Buckle has been denied compensation for his ordeal. The legal fees required to clear his name totalled nearly £500,000, a sum he was eligible to claim in compensation. However, his application was refused on the grounds that he had not met the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard of proof that he did not commit the crimes — despite the courts ruling that he was innocent.

“I just burst out crying when I read the letter,” said Mr Buckle. “What more do I need to do to prove I’m innocent? I’ve lost five years of my life, my job, my pension. People are absolutely gobsmacked when I tell them I’ve been refused compensation.”

a

L aW d ESIGNE d TO d ENY PaYOUTS?

a PEMBROKESHIRE man who spent five years behind bars for a crime he did not commit has been denied compensation under what legal experts describe as an “inhumane” and “cruel” government policy.

Brian Buckle, who was exonerated of all charges in 2023 after a gruelling legal battle, has spoken of his devastation upon receiving a rejection letter from the Ministry of Justice. The letter acknowledged his innocence but stated that he had failed to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that he had not committed the crimes.

The decision has reignited fierce debate over the 2014 law change that places the burden of proof on victims of wrongful conviction, a policy unique to England and Wales. Critics argue that the system is designed to minimise payouts, leaving innocent individuals without financial support to rebuild their lives after years of wrongful imprisonment.

FIVE YE a RS BEHIN d B a RS FOR a CRIME HE d I d NOT COMMIT

Mr Buckle was imprisoned in 2017 after being convicted of sexual offences he always denied. His case was finally overturned after a fiveyear fight that saw his legal team present new witnesses and fresh

The 2014 law change, introduced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government, shifted the burden onto the wrongly convicted to prove their innocence beyond reasonable doubt. Critics say this effectively “reverses the presumption of innocence” and was introduced to limit government compensation payments.

Since 2016, 93% of applications for miscarriage of justice compensation have been rejected, according to government figures. Leading barrister Stephen Vullo KC, who represented Mr Buckle, has described the system as “almost impossibly high” and “designed to ensure money is not paid out.”

“It’s not by accident, it’s by design,” he said. “It sends a message that the state doesn’t accept responsibility when it gets things wrong.”

The injustice of the current system has been further exposed by the government’s handling of the Post Office Horizon scandal. Unlike individual miscarriage of justice cases, which have been largely ignored, thousands of wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters were awarded compensation only after overwhelming public pressure, following the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office.”

“The government’s response is driven by fear of embarrassment,” said Mr Vullo. “The system should

be fair so that everybody receives compensation, not just those whose cases attract media attention.”

Legal experts argue that England and Wales must follow Scotland, Northern Ireland, and most of Europe, where wrongful conviction compensation is awarded based on the miscarriage of justice itself, without requiring proof of innocence.

LOC a L MP FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE

Mr Buckle’s case has caught the attention of Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who has vowed to fight for a change in the law. He is hosting a debate in Westminster to highlight the injustices faced by victims of wrongful conviction.

“I was appalled when I heard Brian’s story,” said Mr Lake. “Miscarriages of justice have always happened and always will. But when the state makes a mistake and an innocent person spends years behind bars, it should ensure they are compensated for that injustice.”

Mr Lake is pushing for the law to be reversed and made retrospective so that people like Mr Buckle can claim the compensation they deserve.

a Fa MILY d EVa STaTE d BY INJUSTICE

The years spent in prison have left Mr Buckle suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the emotional toll has extended to his family. His daughter Georgia has spoken openly about her own struggles, including suicidal thoughts during her father’s imprisonment.

“I’m definitely not the same person I was before,” said Mr Buckle. “I can’t keep a job because my head is all over the place. Every single night, all I dream about is being in prison or trying to get out.”

He believes an apology and compensation would be a step towards recognising the harm done to him.

“I will take what happened to me to the grave. Money won’t change how I am mentally, but it’s about the principle — the justice system admitting they got it wrong.”

With pressure mounting and a Law Commission review of the compensation system underway, there is growing hope that the law may be overturned. For Mr Buckle and others like him, that change cannot come soon enough.

MP Ben Lake is hosting a debate at Westminster in support of Brian

Police appeal after teenage girl assaulted in Tenby

TENBY police are appealing for witnesses following an assault on a teenage girl on Saturday afternoon (Mar 15).

The 13-year-old girl sustained injuries to her head and back during the incident, officers confirmed.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of an assault on a 13-year-old girl in the Tenby area at around 5:00pm on Saturday, March 15.

“The victim suffered injuries to her head and back. No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing.

“If you witnessed the incident or have information that could assist our investigation, please contact us either online at https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.”

The crime reference number is 25*220256.

Domestic violence offender jailed after breaching court order

a LONG-STaNdING domestic violence offender has been sent back to prison after breaching a domestic violence protection order.

Paul Webber was arrested on March 18 after being seen kissing his victim outside probation offices in Haverfordwest, despite a court order preventing contact.

A court order imposed by Llanelli magistrates earlier this month prevented him from making any contact with the female after being convicted of threatening to kill her, strangle her, and

sexually assault her.

“On March 12, a report was made to police that he’d attended a probation appointment with the female, who remained standing outside the offices,” a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Police officers viewed the CCTV footage and recognised the female as the victim.

“This was clearly a breach of the domestic violence protection order towards a vulnerable woman, and there’s

also concern that she minimises incidents. He’s known as a domestic violence instigator with previous partners.”

Webber,ofWinchLane,Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to breaching the domestic violence protection order.

He was sentenced to 28 days in custody.

“You were aware of the terms of the order but you deliberately breached it,” said the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.

“You showed a complete disregard for it.”

Victim’s jaw broken in half in nightclub attack

a 24-YEaR-OLd dock man has admitted breaking another male’s jaw in half during an unprovoked attack outside the One Nightclub in Pembroke.

Brandon Williams struck Mr. William Bull in the early hours of December 23, 2023, after the victim attempted to defuse an argument.

“The pain the victim experienced over the Christmas period was overwhelming,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He was taken to hospital on December 27, as he didn’t want to spoil his family’s Christmas, and was found to have sustained a broken jaw as well as an infection.”

As a result of his injuries, Mr. Bull underwent surgery to his jaw, the lower half of which had split in half. A titanium bar subsequently had to be inserted to

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secure it.

Williams, of Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent on William Bull. He was represented in court by Peter Tarr.

“It was just before Christmas, and the defendant had consumed a quantity of alcohol during his works’ do,” he said.

“He can’t fully recollect the incident but accepts that he threw a punch to the complainant’s face that resulted in the injury.”

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for an all-options probation report to be prepared. Sentencing will take place at Swansea Crown Court on April 8. Williams was released on unconditional bail.

Bank clerk accused of theft

a HaVERFORdWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Court over public threats blade incident

a 19-YEaR-OLd man has appeared in court accused of threatening a man with a knife in Haverfordwest.

Kian Kelly, of Freemans View, is charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place and making threats with it on Hill Street on March 8.

He is also accused of causing criminal damage to household items belonging to the alleged victim.

Kelly appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 10, where the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. He was granted bail and is due to enter his pleas on April 11.

Milford Haven Town Council to hold Full Council Meeting

MILFORd HaVEN TOWN

COUNCIL has announced that it will hold its next Full Council Meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place at Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit, Unit a, Havens Head Business Park, Sa73 3Ld Members of the public are invited to attend in person or remotely, with virtual access available upon request.

KEY ISSUES ON THE aGENda

The meeting’s agenda includes several important topics affecting the local community. One of the most anticipated segments is the Question and Answer Session with Members of the Public, scheduled as Agenda Item 3, allowing residents to raise concerns and seek clarification on council matters. Those wishing to submit questions in advance are encouraged to do so by contacting admin@ milfordhaven-tc.gov.wales.

Additionally, the agenda will cover:

• News updates from the Mayor, Councillor W. Elliott

• The Mayor’s recent engagements and community activities

• Reports from councillors on their

Drug dealer Phillip Greenfield jailed

a dRUG dealer has been jailed after admitting to supplying cocaine, pregabalin, and diazepam.

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representation on outside bodies

• A review of Milford Haven Town Council’s Draft Grants Policy

• Discussion of the Milford Haven Town Council Risk Assessment

A report from the Public Events Sub-Committee, held on February 24, 2025, is also expected to be discussed, with recommendations and resolutions to be reviewed by the Full Council

PUBLIC PaRTICIPaTION ENCOURaGEd

The Town Council is keen to ensure public engagement and transparency in decision-making. Residents who wish to attend the meeting virtually are advised to request access via email. The council encourages public participation, particularly during the Q&A session, where councillors will directly address community concerns. This meeting follows the previous Full Council Meeting held on March 10, 2025, where the council discussed key policies and community initiatives. Minutes from that session will be reviewed during the upcoming meeting.

Phillip Greenfield, 46, of Queen Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Swansea Crown Court charged with multiple drug offences.

The court heard that Greenfield was concerned in the supply of cocaine between February 26 and March 26 last year. He also faced two charges of possession with intent to supply Class C drugs—diazepam and pregabalin— on March 25.

Greenfield was further charged with possessing criminal property, namely

£1,250 in cash, on the same date. He had previously admitted possession of cannabis at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 17.

At a hearing in January, Greenfield pleaded guilty to all four offences. His defence stated that he had no previous convictions for drug dealing. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Greenfield will return to court on June 23 for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, where an application has been made to recover any profits from his offending.

Man accused of multiple assaults remanded

a HaVERFORdWEST man has been remanded in custody after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10) facing multiple charges, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Kieran Vaughan, 37, of Caradoc Place, is accused of assaulting a woman, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, Vaughan is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to Vaughan allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Vaughan appeared before magistrates Mrs C Kendrick, Mrs A Taylor-Jones, and Mr D Ellis. Represented by Alaw Harries for the defence, with Sian Vaughan prosecuting, he did not enter pleas.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.

The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

Firefighters to rally against shift changes in Mid and West Wales

FIREFIGHTERS across Mid and West Wales are set to stage a rally in protest against changes to their working patterns, with concerns raised over the impact on work-life balance and mental wellbeing.

The demonstration, organised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), will take place at 9:30 am on Monday, March 24, 2025, outside the headquarters of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Lime Grove Avenue, Carmarthen.

The union has criticised senior management for pushing through a transition to 12-hour shifts, arguing that the change is being forced upon frontline staff without proper consultation. The FBU claims the new shift pattern will be particularly damaging to firefighters with caring responsibilities and could negatively affect both mental and physical health.

A spokesperson for the FBU said: “There is no justification for these changes. Senior managers are refusing to listen to the valid concerns of firefighters, who are already working in a high-pressure environment. This decision will make it even harder for them to balance their personal and

and filming.

professional lives.”

Around 80 firefighters are expected to attend the rally, with FBU officials also present. The event will provide opportunities for media coverage, including interviews, photographs,

The dispute over shift patterns comes amid wider concerns about resources and working conditions within fire services across Wales.

The Herald understands that tensions have been growing between staff and management over what many see as a disregard for frontline workers’

welfare.

A response from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been sought.

The rally is expected to draw significant attention, with firefighters standing united against what they see as an unjustified overhaul of their working hours.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Residents demand action over Haverfordwest property chaos

SIx residents from the Furzy Park area of Haverfordwest have written to housing association aTEB, demanding action over persistent antisocial behaviour at an address in Caradoc Place.

Following a disturbance on Tuesday evening (Mar 11), police attended the property and arrested the woman living there. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with all the neighbours coming out of their homes as the incident unfolded. Footage of the arrest shows the woman shouting and swearing as officers placed her in a police van.

At a meeting with a Herald reporter on Wednesday (Mar 12), several residents expressed their frustration, with emotions running high.

Yana Gencheva, who lives close by in Delapoer Drive, was visibly distressed as she spoke about the impact on her family. She explained that her daughter, who has autism, struggles to cope with the frequent disturbances.

“I don’t know where to turn,” she said. “I am living in a nightmare.”

Ms. Gencheva, a former door supervisor, said she considered herself a strong person but admitted she was at her wits’ end. “I am tough, but I cannot deal with this—especially as I am worried for my daughter.”

The concerns extend beyond immediate neighbours. Jan Davies, who also lives in Caradoc Place, described the toll the ongoing situation has taken on her.

“I have had ten years of abuse from those living next door. Its currently impossible to live in Caradoc Place,” she wrote in a letter to ATEB. “They have had to have police protection and

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

victim support.”

Ms. Davies said she is now suffering from serious health issues due to stress caused by the disturbances.

“This street was once a lovely and happy neighbourhood, with young people feeling safe to go out and play. This is no longer the case due to so many incidents in regards to the adults who live in that house,” she said.

She also alleged that she and her husband had been threatened, and that the occupants of the property in question had made threats to kill their dog.

“We should be enjoying retirement, not living in fear in their own home,” she added.

Residents say they have repeatedly reported issues to ATEB and the police, but claim the situation is only getting worse.

PaRTNER OF aRRESTEd WOMaN FaCING SERIOUS CHaRGES

It has now emerged that the woman’s partner is currently in custody facing multiple charges.

The 37-year-old man was remanded following a hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10), where he was charged with several serious offences, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

He is accused of assaulting his partner, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional

Woman jailed for assault

a HaVERFORdWEST woman has been jailed for assaulting another woman, with magistrates ruling that only a custodial sentence was justified.

Sarah Moane, 34, of Three Meadows, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Mar 13), where she was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that on December 27, 2024, Moane assaulted Kayleigh Summers, causing her injuries. She was found guilty of the offence on March 13, 2025.

Moane was already serving a 10week custodial sentence, imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on August 6, 2024. The latest sentence is to run consecutively, with the court citing the seriousness of the offence and the fact that it was committed while Moane was subject to a suspended sentence. The offence was further aggravated by intoxication and domestic violence.

She was also ordered to pay £650 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. Restraining order imposed A restraining order was issued against Moane, preventing her from:

• Contacting Kayleigh Summers by any means, directly or indirectly.

• Entering any premises occupied by Summers as her usual place of residence.

• Posting or causing to be posted any references to Summers on social media or any other electronic platform.

The order remains in place until March 12, 2026.

The court noted that no compensation was awarded due to the provoked nature of the attack.

Presiding over the case were Magistrates Ms V Knapp, Miss L Gunter, and Mr N Samuel, with Ann Griffiths prosecuting.

Several neighbours have made complaints to the police in relation to alleged threats and intimidation and have been given crime reference numbers

strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, the defendant is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to the male allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses. The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

The Herald has contacted ATEB for comment on the ongoing chaos in what would otherwise be a nice part of Haverfordwest to live in.

Man to face crown court over sixyear coercive control allegations

a 44-YEaR-OLd St davids man has appeared before magistrates charged with engaging in cruel, humiliating, and abusive behavior towards his partner for over six years.

The Crown alleges that Ryan Bowen engaged in repeated or continuous controlling and coercive behavior towards a female between January 1, 2016, and March 15, 2022. The Crown further alleges that Bowen’s behavior “had a serious effect” on the victim.

This week, Bowen, of Nun Street, St Davids, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, requested an adjournment.

“There’s an awful lot of information in relation to the allegation, amounting

to over 1,000 pages, yet the defendant didn’t receive his summons until last Friday,” he said. “As a result, we’ve had only a matter of days to consider it.”

However, magistrates rejected Mr. Kelleher’s request, and Bowen was asked to submit a plea. He denies the charge.

Following a request by Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan, magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the number of witnesses involved in the case and the fact that the allegation extends over a six-year period.

Ryan Bowen will now appear before a judge at Swansea Crown Court on April 17, when his trial proceedings will commence. He was released on unconditional bail.

Bail breacher remanded after ferry trip with victim

a BaIL breacher has been remanded in custody after traveling to and from Ireland on the Pembroke dock ferry with a victim he was prohibited from seeing.

Robson Franca, 38, was arrested by port officers after being seen in the presence of the complainant when the Rosslare ferry recently docked in Pembroke Dock.

This week, Haverfordwest magistrates were told that a domestic violence court order imposed by Avon and Somerset magistrates prohibited

Franca from having any contact with the complainant pending his trial on May 16.

Franca’s solicitor, Peter Tarr, told the court that the complainant frequently contacts Franca and makes threats if he refuses to see her.

Despite the defense’s arguments, magistrates refused to grant bail, citing concerns that Franca might commit further offences, fail to surrender, or interfere with prosecution witnesses. He was remanded in custody.

Man jailed for assaults and damage to probation office

a MaN has been jailed for a series of assaults and criminal damage at a probation service office.

Michael Carruthers, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with five offences.

The court heard that on February 28, Carruthers caused damage to the front office of Haverfordwest Probation Office. He was also charged with assaulting an emergency worker and three counts of assault by beating on the same day.

Carruthers pleaded guilty to all charges on March 3.

These offences were committed while he was serving a suspended sentence for attempted shoplifting and assaulting a man at Morrisons in Haverfordwest on November 26.

Magistrates sentenced Carruthers to 24 weeks in prison for the latest offences, with an additional 18 weeks activated from his suspended sentence.

He was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation and £85 in costs.

Previous offences

Carruthers has a long history of criminal behaviour. In June 2020, he was arrested for causing a disturbance at a Nisa shop in Johnston, where he was verbally abusive to staff, threw items around the store, and smashed bottles of wine. He was charged

with theft and criminal damage, to which he pleaded guilty.

More recently, in June 2024, he was jailed for a spate of shoplifting offences in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven. On May 4, he attempted to steal items from Tesco in Milford Haven, but when confronted by staff, he became aggressive and grabbed a staff member by the wrist.

Two days earlier, police were called to an address in Milford Haven regarding an incident involving Carruthers. While being arrested, he resisted, attempted to headbutt the cage inside the police van, and kicked an officer in the shin.

Carruthers also stole alcohol and vapes from Home Bargains in Haverfordwest on April 16.

In January 2025, he narrowly avoided jail after assaulting a security guard at Morrisons in Haverfordwest while attempting to steal food. He pushed the guard, causing him to fall and injure his shoulder. At the time, he was described in court as struggling with homelessness and substance abuse. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 28 weeks, along with 20 rehabilitation activity days.

Despite previous opportunities for rehabilitation, Carruthers has continued to offend, leading to his latest custodial sentence.

Guilty pleas to causing animal suffering

a PEMBROKESHIRE father and daughter have admitted causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Richard Scarfe of Park Street Pembroke Dock and his daughter Brogan Scarfe of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Mar 4 charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 of causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs, between 25th January 2022 and 18th April 2023.

Richard Scarfe was further charged with breaching a Court Order, made on January 26th 2022 following a conviction for animal welfare offences, banning him from owning, keeping or participating in the keeping of goats, donkeys, cattle, sheep and pigs, or being party to any arrangement under which he was entitled to control or have influence over their care, for a period of five years.

The prosecution by Pembrokeshire County Council followed a number of visits to the site, initially to monitor the welfare of animals and, as conditions deteriorated, to secure veterinary support and subsequent intervention.

Over the course of the visits it was established that Richard Scarfe continued to play a role in the keeping of animals and to be actively involved in the day-to-day husbandry activities, contrary to the disqualification.

Officers also found that the welfare needs of the animals were not being met and as matters deteriorated that the animals were subject to unnecessary suffering.

On one occasion officers found dead pigs left in close proximity to enclosures with live pigs.

The enclosures were unsuitable with hazardous materials and knee deep in mud, there was also no clean dry lying available and no food or continuous drinking water.

The pigs were inappropriately housed in large numbers resulting in fighting, aggression and injury.

One pig in particular had extensive damage to both ears, likely as a result of cannibalistic behaviour caused by the pigs competing for the limited food and space.

Sheep were repeatedly found with insufficient water and food, were thin and of poor body condition, with the ribs and spine clearly visible.

Dogs were found locked in a makeshift kennel block. The kennels were too small to accommodate the dogs and littered in faeces causing a strong, foul smell.

The dogs were never seen loose from their kennels on any visit made by officers.

to assist and to provide independent veterinary opinion on cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry.

During the hearing Richard Scarfe pleaded guilty to two offences under section 4(1) and 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely pigs and sheep.

Brogan Scarfe pleaded guilty to two offences under section 9 (1) and section 32(2) of the Act of failing in her duty to take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal (namely sheep and pigs) for which they are responsible are met to the extent required by good practice.

The father and daughter will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on May 12th, 2025.

Councillor Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “The lack of care shown to animals in this case was evident to both officers and veterinary experts, and will unfortunately have resulted in needless suffering.

A number of the dogs were under weight and nervous. A private vet’s opinion was sought on the dogs’ condition and wellbeing.

Over the course of the visits officers had expressed concern over standards and sought to offer animal welfare and husbandry advice to both Richard and Brogan Scarfe, to address the immediate welfare needs of the animals.

However, this failed to result in meaningful improvement, and veterinary surgeons from the Animal and Plant Health Agency were asked

With the veterinary opinions being that the animals on the site were suffering unnecessarily as a result of serious failures in their care, veterinary officers issued a certificate under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for the removal of the animals to a place of safety and to prevent further suffering.

One cow, 26 Sheep, 43 Pigs, 23 poultry and five dogs were subsequently seized and removed to a place of sanctuary where they were examined by a veterinary surgeon, with many needing medical intervention.

“Officers initially sought to offer guidance to secure improvements in welfare conditions, however this wasn’t acted upon appropriately so the Council had no alternative but to seek veterinary input and, ultimately, legal powers were used to take control of the animals to prevent further suffering.

“The fact that Mr Scarfe continued to keep animals, despite being disqualified from undertaking any activity of this sort, is clearly unacceptable, and this was a clear factor in the poor standards of animal husbandry witnessed in this sad case.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

PCC spent £880k on pothole repairs in just three years

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL has spent more than £880,000 on pothole repairs over the past three years, according to newly released figures. This comes as the number of compensation claims for pothole-related damage has surged by 286 per cent since the 2021/22 financial year.

An investigation by Accident Claims Advice revealed that the council has received 107 legal claims regarding pothole damage in the past three years. In 2022, the council dealt with 14 claims, but this figure has risen significantly, reaching 54 claims in 2024. Over this period, the council has paid out a total of £2,500 in compensation to claimants whose vehicles or property were damaged by potholes.

Despite the sharp increase in claims, the council’s spending on pothole repairs has decreased, from £325,000 in 2021/22 to £286,000 in 2023/24. This reduction in expenditure raises concerns about the ability of local authorities to maintain road surfaces adequately in the face of financial pressures.

A public liability specialist at Accident Claims Advice, Beverly Faulkner, commented on the findings, stating: “Councils and local authorities have a duty of care to ensure the safety of people using public spaces, such as parks, highways, and footpaths. A crucial part of this responsibility is making sure the land under their control is properly maintained. Failing to do this can put people at risk. The damage caused by potholes can be

and other preservative treatments to prevent road surfaces from deteriorating further.

past 10 years, with an average of 13 claims settled each year at an average annual cost of £11,750. The rise in claims last year is significantly higher than in previous years, but this may be attributed to external factors such as the cost-of-living crisis rather than a notable deterioration in road conditions.”

The issue of potholes has become a growing concern for residents and road users across Pembrokeshire, with many highlighting the potential risks posed by poor road conditions. Motorists have reported costly vehicle repairs, while cyclists and pedestrians have expressed concerns about safety hazards.

The Welsh Government has previously acknowledged the challenge of maintaining roads across rural areas, pointing to budget constraints and adverse weather conditions as contributing factors to road degradation. In recent years, councils across Wales have faced increasing financial strain, leading to calls for greater investment in road maintenance.

catastrophic, leading to serious injury and costly vehicle repairs. It is vital that roads are properly maintained and councils are held accountable for the roads they oversee.”

At the start of 2024, Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that there were 447 potholes in need of repair across the county. The authority has emphasised its commitment to road maintenance, citing proactive measures such as surface dressing

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council provided further clarification on the issue, saying: “The annual costs of road repairs have remained relatively stable over the time period, despite inflationary price increases. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the volume of repairs carried out has decreased over this timescale. Similarly, claim numbers, which remain exceptionally low, have not notably increased over the

Residents concerned about potholes are encouraged to report them via Pembrokeshire County Council’s contact centre on 01437 764551 or through the PCC My Account portal on the council’s website. The council states that response times for repairs vary depending on the severity of the pothole and road classification, with priority given to more hazardous defects. Repairs may take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks, but the council asserts that all

Pembrokeshire Youth Justice Team praised for ‘genuine care’

THE PEMBROKESHIRE YOUTH

JUSTICE TEaM has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Inspectors highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting young people, despite ongoing challenges. The service was praised for its childfirst and trauma-informed approach, with staff demonstrating ‘genuine care’ in achieving positive outcomes.

CHaLLENGES aNd SUCCESSES

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, acknowledged the pressures faced by the team. He said: “Pembrokeshire YJT has experienced a challenging period of transition, which has placed increasing demands on practitioners and managers. Services are maintained by staff routinely going above and beyond to meet the needs of children, parents, carers, and victims.

“Despite these challenges, this is a forward-thinking and reflective service where staff show genuine care in achieving positive outcomes.”

Inspectors found strong engagement with children and their families, with plans co-produced to ensure meaningful

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

involvement. Regular reviews and effective information sharing were also highlighted as key strengths.

However, concerns were raised over delays in out-of-court disposals,

linked to the absence of a joint working protocol with Dyfed-Powys Police. Inconsistencies in the use of diversionary outcomes and deferred prosecutions were also noted. Inspectors recommended that a senior police representative be appointed to the YJT management board to help address these issues.

RECOMMENdaTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

The inspection report sets out eight recommendations:

• Four for the Pembrokeshire YJT, including ensuring managers have the capacity to provide consistent oversight of out-of-court work.

• Two for the management board.

• Two for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Jones added: “Moving forward, the management board has a critical role in ensuring the YJT is sufficiently resourced so they can build on their existing strengths and make important improvements in service delivery.”

WHaT HaPPENS NExT?

The Pembrokeshire YJT works with children aged 10 to 17, many of whom have complex needs or are in the care of the local authority. The full report will be published on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on March 11, 2025, at 00:01.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Helicopter transfer saved my life

a CaRMaRTHENSHIRE man who suffered a severe head injury while cycling to work says he “wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Wales Air ambulance.”

Twelve years ago, Roger Van Praet was on his way to volunteer at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works in Porthmadog when he was involved in a collision with a pedestrian.

Roger, a non-executive director for FUW Insurance Services Limited, recalled: “It was a dire situation. I was unconscious on the road, and thankfully, someone I work with called the emergency services.”

He was stabilised by a land ambulance crew and rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd, where doctors discovered he had suffered brain bleeds and required specialist care. They decided his best chance of survival was urgent treatment at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“That’s when the Wales Air Ambulance was called. I have no recollection of this,” he said. “I was told I received critical care onboard, and the clinicians and pilot ensured my safe arrival.”

He added: “The journey to Stoke takes about 25 minutes by air compared to three and a half hours by road. I will be eternally grateful to the air ambulance team for looking after me. The helicopter transfer was absolutely critical to my survival.”

LIFESaVING SERVICE

The Wales Air Ambulance delivers hospital-standard treatments at the scene and, if necessary, transfers patients directly to the most appropriate hospital. The service operates through a partnership between the public and third sectors, with the charity relying on public donations to raise the £11.2 million needed annually to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles running.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides NHS consultants and critical care practitioners for the charity’s operations. Their advanced critical care includes

Railway engine works.

administering anaesthesia, delivering blood transfusions, and performing minor operations at the scene.

As a pan-Wales service, its crews travel across the country to provide lifesaving care wherever needed.

Roger, who makes monthly donations to the charity, said: “It’s such an important cause and deserves everyone’s support. You never know when you might need it—I certainly didn’t wake up that morning expecting to require critical care.”

a LIFE-CHaNGING aCCIdENT

Roger and his wife Sian were staying in their caravan at the volunteer hostel in Porthmadog when the accident happened, just a mile from the Ffestiniog

“I’d cycled the same route a dozen times with no issues. It was around 6:30 in the morning, not completely dark,” he said. “I remember cycling and approaching traffic lights near some roadworks. Once they turned green, I started off—that’s all I can recall.”

Later, he learned that roadworks had blocked the pavement, forcing a pedestrian onto the road, where they collided. “We had a glancing blow. I came off my bike headfirst and hit the road. The walker was uninjured,” he said.

Roger, a former Compliance and Operations Director at the Farmers’ Union of Wales, spent several days in ICU before regaining consciousness in acute care.

“On the surface, I looked fine—no broken bones. But when I stood up, my balance and coordination were affected. I had to relearn how to walk,” he said. “The recovery took much longer than

expected.”

He did not return to work for nearly two years and had to adapt to lasting changes. “I never went back full-time and instead worked three days a week. It was a very worrying time for my family, but the Farmers’ Union of Wales was extremely supportive.”

Roger later became Managing Director of FUW Insurance Services before retiring in December 2020. He remains involved with the Union as a non-executive director.

“I was delighted when FUW President Ian Rickman announced fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance during his presidency,” he said. “It provides essential critical care and does an incredible job, saving lives across Wales.”

Reflecting on his experience, Roger added: “I’d always wanted to ride in a helicopter—it’s just a shame that when I finally did, I have no memory of it.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Roger Van Praet (left) in discussion with Llyr Huws Gruffydd, MS at the FUW’s Farmhouse Breakfast event in Cardiff Bay, 22 January 2025. (Credit: FUW)

Roger Van Praet was on his way to volunteer at the Ffestiniog Railway when he was involved in a collision (Image: File)

Securing Pembrokeshire’s future

IN aN INdUSTRY where reliability, professionalism, and experience are paramount, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has emerged as a leading provider of security services and training across Wales. Founded in November 2021 by Company director Ryan Mayne and Kerry Mcreynolds, they were joined by General Manager Mathew davies in 2022, the company has grown into a trusted name in the security sector, offering high-quality training programs, security staffing, and event protection.

Now, with a team of around 300 employees, RM Training is poised to expand its operations in Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring businesses, event organisers, and hospitality venues have access to qualified security personnel in a sector where demand is at an all-time high.

FROM HIGH-RISK SECURITY TO BUILdING a FUTURE IN PEMBROKESHIRE

For Ryan Mayne, the security industry is not just a business—it’s a lifelong career shaped by real-world experience in high-risk environments. With over two decades in top-tier security roles, Ryan has worked in some of the UK’s largest clubs, corporate settings, and high-profile protection services, dealing with situations that were often tense, unpredictable, and dangerous.

“When I think back to some of the things I saw and some of the incidents I had to deal with, it scares me,” Ryan reflects.

But his life changed during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Home Office deployed him to Pembrokeshire to help manage refugee and asylum seeker security operations. It was here that he fell in love with the county, leading to a decision that would shape both his personal and professional future.

“I was deployed to a site near Tenby, and it didn’t take me long to realise just how fantastic Pembrokeshire is,” Ryan explains. “I knew this was the place where I wanted to build something new.”

That decision was cemented by his relationship with Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, who he is due to marry in September.

“We knew Pembrokeshire was the place where we wanted to bring up our children,” Ryan says. “So it made sense to set up the company here too.”

While Ryan handles the strategic direction and business growth, Kerry plays a pivotal role in the company’s success, managing client relations, staff retention, and back-office operations, all while raising their two-year-old son, Archie.

“She’s the driving force,” Ryan says. “None of this would be possible without her.”

When it comes to ensuring the smooth operation of a security business, General Manager Mathew Davies is the man who makes it happen. With a background in both military and civilian security, Mathew brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership to RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, making him a key figure in its rapid growth and ongoing success.

Since joining forces with Company Director Ryan Mayne, Mathew has played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, staff training, and client relationships, helping RM Training establish itself as one of the leading security providers in Pembrokeshire and South Wales.

Mathew’s journey into the security industry was forged through years of hands-on experience in demanding environments. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking, all of which have proven invaluable in his role at RM Training.

After transitioning into civilian

Ryan Mayne

Mathew Davies

Kerry McReynolds

security, Mathew quickly climbed the ranks, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk management, personnel coordination, and highpressure decision-making. These skills now form the backbone of RM Training’s success, ensuring that every security operation runs seamlessly.

EMPoWErInG PEMbrokEsHIrE’s WORKFORCE WITH SECURITY TRaINING

One of RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd’s primary objectives is to provide local people with a structured pathway into the security industry.

The company offers over 140 online and practical courses, covering a wide spectrum of security roles including:

• Door supervision for pubs, clubs, and licensed venues

• Corporate security for offices and commercial spaces

• Retail security for shopping centres and stores

• Event and festival security

• Site and property security

A core focus is Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited training, ensuring trainees receive recognised qualifications required to work in the sector.

Their newly established office in Port Talbot is also playing a key role in retraining workers affected by the Tata Steel job losses, helping individuals transition into security careers following redundancy.

“Our goal is not just to train people but to give them career progression opportunities,” Ryan explains. “This industry is about keeping people safe, and that starts with having well-trained professionals.”

ExPaNdING SECURITY SERVICES aCROSS WaLES

Beyond training, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd provides security services for a wide range of businesses. The company currently supports:

• Bars, pubs, and nightclubs struggling to find licensed and reliable door staff

• Retail and corporate businesses in need of on-site security operatives

• Festivals and major events requiring crowd management teams

• Close protection and private security clients

With over 200 events already booked for 2024, RM Training is becoming the go-to security provider for major gatherings across South Wales.

But for General Manager Mathew Davies, ensuring quality and reliability is just as important as expansion.

“He’s the one who makes sure the staff are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, while offering them all the support they need,” says Ryan. “Mathew works 24/7 to ensure our high standards never slip.”

The company now aims to secure additional security contracts across Pembrokeshire, addressing a major shortage of trained security personnel in the region.

“The reality is that there simply aren’t enough trained security professionals in Pembrokeshire,” Ryan explains. “Businesses struggle to find reliable door staff and event security. We’re here to fix that.”

THE FUTURE FOR RM TRaINING & SECURITY SOLUTIONS LTd

As RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd continues its growth trajectory, the company remains committed to:

• Expanding its presence in Pembrokeshire and South Wales

• Training the next generation of security professionals

• Providing reliable security solutions to businesses and event organisers

• Raising awareness of the industry’s importance in safeguarding communities

With a dedicated team, strong leadership, and a clear vision, RM Training is not just building a security business— it’s building a safer Pembrokeshire.

RCN demands Cardiff University protect nursing education

Don’t scrap top-ranked nursing degree, union urges RCN WALES has strongly opposed Cardiff University’s proposal to close its School of Nursing, warning of serious consequences for students, staff, and patient care.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) expressed deep concern in its formal response to the university’s internal consultation, criticising the lack of prior engagement before the announcement. The union described the proposal as a threat to nurse academics, student members, and the wider public.

A petition urging the Senedd to intervene and preserve the university’s nursing courses has already gathered over 7,300 signatures from across Wales. The potential closure comes as Wales faces a critical shortage of nurses, with around 2,000 NHS vacancies and an increasing reliance on corridor care, where patients are treated in unsuitable and sometimes unsafe areas. The RCN warns that shutting down the programme would worsen these challenges and put patient safety at risk.

The move would also damage Cardiff’s reputation as a centre of excellence for nursing education. The university has provided nurse training since 1972 and is ranked 1st in Wales, 5th in the UK, and 51st globally for nursing. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, Cardiff plays a vital role in developing Wales’ healthcare workforce.

Helen Whyley, Executive Director of RCN Wales, said: “This proposal is profoundly alarming. Either Cardiff

University’s leadership does not recognise its proud legacy in nurse education or believes this is a price worth paying.

“How Cardiff University can claim

that its nursing programmes are unsustainable when they are funded by the Welsh Government is baffling. The university should immediately withdraw these proposals, commit to no compulsory redundancies, and instead work with key stakeholders, including the RCN, to find a solution

that safeguards nursing students, academic staff, and patients.”

She added: “We remain committed to working with Cardiff University to secure the future of nurse education in Wales.”

Let me know if you’d like any further tweaks!

Tenby Stores wins £5,000 award for community support

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s national Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.

The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.

Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”

The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Saundersfoot to host Harbour ‘Feastival’ as part of Street Food Circus’

STREET FOOd CIRCUS will return this spring with a series of ten events celebrating food, family, and good times in spectacular coastal, castle, and woodland locations.

Marking its tenth anniversary, Street Food Circus has provided a platform for some of Wales’ best-known chefs and street food businesses over the past decade. The 2025 season will be the biggest in its history, featuring new locations and seasonal events.

One of the highlights of the year will be the return of Harbour Feastival to Saundersfoot Harbour in September. This popular event brings a diverse

selection of street food traders to the coastal village, creating a vibrant atmosphere by the sea.

The season kicks off with Forest Feastival in Candleston Woods, followed by the Big Banquet at Caldicot Castle in May. Over the summer, events will include the Welsh Street Food Awards, a return to Southampton for Summer Feastival, and the launch of Pleasure Gardens in Pembrey Country Park in June. Fantastic Fete

at St Donat’s Castle and a trader appearance at Big Feastival in the Cotswolds are also part of the lineup.

In addition to Harbour Feastival, a new event called Mabon will debut in September. This autumn festival, held in Candleston Woods, takes inspiration from the pagan autumn equinox festival and will focus on cooking with fire and celebrating the harvest season.

To close the year, Festive Feastival will return, bringing a mix of street food, a roller disco, and Christmas circus magic.

Street Food Circus founder and ringmaster Matt the Hat said:

“Street Food Circus has been a game-changer for the Welsh street food scene. Over the past ten years, we’ve given opportunities to some of the country’s best chefs and street food businesses to showcase their talents.

“Looking at the hundreds of businesses we’ve worked with, it’s great to see so many who’ve gone on to open permanent restaurants, launch new street food concepts, and win major UK awards.

“We’ve also made street food more accessible across Wales, supporting different locations and venues. As we celebrate our first decade, I hope everyone involved feels proud of our collective success and looks forward to a year of incredible street food events.”

The 2025 season opens with Forest Feastival, running across four weekends from April 18 to May 11. This year’s festival will introduce Barbecewi, a new area dedicated to food cooked over fire and classic Americana dishes. Traders include Westlands BBQ, Feast Pembrokeshire, Two Lads Afghan BBQ, Dough Thrower, Fire & Flank, and Acme Fried Chicken.

Forest Feastival will also welcome Keralan Karavan, Mandala, Ceylon & Beyond, Boa Selecta, and Mr Noodle in its Feast from the East zone. A new Caravan Stage will host circus performers, guest DJs, buskers, and a bubble disco for families.

The After Dark series will return on Friday nights, featuring SFC residents Pamoja Disco Club and guest bands, transforming the woodland into a latenight festival experience.

In an effort to improve sustainability, Street Food Circus is introducing reusable enamel plates, which can be pre-ordered and collected at the event. Food waste collection and washing stations will also be available.

Tickets and further details are available at streetfoodcircus.co.uk.

Events Schedule:

• Forest Feastival, Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend: April 18 – May 11 (4 weekends)

• Big Banquet, Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire: May 23-26

• Summer Feastival, Southampton: June 6-8

• Pleasure Gardens, Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli: June 20-22

• Welsh Street Food Awards: July 12-13

• Fantastic Fete, St Donat’s Castle: August 1-3

• Big Feastival, Cotswolds: August 22-24

• Harbour Feastival, Saundersfoot Harbour: September 5-7

• Mabon, South Wales, BBQ Festival: September 26-28

• Festive Feastival, date and location TBC

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PaUL SaRTORI FoUnDATIon, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for endof-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives.

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I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per

week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering

comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an american Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to

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secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

ONGOING TRaINING aNd BaCKLaSH

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an

intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

COMMUNITY PROTECTION NOTICE ISSUEd

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.

Drinks-related litter found on 99% of Welsh beaches

The Marine Conservation society’s latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

GROWING PROBLEM OF BEaCH POLLUTION

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

CaLL FOR URGENT aCTION ON dEPOSIT SCHEME

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles— per 100-metre section. With drinksrelated waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

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GLaSS BOTTLES POSE a GROWING THREaT

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries. With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

SUCCESS OF dEPOSIT SCHEMES IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty

container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinksrelated litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UKwide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

LOTTERY FUNdING SUPPORTS CLEaN-UP EFFORTS

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players

cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVEd

Those interested in joining a beach clean or organising their own event can find more details on the Marine Conservation Society’s website.

bACkGroUnD on WAlEs’ DEPosIT RETURN SCHEME

In November 2024, the Welsh Government announced its decision to withdraw from the UK-wide DRS and implement its own version. The move follows concerns over the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which regulates trade between the UK nations. The Welsh Government has argued that the UKwide scheme does not align with Wales’ recycling objectives, particularly regarding the inclusion of glass containers.

For media inquiries: Evie Martin, Media Relations Manager (evie.martin@mcsuk. org / 07579 814217) Lauren O’Brien, PR & Events Officer (lauren.obrien@mcsuk.org)

For high-resolution images and the

Band hits the high note with invitation to perform at Blackpool

PEMBROKESHIRE music lovers are celebrating a major victory this week after the Goodwick Brass Band was invited to perform at one of the Uk’s most prestigious brass festivals in Blackpool.

This May the 28-piece band will be travelling to the Winter Gardens to compete in the highly selective Spring Brass Festival on May 10. There they will be competing alongside some of the leading brass bands in the UK.

“This means that Goodwick Brass Band is now up there in the championship section,” explained the band’s delighted chairman, Tony Evans.

“In February our senior band took part in the Welsh Open Brass Band championship, where we competed against 13 other bands. We came second overall but we also had the best instrumentalist award, the best soprano player award and the best tenor horn section. As a result, we’ve now had the invitation to perform in Blackpool.”

The invitation is a huge accolade for each of the 28 players who will be performing on May 10, and who give a huge chunk of their spare time to attend band rehearsals and section improvement. The performers, who range in age from 14 to 66, rehearse twice a week, but in the run-up to serious competitions such as the Blackpool Spring Brass Festival, they will be rehearsing for three evenings a week as well as sectional rehearsals every Saturday.“It’s a huge commitment, particularly when you remember that a lot of our players are still in school, juggling their GCSEs, their A levels and all the other extra-curricular things that the young people do,” explained Tony.

“But the opportunity for them to play in a band such as this is fantastic, as it teaches them the skills required not just to play well, as they do with their solo work, but how to perform collectively as a band. This is when they realise that it’s the conductor who is in sole charge and who has to be followed so carefully.”

The Blackpool festival will put Goodwick up against some of the UK’s leading brass bands, who will each be performing Malcolm Arnold’s

challenging 12-minute set piece entitled ‘Fantasy for Brass Bands’.

“Yes, we’ve got our work cut out as it’s quite an intense piece, but our conductor Joshua Ruck is starting to put us through our paces, and we know that come the festival, Goodwick Brass Band will be ready to perform to the very best of its ability.

“Many of our younger instrumentalists get just 10 or 15 minutes of tuition in school, and this is why our band rehearsals are so important.”

The Goodwick Junor band is open to youngsters between the age of nine to 16, while the community band includes youngsters as well as the older generation who just want to play for fun.

“And at the end of the day that’s what music is all about,” added Tony.

Some of the Goodwick band members have gone on to great and mighty things including trumpeter Carys Wood who was this year accepted to study at the Royal

Academy of Music London, and past members Gemma Taylor who studied tenor horn at the Royal College of Music and Gareth Trott who was solo euphonium player with the Household Division’s Band of the Irish Guards.

Meanwhile, Goodwick Brass Band is currently trying to secure sufficient funding to take part in the Blackpool Festival. The band will be travelling up on Friday evening, May 9, competing throughout Saturday afternoon and heading back to Pembrokeshire on Sunday morning.

“The trip is going to cost us around £3,500 so we’re currently trying to get as much funding together as possible,” explained Tony.

“The bus alone is going to cost us £1,600, so if anyone is in a position to give the Goodwick Brass Band some financial support to help us on our way, that would be a huge help.”

Any donations can be made by contacting the chairman, Tony Evans on 07971 945464 or by visiting the band’s website on www. goodwickbrass.org.uk Tony Evans

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

Opticians raises funds for Glaucoma UK with charity bake sale

A LOCAL opticians in Haverfordwest has raised awareness about glaucoma and funds for charity Glaucoma UK by hosting an in-store bake sale.

Coinciding with World Glaucoma Awareness Week (9 – 15 March), an annual campaign encouraging people to talk about the effects of glaucoma, the fundraiser saw employees at Specsavers Haverfordwest, alongside local café, The Box, donate a variety of baked goods to help support the cause.

Customers and local community members contributed to the event, raising £280 through cash and online donations. Leftover cakes were donated to local community initiative, Feed the Community.

According to Glaucoma UK there are around 700,000 people living with glaucoma and between 2015 and 2035 that number is set to rise by 44%[1]. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing sight loss, as glaucoma can often be managed effectively if diagnosed in time.

Andy Britton, director and glaucoma specialist at Specsavers Haverfordwest, explains: ‘Glaucoma is a major cause of sight loss, but the good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can make a real difference in managing the condition. That’s why events like this are so valuable in spreading awareness.

‘We’re delighted with the turnout for our bake sale and want to thank everyone who contributed, whether by baking, donating or simply stopping by to support the cause. Raising awareness of glaucoma is vital and we’re proud to support Glaucoma UK in their mission to help those affected by the condition.’

To further boost fundraising efforts, the store also held a raffle with

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prizes including a food and movie night hamper and a voucher for local restaurant, Waldo Lounge.

Alongside cash donations on the day, Specsavers Haverfordwest set up

a JustGiving page to allow those unable to attend in person to contribute.

To support the fundraiser, donate via the JustGiving page: www.justgiving. com/page/danielle-thomas-turner1?newPage=true Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in

Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ haverfordwest.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Local MP completes his first Haverfordwest Parkrun

HaVERFORdWEST Parkrun number 312 took place on Saturday (Mar 15) at the Racecourse, with 80 participants crossing the finish line—among them, Henry Tufnell MP, who completed his first parkrun.

The MP recorded a time of 18 minutes and 14 seconds at the free weekly 5k community event. His wife, Poppy, also took part, volunteering for the first time as one of 15 helpers who ensure the event runs smoothly under the parkrun UK umbrella.

The event, which has now seen 24,536 finishers, takes place every Saturday at 9:00am. Organisers expressed gratitude to Haverfordwest Racecourse Public Park Trust for their continued support in hosting the event and to Haverfordwest Cricket Club for providing toilet facilities for participants each week.

Households could benefit from new energy infrastructure

HOUSEHOLdS in Pembrokeshire and other areas near new or upgraded electricity pylons are set to receive bill discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years, as part of the government’s “Plan for Change.” This initiative, included in the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, ensures that communities benefit directly from hosting vital grid infrastructure— critical for the growing renewable energy sector in West Wales.

Under the new legislation, households within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure will receive electricity bill discounts amounting to £250 per year. This will provide significant financial relief to rural communities while supporting the expansion of the national grid—particularly important for Pembrokeshire as it prepares to accommodate new offshore wind developments in the Celtic Sea.

In addition to bill discounts, new guidance will require developers to fund community projects such as sports clubs, educational programmes, and leisure facilities. The government has emphasized that communities hosting infrastructure should see direct benefits, which will also accelerate the transition

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to clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

PEMbrokEsHIrE’s rolE In CLEaN ENERGY

With major offshore wind farms planned for the Celtic Sea,

Pembrokeshire is set to become a central hub for renewable energy, bringing investment and infrastructure upgrades. New transmission network developments will be essential to transport this clean energy across Wales and beyond. Community benefits will help ease local opposition and planning delays that have slowed previous projects.

Building new transmission infrastructure is vital for economic growth, unlocking £40 billion annually in private investment, creating jobs, and securing the UK’s energy future. This investment will also protect consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices, which caused energy bills to spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO CLEaN ENERGY

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “We owe it to the people of this country to get Britain building again. This is not about whether we build the infrastructure we need, but how we do it in partnership with local communities.

“This government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill will slash energy bills for people living near new projects, ensuring they benefit as we drive forward our mission for a more prosperous and energy-secure future.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband echoed this sentiment, stating: “The only way to make Britain energy secure and bring down bills for good is to end our reliance on fossil fuel markets and replace them with clean, homegrown power.

“As part of this effort, we are delivering on our commitment to ensure communities hosting new infrastructure receive meaningful benefits.”

INdUSTRY SUPPORT

John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid, welcomed the announcement, stating:

“It is right that communities see enduring, tangible benefits for hosting transmission infrastructure. We look forward to working with communities to deliver long-lasting and meaningful benefits alongside critical infrastructure.”

James Robottom, head of policy at RenewableUK, added: “We welcome the government’s latest steps to accelerate infrastructure development. Guaranteeing lower electricity bills for local communities is a positive step forward. By bringing communities on board, we can speed up the rollout of essential grid infrastructure and strengthen the UK’s energy security.”

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNdS FOR PEMBROKESHIRE

The new guidance also establishes funding for communities hosting grid infrastructure. For every kilometre of overhead electricity cable, communities could receive £200,000 in funding, while substations could generate up to £530,000 in community investment. This means that areas in West Wales affected by new grid connections for offshore wind farms could see millions in funding for local projects.

Pembrokeshire is already seeing a transformation, with the proposed floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly boost the local economy. Milford Haven, already a major energy port, is set to play a key role in the UK’s renewable energy future, with new grid connections ensuring that power from the Celtic Sea reaches homes and businesses efficiently.

The UK’s electricity grid, originally designed in the 1930s, requires significant upgrades to accommodate renewables. Expanding grid infrastructure will reduce constraint costs—where wind farms are paid to shut down due to a lack of capacity— ultimately lowering energy costs for consumers.

With these measures, Pembrokeshire communities closest to new energy infrastructure will benefit from both clean power and financial savings, reinforcing the region’s position as a leader in the UK’s green energy transition.

The upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill will introduce additional measures to accelerate the UK’s clean power transition, unblocking vital new energy infrastructure projects and ensuring that rural communities, including those in West Wales, benefit from the energy revolution.

Charity funds gardening items for Older Adult Mental Health ward

THaNKS to donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel dda University Health Board, has been able to fund gardening items for St Non Ward, the Older adult Mental Health Ward at Withybush Hospital.

The NHS charity funds paid for raised garden beds, a bird bath, a greenhouse, plant pots, wind spinners and a watering can.

Lara Schmidt, Occupational Therapist, said: “We are very grateful that charitable funds have enabled us to purchase these items for St Non Ward.

“The gardening equipment will enable our Occupational Therapy team, who have a gardening group at St Non Ward, to provide a positive patient experience.

“The gardening sessions will provide movement, sensory, emotional, cognitive and social benefits to the older adults on ward.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www. hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Oriel y Parc opens its doors to a world of peace and tranquillity

an exhibition featuring the work of two leading artists and illustrators is to open at the National Park discovery Centre in St davids.

Featuring the work of Jackie Morris and Elly Morgan, ‘Tangnefedd Rhyngom: Peace Between Us’ invites visitors to explore the theme of peace, creating an opportunity for people to pause, reflect and connect with the quiet beauty of the world around them.

The exhibition brings together two distinct approaches to peace. Jackie Morris – illustrator, artists and writer best known for The Lost Words and The Lost Spells – presents a series of prints depicting painted doves, using her signature style to convey peace as a dynamic force. In contrast, Elly Morgan, known for her intricate ceramic work, offers a tactile interpretation of peace through her ceramic doves which draw inspiration from Pembrokeshire’s natural landscapes.

On World Poetry Day (March 22), Jackie Morris will host a talk and a question and an answer session which will provide a deeper insight into the exhibition as well as themes that inspire her work. The free event will

take lace between 2 pm and 3 pm. Meanwhile Elly Morgan will lead a family-friendly workshop from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, March 23.

The drop-in invites participants of all

MIKE EDWARDS

I DIDn’T expect anything other than gloom. I didn’t expect soulwrenching despair.

One of our offspring secured tickets to see Wales play England in Cardiff. He asked us to join him at the stadium to watch the game live.

The old saw is that it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive. I wouldn’t say we travelled in hope, but our arrival was pleasant enough. Cardiff was cold and grey, but the atmosphere inside the stadium was electrifying. At least, it was until England got their collective act together and proceeded to pulverise the Welsh team.

Not so long ago, Wales had a handful of players who would’ve got into any other Six Nations starting XV and one or two who might even have squeaked into a World XV. On Saturday, it was hard to imagine a Welsh player who would get onto England’s bench, let alone in the starting XV. The English pack were so dominant that you could (just) make a case for Aaron Wainwright. However, behind the scrum, for all Blair Murray’s skill and bravery, the backs lacked the power to compete. If you can spot one Welsh back deserving of a place on the Lions’ plane to New Zealand, I can guarantee they weren’t on the pitch last Saturday.

What chilled me the most was the fact that families parted with hundreds of pounds to attend a match that showed how far Wales has fallen behind the rest and spent the afternoon listening to a very large English contingent singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot for an hour and a half.

I’ve never experienced that at a home international fixture before. I haven’t watched the television coverage, so I’m uncertain that it was picked up and broadcast. Believe me, it was a chastening experience and not one I’m eager to repeat.

My wife, who is not a rugby fan but is a fan of watching burly men in shorts pounding seven bells of crap out of each other, summarised things best.

“It was like watching a team of professionals taking on a school team.”

After the game, my missus and our child’s missus spent time together at home. The son and I went to the pub. We did more than drown our sorrows.

I’ve no idea how much I drank or how I remained upright, but there are times when what keeps you going is the need to forget a trauma. By the time we got back to their home after midnight, we had navigated the Marianas Trench of booze in an effort to obliterate the sad memory of the evening’s sport.

And yet, despite my best efforts to detonate my liver, I survived, and so did the memories of Saturday’s game.

My wife and I are grateful for an expensive treat. My darlingest one loved the experience of being at the stadium for the spectacle and the anthems, as she’d not been before.

ages to contribute to a collaborative installation using recycled materials and acrylic paints.

The exhibition will be on display at Oriel y Parc until Sunday, April 27.

But what made the weekend special was spending quality time in good company. I can’t help thinking we might have done that without going to the match. If I were the WRU, I’d think very hard about that last point. Very hard, indeed.

Push to keep Cardigan’s iconic fox sculpture gains support

a BELOVEd fox sculpture that has become a popular fixture at Cardigan’s Guildhall Market may soon be removed—unless local traders and residents can raise enough funds to keep it.

The striking willow sculpture, known as Fantastic Mr Fox, has been delighting visitors since it was placed in the market courtyard during last December’s Festival of Light. Created by renowned local artist Michelle Cain, the intricate piece was originally loaned to the space as a temporary installation.

Now, with its time in the courtyard coming to an end, a community-driven effort is underway to purchase the sculpture outright. Market traders, backed by the market’s management, are spearheading a fundraising campaign to ensure the fox remains a permanent feature.

“Since he arrived, he’s brought so much joy—not just to us as traders, but to our customers, visitors, and the

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wider community,” said Jana Davidson, who runs Leafy Lion at the market. “People love taking photos with him, and he’s become a real talking point. We don’t want to see him go.”

The campaign aims to raise £2,500 to secure Mr Fox’s future, covering both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the sculpture. Contributions can be made online via JustGiving or in person at collection boxes placed throughout the market.

Some traders are also stepping up to support the cause. Cardigan Bay Quilts, located on the upper level, is donating all proceeds from the sale of special fabric bundles to the fund.

Market supporters are hopeful the target can be reached in time to prevent the fox’s departure. “Every donation helps,” added Davidson. “We’d love to see Mr Fox stay right where he belongs.”

Pembrokeshire attraction opens to public to support local charity

a POPULaR Pembrokeshire attraction will be welcoming nonresidents next month to raise funds for a vital local charity.

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The Blue Lagoon at Bluestone will be open to the public on Tuesday, April 15, with proceeds going to Point Youth

Centre in Fishguard. The charity, which supports young people with drop-in services, structured activities, free meals, training, and counselling, will receive 75 per cent of the ticket sales from the event.

Before the Covid pandemic, the Blue Lagoon was regularly open to day visitors who could enjoy the pool, waterslides, wave machine, and jacuzzis alongside holiday park guests. However, this stopped during lockdown and was never fully reinstated, leading to frustration among locals.

Now, the water park opens to the public on selected evenings to support the Bluestone Foundation and local

charities. The upcoming event will provide families with a chance to enjoy the facility while giving back to the community.

“These events provide an opportunity for community members to enjoy the Blue Lagoon while directly contributing to local causes,” said a Bluestone spokesperson.

The event runs from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, with tickets priced at £11.55 for adults and children. Entry for children under four costs £2.88. Tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bluelagoon-event-in-support-of-fishguardgoodwick-young-persons-trusttickets-1116390406759

Cardigan community rallies to save historic chapel, but £150,000 still needed

a PUBLIC meeting to advance the community purchase of the old Tabernacl Chapel in Cardigan was held on Saturday (Mar 8), drawing strong support for the plan to transform it into a high street-based community and cultural hub, “Hwb Aberteifi.”

The voluntary committee behind the initiative thanked attendees for their ideas on activities and ways to generate income. Many well-known Cardigan

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residents and former chapel members were among those present.

a VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Jonathan Rees provided an overview of the chapel’s history, while Richard Oernant Jones outlined the vision for

Hwb Aberteifi, which aims to become a centre for community activities, training, and cultural events. A key focus is preserving the works and legacy of local bard Dic Jones.

Owain Dafydd spoke about Fflach Cymunedol Ltd, a community-owned recording studio and music label hoping to relocate to the chapel’s vestry. He detailed how the label recently raised £72,000 through a share offer to support its expansion at the Hwb site.

URGENT FUNdRaISING EFFORT

Cris Tomos, treasurer of 4CG Cymru Ltd, explained that £150,000 must be raised by March 31 to complete the purchase. Since launching the initiative on March 1, supporters have already pledged £18,000 in loans.

The plan involves asking 150 people to lend £1,000 each in return for a guaranteed 4% annual interest over three years. Tomos pointed to similar successful community purchases in Wales, including Newport’s Bethlehem Chapel, where £145,000 was raised in just three weeks last autumn.

“There are generous individuals willing to lend larger sums, such as £20,000 or more,” said Tomos. “For such contributions, we can provide a legal charge on the building as security, as was done in previous community purchases.”

APPEAl For ‘HWb CHAMPIons’

At the meeting, held at Cardigan’s Corn Exchange, organisers launched an appeal for “Hwb Champions.” The project is looking for 30 volunteers to each recruit five supporters willing to lend £1,000, helping to bridge the funding gap.

Anyone interested in becoming a Hwb Champion can contact the project via email at hwbaberteifi@gmail.com or by calling the 4CG Cymru office on 01239 621109.

HOW TO SUPPORT

With time running out, the community is urging potential lenders to pick up a lending agreement from Awen Teifi Shop or the Community Bookshop in Cardigan. Agreements can also be downloaded from the project website: www.hwb-aberteifi.org.

Shan Williams of 4CG Cymru closed the meeting by discussing potential tax relief incentives for supporters. The project is working to secure approval under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which could offer UK taxpayers 50% tax relief.

Further details can be found at www. hwb-aberteifi.org.

Tom

Photo: Stuart Ladd.

Milford Haven set to celebrate Founding Day 2025 in June

MILFORd HaVEN is gearing up for its annual Founding day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2025. Organized by the Milford Haven Business Circle, this event aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local business showcases, and family-friendly activities.

Event highlights:

• Family-Friendly Activities: Attendees can look forward to various attractions suitable for all ages, including bouncy castles, slides,

face painting, and small rides.

• Local Business Participation: Local businesses and organizations are expected to host indoor stalls, popup shops, and provide engaging games and demonstrations, offering unique products and services to visitors.

• Live Performances: Live music and performances will provide a vibrant backdrop to the day’s festivities, showcasing local talent and adding

to the celebratory atmosphere.

The Milford Haven Business Circle is actively seeking support from local businesses to ensure the event’s success. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various promotional opportunities, and businesses can also contribute by donating raffle prizes or assisting with event logistics.

How to get involved:

• Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses interested in sponsoring

the event or donating prizes can contact the organizers for more information on available packages and benefits.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Community members wishing to volunteer their time and skills to assist with event preparations and on-the-day activities are encouraged to reach out.

For more details or to offer support, please contact the organizers through the Milford Haven Business Circle Facebook page or via email at secretary. mhbc24@gmail.com.

The community’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the event’s past successes, and Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025 promises to be another memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.

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Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away

TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio dJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord, whose vibrant personality and dedication to music left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Baker, who had a rich and varied career spanning cruise ships, radio, and live entertainment, was known for his infectious energy and ability to bring people together. He spent much of his working life at sea, where he served as a Cruise Director, fostering talent and encouraging performers to take the stage. Many have shared their memories of his support for emerging artists and his ability to read a crowd, ensuring that every event he was part of was filled with ‘goooooood times’—a phrase he was known for.

After his time on the high seas, Baker became a familiar voice on the airwaves, joining Herald Radio before later moving to Pure West Radio. His passion for music extended beyond broadcasting, as he briefly ran The Tiddly, a popular pub near Haverfordwest, which became a hub for local musicians and entertainers. The venue, under his leadership, was a space where talent flourished, and many recall fond memories of latenight sessions filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie.

His impact on the local music scene was immense. Baker was instrumental

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in promoting up-and-coming artists, offering them opportunities to perform at festivals and gigs. Fellow musicians, DJs, and friends have taken to social media to express their shock and sorrow at his passing.

Leading the tributes, Baker’s mother, Phyllis Oostermeijer, shared her heartbreak: “It’s with a broken heart I have to share with you that Matt has gone on another journey. I know he will kick his heels up and make everyone happy. That was his life, to bring love and Gooodtimes to all.”

Nick Carey described him as “a true legend” who introduced him to talented people and encouraged everyone to perform. Cruise industry colleague DjFly Gertos paid tribute from Saint John, Antigua, recalling their time working together from 2007 to 2009: “I did not lose a boss, I lost a friend.”

Thomas Jordan, a fellow performer, shared: “He was a hell of a showman, performer, and all-round great guy! I had the absolute privilege of playing alongside him for numerous events with the Travelling Tiddlys band. The Pembrokeshire music scene will not be the same.”

Others have remembered his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for musicians, including Gareth Sanders-Swales, who noted

that Baker was one of the few who “gave an 8-year-old drummer a chance to play in his open mic nights.”

His time as a Cruise Director also left a significant mark. Many entertainers credited him with helping them advance their careers. Sonia Wingert, a fellow cruise ship entertainer, recalled how Baker played her album on his radio show and remained a supportive friend over the years. “He always played my album on his radio shows back home, so very kind and thoughtful. My heart is broken to hear he has left us so, so young.”

Friends and colleagues from across the globe have shared tributes, remembering Baker for his warm personality, quick wit, and boundless enthusiasm. Whether performing magic tricks, telling jokes, spinning records, or running a bar, he brought

joy to those around him.

Jason Fubar, a close friend, summed up the sentiments of many: “Hard words to write here as one of my very good friends passed away this morning. We’ve spent many a mental night together—cruises, nightclubs, and belly laughs all the way along. A truly talented soul, one that lit up a room when he walked in. So many happy and fun memories with you, brother.”

Matt Baker’s passing leaves a void in the music and entertainment world, but his legacy of uplifting others and creating unforgettable moments will endure. His family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched will remember him as a man who lived to entertain and bring people together.

Rest in peace, Matt Baker.

DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN

HOLd onto your billy clubs, folks, because daredevil: Born again has swung onto disney+, and it’s a wild ride through Hell’s Kitchen!

Charlie Cox reprises his role as Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer by day and acrobatic vigilante by night, delivering a performance that’s as sharp as his senses.

The series kicks off with Murdock attempting to leave his devilish alter ego behind, focusing on his legal career.

But when his old nemesis, Wilson Fisk (the ever-menacing Vincent D’Onofrio), aims for the mayor’s office, Matt can’t resist donning the red suit once more. Their cat-and-mouse game is as thrilling as ever, with Fisk’s political aspirations adding a fresh twist to their rivalry. The stakes are higher than

ever, and as power struggles intensify, Matt finds himself forced to navigate treacherous alliances while keeping his moral compass intact.

The courtroom scenes are a standout, showcasing Matt’s legal prowess and moral dilemmas. However, not all is smooth sailing; some plot points feel a bit tangled, and new viewers might find themselves flipping through a mental Rolodex to keep up.

But for die-hard fans, these complexities add depth to the narrative. This season also dives deeper into Matt’s personal struggles, including his lingering guilt, friendships, and the blurred line between justice and vengeance.

Action sequences are as bone-crunching as you’d expect, with Daredevil taking on foes in choreographed

fights that are both brutal and beautiful. The show’s darker tone is a refreshing contrast to the more lighthearted Marvel fare, diving deep into themes of justice, corruption, and redemption. Each battle feels more personal, and every choice carries weight, making the emotional stakes just as intense as the physical ones. While the series isn’t without its flaws—some episodes meander, and certain subplots feel undercooked—Daredevil: Born Again ultimately delivers a gripping tale that honors its gritty roots. With stellar performances, thrilling action, and thought-provoking storytelling, this revival is a must-watch. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Hell’s Kitchen, this series offers a devilishly good time that’s worth every punch.

SNoW WHITE

Disney’s 2025 liveaction Snow White delivers a visually stunning and musically enchanting take on the beloved classic while incorporating modern themes of empowerment and selfdiscovery.

Under Marc Webb’s direction, the film reimagines the fairy tale with a fresh yet respectful approach, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.

From the opening frames, the film captivates with its lush cinematography, detailed set design, and a color palette that evokes the magic of classic disney. The musical score, featuring both beloved originals and new compositions by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, breathes new life into the story, with standout numbers that stay with the audience long after the

credits roll. Rachel Zegler shines as Snow White, effortlessly embodying the character’s innocence, kindness, and newfound determination. Her vocal performances add depth to the role, making her portrayal both familiar and refreshingly modern. Opposite her, Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen is a mesmerizing force, balancing elegance and menace in a way that makes her one of Disney’s most memorable live-action villains.

The narrative shifts away from a traditional love story, instead emphasizing snow White’s journey toward leadership and self-reliance. This evolution aligns with contemporary sensibilities, ensuring that the film resonates with a new generation while still honoring

its roots. However, one of the most debated changes is the reimagining of the seven dwarfs as CGI “magical creatures.” While intended to modernize the tale and address sensitivities, this creative choice has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewers finding the execution less effective than hoped. despite pre-release controversies and high expectations, Snow White emerges as a beautifully crafted adaptation that respects the original while carving out its own identity. With its breathtaking visuals, memorable performances, and a more independent heroine, it stands among Disney’s stronger live-action remakes, offering both charm and fresh insights for audiences old and new.

Tech and Taff

SHOULd PaRENTS BaN

THEIR KIdS FROM ROBLOx?

roblox, one of the world’s biggest gaming platforms, has a problem. It’s hugely popular with children, particularly in the UK, where it dominates among eight to 12-year-olds. but it’s also dogged by controversy—claims of children encountering explicit content, reports of bullying, and even allegations of grooming.

Now, the company’s chief executive, Dave Baszucki, has given his advice to concerned parents: if you’re not comfortable with your child using it, don’t let them.

a SaFE SPaCE OR a RISKY ONE?

Baszucki insists Roblox is doing all it can to protect its young users. He points out that millions of people have “amazing experiences” on the platform. However, in a BBC interview, he acknowledged that parents should ultimately decide whether their kids should use the game.

Mumsnet’s Justine Roberts weighed in, saying that while parental controls exist, constant supervision is challenging. “Life gets in the way,” she said, noting that parents can’t watch their children 24/7.

Meanwhile, Ellie Gibson of the Scummy Mummies podcast suggested Baszucki’s message was a bit of a cop-out. “It’s much easier said than done, especially when all their friends are playing it,” she remarked.

HOW SaFE IS ROBLOx?

Roblox has over 80 million daily players, 40% of whom are under 13. The company says it has strict safeguards, including AI-powered chat monitoring and banning under-13s from direct messaging. Players who engage in bullying or harassment can

be temporarily suspended or banned.

Yet, a BBC investigation found that it was still possible for a 27-year-old and a 15-year-old to exchange messages on unlinked accounts. Although filters blocked explicit requests to move to other platforms, the testers found easy ways to reword their messages.

Baszucki defended the company’s approach, arguing that the fact people try to take conversations off-platform is proof that Roblox is doing a good job at moderation.

THE Uk’s CrACkDoWn on ONLINE SaFETY

With the UK’s Online Safety Act coming into force next month, tech companies face new obligations to protect children from harm. Baszucki claims Roblox already goes “way beyond” legal requirements. But concerns remain. A BBC probe found that an 11-year-old was recommended games with names like ‘Late Night Boys And Girls Club RP’ and ‘Shoot Down Planes…Because Why Not?’

Baszucki said he trusts Roblox’s age-rating system but acknowledged the platform constantly refines its safety features.

a MULTI-BILLION dOLLaR EMPIRE

Founded in 2004, Roblox began as an educational tool before morphing into a social gaming giant. Its introduction of the digital currency Robux in 2007 turned it into a financial powerhouse. Today, it’s worth an estimated $41 billion.

Baszucki compares building Roblox to Walt Disney designing the Magic Kingdom—only this one exists in the Metaverse. He envisions Roblox as “the future of communication” and hopes to attract 10% of the world’s gamers.

But for now, parents remain divided. Is Roblox a safe space for kids? Or should they follow the CEO’s advice and keep them off it entirely?

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food

village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

conic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

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atelier Yumia: The alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land—a title so grand it practically demands a velvet-clad herald to announce it at court! This latest installment in the beloved Atelier series doesn’t just take a step forward; it flings itself, arms outstretched, into the creative ether, fusing its signature alchemical tinkering with the boundless potential of an open world. and oh, what a world it is! Lush, expansive, brimming with that ineffable sense of wonder that whispers, “Go on, have a rummage—who knows what secrets the past has left behind?” at the heart of this arcane adventure is Yumia Liessfeldt, the last practitioner of alchemy in a society that has collectively decided, “nah, mate, we’re done with that.” alchemy, once a revered craft, is now regarded with the same suspicion one might reserve for unsolicited street magic. But Yumia? she’s not having it. she sets off on a grand journey of self-discovery, armed with an insatiable curiosity, a defiant spirit, and presumably a very large bag for all the mystical paraphernalia she’s bound to collect along the way. Thematically, it’s an elegant meditation on the cyclical nature of human knowledge—what we embrace, what we discard, and the brave souls who dare to resurrect forgotten wisdom.

now, let’s talk structure. The atelier series has traditionally favored a more compartmentalized world design—little cozy pockets of discovery. But here, the game flings open the doors to vast, open landscapes, inviting players to frolic freely through sun-dappled forests, crumbling ruins, and (presumably) at least one hauntingly serene lake of existential reflection. It’s exhilarating… for the most part. Some areas lack the diversity needed to sustain that sense of discovery, leading to the occasional bout of traversal ennui. But where the world shines, it truly dazzles. and what of the alchemy? The very soul of the atelier series? Here, it’s given a delightful overhaul, with a system that manages to be both richly complex and welcomingly accessible. Quick, on-the-fly concoctions for those in a hurry, and deeper, puzzle-like synthesis for the true craft enthusiasts who want to sit down with a metaphorical pipe and ponder the alchemical mysteries of the cosmos. There’s even a bit of base-building thrown in—because what’s an atelier without a touch of bespoke interior design?

Combat has also been given a good old shake-up, blending real-time movement with the calculated precision of turn-based tactics. Fancy a bit of dodging and repositioning? Go on then. But

HOROSCOPES

when it’s time to unleash something truly devastating, the old commandbased system steps back in, like an experienced sensei gently reminding you that, yes, strategy still matters. It’s fluid, it’s engaging, and it keeps battles feeling fresh— though longtime fans of the slower, more contemplative combat might need a moment to adjust.

And visually? oh, it’s a stunner. a world drenched in vibrant hues, bathed in golden light, where every scene looks as though it’s been lovingly brushed onto a canvas by an overzealous romantic. The soundtrack, too, is a thing of beauty—whimsical, emotive, the kind of music that makes you feel as though you’re about to embark on the greatest adventure of your life… even if you’re just brewing up a particularly potent potion. so, what’s the verdict? Atelier Yumia is bold. It’s beautiful. It’s brimming with ambition and creative verve. Sure, it stumbles now and then—pacing issues, a few undercooked side characters, the occasional stretch of “oh look, another slightly different forest”— but these are mere blemishes on an otherwise exquisite canvas. It’s a game that celebrates curiosity, revels in the forgotten arts, and invites you to lose yourself in a world where wonder and knowledge go hand in hand. In short: it’s magic.

particularly set up for romance, passion, and a renewed closeness to the ones you love. Better try to sneak some rest after work, because it’s probably going to be a late one.

LIBRA Today could get a little tricky, but only if you let it. The most important thing you can do is to separate yourself from negative energy, gloomy people, and harmful or depressing circumstances. That means no falling prey to anyone who’s jealous, resentful, or even plain old whiny. Offer advice, but if someone keeps coming up with reasons why they can’t take it, put some distance between you and the bad attitude. Fast.

SCORPIO

You’ll be in the unique position of yielding to your elders today, and it may feel weird at first. So if you find yourself in the position of backing down from a dispute with an authority figure, don’t feel bad about it. Be proud of your wisdom and your ability to design to the sagacity of others. Respect is a quality that’s earned, and someday you’ll be the experienced leader.

SAGITTARIUS

Despite someone’s efforts to dissuade you, what you’re still after, first and foremost, is quiet time. You don’t want any noise, confusion, or ruckus from the maddening crowd. Right now, silence is the only thing you want to hear. That, and maybe the sound of running water, either hot and bubbling into your tub, or cold and flowing down the side of a tranquil mountain. Either way, enjoy!

CAPRICORN

There’s definitely something to be said for keeping quiet when you have a wonderful secret, you know, the kind that keeps you grinning and staring out the window when you’re supposed to be working. Still, no one’s saying it’s going to be easy to bite your tongue. So if you absolutely must say something to someone, why not talk to your best friend? Remember, just your best friend, no one else.

AQUARIUS

You’re putting out some pretty high-octane vibes at the moment, attracting the attention of just about everyone who happens to amble by. Do them and yourself a favor. If you’re already attached or just not interested, don’t even think about flirting. And

PISCES

WITH EDDIE THE gAME gURU

Badger and the Blame Game

THERE are so many things that Badger feels angry about at the moment. The unremitting awfulness of the Welsh Government and its serial hypocrisy and wastefulness has long been utmost in badger’s mind. The unremitting awfulness of the UK Government and its serial hypocrisy and cant (please check spelling) is coming up on the inside rail. There’s an orange-coloured simpleton in Washington dC cosying up to a venal and brutal dictator in the Kremlin. The economic outlook is grim. The ignorance of online trolls who can’t see further than the brim of their tinfoil hat is beyond wearing.

In true Pembrokeshire tradition, Badger has decided it’s all the Council’s fault.

Yes, readers, the scales have fallen away from Badger’s eyes.

If your Council Tax bill had not risen to meet the increasing demand for services, the world would be just peachy.

It is well-known that demand for services and the cost of providing them is falling. In Pembrokeshire, against all evidence, people are considerately popping off their perches to join the choir invisible before they become dependent on unnecessary services like social care.

Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire’s young are sexually abstinent to the extent that in a few short years, we will no longer need schools or teachers. Those few children that remain can be put to work that others prefer not to do, climbing up chimneys and working in boot-blacking factories. That, of course, is sincerely to be hoped for, as their absence from the streets will stop all that anti-social behaviour we hear so much about, thereby negating the need for the luxury of policing.

There’ll be no need to pay for services at all as soon as we all have rockets in our back gardens to fire our rubbish into the heart of the sun. As cars will be too expensive to run, there’ll be no need to pay for highway repairs. Because everything one could want can be found on the Internet, we won’t need street lighting, leisure centres, or libraries.

It’ll be just like the good old days, but hopefully without rickets or scarlet fever.

It’s so simple. Why has nobody thought of it before?

In fact, we should cut all those services right now to avoid the hassle of removing them in the future!

It should be obvious from the above, even for the dimmest county councillor (or one who thinks they’re the cleverest) that, contrary to received wisdom, Badger does not believe Pembrokeshire County Council causes all of the world’s and humanity’s problems.

Phew!

Badger can hear the sighs of relief echoing around County Hall at those words.

However, and let’s face it, in a world where simple solutions commend themselves to the credulous, Badger is prepared to state that “something must be done” and nod sagely, having made his contribution to the debate.

It’s not for Badger to offer solutions. It’s for our elected representatives to come up with them so we can snipe from the sidelines.

What the world needs, of course, is some guiding genius to help humankind through its present travails and to those sunlit uplands of existence we often

hear of but never experience.

First of all, any guiding genius needs to tackle the problem that affects more people in the UK than any other.

Badger humbly presents a credible solution for that task. Sea mines and barbed wire all the way around the coast. It’ll have the double benefit of keeping the rest of the world out while ensuring all those millionaires and billionaires who keep threatening to jog off to sunnier climes instead of paying taxes can’t escape. It’s a winwin.

But, readers, we need to think bigger. We must think globally. Sea mines and barbed wire are only one part of the long-term plan to return Planet Earth to sound foundations.

Badger proposes a radical solution to the global problem of migration as a next step. It’s a punt, but bear with him.

Badger proposes abolishing foreigners. Everywhere. Moreover, he suggests that anyone descended from migrants going back ten thousand years or so should be forcibly repatriated to

their ancestors’ points of origin.

For the majority of those of white European ancestry, this means the region around Kazakhstan and the Caucasus will become very crowded very quickly. However, if it was good enough for Spog the Nomad, it’s good enough for all you humans. Imagine America without Americans, or rather populated only by Americans. Imagine the emptiness of the British Isles. Consider France without the French. Actually, Badger quite likes that last idea.

In fact, why not go one step further: take the whole human race and dump them in sub-Saharan Africa? That’s where the human race originated, and I’m sure Suella Braverman told us it’s perfectly safe.

Let’s face it: it’s the simple solution. And that’s what we like: simple. Never mind the complicated way of doing things. Get back to sweeping, simplistic statements unfounded in reality and detached from sanity. Simple concepts. Humans like simple concepts. They (whoever “they” are) are all corrupt. I am honest, and my motives are unimpeachable. Clever. Stupid. Good. Bad. Right. Wrong. It’s all binary code. Ones and zeroes, as far as the eye can see.

Nuance be damned. Nonsense be praised.

If things were really simple, people were rational, systems straightforwardly flowed from cause to effect, and problems had simple solutions that benefited all and harmed none, Badger would bet that a race as smart as Homo Sapiens would have sorted all of that out by now: even in Fishguard.

Humankind hasn’t, of course. That leads Badger to suspect one of two things: either humans are all dullards, or things are more complicated than they appear.

There are limited circumstances in which the simple solution is the right one, but those solutions occur only in closed systems. In anything with more than one moving part, complexity is inevitable.

People who pretend there are simple solutions to complex problems are, almost invariably, charlatans, crooks, or stupid enough to think they’re clever.

Long live complexity.

Or blame the Council.

It’s your choice. It’s that simple.

AUSTERITY BY ANOTHER NAME? LABOUR’S WELFARE SHAKE-UP RUFFLES FEATHERS

SQUaWK! LISTEN UP, FLOCK— there’s a storm brewing over the cliffs, and this time it’s not just the usual seagull turf war over a soggy chip. No, this is bigger. The humans in charge—specifically one liz kendall—are flapping about with a so-called ‘green paper’ that could see some of the most vulnerable folks having their pockets picked clean. That’s right, while the fat cats and high flyers stay cozy, the ones already struggling might be asked to cough up £5bn to plug a hole in the country’s finances. Achafi!

Labour’s MPs are looking about as comfortable as a pigeon in a kestrel’s nest. Ed Balls himself—who used to be

one of the big-winged ones—squawked that it’s “not a Labour thing to do.” And yet, here we are, watching them try to justify a move that’s got all the charm of a seagull swiping a toddler’s ice cream. They reckon folks think claimants are ‘swinging the lead,’ but the numbers tell a different tale—only 26% of people actually believe disability benefits are too generous. And trust me, once the real hardship stories start surfacing, those opinions will shift faster than a chip van in a high wind.

Nobody’s saying the system doesn’t need a tweak. After all, the Tories spent years treating jobcentres like game shows—chucking people off benefits on the flimsiest of excuses, all in the name

of ‘targets.’ And what did that leave us with? A mess. Universal Credit (UC) is now so low that if a human tried to survive on it, they’d be eyeing up the scraps on Milford Haven docks with us lot. That’s why it’s promising to hear that Kendall might actually raise the basic UC rate and that they’re backing off from freezing Personal Independence Payments (PIP). But here’s the catch— while they say they won’t cut, they might just ‘tighten eligibility.’ And we all know what that means: more hoops to jump through, more people left behind.

And don’t even get me started on George Osborne. That smug old gull is out there gloating that even he thought freezing PIP would be too much. This,

from the same bloke who made it his mission to strip money from families and send child poverty soaring. The cheek of it!

Of course, there are some decent ideas in the mix. Helping people back to work with proper support? Fine. Work coaches with time to actually help instead of just ticking boxes? That’s got wings. But Labour’s got to decide whether it’s actually going to help people or just shuffle them about like stale bread rolls in a seaside bin.

Wes Streeting reckons ‘too many’ are diagnosed with mental illness. Is that a hint that benefits will be cut, or is it an offer to actually help? We don’t know yet, and that’s the problem. Labour’s got a history of making tough calls in government that don’t always sit well. Just ask Harriet Harman, who got left holding the bag back in 1997 when single parents were hit with cuts. Labour fixed things later, sure—but do the folks struggling right now have time to wait?

And it’s not just disabled people who need to be worried. More cuts are coming—departments are being told to find 10% or more to chop. All while Starmer says there’ll be no new tax, no borrowing, and no austerity. Can’t have all three, mate! Something’s got to give, and if history tells us anything, it’s usually the ones who can least afford it that get the short end of the stick.

The truth is, this country has been shifting wealth upwards for decades. Wages down, profits up, landlords raking it in while renters sink. So why, when there’s a shortfall, does the government look down instead of up?

In Blackpool, nearly one in five workingage people is on a health-related benefit. In Wokingham? Just 4%. That’s not coincidence—that’s inequality in action. Labour should know better. Every Labour government before has lifted people up, improved services, tackled poverty. But it takes trust—trust that they’ll actually do the right thing, not just say it. And right now, trust is as scarce as chips on a busy summer’s day. Over to you, Starmer—are you here to help the struggling or just spread the crumbs around?

Thinking of getting a rabbit this Easter? Think again!

PETS CORNER

aS EaSTER approaches, the image of fluffy bunnies hopping around is everywhere. They feature on Easter cards, decorations, and chocolate treats, making them the unofficial mascots of the season. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in people impulsively buying rabbits as gifts for children. While rabbits can make wonderful pets, they require a level of care and commitment that many people underestimate. Before you rush out to bring a bunny home this Easter, here’s what you need to consider.

RaBBITS aRE a LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

One of the biggest misconceptions about rabbits is that they are short-lived, lowmaintenance pets. In reality, rabbits can live for 8 to 12 years, sometimes even longer with the right care. They need a stable, loving home throughout their lives, not just for a few months while they’re small and cute. If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, ask yourself if you’re prepared for a decade or more of responsibility.

THEY NEEd SPaCE – NOT JUST a HUTCH

Many people still believe that rabbits are happy living in small hutches at the bottom of the garden. However, modern rabbit care guidelines stress that hutches should only be a part of their living space. Rabbits need large, secure enclosures where they can hop, run, and explore. The RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund) recommends a minimum enclosure size of 3m x 2m with an attached sheltered area. Indoor rabbits need safe, rabbitproofed areas to roam freely.

THEY aRE SOCIaL aNIMaLS

Rabbits are highly social creatures that thrive on

companionship. In the wild, they live in groups, and a single rabbit kept alone can become lonely and depressed. This is why responsible owners should consider adopting a bonded pair rather than keeping a solitary bunny. If you do have just one rabbit, you’ll need to provide plenty of interaction, enrichment, and companionship.

PROPER dIET IS CRUCIaL

Many new rabbit owners mistakenly think a rabbit’s diet consists mostly of commercial pellets and carrots. While these can be part of their diet, the most important food for a rabbit is hay. Around 80-90% of their diet should be fresh hay or grass, supplemented with leafy greens and a small portion of high-quality rabbit pellets. Sugary treats and too many carrots (which are high in sugar) can lead to serious health problems, including obesity and dental disease.

THEY NEEd REGULaR VETERINaRY CaRE

Like cats and dogs, rabbits require regular check-ups with a vet, as well as vaccinations against deadly diseases like myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD).

They also need annual health checks, and their teeth and nails should be monitored regularly. Spaying and neutering are essential for preventing unwanted litters and reducing aggression, particularly in pairs.

THEY ArE noT ‘EAsY’ PETs FOR CHILdREN

Rabbits are often seen as great pets for young children, but they are not always a good match. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits do not like being picked up and can become stressed or even injured if handled incorrectly. They are fragile animals and can break their own backs if they kick too hard while being held. If a child wants a pet rabbit, it should be under adult supervision, with parents prepared to take full responsibility for the animal’s long-term welfare.

THINK adOPTION, NOT IMPULSE BUYING

Every year, rescue centres become overwhelmed with rabbits that were bought on impulse for Easter and then abandoned once the novelty wears off. If you are serious about getting a rabbit, consider adopting from a reputable rescue centre rather than buying from

a pet shop. Rescued rabbits are often already vaccinated, neutered, and socialised, making them a better choice for a loving home.

EaSTER aLTERNaTIVES

If you’re considering a rabbit as an Easter gift for a child, why not opt for a stuffed toy or a chocolate bunny instead? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Easter season without making a decision that could lead to neglect or abandonment. If your child is genuinely interested in rabbits, you could visit a rabbit rescue centre, sponsor a bunny, or read books about responsible pet ownership together.

FINaL THOUGHTS

Rabbits can make amazing, affectionate companions for the right owner, but they require careful thought, time, and dedication. They are not seasonal novelties or disposable pets. If you’re not ready for the responsibility, it’s best to admire them from afar and celebrate Easter in other ways. However, if you are willing to provide a rabbit with a loving, lifelong home, they can be incredibly rewarding pets that bring joy for many years to come.

£20m boost for additional learning needs facilities

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is investing £20 million to upgrade facilities for children and young people with additional Learning Needs (aLN). The funding will provide new and improved classrooms, equipment, and inclusive learning environments in schools and further education settings across Wales.

The investment will be distributed to local authorities to support mainstream educational settings. Schools and colleges will use the funding to create quiet and sensory areas, improve accessibility, and purchase essential equipment to enhance learning opportunities for ALN students.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle visited Ysgol Craig y Don in Llandudno on Friday (Mar 14) to see the impact of a £50,000 grant from the Welsh Government. The funding has been used to enhance opportunities for pupils at the school.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Providing opportunity to every family is crucial to this

Welsh Labour Government’s plan for Wales, and I know it’s a priority for the people of Wales too. I’ve listened, and now we’re delivering.”

Secretary

MS

“Under this Welsh Labour Government, we don’t want a single learner left behind. That’s why we are putting

millions into supporting learners with ALN.

“I was proud to visit Llandudno to see how this funding is making a real difference in schools.”

Carmarthen school gets financial boost for specialist unit

THE BUILdERS behind the Parc y Fron development in Carmarthen has lent a helping hand to a school in the town to improve facilities for its pupils with additional learning needs.

Persimmon Homes West Wales has donated £3,000 to Queen Elizabeth High School after its successful application to the developer’s Community Champions scheme.

The funds will go towards the school’s specialist unit, Canolfan Elfed, so they can upgrade their outdoor sensory learning area for its 93 pupils to use.

The project has been guided by the pupils, who actively engaged in the design process and collaborated with playground design experts to create their vision.

The school’s fundraising efforts to date – including events, sponsorships, and partnerships with Rotary Clubs – have raised approximately £20,000 already. Money has also been raised through staff running the London Marathan and participating in the local raft race.

Persimmon Homes West Wales currently has two, three, and four-bed homes for sale at Parc y Fron in Carmarthen, available from £190,000. 250 homes will be built as part of the scheme in the west of the town

with over £2.3m going towards local infrastructure as a result.

The five-star housebuilder donates £48,000 to good causes and much-valued organisations across Wales every year as part of its Community Champions scheme, with Wales Air Ambulance, Carmarthen & Cross Hands Autistic Mams Association, Carmarthen Family Centres, and Scarlets Women’s Rugby included amongst recent local recipients.

Sharon Bouhali – Persimmon Homes West Wales Sales Director – said: “When we heard about Canolfan Elfed, we at Persimmon just knew that we had to get involved and help Queen Elizabeth High School with this excellent project.

“We’re delighted that our donation will help build a space that will enrich current therapies

and interventions, providing pupils with meaningful, handson learning opportunities and fostering their development into confident, lifelong learners, and valued community members.

“Persimmon looks forward to seeing the completed vision at Canolfan Elfed soon.”

Nigel Cooke – School Business Manager for Queen Elizabeth High School – added: “The previous outdoor space was unsafe and unsuitable, and we want to replace it with a versatile, inclusive, and studentdesigned space that meets the unique needs of our pupils.

“That’s why we are grateful to Persimmon for their generous donation, especially considering it has triggered match-funding arrangements we have with other organisations.

“This will allow us to provide

pupils with the facilities they need and deserve at the school and we can’t wait to take this project through to completion.”

Cllr Emlyn Schiavone –Mayor of Carmarthen and local county councillor – commented: “Canolfan Elfed does fantastic work with children from Carmarthen and the surrounding areas, as well as occasionally pupils from neighbouring counties. It is really encouraging to hear about their ambitions to improve facilities for children and young persons with additional and complex learning needs.

“I am really grateful to Persimmon for their valuable donation and willingness to support important initiatives like this in Carmarthen. I know the school will welcome any help other organisations may be able to contribute as well.”

Education

Lynne Neagle

added:

Boost your farm’s performance: Apply now for Farming Connect Masterclasses

FaRMING CONNET is offering a series of Masterclasses; MasterGrass and MasterRegen, designed to enhance technical skills and business performance for farmers.

These workshops provide a mixture of practical, handson learning and theoretical knowledge in small group settings. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced farmers, leading experts, and advisors. The application window for these Masterclasses will open on 17 March and close on 7 April, 2025.

The two-day MasterGrass workshop will equip farmers with the skills to optimise pasture management, improve business resilience, and enhance profitability while reducing their carbon footprint.

The workshops will cover reducing input costs, pasture measurement and software use, designing paddock systems, calculating feed demand, understanding electric fencing, and exploring flexible water systems.

Rhys Williams and Sarah Morgan from Precision Grazing Ltd will lead the MasterGrass workshops, sharing their expertise in grazing systems and pasture management.

“Good grazing management

is the foundation of a profitable, resilient farm business. The MasterGrass workshops will give farmers the practical skills and confidence to make better use of their pasture, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Learning from leading experts and experienced farmers in a hands-on setting makes this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to take their grazing to the next level,” says Rhys Williams.

Three MasterGrass workshops will be held across Wales (North, Mid, and South) on 6-7 May, 8-9 May, and 12-13 June, 2025. Locations will be confirmed after applications are assessed.

MasterRegen is an introductory workshop for farmers to learn the principles of regenerative

livestock farming. It focuses on profitable systems that achieve financial and environmental benefits.

This workshop will include improving soil health, developing low-input livestock enterprises, selecting suitable livestock genetics, calculating stocking rates and building sustainable business models.

James Daniel, from Precision Grazing Ltd, will tutor the MasterRegen workshop, sharing his knowledge in regenerative grazing and farm business management.

“These Masterclasses are all about hands-on, practical learning that farmers can apply straight away. They offer a valuable chance to step back from the

daily workload and focus on working on the business, not just in it. With small groups, plenty of discussion, and expert guidance, farmers will gain confidence in new skills, exchange ideas with like-minded peers, and leave with practical solutions they can implement immediately.” says James Daniel.

The MasterRegen workshop will be held on 12-13 June, 2025, with the location to be confirmed after the application window closes.

For more information or to apply for Farming Connect Masterclasses, visit the Farming Connect website https:// businesswales.gov.wales/ farmingconnect/business/skillsand-training/master-classes

FUW concern as UK sheep meat imports surge

THE FaRMERS UNION OF WaLES has expressed concern following the release of Uk Trade figures which revealed a significant increase of sheep meat imported to the UK in 2024.

Data released by the UK Government showed the UK imports of sheep meat surged by 40% on the year, reaching 67,880 tonnes, marking the highest level since 2018.

Increased imports from New Zealand (an increase of 14,300 tonnes) and Australia (6,500 tonnes increase) now account for 86% of UK sheep meat imports, marking an increase from 78% in 2023.

Analysis by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) suggests a range of factors are responsible for the rise in imports, including lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere, new Free Trade Agreements, and a record level of deadweight prices in the UK.

Data by DEFRA also showed UK sheep meat production had declined by 7% in 2024, while UK beef production in 2024 increased by 4%.

Responding to the figures Alun Owen, Farmers’ Union of Wales regional vice-president said:

“The surge in sheep meat imports from New Zealand and Australia poses a very real threat that could undermine

the livelihoods of Welsh sheep farmers and the sustainability of our rural communities.

The increased imports are perhaps unsurprising, and follow the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ longstanding warnings that previous governments’ liberal approach to trade negotiations with New Zealand and Australia could drastically undermine Welsh farmers and domestic food production.

Increasingly we are witnessing a potential displacement of high-quality Welsh and UK lamb – a product of worldleading sustainable farming practices –in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles.”

Gareth Parry, Farmers’ Union of Wales’ Head of Policy added:

“The tighter throughput of livestock across the UK reflects current confidence levels of the sector, whilst the resulting record-high prices are causing difficulties for processors and retailers across the supply chain which, in part, increases the attractiveness of cheaper imports.

In reality, however, inherent to the increase in food imports is a reduction in the UK’s food security, both through the displacement of domestic production and through additional reliance on food produced many thousands of miles away.”

Farming Connect is looking for an exceptional, people-focused individual

aRE you passionate about the future of the Welsh farming, forestry and horticulture sectors? do you have great people skills and a proven track record in terms of farming and business management? are you a successful entrepreneur with experience of innovative or diversified ways of working?

Mentera, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, is now seeking to appoint an inspirational new leader for the Agri Academy Senior (Business & Innovation) programme, Farming Connect’s prestigious personal development initiative, now in its fourteenth year.

CONFIdENCE, SKILLS aNd TOP-CLaSS CREdENTIaLS

“If you believe you have the confidence, skills and relevant land-based and business credentials to support, coach and guide future candidates as they embark on their individual personal development journeys, we want to hear from you,” says Farming Connect’s Head of Skills, Einir Davies.

The part-time, self-employed role, largely home-based, will include planning, arranging and facilitating an inspiring programme of workshops, training and study visits

while building and fostering a trusting relationship with every participant, empowering each one to express themselves and fulfil their own personal and business ambitions.

Ms Davies explained that the leadership role offers immense job satisfaction and rewards, with the newest incumbent following in the footsteps of some of Wales’ most well-known and respected individuals.

Are you ready to lead, support and nurture the rural stars of tomorrow?

“With the activity-packed programme focused around three short but intensive study periods a year – usually in September, October and November –including an overseas study visit and a business management challenge based on an actual farm business, the Agri Academy commitment has proved enormously rewarding for all our previous leaders, fitting in relatively easily with their busy professional and family lives,” said Ms Davies.

Denbighshire farmer and businessman Llyr Jones – better known by his many friends, business contacts and mentees as ‘Llyr Derwydd’ – has headed up the programme since 2019.

Having first taken part in the Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme as a participant in 2013, Llyr

last week’s news that the UK Government is to stop accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme caused outrage amongst English farmers and is a timely wake-up call on the need to deliver a workable scheme in Wales that provides stability for Welsh farmers.

On 11 March, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, announced that England’s SFI scheme had reached its application limit, with 37,000 agreements signed for funding, and the total budget subsequently allocated.

appreciates at first-hand what a unique and unrivalled experience it is for those fortunate enough to be selected.

“More than anything else, the businesspeople, mentors, coaches and new networks of friends and colleagues I met fuelled my drive and ambition for so many aspects of my life that I now take for granted,” says Llyr, who has a varied farming portfolio, including large-scale beef, lamb and poultry enterprises as well setting up Wales’ first rapeseed oil manufacturing company.

“Returning as the programme leader a few years later gave me an opportunity to give back in some way, and it’s been so rewarding to see so many people, from all sectors of the land-based industries, flourish and achieve so much.

“Being part of the Farming Connect Agri Academy is undoubtedly a life-affirming experience for both candidates and their leaders.

“This is your opportunity to mentor and support some of the up-and-coming rural stars of the future, the generation responsible for safeguarding the future sustainability and viability of Welsh farming – so don’t hesitate – apply today!”

To apply for this contract send your CV and covering letter to einir.davies@mentera.cymru before 12pm on Friday 28 March.

To this end, as discussions regarding the Sustainable Farming Scheme continue in Wales, such lessons from England must not be ignored.

Throughout the co-design process for Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), the Farmers’ Union of Wales has advocated the inclusion of an areabased Universal Baseline Payment, ensuring fairer, more stable support for Welsh farmers.

The uproar that has followed the UK Government’s decision has reinforced the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ previous warnings that the approach adopted in England over recent months had become increasingly erratic. In particular, the shortsighted decisions to announce and adjust payment rates without thorough economic modelling has subsequently left many farmers in the lurch.

In contrast to the situation in England, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has consistently argued that any replacement farm support scheme in Wales must be built on robust economic analysis, thorough piloting, and clear long-term planning to prevent such instability.

As well as such pressure regarding a baseline payment, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has also long advocated for capping payments in any future framework. This has not been the case in England. Ensuring such a mechanism would maximise the amount of money going to typical family farms and those who make the greatest contribution to rural communities and the economy.

With the announcement regarding Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme’s payment framework due later on this year, this fall-out in England acts as a timely reminder of the need for Welsh Government to remain committed to its structured, consultative approach and ensure the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme provides certainty for farmers and those who sustain our rural communities.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA

The new CLa offers more to customers in every dimension: more space, more refinement, more comfort, more intelligence, and more efficiency compared to its predecessor. It is the cleverest car Mercedes-Benz ever made – and the first model in a completely new family of vehicles. Each new model will be available with both electric and high-tech hybrid drives. The debut is made by the allelectric CLa.

To reflect the significance of the new CLA to the United Kingdom, and celebrate its worldwide introduction, an animation featuring the first images of the new model will be projected onto London’s County Hall beginning at 19:00 GMT.

Intuitive: The most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)

Up-to-date for years and always ready for new features: regular over-the-air updates

The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the in-house developed MercedesBenz Operating System (MB. OS), making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever. The new AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular

over-the-air updates[1] for the most important vehicle functions, including driving assistance systems for the first time. This keeps the CLA up-to-date and attractive for years to come.

On the way to a hyperpersonalised digital experience: the fourth MBUX generation

MB.OS marks the start of the fourth MBUX generation. It opens up a new world of personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle, setting new standards in the automotive industry. The new MBUX generation is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. This combines multiple AI agents in one system for the first time. MB.OS offers maximum flexibility to seamlessly integrate content from third-party providers. The typical Mercedes interface remains, delivering the familiar customer experience.

Exceptionally intuitive and individual: the new MBUX UI/UX concept

The MBUX Superscreen is powered by state-of-the-art highperformance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. The new control and display concept is tailored to individual customer preferences. The further developed MBUX Zero Layer on the central display shows the most important

information, suggestions and, for the first time, the most recently used apps1. In the app view, apps can now be moved and grouped into individually named folders, similar to a smartphone. When an app is open, a simple swipe to the left returns to the app view. Another swipe takes the user back to the Zero Layer. Alternatively, they can still go directly to the Zero Layer at any time via the home button. Intelligent, easy to talk to and empathetic like a friend: the new MBUX Virtual Assistant With generative AI, the new MBUX Virtual Assistant revolutionises the relationship between vehicle and driver. It enables the kinds of complex, multi-turn dialogues one might

have with a friend and has short-term memory. Based on ChatGPT4o and searches with Microsoft Bing, it unites the collective knowledge of the internet. Thanks to Google Gemini, the virtual assistant is also well-versed in navigationrelated questions. It can access information from the Google Maps platform to provide users with detailed and personalised answers to questions about navigation, points of interest and much more. The MBUX Virtual Assistant is always present on the Zero Layer as a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes-Benz star. During an active dialogue, it recognises emotions and can respond accordingly.

Four wins for Kia at 2025 Fleet News Awards

Kia has picked up four awards at the industry-focused 2025 Fleet News awards, including Zero Emission Manufacturer of the Year, as well as Best Mid-size SUV, Best Medium Car and Best Large SUV for the Kia EV3, EV6 and EV9, respectively.

Despite intense competition in each sector, four Kia cars were shortlisted for awards this year, with Kia UK also named a finalist for two manufacturer awards, including the inaugural year for Fleet News’ Zero Emission Manufacturer of the Year Award:

• Best Medium Car: new Kia EV6 and Kia Niro

• Best Mid-size SUV: Kia EV3

• Best Large SUV: Kia EV9

• Zero Emission Manufacturer of the Year (NEW): Kia UK

• Fleet Manufacturer of the Year –Car (reader voted): Kia UK

Announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London, the Fleet News Awards celebrate the best in fleet suppliers, companies, vehicles and people, with awards judged by its readers.

Kia reached more than 112,000 annual sales for the first time in 2024, making it the fourth best-selling car

brand in the UK. Kia has continued to grow sustainably, aided by strong demand across its model line-up, particularly with fleet customers who accounted for around 60% of sales last year.

In the 2024 and 2023 Fleet News Awards, the Kia Niro won the ‘Best

Lower Medium Car’ award two years in a row thanks to its versatility and appealing electrified powertrains.

Designed to keep fleet and business customers mobile, the Kia Business Service Promise was first introduced in late 2022, to offer business customers the best service and maintenance from

across the Kia dealer network. The service includes Kia Dealer servicing at competitive rates; fixed-price repairs; Kia Business Care Service Plans; access to a cost of ownership and SMR system; improved mobility and residual values. Find out more here: https://www. kia.com/uk/business/service-promise/

Welsh economy grows, but job losses and inflation persist

THE WELSH economy showed signs of recovery in February, with business activity rising for the second consecutive month, according to the latest NatWest Wales Growth Tracker. However, challenges remain, as job losses continue, inflationary pressures persist, and new business orders decline.

BUSINESS aCTIVITY

ExPaNdS, BUT dEMaNd FaLLS

The Wales Business Activity Index, which measures monthly changes in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors, increased to 51.5 in February, up from 50.7 in January. This marks the strongest growth in six months. However, despite this expansion, new business orders declined for the fourth month in a row, reflecting weak domestic demand and uncertainty surrounding government policies.

JOB LOSSES aCCELERaTE

While business output has increased, companies remain cautious about hiring. February saw the sixth consecutive month of job losses, with employment levels declining at a sharper rate than in January. The reductions were attributed to voluntary departures not being replaced, redundancies, and changes in

labour policies. Despite this, the pace of job cuts in Wales was slower than in the UK as a whole.

INFLaTION

PRESSURES REMaIN

Inflationary pressures persisted in February, with input costs rising at the fastest rate in ten months. Businesses reported higher labour costs and rising import prices as key drivers. In

response, many firms increased their prices for goods and services, leading to the sharpest output price inflation in nearly a year. However, inflation levels remain below post-pandemic peaks and lower than the UK average.

OPTIMISM FOR THE YEaR aHEad

Despite the challenges, Welsh firms expressed the highest level of confidence in five months, expecting growth to continue over the next year. Business leaders are optimistic about expansion, citing strategic growth initiatives, productivity improvements, and new customer acquisitions. While Wales’ economy is showing early signs of recovery, persistent job losses, sluggish demand, and inflation continue to pose risks. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the region can sustain its growth momentum or if economic uncertainty will drag it down once again.

Fishermen upset financial impact of Castlemartin Range closures for

CoMMErCIAl fishermen and sea users have voiced their anger over the latest military range activity schedule for Castlemartin Range in 2025, which will see significant restrictions on access to coastal waters.

The schedule, released by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), confirms that military exercises will take place across June, October, and November, with extended firing times drastically limiting the ability of commercial and recreational vessels to navigate the affected sea areas.

According to Huw Baker, Chair of the Freshwater East Boatmen & Fishermen’s Association, the closures will have a devastating financial impact on local inshore fishermen who rely on these waters for their livelihoods.

Mr Baker said: “None of the fishers have been contacted about these increased range activities or the sea area closures. There has been no consultation to discuss alternative access routes that would allow us to continue earning a living. The military has effectively blocked off access during prime fishing months, leaving fishermen struggling to stay financially afloat.”

2025

Under the new schedule, the sea areas off Castlemartin will only be accessible during limited hours—between 3:00am and 8:00am, and again between 6:00pm and 8:00pm—making it near impossible for many commercial fishers to operate efficiently.

“This decision comes at a

time when the cost of living is hitting everyone hard,” Mr Baker added. “With weather and tides already limiting access, these additional restrictions from Castlemartin and Manorbier firing ranges mean we’re left with barely any opportunities to work.”

Mr Baker is calling for an

urgent meeting with range management to discuss the concerns of the fishing community and explore potential compromises that would allow local businesses to continue operating.

The Herald has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.

Halfords offering interviews to all staff affected by ATS closures in Wales

HaLFORdS extended an offer of interviews to all members of staff affected by the closure of the aTS Euromaster branches in Brecon, Pontypridd and Llanelli

This follows ATS Euromaster’s recent announcement that 86 of its service centres are set to close.

With 639 garages nationwide, including branches in these affected towns, Halfords is one of the UK’s largest employers of automotive technicians. The company services, maintains, and repairs vehicles for 1,400,000 customers annually.

The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified automotive technicians, with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) estimating 20,000 vacancies in the sector.

Halfords remains committed to creating rewarding career pathways, offering opportunities for qualified technicians looking to develop new skills—such as EV servicing—as well as young people entering the industry through apprenticeships.

In addition to supporting ATS employees, Halfords is also stepping in to help customers affected by the closures, ensuring they continue to have access to trusted and competitive automotive services.

SUPPORT FOR aTS CUSTOMERS

To assist those whose bookings are impacted by ATS branch closures, Halfords garages will prioritise MOT and other service bookings originally made with ATS wherever possible, helping customers avoid delays and ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with ATS to explore employment opportunities for affected colleagues, while also ensuring that motorists in this part of Wales continue to have access to competitive, convenient, and trusted automotive services,” said Chris Rose, Halfords.

Divisional Director

Former Haverfordwest chapel school building could be turned into flats

PLaNS to convert the Sunday school building of Haverfordwest’s former Wesleyan Chapel, once the site of a regular place for preaching by John Wesley himself, to six flats have been lodged with Pembrokeshire County Council.

An application to council planners, which has no clear details about the applicant, listing Vitaly + Partners ltd as either the applicant or the agent, seeks the conversion of the Chapel Lane building.

Accompanying documents say Haverfordwest was a regular place of preaching for John Wesley, the founding father of Methodism, first visiting in 1763, with the first chapel built in 1772. By 1781 there were 60 members in the town, the largest congregation in the Pembrokeshire Circuit.

The chapel was rebuilt in 1818 and enlarged in 1835; the adjoining schoolroom built in 1874, with further chapel works in 1880-1.

The chapel closed in 1985 and the interior was stripped for use as an antiques showroom.

A heritage statement accompanying the application says: “The works on internal alternations of former school building started in 2014 after planning permission was approved. Then other records show that works has restarted in 2020. There are previous building inspector assessment notes available for more details. Since there has been numerous of owners and works started again in 2024.”

It adds: “The main factor to support proposed development is in fact it was approved few times in the past. The works already began, and the original layout and external elements are already altered.

“The building was abandoned and not maintained in any way. It did not look pretty and had a negative impact on the residents of the town. The building has had its original use adopted numerous of times to suit the needs of the particular time period and serve the town accordingly.

“The maintenance work to the

building has already shown how much cleaner and more beautiful the building appearance became and it has had good impact on the residents who shared their views on social media talking positively about the renovation works on the building.”

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

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Call for reform: Campaigners urge minister to record BSL complaints

CaMPaIGNERS in Wales are calling on the Welsh Government to amend NHS regulations to ensure complaints about British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter services are properly recorded, amid concerns that deaf patients are being let down by the system.

The Cardiff Deaf Support Group has urged Senedd members to press Health Minister Jeremy Miles MS to change the ‘Putting Things Right’ (PTR) regulations. Currently, concerns about BSL interpreter services

in NHS Wales hospitals and GP practices are not recorded as a separate category, making it difficult to assess the scale of issues.

IMPaCT ON PaTIENTS IN PEMBROKESHIRE

While the campaign originates in Cardiff, the issue affects Deaf patients across Wales, including those using services at Withybush Hospital and GP surgeries in Pembrokeshire.

Cedric Moon, secretary of the Cardiff Deaf Support Group,

requested data on BSL-related complaints under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. However, responses from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) confirmed that such concerns are not centrally recorded and would require a manual search of records—an effort the UHB says exceeds the time and cost limits set under FoI laws

Health boards, including Hywel Dda UHB, which oversees healthcare in Pembrokeshire, are required to publish annual reports on patient complaints. However, concerns about BSL interpretation failings are not reported separately, making it unclear how many Deaf patients have struggled to access NHS services in the county.

aPPEaL TO THE HEaLTH MINISTER

In his letter to Senedd member Rhys ab Owen, Mr Moon called for action to amend regulations so that BSL-related complaints are documented and made publicly available in NHS Wales annual reports.

Regulation 51 of the PTR framework states that health boards must produce an annual report detailing the nature and number of concerns received. However, without a specific category for BSL issues, these

complaints are effectively invisible

“We need accountability,” said Mr Moon. “BSL users in Wales should have the same rights as everyone else when it comes to raising concerns about NHS services.”

a SYSTEMIC ISSUE

The Cardiff and Vale UHB’s refusal to provide data highlights a wider problem across NHS Wales, campaigners argue. The exemption under Section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act—citing the excessive cost of retrieving data—has been used to deny access to statistics on multiple occasions

Hywel Dda UHB has not yet confirmed whether similar issues exist locally, but Deaf patients in Pembrokeshire rely on interpreter services for GP and hospital appointments, and any gaps in provision could affect their ability to access care.

Mr Moon is now urging the health minister to intervene and update the regulations to ensure all health boards, including Hywel Dda, are required to record and report on BSL interpreter service complaints.

The Herald has contacted the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda UHB for a response.

Welsh NHS leaders call for long-term strategy to sustain health and social care

NHS leaders in Wales are urging the next Welsh Government to take a longterm approach to ensure the sustainability of health and social care services.

The Welsh NHS Confederation (WNHSC) has outlined key priorities it wants to see included in political party manifestos ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. These include prevention, workforce planning, performance and financial frameworks, social care reform, and investment in infrastructure.

The WNHSC, which represents all NHS organisations in Wales, conducted a survey of 95 NHS leaders to identify the most pressing issues facing the sector. The five key priorities are:

• Delivering a crossgovernment national strategy to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.

• Investing in a long-term workforce plan for the NHS and social care, including education and training.

• Publishing a joint health and social care performance and financial framework for seamless care.

• Establishing an independent rapid review to develop a long-term plan for social care sustainability.

• Launching a long-term capital and infrastructure strategy.

NHS leaders warn that health and social care services are under

extreme pressure, with high demand and limited resources.

The growing elderly population is adding further strain, with the number of people aged 80 and over expected to double between 2000 and 2038. Additionally, the number of people living with four or more long-term conditions is predicted to nearly double by 2035.

Darren Hughes, director of the WNHSC, said: “The needs

of the population are evolving. Over the next decade, we need a fundamental shift from a reactive healthcare model—treating illness—to a proactive one that focuses on prevention and early intervention.

“There’s an alarming wave of demographic and health challenges ahead, but we have an opportunity to make significant improvements within the next five to ten years. This requires a whole-system approach, with government, public services, and society working together to drive better health outcomes.”

NHS leaders are calling on the Welsh Government to prioritise investment in community-based services and prevention across all sectors. They argue that sustainable reform will only be possible through collective action and long-term planning.

The WNHSC will be engaging with politicians in the coming months and plans to release a more detailed report outlining the steps needed to secure the future of health and social care in Wales.

Wales’ analogue NHS needs urgent digital overhaul, says MS

THE WELSH NHS is lagging dangerously behind England in digitising patient records, with Senedd Member Gareth davies warning that the country’s health service must be dragged into the digital age.

Speaking in the Senedd, the Vale of Clwyd MS challenged the First Minister to urgently accelerate the digitisation of patient records. Davies criticised the sluggish pace of digital transformation, highlighting that the vast majority of patient records in Wales remain paper-based, while in England, the NHS is advancing rapidly with digital records accessible via the NHS app.

GROWING dIGITaL dIVIdE

Davies warned of an everwidening “digital rift” between England and Wales, arguing that the Welsh Government’s current plans are insufficient. While Wales has pledged to digitise maternity records by 2026 and introduce electronic mental health records in some areas, Davies insists this is not enough. He emphasised the efficiency, cost-saving, and safety benefits of full digitisation.

Citing a 2020 Public Services Ombudsman report, Davies pointed out that 70% of NHS complaints in Wales could not be fully investigated due to missing medical records. He stressed that digitalisation would ensure patients receive timely and accurate care without the risk of lost or misplaced information.

CaLLS FOR IMMEdIaTE aCTION

Following his Senedd address, Davies said: “It’s not a big ask for the Welsh Government to ensure that doctors don’t have to wade through stacks of paper to find a patient’s medical history. The government has been dithering for years, creating a huge digital divide between England

IMPaCT ON PEMBROKESHIRE

Withybush hospital in Haverfordwest still relies heavily on paper records (Image: Herald) Healthcare in Pembrokeshire is already under strain, with long waiting times and stretched resources at Withybush Hospital. The lack of digital records only adds to the burden, with delays in accessing medical histories causing disruptions in patient care. The introduction of digital records could help streamline services, reduce errors, and improve efficiency at local GP practices and hospitals.

WELSH GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Welsh Government acknowledges the complexity and cost of implementing an electronic health records system. It has announced several initiatives, including:

• Developing a national business case for a new electronic health records system.

• Expanding the Digital Health and Care Record, linking patient information across Wales.

• Creating a single national clinical data repository through the National Data Resource (NDR).

• Rolling out the NHS Wales App, providing citizens with digital access to health services.

• Digitising prescribing and medicines management across Wales by 2030.

• Enhancing the Welsh Clinical Portal, enabling healthcare professionals to access patient records digitally.

• Introducing the Welsh Nursing Care Record, allowing bedside digital record-keeping for nurses.

• Digitising maternity patient records by 2026.

• Implementing digital mental health records in some areas, such as Betsi Cadwaladr health board.

OPPOSITION aNd FURTHER dEBaTE

Despite these initiatives, critics

argue the rollout is too slow. The Welsh Conservatives, in a November 2023 debate, pushed for an urgent implementation of the NHS app and e-prescribing across the Welsh NHS. They also urged the government to integrate artificial intelligence and modern digital infrastructure. Plaid Cymru has also raised concerns about the NHS’s outdated technology, including the continued use of fax machines.

FUTURE OF dIGITaL HEaLTHCaRE IN WaLES

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), the body overseeing digitisation efforts, has outlined its strategy through 2030. This includes a move towards cloud-based systems, a consolidated electronic health record application, and full digital prescribing. However, the pace of implementation remains a contentious issue, with Gareth Davies and other campaigners demanding swifter action to prevent Wales from falling further behind England in healthcare technology.

and Wales. Our analogue NHS must be brought into the 21st century.”

Wants modernisation to make the NHS more efficient in Wales: Gareth Davies MS

Withybush hospital in Haverfordwest still relies heavily on paper records (Image: Herald)

Campaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing

WaLES against animal Experiments returned to the Senedd to hand in more than 1,500 paper signatures supporting their online petition. The petition, which calls on the Welsh Government to scrutinise research funding and shift towards human-relevant medical technologies, has already surpassed the 10,000 signatures needed to be considered for debate.

Campaigners say the petition reflects growing public concern over the ethical and scientific failings of animal testing. They argue that modern alternatives, such as Organ-On-a-Chip and 3D bioprinting, offer safer and more effective research methods.

A spokesperson for Wales Against Animal Experiments said: “The outdated practice of experimenting on animals must come to an end. Many scientists now recognise that animalbased research lacks credibility, and we are working alongside leading organisations to push for a transition to cruelty-free science.”

Dr Andre Menache, a medical research expert and member of the Alliance for Cruelty-Free Science, has

backed the petition. He said: “I warmly congratulate everyone in Wales for surpassing the 10,000-signature mark. I am fully with you and happy to provide

scientific support to any Welsh MPs interested in this issue.” Supporters can still sign the petition online at petitions. senedd.wales.

MS calls for reversal of ‘family farm’ and ‘jobs’ taxes

THE Uk’s economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.1% in January 2025, according to the office for National Statistics (ONS), raising concerns about the nation’s economic trajectory. This downturn has intensified debates over current fiscal policies, particularly those affecting rural communities and employment.

Samuel Kurtz, Member of the Senedd (MS) for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, has been vocal in his criticism of the Labour government’s recent tax policies. He argues that these measures, notably the so-called ‘family farm tax’ and ‘jobs tax’, are detrimental to economic growth and the livelihoods of people in Wales.

The ‘family farm tax’ refers to proposed changes in inheritance tax, imposing a 20% levy on agricultural assets exceeding £1 million, set to take effect from April 2026. Critics, including NFU Cymru President Aled Jones, warn that this tax

could encompass the majority of Wales’ working family farms, potentially leading to financial burdens that threaten their sustainability. In addition, the ‘jobs tax’ pertains to increases in

employers’ National Insurance contributions, a move that has faced opposition from business leaders concerned about its impact on employment and economic recovery.

Kurtz emphasizes the

urgency for the Chancellor to reconsider these policies in the forthcoming budget, aiming to restore business confidence and support key sectors of the economy.

He told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The ONS figures confirm a decline in growth, further proof of the damage caused by Labour’s Budget last autumn.

“Labour pledged to deliver the fastest-growing economy in the G7, yet business confidence has plummeted, living standards are in decline, and jobs are being lost.

“With just 12 days until the emergency Budget, the Chancellor must reverse her damaging policies including Labour’s jobs tax and family farm tax and do whatever it takes to restore business confidence.”

The economic contraction in January underscores the challenges facing the UK government as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to foster growth and stability, particularly in sectors vital to Wales’ economy.

Welsh Government set to change key ambulance target

a KEY target for ambulances to respond to the most urgent 999 calls within eight minutes, which has not been met in five years, will be ditched following a review.

Jeremy Miles, Wales’ health secretary, announced a move away from the time-based target of responding to 65% of life-threatening “red” calls within eight minutes from July 1.

The Welsh Government target was last met in July 2020, with 48% of 6,073 red calls receiving an emergency response in eight minutes in January this year.

Mr Miles said a clinician-led review found the eight-minute target, which has been the standard since the 1970s, is no longer appropriate nor fit for purpose.

In a statement to the Senedd on March 11, he explained the ambulance service will trial changes over the next year which will focus on outcomes rather than response times.

A purple category – for cardiac and respiratory arrest – will be added, with the red category for major trauma, bleeding and cases where a person’s condition could rapidly deteriorate.

Mr Miles said of the current eight-minute target: “There is no evidence it helps drive better outcomes. It does not support effective clinical prioritisation.”

He added: “This means that precious ambulance resources are being dispatched to people who are less seriously ill and may not require emergency treatment or onward hospital care.

“And we measure success purely through the lens of response time in these examples. So, if an ambulance arrives in eight minutes and one second and the person survives – that would be regarded as a failure because the response time target was missed.

“But, perversely, if the ambulance arrived within eight minutes and the person unfortunately died – that would be regarded as meeting the target.”

Mr Miles said survival rates

in Wales after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less than 5%, compared with 9% in Scotland, 10% in England and far higher elsewhere in the world.

“This is not acceptable…,” he told the Senedd. “We must aspire to do better and to match survival rates in European countries and some US cities.”

The health secretary stated both the purple and red categories will be subject to timebased targets, with an average expected response time of six to eight minutes.

He detailed a focus on early CPR and defibrillation before announcing a group to review ambulance patient handovers, with around 27,000 hours lost due to delays in January.

Mr Miles told Senedd Members: “We must have a significant improvement in ambulance handover performance to ensure ambulances are available to respond to 999 calls in the community and not stuck outside hospitals for hours on end.”

Before the pandemic the median response time for red calls was four minutes and 30 seconds but at the beginning of this year the average was eight minutes and 17 seconds.

Most calls are “amber”, for which there is no corresponding measure, but a further review will assess whether to introduce targets for the category which includes stroke symptoms.

The Senedd’s health committee called for a review of the red target in a report published

in August after taking evidence from the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.

Russell George, the Tory chair of the committee, welcomed the statement, adding: “But, of course, having targets in place is important – they’re there to ensure accountability.”

Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor also backed the change in direction, describing the red response time target as “largely ornamental” over the past half a decade.

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

Health secretary Jeremy Miles

If there is one product the UK does not need to import, it is sheep !

We have millions of sheep, reared by farmers who have honed their flocks and skills over centuries.

But thanks to Conservatives’ trade deals in the last government, sheep meat imports are soaring.

The Liberal Democrats have hit out at the Conservative Party following the publication of data showing that lamb imports to the UK have risen dramatically following what the Liberal Democrats describe as disastrous trade deals that were signed by the previous Conservative Government, with Australia and New Zealand.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the new UK Labour Government to review the trade deals Sheep meat imports to the UK, both fresh and frozen, have surged by 40% to reach 67,880t in 2024, marking the highest level since 2018.

The majority of the extra sheep meat has come from New Zealand, up by 14,300t, and Australia, up by 6,500t – countries that now enjoy preferential terms of trade following the

W ITH ANDREW LYE

previous Conservative Government’s trade deals.

HMRC figures indicate a decline in UK sheep meat exports (excluding offal), totalling roughly 79,500t, down some 6% from 2023.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has highlighted that Australia’s proportion of fresh and frozen lamb imports (17,800t) continues to grow under the free-trade agreement, with 62% of its 2024 quota fulfilled.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick said:

“The Liberal Democrats warned the Conservatives at the time these trade deals would be disastrous for lamb farmers across Wales and the entire UK, but they refused to listen and ploughed on without even an impact assessment.

“Sheep farming is part of the very fabric of rural Wales and threats to its prosperity and success are not only a threat to the farmers themselves, but also the entire rural economy and communities, wider supply chains and of course the Welsh Language.

“This new Labour Government must review these trade deals as a matter of urgency and take action to protect Welsh sheep farmers. They also must ensure that any future trade deals do not repeat the Conservatives’ mistakes and include full impact assessments for all the nations and regions of the UK.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Free speech upheld as Ombudsman dismisses complaint against councillor

a COMPLaINT lodged by Pembrokeshire councillor alan dennison against a fellow councillor has been firmly dismissed by the Ombudsman, reaffirming the right to free political speech.

Cllr Dennison, a member of the Independent Political Group (IPG), had accused another councillor—Cllr Mike Stoddart— of bringing the office of councillor into disrepute and holding a prejudicial interest during a recent Planning Delegation Panel (PDP) meeting. However, the Ombudsman ruled that the complaint had no substance, confirming that the comments in question were protected under freedom of expression laws.

The dispute stems from recent exchanges on the Pembrokeshire Council Watch (PCW) Facebook page, where criticism was levelled at the IPG’s role in pushing through a 9% council tax increase on March 6. Cllr Dennison was reportedly unhappy with Cllr Stoddart’s scrutiny of the deal between the IPG and the council cabinet, which resulted in the tax hike.

Matters escalated when Cllr Dennison challenged Cllr Stoddart over his own stance on the budget. The councillor had supported a 7.5% increase proposed by the Conservatives but did not put forward an alternative budget himself—something Dennison took issue with. However, Cllr Stoddart pointed out that the IPG had similarly voted down a 12.5% increase in 2024 without proposing their own budget, branding the criticism as hypocrisy.

PLaNNING PaNEL dISPUTE

The rift deepened following a PDP meeting where Cllr Dennison sought to move a planning application for Imperial Hall Ltd on Hamilton Terrace from delegated powers to full committee scrutiny. The request was unusual as it would typically be made by the local councillor, Cllr Terry Davies, who had a declared prejudicial interest in the matter.

Cllr Stoddart, who also sat on the PDP, raised concerns over Cllr Dennison’s role, noting that he was listed as an employee of Imperial Hall Ltd on his councillor register of interests. Planning officers responded that his employment had ended

some time ago but had not been updated on the register.

Shortly after the Facebook exchanges, Cllr Stoddart says he received an email from the Ombudsman’s office informing him of a formal complaint filed by Cllr Dennison regarding his conduct at the PDP meeting. The complaint had two parts: first, that Cllr Stoddart had a prejudicial interest due to a past electoral contest against Imperial Hall’s director Lee Bridges, and second, that his comments about the PDP process were inappropriate.

The Ombudsman dismissed both elements of the complaint, ruling that participating in the same election nearly three years ago did not establish a prejudicial interest. The decision also reaffirmed that political speech is protected under the Human Rights Act 1998, shielding councillors from attempts to silence debate.

HISTORIC FREE SPEECH CaSE

This latest case draws parallels with a landmark legal battle fought by former councillor Malcolm Calver, who was reprimanded in 2015 for criticising Manorbier Community Council’s handling of a grant-related survey. Despite his statements being factually accurate, he was found to have brought the office into disrepute.

Refusing to accept the decision, Calver took the matter to the High Court, where

Justice Beatson ruled that his comments, while ‘mocking and sarcastic,’ fell under the legal protection of political speech. The ruling reinforced that elected representatives and senior council officers should expect robust scrutiny.

The case, now known as Calver v Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, has since been cited in legal studies on freedom of expression.

The tradition of defending free speech in Pembrokeshire dates back even further. The Tenby Observer played a crucial role in securing press access to council meetings, following a legal challenge against Tenby Corporation in the early 1900s. Though the challenge was unsuccessful, it led to the passing of the Local Authorities (Admission to Meetings) Act 1908, ensuring greater transparency in local government.

a WIN FOR dEMOCRaTIC dEBaTE

Following the Ombudsman’s ruling, Cllr Stoddart, who has written a column about the matter, has framed the failed complaint as an attempt to stifle legitimate scrutiny of the council’s decisions. He stated: “Nice try, but no cigar.”

The decision serves as a reminder that councillors must be prepared to face public accountability without resorting to complaints aimed at silencing debate.

Plaid Cymru demand for ‘fair share’ from HS2 voted down

THE SENEdd rejected Plaid Cymru calls to demand HS2 be redesignated as an Englandonly project to unlock billions of pounds of consequential funding for Wales.

Senedd Members voted 4212 against a Plaid Cymru motion on HS2, a high-speed railway from London to Birmingham, following a debate on March 12.

The project was classified as a Wales-and-England project in 2015 by David Cameron’s UK Government despite not an inch of track crossing the border.

As a consequence, no funding has come to Wales under the Barnett formula but Scotland and Northern Ireland have received a population share of HS2 spending.

Plaid Cymru has made the case for £4bn in compensation based on estimates of the total cost but the Welsh Government has quoted a £400m figure based on spending to date.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, the party’s shadow transport secretary in the Senedd, warned Welsh rail infrastructure has been systematically underfunded by the UK Government.

Calling for an end to “fundamental injustice”, he said: “Wales has received a fraction of the rail enhancement funding it is owed, our infrastructure has suffered from decades of neglect and the UK Government has failed to deliver the fair funding Wales needs.”

The Plaid Cymru politician pointed to an acknowledgment from Heidi Alexander, the UK transport secretary, that Wales has received low levels of funding historically.

“But this underfunding is not

just a meagre £400m.”

Labour backbencher Mick Antoniw pointed out that the previous Conservative UK Government could have designated HS2 as an Englandonly project.

Mr Fox, a former council leader, said the Tory Senedd group has stood against its own party on HS2 funding, adding: “It’s a kick in the teeth that you are turning your back.”

His Conservative colleague Gareth Davies warned of a “grotesque imbalance” between spending on rail in north Wales compared with the south of the country.

BLuE vIEW

BRIAN MURPHY

Last week marked International Women’s Day, wherewe celebrated the achievements, rights and potential ofwomen and girls here in Wales, across the UK, andaround the world. It is important that we continue to recognise their achievements, and I have worked withsome wonderful and inspirational women in my career.

be allowed to compete in women’s sports? That is why it is do important to have a clear definition of what a woman is.

just historical, it is ongoing,” he warned. “Westminster, whether red or blue, continues to deny Wales the consequentials it is due.”

Mr Owen Griffiths raised concerns about reports that UK chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to freeze spending on major new rail projects until after the 2029 general election.

Pointing out that Welsh ministers previously called for £5bn in consequential funding, he told the Senedd: “Clearly, the people of Wales cannot trust this Labour party to stick to its word.”

Mr Owen Griffiths criticised the Welsh Government’s “delete-all” amendment, which was narrowly agreed, for “U-turning” on previous policy positions.

He said: “Now, when it truly matters, they have collective amnesia. What has changed?

… The only thing that has changed is Labour’s willingness to stand up for Wales when they finally got the chance to do something about it.”

Peter Fox, the Tories’ shadow transport secretary, accused Labour of playing politics. “It must be embarrassing for Labour backbenchers, hence not many here,” he said.

Labour’s heckler-in-chief Lee Waters pointed out: “There’s nobody on your front bench.”

Mr Fox said: “Politicians in both Wales and England were calling for billions of pounds … but now Labour are in power in Westminster, their call is for

Labour’s Hefin David remarked: “The closer we get to an election, the poorer the standard of debate happens to be in this chamber. You would swear … that actually there’s been no progress whatsoever on rail in Wales which is manifestly not the case.”

Dr David pointed out that the newest trains in the whole of Europe now run on the Rhymney line through his Caerphilly constituency following an “incredible transformation”.

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said: “I feel these … debates are really the opposition parties putting down a motion and the Welsh Government saying ‘delete all’, and it feels like on this occasion just for the point of doing it and that depresses me beyond belief.”

Labour’s Alun Davies agreed, saying: “I don’t believe that’s the correct way of approaching these debates. We should look for consensus where possible – and that’s coming from me. We should look towards amending motions rather than deleting them.”

Wales’ transport secretary Ken Skates said the Welsh Government took ownership of the core valley lines and “transformed a liability into an asset”.

He told the Senedd: “And now that we have a Labour UK Government we will transform services across north Wales as well, increasing services by 50% next year.”

Mr Skates said a review of Network Rail processes will ensure Wales finally receives a fair share of all future rail infrastructure investment.

It is also important that women are encouraged and supported to succeed and that is why we have separate spaces.

The day is important to acknowledge women are different to men and can do great things when supported appropriately.

When that support is undermined by allowing men to access it does nothing to improve equality or equity between the sexes. This is most prevalent in sports where women are being sidelined on the grounds of “inclusivity”. How can it ever be right that a biological male who is naturally stronger and faster than women

When Eluned Morgan was asked by Darren Millar last week to set out that definition she responded, “That is not something I am engaging with”. This is the politician who has been at the forefront of campaigns for protecting women and girls from violence. She also has advocated for women only lists for elections in an effort to create a more equal split of the genders in representation. If she cannot define a woman then who is she supporting? Could it be anyone who selfidentifies as a woman? This is where labour have got themselves into a real pickle. How can you claim to be supportive of a section of society if you don’t specify criteria to determine who is a member of that section? If you can’t answer that then you cannot claim to be sympathetic to their needs.

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

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

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

LETTERS & NOTICES

PICTURE OF THE WEEK!

by Jeff Tierney

CRISIS IN EAR WAx REMOVAL

dEaR SIR,

as an audiologist, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in ear wax services in Wales. Shockingly, 1.6 million people, around half the population, live in areas where NHS ear wax removal is non-existent, with thousands more facing patchy or inadequate service provision.

The consequences are significant. Buildup of ear wax can cause painful and distressing symptoms, completely preventable hearing loss and tinnitus and lead to isolation and depression. Yet thousands are left with no choice but to self-manage wax at home, or pay for private treatment multiple times per year, which can be prohibitively expensive.

This situation is unacceptable and must change. For those with a medical need for wax removal – more commonly older adults and hearing aid users - access to this service is essential for their health and wellbeing.

That’s why RNID has launched the Stop the Block campaign. You too can take action by writing to your local Health Board, and together we can ensure millions get access to the vital services they need. Visit www.rnid.org.uk/ stoptheblock

Crystal Rolfe, director of Health, RNId

A MESSAGE TO MY MUMMY ON MOTHER’S DAY ABOUT HUNGRY CHILDREN

dEaR SIR,

My name is Ethan and I’m six years old.

I first heard about Mary’s Meals at school and learned that some children around the world don’t have enough food to eat. It made me sad to think that there are children my age who go hungry every day.

When I found out that Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.6 million children in some of the world’s poorest countries, I wanted to do something to help. So, I decided to set up a lemonade stand in my village to raise money.

I had so much fun making the lemonade and lots of my neighbours came to support me. I managed to raise £67, which is enough to feed three

To find out more about how you can help Mary’s Meals reach more hungry children, please visit www.marysmeals. org.uk

Ethan, six years old

A CRUEL BUSINESS

dEaR SIR,

children for a whole school year. I feel really proud of myself.

But I couldn’t have done it without my mummy. She took me to the supermarket to buy all the ingredients and helped me set up my stand. She always supports me in everyting I do.

This Mother’s Day, I want to say a big thank you to my mummy, but also to all the mothers around the world. I learned that many mothers in the poorest countries go without food themselves just so their children can eat. Or they try to find whatever work they can to be able to afford food for their family, some even volunteer as cooks at school so other children can eat Mary’s Meals too. They give up so much every day, even when they have very little, because they love their children so much.

That’s why I wanted to help Mary’s Meals, to make sure more children get the food they need and to help take a little bit of worry away from their mothers.

I hope other children and their parents will join me in supporting Mary’s Meals. You could set up a lemonade stand like I did, sell delicious sweet treats, or visit the Mary’s Meals website for more fundraising ideas.

Even the smallest effort can make a big difference as just 10p a day is enough to feed a child at school, giving them the chance to learn, grow and dream of a brighter future.

Michael sheen’s “heist” of buying and cancelling people’s debts is an inspiring act of solidarity, but it also exposes a fundamental injustice in our financial system (‘It’s not because I want people to think I’m great’: Michael Sheen on paying off £1m of his neighbours’ debts, 10 March). debts of people who are struggling are bought and sold for pennies on the pound, while they remain liable for the full amount – and may face distressing visits from debt collectors and bailiffs. Our research, with the Centre for Responsible Credit, found that debt purchasers expect to collect back between two and three times what they paid for the debt.

Personal debt has spiralled because of low wages, insecure work and a broken lending system that punishes communities who can least afford it. Sheen is right – people are working hard, often juggling multiple jobs, yet are stuck in cycles of high-cost credit simply to cover essentials. More than 10 million people across the UK are “over-indebted”, either behind on bills or finding debts a heavy financial burden – up 70% on pre-pandemic levels. Council tax arrears in England alone have reached £6bn.

With debt on this scale, we can’t rely on the generosity of individuals to cancel debt. We need systemic reform, including fairer lending practices and government action to address unaffordable debt at its roots.

Heidi Chow Executive director, debt Justice

Death Notices

W ILLIAM J OHN DAVISON

P EMBROKE

THE death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Tuesday 4th March 2025 of Mr. William John davison, aged 82 years of Elm Grove, Pembroke.

Devoted Husband of the late June. Much loved Dad of Lee, Tracey and Tina, and father-in-law of Carly, Paul and Paul. Treasured Grandad of Darren, Craig, Rhys, Liam, Noah and Niall. Cherished great Grandad of Ricky, Shayla, Darcey, Freddie, Theo, Freya, Eloise and Jaylee.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 27th March 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 2:30pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for The British Heart Foundation c/o E.C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors 21, Main Street, Pembroke (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth (01834) 831876 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

E VELYN A NNE E VANS

H AYSCASTLE

Evelyn anne Evans, of Hayscastle, died peacefully surrounded by her family, at Withybush Hospital on Saturday February 22nd, aged 86. Loving wife of the late Arthur, dear sister of Myfanwy, cherished mother of Geraint and Rhiannon, treasured mother-in law of Jayne and caring grandmother of Tomos.

A funeral service will be held at Noddfa Newton Chapel on Friday March 14th at 11 a.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers are gratefully accepted, if desired, towards Fishguard Young Farmers Club via Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. 01348 873250.

B RIAN T HOMAS

P EMBROKE D OCK

THE death occurred suddenly but peacefully on Monday 3rd March 2025 at Bush House Care Home, Pembroke of Mr. Brian Thomas, aged 75 years formerly of Munro Court, Pembroke dock.

A Cherished Uncle to Colin. Dearly loved Brother of Glyn, Ronald and the late Marion and Thelma.

Brian was a treasured friend and devoted volunteer for many years at Haverfordwest County A.F.C

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 25th March 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church, Pembroke Dock at 11:00am followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock.

There will be family flowers. Should you wish to make a donation in memory of Brian, please kindly forward direct to Bethel Baptist Church.

The funeral arrangements are being carried out by E.C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors 21, Main Street, Pembroke (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth (01834) 831876

M ICHAEL B AKER

F ISHGUARD

Michael passed away at Withybush Hospital on the 28th February aged 81 years.

Much loved husband to the late Margaret, dearly loved father to

the late James and father-in-law to Rachel, adored step-father to Louise, Martin and Elizabeth (Liz), Dada to Bryn and Gryff, Big G to Sebastian (Baz) and Alexandra, grandfather to Silas and Caleb and beloved great grandfather, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place on Friday 4th April 2025 at 2.30pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, for the RNLI and/or the British Heart Foundation can be made directly to your chosen charity.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

A NNETTE DAVIES

P EMBROKE

annette davies, aged 85 years, our Treasured Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend passed away on Sunday 9th March at home surrounded by her loving family. annette will be forever in our hearts .

The Funeral Service will take place on Saturday 29th March at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 12.15pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for the R.S.P.C.A c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors 21, Main Street, Pembroke (01646) 682680 & Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth (01834) 831876 or via www. ecthomasandson.co.uk

J OYCE PAt RICIA M ERRIMAN

P EMBROKE D OCK

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Wednesday

5th March of Mrs Joyce Patricia Merriman, aged 98 years of arthur Street, Pembroke dock.

Loving Mother of Elaine. Treasured Grandmother of Lydia and Emily. Joyce will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

‘In Gods Hands’

A Requiem Mass will take place at St. Deiniol, St. Asaph with St. Giles Church, Upton Castle, Cosheston on Wednesday 26th March at 10.00am followed by a private cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

There will be family flowers only, with donations, if so desired for Hywel Dda Health Charities (Frailty Ward of Withybush Hospital) c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS or Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH.

R OBERT R ICHARD (D ICK ) BOLt ON

D INAS C ROSS

SadLY, in hospital on Tuesday 4th March 2025 after a long illness.

Dearly loved and cherished husband of Gillian, loving father to Paul, David and Matthew, greatly loved Father-in-law, Grandad, Great Grandad, Stepfather and deeply respected by their families.

The funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8Ud on Friday 21st March at 12:15pm.

Family flowers only please, but donations if desired can be made to Blood Cancer UK c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

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world cup qualifying begins

CYMRU have named 18-year-old uncapped midfielder kai Andrews in their squad for the up and coming World Cup qualifiers against kazakhstan and north Macedonia.

The teenager’s inclusion comes amid a series of injury setbacks, with captain Aaron Ramsey ruled out once again after sustaining another hamstring injury on Tuesday. As a result, Tom Lawrence has been recalled to the squad.

Andrews’ Surprise Call-Up

Andrews, who has represented Cymru at Under-19 level, is currently on loan at Motherwell from Coventry City. Despite having started only three league games for the Scottish Premiership side since joining in January, he made a strong impression in their recent victory over Rangers, playing the full 90 minutes.

Cymru manager Craig Bellamy has described Andrews as a “high-potential” player who could be given a chance due to the squad’s limited midfield options.

“I watched his games with the under-19s,” said Bellamy. “Physically, he’s impressive, but also his ability to look after the ball. There are plenty of habits that need improving, but with young players, that’s understandable.”

Bellamy added: “At Anderlecht, we gave debuts at 16, so it’s quite normal. I see him as a high-potential player in an area we need quality. He’s maybe a bit more fast-tracked than usual in international football, but it’s an area we need to strengthen.”

Ramsey’s Absence and Cymru’s Injury Woes

Ramsey, 34, had been expected to return to the squad for the first time since September but was forced off during Cardiff City’s 2-1 defeat against Luton Town. His absence adds to Cymru’s growing list of injuries, with Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu and Fulham playmaker Harry Wilson also unavailable.

Ipswich Town winger Wes Burns and

Sheffield United left-back Rhys NorringtonDavies are sidelined as well, although Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper returns from injury.

Bellamy expressed his support for Ramsey, acknowledging the veteran midfielder’s long-standing contributions.

“I spoke to him this morning. It’s tough for him,” said Bellamy. “But personally, footballwise and from a selfish capacity in the Cymru job, I don’t really care. Him as a person is more important. I’ve known him since he was five. To watch his hard work – not just now, but throughout his career – the consistency, the elite level he’s played at, the person he is. I care about that more.”

Cymru’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Cymru begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign at home against Kazakhstan on Saturday, 22 March, before travelling to North Macedonia three days later. They have also been drawn in Group J alongside Belgium and Liechtenstein.

The top team from each of the 12 European groups will qualify automatically for the World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The second-placed teams will enter the play-offs.

Bellamy remains unbeaten as Cymru head coach, having guided the team to promotion to the Nations League’s top tier with three wins and three draws in 2024. Winning their Nations League group has also effectively guaranteed Cymru at least a play-off spot for World Cup qualification.

Having introduced a bold new playing style alongside these promising early results, Bellamy’s next objective is to lead Cymru to what would be only their third World Cup in history. Despite an illustrious club career, the former Cymru captain never had the opportunity to represent his country at a major tournament. Now, in his first senior managerial role, he hopes to achieve that long-held dream.

Goalkeepers:

Danny Ward (Leicester City)

Karl Darlow (Leeds United)

Adam Davies (Sheffield United)

Defenders:

Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)

Joe Rodon (Leeds United)

Chris Mepham (Sunderland)

Ben Cabango (Swansea City)

Connor Roberts (Burnley)

Neco Williams (Notts Forest)

Jay Dasilva (Coventry City)

Midfielders:

Joe Allen (Swansea City), Josh Sheehan (Bolton W)

Jordan James (Stade Rennais)

Ollie Cooper (Swansea City)

Kai Andrews (Motherwell)

Sorba Thomas (Nantes)

David Brooks (Bournemouth)

Tom Lawrence (Rangers)

Forwards:

Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United)

Brennan Johnson (Tottenham)

Daniel James (Leeds United)

Liam Cullen (Swansea City)

Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich)

Mark Harris (Oxford United)

Lewis Koumas (Stoke City)

Rabbi Matondo (Hannover 96)

CYMRU SQUAD

Bellamy’s selection

Suprise call-up Kai Andrews

Cymru prepare

Wales hit rock bottom but there is hope

THE HAMMErInG the men’s senior international team took against England last Saturday (March 15) raised familiar questions about the decline of rugby union in Wales.

Identifying the problems and their causes has become a national pastime.

The WRU has been accused of neglecting the national team, the regions, and the community game and of not doing enough to secure the game’s future while the senior team was successful. All of those complaints have some foundation, with some better founded than others.

However, to get to the root of the issues, it is necessary to strip away some of the myths surrounding Wales’s relationship with rugby. Starting with the most straightforward one: rugby is not Wales’s national game. Far more people play football in Wales than rugby, and football clubs are distributed more evenly across the country. Even in areas of Wales that are traditionally and strongly associated with rugby union, more people play soccer than rugby.

For a nation that harps on about the past’s glories, uniquely among Tier One rugby nations, Wales has failed to tap into the knowledge base of its former top international players. Consider the great Welsh teams of the 1970s: none of them went into top-class coaching. The WRU’s approach to amateurism was partly to blame for the loss of their knowledge. Still, even when the amateur game turned professional, the number of top-ranking players taking on senior roles in coaching and player development remained small.

That is not to say that having former players coaching and developing players is the answer to Welsh rugby’s woes. The challenges run far deeper. But there is hope.

HIT AND MISS PLAYER SELECTIONS WASTE TALENT

For young players, getting on the right development pathway often has more to do with whether your face (or your parents’ faces) fits. Staying on a player development pathway with regional academies is also fraught with difficulty. Imagine the lunacy of losing promising players because they want to pursue an academic career away from Wales or take advantage of superior coaching and facilities in England. But that’s not only

happened in Wales, it’s still happening.

One promising young player from Pembrokeshire spent a long time on The Scarlets development pathway. Nobody knows whether he would’ve made it to the top level. However, the Scarlets dropped him like a hot brick as soon as he made it clear he wanted to pursue his higher education outside Wales and not attend Coleg Sir Gar. Because of the way he was treated, that young player no longer plays at any level. He fell out of love with the game he’d played since he was six or seven years old.

At a more elevated level, the player who scored Italy’s final try against Ireland in Rome last weekend hails from Pembrokeshire. Stephen Varney made a couple of outings for the Scarlets Under16s but was not picked up for further development with the West Wales region. Whichever way you cut it, dropping a player from a regional squad who ends up with a successful international career must raise questions about the selection processes and regions’ commitment to developing local talent instead of buying it in.

THE FUTURE COULD BE BRIGHT

Not all is doom and gloom.

One coach told us that, provided the current crop of young players (16 and under) is developed, they will have every chance of becoming world-beaters.

He told us: “There are a huge number

of players coming through Haverfordwest High because they have an excellent coaching team that also coaches the Scarlets. However, funding was pulled for similar roles. So, a guy from Pembroke School in a similar role was let go despite being a very recent under20s international who also coaches the county.

“The schools have the final say on the funding, so some choose to use it elsewhere or not have rugby programmes.

“At junior level, what I’ve tried to do is get in guys who are athletically promising and transfer their talents towards rugby. That means hoovering up all the talent that doesn’t go to other clubs or who fell out somewhere else. In many ways, a band of misfits taking a second chance are easier to coach and build a team ethic among. It takes time, but they’re already physically gifted, so they need time to play as much rugby as possible.

“I see my role as developing these guys for rugby further down the line. That’s how clubs should be, but they all want to win the next game. We won’t win every game now, but next year, we might win a few more, and the next year, we might win the cup.

“Everyone wants a quick fix, though. Local clubs will try to poach your vest talent (which happens all over Wales). That means lads who aren’t physically or mentally there yet get discarded. That’s where we come in.

“Most importantly, we look at the player as a whole. We have players who come from difficult educational and family backgrounds. They deserve a chance to enjoy rugby and be as good as they can while playing it. It’s about giving players a chance.”

WHY SIZE MATTERS

Another coach told us: “We have to accept that not every good player is going to make it at the professional level, let alone the international game. However, all players must be given the chance to make the most of what they have. That means focussing on skills and fitness. You can be the fastest runner on the field, but that’s no use unless you can catch, pass, and kick. You can be a mound of muscle and strong as an ox, but scrummaging and forward play require technical ability and nous, as well as strength.

“The best players need to be big enough, fast enough, and have the physical assets that allow them to compete at the top level. If you can’t compete physically, you’re already lost. Look at the Welsh backs last weekend. I don’t doubt they’re good players. I don’t doubt their skill. But compared to the English backs, they were tiny. If you are thirteen stone and quick, you’re going to get smashed by a player who is just as quick but three stone heavier and six inches taller. You have to be a once-in-ageneration world-class player like Shane Williams to buck that reality.”

One coach told us their approach would be: “Bring back the A team. Have a head of coaching who oversees the age group, regional and possible future A team coaches. Have the same in strength and conditioning. If you’re playing professional rugby, why are you not fit enough or strong enough to play international rugby?”

They continued: “Everyone playing the pro game should be physically able to play for Wales. It’s madness that they can’t. It’s their job, for Christ’s sake!

“Wales had a guy doing that, and when we became successful, they got rid of him; that’s typically Welsh.

“In New Zealand or South Africa, every pro player can play international rugby. Why are Welsh players having to do so much extra work on their fitness and skills once selected? It’s farcical.”

Haverfordwest outclassed by Tenby in cup clash

HaVERFORdWEST 13-52 TENBY UNITEd

TENBY UNITEd asserted their dominance in a knockout cup clash against Haverfordwest, securing a commanding 52-13 victory on Saturday.

The Seasiders entered the match as

strong favourites given the gulf between the two sides in league standings. Despite a determined effort from Haverfordwest, they trailed by 18 points at halftime and conceded another 21 in the second half without adding to their tally.

Jack Broadhurst opened the scoring for Tenby before Haverfordwest responded with a well-worked try from

Guy Barrons, converted by Jack Codd. However, Tenby quickly regained control. Hywel Baker powered over, Kyle Rossiter finished a forward drive, and Tom Edmonds crossed after a break from Dai Jones. Lloyd Thomas added the extras before No. 8 Jack Brown crashed over just before the break to extend the lead.

The Blues had promising spells and earned two penalties, both converted by Codd, but failed to capitalise on further opportunities. In the second half, Tenby’s dominance continued. Gwion Jones, Lloyd Thomas, and Ryan Bolton all added tries, with Thomas finishing the match with 17 points in a one-sided contest.

SENIOR CUP

Ten-man Milford stun holders Clarby to reach Senior Cup final

MILFORD UNITED 2-1 CLARBESTON

ROAD

MILFORd UNITEd booked their place in the senior Cup final with a spirited and fearless performance, overcoming defending champions Clarbeston Road in a dramatic semi-final at bridge Meadow.

With both sides having beaten each other in the league, a competitive encounter was expected, and The Robins wasted no time in making their

mark. Young Jack Dyer fired them into the lead in the fourth minute with a superb volley, setting the tone for an intense battle.

Milford had a golden chance to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Clarby held firm, ensuring the deficit remained at one goal heading into the break.

Half-time: Milford United 1-0 Clarbeston Road

Clarby came out strongly in the

second half, piling on the pressure from the restart. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy produced a series of crucial saves, but in the 62nd minute, Clarby found the breakthrough, levelling the game at 1-1.

Moments later, Milford were dealt a major blow when captain Scott Griffiths was shown a straight red card, leaving them to battle the remainder of the match with ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage,

PEMBROKESHIRE FIRST DIvISION ROUND-UP

GOODWICK EDGE CLOSER TO LEAGUE TITLE

Goodwick United 5-0 Kilgetty

Goodwick United took another step toward retaining their league title with a dominant win over 10man Kilgetty.

Will Haworth opened the scoring just before halftime with an overhead kick, and moments later, Nathan Greene doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Jonny Horgan corner.

Kilgetty’s chances suffered further in the second half when Kyle Marsh was sent off for a second booking. Goodwick capitalised, adding goals through Rhys Jones, substitute Kieran Blundell, and a second for Haworth to

complete the rout.

They now need just one more win from their final three games to secure the championship.

PENNAR RuN RIOt IN RECORD-BREAKING ROUT

Herbrandston 0-15 Pennar Robins

Relegated Herbrandston endured a crushing defeat in their final game, as Pennar robins ran rampant with 15 unanswered goals.

Ben Adams led the charge with five, while Jack Jones netted four. Cameron Brunton added a hat-trick, with Noah Davison, Nick Willis, and Liam Williams also on the scoresheet.

Despite a tough season, credit must go to Herbrandston and their leadership, with the club now looking

ahead to a fresh start in August.

L ATE GOALS SECURE HAKIN vICtORY

Hakin United 3-1 Carew

Hakin United overcame a determined Carew side at the Obs, with two late goals sealing the win.

Ryan Wilson opened the scoring in the 16th minute, volleying home from a Jack Britton corner. Carew responded before halftime when Marcus Griffiths won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Mark Jones.

Jones made amends in the second half, setting up Shane Walsh to restore Hakin’s lead in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Britton played in Alfie Stotter, who sealed the victory with a delicate chip.

The Robins showed incredible resolve, and in the 82nd minute, Scott Reid fired home from close range to restore Milford’s lead—sparking wild celebrations among their supporters. Milford saw out the closing stages with a determined defensive effort, securing a hard-fought victory that showcased their grit and resilience.

They will now face old rivals Hakin United in the final at Bridge Meadow on Saturday, April 12, with momentum firmly on their side.

MANDERWOOD PEMBROKESHIRE LEAgUE 2024/2025

Fixtures

Division 1

Hakin

Kilgetty

Tenby

Division

Carew

Fishguard

Division

Camrose

St Florence United v Pendine

Division 4

Milford Athletic v Tenby II

Milford United Res v Johnston Reserves

Newport Tigers v Pennar Robins II

Pembroke Boro Res v Hundleton

Prendergast Villa v Monkton Swifts III

St Ishmaels Res v Fishguard Sports Res

Division 5

Lawrenny Res v Haverfordwest CC Reserves

Narberth Reserves v Hundleton Reserves