The Pembrokeshire Herald 24/10/2025

Two actors.

Two found guilty of conspiracy to murder after armed hit on caravan

TWO people who plotted an armed hit on a caravan in Ceredigion have been found guilty of conspiracy to murder following a two-week trial at Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard how Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry planned to kill Christopher Mills so they could continue their affair.

A third defendant, Steven Thomas, who was alleged to have been recruited by Berry to assist with the plan, was found not guilty of conspiracy to murder. He had earlier admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause Mr Mills to believe that unlawful violence would be used against him or another person.

Prosecutors said Mills and Berry intended to murder Mr Mills and stage the

scene to look like a suicide.

ARmEd ATTACk

Dyfed-Powys Police received a 999 call shortly after 11:30pm on September 20, 2024, reporting that two masked men armed with guns had entered a caravan in Cenarth and attacked Mr Mills.

Despite being badly beaten, the victim fought the two men off before they fled.

The emergency call came from Michelle Mills, aged 46, who claimed her husband had sustained a head injury and said the masked men were unknown to

her.

Armed officers, dog units and the NPAS helicopter were deployed and quickly located Berry, aged 46, and Thomas, aged 47, hiding in nearby undergrowth.

They were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. Officers found gas masks and a fake suicide note addressed to Mills, purporting to have been written by her husband.

THE iNvESTigATiON

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department launched a major inquiry which soon established that Mills, of Maes Ty Gwyn, Llangennech, Llanelli, had helped plan the attack.

Although she initially claimed she had “no idea” why her husband was targeted, investigators discovered she was fully aware of the ambush and had been in a relationship with Berry for around three months.

Digital forensic work uncovered messages between Mills and Berry discussing ways to kill Mr Mills. One message from August 7 read that he “should just die”.

By August 9, the pair were plotting how Berry could arrange a “hit” on Mr Mills. Mills spoke of poisoning him with sleeping tablets, while Berry sought a gun with a suppressor and even asked how to make a Mini Cooper S explode on starting — the model her husband drove.

When Berry told Mills he was meeting “the boys” to plan “what they are going to do with him,” she replied: “Yes, lovely, thank you.”

Her only concern was that they did not get caught.

CRUCiAl EvidENCE

Detective Inspector Sam Gregory of Dyfed-Powys Police said the digital evidence proved decisive: “The communication between Mills and Berry made it clear that since June 2024 they had begun a secret relationship. Berry, encouraged by Mills, became increasingly obsessed with harming her husband.

“Although Mills later claimed the talk of murder was fantasy, the pair made repeated, detailed plans to kill him.”

Messages showed two aborted attempts to reach Mr Mills’ caravan on August 28 and 29, with Berry injuring his knee during one visit. On the third attempt, September 20, Mills told Berry she would get her husband drunk so he would fall asleep.

Berry texted to say he had arrived at the caravan park moments before the attack. After the intruders fled, Mills messaged him: “Police have been called, get away, delete all communications … please on both phones … I love you.”

DI Gregory said Berry and Mills had also discussed using gas to make Mr Mills’ death appear to be suicide. Both Berry and Thomas carried gas masks, and officers later found the fake suicide note.

“What’s clear,” DI Gregory said, “is that these items were not intended to frighten Mr Mills — they were part of a plan to fake his suicide.”

gUilTy vERdiCTS

Mills was arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder her husband. When detained, she reportedly told officers: “I’m going to prison for this, aren’t I?”

Berry and Thomas, both of Clos Coffa, Clydach, faced the same charge, which all three denied.

After a two-week trial, the jury found Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry guilty of conspiracy to murder.

Steven Thomas was found not guilty of that charge but had previously admitted the firearm offence.

DI Gregory said: “While this case has all the makings of a TV drama, it was a very real conspiracy to take someone’s life. Mills and Berry plotted not one, but three attempts to kill Mr Mills.

“Thanks to the courage of the victim and the diligence of our officers, those responsible will now face the consequences.”

Michelle Mills, Geraint Berry and Steven Thomas will be sentenced on December 19.

Hubberston man admits string of offences after garage burglary and driving spree

A HUBBERSTON man has been given a suspended jail sentence after admitting to a series of offences including burglary, vehicle interference, driving while disqualified, and failing to provide a breath test.

Lee Perry, aged 38, of St Davids Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Oct 13), where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

The court heard that on October 11, Perry broke into a detached garage at

Liddeston Cottage on Liddeston Road, Milford Haven, and stole tools and drill batteries worth around £200. He also interfered with a nearby Audi car, intending to steal the vehicle or items from inside.

Later the same day, he drove a Ford Fiesta along Liddeston Road while disqualified and without insurance. When stopped by police, Perry refused to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

Magistrates said the offences were aggravated by the fact that Perry was

under the influence of alcohol at the time and that his actions caused significant harm and distress.

He was sentenced to a total of 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, after the court accepted there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Perry was ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity, pay £200 compensation to the burglary victim, and comply with a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement running until February 9, 2026.

He must remain at his home

address between 5:00pm and midnight until October 15 to allow monitoring equipment to be fitted.

For the driving offences, Perry was banned from driving for five years. He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Magistrates said only a custodial sentence could be justified given the seriousness of the offences, but they chose to suspend it in light of his early guilty pleas and commitment to rehabilitation.

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Tribunal hears Doctor made crude ‘PingPong’ remarks and groped female workers

A hospital doctor is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment towards two junior colleagues while working as a locum consultant at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

Dr Velmurugan Kuppuswamy, who qualified from a medical university in India in 1996, is accused of inappropriately touching and making sexually suggestive remarks to the women during his time at the Pembrokeshire hospital. The allegations are currently being considered by a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel, which will determine whether his fitness to practise has been impaired.

According to the tribunal, Dr Kuppuswamy allegedly sent one of the doctors inappropriate messages, calling her “a perfect sweetheart” and writing: “I be there. If you dance with me…”

At a social gathering attended by hospital staff, he is said to have hugged the same doctor, touched her back, and squeezed her waist and wrist before pulling her towards him. It is claimed he smirked and winked at her, later calling her a “bad girl” after she remarked that smoking was bad for one’s health.

Despite her repeated efforts to pull away, Dr Kuppuswamy is accused of continuing to touch and harass the woman, ignoring her requests for him to stop and complaints that he was hurting her.

Witnesses also allege that during the party he followed a group of female colleagues when they moved to another area, staring at them while they danced and again later in the kitchen.

The doctor is further accused of making lewd

gestures while playing table tennis with two junior colleagues, allegedly making a “forward thrusting motion” with his chest and telling them they should “use their chests as ping-pong bats”, adding that being “well-endowed in that area” was an advantage.

It is also claimed he stared at another female doctor who was dancing and told her she looked good, encouraging her to “go on, keep doing that sexy dancing for me”. While seated beside her, he allegedly moved his chair close until their shoulders were touching, placed his hand on her thigh, and squeezed near her groin.

During working hours, Dr Kuppuswamy is said to have made further inappropriate remarks. When one of the women phoned him about a work-related matter, he allegedly replied: “If you want to get in touch with me, there are easier ways.”

On other occasions, it is claimed he deliberately sat very close to the same doctor on a sofa, leaning in and draping his arm behind her. When she attempted to move away, he allegedly slid closer.

In another reported incident, while walking towards a lift, Dr Kuppuswamy is said to have grabbed and squeezed the woman’s arm, smirked, and whispered “cheeky girl” in her ear, again ignoring her protests that he was hurting her.

The allegations state that Dr Kuppuswamy’s behaviour created “an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” for his junior colleagues and that his actions were “sexually motivated” and amounted to an abuse of his position.

A preliminary hearing was held earlier this month, and the case is expected to resume next year.

Man accused of strangulation, assault and escaping custody remanded

A milFORd HAvEN man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with a series of violent offences, including intentional strangulation and escaping from lawful custody.

Thirty-eight-year-old Timothy John, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Oct 17).

John faces four charges: Intentional strangulation, contrary to Section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

Assaulting a police constable in the execution of her duty, contrary to Section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996.

Escape from lawful custody, contrary to common law.

The alleged offences took place on October 13 and 14 at John’s home address in Howarth Close, Milford Haven. The alleged victim in two of the charges is a female, while the police assault is said to have involved PC 1270 Sayers. No pleas were entered, and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 17 at 9:00am.

Magistrates Mrs M Phillips, Mr V Brickley and Mrs E Byrne remanded John in custody, citing the seriousness of the offences, the risk of reoffending, the likelihood of interference with witnesses, and a potential risk of absconding.

The case is being prosecuted by James Sprunks for CPS Wales (South West). John was represented by Fenn Ricards Solicitors.

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Welsh Ambulance staff to vote on industrial action

STAFF at the Welsh Ambulance Service are to be balloted for strike action over what unions describe as a below-inflationpay award.

UNISON Cymru said on Thursday (Oct 23) that the ballot will open on Friday (Oct 24) and run until November 21.

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The union claims the Welsh Government’s decision to implement the NHS Pay Review Body’s recommended 3.6% rise for 2025/26 fails to reflect the rising cost of living. With inflation currently at 3.8%, UNISON says the increase amounts to a real-terms pay cut.

diSpUTE OvER pAy SETTlEmENT

The dispute centres on the government’s choice to follow the review body’s advice rather than negotiate a higher deal with unions.

UNISON says the move breaks a previous commitment to restore NHS pay to 2008 levels, describing it as “a betrayal of trust.”

If workers vote in favour, walkouts could begin around Christmas, during one of the NHS’s busiest periods.

‘WE CAN’T kEEp TAkiNg pAy CUTS’

Carol Roberts, a triage nurse and UNISON representative, said: “It breaks my heart to see colleagues who care for others having to use food banks to feed their families. The government’s 3.6% award falls far short of what NHS staff need to get by.”

Paramedic and branch secretary Henry Garrard added: “Ambulance staff are working harder than ever, but this pay rise has been left trailing by soaring costs. It’s effectively a pay cut for workers already stretched to breaking point.”

UNiON SAyS STAFF ‘REAdy TO

ACT’

UNISON Cymru’s head of health,

Tanya Bull, said many of the lowest-paid NHS workers were excluded from salary sacrifice schemes because participation would push their hourly rates below the minimum wage.

“No one expects the people who provide essential services to be struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “They want a fair pay rise that keeps up with inflation and recognises their contribution.”

She confirmed that the Welsh Ambulance Service is the first target in a wider campaign to “Put NHS Pay Right”, with further ballots possible across the health service if no improvement is made.

BACkgROUNd

UNISON represents hundreds of Welsh Ambulance Service staff, including call handlers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and patient transport workers.

In a union consultation held earlier this year, 82% of voting members said they would support industrial action over pay.

Ballot papers will be issued on Friday (Oct 24) and results announced after Friday (Nov 21).

Llandysul man faces Crown Court over threats and assault charges

A llANdySUl man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court accused of making threats to kill and assaulting a woman in lampeter.

Liam Michael Woodcraft, aged 43, of Clifton Terrace, Llandysul, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Oct 13) facing three charges following an alleged incident on October 11. He is accused of making a threat to kill Rose Darlington, contrary to section 16 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, intentionally strangling her, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015, and assault by beating, contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Woodcraft was remanded on conditional bail with strict conditions not to contact Ms Darlington by any means, not to enter Lampeter except when travelling through on a bus to Aberystwyth, and to live and sleep each

night at his address in Clifton Terrace, Llandysul.

He must also observe a nightly curfew between 8:00pm and 7:00am, during which he must present himself to a police officer if requested.

The case is listed for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court on November 14 at 9:00am.

Plaid Cymru secures 3400 margin victory in Caerphilly by-election

plAid CymRU has pulled off a dramatic win in the Caerphilly byelection, narrowly beating Reform Uk in one of the most closely watched contests in Wales this year. The final result, announced early Friday morning, saw Plaid Cymru receive 15,961 votes, ahead of Reform UK on 12,113. Welsh Labour trailed in a distant third with 3,713, followed

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by the Conservatives on 690, the Wales Green Party on 516, the Liberal Democrats on 497, UKIP on 79, and Glad Wales Can Be Better on 117.

The result marks a major upset in what had long been considered a Labour stronghold, and is being viewed as a symbolic breakthrough for Plaid Cymru in South Wales.

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth was the only party leader to attend the count, describing the outcome as “a change of historic proportions.” His presence underlined Plaid’s growing confidence in challenging Labour dominance in the Valleys.

Among those watching the drama unfold was Plaid’s veteran candidate — a familiar figure in Welsh politics — who has stood unsuccessfully in more than a dozen previous elections. He was seen looking visibly tense as the final bundles were counted before the

declaration confirmed his long-awaited victory.

In his acceptance speech, the Plaid’s Lindsay Whittle said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not used to speaking first. Whilst we are perhaps euphoric in some parties tonight, I respectfully ask you to remember why we are here — under sad circumstances. We pay tribute to Hefin David, his family and friends, and I extend my sympathies. He will be a hard act to follow. I will walk the same path he did, and I can pay no finer tribute to an excellent man.

“I hope that this will be an exciting time for politics in Wales. I am heartened by young people — across the entire constituency I have had selfies, I have now had this. Listen, Cardiff — this is Caerphilly saying we want a better deal for here and every corner of Wales. The big parties need to take notice. We are at the dawn of a new beginning, and I look forward to playing my part.

“This is better than scoring the winning try against New Zealand in the

final of the Rugby World Cup. I promise you, Caerphilly — I will serve you to the best of my ability.”

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said:

“Polls have now closed in Caerphilly. Welsh Labour would like to thank everyone who came out to support our campaign and vote for Richard Tunnicliffe today. Hefin David loved this constituency and its people. He’s been at the heart of our campaign throughout. This has been a tough campaign for the party for a variety of reasons, but we’re proud of what our staff and volunteers have achieved over the past six weeks and are committed to continuing to fight for Caerphilly and the Valleys.”

The by-election, triggered by the death of Hefin David earlier this year, was widely seen as a bellwether for next May’s Senedd election. Tonight’s result will send shockwaves through Welsh Labour ranks and provide a major morale boost to Plaid Cymru as it positions itself for government.

BT wiring error led to innocent trio being wrongly accused of child abuse

THREE innocent people had their lives turned upside down after being falsely accused of downloading child abuse images –all because of a broadband wiring error by a BT engineer, a tribunal has heard.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) was told that a mistake made years earlier inside a street cabinet caused internet activity from the real offender to be wrongly linked to an address occupied by two men

and a woman. The error led DyfedPowys Police to launch a child abuse investigation against the trio in 2016, resulting in their homes being searched twice and their electronic devices seized.

The consequences were devastating. One of the men was placed on restricted duties at work after his employer was informed of an

ongoing child protection investigation. Another had a job offer withdrawn. The woman involved was told by social services that she could not live alone with her children until the investigation cleared her name.

The tribunal heard that the accusations were “highly distressing” and had “serious consequences” for all three, who have since been granted anonymity. The location of the incident was described only as being within Dyfed-Powys Police’s “area of operation in Wales,” covering Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys.

BT told the tribunal that the issue stemmed from “crossed wires” – a rare technical fault that led to the real offender’s IP address being “misattributed” to one of the claimants, the registered tenant of the property. The error, the tribunal found, was not something the police could reasonably have foreseen.

Despite the distress caused, the IPT ruled that Dyfed-Powys Police had acted lawfully and appropriately throughout the investigation. The tribunal found no evidence of police misconduct, concluding instead that the error lay with the technical fault.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said:

“We recognise the upset and hurt suffered by the claimants in this case, and commend them for the dignity, integrity, and full co-operation shown throughout.

We welcome the judgement which recognises that the errors discovered were no fault of the police, and all investigatory actions carried out by our officers were lawful, proportionate, and necessary.

Despite the difficult circumstances, we are satisfied that the party responsible for this error has been brought to justice.”

The tribunal heard that the true offender lived in “very close proximity” to the innocent trio’s home. Following their identification and arrest, a search of their devices uncovered indecent images of children, and they were later convicted of related offences. Although the tribunal acknowledged the severe impact on the wrongly accused individuals, it ruled there were no grounds for compensation, as the police had acted within the law and responded appropriately once the mistake was uncovered.

BT described the wiring mix-up as an “exceptionally rare occurrence”. The telecommunications company has been contacted for further comment.

Council prosecutes parents over school truancy across Pembrokeshire

SEvEN parents from across pembrokeshire have appeared before magistrates for failing to ensure their children attended school regularly, as the county council continues its clamp-down on truancy.

The cases, brought by Pembrokeshire County Council’s education welfare service, were heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Oct 17).

All related to children of compulsory school age who were repeatedly absent without authorisation earlier this year.

The parents – from Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Marloes and Ambleston near Fishguard – were each prosecuted under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which makes parents legally responsible for ensuring their children attend school.

Fines ranged from £40 to £220, with additional costs and victim surcharges bringing total penalties to more than £3,000.

Some parents admitted the offences, while others were found guilty in their absence.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald: “Our priority is always to support families and

help children re-engage with education. Legal action is only taken when all other interventions have failed and attendance remains a serious concern.”

“We know absence can seriously affect a child’s wellbeing, learning and future opportunities. Early help and communication with schools are the best ways to avoid cases reaching court.”

Education welfare officers say attendance problems have increased since the pandemic, with anxiety, illness and family pressures among the main causes of long-term absence.

The council has boosted schoolbased support officers and data monitoring to identify issues sooner and provide early help.

According to Welsh Government statistics, average school attendance across Wales fell from around 94 per cent before the pandemic to about 90 per cent in 2024-25, with secondary schools seeing the sharpest drop.

The court reminded parents that persistent failure to send a child to school can lead to fines of up to £2,500 or, in the most serious cases, imprisonment.

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Ambulance handover delays fall to lowest level in four years

AmBUlANCE handover delays across Wales have dropped to their lowest level since July 2021, according to the latest NHS performance figures published today (Oct 23).

The data shows the time lost by the Welsh Ambulance Service to handover delays at emergency departments fell by 40% in September compared to the same month last year.

Officials say this improvement has led to faster response times for patients. The average response time to reach people in the “amber” 999 category was 25 minutes

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quicker than in September 2024.

NHS UNdER pRESSURE AS ATTENdANCES RiSE

Despite progress on handovers, the Health Secretary Jeremy Miles warned that emergency departments remain under significant pressure, with attendances at record levels for September.

“We have targeted reducing ambulance patient handover times and I am pleased to see the results of this work,” Mr Miles said. “September saw the lowest ambulance hours lost since July 2021 – this needs to be sustained as we move into the challenging winter months.”

He urged the public to help support their local NHS by choosing the right care for their condition, highlighting that local pharmacies and NHS 111 Wales can provide free treatment and advice for many common illnesses.

Free vaccinations are also being

encouraged to help protect against Covid-19, flu and RSV this winter.

WAiTiNg liSTS CONTiNUE TO FAll

The figures also show the overall NHS waiting list is continuing to fall, with provisional data indicating a drop of around 15,000 patients in September and a “significant reduction” in long waits.

While there was a small rise in the number of people waiting more than two years for treatment in August, officials say this was expected over the summer months.

Several health boards, including Powys, Swansea Bay, Hywel Dda, Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Aneurin Bevan, now report either no two-year waits or fewer than 1% of pathways exceeding that mark.

Swansea Bay and Powys also have no one-year waits for first outpatient appointments, while Hywel Dda reports fewer than 1%.

FUNdiNg ANd NExT STEpS

Mr Miles said the Welsh Government remains determined to ensure faster access to treatment, supported by £120 million in targeted funding to reduce waiting times and expand capacity.

“We are seeing the impact of this investment alongside the continued hard work of our dedicated NHS staff,” he said. “We are on track to cut the waiting list and the longest waits.”

The Health Secretary added that the ‘Help Us to Help You’ campaign will launch next month to promote vaccination, selfcare, and the use of local health services.

Youth admits Solva burglary, knife offence, and assault on police officer

A TEENAgER rom Solva has admitted a series of offences including burglary, assaulting a police officer, criminal damage, and possession of a knife, following incidents at the village football club during the summer.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Oct 16).

The court heard that on July 15 and

August 4, the youth entered Solva AFC Clubhouse and a nearby storage shed as a trespasser, intending to cause criminal damage. During one of the incidents, he was found in possession of a 4.5-inch steak knife on the football pitch.

Prosecutor Linda Baker told magistrates that police were called to the scene, where the youth became violent, assaulting PC 646 Tweedie and damaging a pair of police handcuffs worth £21.

He also admitted sending a grossly offensive electronic message over a public communications network on the same date.

Defending, Mike Kelleher said the teenager had shown remorse and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Magistrates, Miss K Davies, Mr K Eustace, and Mrs J Morris, took the guilty pleas into account and imposed a 12-month referral order to the

which his parent must attend.

The youth was ordered to pay £250 compensation to Solva AFC, £21 for the damaged handcuffs, £85 costs, and a £26 victim surcharge. A forfeiture order was made for the knife, which will be destroyed.

An additional burglary charge relating to theft of a sledgehammer was withdrawn.

Milford Haven welcomes new priest in charge at St Katharine’s Church

THE mAyOR of milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, mr lloyd Jones, joined parishioners and members of the community on Wednesday (Oct 22) for the licensing of Reverend dr Adrian Furse as priest in Charge of St katharine and St peter’s Church, milford Haven.

The service, led by the Bishop of the Diocese of St David’s, Bishop Dorian, marked a special and joyful occasion for the parish. Reverend Dr Furse was accompanied by his wife, Louise, as they were formally welcomed into the Milford

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Haven community.

During the ceremony, Mayor Elliott extended a warm welcome on behalf of the town, expressing how pleased the community is to have Reverend Dr Furse and Louise join local life and ministry.

Milford Haven Town Council later said it offers “a heartfelt welcome and every blessing” to Reverend Dr Furse and Louise as they begin their new chapter serving the town.

Pembrokeshire Youth Offender Panel,

Dog spared destruction order after biting child

A dOg has been spared a destruction order after biting a tenyear-old boy on the face.

The attack left the child with visible teeth marks and cuts, including five puncture wounds between his eyes, nose and right cheek.

“Because of the attack, the child is now very nervous whenever he’s around other dogs,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “There’s also concern that if the dog is allowed home, he’ll hurt someone else.”

The incident took place on October 25, 2024, when the dog – a pet named Taz – was at home with its owner, Bethany Clark, in Wesley Court, Pembroke Dock. The court heard that before the attack, Taz had been sitting quietly in his cage.

“What took place was completely out of character for the dog,” said Clark’s solicitor, Tom Lloyd. “As a result of what happened, the dog was removed from its home and has spent the last 12 months in police kennels, so the defendant has already been punished significantly. Her

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dog was taken away from her.”

Mr Lloyd questioned why the case had taken so long to reach court, noting that none of the delays were his client’s fault.

The Crown confirmed that kennelling costs for Taz over the past year totalled £9,000.

Bethany Clark, aged 29, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury to a child.

After hearing mitigation, magistrates agreed to release the dog under a contingency destruction order. Taz must now be kept on a lead and muzzled in public, never left unattended when others are present, and never left unsupervised around children.

Clark was fined £80 and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the child, £85 in court costs, and a £32 surcharge. Magistrates agreed she should not be required to contribute to the kennelling costs.

Man placed on sex offenders register for indecent images

A pEmBROkESHiRE man has been placed on the sex offenders register after admitting making indecent images of a child.

David Michael Frazer, aged 33, admitted making Category A and Category B images between April 19, 2023, and March 9, 2024. Category A images are the most serious and can include the most extreme or abusive material. Frazer appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to both charges.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Frazer’s actions were discovered by police while they were

Elderly paedophile admits breaching court order

A CONviCTEd pembrokeshire paedophile has appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after breaching his sexual harm prevention order.

This week, 84-year-old Barry Hollingsworth entered the dock at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court to plead guilty to possessing a mobile phone at his home in Slade Park, Haverfordwest, which had not been registered with the police. The order prohibits him from

owning or using any electronic device without first declaring it to officers.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Hollingsworth has previously been convicted of “numerous breaches” of the same order imposed by Swansea Crown Court.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until November 11 and requested an all-options pre-sentence report from the probation service. Hollingsworth was released on unconditional bail pending his sentencing.

Solva teenager sentenced for damaging ex-girlfriend’s phone

AN 18-yEAR-Old has been sentenced for causing criminal damage to his ex-girlfriend’s mobile phone during an argument in goodwick.

The offence took place on June 16 when a dispute broke out between Reegan Devonald and his former partner, Demi Hughes.

“This was a lack of judgement and he’s extremely sorry for what happened,”

Disqualified

investigating another individual.

“Facebook messages were exchanged between both parties, and the defendant said he would be sending videos [of children],” she said. “Fourteen was the age that he was most interested in.”

As a result of his guilty pleas, magistrates ordered that Frazer, of Highlands Lane, Manorbier Newton, Tenby, be placed on the sex offenders register.

He will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on November 11 for sentencing and was released on unconditional bail.

Devonald’s solicitor, Alaw Harries, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“It wasn’t a good relationship and he wants nothing more to do with her again. He hasn’t spoken to her since the event.”

After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Devonald, of Maes Ewan, Solva, was given a conditional discharge for six months. He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

driver caught behind the wheel again in Pembroke Dock

A PEMBROKESHIRE kitchen fitter has been sentenced for driving while disqualified following a previous drink-driving conviction.

Police stopped a Vauxhall Vivaro on September 4 as it travelled through Melville Terrace, Pembroke Dock.

“They noticed that the vehicle’s number plate was registered to a Saab, but the defendant was driving a Vauxhall Vivaro,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

The driver, 55-year-old Lee Underwood, of The Terrace, The Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, admitted to officers that he was a disqualified driver due to an earlier drink-driving offence.

His solicitor, Fenn Richards, told the court that Underwood’s decision to drive was made out of frustration after being let down by an employee.

“He’s a self-employed kitchen fitter who was due to work that day but couldn’t find anyone to drive for him,” she said. “So he foolishly decided to drive himself, despite his disqualification.”

Underwood was banned from driving for a further 12 months, which will be added to his existing 15-month disqualification. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and to pay £85 court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Forcing disabled people to reapply for blue badges ‘defies logic’

SENEdd members called for lifelong blue badges for people with permanent conditions, labelling the current renewal system as unfair, stressful and potentially discriminatory.

Carolyn Thomas, the Labour Senedd Member for North Wales, expressed concerns about people being forced to re-prove their disability every three years to keep their parking permit.

She said: “I want to highlight that requiring disabled people to reapply every three years is inefficient and

unfair, often causing unnecessary stress for applicants and their carers.”

Ms Thomas warned asking people to repeatedly prove their disability could be seen as indirect discrimination and a failure to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.

During today’s (October 22) social justice questions in the Senedd, she raised a survey which highlighted significant concerns around fairness, dignity and social justice.

Wrexham man banned after driving through Haverfordwest over limit

A dECiSiON to drive after drinking two glasses of wine has resulted in a 12-month driving ban for 60-year-old motorist Christopher marubbi.

The court heard that police stopped Marubbi’s BMW as it travelled through Haverfordwest town centre on the evening of October 2. A roadside breath test proved positive, and further tests at the police station showed a lowest reading of 46 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

“The defendant and his partner had had an argument, so he left the premises and drove around the corner where he

parked the vehicle,” Marubbi’s solicitor, Fenn Richards, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“But he now realises that this was the wrong thing to do.”

Ms Richards said Marubbi had no previous convictions and was “absolutely devastated” to find himself before the court.

Marubbi, of Worsley Avenue, Johnstown, Wrexham, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was banned from driving for 12 months, fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Mark Isherwood, who also represents North Wales, warned of an “inconsistent” top-down council interpretation of Welsh Government guidance leading to disabled applicants being denied a new or renewed blue badge.

CONSERvATivE

mS mARk iSHERWOOd

The Conservative told the Senedd: “The Welsh Government’s continued refusal to deliver a life award for those with lifelong non-improving conditions defies logic and challenges the Welsh Government’s claim to champion the social model of disability.”

Mr Isherwood, who has campaigned on disability rights for decades, also pointed to the survey by Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities (STAND) North Wales.

He said STAND North Wales recommended a life award to better serve disabled individuals and carers as well as fulfil the Welsh Government’s legal and moral responsibilities.

He quoted the community interest company as saying the current system creates barriers rather than removes them, contradicting the goals of

disability rights legislation.

Jane Hutt, Wales’ social justice secretary, said the Welsh Government is committed to ensuring the process of obtaining a blue badge is as fair and efficient as possible.

Ms Hutt told the Senedd that disabled people who permanently meet the eligibility criteria can be awarded a badge on a not-for-reassessment basis.

She explained: “This means that when they are reapplying after three years they will not need to provide any additional evidence from health care professionals to support their application; the only evidence needed is proof of identity, residency and a photograph.

“We regard these as reasonable and proportionate requirements to protect the integrity and robustness of the blue badge scheme but also to ensure disabled people are able to access the blue badge scheme without too much bureaucracy standing in the way.”

Ms Hutt confirmed an expert group has been set up to explore cutting down the burden facing people “with a real need for the accessible parking that the blue badge can bring”.

Cardigan courier banned for drink-driving on A477

A SEvENTy-yEAR-Old pembrokeshire courier has been banned from the roads after being caught driving at more than twice the legal drink-drive limit.

David Jones was stopped by police shortly after 8:00pm on October 1 when officers spotted his Ford Transit van pulling off the A477 near Milton.

“The officers saw the Ford Transit vehicle pull off the road,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Wondering if there was something wrong with the driver, they approached the vehicle, and when they spoke to the defendant, it was clear that he was intoxicated — he had difficulty standing and smelled strongly of alcohol.”

A subsequent breath test revealed that Jones, of Westhaven, Cosheston,

had 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. Jones, who runs a fruit and vegetable courier business, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge and was represented in court by solicitor Fenn Richards.

“He had finished work and gone to the pub for a drink. He was due to be picked up by his employee,” she said in mitigation.

“While he accepts that he was over the limit, he believes his drink may have been spiked. He would never normally have got into the vehicle as he had a lift arranged, and he regrets his decision deeply.”

Visibly upset as he stood in the dock, Jones was fined £960 and ordered to pay a £384 court surcharge and £85 in costs. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Hakin man banned for 40 months after fourth drug-driving offence

A HAkiN motorist has been ordered off the roads for 40 months after being convicted of his fourth drug-driving offence in ten years.

James Morris, aged 37, was stopped by officers on May 25 while driving his vehicle on the A477.

“He was sweating profusely and informed officers that he’d consumed

cannabis the day before,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further tests at the police station showed that Morris had 6.3 microgrammes of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.

Ms Vaughan informed magistrates that this was Morris’s fourth drug-driving offence, with his most recent conviction in August of this year.

Morris, of Haven Drive, Hakin, pleaded guilty to the offence and was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries.

“The defendant has struggled to secure work as a self-employed carpenter

since his disqualification in August,” said Ms Harries. “He only smokes cannabis in the evenings for medicinal reasons and has now taken steps to obtain it on prescription.”

In addition to the 40-month driving ban, Morris was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

By

Two actors. One haunted house. Endless possibilities. Dau actor. Un tŷ bwgan. Posibiliadau diddiwedd. A chilling NEW production from the Torch Theatre.

Cynhyrchiad NEWYDD brawychus Theatr Torch.

8 - 25 October

From the story by Henry James

A Torch Theatre Company Production Cynhyrchiad Cwmni Theatr Torch

Conservatives question Welsh Government’s LGBTQ+ Action Plan

THE WElSH CONSERvATivES

have renewed calls for the Welsh government’s lgBTQ+ Action plan to be scrapped, arguing that it conflicts with a recent Supreme Court ruling defining “sex” as biological under the Equality Act 2010.

During Spokesperson’s Questions in the Senedd, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Dr Altaf Hussain MS said the plan “muddies the waters” between sexual orientation and gender identity, and accused ministers of failing to align Welsh policy with UK law.

Dr Hussain said: “The Labour Government’s LGBTQ+ Action Plan, as currently drafted, states that ‘trans women are women’, but the law disagrees.

The Welsh Labour Government is hiding behind EHRC guidance, when what is needed are clear instructions to all public bodies in Wales that single-sex spaces must not be used by the opposite sex.

That is why the Welsh Conservatives are clear: it is time to rip up the LGBTQ+ Action Plan and ensure Welsh policy follows the law as set out by the Supreme Court.”

lEgAl ANd pOliCy BACkgROUNd

The LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales, first published in February 2023, sets out a framework to improve equality and inclusion in public services, healthcare

and education. It pledges to “defend and promote the rights of trans and nonbinary people” and aims to make Wales “the most LGBTQ+-friendly nation in Europe.”

However, the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers (April 2025) ruled that under the Equality Act, “sex” refers to biological sex, not gender identity — meaning that the protected characteristics of “man” and “woman” apply on that basis across England, Scotland and Wales.

In response, the Welsh Government issued a written statement confirming the judgment “makes it clear that the definition of sex … can only be interpreted as referring to biological sex,” but stressed that the decision “does not remove protection from trans people, with or without a Gender Recognition Certificate.”

REACTiON ANd impliCATiONS

Human rights observers have warned

that the ruling could narrow access to certain services for transgender people. The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights recently warned of “a growing risk of exclusion facing transgender people in the UK.”

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has also said that while the ruling clarifies the law, public bodies must continue to uphold protections for people undergoing or having undergone gender reassignment.

WElSH gOvERNmENT RESpONSE

In February, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice described the Action Plan as “recognised internationally for the good progress we’ve made.”

She cited a letter from a trans woman in Aberystwyth who wrote: “It’s good that progress is now being made on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales. … It’s vital that we maintain momentum and the political will to drive it forward.”

The Government has not announced

any intention to withdraw or amend the plan following the Supreme Court judgment. Officials have said an external evaluation of its implementation is ongoing and will continue until 2027.

kEy

pOiNTS OF CONTENTiON

• Definition of sex – Conservatives argue that the Plan’s assertion that “trans women are women” conflicts with the legal position confirmed by the Supreme Court.

• Single-sex spaces – The opposition wants clear guidance to ensure that public bodies in Wales restrict access to single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

• Ongoing evaluation – The Welsh Government maintains the plan is under review and continues to guide equality work across the public sector.

• Balance of rights – Rights groups warn that, despite legal clarity, interpretation of the ruling could reduce inclusion for trans and nonbinary people in Wales.

The Welsh Conservatives have urged ministers to rewrite the Action Plan so that it explicitly reflects the legal definition of sex and provides “unambiguous guidance” to all public bodies.

The Welsh Government has not yet published any formal response to those calls.

Former police CCTV operator admits coercive control and data offences

A FORmER

CCTv

to

controlling and coercive behaviour and data protection offences just two

days before his trial was due to begin.

Russell Hasler, aged 41, from Llandysul, was employed as a CCTV operator at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters from May 2019 until November 2023.

He was arrested on 18 October 2023 by officers from the force’s Professional Standards Department on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour, computer misuse, and data protection offences.

Hasler resigned from his position while under investigation. He was later charged with all three offences and admitted the data protection offences on 5 March 2025.

The 41-year-old denied coercive and controlling behaviour until Monday (Oct 20), when he changed his plea to guilty, just two days before his trial at Swansea Crown Court was due to begin. He denied

a further charge of computer misuse, and no further action is being taken in relation to that allegation.

Hasler is due to be sentenced on Monday 24 November at Swansea Crown Court.

Superintendent Phil Rowe, Head of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Professional Standards Department, said:

“Domestic abuse will not be tolerated within Dyfed-Powys – whether the offender is a member of the public or from within our organisation.

“As a force, we are committed to working towards the elimination of domestic abuse, and that is a priority not just within our communities but also internally here at Dyfed-Powys Police. We welcome this guilty plea and await the sentencing.”

Haverfordwest mother banned for second drink-drive offence

A mOTHER-of-two has been banned from driving after admitting her second drink-driving offence in ten years.

Sophie Wilkinson, aged 29, was stopped by police in the early hours of October 2 after officers noticed her Audi

A3 being driven through Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, with no insurance.

“They then noticed the vehicle

stop in the middle of the road,”

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

A roadside breath test showed Wilkinson had 49 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — the legal limit is 35.

Wilkinson, of Trafalgar Road, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to drink-

driving and driving without third-party insurance. She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries.

“She acknowledges this is her second drink-drive offence in the past ten years and understands this is viewed seriously by the courts,” said Ms Harries. “A lot was going on in her life at the time. She had been made redundant from her cleaning job and

now lives with her mother, who relies on her for support.

“She made a poor decision that night and is determined not to appear before the court again.”

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

dyfed-powys police

operator has pleaded guilty

Wales to seize ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity for water sector reform

WAlES is set for a historic overhaul of how its water is managed, regulated and delivered, following the publication of the independent Water Commission Report.

Deputy First Minister Huw IrrancaDavies told the Senedd on Tuesday (Oct 21) that the Welsh Government would act on the report’s findings, describing the reforms as a “once-in-ageneration opportunity” to build a fairer, more sustainable and transparent water system.

“This is a moment to do things differently – and to do them better,” he said. “Our current water system does not work as well as it should for people or for the environment. People are rightly worried about their water bills and the state of our waterways.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

That has to change. This is a golden opportunity to clean up our rivers and seas, deliver better value for Welsh bill-payers, and build a water system that’s accountable, transparent, and designed in Wales, for Wales.”

NEW iNdEpENdENT

REgUlATOR

Among the Commission’s main recommendations is the creation of a new, stand-alone economic regulator for water in Wales. The regulator would also take on water system planning functions, providing a more integrated and responsive approach to regulation.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it will move forward with this proposal, saying the new body will strengthen public confidence and support long-term investment in environmental protection and infrastructure.

A consultation will be launched later this year to shape the new regulatory model and ensure it reflects Welsh priorities.

pOWERS ANd ACCOUNTABiliTy

The Deputy First Minister also announced that the Welsh Government will seek new powers for the Senedd. If agreed, Wales would, for the first time, be able to legislate independently for the water industry, aligning regulation and planning entirely within Welsh borders.

The reforms aim to set a clear national direction for water management — linking supply, resilience, and environmental goals with Wales’s wider commitments to public health and prosperity.

mOviNg AWAy FROm COmpETiTiON

The proposed Welsh approach marks a shift from the competitionled model inherited before devolution. Instead, it would be based on sustainability, affordability and fairness — ensuring that long-term planning and accountability remain central.

To support a smooth transition, a shared plan will be developed with the UK Government, outlining the route towards the new system. Interim measures, including a Strategic

Policy Statement to Ofwat and other regulators, will maintain stability during the changeover.

Mr Irranca-Davies added: “Reforming the water sector is a complex, long-term task — but it’s also an opportunity to create a better system and show what devolution can achieve. By working together — with the UK Government, regulators, water companies, and communities across Wales — we can build a water sector that delivers for our environment, our economy and our people for decades to come.”

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, said: “Since Labour came into power in Westminster, Environment Agency figures show that serious water pollution incidents have increased compared with the UK Conservative Government in 2023.

“Considering NRW has been run by Labour since its inception and the number of serious pollution incidents by Dŵr Cymru has tripled since 2016, I do not hold out much hope for this new regulator or the collaboration with the UK Labour Government.

“After 26 years of mismanaging waterways in Wales, a new regulator will not fix their inability to tackle water pollution in Wales and just like with UK Labour’s misguided energy plans, these plans will do nothing to stop water bill rises.”

The Welsh Government will publish its full vision for water reform later this year, inviting views from customers, businesses, regulators and the wider public.

Milford woman banned after crashing into lamppost over drink-drive limit

A milFORd HAvEN woman has been banned from driving after crashing her car into a lamppost while over the drink-drive limit.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that at around 3:00am on Saturday (June 7), Leah Higgins lost control of her vehicle while driving through Johnston. “She mounted the kerb and hit a lamp post,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

Higgins, aged 26, left the scene but returned shortly afterwards with her sister. She was arrested by police and gave a breath reading of 48 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath — the legal limit is 35.

Her solicitor, Fenn Richards, told the court that Higgins had spent the evening doing some of her friends’ hair and had “a few drinks,” but “didn’t think she was over the limit.” Ms Richards said Higgins is “completely devastated” by her actions and currently works as a support worker with vulnerable children and adults, but is likely to lose her job as a result of the conviction.

Higgins, of Wellington Road, Hakin, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. She was disqualified from driving for fourteen months, fined £247, and ordered to pay a £99 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Haverfordwest woman caught drug-driving after swerving across white line

A COURT has heard how a Ford Focus seen swerving across the road in Haverfordwest was being driven by a sixty-year-old woman under the influence of cannabis.

Police stopped Alison Stephenson at around 3:30am on July 9 after noticing her car veering over the central white line along Freeman Way.

“The car was swerving all over the

road and was seen crossing the white line,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. “There was also a smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle.”

A roadside drug test proved positive, and further analysis at the police station confirmed that Stephenson had 3.6 microgrammes of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in her

system — nearly twice the legal limit of 2.

Stephenson, who appeared in court represented by solicitor Fenn Richards, pleaded guilty to driving while over the prescribed drug limit.

“The defendant has had a tough year due to her son’s health,” said Ms Richards. “She was on holiday in the area and had smoked cannabis to help

manage pain caused by suspected fibromyalgia. She was using it as a coping mechanism and is gutted to lose her clean character before the court today.”

Stephenson was disqualified from driving for twelve months, fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Motorcycle group marks 25 years of bringing joy to children

A mOTORCyClE group that has spent a quarter of a century bringing smiles to children in hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group is holding its 25th annual Toy Run this year — a tradition that sees hundreds of bikers deliver gifts to children receiving care through Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Over the years, the group has raised around £300,000, gathered more than 200 one-tonne bags of toys, and covered close to 1,500 miles in their mission to spread cheer.

Volunteer Tobi Evans said: “When the first toy run took place, there were just eight bikes and £80 raised. Now we have hundreds of riders joining us and thousands of pounds in donations each year. It’s all down to the incredible generosity of the public — without them, we wouldn’t have reached this milestone.”

The group’s Easter Egg Run and Christmas Toy Run have become popular fixtures in the local calendar, drawing in bikers and supporters from across West Wales.

Money raised through the events has helped Hywel Dda Health Charities fund improvements to children’s wards beyond what the NHS can cover. The most recent project saw the group help

Tom Sinclair

editor@herald.email

refurbish and paint the play area on Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Eleanor Marks, vice chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group has shown remarkable commitment over the past 25 years. Their kindness and community spirit have made a

real difference to the lives of children and families across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities fundraising officer Katie Hancock added: “Their support has brought joy to so many young patients. Whether it’s toys, Easter eggs or vital funds, their efforts have had a lasting impact. Diolch.”

Toy collection days for the 25th Toy Run will take place on November 8 at Asda Pembroke Dock, November

15 at Morrisons Haverfordwest, and November 22 at Tesco Haverfordwest.

Gifts can also be dropped off at Boots and Tesco in Haverfordwest, Asda and Tesco in Pembroke Dock, Mabon Gifts and Pebbles in Milford Haven, Foundry House in Pembroke, and the Co-op in Kilgetty.

More information about the charity’s work can be found on the Hywel Dda Health Charities website.

Fewer than half of victims believe they can get justice, says Victims’ Commissioner

FEWER than half of victims believe they can get justice, according to a major new survey published by the victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove.

The 2025 Victims Survey, based on responses from more than 6,500 victims – the largest ever conducted by the Commissioner – exposes a serious lack of confidence in the system, with only 42% believing they can obtain justice, 46%

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

confident in its effectiveness, and 51% in its fairness.

viCTimS dENiEd A vOiCE

Many victims report being denied a voice at critical stages of the process.

Some were refused the right to read their Victim Personal Statement (VPS) in court, and only 14% knew they had the right to challenge a decision to drop their case.

One victim of domestic abuse, a woman aged 55–64, said: “I was never allowed to speak in court as a victim… never allowed any voice… never allowed to read my three different VPS during three cases, nine hearings in all and two sentence hearings.”

Victims frequently described feeling isolated, unheard, and treated as a statistic rather than a person.

CONFidENCE

gApS ACROSS gROUpS

Confidence in the justice system varies widely across groups. Only a third of LGBTQ+ victims were confident they could receive justice by reporting a crime, while fewer than half of disabled victims and female victims believed the system was fair.

The report also reveals troubling patterns in reporting rates. Forty-one per cent of rape and sexual assault victims did not report the incident, and 36% of hate crime victims did not report. Nearly a third of Asian and Black victims (32%) chose not to report, compared to 21% of white victims. Among young people aged 16–24, the non-reporting rate was 38%, nearly double that of older victims.

One young victim of sexual assault said: “I feel like race and sex is always a factor when you report a crime or are seeking justice. You won’t always be treated fairly.”

pOOR COmmUNiCATiON ANd dElAyS

Victims cited poor communication and delays as major reasons for losing faith in the justice process. Some reported cases collapsing after statutory time limits expired, while others faced years of waiting for trials.

A victim of assault, aged 35–44, said: “The CPS unnecessary delays meant the perpetrator was unable to be charged because they let six months go past through no fault of my own.”

Another rape survivor described the toll of the long wait: “Too stressful, took too

long. It ruined my life and I thought I’d lose my family if I carried on with the case.”

pOliCE

UNdER pRESSURE

While fewer than half of victims said their case was investigated thoroughly (43%) or that they were kept informed (40%), many recognised the resource challenges facing officers.

“It was obvious that the police were trying their best but were short staffed,” said one male assault victim, 55–64.

Overall, 68% of victims said they would still report a crime again, though this figure dropped sharply among rape and sexual assault survivors.

The report highlights the value of specialist police training, such as that delivered under Operation Soteria, in improving trust. “They appeared to be well trained… professional and compassionate, yet unbiased,” said a female victim, 45–54.

NEEd FOR ClEARER COmmUNiCATiON

More than two-thirds of victims praised the support they received from court staff and volunteers, but many still said they were left uninformed about the outcome of their case. One in five said the conviction or sentence was not properly explained to them – a finding that comes ahead of the UK Government’s forthcoming Sentencing Bill.

Baroness Newlove said: “These voices matter. They are telling us not only what is working, but crucially where the system is failing victims – the very people it is meant to protect. One of the most striking and worrying findings is the lack of confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. If victims lose faith, they may stop coming forward – and justice cannot be delivered if victims are silent. All victims deserve to be treated with decency and respect. That means good communication, tailored support, and a clear understanding of their rights. This report sends a very clear message that we have a great deal of work to do to rebuild victim confidence in the system.”

The full report, including over 150 victim testimonies, is available to download from the Victims’ Commissioner’s website.

A ‘hole’ lot of fixing going on

mORE than 37,000 potholes have been repaired or prevented across

75 miles of roads in South West Wales over the past six months, the Welsh government has confirmed.

Since April, the government has been working with local councils to deliver on its ‘Fixing Our Roads’ commitment — an ongoing programme to tackle long-standing maintenance backlogs across Wales.

Through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative, councils have repaired or prevented around 107,000 potholes across 216 miles of local roads nationwide. Meanwhile, on the

Strategic Road Network, a further 24,000 potholes have been fixed or prevented on more than 50 miles of main roads, supported by Welsh Government funding.

Key routes repaired in South West Wales include the A40 at Carmarthen, with ongoing works planned for the A487 at Eglwyswrw and A40 Arnold’s Hill in Pembrokeshire.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “Fixing our roads is a priority for this government. We are

only six months into this programme, but I am delighted with the fantastic progress that’s been made so far — and there’s a lot more to come.

“We are now seeing the results of the additional £25 million investment in our main roads, alongside the support for local authorities to fix local routes. This work is already making a real difference to communities across Wales, addressing long-standing issues and making our roads more resilient for the future.”

New Climate Action Programme lead for culture sector in Wales

THE NATiONAl liBRARy OF WAlES in Aberystwyth has appointed Judith musker Turner as new Climate Action programme lead for the culture sector.

This pivotal role will drive forward the sector’s response to the climate and nature emergencies. With a strong background in climate action and stakeholder engagement, Judith brings a wealth of expertise, passion and strategic insight to this new post, funded by the Welsh Government.

The appointment marks a significant step forward in supporting cultural organisations as they consider sustainable development.

Based at the national library, Judith will work collaboratively to deliver action and progress for the whole culture sector in Wales in response to climate change.

Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, library chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Judith into this vital role. The library has made significant progress on decarbonisation of the estate, but

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

we still have much work to do to ensure that climate action is considered in every aspect of our work.

“The culture sector has a unique power to inspire change and, under Judith’s leadership, we look forward to seeing bold, creative and impactful climate action at the library and across the sector.”

Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, said: “At consultation, we heard from sector stakeholders that their ability to respond to the climate and nature emergencies was limited, with leadership and access to specialist knowledge being a cause for concern.

“Judith’s significant experience and networks in the arts sector will be especially valuable and I am confident that the whole of the culture sector will benefit from her expertise. I look forward to hearing about the impacts this role will achieve.”

Consultation launched on plans to protect Wales’s waterways

NATURAl RESOURCES WAlES has launched a new public consultation as it prepares the next phase of longterm plans to protect and improve the health of the nation’s rivers, lakes, streams, groundwaters and coastal waters.

The consultation, which runs until April 21, 2026, invites residents, communities and organisations to share their views on the challenges facing Welsh waterways and the actions needed to address them.

River Basin Management Plans are reviewed and updated every six years. They outline how NRW will manage, protect and enhance Welsh water bodies while helping them meet statutory environmental standards. The plans also provide vital evidence about the condition of Wales’s waters and the pressures affecting them.

Dr Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said:

“Our waters are under increasing pressure from climate change and human activity.

“In recent years, we’ve seen major efforts by ourselves and many others to tackle pollution, poor water quality and habitat loss.

“This consultation gives everyone who cares about our rivers and coastal waters the chance to share what they see in their local area and help shape future solutions. The actions we take now will determine the health of our waters and wildlife for generations to come.”

NRW will develop new River Basin Management Plans for Western Wales and the Dee River Basin Districts. The Severn River Basin Management Plan, which covers parts of both Wales and England, will be led by the Environment Agency in partnership with NRW and will open for consultation later this year.

Members of the public can take part

by visiting the consultation page on the Natural Resources Wales website. Those unable to complete the survey online can request a paper copy by emailing wfdwales@naturalresourceswales.gov. uk or calling 03000 65 3000.

NRW has also published an interim

progress report on the current 2021–2027 River Basin Management Plans, assessing delivery against planned actions and progress towards Wales’s water quality goals. The report is available on the NRW website.

New village market to debut in St Florence next month

A NEW community event is set to launch in St Florence next month, with organisers announcing plans for the first ever St Florence Market — an initiative aimed at celebrating local creativity while raising funds for the village Hall.

The market will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at St Florence Village Hall, bringing together a variety of artisans, crafters, local food producers and small businesses from across Pembrokeshire.

Event organiser Melissa Frances said the market has already attracted strong interest from local traders. “It’s shaping up to be a wonderful community day filled with creativity,

connection and local spirit — a chance to find handmade gifts and festive treats before Christmas,” she said.

Funds raised from the event will go directly towards the Village Hall Fund, helping to maintain and improve the popular community venue.

Each stall will include one hall table (122 × 62 cm), though traders can bring their own up to 6ft in length. Space is limited for this first market, and early booking is encouraged.

Those wishing to take part can email melissafrances@post.com to request a booking form and further details.

Organisers hope the market will become an annual event — a new tradition celebrating the best of St Florence’s creative community.

The alternative view By Mike Dello

g l OBA l TUR m O il, RO yA l

E m BARRASS m ENT, AN d A TOUCH OF S p ORT

Self-acclaimed glory is a short-lived luxury these days. Only last week, former US p resident d onald Trump was basking in the sunshine, believing he had secured lasting peace not only in g aza but across the m iddle East. That illusion quickly shattered when Hamas gunmen executed rivals in the street, and i sraeli p rime m inister Benjamin Netanyahu went trigger-happy once again after p alestinians dared to cross into his territory.

Adding to the diplomatic drama, Trump’s planned meeting in Hungary with Vladimir Putin was suddenly postponed without explanation — though the pair seem to prefer their cosy phone chats anyway.

Meanwhile, the disgraced Duke of York, Prince Andrew, continues to embarrass the Royal Family over his links to Jeffrey Epstein and the late Virginia Giuffre. Despite denying involvement in a series of

damning emails, strong rumours suggest he could be stripped of his remaining privileges and titles — serious enough for MPs to raise the matter in Parliament this week.

In stark contrast, King Charles and Queen Camilla flew to Rome to meet the new Pope Leo. In a historic moment, the heads of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church prayed together in the Sistine Chapel — the first time in five centuries since the Reformation.

Back home, the Labour Government is lurching from one red face to another over the small boats crisis. On taking power last year, they scrapped the Rwanda scheme within a week and replaced it with a “one in, one out” plan — which soon became “one out and several in.” This week, the chaos continued when an Iranian migrant deported to Calais returned on a different boat. Straight from the bestseller: You couldn’t make it up.

Sport also brought its share of headlines. Legendary cricket umpire Harold “Dicky” Bird was given a huge send-off in his hometown of Barnsley following

his death. Bird, who once played for Yorkshire alongside greats like Sir Geoffrey Boycott, was loved across generations for his humour and honesty.

In football, the price of failure remains lucrative. Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou was shown the door after just 39 days in charge. When combined with the payout from his previous sacking at Spurs, he’s reportedly walking away with around £11

million.

And finally, we couldn’t overlook the World Sumo Wrestling Championship at the Royal Albert Hall — the first held outside Japan in 34 years. The average bout lasted just ten seconds, and Mongolian powerhouse Hoshomyo defeated Japan’s Daiki in the final. The champion received not only a giant trophy but an equally large bottle of soy sauce — and no, I have not made that up.

First Minister pressed over delays to grooming gang inquiry

THE lEAdER of the Welsh Conservatives, darren millar mS, has raised fresh concerns over the lack of progress in setting up a public inquiry into grooming gangs in Wales.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions, Mr Millar said victims were being let down by both the Welsh and UK Governments, warning that delays were undermining trust and accountability.

His comments follow reports that two survivors have quit the UK Government’s victims and survivors panel, citing a lack of trust in the process. One survivor claimed the inquiry had become “less about the truth and more about a cover-up” after it emerged that two shortlisted candidates to lead it were a former police chief and a social worker—both linked to institutions accused of failing victims in the past.

Mr Millar also criticised the Welsh Government for failing to convene its own victim-survivors reference

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group, announced in June as part of its Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse. According to abuse survivor Emily Vaughn, the group has yet to meet.

Mr Millar said: “The lack of urgency from either the Welsh or UK Governments on this issue is alarming and a cause for concern. It’s been four months since the First Minister wrote to me to say that a victimsurvivors reference group was being established in Wales, yet according to victims of abuse, it is yet to meet.

“Given that there were further arrests in Rhyl in relation to child sexual exploitation over the summer, these delays are totally unacceptable. The Welsh Government must make this a priority so that victims can get the justice they deserve, and evil perpetrators can be held to account for their crimes.”

Questions raised after Children’s Commissioner omits grooming-gang reference

THE WElSH CONSERvATivES have criticised this year’s annual report from the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, arguing that it makes no mention of child-grooming gangs or organised sexual exploitation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr Altaf Hussain MS, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said the omission was “deeply concerning” and renewed calls for a Wales-wide independent inquiry into grooming-gang activity.

He warned that Wales must not be treated as an “afterthought” in the UKwide response to group-based child

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sexual exploitation, adding: “We need to understand the full extent of these problems in Wales so that we can protect vulnerable children and ensure perpetrators are held to account for their horrific crimes.”

COmmiSSiONER’S REpORT FOCUSES ElSEWHERE

The Children’s Commissioner’s Annual Report 2024-25, published earlier this month, runs to more than 60 pages

and covers a wide range of safeguarding and welfare concerns raised with the office over the past year.

It highlights casework involving school bullying, mental-health provision, housing problems, and failures in social-services responses, but there is no reference to grooming gangs or group-based sexual exploitation anywhere in the document.

Instead, the Commissioner’s team emphasised ongoing work around child protection procedures, neurodiversity, mental-health access, and poverty reduction, reflecting the areas in which most referrals and complaints were received.

When asked why grooming-gang issues were not addressed, officials pointed out that the report represents casework handled by the Commissioner’s office, not a complete audit of all childsafety risks in Wales.

THE WidER piCTURE iN WAlES

While Wales has not seen the same large-scale scandals as Rotherham or Telford, child sexual exploitation (CSE) remains a recognised risk.

All four Welsh police forces have dedicated CSE units investigating both online grooming and small-scale networks. Recent prosecutions in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport have involved multiple offenders exploiting minors through social media or coercive relationships.

However, experts stress that most Welsh cases involve individual or smallgroup exploitation, not the extensive organised networks seen elsewhere in

the UK.

An independent Home Office review in 2022 concluded that Wales did not exhibit a high concentration of grooming-gang activity but warned that no part of the UK is immune and urged continued vigilance.

Calls for vigilance and transparency

Child-protection charities say that while Wales’ safeguarding framework is strong, the public needs reassurance that authorities are alert to all forms of exploitation.

A spokesperson for a national childprotection charity told The Herald:

“It would be helpful if the Commissioner’s report explicitly acknowledged that organised sexual exploitation can occur anywhere. Even one case is too many, and survivors must know there are places to turn for help.”

Supporters of the Commissioner’s approach counter that focusing on the most common and immediate issues— such as school safety, mental health and family support—delivers the greatest impact for children overall.

The Welsh Government’s All-Wales Safeguarding Procedures already include guidance on child sexual exploitation, and police forces continue to share intelligence through the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme.

Whether future Children’s Commissioner reports should include explicit reference to grooming-gang activity may now form part of a wider debate about public transparency and reassurance, rather than the scale of the problem itself.

Council reviews dog breeding licence rules after in-depth study

CARmARTHENSHiRE COUNTy

COUNCil has backed a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening how dog breeding licences are managed and enforced in the county, following an in-depth review by a Task and Finish group.

REviEW FiNdiNgS

The review examined how the Animal Welfare Team currently regulates dog breeding licences, identifying several areas for improvement both locally and nationally.

Among the local recommendations are:

• A full cost-recovery review to ensure licence fees accurately reflect service costs.

• Better engagement with local vets on breeder requirements by encouraging them to join the Buy With Confidence scheme.

• Raising public awareness of the Animal Welfare Team’s work.

• Exploring the introduction of a compulsory scoring system for licensed breeders to ensure consistency.

• Expanding resources within the Animal Health Team, potentially

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through a growth bid.

The national recommendations ask the Welsh Government to:

• Review the effectiveness of the Animal Licensing Wales team and its funding use.

• Reassess how licence fees are set, potentially covering some enforcement costs.

• Reopen the review of licensing legislation and conditions.

• Consider establishing a national advisory group for dog breeders, similar to the Farmers’ Union.

• Introduce a central microchip database and compulsory puppy registration.

• Tighten information-sharing to combat illegal breeding.

• Implement a national scoring system and consider fixed penalty notices for minor breaches.

COUNCillORS’ COmmENTS

Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “Thank you to the licensed

Ceredigion man jailed after crash left three seriously injured

A CEREdigiON man has been jailed for three years after a reckless police chase ended in a crash that left three passengers seriously injured.

Zac Thomas, of Newcastle Emlyn, was just 18 when he failed to stop for police in Cardigan on Saturday (Sept 21, 2024).

Officers had seen his Volkswagen Polo being driven erratically and activated their blue lights, signalling for him to pull over. Instead, Thomas sped off down a single-track country lane, putting himself and his four passengers in danger.

Moments later, the vehicle careered into a field and struck an earth bank with such force that one passenger was thrown through the windscreen. Two others suffered serious head and leg injuries.

Police officers rushed to help, giving

first aid at the scene before the casualties were taken to hospital.

Thomas was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. He later pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court on July 31 this year.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct reviewed the incident and referred it back to Dyfed-Powys Police for local investigation. The force’s Professional Standards Department found that officers acted proportionately and in line with policy.

Thomas was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Oct 20) to three years in a young offender’s institution. He was also disqualified from driving for five years and six months.

breeders who welcomed us to their premises and to the members of the public who gave valuable feedback. Their input was crucial in shaping the recommendations we’ve put forward to improve the licensing process in Carmarthenshire.”

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, added: “This review highlights the

excellent work and consistent results of a small but dedicated team. Their efforts play a vital role in enforcing animal welfare legislation, protecting both animal wellbeing and legitimate breeders.”

The review was developed through a series of meetings, detailed scrutiny of existing policies, consultations with stakeholders and the public, and site visits to licensed breeding premises.

Wales climate week: people at the heart of net zero

dEpUTy FiRST miNiSTER and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, has reaffirmed the Welsh government’s commitment to working together to tackle the climate emergency — and to ensuring that every voice in Wales is heard in shaping the journey to net zero.

“As we look ahead to Wales Climate Week in November,” he said, “I’m excited to hear a wide range of perspectives on the opportunities and trade-offs involved in tackling climate change. We are developing the pathway to reduce emissions in the next carbon budget period (2026–2030), and this year more than ever we need the input of as many people as possible.”

The Deputy First Minister stressed that addressing the climate crisis must also deliver wider benefits — improving public health, protecting the environment, creating jobs, enhancing energy security, and helping people save money.

NEW diSCUSSiON pApER pUBliSHEd

The Welsh Government has published a new paper, Enabling the People of Wales to Deliver and Benefit from the Net Zero Transition in 2026–2030 and Beyond. It brings together the latest independent evidence and advice from the Climate Change Committee,

Tom

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the Net Zero Wales 2035 Challenge Group and other expert bodies. The paper outlines current policy

across agriculture, land use, housing, and transport, and explores the opportunities and challenges that will shape Wales’s next steps on the path to net zero.

November 2025 will also see Brazil host COP30 — marking a decade since the Paris Agreement. The Deputy First Minister said this will be a defining moment in global climate action and that Wales will continue to “stand firm and stand proud as a global leader” — citing progress in sustainable development, recycling, transport, and collaborative policymaking.

A NATiONAl CONvERSATiON

The publication of the paper marks the start of a new phase of engagement. It will form the basis for discussions during Wales Climate Week 2025 through virtual events, regional workshops and communityled sessions. Feedback will help shape Wales’s next emissions reduction plan, due in 2026.

“The Welsh Government remains committed to a fair and just transition,” Huw Irranca-Davies said, “ensuring that the people of Wales are actively involved in shaping the policies that affect them. This discussion paper is a key part of that commitment.”

Members of the public and stakeholders are invited to read the paper and contribute their views via the Climate Action Wales website, where further details about Wales Climate Week are available.

lOOkiNg AHEAd TO COp30

Cast announced for a hair-raising adventure at the Torch Theatre

THE STAgE is set, the music is ready, and the script is written — but who will bring Rapunzel to life in this year’s festive pantomime at the Torch Theatre?

The Pembrokeshire favourite returns this December with a fresh twist on the classic tale — set not in a distant kingdom, but along the windswept coast of West Wales. This tangled tale of a girl with magical hair, locked away in a lighthouse, will be told by a lively mix of local and professional actors.

A STEllAR CAST FROm STAgE ANd SCREEN

Making his pantomime debut, UK and international actor Eifion ap Cadno will play Periwinkle, a mischievous but well-meaning sea sprite. His past credits include The Hound of the Baskervilles at English Theatre Hamburg, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Shadow Over Innsmouth, and Frankenstein with Lost In Time Theatre.

Lloyd Grayshon, a Haverfordwest actor and audience favourite, returns as the flamboyant dame Belinda Beehive — a glamorous hairdresser and “friend to the stars.” Lloyd has delighted Torch audiences before in roles including the loveable Titiana Trott.

Pembrokeshire-born Holly Mayhew, a graduate of Drama Studio London and former member of the Torch Youth Theatre, takes on the title role of Rapunzel. “I can’t wait to get in the festive spirit with everyone back home,”

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she said.

HOmEgROWN TAlENT RETURNS TO THE TORCH

Joining the cast as the wicked Mother Gothel is another Haverfordwest native, Jess Dyas. “I’m delighted to be performing here at the Torch,” she said.

“This is where I first fell in love with acting — it feels like coming home.”

Local performer and choreographer Freya Dare — who runs Forest Friends Theatre — returns after playing Agz in Jack and the Beanstalk last year. This time, she’ll take flight as Zephyr the Puffin, one of the show’s heroes.

Completing the cast is Harry Lynn as Prince Nathaniel of Neyland, fresh from his performance in The Wizard of Oz at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

A pEmBROkESHiRE pANTO FOR All THE FAmily

Torch Theatre Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard said: “Rapunzel is a festive treat that will keep the whole family entertained with hair-larious jokes, audience participation, original songs, and plenty of Pembrokeshire silliness. It’s a pantomime not to be missed — expect lots of laughter this Christmas.”

Rapunzel runs from Saturday,

December 6 to Sunday, December 28. Tickets: £24.50 | £20 concessions | £78 family.

Relaxed performance: Saturday, December 13 at 2:00pm.

BSL interpreted performance:

Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00pm (interpreter: Liz May). For full details, visit www. torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Milford Haven fire station welcomes two new recruits

welcomed two new firefighters to their team.

The Service is now looking for more people to join as on-call firefighters in the Milford Haven area.

If you live or work locally and can respond to the station within five to ten minutes, the team would love to hear from you.

On-call firefighters play a vital

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role in keeping communities safe, responding to emergencies alongside full-time crews and receiving full training and support.

Those interested can find out more and apply at www.mawwfire.gov.uk/ eng/join-us/on-call-recruitment

THE ON-CAll crew at milford Haven Fire Station have

Suspected detonator sparks evacuation in Rosebush

RESidENTS in Rosebush faced a dramatic evening on Tuesday (Oct 14) when a suspected detonator was discovered at a property on maes y Bryn, prompting an evacuation and a visit from a specialist bomb disposal team.

Police were called at around 3:45pm, and officers quickly secured the area while awaiting the arrival of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The suspected device was examined and safely dealt with without the need for a controlled explosion.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed: “Officers were called to the Rosebush area at approximately 3:45pm on Tuesday, October 14, following the discovery of a suspected detonator. The Explosive Ordnance Department attended, and the device did not require a controlled explosion.”

The incident caused significant concern among residents, many of whom were told to leave their homes until the situation was under control.

Local resident Michelle Jennings posted an update to the Rosebush Community Page on Facebook, explaining how the discovery

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unfolded: “A suspected detonator was found on the property at Maes y Bryn while clearing the house. The police called out the bomb squad from London to destroy it. Everything was sorted by 9:00pm last night. Sorry for the late message, but all surrounding properties were affected and had to evacuate.”

Neighbours were quick to respond with messages of relief and support.

Sue Toogood wrote: “Well thank goodness it didn’t go off! Glad to hear everyone safe. X”

Rob Williams added: “Yeh it was a bit surreal to say the least. Thankfully all went well.”

Tim Wroblewski commented that he had been “checking the doorbell camera regularly yesterday to confirm the house and Rosebush were still there,” while Michelle replied: “It was scary, especially when it was right next door… when the police told me the bomb squad was on the way from London, it hit me how serious it was.”

Another local, Katie Grove, summed up the mood of relief, posting: “Glad everyone is all okay

and it’s all sorted xx.”

By around 9:00pm, the area was

declared safe and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Rope-making revived at Milford Haven Men’s Shed

A NEW wooden rope-making machine has been built and demonstrated at milford Haven men’s Shed — reviving a traditional craft once vital to the town’s maritime heritage.

The machine, designed and built by shedders Dave and Tony, is now in its third version after much thought and refinement. Both men have been working to perfect the design, and their efforts have paid off with a fully functioning model that impressed their fellow members during a demonstration this week.

Dave, a keen ropemaker, said he was delighted to finally have a working machine: “It’s been a labour of love, but we’re proud of what we’ve achieved.”

The only limit to the length of rope that can be made, he explained, is the space available for the “rope walk” — the area where ropes are stretched, twisted, and dried. Historically, Milford

Haven’s Rope Walk was a long open space where ropes were made for the town’s busy shipbuilding and fishing industries. The name still survives today, even though rope-making is now a rare skill.

A ropemaker — or historically, a ‘roper’ — would use a similar process to create what’s known as laid or twisted rope, consisting of three strands twisted together, typically in a right-hand lay.

During the Shed demonstration, Tony showed fellow member Len how the new machine operates, drawing interest from other onlookers. The device allows small-scale ropemaking to be carried out in the Shed, providing a hands-on link to Milford Haven’s industrial past.

Anyone interested in learning more about rope-making or seeing the new machine in action is encouraged to drop into the Men’s Shed.

MS’s call for support for fire devastated Manorbier school

SAmUEl kURTZ mS has urged the Welsh government to make a clear statement on what support it can offer pembrokeshire County Council to ensure that manorbier School is rebuilt following the devastating fire of October 2022.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

After that, a “school from school” was set up in Jameston Village Hall. It had been hoped the school would be rebuilt, but earlier this year members of Pembrokeshire County Council backed a report of the School

Modernisation Working Group which, amongst other recommendations, included statutory consultation with the St David’s Diocese on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School.

At that July meeting, St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) said:

“It is vital that PCC, council members and the public are aware the DBF have always required that the school be reinstated and that this has been put to PCC on a number of occasions, in writing and in meetings.

“From the date of the fire up until

May 2025, the DBF has always been led to believe that the school would be reinstated by PCC.”

It stated it was against the proposal to discontinue Manorbier, asking: “Would a consultation on the closure of Manorbier VC School have been proposed had it not been ravaged by fire?”The decision attracted strong local opposition, with more than 1,200 people signing a petition on the council’s own website calling for the school to be rebuilt.

THE pETiTiON RUNS TO NOvEmBER 26.

Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen

West and South Pembrokeshire Mr Kurtz has now called on the Welsh Government to clarify what assistance it can provide to Pembrokeshire County Council to help secure the future of the Manorbier school site and to support the community’s campaign for its reinstatement.

Speaking outside the Senedd, Samuel Kurtz said: “Manorbier School has been at the heart of its community for generations, and its loss has been deeply felt by pupils, parents and residents alike. The strength of feeling shown by the over 1,200 people who signed the petition underlines just how important this school is to the area.

“I’m calling on the Welsh Government to work constructively with Pembrokeshire County Council to find a way forward, that sees the council honour its original commitment to rebuild the school, so that the community of Manorbier can once again have a village school to call their own.”

The petition says closure of the school “will have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of our children, their families and the wider community,” adding: “We would have been celebrating our 150-year anniversary there in January 2023, had it not been for the fire that damaged the building.

“A fire, we hasten to add, caused through no fault of our own. A fire, which could, if you allow it to, change the future of our children; our staff; our parents; our governors; our community; our church; our heritage and our history.

“We fully support the Diocesan’s view that the school should be rebuilt.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Senedd Members back Haverfordwest Samaritans amid closure concerns

WElSH Conservative Senedd members paul davies and Samuel kurtz have met with volunteers at the Samaritans’ Haverfordwest branch to discuss their work, future plans, and the challenges they face.

The branch, which has been open since 1976, provides essential emotional support to people in distress through its listening service and educational outreach. It also delivers digital emotional health talks to local primary and secondary schools and has recently launched a new farming initiative — Our Farming, Our Future — to support those in the agricultural community.

During the meeting, the two Senedd Members discussed the charity’s wider restructuring plans, which could see some local branches, including Haverfordwest, potentially close. Both Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz expressed strong support for the local volunteers and the continuation of their work.

Mr Davies said: “I know that Pembrokeshire Samaritans do an important job of supporting people who are struggling, and it’s vital that we find a way for that to continue in the future. According to the latest figures, suicide registration rates increased in Wales in 2024, and that’s exactly why services need support and investment. I’m proud to support the important work of the Pembrokeshire branch and hope they can continue helping people for many

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years to come.”

Mr Kurtz added: “It was great to speak to the local Samaritans; the work they do to help prevent

suicide is outstanding, and it would be a tremendous shame if the Pembrokeshire branch were to close. Suicide rates, particularly among men, are deeply concerning, and in rural areas, farmers face unique mental health challenges. The pressures of isolation, long hours, financial

uncertainty, and emotional strain can all take a huge toll.

“That’s why having support from organisations like the Samaritans is so vital — they provide a lifeline for those who might otherwise suffer in silence.”

Mayor attends concert marking 80th anniversary of World War II’s end

miFlORd HAvEN’S mayor, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, mr lloyd Jones, attended a special concert hosted by the inner Wheel Club of milford Haven to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War ii. The event took place at St katharine and St peter’s Church, milford Haven.

The concert featured performances by the Paul Sartori Foundation Community Choir and saxophonist Harry Armstrong, entertaining the audience with a memorable evening of music.

All funds raised from the event were donated to BLESMA, the charity supporting limbless veterans, and the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Organisers described the evening as a resounding success, thanking all those who contributed.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales

celebrate 25 years with the return of the Antiques and Vintage Fair at the Garedens.

THE National Botanic garden of Wales celebrates 25 years with its popular Antiques Fair and vintage market.

Exciting news that the much loved National Botanic Garden of Wales Antiques Fair and Vintage market is returning to the Gardens Sa328HN on Saturday 8 th and Sunday 9 th November with the same quality stands .This will be marking 25 years since the impressive Garden opened to the public in that historic Millennium year2000. The Garden has under gone a huge transformation in those 25 years and has matured into a wonderful venue for the Antiques Fair.

Nestling into the Carmarthenshire countryside ,on the outskirts of Carmarthen and just 15 minutes away from the end of the M4, it’s conveniently situated.

The weekend of antiques, is set to be a busy one .The success of the fair has been mainly down to the diversity and quality of the antiques on display in the splendid setting of the Garden. Fans of classic antiques should make their way to the various Garden venues – including the Great Glasshousefor displays of Welsh art and pottery, quality jewellery and outstanding militaria collections.Step next door to Principality House which is now known as Ty Melyn and discover displays of quality Welsh textiles,a superb array of books, jewellery , silver and Welsh samplers plus artwork and vintage delights.

Matthew’s Churchat Millbrook in Jersey (Lalique’s “Glass Church”).As part of the Art Nouveau style, many of his jewellery pieces and vases showcase plants, flowers and flowing lines.

In 1907, Lalique began collaborating with François Coty to design luxury perfume bottles.He eventually created hundreds of different models, many of which became iconic, for companies such as Guerlain, Houbigant, Worth, Rogeret et Gallet, D’Orsay, Forvil, and Worth.

The recently transformed Theatr Botanica will be exhibiting old favourites such as silverware and collection of Moorcroft, Lorna Bailey, Beswick and Doulton , art and treen plus collections of quality welsh furniture and textiles and treen and quality jewellery.There will be folk art, stick chairs and French brocante. The Gallery room is also a welcome addition and will be show casing Welsh furniture and textiles and French brocante and some beautifully curated stands. The Apothecary will also be used as a go to venue for some more vintage and militaria.

Millennium Courtyard will be filled with a Vintage market , housing smaller marquees displaying vintage toys,clothing, retro and upcycled furniture .

There will be a good representation of art glass which has proved to be very popular at the fairs. There will be some classic pieces including pieces by Rene Lalique

Rene Lalique and his art deco glassware is unequivocally the most instantly recognisable makes of glassware within decorative arts and glass making . Lalique must be regarded as one of the foremost exponents of art nouveau glass and it’s not unreasonable to think of him as one who did more than any other, to elevate the humble trade to a level where it could rightly be regarded as an art form in its own right. Lalique’s early life was spent learning the methods of design and art he would use in his later life. At the age of two, his

family moved to the suburbs of Paris, but traveled to Aÿ for summer holidays. These trips influenced Lalique later on in his naturalisticglasswork. With the death of his father, Lalique began working as an apprentice . In 1876, at 16, René Lalique was apprenticed to the jeweler Louis Aucoc. Aucoc was among the leading jewelers working in Paris at the time, and this provided the young René Lalique with an excellent opportunity to learn jewelry production and design. During this time, Lalique also studied at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. By 1881, Lalique worked as a freelance designer for several French jewelry firms, including Cartier and Boucheron. In 1886, he started working in his workshop in Paris, in the former workshop of Jules Destape. In 1890, René Lalique opened a jewelry store in the Opéra district of Paris. While working in this new shop, some of René Lalique’s most famous jewelry designs were created, as well as his experimentation and use of glass. The main motif of Lalique’s jewelry design was the natural world. His designs often featured motifs such as dragonflies, orchids, and peacocks, crafted using a combination of enamel, gemstones, and semi-precious materials.Lalique surrounded himself at work with flowers to serve as subtle inspiration for his art. These motifs symbolized the organic flow of life, metamorphosis, and beauty in motion. He was influenced not only by the nature of the French countryside but also by the motifs of Japanese nature art. And he incorporated many materials into his jewellery that were not widely used in high-end jewellery in his time, including glass, horn, pearl, semi-precious stones, enamel, and ivory. He used typical period gemstones only for artistic appearance and not for their value. Therefore, his Lalique jewelry creations were not just holders of precious stones, they were works of art in their own right, creating worldwide interest and great demand Lalique was best known for his creations in glass art. In the 1920s, he became noted for his work in the Art Deco style. He was responsible for the walls of lighted glass and elegant coloured glass columns which filled the dining room and “grand salon” of the SS Normandie and the interior fittings, cross, screens, reredosand font of St.

Lalique was also a pioneer in the use of ‘pâte-de-verre,’ an ancient glassworking technique, which he used to mold ground glass into intricate, lifelike forms in both jewelry and decorative objects.

Both unique and commercial works of René Lalique are in the collections of a large number of public museums around the world including the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon, the Lalique Museum of Hakone in Japan, the Musée Lalique and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in France, the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim [de] in Germany, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum and the Corning Museum in New York State, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

The fair also has had a reputation for showcasing Welsh areas of collecting including Welsh pottery, welsh blankets,Welsh art and furniture. Again not to disappoint , there will be an amazing display of period Welsh oak furniture . From Welsh child’s chairs,milking stools to much larger pieces including dressers and linen press cupboards.Richard Bebb’s collection of Welsh artists is impressive and a stand not to be missed.

The fair also has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage on display, from jewellery,watches, books and silver , including ephemera, militaria and vintage clothes and accessories. There will also be collections of art glass and up cycled and pre loved furniture, plus interior design pieces including French brocante. I’m sure visitors will not be disappointed with the selection on offer at this popular fair.

THE FAiR OpENS AT 10Am ANd ClOSES AT 4.00pm

Admission is £12 for a weekend ticket allowing you to enjoy 2 full days at the Antiques fair , plus a further 5 days admission to the Garden. The tickets last for 7 days which is very good value.Dogs are now welcome over the Antiques weekend except in the Glass House.

For more information contact Derwen Fairs 07790293367 or follow on FB,Twitter and Instagram

Revolution in the rough: how the Herald shook up local news

A rogue wave in quiet waters

ON a grey July morning in 2013, a small team of reporters gathered a makeshift office milford Haven’s Hamilton Terrace. The air smelled of ink, takeaway coffee, and fresh ambition. Outside, the docks shimmered with summer drizzle; tankers groaned in the estuary, a reminder that pembrokeshire’s fortunes were often tethered to industries bigger than itself.

Inside, though, another tide was turning. That morning, the first edition of The Pembrokeshire Herald rolled

off the presses and onto newsstands across the county.

It was a gamble few thought wise. Regional journalism across the UK was collapsing. Newsrooms were closing at a rate of one a week. Advertising revenues had dried up, circulation was plummeting, and Wales was hit especially hard. Even the venerable Western Telegraph, with its 150-year pedigree and corporate backing, looked nervous.

And yet, the Herald sold out. Locals queued at corner shops and petrol stations to grab a copy. For £1, readers were promised something

rare: a paper that would be theirs— unafraid, unfiltered, and unpolished. welve years on, as the Herald breaks digital records with more than 14 million views in a single month, its story is one of survival, reinvention, and disruption. From council scandals to choir fundraisers, it has not only chronicled Pembrokeshire—it has changed how the county sees itself.

THE REBEl lAUNCH

The Herald’s beginnings were almost cinematic.

“Everyone thought we were mad,” recalls founding editor Thomas Sinclair, still at the helm today. “Papers were dying all around us, and here we were launching another one. But we believed Pembrokeshire deserved something better—something that didn’t just recycle press releases.”

The first issue carried stories that cut against the grain: a scathing piece on county hall overspending, a photoled feature on lifeboat volunteers, and letters from readers who felt ignored by the established media.

The ethos was simple: be the people’s paper. If a farmer in Crymych was angry about planning rules, or a pub landlord in Tenby had a gripe about business rates, they would find their voices printed alongside reports of Senedd debates and crime in Haverfordwest.

Within weeks, the Herald was shifting around 10,000 copies a week. For a county of just over 120,000 people, that was remarkable. Its early success rattled the Western Telegraph, which had long enjoyed unchallenged dominance.

By 2014, emboldened by sales, the Herald launched sister titles in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, signalling it wasn’t content with being a local irritant—it wanted to redefine journalism across West Wales.

gRiT, gROWTH, ANd gRUdgES

The mid-2010s were the Herald’s golden years. Circulation climbed, digital traffic surged, and the paper became a lightning rod for controversy.

One of the fiercest battles came in 2016, when the Herald’s bold marketing—claiming it had overtaken the Western Telegraph in reach—

provoked a furious response. The Telegraph’s parent company complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), demanding the Herald prove its numbers.

Twice the ASA dismissed the complaints. “It was classic David versus Goliath,” Sinclair remembers. “They couldn’t stand that we were growing.”

The feud only raised the Herald’s profile. It doubled down on innovation: live-streaming council meetings, experimenting with podcasts, and even testing a radio station. Readers flocked to its coverage of issues like youth unemployment, mental health crises, and planning rows that reverberated from village halls to the Senedd floor.

BUT CONTROvERSy WAS NEvER FAR AWAy.

In 2013, an obscene advert accidentally slipped into print, sparking outrage—and free publicity.

In 2017, Sinclair himself was fined for breaching reporting restrictions in a sensitive case. Critics crowed, but supporters saw it as proof of a paper pushing boundaries.

“The Herald was messy,

sometimes chaotic,” says one former reporter. “But it was alive in a way local journalism hadn’t been in years.”

THE ABySS

In October 2019, the wave almost broke.

The Herald’s parent company collapsed under the weight of spiralling print costs and a botched investment, shuttering three titles and threatening 24 jobs. “It was devastating,” Sinclair admits. “We’d built something people believed in, and suddenly it was gone.”

Forums filled with laments.

One commenter wrote: “Without

Brian Hancock, Advertising Sales, in 2021

Staff at the First and last pub in pemroke dock with the 500th Herald issue in 2022

the Herald, who’s going to ask the awkward questions?”

For Pembrokeshire—where 26% of residents are over 65 and rural isolation makes local news more than a luxury—the loss felt existential.

Salvation came unexpectedly. A Spanish print and media firm, Richographic España, swooped in with emergency funding. The Herald returned, leaner and chastened, but alive.

The scare revealed a hard truth: independent journalism is fragile. Without it, who holds local power to account?

THE digiTAl dAWN

The near-death experience forced reinvention.

By 2023, with print costs unsustainable, the Herald made a radical move: it scrapped print altogether, pivoting to a free weekly 128-page digital edition.

The gamble paid off. The first e-edition was downloaded more than 100,000 times. With clickable ads, instant shares, and no paywalls, it reached corners of the county that had never picked up a paper copy.

Traffic exploded. Facebook followers climbed past 51,000

(overtaking the Western Telegraph’s 47,000), monthly web uniques hit half a million, and social engagement dwarfed that of rivals.

The Herald’s new strength was speed. While the Telegraph often waited to polish features, the Herald broke stories first:

• Avian flu detected near Roch.

• Military flyovers during Russian naval manoeuvres off the coast.

• RAAC concrete crises threatening local schools.

On X (formerly Twitter), users hailed it as the go-to for “what’s actually happening.”

RivAlRy REkiNdlEd

Herald editor Tom Sinclair in 2023

For more than a century, the Western Telegraph had been unchallenged. But the Herald’s swagger forced it to adapt.

That 2016 ASA spat was only the tip of the iceberg. The real battle was for hearts and eyeballs.

The Herald won them with raw immediacy. Viral stories of goats invading a churchyard or choirs raising money for cancer care travelled faster than any polished Telegraph feature.

Locals noticed. “The Herald feels like us—raw and real,” tweeted one user after coverage of council budget cuts.

Competition sharpened the entire ecosystem. With two strong voices jostling, Pembrokeshire readers got more scrutiny, more coverage, and more choice.

THE HERAld EFFECT — BUildiNg pRidE

If the Herald earned its reputation by ruffling feathers, it cemented its value by lifting spirits. Alongside exposes and political spats, the paper has consistently championed Pembrokeshire’s brighter side.

When the Ty Newydd pub in Dinas Cross faced closure in 2023, Herald coverage helped galvanise more than 200 locals into raising the cash to save it. “Inspiring local journalism at its best,” one X user wrote as the victory went viral.

Schools, too, have felt the Herald’s boost. Milford Haven School’s Gold Calon Y Gymuned award for family engagement in July 2023 was splashed across its pages, with headteacher Sara Davies crediting the coverage for “putting community success on the map.” A year later, the Herald’s GCSE features turned dry exam stats into proud family moments, with parents flooding its comments section to thank it for spotlighting their children. The paper’s business coverage often

becomes a loop of positivity. In 2024, when hardware stalwarts W.B. Griffiths & Son scooped a £2,000 Pembs Lottery prize, they pledged it to local projects — citing the Herald’s years of community coverage as a key motivator. “It keeps us connected,” the owners said.

And when Pembrokeshire County Council secured the insport Gold Standard for inclusive sport, Disability Sport Wales hailed it as a “remarkable milestone” — and locals praised the Herald for making it front-page news. These moments reveal something the numbers alone can’t: that the Herald is more than a scrappy watchdog. It’s also a mirror of community pride, amplifying joy as fiercely as it scrutinises power.

THE glOBAl lENS

Perhaps the most surprising twist in the Herald’s evolution has come since its digital relaunch: the paper is no longer just Pembrokeshire’s chronicler. Increasingly, it is a bridge between the local and the global.

Take the Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack in September 2025. The story was everywhere—production halted at JLR’s UK plants, suppliers fearing collapse, the UK government stepping in with a £1.5 billion loan. National headlines framed it as a crisis for British industry.

The Herald’s version? A piece titled “JLR cyber-attack sparks fears for Welsh supply chain”. Within hours of the news breaking, Sinclair had tied the story to ZF Automotive in Pontypool, a Welsh supplier employing dozens and recently backed by Welsh Government cash. The message was clear: what happens in Solihull or Delhi could hit Wales next.

A few days earlier, the Herald had run multiple articles on the Charlie Kirk shooting in the US. Where national media focused on America’s gun politics, the Herald made it resonate

in Wales: local MSs Samuel Kurtz and Darren Millar linked the killing to free speech debates in Welsh universities, even pushing for a Senedd tribute.

THiS iS THE NEW HERAld plAyBOOk: START glOBAl, ENd lOCAl.

• Bank closures in Haverfordwest become part of Chinese state media coverage on UK economic decline.

• Ukraine aid debates turn into stories

about how sanctions hit Welsh farmers.

• US tariffs get framed through Pembrokeshire exporters.

It’s not dilution. It’s amplification. In an era when readers can access global news with a swipe, the Herald’s edge is showing why it matters here—in Fishguard, in Tenby, in Milford Haven.

ECHOES iN THE COmmUNiTy

New tech: Herald staff experimenting with pod casting equipment in 2023

papers on sale in Sainsbury’s Tenby in 2023

Beyond clicks and rivalries, the Herald’s impact is measured in voices amplified and lives touched.

It campaigned against the digital divide for Welsh speakers.

It investigated care home standards and planning controversies that spurred petitions.

It exposed scams targeting pensioners, warning thousands before more damage was done.

In a county where business survival rates are half the Welsh average, its coverage of grants, investments, and community projects kept people informed about lifelines.

“Without the Herald, I’d never have known about the funding that helped me save my shop,” says a Tenby café owner.

And when Pembrokeshire’s small producers — from vineyards to leatherworkers — took their products to Westminster, the Herald was there to capture it. MP Henry Tufnell later remarked that its stories “drive innovation and prosperity,” showing the paper’s role in amplifying the rural economy.

Even social media tells the tale. The Pembrokeshire Vikings rugby team thanked the Herald for sponsoring a player’s birthday celebration. The Welsh Organic Tannery posted “Diolch” for Herald photos of their Christmas Fair

success. And PR agencies regularly highlight Herald stories as proof of local buzz. In an age of fleeting feeds, those simple thank-yous show a deeper truth: the community sees the Herald not just as a newspaper, but as a neighbour.

lESSONS ANd THE ROAd AHEAd

Twelve years on, the Herald stands as proof that local news can adapt. From its scrappy print launch to its free digital empire, it has shown survival is possible—even in the harshest climate.

BUT THE QUESTiONS REmAiN:

• Can the free model sustain itself long-term?

• Will more partnerships with the BBC or AI-driven alerts keep it ahead?

• Could its blueprint be copied in other rural counties starved of news?

For now, Sinclair is reflective but resolute. “We’ve shown local news isn’t dying—it’s adapting. From print rebels to digital warriors, we’ve kept Pembrokeshire’s pulse beating.”

The Irish Sea still pounds Pembrokeshire’s cliffs. Sheep still outnumber people. But thanks to one rogue wave of a newspaper, the county’s stories are louder, sharper, and freer than ever.

Herald deputy Editor Jon Coles in 2021

Court rejects appeal over Wales Air Ambulance restructuring

THE WAlES AiR AmBUlANCE can now proceed with its long-planned service reorganisation after the Court of Appeal refused an application for appeal earlier this week.

Lady Justice Andrews handed down her decision on Wednesday (Oct 15), bringing an end to the protracted legal dispute over the charity’s plans to change how its bases operate across Wales.

Although the charity was not a defendant in the case, it said the ruling would allow it to move forward with “a development that will save more lives across the country – particularly in Mid and North Wales.”

In a statement issued on Friday (Oct 17), Wales Air Ambulance said the judgement validated years of research

and scrutiny, describing the outcome as a “clear summary and categorical decision”.

The charity said inequities in the current service meant hundreds of emergencies in rural Wales were being missed at night. Between 2023 and 2024, crews were unable to attend 551 incidents in Mid and North Wales between 8:00 pm and 2:00 am, while

bases at Caernarfon and Welshpool were “significantly underused” – with 199 and 163 days respectively without patient contact.

By comparison, Dafen crews went 28 days without seeing a patient, and Cardiff just four.

Lady Justice Andrews noted in her ruling that delaying the reorganisation any further would have a “detrimental effect” on patients and gave rise to “issues of grave concern”.

The charity said: “We know there are many people who still have concerns. We offer our heartfelt reassurance that this advancement is not detrimental to you – it is about improving your service, not removing it. We will be able to save more lives in your community and across Wales.”

Wales Air Ambulance said it would now work with supporters, partners and community representatives in Mid and North West Wales to offer clarity and reassurance over what the changes mean in practice.

The charity added: “Together, we have created the largest air ambulance service in the UK and one of the most medically advanced in Europe –something our nation can be proud of.”

First Cymru strikes postponed

plANNEd strike action by First Cymru bus workers across south and west Wales has been partially suspended after the company made a new pay offer.Strikes were due to begin on 22 October, with further walkouts planned in weekly waves. However, the first round of industrial action — from 22 to 25 October — has now been called off to allow members to vote on the new and amended proposal.

If workers reject the offer, remaining strike dates on 30 October to 2 November and 5 to 8 November will go ahead as planned.

Unite regional coordinating officer Alan McCarthy said: “Following our

decision to take industrial action, First Cymru has come back with a new and amended pay offer for our members. As an act of goodwill we have called off planned strike action next week to allow a ballot to take place.

“If the offer is rejected by members, then remaining strike action will continue as planned.”

The dispute involves drivers, engineers, cleaners and other staff across depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford, who are seeking a pay rise in line with colleagues at other Welsh bus companies.

Wales Sparks National Pride with Skills Torch Relay Ahead of UK Finals

WAlES is set to host the WorldSkills Uk National Finals for the first time ever, and the countdown begins with a torch relay celebrating the nation’s rising young talent.

The Roadtrip to Excellence torch relay will light the way as it travels the length and breadth of Wales, celebrating the very best of our learners, apprentices, employers and educators.

Beginning at the iconic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, the torch will journey across Wales, visiting every region, stopping at colleges and training providers whose students are set to compete in the Finals.

At each stop, the torch will be welcomed with a unique community celebration. In Bridgend and Newport,

colleges will showcase their cuttingedge facilities by using state-of-theart 3D printers to create replicas of the torch, while in North Wales, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Cambria will stage processions and worldclass demonstrations from previous EuroSkills competitors in Restaurant Services and Aeronautical Engineering.

The Pierhead event also welcomed home and celebrated the achievements of the 7 Welsh competitors who represented the UK at EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark – making up an impressive 37% of the UK squad.

The relay will culminate at Bridgend College before the National Finals begin, uniting young people, tutors, employers and communities in a shared

moment of inspiration.

This year, Wales will be represented by 131 competitors – the highest number the nation has ever had. Welsh competitors will make up around 30% of all entrants across the UK, reflecting both the breadth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of investment in training and facilities across the country.

Wales also leads the way in the number of competitors entering WorldSkills UK’s Foundation competitions, which are tailored for young people with additional learning needs (ALN) to develop practical skills and improve their employability prospects.

Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said the torch relay will capture the spirit of a “proud moment for our nation”:

“The torch relay will bring communities across Wales together in celebration of our incredible young people. This is a proud moment for our nation – not only are we hosting the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time, but we are sending 131 young people – our biggest ever team of competitors.

“It’s a chance to showcase the outstanding talent, tutors and facilities that are helping to secure Wales’ economic future.”

One example is 22-year-old Tamzin Brewer, who reached the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2024, competing in CNC Milling. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Sir Gar and completing a three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship with CBM Wales, Tamzin is now a Junior Technician at CBM Wales, based at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Reflecting on her journey, Tamzin said: “Competing in the WorldSkills UK national finals has been an incredible experience. CNC milling is still a very male-dominated industry, so being here shows that there’s space for women to succeed and push boundaries in advanced manufacturing.

“I’ve learned so much from this competition; not just about technical skill, but also about resilience and confidence. I hope my journey inspires more young women to see engineering and CNC machining as an exciting and rewarding career path.”

Hosting the competitions in Wales for the first time shines a spotlight not only on the country’s cutting-edge training facilities, such as the new centres of excellence at Bridgend College and Coleg Gwent, but also on the skills and ambition of its young people – the workforce of the future.

Support from Veterans’ Foundation helps change lives

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock has paid tribute to the Veterans’ Foundation for its ongoing support, which has made a real difference to the lives of former service personnel across Pembrokeshire.

Thanks to the Foundation’s funding, the charity is able to employ Myles, a dedicated Peer Mentor who plays a vital role in helping veterans reconnect with their communities.

Myles runs the VC Gallery’s popular Photography Club, supports the Mobile Museum project, visits local schools, and leads groups to heritage and wellbeing locations throughout the county. His work provides friendship, structure and confidence to those adjusting to life after military service.

A spokesperson for the VC Gallery said: “Myles goes above and beyond for the veterans he supports. His warmth, understanding and encouragement have helped many people find new purpose and connection. We’re so grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for making this possible.”

The VC Gallery continues to run a wide range of creative, social and wellbeing projects for the armed forces community and the wider public across Pembrokeshire.

Tale of two memorial windows to be told in Pembroke Dock

THE RE m AR k AB l E 80-year story behind the creation of the two RAF p embroke d ock m emorial Windows will be shared at the next meeting of the p embrokeshire Aviation g roup — held this month in partnership with the p embroke d ock Heritage Trust.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Two members of the Heritage Centre team, John Evans and Trevor Clark, will present the talk at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Meyrick Owen Way, on Wednesday (Oct 22) at 7:30pm. The event will take place alongside the original Memorial Window, which has recently gone on display after being loaned from the RAF Museum in London, where it was exhibited for three decades.

The talk comes just days before the rededication of the window on Sunday (Oct 26), marking almost exactly 80 years since its first dedication in the former Royal Dockyard Chapel — now home to the Heritage Centre. Last month, HRH The Princess Royal heard the story of the window during her visit to the Centre.

The meeting will take place on a Wednesday rather than the usual Tuesday, and non-members are warmly invited to attend. A modest £1 contribution is requested to help cover costs.

Further details are available from Chairman Graham Clarkson on 01646 689979.

Uniform of former Pembroke Dock naval commander donated to Heritage Centre

A diRECT link to pembroke dock’s distinguished naval history has been re-established following the donation of a Royal Navy uniform to the town’s Heritage Centre.

The uniform belonged to Commander Fred Hatton MBE — the penultimate Royal Navy officer to command the Pembroke Dock naval base. In handing over his tunic and cap, Commander Hatton reflected on his five-and-a-half years as Queen’s Harbour Master and Resident Naval Officer, making him the longest-serving peacetime commander at the base.

During a varied 35-year naval career, Commander Hatton joined as an Artificer Apprentice before passing officer selection and graduating as top officer cadet of his year at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

He trained as a pilot and flew Hunter jets from Royal Naval Air Station Brawdy during the 1960s, later serving at sea aboard HMS Hermes flying Gannet airborne early-warning aircraft. He subsequently transferred to the Fleet Air Arm’s helicopter division, piloting Sea Kings from HMS Ark Royal and Wasps from frigates and destroyers. He went on to command a squadron of Lynx helicopters before retiring from active flying.

Promoted to Commander in 1986, he returned to Pembrokeshire to take charge of the Navy’s Marine Mooring and Salvage Depot at Pembroke Dock. Among his many local contributions, he initiated the installation of the mooring anchors that now stand proudly on the

second career with the Department for Work and Pensions, serving at the Pembroke Dock Job Centre for 26 years before retiring again in August 2025

Dockyard closed in 1926, the Royal Navy maintained a presence here for nearly 200 years until the

town’s Waterloo roundabout.

After retiring from the Navy, Commander Hatton embarked on a

Trevor Clark, Collections Trustee at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, said: “Although Pembroke Royal

was finally lowered in 2008. Commander Hatton’s uniform is a very significant addition to our Royal Navy collection.”

Funding fair offers lifeline for Pembrokeshire community projects

on Thursday, November 13, from 10:30am to 3:00pm.

The free annual event, organised by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), gives local organisations the chance to meet funding officers from across Wales and discuss potential projects.

In an increasingly competitive funding climate, visitors will be able to learn what makes a successful application and explore which funds best suit their group or cause.

This year’s fair will feature local funders including the Bluestone Foundation, Port of Milford Haven, and South Hook LNG, alongside major national bodies such as the National Lottery Community Fund, Welsh Government, and WCVA.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a short summary of their project ideas to help guide discussions and identify the most suitable funders. The event also offers valuable networking opportunities with other third sector groups from across Pembrokeshire.

The PAVS Third Sector Support Team will be on hand to discuss available support, managed funds, and other useful services.

Before the fair opens, PAVS members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting at 9:00am, featuring a review of 2024/25 highlights, future plans, and early-bird access to the exhibition.

Free tickets are available via Eventbrite by searching “PAVS Funding Fair”, through the booking link at www.pavs.org.uk, or by requesting a link via email at development@ pavs.org.uk.

White Ensign

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

COmmUNiTy groups across pembrokeshire are being invited to

the pAvS Funding Fair 2025, taking place at Queen’s Hall, Narberth

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Watching mr. Scorsese is much like being granted a dark-room pass into the mind of one of cinema’s greatest obsessives, a chance to trace how trauma, drive, faith, and error coalesced into art. From its opening sequences, the series takes you through New york’s gutters and cinemas—through asthmaridden isolation, Catholic guilt and mob-scarred streets—setting the stage for a filmmaker whose fascination with men on the edge would come to define his work. As the episodes unfold, director Rebecca miller layers anecdotes from childhood friends, collaborators, and Scorsese himself, juxtaposing archival footage and film clips in split screens that reveal the

echoes between the man and his oeuvre: the rage in Raging Bull, the devotions in Silence, the moral confusion in goodfellas. What emerges is neither cleaning of the slate nor mythmaking but something more generous: a portrait of a flawed believer who burned with guilt, envy, ambition—and kept directing.

Yet for all its emotional honesty, the series sometimes stumbles under the weight of what it can’t fully encompass.

The middle episodes—so rich in texture—linger in the familiar ground of his 1970s and 80s films, and by the end, the sprint through his later decades feels rushed. His more recent work, which wrestles with aging, history, faith, is reduced to a blink. And

though the doc doesn’t entirely dodge scandal—his substance struggles, eruptions of anger— it skates over some of the murkier corners of his personal life, leaving gaps that feel like blind spots in the narrative. But perhaps those omissions speak themselves: even in a five-part, nearly five-hour chronicle, you can’t corral every shadow or contradiction of a life so dense with creation.

Still, the series carries an emotional pull that often surprises. In quieter moments— Scorsese in conversation with his daughters, or with Schoonmaker reflecting on countless edits—we see the cost of creation, the loneliness of a man who demands so much of himself and others. Miller allows herself small interventions: a well-placed question, a cut that invites the subject to fumble. It underscores how this is a duet, not a monologue. For fans of film, Mr. Scorsese offers the joy of revelation: the ways scenes were shot, scripts rethought, collaborators coaxed. That said, you’ll finish it wanting more— more time, more complicity, more risk. In the end, this is a love letter to a creative life, generous and honest but inevitably incomplete—a reminder that no documentary, however expansive, can fully capture the soul behind the lens.

CliCk to

CliCk to

it’s always thrilling when a creator known for critique steps behind the camera, and Shelby Oaks is exactly that kind of bold leap. in his feature directorial debut, Chris Stuckmann builds a haunted mystery that is messy, uneven, but frequently compelling— one of those films that feels as eager to prove itself as it is unsure of how far that proof can reach.

The film centers on Mia (Camille Sullivan), whose sister Riley vanished years ago while filming supernatural investigations with a YouTube team called the Paranormal Paranoids. As the mythos surrounding Riley’s disappearance deepens, Mia begins to suspect that something malevolent—something connected to the shadows of her sister’s past—has been waiting all along. Stuckmann layers

his story with found footage, faux documentary framing, and straight horror sequences, attempting to straddle the line between ambiguity and revelation.

Where Shelby Oaks truly succeeds is in atmosphere. There are stretches—particularly in its first act—where the film leans into the eerie voids between frames, the kind of unsettling tension that lets the viewer’s imagination fill the gaps. The sense of dread accumulates slowly. Camille Sullivan anchors the narrative with a performance that carries grief, obsession, and fear with textured patience, even when the script gives her little breathing room. Moments of horror— reflections in flickering TVs, subtle movements in peripheral vision, soft shifts in sound design—are more effective than any overt reveal.

But the film is not without its fractures. The shift from documentary setup to more conventional narrative form is jarring at times, making the movie feel like two different pieces awkwardly stitched together. Once the veil is lifted and more is shown, Shelby Oaks loses a bit of its haunting mystery in the process, replacing suggestion with heavy-handedness. In its eagerness to tie its threads, the film sometimes overexplains or leans too hard on genre tropes. Pacing wobbles, especially in the middle section, and Mia’s motivations occasionally collapse under the weight of exposition or convenience.

But you have to admire the ambition. Shelby Oaks wears its inspirations on its sleeve—echoes of Lake Mungo, the Blair Witch tradition, and the obsessions of modern dark-Internet lore— but Stuckmann doesn’t merely imitate; he attempts to fold those influences into a personal horror tale. The result is uneven but more interesting for it. For a first feature, it’s generous, bold, and occasionally brilliant, and it suggests that even in its flaws, Stuckmann is someone worth watching, someone willing to risk excess in search of something haunting. In the end, Shelby Oaks doesn’t quite land all its scares, but it resonates enough to warrant a second look—if only to see how far this filmmaker will push next.

Tech and Taff

Elon Musk and thE March of thE robot arMy

The man and his metal minions

See now, there’s something properly daft about a man saying he doesn’t feel comfortable building a robot army unless he’s got “strong influence” over it. That’s what Elon Musk told investors this week, and I don’t know about you, but that sounds less like a business plan and more like the start of a Marvel film. He’s calling his metal minions “Optimus”, which makes them sound like they’ve just rolled off a Transformers set. Apparently, they’re going to change the world – work for us, cook our tea, do surgery, and even end poverty. Aye, and I’ll have a pint of whatever he’s drinking.

Targets from another planet

Tesla used to make cars, remember? Now Musk says it’s really an AI company – worth twenty trillion dollars, if you please. He’s even after a personal pay packet of a trillion himself, but only if he hits a list of targets that look like they were scribbled on the back of a napkin in the pub. A million robot taxis, a million Optimus units, and enough world domination to make Dr Evil blush. He says it’s all for the good of humanity. He reckons we’ll soon live in a world where working is optional – a bit like growing your own spuds instead of buying them from Lidl. That’s fine until your robot gardener decides to unionise or accidentally runs you over with

the lawnmower.

Reality check from the valleys

In reality, the Tesla robots are still about as independent as a Roomba. At events, they serve popcorn, dance a bit, and play rock-paper-scissors. Most of them are being remote-controlled by humans anyway, which rather takes the shine off the “artificial intelligence” bit. Engineers can’t even get the hands working properly yet, which is quite a problem when you’re trying to build something that’s meant to help with surgery. But fair play, the man’s got ambition. He says these things will make everyone rich, happy, and healthy – an “infinite money glitch”, as he puts it.

The Welsh verdict

In Wales, we’ve got slightly more modest hopes for our robots. If one could fill in potholes, make a decent cuppa, and not go rogue on the A40, we’d call that a win. Still, you can see where all this is going. The more clever machines we build, the more power lands in the hands of people like Musk. And if the world’s richest man says he won’t build his robot army unless he gets to stay in charge of it –well, maybe it’s not the robots we should be keeping an eye on, mun.

— Professor Barrie Davies, Tech ’n Taff

Milford Haven prepares for fireworks extravaganza

milFORd WATERFRONT is set to light up the skies once again as it hosts the 2025 milford Haven Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday, November 1, marking ten years since the event first began.

Now firmly established as Pembrokeshire’s biggest fireworks display, the annual extravaganza has become a highlight of the town’s calendar, drawing thousands of visitors from across the county.

This year’s milestone celebration will see activities begin from 2:00pm, leading up to a spectacular fireworks finale over the Haven waterway at 7:00pm.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of entertainment, including a funfair, street food stalls, face painting, and live music with Pure West Radio. Headlining the evening will be a special live DJ set from The Stickman Project – one of the UK’s most explosive electronic music acts, bringing their full high-energy, audio-visual show to Milford Waterfront.

The event is free to attend, but organisers are urging visitors to plan their travel carefully. Parking is limited, and those living locally are encouraged to walk, use public transport, or take advantage of the free shuttle bus service operating between Milford Haven and Hakin from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. Full details, including train times and parking

information, are available on the Milford Haven Round Table Facebook page.

Please note there will be no access from the Hakin side (on foot or by car), and Hakin Point Jetty will be closed for safety reasons.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We’re delighted to once again help our community experience the magic of fireworks by working with the Round Table to bring this event to Milford Waterfront. It’s a spectacular display over the waterway each year, and one much loved by locals and visitors alike.”

Gareth Roberts, Chair of Milford Haven Round Table, added: “We can’t wait to light up Milford Waterfront on Saturday (Nov 1). It’s shaping up to be a show-stopping fireworks extravaganza! The Stickman Project are headlining with their incredible live music and laser light show, there’ll be loads of great music, the funfair will be in full swing, and plenty of tasty food to enjoy before the sky bursts into colour.”

He continued: “Huge thanks to the Port of Milford Haven for once again backing us and helping make this amazing free community event possible – it’s going to be one to remember!”

For more details on this and other upcoming events, visit www. milfordwaterfront.co.uk/whats-on

THE upcoming Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection for the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a compelling celebration of the franchise’s early years, one that balances nostalgia with modern polish and features designed to make the experience feel fresh—even for veterans. From what’s been revealed so far, the collection gathers a wide range of Mortal Kombat titles spanning arcades, home consoles, and handhelds, giving fans a sweeping look at how the series evolved from its raw 1990s roots into more ambitious spin-offs. The inclusion of rare and historically significant versions—most notably the oncelost WaveNet iteration of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3—already gives this collection a sense of archival ambition and legitimacy. That particular version was a networkenabled arcade variant with balance tweaks and exclusive content, and its resurrection here demonstrates the developers are taking their preservation duties seriously. You’ll also find titles like Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Special Forces—games often remembered less for fighting mastery and more for narrative experiments—giving

you a fuller picture of the risks the franchise took in branching out.

On the Switch 2, the collection promises features you’d expect from a next-generation reissue: rollback netcode for online matches, optional CRT filters for retro authenticity, rewind mechanics to correct mistakes on the fly, and a richly detailed lore and timeline framework that contextualizes each game’s place within the bigger Mortal Kombat narrative. The fact that the Switch 2 version will be fully on cartridge (rather than keybased) and includes GameShare support—so players can do local multiplayer even if only one owns the game—hints at attention to practical usability and convenience for modern play. When it launches digitally on October 30, 2025 (with a physical edition following December 12), this will be one of the Switch 2’s marquee third-party offerings—a way for the system to flex its muscle in handling large and historically dense compilations.

As a fan of the franchise, you’re likely to appreciate how well the collection honors both the raw joy and the rough edges of those older titles. Memories of stiff input

windows, jerky frame pacing, or janky hit detection may come flooding back—but that’s also part of the charm here. And thanks to the modern conveniences built into the compilation, you won’t have to live with every frustration if you don’t want to. The rewind and netcode options offer a safety net that makes even older, less forgiving games more palatable. Still, it’s not without risk. The ambition of stitching together so many versions from different hardware lineages invites technical pitfalls: input lag, inconsistent frame rates, or subtle emulation glitches could mar the experience if not handled with care. And though the lore timeline and developer interviews are a strong bonus for longtime fans, casual players might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content and the patchwork nature of the collection. Some of the lesser titles (especially spin-offs) may not hold up in terms of mechanical depth, and unless the user interface is intuitive and responsive, navigating this wealth of content could feel tedious.

On balance, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection for Switch 2 seems poised to deliver one of the more impressive archival collections in recent years. It marries reverence for the past with the kinds of modern conveniences and robust performance expectations we demand today. If the emulation is tight and the interface polished, this could become a must-own for fans of fighting games and Mortal Kombat lore alike, offering not just a trip down memory lane but a definitive way to experience the origins of this storied series on modern hardware.

HOROSCOPES

Your maturity is more than enough antidote to whatever poison is in the air. Refusing to let yourself fly off the handle emotionally will enable you to understand all the better what you’re feeling. So try to keep a more impersonal point of view about things right now.

CANCER

The dishes are done, the beds are made, and it’s time to get out of the house. Yes, really. Have some serious fun and leave all your worries behind. As per usual, finding playmates to go along with you won’t be a problem. You may need to attend to family members who’ve been complaining about not seeing you, but that’s the price you pay for being loved.

LEO After working and tending to the needs of others for days, you’re in the mood to let loose and have some serious fun. Of course, your reputation for knowing exactly how to do just that precedes you no matter where you go, so you definitely won’t be short on company. Deciding which charming offer to accept, and which charming companion to take for the ride could be a problem, but gosh, pardon us if we don’t shed too many tears for you.

VIRGO

When you least expect it, you may have company, and you’re not fond of unexpected visitors. Of course, since your place is always neat and tidy, a spontaneous visit won’t catch you quite as unaware as it would the rest of us. Now that you’ve been warned, tend to those last few details you’ll want them to notice, and situate yourself in such a way so that you can look surprised.

LIBRA

This will be a day to remember for all the right reasons. The heavens will put you in the mood for romance of the fiery, impulsive type just as soon as you wake up. Just don’t expect to see much of your friends, except for that one particularly close friend, of course. You two may be pretty darned inseparable, in fact.

SCORPIO

You’re so ready to relax that it’s not funny. What is funny is that you’re actually feeling torn about who to relax with, usually not a problem for you. Should you spend another evening with a friend you’ve started flirting with or take that new admirer up on an exciting offer? Regardless of which you choose, taking the night off to simply get some sleep shouldn’t be an option. Make some coffee, grab a shower, and rally.

SAGITTARIUS

For days, it’s been all about them, everyone but you, that is. Enough. Enough with the caretaking, the sympathizing, and the listening to sob stories. It’s time for you to indulge in some much-needed playtime, and there will be absolutely no reason for you to feel guilty. If necessary, sleep in tomorrow.

If you’re smart, you’ll make sure tonight is so much fun that you’ll need to.

CAPRICORN

Ready to let loose and have some fun? Some real fun? Great, because the heavens are in the mood to arrange quite the evening for you. How about having the whole crew over to your place for munchies, movies, and lighthearted conversations? You might even break out the board games. Call for pizza or Chinese and stay up late laughing. It’s about darned time, isn’t it?

AQUARIUS

One of the groups you keep company with, the one that just so happens to be the most assertive, aggressive, and unafraid of taking risks, is about to invite you to spend some time with them. Rest assured that it will involve doing something you’ve never done before. How can you refuse? Kindred spirits, a new adventure,

A Pembrokeshire Pers P ective

by editor tom sinclAir

OPINION: C LIMATE CHANGE IS AS REAL AS EVER BUT TRUST , ECONOMICS AND POLITICS HAVE CHANGED

dESpiTE overwhelming scientific evidence and recordbreaking heatwaves, more people are questioning climate change today than ever before. The science hasn’t changed -- but our relationship with truth, power and politics certainly has. What we’re witnessing isn’t a crisis of data; it’s a collapse of trust.

WHEN THE FACTS ARE SETTlEd

Every serious scientific institution on the planet agrees that climate change is real, measurable and driven by human activity. Studies show more than 99% of peer-reviewed research supports that view --an extraordinary level of agreement in any field.

The consensus is backed by NASA, the UK Met Office, the Royal Society, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the US National Academy of Sciences and every major body worldwide. There isn’t a single respected organisation anywhere on Earth that disputes the basic facts of man-made global warming.

When the same scientific community that gave us vaccines, satellites and the internet all tell us the same thing, who are we to argue?

THE pOliTiCAl dividE

To dismiss that level of consensus isn’t brave or independent-minded; it’s daft - like saying the world is flat.

So why the surge in denial? Because climate change has become a political badge, not a scientific debate. The far right and populist movements on both sides of the Atlantic have learned that opposing the “green agenda” plays well with people tired of elites and rising bills. Reform UK is a perfect example. Their rejection of climate science isn’t radical -- it’s branding. In a world where every credible scientist agrees the planet is heating, denying it isn’t rebellious. It’s just posing as “cool” while the Earth keeps getting hotter.

It’s political posturing, amplified and echoed by Trump and Farage, and supercharged by social-media algorithms that reward nonsense over truth. Outrage travels faster than evidence, and the more ridiculous the claim, the further it spreads.

The most dangerous thing about climate denial isn’t stupidity — it’s cynicism. The people pushing it aren’t fools; they’re strategists. They know the science is sound, but they’ve realised that doubt and division are easier to sell than truth.

THE COST OF CONFUSSiON

People who once trusted newspapers, teachers and scientists now take their cues from TikTok clips and Facebook memes. Outrage feels empowering; facts feel boring. The real war isn’t left versus right -- it’s between those who build their worldview on social-media noise and those who still care about evidence.

Algorithms don’t care what’s true; they care what gets clicks. The result is a distorted democracy where emotion drowns out fact and serious policy becomes impossible. The future grows more dangerous with every viral lie.

THE glOBAl pERSpECTivE

Outside the English-speaking world, climate denial doesn’t exist. In China, Japan and France, the science is accepted — the argument is about economics and energy, not whether the planet is warming. It’s mainly in the UK, the US and Australia where right-wing populism has turned climate science into a culture war. Ask yourself why.

THE pROpERgANdA AgE

The uncomfortable truth is that we’ve reached a point where we can no longer take what we read or hear from those in power — or those

desperate to seize it — at face value.

History has shown where that leads. Ninety years ago, Hitler mastered the new media of his age — cinema, newsreels and radio — to manipulate opinion and bend a nation to his will. He understood something chillingly simple: control the message, and you control the masses.

It’s 2025 now, not 1935, but the principles are the same. The screens in our hands have replaced the cinema halls; algorithms have replaced microphones. What hasn’t changed is human vulnerability to persuasion and fear.

We are being played — one post, one click, one outrage at a time. The safeguards of democracy — education, journalism, accountability — are being outpaced by manipulation. Reform UK and climate change are the proof. Unless each of us learns to question, cross-check and think critically, we’ll sleepwalk into another age where truth no longer matters — and by the time we realise what’s happened, it will be too late.

BADGER GOES TILTING AT WINDMILLS

BAdgER is beside himself with joy at the announcement of all those jobs being created in Wales in the renewable energy sector. Of course, Badger has to say “all those jobs” since neither the governor general of Wales, Jo Stevens, nor her hapless sockpuppet, milady morgan, has put a definitive number to the jobs claimed for Wales.

Jo Stevens says 20,000 across the UK. Meanwhile, Dejected of St Davids says 15,000 without specifying where those jobs will be.

In fact, Badger is astonished at the idea that there are enough workers without jobs in Wales to meet even the least ambitious number of jobs created. Over the last few years, Welsh Government press releases, Ministerial Statements, and statistics releases suggest Cardiff Bay has created or supported over 100,000 jobs - and that’s discounting the 160,000 the Welsh Government claims to have supported during the pandemic. That means that of the 1.4 million working-age adults in Wales, over 7% have a job thanks to

Cardiff Bay. That excludes Civil Service and public sector jobs. So, where are all those jobs, readers? And why, if those jobs exist as anything more than publicity stunts, is the unemployment rate in Wales (5%) so much higher than the rest of the UK?

One thing’s for sure, they’re not in the renewable energy sector. Since 2017, the Welsh Government has announced the creation or support of around 4500 jobs in the renewable energy sector. Comparing that number with the amount of funding announced for the sector means that every job created has come at a cost of £40,000 - £55,000.

As a point of reference, Enterprise Zones in Wales were criticised as being poor value when each job created in them came at a cost of £20,000.

Readers, that is the economics of the madhouse.

Badger is not opposed to renewable energy. Climate change is real. It is happening. The only thing that sceptics have to argue about is the extent to which human activities are accelerating it or exacerbating its effects.

As ever, there are no two sides to the argument. On the one hand, you have the overwhelming weight of scientific consensus. On the other hand, you have contrarians and assorted shills in the pay of the fossil fuel industry. Badger is ever-entertained by those whose scientific education ended at the water freezes, water boils phase, and even more entertained by “experts” who reject the results of the scientific method because they refuse to believe that anyone knows better than them.

Badger believes it is nonsense for Western liberal democracies to hamstring their economies in chasing a green ideal when the world’s largest contributors to climate change carry on pumping out pollutants. Genuine international cooperation does not come at the price of wearing a hair shirt and wringing one’s hands. At the same time, China, India, Russia, and the US continue to pursue their economic selfinterest. Come on, readers, how much notice is Xi Jinping taking of One Planet Developments in Newport, Pembs, when considering where to mine for rare earth minerals to manufacture computer chips?

Badger’s attention was drawn to a social media post by Hakin County Councillor Mike Stoddart. An unnamed spokesperson for one of the multitudinous groups of self-appointed environmental guardians criticised Cllr Stoddart’s presence on a body that examined the Council’s “green” policies. It was apparently unthinkable that Cllr Stoddart should have any say about that policy, because he is ... a heretic!

Perhaps the confused moron responsible for offering that opinion should reflect on the interplay between morality, politics, economics, and the Council’s finite budget.

Cllr Stoddart doesn’t need Badger to defend him from such ill-considered criticism. As Mike Stoddat pointed out, he studied chemistry at a degree level when there were a lot fewer elements in the periodic table. That alone qualifies Mike Stoddart to sit on a minor body of little or no wider significance.

In addition, when thinking about whether policies deliver value for money, Cllr Stoddart is more than qualified to offer an opinion. It is right that Mike Stoddart is a member of a body considering the costs and benefits of Pembrokeshire County Council’s environmental policies.

The moral case for tokenistic action by a medium-sized Welsh local authority to address a global crisis in which it is not even a bit-part player does not trump present and pressing financial issues affecting service delivery.

Not every greening policy is a good idea in the same way that appointing nodding dogs to a public body is a bad one. The alternative to the membership of the keenly numerate Cllr Stoddart would be unquestioningly writing blank cheques for policies of minuscule benefit compared to their cost.

The claims made for renewable energy generation’s positive impact on the labour market are hogwash. Jobs created in the construction phase will be temporary. The number of well-paid long-term jobs will never come close to meeting the claims made by the Welsh and Westminster governments. Finally, the idea that building renewable energy infrastructure will somehow lead to lower bills for energy consumers is demonstrably false.

Consider the following. Energy companies are privately owned multinational businesses. They do not make capital investments out of the goodness of their hearts. They want to make a financial return. To do so, they obtain price guarantees for the units of electricity they produce and sell. The consumer ultimately pays that price.

The on-cost of renewable energy generation is high. Almost as high as large-scale nuclear generation. For example, the price guarantees sought by the Swansea Tidal Lagoon were so exorbitant that they led to the project’s termination. Moreover, the idea that renewable energy comes without impact, whether on wildlife or the environment, is drivel. Every stage of renewable infrastructure’s production comes with an environmental cost attached.

The model pursued by the Welsh Government, the UK Government, and the businesses (whether private or public sector) with which they contract is to offset the deleterious effects of renewable energy infrastructure and generation through carbon trades with less industrialised economies. That bakes in unfairness and inequity in the global economy.

Regardless of climate change’s undoubted reality, that’s about as far from “moral” and “green” as you can get.

Parents’ rights, children’s lives

W HEN “c ON tA ct At A ll

c OS t S ” BE c AME O u R qu IE t NAT i ONA l SHA m E

WE ll , F l A p my W i N g S and peck my own reflection — they’ve finally done it. After years of judges squawking about “parental involvement”, ministers have finally admitted what anyone with half a brain and a beating heart already knew: no parent’s so-called right to see their child should ever come before that child’s right to

safety. Took them long enough, didn’t it? For years, the family courts of England and Wales have been sending kids straight back to the claws of people who hurt them, all because of a stupid rule cooked up by politicians and “fathers’ rights” campaigners who thought contact was sacred, no matter what. i ’ve watched cases where mums who survived rape were ordered to hand their children over to the very men who attacked them — and when they refused,

the judges threatened them with prison. What kind of justice is that? Not the kind we’d recognise down the docks, that’s for sure.

AT l AST, A W i N d OF CHAN g E

Now, after five years of handwringing and hiding behind reports, the Ministry of Justice has finally admitted what domestic abuse charities have been screaming for a decade — that the “pro-contact” culture in family courts put children in

danger. The government’s own review says it plain: courts were ordering contact with parents who caused, or posed a risk of, harm. In other words, the system was broken and everyone knew it. This week’s announcement scraps that presumption at last, and about time too. Trouble is, you can’t just sweep away a decade of damage with a few new words on paper. The scars are real.

T HE HU m AN COST

Ask people like Claire Throssell, whose two sons, Jack and Paul, were murdered by their father after a judge granted him access. That judge stayed on the bench. No discipline, no apology, not even a name we’re allowed to print. That’s how much sunlight the family court system lets in — none. If you ask me, this change should be called Jack and Paul’s Law. And spare a thought for Kate Kniveton, the former MP told by a court to promote contact between her daughter and the man who raped her. Five long years it took before she finally won the right to protect her child. Her ITV documentary, Breaking the Silence, should be required viewing for every robewearing fool who still thinks domestic abuse is “just a bit of DV”.

Tim E FOR SUN lig HT

Until judges get proper training and start believing victims, this culture of arrogance will keep breeding harm. But for now, at least, a bit of good news: the tide’s turning. The law’s changing. Maybe one day children’s safety really will come first. Until then, I’ll keep squawking about it from my perch above Milford Docks — because when the courts fail to listen, sometimes it takes a seagull to make a bit of noise. Until next time, keep your wings clean and your chips safe.

Overlooked guinea pigs and rabbits awaiting for their fur-ever homes

Wanted: Homes for a trio of guinea pigs and two rabbits in North Wales - who have been overlooked time and time again.

it’s been 154 days and counting for three lonely guinea pigs Enzo, Raffaello and Ferrero (pictured) who are still waiting for new owners, following their rescue from a home where there were 100plus guinea pigs.

They are being cared for at RSPCA Bryn y Maen in Upper Colwyn Bay along with long stay rabbits Pleakley and Stitch. Their rehoming appeals come during the RSPCA’s month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign which aims to increase adoption rates across England and Wales. The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming.

Animal Care Assistant Nicole

Rowson said: “We really are hoping that this Adoptober we find homes for these wonderful small furries - Enzo, Raffaello and Ferrero - have been through a lot and really deserve a second chance of happiness.

“While Pleakley and Stitch have both been with us for far too long. If you are considering taking on a pet, please do take a look at Find A Pet and find out more about these wonderful animals in our care.”

Enzo, only born this year, is full of curiosity, mischief and has certainly found his voice especially when it is feeding time. The staff and volunteers are serenaded daily with lots of natters and chatters from him when they enter his room.

Raffaello is an older boy at the ripe age of eight years old although he still is very much young at heart, whereas Ferrero is believed to be around four years old. These two boys are an inquisitive pair who enjoy

investigating and exploring their surroundings especially when they are given tasty foods and treats to find. They also really love serenading whenever they hear a crinkle of a veg packet!

Raffaello and Ferrero would hugely benefit from going to a household where with a gentle approach they can develop their confidence even more.

Enzo is looking to be bonded with a group of guinea pigs within his new home to provide him with the companionship and friendship he needs. He has been neutered whilst being in RSPCA care and he could either be bonded with another neutered boar or a female guinea pig.

Light brown rabbit Pleakley is very docile, sweet in nature and loves to staff and volunteers a helping paw or two during cleaning time.

Nicole said: “He can sometimes be on the shy side especially with new people but if you present tasty treats he will

quickly learn to trust you and will very quickly become your new found best friend

“Sadly Pleakley has been waiting a year to find his very own home and a wifebun to call his own.”

It is felt that Pleakley provided he has a wifebun by his side to help him along the way would be able to live with sensible, calm children of primary school age. He could love either indoors or outdoors provided he is given plenty of space, hides, tunnels and toys to keep him entertained.

Stitch was sadly returned back into our care after a failed bonding attempt.

“Unfortunatley in his home Stitch struggled to find his paws and found the change in environment quite overwhelming,” said Nicole.

“We feel this was due to him only experiencing life within our centre after being born in our care.

School federation praised for its ‘happy and inclusive community’

A RECENT positive Estyn inspection of ysgol Casmael and ysgol llanychllwydog has praised the federation’s strong sense of community and caring learning environment.

Inspectors described the Welshlanguage primary schools as happy and inclusive, commending the excellent behaviour of almost all pupils — a reflection, they said, of the deep sense of belonging fostered by the headteacher and staff.

The report stated: “Staff provide stimulating sessions which inspire pupils to commit themselves enthusiastically to their learning. They use a wide range of

effective teaching methods, plan engaging and meaningful sessions, and adapt activities suitably to meet the needs of almost all pupils.”

A particular focus was placed on reading, with Estyn noting that purposeful professional development on reading interventions and strategies has created a strong reading culture across both schools. Almost all pupils are now making excellent progress in their reading skills.

Inspectors also highlighted how local identity and heritage are central to pupils’ experiences, helping to build pride and community spirit. “The headteacher and her team work together effectively across the

federation to create a happy and inclusive community,” the report added. “The headteacher knows the needs of pupils, staff and the communities exceptionally well. The federation’s schools have successful links with the local community to offer pupils valuable experiences.”

Headteacher Amanda Lawrence said: “Estyn’s report is a reflection of the hugely significant role that both of my schools play in their local community. The success of each pupil is down to the strong sense of belonging fostered by the staff, the parents, the governors and the community as a whole. It really does take a village to raise a child.”

A kick in the teeth: Welsh Lib Dem warning over ‘family farm tax’

THE WElSH liberal democrats have branded the Uk government’s refusal to amend or repeal its so-called “family farm tax” as “hugely disappointing and a kick in the teeth for Welsh farmers.”

The party’s Westminster spokesperson, David Chadwick, said the measure will “do immense damage to farmers, food production and environmental stewardship.”

Chadwick told The Herald: “We were hoping the Chancellor would use the Budget next month as an opportunity to reverse course and protect family farms. Instead, they face this tax and cuts to their incomes – after one of the worst harvests on record.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to lead the charge against this unfair tax hike, to protect family farms and rural communities who are being taken for granted.”

WHAT THE TAx mEANS

Under reforms announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, reliefs under Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will be capped at £1 million per person from April 2026.

Currently, many family farms can transfer farmland, livestock,

machinery or business assets to the next generation without paying inheritance tax. The new cap will mean a 20% tax rate applies to assets above the threshold.

The Treasury claims that most small or typical farms will remain exempt, saying that after combining various allowances and spouse transfers, up to £3 million in value could still be protected.

However, farming unions say the figure is misleading, warning that many family farms are asset-rich but cash-poor, making it difficult to pay tax bills without selling land or livestock

The Government insists the reform promotes fairness and prevents abuse, arguing that APR and BPR reliefs have been used by wealthy landowners as tax shelters rather than by genuine working farms.

Officials say the change will help raise additional funds for public services while still protecting smaller agricultural estates

ANgER iN WAlES

The National Farmers’ Union has warned the change could be “disastrous” for family

farms and succession planning, forcing some to sell land to pay inheritance tax.

In Wales, where many farms are small, upland and low-profit, the impact could be severe. Rural campaigners say the move will undermine food production, biodiversity projects and local economies.

Thousands of farmers from across the UK, including Wales, have already joined protests in London, calling for the tax to be scrapped.

WHAT HAppENS NExT

The Government has so far refused to withdraw the policy ahead of next month’s Budget.

While reliefs remain in place allowing payment over ten years interest-free, and spousal exemptions still apply, industry experts warn these measures will not protect all family businesses.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are positioning themselves as defenders of rural communities, accusing the Government of “taking farmers for granted.”

For many in Wales, the fight over the “family farm tax” now represents something bigger – a struggle for the future of farming, food, and the countryside itself.

gOvERNmENT dEFENCE

NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual search for Wales’ next livestock champion

NFU Cymru and NFU mutual are inviting nominations for the Welsh livestock Champion of the year, celebrating the passion, dedication and skill that make Wales’ livestock industry world-renowned. Now in its eleventh year, the award recognises individuals who live and breathe livestock farming— people who care for their stock, improve their farms and support their local rural communities.

The winner will receive £500 and a Welsh Royal Crystal trophy, to be presented at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd on Monday (Nov 24).

JUdgES

OUTliNE WHAT THEy WANT

The chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board, Rob Lewis said: “This award celebrates the very best of Welsh livestock farming – the people who set the bar high when it comes to producing livestock, their knowledge and their pride in what they do. Wales is home to some of the most talented stockmen and women anywhere in the world and this is our chance to recognise them.”

Mike Thomas, Builth Wells NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Group Secretary, added: “Farming is full of unsung heroes who go above and beyond

every single day. This award is about shining a light on those people –the ones who care deeply for their livestock and their land and who set an example for others to follow. NFU Mutual is proud to help celebrate that commitment.”

HOW TO ENTER

The closing date for entries is Friday (Oct 31). The winner will be announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

To nominate someone—or to enter yourself—visit the NFU Cymru website to download an application form. Alternatively, email Sarah Phillips at sarah.phillips@nfu.org.uk or telephone the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200.

Study shows why farm tech investment must be considered on a case-by-case basis

A NEW study commissioned by Cyswllt Ffermio (Farming Connect) has found that while new technologies can improve labour efficiency and reduce production costs on Welsh dairy farms, the financial returns do not always add up for every business.

Rhodri and Siwan Jones, who farm at Penparc near Llanerfyl, run a 197-cow spring-calving herd. They converted Siwan’s family’s former beef and sheep enterprise into a dairy unit, investing heavily in good grazing infrastructure and modern facilities designed for simplicity and efficiency.

But the question posed by researchers was whether further investment in technology — such as heat detection collars and automatic calf feeders — could boost efficiency and profitability even more.

Limited gains from collars, stronger ROI from feeders

The Ein Ffermydd (Our Farms) project found that while collars offered only limited benefits for the Jones family’s business, the automatic calf feeders showed a higher return on investment (ROI) and a much shorter payback period.

Feeders were estimated to deliver a 14% ROI, paying for themselves within seven years. By contrast, the payback period for collars doubled, with an ROI of just 7.2%.

Conor Hogan, Dairy Programme Manager at Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland, who carried out the study for Cyswllt Ffermio, urged farmers to interpret such figures carefully.

“If improvements in herd

health and fertility are realised, the ROI would improve substantially compared with these estimates,” he said.

His calculations for the calf feeders were based on a twostation system costing £11,000, feeding at least 45 heifer calves. While the study found little difference in calf performance or health, the feeders could save £1,525 in labour each year, adding flexibility as calves no longer needed immediate feeding after milking.

However, there was a potential downside.

“Calves may need to be kept indoors and on milk for longer, as feeders can lengthen the rearing period,” Conor noted.

Collars offer smaller savings for already efficient herds

The figures for collars were based on 185 cows at £110 each plus a one-off £3,500 investment in a base unit — a total of £23,850.

The annual labour savings during the 12-week breeding period were estimated at £1,680, meaning a 14-year payback period.

Given the Joneses’ already strong six-week calving rate of 81% and low empty rate of 13%, Conor concluded that collars would bring limited fertility improvement.

He added that while collars also provide useful health monitoring data, this benefit could not be fully measured within the ROI analysis due to limited health data available fo the herd.

“Where health improvements could be achieved through collars, and where sexed semen is used more efficiently, the ROI would

Wi TH fewer than 200 days until the next Senedd election, the FUW continues to actively engage with politicians from across the political spectrum, ensuring that the voice and interests of Welsh family farms are clearly heard.

supply chains, longterm investment in small abattoirs, and legislative tools to safeguard our national food security.

improve rapidly,” he explained.

“But data on these benefits remains limited and should be assessed farm by farm.”

Even so, collars would ease the labour burden during breeding by reducing the need for constant observation of cows, offering valuable flexibility.

Smart spending: prioritising what pays

Conor praised Penparc’s existing layout and facilities, saying there was no urgent need for new technology investment. Instead, he suggested a planned, phased approach, giving priority to areas that offer the fastest and most reliable returns.

“Improving soil fertility, reseeding, and investing in cow tracks can deliver rapid and substantial economic returns at relatively low cost,” he advised.

Investing in facilities should come next — to speed up milking, improve animal handling, and enhance slurry storage efficiency.

Only after those improvements, Conor said, should automation be considered — such as calf feeders, heat detection collars, drafting gates, automatic cluster removers, and wash systems.

“Some automation technologies may not significantly cut labour time, but they can offer greater flexibility and make routine tasks easier,” he said.

“Different farms are at different stages of development, so the benefits of each investment depend on the individual business.”

He also noted that grant funding, when available, could make a substantial difference to affordability and ROI calculations.

This election will be pivotal for a number of reasons. Recent polling suggests a shift in voting behaviour, while the Senedd itself is set to undergo a major transformation, expanding to 96 Members representing sixteen larger constituencies. Crucially, it is expected that over half, and perhaps as many as three quarters, of the new intake will be firsttime Members, making it more important than ever to ensure they understand the realities of rural life and the many challenges and changes facing Welsh agriculture.

Following a packed summer show season, where we engaged with representatives from political parties, our work has continued at pace. Earlier this month, we attended the Autumn Conferences of Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, where we outlined our key manifesto asks for the next Senedd. Central to our proposals is a commitment to continued collaboration in developing a fair and fit-for-purpose Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Our manifesto also calls for a strengthened Welsh food system, emphasising the need to support domestic food production, local processing, and public procurement. We are urging policy commitments that back Welsh produce through shorter, more resilient

These priorities, alongside pressing issues such as Bovine TB and Water Quality ‘NVZ’ regulations, also formed the basis of discussions during one of our regular meetings with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw IrrancaDavies MS, in Cardiff last week.

While lobbying at conferences, summer shows and in meeting rooms is crucial, it is hard to match the impact of bringing politicians onto farms to meet our members and see firsthand the realities facing Welsh farmers. That’s why we were pleased to host the newly appointed Wales Office Minister, Anna McMorrin MP, on a recent farm visit in Carmarthenshire.

With the Autumn Budget swiftly approaching, the visit provided a timely opportunity to outline our calls for reconsideration of the proposed changes to Inheritance Tax, reforms of which are unfair, poorly targeted, and threaten the future of our family farms. We also outlined our views regarding the future ‘Barnettisation’ of Welsh agricultural funding, a significant concern if we want to ensure Wales receives its fair share of financial support.

With the Senedd election fast approaching, we remain committed to engaging with politicians from all parties in the months ahead, ensuring that the voices of Welsh farmers and the wider agricultural sector are heard clearly, consistently, and constructively.

TOMODA 4 makes global debut at Chery User Summit: enter B-segment crossover inspired by Cyber Mecha

The global preview of OmOdA 4 (formerly OmOdA 3) was successfully held during this year’s Chery User Summit at Chery group’s headquarters in Wuhu, China. in an unveiling ceremony held in an industrial complex and featuring scifi characters, mixologists and even a body-art booth, the memorable launch of the OmOdA 4 ushered in a new era for the brand.

While full details of the OMODA 4 are still light in the launch phase, OMODA UK can confirm it will be offering the B-segment sized OMODA 4 crossover in 2026, as part of its expanding line-up of ICE cars and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

Taking on a future-focused look at what the younger generation needs from their car, the OMODA 4 is designed to offer drivers a sense of safety, security and space – both inside the cabin and being inspired by outer space itself. The OMODA 4 adopts a “Cyber Mecha” design philosophy; a term OMODA uses to define its mix of angular lines, metallic finishes, and details inspired by robotics and the aesthetics of science fiction comics.

From the O-Universe lighting at the front – which uses a lightning bolt-shaped design, which is also carried into the rear lighting (also seen on the OMODA 7, due in the UK, Q1 2026) – to the tech-inspired cabin, OMODA 4 showcases a new era

of technology overlapping design.

Discussing the exterior design, Richard Koo, OMODA Design Director, said: “OMODA 4 adopts the “Cyber Mecha” design philosophy, presenting a futuristic mecha-inspired exterior. During the journey through the O-Universe, mysterious quantum fluctuations are activated, transforming into the unique “O-Universe lighting”, the most recognisable visual signature of OMODA 4 and a symbol bridging virtual and real worlds.”

Inside, the five-seater B-segment sized crossover transports drivers and passengers into a sci-fi and e-sports-themed interior. From the central display, which uses a 2.5K Snapdragon processor – much like a gaming screen – to the screen in front of the driver, each display has been chosen to encase the front of the cockpit.

It doesn’t end there, as the OMODA 4 also has a spaceshipinspired central control centre, where diamond-shaped physical buttons encase the middle of the cockpit. The engine start button is found beneath a red, pilot-style cage, adding visual drama to every journey.

Further expanding on the sci-fi inspiration, Richard Koo continued and said, “Consumers will pay for sci-fi style, but they won’t tolerate form over function. OMODA 4’s dynamic contours not only reflect cutting-edge aesthetics but also resonate with the passionate

mindset of the younger generation. OMODA 4’s audience is a new generation of lifestyle adventurers who dare to break norms. True innovation requires courage, and that courage comes from deep insights into users.”

Designed to spark creation, connectivity and commanding company, OMODA is introducing the idea of OMODA fans becoming “Co-Creation Ambassadors”, where said ambassadors become part of the launch journey, sharing vital feedback to refine the OMODA 4 with OMODA’s global development teams, to make the OMODA 4 work for realworld drivers. A first for OMODA, it is also part of the theme for the current Chery User Summit, under the banner of “Co-Create, Co-Define.”

A defining moment, too, for Chery International, which operates the OMODA brand, and is responsible for more than two million global vehicle sales in the first three quarters of 2025. This represents a 14.5% year-on-year increase.

The launch of the “Co-Creation Ambassadors” programme represents not only recognition of user value but also OMODA 4’s commitment to partnering with users in exploring the future of mobility. During the Chery User Summit, OMODA had its first ambassadors sign on to start the journey of co-creation and co-collaboration together.

Becoming a “Global Co-Creation

Ambassador” not only comes with an official certificate but also grants early access to OMODA 4’s latest product information and special privileges for vehicle purchase.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, OMODA UK, said: “We see real promise with OMODA 4, and our partners, dealers and team are very excited to confirm the OMODA 4 will join the expanding family of OMODA vehicles in 2026. This is the first car from OMODA to include the “Cyber Mecha” thinking, and through the UK feedback, we can co-create together to define the next generation of OMODA vehicles. We launched OMODA [in the UK] in August 2024 with a bold vision for the UK market, and the addition of OMODA 4 further underpins our strategy – 2026 is going to be a great year as we add OMODA 7 [Q1, 2026] and this, the OMODA 4, to the line-up.”

Full details of the OMODA 4, including powertrain choices, trim levels, pricing, and availability will be revealed later in 2026. However, for now, OMODA can confirm it will be on sale and have the backing of OMODA’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first); plus 8-year warranty on the battery, alongside RAC Home Start, as standard, and will be available through growing network of OMODA&JAECOO UK dealer partners when the on-sale date comes.

1.2

CHERY on top of safety: TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 achieve five-star Euro NCAP ratings

CHERy Uk’s SUv range continues to set new benchmarks for safety and performance, with the TiggO 7 and TiggO 8 achieving five stars under Euro NCAp’s 2025 safety protocols. Both models combine robust crash protection with advanced driver assistance technologies, reinforcing CHERy’s growing reputation in the Uk as a brand that delivers comfortable, stylish, and safe vehicles.

Tested under Euro NCAP’s latest protocols, the TIGGO 7 achieved 82% for Adult Occupant protection, 85% for Child Occupant, 80% for Vulnerable Road Users, and 78% for Safety Assist. Its larger sibling, the TIGGO 8,

recorded equally impressive results, reflecting strong structural integrity, effective airbags, and responsive occupant protection in multiple impact scenarios.

Standard across both models is a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keeping, Front Collision Warning, Integrated Cruise Assist, and a 540-degree transparentview camera system. These features ensure proactive safety, complementing the vehicles’ crash protection to deliver peace of mind for UK drivers and families.

Gary Lan, CEO of CHERY UK,

said: “The Euro NCAP scores for the CHERY TIGGO 7 and CHERY TIGGO 8 highlight the strength of our global engineering efforts and our commitment to UK drivers. As our dealer network grows and more customers experience the versatility of these SUVs, safety, comfort, and innovation remain crucial to ensure UK drivers find their happy with a CHERY.”

Both models combine practicality with performance. The TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 are designed with spacious interiors, advanced infotainment systems, and efficient powertrains that balance performance with low emissions – perfectly suited for urban

and long-distance driving.

Available through CHERY UK’s expanding network of 25+ dealers, the TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 deliver accessible luxury and family-friendly versatility.

The CHERY TIGGO 7 and CHERY TIGGO 8 are available to buy now, with prices starting from £24,995 OTR* and £28,545 OTR* respectively. Alongside the comprehensive warranty support, every CHERY UK vehicle also includes RAC roadside assistance as standard for the first 7 years, subject to annual servicing.

* All prices correct at time of writing, October 2025.

Runway meets the road: Volvo Cars and Sergio Hudson collaborate on limited-edition collection

To celebrate 70 years in the United States, today volvo Cars announces the debut of a limited-edition collection created in partnership with Sergio Hudson, one of the most notable emerging fashion designers in the US.

Inspired by the fully electric Volvo EX90, the collection features a car coat and belt that blend Volvo Cars’ simplistic Scandinavian aesthetics with Hudson’s bold designs to transform the materials found inside the SUV’s cabin into wearable luxury pieces.

The collaboration brings together two brands with a shared vision rooted in South Carolina: Hudson, a native of Ridgeway, and Volvo Cars, whose flagship Volvo EX90 SUV is assembled at the company’s manufacturing plant in Ridgeville, outside of Charleston.

FROm THE SCANdiNAviAN liviNg ROOm TO THE RUNWAy

In this unique automotive-fashion collaboration, Hudson brings his signature approach to power dressing. Known for his impeccable tailoring, Hudson has designed looks for numerous celebrated figures and most recently dressed approximately 20 guests for the 2025 Met Gala.

Reflecting the Volvo EX90’s interior design philosophy of a “Scandinavian living room”, Hudson’s made-to-order pieces embody the same principles of rational simplicity, functional comfort and thoughtful craftsmanship, while incorporating the same upholsteries found inside the car’s cabin. These

fabrics showcase how luxury and more sustainable materials can work hand in hand.

The line features two statement pieces, with one incorporating platinuminspired finishes as a tribute to Volvo Cars’ 70th anniversary in the US – a Platinum Jubilee celebrating seven decades of Swedish design and innovation on American roads:

• Tailored Wool Blend car coat (MSRP 1,895 USD): Crafted from the same responsibly sourced and natural wool used in the Volvo EX90’s seat upholstery, these coats feature Hudson’s signature sharp tailoring and an oversized silhouette designed specifically for driving comfort. The mid-thigh length provides warmth while keeping legs free for pedal operation and is a modern interpretation of the classic car coat that originated in the early automotive era.

• Nordico in Dawn belt (MSRP 225 USD): An homage to Volvo Cars’ invention of the three-point seat belt, this elegant fashion accessory showcases how automotive innovation can transform into couture. Highlighted in an elegant Dawn colorway, the collection’s belt features the same Nordico upholstery available in the EX90. This premium and durable surface material made of bio-attributed PVC with a textile backing of 100% recycled polyester is complemented by a platinum-inspired buckle that includes an embossed co-branded

Volvo Cars and Sergio Hudson logo.

Capsule Collection: Style versatility

Hudson has created a three look Capsule Collection that pairs each of the collaboration’s items with existing garments in his fashion line. These styling creations show how the car coat and belt can transition seamlessly from day to night, promoting wardrobe longevity through thoughtful design:

• Look One: Casual Luxury featuring the High Waist Boot Cut Trouser in Light Weight Denim

• Look Two: Signature Suit Mode featuring the Houndstooth Classic Vest and Houndstooth Signature Pant

• Look Three: Afterhours Authority featuring the Long Sleeve Paillete Embroidered Mini Dress

A shared vision rooted in South Carolina

This collaboration represents more than a creative fusion – it’s a celebration of shared geography and values. Both Volvo Cars and Sergio Hudson have roots in South Carolina, and this EX90inspired collection is a tribute to the local communities and a reflection of a mutual dedication to craftsmanship and premium design.

“This collaboration is a celebration of luxurious style, purpose and our presence in the Charleston area. By joining forces with Sergio Hudson, we’re merging automotive design with a modern vision of fashion in a collection that empowers you to feel more

confident,” said Kelly Mason, Head of Communications, Volvo Car Americas. “Hudson’s meticulous attention to detail mirrors our own philosophy of Swedish craftsmanship, creating pieces that honor both our automotive heritage and modern luxury.”

To truly understand Volvo Cars’ design ethos, Hudson spent time at the carmaker’s Charleston Plant, immersing himself in the company’s Scandinavian design language and understanding the Volvo EX90’s production process. This hands-on experience informed every aspect of the collection’s designs, from choosing the materials and colorways, to the final finishes found on the pieces.

“Visiting the Charleston Plant, I was struck by the intentionality behind every design choice. I witnessed an attention to detail I apply during my own design process,” said Sergio Hudson, Founder and Creative Director, Sergio Hudson Collections. “The EX90 in particular is warm, sophisticated and mindfully crafted. I wanted to capture that same feeling of elevated comfort and conscious luxury in pieces that make you feel elegant and confident.”

Exclusive availability

The limited-edition collection of car coats and belts are available in a limited quantity and exclusively online for consumer purchase in the US, Canada and the UK beginning October 20, 2025. Each piece is made-to-order and manufactured in the United States by Sergio Hudson Collections.

Pembrokeshire businesses urged to act as cyber-attacks soar

lOCAl businesses are being urged to strengthen their digital defences as new data reveals a surge in cyberattacks targeting small firms across the Uk Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a free Cyber Security Workshop at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, on Monday, November 18. The event aims to help local companies protect themselves from the growing threat of online crime.

A report by BT earlier this year found that 42% of small firms and 67% of medium-sized firms were hit by cyber-attacks in the past year, yet nearly two in five UK SMEs still have no cyber security training in place. The average cost of recovering from a serious breach now stands at almost £8,000 – a

sum that could cripple many small businesses.

Peter Lord, from the Council’s Business Support Team, said: “From high-profile breaches at major UK brands to small-scale attacks on local

traders, cybercrime is evolving at breakneck speed. What rarely makes the headlines is that small and medium-sized enterprises are now among the most vulnerable. Hackers no longer chase one big payout –

they take small amounts from many victims, making local companies an easy target.”

The workshop will include a Cyber Escape Room Challenge, giving participants the chance to work in teams to crack codes, solve puzzles, and stop a simulated attack.

Experts from the Wales Cyber Resilience Centre and Tarian, the regional organised crime unit, will share real-world insights and practical advice.

Attendees will also learn simple, actionable steps to protect their business data and IT systems, as well as have the opportunity to network with other Pembrokeshire businesses and book a free one-to-one vulnerability assessment.

Wales loses 6,800 jobs as payroll numbers fall across the country

WAlES has seen a drop of 6,800 people in employment over the past year, according to the latest official payroll data.

Figures show that the number of people on company payrolls in Wales stood at 1,311,936 in September 2025, down 0.52% on the same month last year.

Between June and September alone, the total fell by 289

employees, suggesting a steady decline rather than a one-off dip. Despite the fall in jobs, wages continue to rise. The median monthly pay in Wales reached £2,440, up 6.3% year-on-year — ahead of the UK’s current inflation rate of 3.5%.

mixEd NATiONAl piCTURE

Across the UK as a whole, the total number of people in employment stood at 30.3 million in September, down 0.33% on the year and 0.3% on the month, according to analysis by employment and pay insight platform WageSight.

However, while wages remain higher than inflation, growth appears to be slowing. The median UK salary was £2,546, up 5.5% in the last year but down 0.86% between August and September.

Experts warn this could signal the start of a wider slowdown in salary growth.

‘Welsh employers still in the doldrums’

WageSight Director Paul Hebden said: “The payroll data seems to show Welsh employers are still in the doldrums, with employment down over the last

few months and still below the levels they were at this time last year.

“On the positive side, wages were up 6.3% for people in Wales, which is ahead of inflation — a boost for families still enduring difficulties with the cost of living.”

REgiONAl BREAkdOWN

Some Welsh areas have been hit harder than others. Swansea (-1%) and Powys (-0.9%) recorded the biggest drops in the number of people on payroll in the year to September 2025.

A number of other regions, including Monmouthshire and Newport (-0.1%), Flintshire and Wrexham (-0.1%), and Gwynedd (-0.1%), saw smaller declines, suggesting a slightly more stable jobs picture in parts of the country.

Impala confirms jobs at risk at Milford Haven fuel terminal

Up to twenty jobs at the former puma Energy fuel terminal are at risk, after the site’s new operator, impala terminals, confirmed it is reviewing operations and has written to staff.

In a statement to The Herald, an Impala Terminals spokesperson said: “We are reviewing our business model to tailor it with current business needs. We are working closely with our employees during this time. All employees remain employed through this period, pending the outcome of the review process, and operations continue as usual.”

The Herald understands that letters have been sent to employees informing them that their roles could be affected, though the company stressed the review is below the legal threshold for collective consultation, which applies when twenty or more staff face redundancy.

The development has caused concern among workers at the Milford Haven terminal, which remains one of the main fuel storage and distribution hubs for West Wales.

Puma Energy operated the site until late 2022, when ownership and management were transferred to Impala Terminals as part of a global restructuring deal between Puma’s parent company, Trafigura Group, and Impala’s parent, ITG Sàrl. Despite the change, locals still refer to the depot as “Puma”, and the original signage is understood to remain on site.

WHO

ARE impAlA TERmiNAlS?

Impala Terminals is a global logistics and storage company jointly owned by

the Trafigura Group and IFM Investors. The firm operates a network of terminals, warehouses and transport infrastructure in more than twenty countries, handling bulk and liquid commodities including fuels, metals and agricultural products.

The company acquired the Milford Haven terminal from Puma Energy as part of a worldwide restructuring of Trafigura’s downstream operations.

Plans for new Lidl near New Hedges, Tenby, submitted

A FORmAl scheme for a new store on the edge of Tenby by retail giant lidl has been submitted to pembrokeshire planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Lidl GB Ltd, through agent CarneySweeney, seeks permission for a new 1,969sqm store on land at Park House Court, Narberth Road, New Hedges/Tenby, to the north of the Park Court Nursing Home. The proposals for the latest specification Lidl store, which includes 103 parking spaces, would create 40 jobs, the applicants say.

The application follows draft proposals submitted last year and

public consultations on the scheme, with a leaflet drop delivered to 8,605 local properties; an information website, with online feedback form; and a public exhibition, held last December at the De Valence Pavillion in Tenby, with a follow-up community event held at New Hedges Village Hall, close to the site, publicised through an additional postcard issued to 2,060 properties.

Some 1,365 responses have been received, with 89 per cent of respondents expressing support for the proposals, the applicants say.

A supporting statement says: “Lidl is now exceptionally well established in the UK with the Company operating

c.980 stores from sites and premises both within and outside town centres. Its market share continues to increase substantially, and the company is expanding its store network considerably. The UK operational model is based firmly on the success of Lidl’s operations abroad with more than 10,800 stores trading across Europe.

It adds: “The granting of planning permission for the erection of a new Lidl food store would increase the retail offer and boost the local economy. The new Lidl food store would create up to 40 employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, providing opportunities for training and

career development. This in turn will create an upward spiral of economic benefits.”

An initial assessment by Pembrokeshire County Council, highlighted concerns about the visual impact, with the authority’s landscape officer commenting that the store would introduce “an intense urban function into an otherwise rural context”.

The report added: “It is not considered to be compatible with the character of the site and the area within which it is located; and furthermore, will lead to a harmful visual impact on the setting of the National Park.”

Prior to a formal application, Tenby Town council has welcomed the investment and the job opportunities a new supermarket would bring, but has expressed concern about the proposed store’s impact on the landscape and traffic.

Local county councillor Rhys Jordan has also queried the site’s suitability for the development, previously saying: “I support the idea of a new supermarket for the area – it’s something many residents have long called for and can bring many benefits including lower prices and job opportunities.

“But I do not support the location being proposed.”

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

ThMillions with arthritis ‘left waiting and left behind’ in Wales

milliONS of people across the Uk — including thousands in Wales — are being left to cope in constant pain, unable to work, and without timely treatment or support, according to a major new report from Arthritis Uk

The charity’s study, Left Waiting, Left Behind: The Reality of Living with Arthritis, reveals the scale of suffering faced by the one in six people in the UK living with arthritis, and warns that lives and livelihoods are being destroyed by long NHS delays, poor understanding, and a lack of investment in musculoskeletal (MSK) care.

The report, which surveyed 8,000 people across the UK — including 644 from Wales — found that nearly seven in ten (69%) live in pain most or all of the time, while 43% say their condition is not well managed.

More than half (51%) of Welsh respondents said their symptoms were not taken seriously or were underplayed by frontline healthcare staff.

Over half (55%) said their arthritis has severely or very severely affected their ability to exercise — even though physical activity is known to be crucial in preventing other long-term conditions.

Mental health and work at breaking point

The report found that 69% of respondents said waiting for treatment had harmed their

mental health, with anxiety, low mood and isolation all common.

More than half (57%) said arthritis had impacted their ability to work, while 45% said they had stopped work completely because of the condition. A further 41% said arthritis played a part in their decision to retire.For many, daily life has become a battle with chronic pain and exhaustion.

Tina Gough, from Ferryside, who has osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, has been waiting for surgery for three years.

“I’ve been waiting for a double shoulder replacement and surgery on my wrist for three years,” she said. “My husband has to cut up my food and brush my hair because I can’t lift my shoulders.

I know I’m not the only one on a waiting list, but people don’t see what happens behind closed doors — when you try to get on with life despite being in constant pain.”

A ‘TiCkiNg TimEBOmB’ FOR WAlES

Arthritis UK Chief Executive Deborah Alsina MBE said the condition remains “grossly misunderstood”, and called for urgent action from governments and health services.

“Too many people with arthritis in Wales and across the UK are being left unsupported and left to face daily pain, without

timely diagnosis and adequate treatment,” she said.

“Arthritis is not an inevitable part of ageing. We are sitting on a ticking timebomb of costs that the country will struggle with if it is not properly recognised as a major risk to public health.”

The charity says early diagnosis and better management of arthritis could reduce NHS pressures, improve mental wellbeing, and keep more people in work. But many patients are waiting years for orthopaedic surgery or specialist appointments — particularly in Wales, where waiting times for joint replacements remain among the longest in the UK.

WElSH gOvERNmENT URgEd TO ACT

Mary Cowern, Head of Nation at Arthritis UK Cymru, said Wales urgently needs to deliver on its commitment to improve musculoskeletal care.

“Arthritis UK has called for improved training for frontline healthcare professionals to enable earlier diagnosis and better support,” she said.

“The Welsh Government has developed an All-Wales MultiProfessional Musculoskeletal Capability Framework to improve skills and knowledge of NHS staff in primary and community care. But it’s vital that this plan is implemented quickly — and that long waiting times for surgery are reduced as soon as possible

UNEQUAl ANd UNFAiR

The report found that the impact of arthritis is not evenly spread. Younger adults, people from lower-income backgrounds, and those with autoimmune inflammatory conditions — such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis — experience worse outcomes, longer waits, and greater mental health impacts.

People from lower social

grades were more likely to report unmanaged pain and less likely to find self-management techniques useful, while younger adults faced stigma and disbelief from healthcare professionals who often dismissed them as “too young” to have arthritis.

The survey found that 40% of all respondents said arthritis had negatively affected their personal relationships, while 30% said their sleep was severely affected by their symptoms.

A HiddEN CRiSiS iN WAlES

The findings come amid record NHS waiting lists, with more than 60,000 people in Wales currently waiting for orthopaedic treatment. In Pembrokeshire, residents continue to face delays at Withybush Hospital and other regional centres, leaving many unable to work, exercise, or live independently.

Arthritis UK says the situation is “not inevitable” and can be changed through investment, training, and recognition of arthritis as a national health priority.

The charity has also announced a rebrand from Versus Arthritis to Arthritis UK, following consultation with people living with the condition. It hopes the change will make its services easier to find and raise awareness of the support available.

Arthritis UK provides support, training, and research funding, and is calling for arthritis and other MSK conditions to be recognised as a major public health issue. It says people with arthritis must have equal access to personalised treatment and care, regardless of where they live, and should be empowered to take an active role in decisions about their health.

The full report, Left Waiting, Left Behind: The Reality of Living with Arthritis, is available at www. arthritis-uk.org

Wales to lead rollout of first long-acting HIV prevention jab on the NHS

WAlES is set to lead the way in the Uk’s battle against Hiv, with the NHS preparing to offer a new long-acting injectable drug that can prevent infection with just six doses a year.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a positive recommendation for cabotegravir, branded as Apretude, making it the first long-acting preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option

available on the Welsh NHS. The medicine, manufactured at GSK’s facility in Barnard Castle, County Durham, is being hailed as a breakthrough for people at risk of HIV who cannot take daily tablets.

AvAilABlE iN WAlES WiTHiN WEEkS

Because of differences in how health systems are run, Wales is expected to

roll out cabotegravir faster than England. Subject to no appeals, the drug will be made available within two months through Welsh NHS services – a move campaigners say could have a major impact on transmission rates.

The medicine has been shown to be significantly more effective than daily oral PrEP. In two large trials, it reduced new HIV infections by 69% and 90% compared to existing tablets. It was also well-tolerated, with only mild side effects such as temporary injection-site soreness.

A WElSH pUBliC HEAlTH OppORTUNiTy

The Welsh Government has long committed to the goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030, but campaigners say progress has been uneven. According to the UK Health Security Agency’s 2024 data, uptake of PrEP remains lowest among heterosexual women, Black African communities, and young people aged 15–24 – groups where new diagnoses are actually rising.

Richard Angell, OBE, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

“We are not on track to meet the 2030 goal of no new HIV transmissions. There are stark inequalities in who is accessing prevention. We need to ensure that everyone in Wales understands their options and can access one that works

for them.”

Juddy Otti, Head of HIV Services at the Africa Advocacy Foundation, added:

“More needs to be done to prevent transmission in communities where inequities persist. This new injectable option provides real choice and could help change that.”

HOW iT WORkS

Apretude is given as two starter injections a month apart, followed by one injection every two months – meaning just six visits a year to stay protected. It works by blocking HIV’s ability to integrate into human immune cells, stopping the virus from establishing infection.

Julie Guest, General Manager at ViiV Healthcare UK, said:

“Making cabotegravir available in Wales is a vital step forward in improving accessibility for people who can’t take daily oral PrEP. It’s an important addition to national efforts to bring down new HIV cases.”

With health boards now preparing to deliver the treatment, Wales could become the first nation in the UK to fully implement long-acting injectable HIV prevention on the NHS — a major milestone in public health and a powerful statement of intent to reach zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.

Farm therapy helps young people build confidence and resilience

SERviCE users from Hywel dda University Health Board’s Early intervention in psychosis (Eip) team have taken part in animal-assisted sessions at Brynteg Farm and Wellbeing Sanctuary in llanelli, as part of the board’s Adventure Therapy programme.

The EIP service supports people – typically aged between 14 and 25 – who are experiencing signs of psychosis for the first time. Psychosis can cause someone to see or hear things that aren’t there, believe things that aren’t true, or feel frightened and confused.

Brynteg Farm provides oneto-one interactive sessions designed to help people develop an understanding of animal care and behaviour in a calm, natural setting. Over three days, 30 service users attended twohour sessions at the farm, which offered a safe and peaceful space for therapeutic outdoor experiences aimed at supporting

mental health recovery.

Led by farm owner Phil John, and supported by staff from the Hywel Dda EIP team, participants interacted with a range of animals including ferrets, pigs, horses, llamas and chickens. Phil’s calm approach and wealth of knowledge helped

the group connect both with the animals and with each other.

Lynsey Lewis, Specialist Occupational Therapy Technician at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Service users had the opportunity to walk and ride horses, which many participants initially feared. Phil’s

patience and understanding were instrumental in helping individuals overcome personal barriers. Encouragement from peers further enhanced the therapeutic impact.”

One service user, Emily, said: “I was really nervous to ride the horse but found that the staff made me feel confident enough to try it. I felt very proud of myself when I had done it. Going to the farm helped me chat in a more informal environment to new people in the group. I found it a very calming and fun experience, and I really enjoyed my time there.”

Lynsey added: “We are incredibly grateful to Phil for his generosity, insight and dedication to supporting mental health through nature and animal interaction. Thanks to funding from Mind, every young person was able to experience the visit to Brynteg Farm and left with new knowledge, confidence and a sense of achievement.”

Study finds Reform getting disproportionate visibility in Welsh TV coverage

CARdiFF UNivERSiTy

researchers have found that Reform Uk is receiving almost as much broadcast visibility in Wales as plaid Cymru and the Conservatives – despite holding only one seat in the Senedd.

The study, part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council project into media impartiality, analysed BBC Wales and ITV Wales coverage of the Caerphilly by-election between

September 26 and October 14. It looked at television, online and social-media output from both broadcasters.

Researchers found that Welsh Labour, as the governing party, was unsurprisingly the most referenced – an example of the so-called “incumbency bonus” enjoyed by governments. However, Reform UK came second overall, ahead of Plaid Cymru and close to the Conservatives in frequency of mention.

Nigel Farage, who campaigned personally in Caerphilly, was the only UK party leader to visit during the byelection and became the mostreferenced politician in Wales after First Minister Vaughan Gething. His prominence, the report says, could “benefit Reform” given polling that shows him as the most popular UK party leader in Wales. While broadcasters are

bound by Ofcom rules requiring fair airtime based on past performance and opinion-poll trends, the research suggests those criteria may no longer suit Wales’s devolved political system. Reform is leading UKwide polls but remains a minor force at Cardiff Bay.

The study also found that coverage of the by-election itself has been limited. Out of 341 posts analysed on the X (Twitter) accounts of BBC Wales and ITV Wales, only ten made direct reference to the Caerphilly contest – most focusing on campaign process rather than policy debate. Smaller parties such as the Liberal Democrats and Greens received little or no attention.

Researchers noted that broadcasters face a dilemma between numerical balance and issue balance. While airtime may appear even, the substance of what is discussed – for example, Reform’s focus on immigration, which is not devolved – can still distort public understanding of what the Senedd controls.

The report concludes that impartiality remains essential but increasingly difficult to maintain when UK-level political figures dominate Welsh coverage through personality and controversy rather than devolved policy debate.

Thousands march through Rhyl for Welsh independence

mORE than 2,000 people took to the streets of Rhyl on Saturday (Oct 18) as the north coast town hosted Wales’s tenth national march for independence.

The event, jointly organised by YesCymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, brought campaigners, families and community groups from across

Wales together, filling the seaside resort with music, banners and a sea of red and green flags.

Speaking for AUOBCymru, Geraint Thomas said: “Every march for independence sends a clear message to Westminster that the people of Wales are no longer willing to be ignored.

From Cardiff to Caernarfon, from

Barry to Rhyl – today shows once again that this movement is growing in confidence and determination.”

Local singer-songwriter Tara Bethan told the rally: “We have the ability and resources to stand tall as an independent nation – and today’s march proves that belief is alive and well across Wales.”

Scottish journalist Lesley Riddoch described the atmosphere as “inspiring,” adding: “Scotland has long been seen as the leader of the pack among the Celtic nations, but Wales is catching up fast.”

Organisers said Rhyl was chosen to highlight frustration over Westminster’s refusal to devolve the Crown Estate to Wales, despite cross-party support in the Senedd. Offshore wind farms Rhyl Flats and Gwynt y Môr, visible from the

seafront, remain under the Crown Estate’s control.

Local organiser Bleddyn Williams said: “Rhyl was chosen for a reason. The offshore wind farms off our coast are owned by the Crown Estate, yet the profits flow to Westminster instead of benefiting the people of north Wales. It’s the latest example of why Wales cannot depend on Westminster to act in our best interests.”

Saturday’s rally was the tenth since the first march in Cardiff in 2019. A recent poll found that 41% of decided voters would back independence in a referendum.

YesCymru chair Phyl Griffiths said: “What we’ve seen in Rhyl today is a Wales that believes in itself. This movement is about democracy, fairness and hope – and it’s growing stronger with every march.”

Second home council tax drop could hurt locals

pEmBROkESHiRE’S labour group has warned that a recent decision to cut council tax premiums for second home-owners could lead to everyone else’s council tax going up.

A council tax premium is applied to the main council tax bill, the precepts from the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and the town and community council elements of the overall bill.

Late last year, Pembrokeshire councillors voted to drop the council

tax premium on second homes from 200 per cent on top of the standard bill, effectively a treble rate, to 150 per cent.

Prior to that, second-home owners in the county were charged a 100 per cent premium.

At the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, a call for the rate to drop even further to 100 per cent against a recommendation

for it to remain at the 150 rate was defeated, but an amendment for it to drop to 125 per cent was backed by just one vote.

The 100 per cent call was made by Conservative group member Cllr Mark Carter, and when that failed the 125 call was made by unaffiliated member Cllr Phil Kidney.The percentage of homes with no usual resident in Pembrokeshire, made up of holiday lets, empty homes and second homes, is 13.8 per cent, down from a high of 14.6 per cent.

Members were warned a 25 per cent drop in equivalent to a funding shortfall of some £1.4m, requiring either services savings or an estimated increase in council tax of some one-and-a-half percent on its own.

Following the drop to 125 per cent, the Labour group, which says Conservative and Independent group members voted for the drop, has warned: “The financial impact runs to around £1.5million a year which the council will have to find through cuts to services or through tax increases.”

A spokesperson for the Pembrokeshire Labour Group of Councillors said: “Yet again, Independent Political Group members have been whipped to vote on block against the interests of the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Second Home taxes might be unpopular in Independent group leader Huw Murphy’s ward of Newport but how Independent Group Members like Anji Tinley, who represents the Garth Ward in Haverfordwest, one of the most deprived areas in the county and almost without a single second home, can ask her residents to pay more to fund this tax cut is beyond belief.

“The same applies to Terry Davies in Milford Haven central who represents another deprived area with a low number of second homes.”

Cllr Murphy has been approached for a response.

Government loses bid to stop Palestine Action challenge

THE Uk gOvERNmENT has failed to stop palestine Action from challenging its designation as a terrorist organisation.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the Home Office’s attempt to block the case. Campaigner Huda Ammori is taking legal action against the decision by then-home secretary Yvette Cooper to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws.

The ban, which began on 5 July, makes membership of, or support for, Palestine Action a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain had previously ruled that two of Ms Ammori’s arguments were “reasonably arguable,” allowing the challenge to proceed.

The Home Office argued she should take her case to the home secretary and the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, but the Court of Appeal rejected this.

Campaign group Defend Our Juries says more than 2,000 people have been arrested since the group was proscribed, including some from Wales.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

W ITH ANDREW LYE

iberal

emocrats’ longstanding campaign to improve the quality of military family homes is finally set to be adopted in law – making military family homes legally subject to the decent Home Standard for the first time ever.

The party has succeeded in amending the Renters’ Rights Bill to require the Ministry of Defence to assess service family accommodation annually and report on whether it meets the Decent Homes Standard.

The change creates a clear statutory mechanism for identifying and addressing shortcomings in the quality of service family housing. The Government initially refused to adopt the Liberal Democrats’ amendment to improve the standards for military housing in the Commons, but conceded after continued campaigning from Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

This concession will be a sea change for military families whose housing has never before been subject to decent home legislation. Service families have suffered for years in dire conditions including pest infestations, black mould, damp, flooding, and unreliable heating and hot water supply in winter.

Liberal Democrat research earlier this year revealed that more than 400 families were forced to apply for emergency repairs over VE Day. David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has heard shocking reports from service families in his constituency who have been forced to live in damp, mouldy and pest infested accommodation, in some cases declared unfit for human habitation.

The Lib Dems have

been campaigning on this issue for years.

The party introduced an amendment in 2024 to the Renters’ Reform Bill which would have introduced a legally binding Decent Homes Standard for military homes – an amendment the Conservatives in government rejected.

Commenting, David Chadwick MP said:

“This is a huge step forward for military families. For too long, service personnel have had to live in unacceptable conditions, even as they serve our country with dedication and courage

“I am proud that the Liberal Democrats have led the way in securing this change. Our military families deserve safe, warm and decent homes. This reform means their housing will finally be held to the same legal standards as civilian homes.

“I regularly speak to service families in my constituency who quietly put up with damp, mould or unreliable heating because they feel they have no choice. That is not good enough. These are people who sacrifice a huge amount to serve, and they should never be expected to return to substandard accommodation. This change is long overdue, and it will make a real difference.”

Whether it’s in David Chadwick’s constituency, or our own here in Pembrokeshire, or across the UK, our service personnel’s families should expect housing to be the same standard as you expect in the private sector. There is no excuse for them to live in damp, mouldy, pest infested housing. It’s a national disgrace that it’s taken until now, to get this rectified.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Samuel Kurtz MS hails Celtic Sea wind progress

SAmUEl kURTZ mS has welcomed further progress on floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, following the Crown Estate’s earlier announcement of Agreements for lease with Equinor and gwynt glas.

“I’ve long championed the huge potential of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, so today’s

news is very welcome,” said Mr Kurtz. “These Agreements for Lease underpin our economic security and unlock the opportunities our coastline has to offer.

“The Celtic Freeport has already laid the foundations for this kind of investment, helping to position Wales as a leader

in renewable innovation and green industry. By harnessing our natural resources and the skills of our people, we can ensure the prosperity generated by these projects stays local, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening supply chains, and supporting communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

“There is still work to be done to turn this potential into reality, but this progress shows real confidence in our region and in Wales’ role at the heart of the UK’s energy future.”

The Crown Estate’s announcement earlier this year marked a major step forward in Round 5 of offshore wind leasing, with Equinor and Gwynt Glas securing the rights to develop sites capable of generating up to 1.5GW each. Full details of the original announcement can be found here.

National park parking charges

A CAll to raise parking charges at pembrokeshire national park car parks, which includes longer stays rising by a third and coach prices doubling, is recommended to be backed next week.

At the October 22 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, members are recommended to agree a range of changes to parking charges at the authority’s 14 car parks, effective from March 1 of next year.

Back in 2023, it was agreed that parking prices would be reviewed annually with the pricing structure reviewed every three years, no changes taking place in either 2024 or 2025.

The changes proposed include some good news for shorter says but increases for longer periods in the 33 per cent to 100 per cent range.

The proposed charges are: Up to 30 mins, no change from the current nil charge; Up to 1 hour remaining at £1.50; up to two

hours rising from £3 to £4; up to four hours from £4.50 to £6; all day £6 to £8; discontinuing weekly £30 rates; and all-day coaches rising from £8 to £16.

A report for members says the number of charging sites has increased from 10 to 14 since 2021, which, along with previous price increases, “has seen a near doubling of the Authority’s parking revenue over the last five years,” but inflationary pressures mean a £1 car parking ticket in 2020 would need to be charged at £1.27 in 2025 to have the same purchasing power in terms of cost recovery.

It lists statutory pressures linked to the parking charges including “a substantial contribution to the Coastal Bus service annually,” and financial support for keeping 10 public toilets open for a two-year period

could rise

running up until April 2026 at a cost of £111,000 a year.

“In developing a suggested amended model, officers have sought to minimise these risks by developing a charging system which is considered still reasonable and which focuses on increases linked to longer stays, during which the motorist is likely to be accessing some of the wider facilities available such as toilet provision or walking the coast path,” the report says.

It also says the Authority’s future financial outlook “is challenging as the impact of cumulative reductions in core funding together with significant cost rises is felt,” with the budget for 25-26 forecasting a deficit of £566,000 for the year, and deficits in excess of £1m are predicted for the next three financial years.

It adds: “The Authority is therefore proposing a further increase of 33 per cent in longer stay day car park charges (100 per cent on coaches) in order to meet increased costs and its midterm financial budget strategy of a balanced budget.”

It is expected, all things being equal, the changes would generate an additional £300,000 of income.

Members are recommended to back the changes, subject to a successful variation of the Authority’s Car Park Order.

Pembrokeshire County Council is expected review its own parking charges in January 2026, the report adds.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Watchdog ‘stretched to limit’ amid deluge of complaints

A pUBliC services watchdog received a record 3,500 formal complaints last year – a 10% increase that is stretching resources to their limit, a Senedd committee has heard.

Michelle Morris, the public services ombudsman for Wales, warned her office has “reached capacity” with its staff having to queue new cases to manage the workload.

Appearing before the finance

committee on Thursday (October 16), the ombudsman said her office is receiving increasingly complex cases that require resource-intensive investigation.

Ms Morris told Senedd Members:

“We felt we were operating very close to capacity with the case numbers we experienced the year before and given the increases we’ve now seen last year on top of that, we really do feel that we’ve reached capacity with our current workforce.”

The ombudsman has requested a 5.4% budget increase, with 3% covering pay and price pressures – and the remaining 2.4% needed to cope with increases in demand.

Katrin Shaw, the ombudsman’s casework and legal director, warned of a “constant juggling act” to manage demand and told the committee: “We are fully stretched.”

She added: “As soon as we move resources to assist in one area, we are so stretched that we start seeing issues in another.”

Ms Shaw expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence, with complainants using AI tools to write their submissions – leading to a surge in cases.

She pointed to the problem of premature complaints before an issue has been raised with a public body itself and AI tools giving incorrect information about the ombudsman’s powers.

While the average investigation time has improved to 53 weeks, Ms Shaw said she was “really concerned” about the number of “aged investigations” open for more than a year.

In 2019, the office was given powers to carry out wider “own-initiative” investigations – launching inquiries into homelessness and carers’ needs in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Ms Morris suggested the next inquiry will focus on social housing, with a consultation in early November to confirm the topic and scope before a full investigation in the new year.

She told the committee: “What I’m

minded to look at is the issue of social housing and the issue of disrepair, damp and mould in social housing, and particularly how that affects more vulnerable groups within our community.”

The ombudsman explained her office will seek views from public bodies, tenants’ associations and Senedd Members to “first confirm that is the right way to go”.

Ms Morris reflected on lessons learned from the first two major investigations, suggesting the next inquiry will have a tighter scope, targeted consultation and clearer engagement.

But her office warned such proactive investigations could be jeopardised if the budget is hit by a failure to pass the Welsh Government’s annual spending plans.

If not passed by the start of the financial year in April, funding for the ombudsman’s office would revert to 75% of last year’s budget – rising to 95% if not agreed by the end of July.

Finance director Heather Beynon warned of job losses in such a scenario, saying the office would not be able to absorb redundancy costs and would need to request further funding.

Ms Beynon told the committee the cuts would have an “adverse impact on the complainant experience”, leading to longer response times and less detailed consideration of cases.

She said: “Essentially, it wouldn’t allow us to achieve our strategic aims and objectives, we feel it would expose us to a significant risk, and it would take us a long time to recover from.”

Conservatives say education ‘in crisis’ as Senedd rejects reform motion

lABOUR and plaid Cymru members have voted against a Welsh Conservative motion calling for urgent reforms to Wales’s education system, following a sharp fall in international performance scores.

Figures from the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) show that Wales recorded its lowest-ever results in maths, reading and science — ranking behind all other UK nations for the fifth consecutive time.

The Senedd debate on Wednesday (Oct 22) centred on a Conservative proposal to “improve educational outcomes and academic rigour” through reforms including stricter school inspections, stronger classroom discipline, and greater parental transparency.

CONSERvATivE mOTiON

The motion called for academystyle schools to promote innovation, automatic exclusion for pupils who bring weapons into school, and wider powers for teachers to tackle disruptive behaviour.

It also proposed giving schools authority to ban mobile phones, reinstating phonics-based teaching, and introducing mandatory lessons on budgeting, healthy eating and independent living.

The motion was defeated, with Labour and Plaid Cymru members voting against it.

CAllS FOR CHANgE

Speaking after the vote, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet

Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, said the debate had exposed a “broken” education system.

“Under Labour, enabled by Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems, the Welsh education system is broken,” she said. “The public deserve a clear plan to restore discipline, empower teachers, and ensure a purposedriven curriculum.”

She added that she was “disappointed that Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against our plans to correct their mistakes and fix Wales’s

failing education system.”

EdUCATiON CHAllENgES

The Conservatives also highlighted reports of rising violence and knife incidents in schools, describing them as evidence of a wider decline in discipline and standards.

Education adviser Alun Ebenezer said: “Every child deserves a decent education, and that starts with restoring order in the classroom, improving academic standards, and supporting teachers to deliver the best outcomes.”

WElSH gOvERNmENT RESpONSE

The Welsh Government has said work is ongoing to strengthen school performance and teacher recruitment through its Curriculum for Wales reforms, and that the PISA results reflect “a global trend of postpandemic learning challenges.”

Ministers have pledged to continue investing in literacy and numeracy support and to engage with international experts ahead of the next PISA cycle in 2028.

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

& no T ices

MAYBE YOU KNOW

dEAR SiR,

Almost all British adults still seem to believe that politics is confined to pragmatism — or at best to materialism — the furthest extent to which the right-wing mind has stretched since the days of the Cavaliers and their class system in the seventeenth century. Feudalism evolved into Conservatism, and by the 1820s, Conservative lawmakers were even attempting to restore slavery across the British Empire, much like the Confederacy in America. It was the Liberal Party that finally ended that

shameful practice in 1833. Never have Conservative politicians or voters shown a true understanding of ethical principles, social justice, or the idea of a welfare state. Yet in modern times, under leaders such as Cameron and Osborne, Conservatism has sunk to what can only be called subhuman standards of ethical thinking. No other mammal would deliberately deny food to a third child simply because of birth order. Evolution itself disproves such cruelty — it stands against the very design of the universe. No loyal Labour supporter has ever thought in such terms, yet many within the party foolishly accuse each other of similar evils, while forgetting that Labour’s

It is astonishing that a 28-acre solar farm at Point Lane in South Pembrokeshire is being promoted as helping to power the 67-acre King’s Cross estate in the middle of London. The developers, Shawton Energy, are based not in Wales but in Newtonle-Willows, Lancashire — yet again showing how outside companies are exploiting Welsh land to supply energy for England’s 58-million population. If they are so committed to renewable energy, why not build the solar farms in Lancashire?

mission has always been to bring all citizens — even Conservatives — closer to the eternal truths of compassion and fairness.

Perhaps you can explain, then, why so many sincere Labour voters keep handing ammunition to the Tory press.

C. N. Westerman

WORRIES ABOUT SOLAR AND WIND FARMS

d EAR S i R,

There is a dangerous precedent being set in p embrokeshire — one that could see even more of Wales’s countryside used to power England through large-scale solar and wind schemes.

The claims made by Shawton Energy deserve serious scrutiny. The Point Lane site will occupy 28 acres of high-quality agricultural land, with an installed capacity of 8.6 MW. But official generation data show that solar farms typically deliver only around 10 per cent of their maximum output over a year, and far less during winter months when daylight is short and weather conditions are poor.

To suggest that such a site could meet *40 per cent of the energy needs* of 41,000 people and businesses in central London is simply not credible. It would be impossible for sunlight in South Pembrokeshire to keep London’s lights on at night — let alone the neon glow of King’s Cross.

Welsh politicians and county councillors should demand full transparency from Shawton Energy. People in Wales deserve honesty about who benefits from these developments, and how much electricity they really produce.

l J Jenkins

Pic TUre oF The week!

Caldey Island by Mark revItt

pUBliC NOTiCE

the Development of National Significance (Procedure) (Wales) Order 2016

pUBliCiTy ANd CONSUlTATiON BEFORE ApplyiNg FOR plANNiNg pERmiSSiON – NOTiCE UNdER ARTiClES 8 ANd 9(2)

purpose of this notice: this notice provides the opportunity to comment directly to the developer on a proposed Development of National Significance (DNS) prior to the submission of a planning application to Welsh Ministers. Planning applications for DNS will be publicised by Welsh Ministers and the relevant local planning authority; any comments provided in response to this notice will not prejudice your ability to make representations to the Welsh Ministers on any related DNS planning application.

Personal data will be collected from those who respond to the consultation. This is limited to names, addresses, email addresses and the comment(s) submitted. Comments will be submitted to Welsh Ministers along with the Pre-Application Consultation Report. This will enable Welsh Ministers to contact an individual if the application is accepted for examination.

proposed development at land at White House Farm, moorland Rd, Freystrop, Haverfordwest SA62 4lE & middle Hill Farm, Freystrop, Haverfordwest SA62 4ld

Qair Renewables UK Ltd are currently preparing a Development of National Significance planning application for submission to the Welsh Ministers for the instalment of a ground mounted photovoltaic solar array with an export capacity of up to 30MW, battery energy storage system, underground cabling, substation, associated infrastructure, an electricity connection to the national grid and landscape and ecological enhancements for a temporary period of 40 years.

The proposals are currently subject to a six-week period of Pre-Application Consultation, starting with the publication of the website (20 October 2025) and running until 1 December 2025. During this consultation, Qair Renewables UK Ltd are inviting the views and comments of the local community so that these can be considered in the preparation of the planning application.

You may inspect copies of draft application material and other supporting information online at: www.whitehousesolarandstorage.com

Any views or comments that you have can be sent via email to: info.uk@qair.energy or by telephone: 0151 212 3300. Please ensure that responses are received by the closing date of the consultation process.

Qair Renewables UK Ltd would also like to invite members of the local community to discuss the proposed development in-person at the Freystrop Village Hall, 207 New Rd, Freystrop Cross, Haverfordwest SA62 4HA between 3pm-8pm on Thursday 23 October 2025.

There will also be further opportunity to comment on the application once it has been formally submitted to Welsh Ministers. Updates relating to the proposals and application process will be published on the above website.

gorchymyn datblygu Arwyddocâd Cenedlaethol (gweithdrefn) (Cymru) 2016

CyHOEddUSRWydd AC ymgyNgHORi CyN gWNEUd CAiS Am gANiATÂd CyNllUNiO – HySBySiAd O dAN ERTHyglAU 8 A 9(2)

diben yr hysbysiad hwn: mae’r hysbysiad hwn yn rhoi cyfle i wneud sylwadau’n uniongyrchol i’r datblygwr ar Ddatblygiad arfaethedig o Arwyddocâd Cenedlaethol (DAC) cyn cyflwyno cais cynllunio i Weinidogion Cymru. Bydd ceisiadau cynllunio ar gyfer DAC yn cael eu cyhoeddi gan Weinidogion Cymru a’r awdurdod cynllunio lleol perthnasol; ni fydd unrhyw sylwadau a ddarperir mewn ymateb i’r hysbysiad hwn yn amharu ar eich gallu i wneud sylwadau i Weinidogion Cymru ar unrhyw gais cynllunio DAC cysylltiedig.

Bydd data personol yn cael ei gasglu gan y rhai sy’n ymateb i’r ymgynghoriad. Mae hyn wedi’i gyfyngu i enwau, cyfeiriadau, cyfeiriadau e-bost a’r sylwadau a gyflwynir. Bydd sylwadau’n cael eu cyflwyno i Weinidogion Cymru ynghyd â’r Adroddiad Ymgynghori Cyn Ymgeisio. Bydd hyn yn galluogi Gweinidogion Cymru i gysylltu ag unigolyn os derbynnir y cais i’w archwilio.

datblygiad arfaethedig ar dir yn White House Farm, moorland Rd, Freystrop, Hwlffordd SA62 4lE a middle Hill Farm, Freystrop, Hwlffordd SA62 4ld

Ar hyn o bryd mae Qair Renewables UK Ltd yn paratoi cais cynllunio Datblygu Arwyddocâd Cenedlaethol i’w gyflwyno i Weinidogion Cymru ar gyfer gosod arae solar ffotofoltäig wedi’i osod ar y ddaear gyda chynhwysedd allforio o hyd at 30MW, system storio ynni batris, ceblau tanddaearol, is-orsaf, seilwaith cysylltiedig, cysylltiad trydan â’r grid cenedlaethol a thirwedd a gwelliannau ecolegol am gyfnod dros dro o 40 mlynedd.

Ar hyn o bryd mae’r cynigion yn destun cyfnod o chwe wythnos o Ymgynghori Cyn Ymgeisio, gan ddechrau gyda chyhoeddi’r wefan (20 Hydref 2025) ac yn rhedeg tan 1 Rhagfyr 2025. Yn ystod yr ymgynghoriad hwn, mae Qair Renewables UK Ltd yn gwahodd barn a sylwadau’r gymuned leol fel y gellir ystyried y rhain wrth baratoi’r cais cynllunio.

Gallwch archwilio copïau o ddeunydd cais drafft a gwybodaeth ategol arall ar-lein yn: www.whitehousesolarandstorage.com

Gellir anfon unrhyw farn neu sylwadau sydd gennych drwy e-bost at: info.uk@qair.energy neu dros y ffôn: 0151 212 3300. Gwnewch yn siŵr bod ymatebion yn cael eu derbyn erbyn dyddiad cau’r broses ymgynghori.

Hoffai Qair Renewables UK Ltd hefyd wahodd aelodau o’r gymuned leol i drafod y datblygiad arfaethedig yn bersonol yn Neuadd Bentref Freystrop, 207 New Rd, Freystrop Cross, Hwlffordd SA62 4HA rhwng 3pm-8pm ddydd Iau 23 Hydref 2025.

Bydd cyfle pellach hefyd i wneud sylwadau ar y cais ar ôl iddo gael ei gyflwyno’n ffurfiol i Weinidogion Cymru. Bydd diweddariadau sy’n ymwneud â’r cynigion a’r broses ymgeisio yn cael eu cyhoeddi ar y wefan uchod.

dated this day 10/10/2025

death notices

S AMUEL G RAHAM M ANSELL

S A m UE l passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on the 12th September, aged 38 years

Much loved, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place on Friday 31st October, 12:15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

B ETTY T HOMAS

T HE d eath occurred peacefully at home on m onday 6th October 2025 of m rs Betty Thomas, aged 94 years of Carswell Farm, St Florence.

Beloved Wife of the late Brian. Loving Mum to Elisabeth and David. Much loved Mother-in-law to Derek and Sarah. Cherished Grandma to Jennifer and Alistair. A Dear Sister to Pauline and Sister-in-law to Iorweth. A Treasured Aunt.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 24th October 2025 at St. Florence Church, St Florence at 11.30am followed by interment in the Church Cemetery.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu, if so desired for Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21 Main Street,

Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

G ARETH J AMES

p eacefully at his home on Tuesday 14th October, g areth of p arc l oktudi, Fishguard.

Beloved husband of Ray, loving brother of Cynthia and a much loved uncle.

Funeral service on Wednesday 29th October at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1pm.

The cortege will leave the family home in Fishguard at 12 noon for those unable to attend Parc Gwyn.

Immediate family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to the ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250

M ARGERY W ILLIAMS

pEACEFU lly on Friday 10th

October at p ark House Court Nursing Home, Tenby, m argery of Fishguard.

Beloved wife of the late Reg, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and a dear aunt.

Funeral service on Saturday 25th October at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1pm.

Immediate family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made

payable to ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ or ‘Ty Hafan’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

G LENICE ‘B ETTY ’ E LI z ABETH H UGHES

T HE death occurred peacefully at Hollyland Care Home, p embroke on Sunday 5th October of m rs g lenice Elizabeth Hughes, affectionately known as ‘Betty’, aged 98 years, formerly of vicarage Fields, p embroke.

Beloved wife of the late Esmond. Dearly loved Mum of David, John and Richard.

Funeral service will take place at Pisgah Baptist Chapel, Cresswell Quay on Tuesday 4th November at 2.00pm followed by interment at St. Michaels Cemetery, Pembroke.

There will family flowers only with donations, if so desired for The British Heart Foundation c/o E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 and Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 or via www. ecthomasandson.co.uk

A NTHONY W ILSON -I NG

pASSE d away peacefully on 7th October 2025.

Beloved husband of Jenny, father of Claire and Dominic, grandfather of

Molly, Josie and Penny and brother of Judith.

Funeral Service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium Narberth on Saturday 1st November at 1pm.

Donations in memory if desired towards the Paul Sartori Foundation received by Dennis Jones Funeral Director, Maesawelon, Efailwen, SA66 7UX Tel: 01994 419561

M ARGARET A LWENNA FAIRBURN

mAR g ARET Alwenna Fairburn (nee Jones) originally of Clydach and latterly of Bay view d rive, m ilford Haven died on the 14th October aged 81.

Beloved wife of Ian (deceased), sister to Bernard, mother to Jon, Andy and Gareth, grandmother to Harry and Alex, and mother-in-law to Jo, Josy and Hazel, sister-in-law to Hilary, aunt to Judith, Justin and Julian

The funeral service will take place on Friday 31st October 2025 at 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Following the service light refreshments will be served at Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, Gelliswick (approx. 12.15).

All welcome to attend the service or the after event.

All enquirIes to Tom Newing & Son Ltd, Funeral d irectors, m ilford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

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Narberth Athletic edge past Amman United

AmmAN UNiTEd 15 –NARBERTH ATHlETiC 22 division 3 West Rugby

THE BOTTOm two sides in division 3 West met at Cwmamman park on Saturday, with both searching for their first win of the season. In the end, it was Narberth Athletic who claimed a hard-fought 22-15 victory, leaving Amman United still waiting for their breakthrough. Amman began brightly, showing little sign of a side lacking confidence. Scrum-half

Lee Evans’ quick tap created an early opening, only for Shaun Watkins to be held up just short. The return of Alun Lewis made a clear impact, his strong running repeatedly testing the visitors’ defence, while captain Rhydian Jones looked dangerous from full-back and centre Dylan Lloyd worked tirelessly around the pitch.

Despite dominating territory and possession in the opening quarter, Amman had to rely on a Lee Evans penalty to open the scoring. Soon after, Jones sliced through the Athletic backline to

send wing Dylan Matthews over in the corner. Matthews almost doubled his tally moments later but couldn’t quite finish Matthew Madge’s clever offload. Narberth’s heavier forwards gradually began to turn the tide, driving their side upfield with some powerful carries. The pressure finally told on 35 minutes when they crossed for a converted try, cutting Amman’s lead to a single point. Evans and Iestyn Griffiths both missed long-range penalties before the break, but the hosts still led 8-7 at half-time.

After the restart, Amman’s defence came under sustained pressure, yet they stood firm and even struck back on the counter. Rhydian Jones combined again with Madge, the prop powering over in the corner. Evans added an excellent touchline conversion to extend the lead.

However, moments later United were punished for an error deep in their own half. A loose ball was seized upon by Narberth, who scored to reduce the deficit. The hosts then suffered a major setback when influential forward Alun Lewis limped off, and with the Athletic pack now dominant in the scrum, the momentum swung decisively. Narberth crossed for their second try to take the lead for the first time.

Amman mounted a spirited late surge and camped on the visitors’ line, but a handling error allowed Narberth to break the length of the field. Remarkably, wing Keelan Griffiths chased back to hold the ball up and prevent a certain try.

A late Narberth penalty sealed the result, though Amman at least took a losing bonus point from a brave performance.

Amman United now take a break from league action and will host Division 3 East side Nantyglo in the WRU Division 3 Cup on Saturday.

Haverfordwest triumph in derby clash against Milford Haven

HAv ERFOR d WEST secured a hard-fought 22-12 victory over local rivals milford Haven in a fierce and physical derby encounter on Saturday.

The Blues showed determination and discipline throughout,

earning four valuable league points in front of a strong home crowd.

Tries came from James Hart, Iori Curtis, and Mikey Griffiths, with Adam Phillips adding two conversions and a penalty to round off the scoring.

The match, sponsored by John Felice, saw Liam Eaton named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance and leadership on the field.

As expected from a town derby, the clash was physical from start

to finish, with both sides giving their all. But it was Haverfordwest who proved stronger in the key moments to claim local bragging rights.

The Blues thanked supporters after the game, saying the atmosphere helped

drive them to victory. Final score: Haverfordwest 22 –12 Milford Haven Man of the Match: Liam Eaton Match sponsor: John Felice

Tandy names first Wales squad for Quilter Nations Series

WAlES head coach Steve Tandy has named a 39-player squad for this November’s Quilter Nations Series, marking his first squad announcement since taking charge of the national side.

Jac Morgan will captain the 744-cap squad, having returned from his summer tour with the British and Irish Lions in Australia. Fellow Lion Tomos Williams is also included in the autumn line-up.

ExpERiENCEd RETURNS

ANd FRESH FACES

Second rows Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins return to the squad after missing the summer Tests in Japan due to rest and minor surgery respectively. Five uncapped players have been selected among the 22 forwards and 17 backs named today:

• Brodie Coghlan (hooker, Dragons RFC)

• James Fender (second

row, Ospreys)

• Morgan Morse (back row, Ospreys)

• Danny Southworth (prop, Cardiff Rugby)

• Louie Hennessey (centre, Bath Rugby)

The squad also sees recalls for Jacob Beetham, Rhys Davies, Rio Dyer, Jarrod Evans, Joe Hawkins, Max Llewellyn, Louis Rees-Zammit, Callum Sheedy and Nick Tompkins. The average age of the group is just 26.

Rhys Carre returns to the national fold after being cleared for selection by the Professional Rugby Board.

Tandy: “A fresh start for Welsh rugby”

Tandy said: “It’s been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we’ve got. We’re happy with the balance of the squad — a good mix of young guys coming in alongside experienced heads. The overall feeling is excitement, and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.”

He added that the new coaching group would focus on unity and identity: “When we come in Monday, it’s about connection — getting tight as a group and establishing who we are. We want clarity on our identity and game model as we head into the Quilter Nations Series.”

lEAdERSHip ANd FUTURE FOCUS

The Wales squad will assemble in camp on Monday, 27 October to begin preparations.

FixTURES:

Sunday, 9 November –Wales vs Argentina (3:10pm) Los Pumas’ 13th visit to Cardiff; Wales won 20–13 in 2022.

Saturday, 15 November –Wales vs Japan (5:40pm) First Cardiff meeting since 2016; the sides shared a 1–1 series in July.

Saturday, 22 November – Wales vs New Zealand (3:10pm)

The All Blacks’ first trip to Principality Stadium in three years.

Saturday, 29 November –Wales vs South Africa (3:10pm) World champions close out a massive month for Welsh rugby.

On the captaincy, Tandy said: “Jac captained during the Six Nations and Dewi did a brilliant job on the summer tour. We’ve got some strong young leaders coming through. Jac’s an amazing player and person — he’ll only grow stronger as a captain, supported by the likes of Dewi and Daf Jenkins.” Fixtures and schedule

Carmarthen Kings spark basketball revival with undefeated start

COmpETiTivE basketball has returned to Carmarthen in electrifying fashion as the Carmarthen kings celebrate an unbeaten start to their first season — ending years without senior hoops action in the town.

HiSTORiC CUp TRiUmpH SETS THE TONE

The Kings’ long-awaited debut on Friday (Sept 26) was one to remember. In front of a lively crowd at the UWTSD Sports Centre, the Kings overpowered Swansea Storm Troopers 70–39 in the Welsh Cup.

A powerhouse starting five — featuring three former Swansea Storm players and VLP junior graduates — set a blistering pace. Relentless defence and rapid transitions established an early lead, and the Kings never looked back. Veterans Tal Remec, Jac Moretti and George Spencer combined efficient scoring with dominant rebounding, while younger players finished the game with flair and composure.

mOmENTUm BUildS iN THE lEAgUE

That form continued into SWBA Division 3 action, beginning with a gritty home win over Port Talbot Spartans 2.

The Kings held firm in a physical contest, with Jac Moretti’s second-half surge sealing victory. Fast breaks, disciplined team defence and balanced scoring are already hallmarks of their play.

Their most recent outing saw the Kings storm past Llanelli Steelers 93–54 in Trimsaran — a statement win built on tactical precision. A switch from zone to man-to-man defence proved decisive, with forward Moretti recording

13 steals to ignite a flurry of transition baskets. Captain Tal Remec led by example, hitting 30 points, 23 rebounds and seven assists, supported by sharp shooting from Kwaku Asibey-Berko and tireless defensive work from Harrison Walters and Mackenzie Callard.

A NEW ERA FOR CARmARTHEN BASkETBAll

The revival has struck a chord with the community. Home fixtures have rekindled the spirit of “Friday night basketball,” with the UWTSD Sports Centre buzzing once more. Backed by sponsors VLP Hoops, the Kings are benefitting from professional-level coaching, structure and preparation — reflected in their cohesion and discipline on court.

CApTAiN’S REFlECTiON

“Many people around Carmarthen have been waiting years for this kind of basketball atmosphere to return,” said club captain Tal Remec. “We’re proud to represent the town and bring everyone together again — this is just the beginning for the Kings.”

lOOkiNg AHEAd

As Carmarthen’s only active senior men’s basketball team, the Kings aim to provide high-quality competition, nurture local talent and inspire the next generation.

Supporters can follow the team’s progress on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (@carmarthen.kings). The club is also seeking sponsors to help cover season costs and expand its community outreach.

Pembrokeshire jockey takes centre stage in ITV’s Champions: Full Gallop

A pembrokeshire jockey is set to feature prominently in an upcoming iTv sports documentary, which delves into the high-pressure world of jump racing.

Amroth’s Lorcan Williams has earned a reputation as one of the most talented riders of his generation, boasting three Cheltenham Festival victories. Originally a promising rugby player on the verge of a professional career with the Scarlets, Lorcan switched paths to follow his passion for horse racing. Since then, he has become known for his tactical acumen, composure under pressure, and ability to deliver on the sport’s grandest stages.

Among his early Festival triumphs were wins aboard Porlock Bay in the 2021 Hunters’ Chase and in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. However, it was this year’s Champion Hurdle that cemented his place in racing history.

Riding Golden Ace, a 25–1 outsider from a small Somerset yard, Williams faced off against unbeaten superstar Constitution Hill and reigning champion State Man. In a dramatic twist, both favourites fell during the race, allowing Lorcan to deliver a composed, masterful ride to seize victory—a performance widely hailed as one of the most memorable in recent Cheltenham history.

His remarkable triumph on Golden Ace features prominently in the Champion Hurdle episode of the second series of Champions: Full Gallop, which premieres on Friday 17 October at 10.45pm on ITV1.

The episode frames Lorcan’s story as that of a seasoned jockey rising to the occasion on racing’s biggest stage, producing a career-defining moment under immense pressure. It also offers viewers a rare insight into the meticulous preparation, strategy, and precision required to win at Cheltenham.

The second season of Champions:

Full Gallop provides unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the 2024/25 jumps season. It follows some of the sport’s biggest names, including Harry Cobden, Nico de Boinville, Sean Bowen, Harry Skelton, and Irish star Paul Townend, as they compete for the inaugural David Power Jockey Cup and a £500,000 prize fund.

Top trainers, including Dan Skelton,

Paul Nicholls, and Willie Mullins, are also caught up in a fierce title race. The series captures the relentless pressure of life in the weighing room and the drama of the top yards, highlighting the highs and lows of professional jump racing. Key events featured include The King George at Kempton, The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, and The Grand National at Aintree.

Kilgetty AFC Women & Girls Mark Wear Red Day 11th Anniversary

kilgETTy AFC Women & girls continued their support of Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) at their Friday night training session.

Organised by Kilgetty AFC Women’s Captain, Maisie Sherratt, the team wore red to mark the 11th Anniversary of Wear Red Day on Friday, 17th October 2025.

“Here at Kilgetty AFC, we believe football is for everyone. Everyone is welcome at our club and on our pitch!” shared Maisie.

SRtRC is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity, founded in January 1996, with support from then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop. The charity works to tackle racism using football’s high-profile platform, delivering educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces, and at football events.

Kilgetty AFC Women and the club stand firmly with Show Racism the Red Card in promoting equality and inclusivity.

For more information on SRtRC, visit: www.theredcard.org

For more on Kilgetty AFC, visit: www. kilgettyafc.co.uk and Facebook

manderwood Pembrokeshire leagUe

Haverfordwest High girls crowned county football champions

HA v ERFOR d WEST

High vC School’s year 7 girls football team have been crowned pembrokeshire Schools Champions after an outstanding performance in the county tournament.

The girls showed great determination, teamwork and skill throughout the competition, coming together to deliver an impressive series of matches and lift the trophy.

A school spokesperson said: “We’re so proud of our Year 7 girls – a fantastic achievement and a brilliant example of teamwork and sportsmanship. Well done to everyone involved!”