The Pembrokeshire Herald 10/11/2023

Rogue roofer handed suspended prison sentence

A rogue roofer who carried out work that wasn’t required on the home of a vulnerable couple and charged them thousands of pounds has been sentenced to a suspended prison term of 15 months.

Toby Price of Broadmoor was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, November 6th following a successful investigation and prosecution brought by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards.

Price admitted four charges of fraud and one offence of engaging in a misleading commercial practice by omitting contractual information including cancellation rights.

The Court heard that Price was trading as ‘Best Price Roofing Services’ when he was contacted by the victim about a slipped roof tile which had caused a damp patch on an upstairs ceiling.

Price visited and quoted £800 for the work, falsely claiming that the high cost was for insurance in case he had an accident.

An independent contractor later said the repair should have cost about £80 plus VAT.

While there Price claimed he had noticed the chimney stack to be leaning or warped and estimated a cost of repair to be £8,000. He told the victim that he would do the work for between £4,000 and £5,000.

When the victim said he would think about it,

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Price said the chimney stack could fall and potentially injure the victim’s wife who was largely confined to the living room due to health conditions.

The victim felt pressured and concerned about his wife’s safety and agreed to the repair.

Price spent around 30-45 minutes on the roof with a trowel and a bucket of cement. He charged £4,500 for the work.

An independent contractor later examined the chimney and stated that it was safe and not leaning or warped.

Rendering work of poor quality had been carried out and

estimated to have cost approximately £100 plus VAT.

The fraud was discovered when the victim’s usual maintenance company later attended and contacted the Council.

A telephone number on a business card provided by the defendant did not work and when contacted by Trading Standards on another number provided to the victim, the man who answered claimed it was a wrong number.

The impact on the victim and his wife has been profound, causing them stress and concern about a loss of their savings.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: “I welcome the sentence

handed to Price today and thank the Trading Standards team for their diligent work on this prosecution.

“Price targeted a vulnerable couple and charged them an extortionate amount for work that did not need to be carried out.

“The victims have been left badly affected by Price’s actions and I hope this case shows that the Council will not stand for this sort of callous behaviour.”

Price was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He must carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Price must also pay the victim £900 in compensation.

Every Lidl helps

LIDL gB donated 273,760 meals to Welsh families in need between April and September 2023. This comes against the backdrop of Trussell Trust research finding that an estimated 753,000 people across the nation – one in five adults or their households - experienced food insecurity in the twelve months to mid-2022*.

Lidl is working with local charities to pass on its surplus food and ‘Good to Give’ customer donations, in partnership with giving platform Neighbourly.

Since 2017, the discounter has donated more than 26 million meals across the country. ‘Good to Give’ is its ongoing campaign to increase the nutritional variety of food parcels given to those in need. In Lidl stores, shoppers can spot signage near products most needed by charities, which they can drop off at donation points past the checkouts.

Over the last six months, close

coordination between local community groups and the supermarket’s store teams has helped to increase the amount of food reaching those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis. The supermarket has made the process of local charity donation an integral part of training for store colleagues, and also ramped up frozen food donations.

As a result, Lidl now expects to donate an extra 1000 tonnes of food annually across Great Britain - equivalent to an additional 2.4 million meals on top of the usual amount. It hopes to continue driving these efforts and provide 10 million meals overall across Great Britain each year.

Mark Newbold, Senior CSR Manager at Lidl GB said: “Our stores are part of local communities they serve, so it’s incredibly important to us that we do our bit to help those facing food insecurity – both by making donations directly and by encouraging our shoppers to donate where they can.”

Predator had secret phone and deleted apps

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BreACHINg courtimposed restrictions, sex offender Luke rogers, 37, has landed himself back in prison after flouting a 10-year sexual harm prevention order by meddling with his electronic devices. The Wolfscastle native, who was previously jailed for sexual activity with a minor, was found

to have deleted crucial communication apps from his phone and kept a covert second handset.

The Swansea Crown Court listened intently as prosecutor Hannah George detailed the violations, which came to light during Rogers’ visit to Haverfordwest Police Station on August 29. “He had last used WhatsApp on August 23, and deliberately deleted the application ahead of the meeting,” George revealed.

The discovery of the second phone, confirmed to be Rogers’ by both his partner and grandmother, further cemented

his non-compliance. His lawyer, Stephan Alfred, acknowledged a troubling “cycle of breaches,” while highlighting Rogers’ lack of access to a sexual offenders treatment programme.

Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a firm sentence on November 8, imprisoning Rogers for 16 months with the terms to run concurrently, alongside a mandatory £156 surcharge. In a decisive move, one of Rogers’ phones was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed, perhaps ending this chapter of Rogers’ defiance against the justice system.

£6m holiday park plans to be decided

A ProPoSeD £6m expansion of a south Pembrokeshire holiday park is again being recommended for refusal at a special meeting of full council, despite r being backed by planners twice in a row.

The application for the works at Heritage Park, Pleasant Valley/ Stepaside, which had attracted hundreds of objections, was backed by county planners at their September meeting, and again at the October meeting, despite being continually recommended for refusal by officers.

It had returned to the October 3 meeting after a ‘minded to approve’ cooling-off period was invoked following the September decision, as it was against officer recommendations.

The controversial scheme includes the installation of 48 bases for holiday lodges, a spa facility at a former pub, holiday

apartments, a café and cycle hire, equestrian stables, a manège and associated office, and associated works.

Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Ltd, is proposing a £6m investment at the site, next to the historic remains of the 19th century Stepaside ironworks and colliery, which it says will create 44 jobs.

Officer grounds for refusal, based on the Local Development Plan, included the site being outside a settlement area.

At the October meeting, Tenby councillor Michael Williams, appealed for members to turn down the

scheme: “You are going to destroy the very thing that most people come into this area for, it is called Pleasant Valley, if you allow this decision it will no longer be a ‘pleasant valley’.

“We are allowing the destruction of our natural environment, please listen to the local people, they have to live with this, and they are against it, and we have a duty to listen to them.”

After being backed for a second time at the October meeting, by eight votes to four, it will now be considered at a special extraordinary meeting of the county council

taking place this Friday, November 10.

It is recommended the council does not endorse the resolution of the planning committee, instead refusing the application, a report stating: “The reasons advanced by the planning committee in support of the proposal do not outweigh the adopted Local Development Plan policies which direct that planning permission should refused.”

In the event councillors are minded to endorse the resolution of the committee, officers are recommending a long string of conditions

‘National shame’ of child poverty in Wales

THE LATEST figures show that 28% of all children in Wales live in relative income poverty.

Relative income poverty is when household income is less than 60% of the national average.

If one applied that percentage to a class of thirty school pupils, an average of eight would be in poverty. And that is a crude average. There may be none in some school classes and a significantly higher proportion in others.

Pembrokeshire is a notorious child poverty hotspot. It’s a trend exacerbated by longterm family deprivation, chronically low household incomes, and the increasing divide between the worst off and the rest of society.

Wg’S rAgBAg oF INITIATIVeS No SuBSTITuTe For ACTIoN

Those figures underline the Welsh Government’s failure to use the levers at its disposal to improve the lot of children in poverty. The proportion of children in poverty has barely shifted since devolution.

Big schemes, like Communities First, barely moved the dial, and the current administration has done nothing to address child poverty’s root causes. Tinkering around the edges of the issue with announcements and initiatives has failed to make a meaningful difference.

The Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee called this week for a dedicated Minister for Babies, Children and Young

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People to provide a more coherent response to child poverty.

The Committee’s report, “Calling Time on Child Poverty: How Wales Can Do Better”, recommends a root and branch review of the Welsh Government’s approach as it finalises its new child poverty strategy.

The Welsh Government claims that tackling child poverty is dealt with across all its departments and that three ministers have specific roles in addressing different aspects of the issue.

It’s a response that could make the disinterested wonder why things haven’t measurably improved in a quarter of a century. And then realise that the Welsh Government’s response fully answers their question.

eXTrA CASH MuST eXTeND CHILDCAre

Jenny Rathbone, the Chair of the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee, said: “More children and young people live in poverty than any other age group - we need to call time on child poverty.

“Children have no control over their circumstances. The hardship they face is imposed upon them. It is a burning injustice which sits awkwardly with any claim to be a country that promotes fair play.

“The Welsh Government must set itself challenging and realistic targets and appoint a

Wales over the last 25 years. This report highlights their failure in doing so. Labour cannot blame the UK Government for all the problems facing Wales: problems they have the power to deal with.

Crown Court for shoplifting

Minister with specific responsibility for the main levers for reducing growing child poverty.”

The Welsh Government is notorious for resisting meaningful targets because targets imply a Minister might be forced to accept responsibility for something.

In England, Westminster is increasing spending on childcare. As a result, the Welsh Government will receive additional funding. The Committee wants a commitment from the Welsh Government to use this extra money to fund childcare and to develop plans for doing this by July 2024.

“Wg CAN’T BLAMe eVerYoNe eLSe”

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Social Justice and Social Services, said: “The Labour Welsh Government must take bolder action to ensure the future of our young people, and therefore the future of our nation, gets the urgent attention it deserves, and establishing a Government Ministry whose sole purpose is to eradicate child poverty would provide focus and accountability.

“The vast number of children living in poverty in Wales is a cause for national shame. We cannot allow this, and the generational harm it causes, to go on.”

Welsh Conservative Shadow Social Justice Minister Mark Isherwood MS, said: “Labour has been directly responsible for tackling poverty in

“The Children’s Commissioner for Wales has previously strongly criticised the Labour Government’s plans to tackle child poverty in Wales, stating they lacked ‘ambition, clarity and detail’.

“This typifies the Labour Government. Ministers will talk the talk, but won’t walk the walk. They need a drastic shift in focus on child poverty with a coherent, robust strategy, one which specifically spells out what, how, where, when and who will actually deliver. Otherwise, they will continue to fail the children of Wales, as they have done for the past 25 years.”

IN A reCeNT hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Marian Vagea, aged 53, of Princethorpe road, Birmingham, confessed to a spate of thefts totaling over £3,500 from various Pembrokeshire retailers. on March 8, Vagea targeted five stores, including two Boots locations and B&M in Pembroke Dock, as well as Home Bargains in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, making off with expensive toiletries and batteries.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan described the thefts as showing “high culpability,” citing the significant value of the stolen goods. Vagea, who required a Romanian interpreter via video link, admitted to the offences but his co-accused, 19-yearold Nicholas Dragoi, did not attend, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest.

The magistrates were urged by Vagea’s solicitor, Michael Kelleher, to sentence Vagea immediately, highlighting his client’s lesser role in the crimes and mentioning a forthcoming heart operation that Vagea wished to confront without this case looming over him. However, the court denied this request, deeming the crimes too serious for their jurisdiction due to the high value and the involvement of a group, and deferred the case to Swansea Crown Court. Vagea was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled for sentencing on November 28.

Haverfordwest protest planned, calling for Gaza ceasefire

A CALL for peace is expected to echo through the streets of Haverfordwest as local activists and community members prepare to rally at Castle Square this Saturday, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

In the wake of the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Stop the War Coalition Pembrokeshire, Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire, and the Palestinian Refugee Project have united to organize a peaceful demonstration. The assembly is set to begin at 2:00 PM on the 11th of November

The rally, featuring speeches from local figures, will transform into a march towards the office of MP Stephen Crabb. Participants, highlighting the loss of over 4,000 children in Gaza, will carry symbols of childhood – dolls, shoes, and toys – to represent the young lives lost.

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The demonstration aims not only to mourn but to press for action.

Protestors demand that their voices be heard by parliamentarians and the government, urging an end to the violence and the lifting of the siege that has left Gazans without basic necessities.

in Gaza that cross the line into war crimes. We need him to take a stand for what is morally right.”

Patrick Connellan from the Solidarity with Palestine group echoed this sentiment, condemning the support of Israel’s actions by the US and UK, including by Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. He calls for an alignment with the British public’s overwhelming demand for a ceasefire.

Before the rally, participants will join Armistice Day remembrances, reaffirming their message of peace. Weekly vigils have been a staple at Castle Square and will persist until their pleas for peace are acknowledged.

A spokesperson from Stop the War Pembrokeshire added, “We cannot remain silent while our MP, Stephen Crabb, supports actions

Sajida Madni, representing the local mosque, shared her thoughts, “On Armistice Day, we remember those who fought for our freedoms. What better way to honour them than to advocate for peace in Gaza?”

For those looking to join the peaceful stand, event details are available on the designated Facebook page. This gathering marks not just a protest but a community’s hope for global ceasefire and the healing of Gaza.

‘Instagram friendly’ bridge plans approved

PLANS for an ‘Instagram-friendly’ signature bridge and associated works, part of Haverfordwest’s levelling-up works, have been given the thumbs-up by councillors.

An application by Pembrokeshire County Council to demolish the existing footbridge between Riverside and Western Quayside, replacing it with the new bridge was recommended for approval at the authority’s November 7 planning committee meeting.

The scheme, in the county town’s conservation area, also includes a ‘plaza’ public realm reconfiguration and enhancement; and repair, renewal and refurbishment of the former Cleddau Foundry building.

In 2020, Pembrokeshire County Council was awarded a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant for the Heart of Pembrokeshire: Rediscovering Haverfordwest Project, including the creation of a ‘signature bridge’ as the central feature of a ‘Cultural Corridor’.

Concerns about the proposed bridge – and potential costs –have previously been raised, and the design of the new bridge has previously been labelled an ‘Instagrammable’ bridge by Councillor Rhys Jordan when raising questions about costs associated with it.

The application, part of the ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ regeneration project, had been expected to be considered at the October meeting, but was deferred as not enough members of the committee were present.

A call to scrap the bridge was made at

the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council by Councillor Alan Dennison, who said that rumours on social media “have put it [the bridge cost] at many millions of pounds”.

Cllr Jordan had left the November planning meeting during discussions about the bridge and associated application, having declared a prejudicial

interest due to being “publicly critical of the design”.

“I feel it would be inappropriate of me to vote on the matter,” he told fellow committee members.

Councillor Mark Carter said: “We’ve got to consider it from a planning perspective, regardless of politics; I’m minded to support it because I can’t see a

problem planning-wise.”

However, Councillor John Cole felt the new bridge would be detrimental to visitors’ shopping experiences in Haverfordwest, feeling it would “split up” any visits to the town.

Councillor Jamie Adams said the foundry building and plaza was “certainly something that should be brought into use”.

He added: “But I do have a problem with that footbridge; with the footbridge I find myself unable to support the application here today.”

Members were told the bridge formed an intertwined part of the overall application, with no option for a “split decision”.

The current bridge, while still safe to use will need major repairs in the next few years, members were told.

Councillor Brian Hall – who had asked for the ‘signature’ bridge cost figures to no avail – moved approval of the application.

Cllr Hall said there would be “a huge outcry” if nothing was done over the existing bridge in the event it became dangerous, adding: “I agree, it does cut the town in two, but it is the only way forward.”

The application – for conditional approval –was passed by 10 votes to three.

Retired council worker trampled by cow

WHITLAND has been shrouded in sorrow following an inquest into the death of Huw evans, a 75-year-old retired council worker, who succumbed to injuries after being trampled by a cow.

The incident occurred on November 19, 2022, when Mr. Evans was crossing the main road and was struck by a nine-yearold Limousin cow that had escaped from the local livestock market. Despite being airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales, he tragically passed away six days later.

The inquest, held at Llanelli Town Hall, painted a harrowing picture of the attack, with Mr. Evans sustaining multiple

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injuries including severe rib fractures and renal failure, compounded by his age.

The cow, owned by Paula Wilson, was reportedly calm while being loaded into a trailer earlier that day.

However, the situation turned dire when the animal ‘went wild,’ according to Elgan Rees Williams, a drover with 36 years of experience.

Sian Murrow, another drover, recounted the chilling moment the cow charged towards Mr. Evans. “We saw the cow running in our direction with its head down as if it was going to charge us,” she testified. “I saw an elderly man crossing the road... and witnessed the cow going towards him.”

In the wake of the tragedy, Whitland Mart has installed a cattle grid as a safety measure, after a formal notice from the Health

and Safety Executive, represented by Mr. Finley Harrison. The family of Mr. Evans, in a heartwrenching statement through Dyfed-Powys Police, expressed their

loss: “Huw was a loved dad, dadcu, brother, uncle, and friend to many. We would like to thank the community for their support and well wishes... we now know how much he will be missed.”

The community mourns a life cut tragically short, prompting a reflection on the safety measures in place at livestock markets.

Pembrokeshire shaken awake by nighttime flyover

Pembrokeshire was jolted awake by an unexpected visitor from across the Atlantic.

A colossal B1 Lancer Supersonic Bomber, operated by the united States Air Force, roared over the county, leaving residents startled and in awe of the sheer power and might that echoed through the night sky.

The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, saw the B1 Lancer accompanied by a KC 135 aerial refuelling tanker as it flew over virtually every inch of Pembrokeshire, unleashing a deafening roar that reverberated across towns and villages. Initially mistaken for thunder, the continuous rumbling noise prompted residents to peer skywards, realising that a mammoth aircraft was the cause of their disturbance.

Residents took to social media to share their astonishment and fear. One Pembrokeshire resident, still shaken by the experience, exclaimed, “My God, it was loud. It frightened the

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hell out of me.” Another recounted, “It freaked me out. I was getting out of the car at the time it started, and it was not a nice sound to hear.” Even the tranquil countryside was not spared; children were woken from their slumber, dogs barked anxiously, and farmers hurried to check on their livestock amid the commotion.

The thunderous spectacle was witnessed across various Pembrokeshire locations, including Marloes, Neyland, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Solva, Pembroke Dock, Broad Haven, Fishguard, and Crymych. Despite the initial shock, residents were left in awe of the B1 Lancer, described by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as ‘fast and lethal’.

Nicknamed “The Bone”, the B-1B Lancer has been a cornerstone of the United States Air Force since 1985. With a wingspan stretching to 137 feet when extended forward and a length of 146 feet, the B1 Lancer

is a long-range, multimission, supersonic conventional strategic bomber. Its presence in the UK skies is part of a larger operation, with more of these formidable aircraft expected to arrive at the RAF Fairford base in May 2024.

A spokesperson from the RAF highlighted the B-1’s capabilities, stating, “It can rapidly deliver

massive quantities of precision and nonprecision weapons against any adversary anywhere in the world, at any time.” Developed by Rockwell International, now Boeing Defence and Space Group, the B-1 Lancer has transitioned from its original nuclear capabilities to an exclusively conventional combat role. Equipped

to carry the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the B-1 Lancer has been continuously deployed in combat operations over Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001.

While the B1 Lancer’s late-night flyover stirred a mix of fear and fascination among Pembrokeshire

residents, it serves as a stark reminder of the global military presence in our skies. As the night’s echoes fade away, the memory of this awe-inspiring event lingers, leaving the county’s residents with a newfound appreciation for the power and technology that shapes the world around them.

HSBC Welsh language service withdrawn due to ‘decline in use’

BANKINg giant HSBC has announced the termination of its Welsh-speaking customer service phone line. The decision follows an “in-depth review” revealing a stark underuse, with a mere 22 daily calls, dwarfing in comparison to the 18,000 received on english lines. This change will take effect from January 15th, 2024, leaving only e nglish-speaking agents at the helm.

Jack Sergeant,

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Alyn and Deeside MS, expressed his dissatisfaction with HSBC’s move, stressing the urgency for a community bank for Wales. HSBC’s Managing Director of Wealth and Personal Banking, Ms. Oliemata O’Donoghue, detailed the rationale behind this action in a letter to Mr. Sergeant. She assured that Welsh-speaking customers could still

request a callback in Welsh within three working days, and an outreach program would assist those particularly affected by the change.

Despite HSBC’s effort to maintain a degree of Welsh language support in its branches, the news has not been well received. Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones criticized the bank for offering a “substandard service” and for not evidencing the recruitment of Welsh

speakers, despite the advice provided.

Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Welsh Language Minister, lamented the decision, describing the Welsh language line as a “lifeline” for many. He implored HSBC to maintain this vital service, aligning with its once-proclaimed identity as “the world’s local bank.”

This shift underscores ongoing tensions between corporate efficiency

drives and the cultural and linguistic needs of local communities. As financial institutions evolve, the balance

between global operations and local sensitivities remains a delicate challenge.

Local developer supports Pembrokeshire charity’s fundraising

A CHArITY that supports people across Pembrokeshire with end-of-life care in their homes has secured a donation from a local housebuilder.

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The Paul Sartori Foundation was awarded £1,000 from Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Community Champions scheme. The money has been used to purchase 100 branded t-shirts and sports vests so the charity’s fundraisers can show who they are supporting during events like the London Marathon, Cardiff Half, or other fun runs and walks.

The Haverfordwestbased charity, established in 1981 in memory of Father Paul Sartori who died of cancer at age 39, was formed initially as a

home care service. Now the charity provides a range of free services to those in the final stages of life including day and night home care, equipment loan, complementary therapies, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, future care planning and training in a range of topics (in-house and to other health and social care colleagues).

During 2022/2023, the clinical team provided

nearly 17,000 hours of hands-on nursing care and supplied over 1,700 items of equipment in the community.

Five-star housing developer Persimmon Homes is currently building in Haverfordwest. Its 181-house Merlins Lane site in the west of the town still has threebedroom homes available from £209,995.

The funding came from the business’ Community Champions scheme which sees the West Wales region donate £24,000 each year to good causes and commendable organisations in the areas in which it develops. Recent recipients include Wales Air Ambulance.

They had previously donated to the Foundation in 2019 and 2020, delivering £6,000 for the

charity’s bereavement and counselling services for children.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes West Wales Sales Director Sharon Bouhali, said:

“Persimmon West Wales is delighted to once again support the excellent work of the Paul Sartori Foundation, which serves people across Pembrokeshire with distinction.

“For us, the more people who see the name of this fantastic charity the better, so using our donation as a means to spread the word is something we are very proud of.

“We look forward to seeing them in use at local shows and even on the TV when people do marathons when fundraising for the Foundation.”

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at the Paul Sartori Foundation, added: “We’re very grateful for Persimmon’s continued support. Any donation, of any amount, is always really appreciated.

“The Foundation decided to purchase t-shirts and sports vests. This enables us to raise the profile of the charity even more, and in turn hopefully enables us to raise more money so we can continue our work.

“Father Paul Sartori began the work of bringing hospice care to Pembrokeshire and it is essential that we can continue to help those who need our support, and we thank Persimmon again for being a part of that.”

WG plans to ban domestic fossil fuel boilers

THe WeLSH goVerNMeNT has failed to answer questions about its consultation on a national heat strategy that almost totally ignores the use of fuel oil in rural Wales.

The Welsh Government wants to ban the use of fossil fuels for domestic heating by 2050. While its consultation repeats its ambition, it gives no clue how it will achieve that aim.

A single sentence in the consultation document restates its wish to do away with fuel oil’s use but does not account for specific problems in providing viable alternatives. The consultation also never returns to address the issue its ambition raises.

That gives the impression the Welsh Government has made up its mind, regardless of whether its ambition is deliverable.

It says: “We will develop and consult on phasing out fossil fuel boilers in existing dwellings at the point of replacement”.

According to the Office of National Statistics, 18% of homes in Wales rely on kerosene for domestic heating.

That figure rises significantly beyond the western end of the M4 and north of the Heads of the Valleys Road, apart from the North-East Wales border with England.

In Mid and North Pembrokeshire, well over 50% of homes depend on fuel oil for domestic heating. That figure is

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consistent across all of West Wales, including Carmarthenshire (68% in some areas) and Ceredigion. A similar picture exists across the rest of rural Wales.

However, despite the single sentence on page 39 of its consultation, the Welsh Government is silent about what will happen when its highminded ideas meet rural reality and the lack of connectivity to mains energy services.

Not every property is

suitable for a heat pump, the current technology of preference. Similarly, solar and wind power is singularly ineffective at providing consistent, ondemand energy without massively improved battery technology. Even if widely available, battery technology comes with high economic and environmental costs.

And that ignores the elephant in the room: integrating renewable energy with a new energy grid. That is a UK-wide issue. The costs of upgrading or replacing the existing grid are £16bn for the initial phase

by 2026.

The Herald asked the Welsh Government if it accepted some properties will never be suitable for alternative means of heating, or at least that there are questions over whether a viable or economically viable alternative would be available by the point of any ban.

The Welsh Government failed to answer that questionor, rather, it ignored it altogether.

We specifically asked what the Welsh Government proposed to do to facilitate switching

from fuel oil to alternative energy sources.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said, “We are consulting on a Heat strategy for Wales which sets out our approach and action required to ensure clean and affordable heat is available to all.

“One of the principles underpinning our approach is a just transition, including financial impacts on households across Wales.

“We are also putting in place a framework for heat decarbonisation, including how to transition

to low-carbon heat for the owner-occupied and privately rented sectors across all of Wales.”

That sounds futureconditional, as though the Welsh Government has an idea but has no real clue how to deliver it.

When taken in conjunction with a further unanswered question, the Welsh Government response underlines that suspicion.

We asked the Welsh Government what feasibility study it had commissioned or conducted to ensure its aims are deliverable, affordable and offer the best value for money.

That is basic governance.

A consultation on a strategy is not an end in itself. That’s especially the case when you state you will ban fossil fuel boilers without exception within the next quarter of a century.

If a public consultation on a proposed strategy is to be meaningful, it must allow the public to make an informed choice on options within the strategy. In addition, it must set out the options’ costs and what consideration has been given to the cost of securing change and enforcing a ban.

Contrastingly, other UK Governments acknowledge that the green dream of doing away with fossil fuel for domestic heating is undeliverable. “The “Welsh Difference”, much trumpeted by Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay, is to ignore that reality.

Amroth councillor’s caravan sites call to be heard at County Hall

AN oNLINe petition by a senior Pembrokeshire councillor calling for a halt to any new caravan sites in areas “already at capacity” is to be considered at a special meeting.

Amroth and Saundersfoot North county councillor – and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance – Cllr Alec Cormack created the petition “To stop all new caravan sites in areas of the county that are already at capacity, including Pleasant Valley, Summerhill and surrounding areas close to the coast and National Park, and around Narberth as well as New Hedges and the area around Broadmoor and Penally”.

The officially approved petition on the council’s website ran from September to October, and attracted 1,251 signatures.

After meeting the

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threshold for a debate at council, it will now be considered at a special extraordinary meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, to be held on November 10.

The petition said: “Some areas of Pembrokeshire have a lot of caravan sites and some areas have none. We’re conducting this petition to get Pembrokeshire County Council to stop allowing any new caravan sites in those areas that are already full to capacity.

“In 2019 PCC commissioned a study by independent experts, White Associates, to look at the whole of Pembrokeshire in detail in order to figure out where we could have new caravan sites and which areas were already full to capacity.

Penally”.

It adds: “Despite having had the report now for almost four years, PCC ignores it when applications for new caravan sites are being considered. It appears that PCC want to wait until the next Local Development Plan (‘LDP2’) is introduced before taking any notice of this expert evidence.

“So, if, over the next couple of years, a new caravan site is proposed for say Penally or Pleasant Valley, then the council will ignore their own evidence that those areas are already at capacity. In fact, they will probably not even inform the councillors making the decision that this evidence exists.

“They used aerial photography of the whole county to identify where there was capacity for new caravan sites.”

The petition says the report, available on the county council’s website

“identified that there were already areas of South Pembrokeshire that were at capacity, including Pleasant Valley, Summerhill and

surrounding areas close to the coast and National Park, and around Narberth as well as New Hedges and the area around Broadmoor and

“As county councillor for Amroth and Saundersfoot North I find this situation unacceptable. It could easily lead to overdevelopment in these ‘at capacity’ areas.”

Rising demand for food banks sparks concern

NeW DATA released by the Trussell Trust, the uK’s leading food bank charity, has revealed a concerning trend: while Pembrokeshire saw a decrease in the number of food parcels distributed between April and September this year, the overall demand for essential items across the uK has reached unprecedented levels. The figures have raised alarms, prompting calls for urgent action to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

According to the Trussell Trust, five food banks in Pembrokeshire distributed 1,629 emergency food parcels during the specified period, marking a slight decline from the 1,674 parcels handed out in the same timeframe the previous year. However, this decrease in Pembrokeshire contrasts sharply with the national landscape. Across the

UK, a record-breaking 1.5 million food parcels were distributed, indicating a surge of 200,000 more parcels than in the summer of 2022.

Emma Revie, the Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, expressed her deep concern, describing the escalating demand for essentials across the

country as “extremely alarming”. She highlighted the grim reality faced by many families, where parents and children are forced to rely on food banks to meet their basic needs. “An increasing number of children are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive,” Ms. Revie stated, adding that such a situation was far from acceptable for any

community.

The figures released by the charity showed that 607 of the food parcels distributed in Pembrokeshire during the summer months were specifically allocated to children. Ms. Revie emphasized the profound impact that hunger and financial hardship have on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. She further expressed

her concern that a whole generation might grow up perceiving food bank reliance as a normal part of life.

Wales and the North East of England emerged as the regions with the highest levels of food bank usage, with one parcel distributed for every 35 residents in both areas. In response to the rising crisis, the Trussell Trust has called for an “essentials guarantee”, urging that Universal Credit should shield people from going without basic necessities. Additionally, they have advocated for benefits to rise in line with inflation in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions defended its efforts, pointing out that there are 1.7 million fewer people in absolute poverty than in 2010. A spokesperson stated, “We are providing a record support package worth

£3,300 per household, including cost of living payments directly to over eight million households, a 10% increase in benefits earlier this year, and our £2 billion Household Support Fund to help people purchase essentials.” The government’s focus remains on getting more people into employment through strategic investments and an increase in the national living wage. Despite the apparent efforts, the statistics reflect a sobering reality: many families continue to struggle, and the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle the root causes of poverty has never been more urgent. As the nation grapples with this crisis, community leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike are left pondering the future, hoping for a day when food banks are no longer a necessity but a relic of a more equitable past.

Community ‘united in opposition’ to bank closure

WITH the closure of the last remaining bank branch in St Davids planned for the November 27, local Member of Parliament, Stephen Crabb, has taken the fight right to the top of Lloyds Bank.

After an extensive consultation with local residents of the UK’s smallest city, through a local banking survey,

the MP was able to gain an understanding of the impact that the bank closure would have on the community. Armed with evidence, he has written to Charlie Nunn, CEO of Lloyds Bank requesting that the mobile banking van is used in St Davids, as an

alternative to the branch.

Not only set to lose the bank branch, the city will also be losing its only free to use ATM, which will be removed when the bank closes its doors. Stephen has been in negotiation with LINK to secure a new location for an ATM and a contract with a new provider is imminent – which looks likely to result in some

positive news for the community.

Under the current offer, Lloyds have agreed to provide a Community Banker to help advise people on other forms of banking access, but are directing its customers to use the facilities of the nearby Post Office counter located in CKs Supermarket for paying in and withdrawing cash.

Lloyds bank have cited declining customer numbers using the branch which has resulted in the location not being sustainable.

Stephen Crabb MP commented,

“From day one I have been in touch with Lloyds on behalf of the community, and with LINK, to talk through the situation in St Davids and look for options for local residents.”

“I received so many replies to my banking survey from residents in St Davids which

demonstrates just how strongly people feel about this issue locally, and how important local banking services are for so many in the community.”

“It was very helpful to hear local views on the impact of the closure of the Lloyds Bank branch in the city and the future options for residents. This has come in very useful in my ongoing discussions with both Lloyds and LINK, in particular on maintaining access to cash in St Davids.”

He added, “I have recently had a further meeting with LINK and I’m pleased to confirm that a site has been identified for the ATM and negotiations with an operator are progressing well – I am hopeful that this will be positive news for the community.”

It later states that “Based on the strong evidence received from the community, I would like to request whether the mobile van could be considered for use in St Davids – which would enable people to transition to a new way of banking.”

Stephen Crabb is awaiting a response to his letter from Lloyds Bank and plans on keeping the community informed of any updates.

In his letter to Charlie Nunn, CEO of Lloyds Bank, Stephen Crabb states that “Given that Lloyds Bank has the last branch in the community, this closure has raised significant concerns about the loss of important financial services in rural, isolated communities like St Davids, and represents the need for a fundamental shift in perspective for residents living there in terms of future accessibility and ability to meet their banking needs.”

Outpatient appointments relocated

• Crumbling concrete forces major changes • Outpatient areas closed until next Summer

• Some wards are shut until 2025

ou TPATI e NT consultations at Withybush Hospital, reduced due to the discovery of faulty reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (rAAC) planks, will restart in alternative locations throughout Pembrokeshire.

RAAC is a material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings between the 1960s and 1990s.

Hywel Dda University Health Board closed the Outpatients A building at the Haverfordwest Hospital to complete essential survey work, resulting in a 50% reduction in appointments.

While all efforts have been made to keep disruption to a minimum, many outpatient services were relocated throughout the health board area. At the same

time, the hospital’s management team worked to find suitable accommodation within Pembrokeshire.

All Outpatient services affected by the RAAC work have found new, albeit temporary, homes until the building is ready to accept patients again, but this is not expected until Summer 2024.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Operations, Andrew Carruthers, said: “We’re pleased that outpatient services have been relocated so quickly while we work to repair the RAAC-affected outpatients’ clinical areas in Withybush.

“We know that the survey work and remedial action has caused considerable disruption and concern among members of our community, and

we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“The health board would like to thank hospital staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding over the last months while we carried out this essential work.”

Although three wards are expected to re-open by Christmas, work will continue over this and the next financial years to address the critical and high-risk planks. All affected wards are expected to be reopened by April 2024, while remedial work on the ground floor will continue into the next financial year (April 2025).

Mr Carruthers said that the health board would write to patients to confirm the date, time and location of appointments or ring patients whose

MIKE EDWARDS

THe oTHer day, my beloved and I popped over to Pembroke to visit old friends and admire the decrepit public loos on the Mill Bridge.

If you haven’t seen them, they’re designed in the 1970s gun emplacement style of convenience. They’re built to the cheapest spec and about as attractive as a giant cowpat. They are a relic of a bygone age of civic design when “that’ll do” did.

appointments are imminent.

“We urge everybody to read the appointment letter carefully and note any change of venue, as appointments previously held at Withybush Hospital may now be held at a Community Healthcare site.

“Please leave plenty of time for your journey, as parking is limited at some locations.”

Patients should note a reduced phlebotomy capacity at Withybush Hospital and are asked not to attend the Phlebotomy Room without an appointment. Appointments can be requested by telephoning 01437 772433.

Unfortunately, due to the Phlebotomy Room being closed at certain times, patients may be unable to have their blood taken on the same day as their appointment. They may need to make a further appointment to attend on another day.

Patients are being urged to use their own transport or to take public transport to reach appointments when possible. If they cannot, patients can access transport support by calling 0300 1232 303.

If patients have any concerns or need further information, please contact the Waiting List Support Service by telephone on 0300 303 8322 and choose option 3 or e-mail ask.hdd@ wales.nhs.uk.

However, as with all obsolete and unattractive things, the bogs have fans. For example, Pembroke Town Council are so upset by the idea that their historic loos could be replaced by a new building for the use of social services clients that they would much prefer keeping a rotting concrete monstrosity stinking of stale urine and old turds.

Around the corner from the thriving Royal George are two similarly derelict and longabandoned buildings. When I was younger, one of them was an Indian Restaurantcum-Takeaway. I can’t remember what it was called. Considering the state I was usually in when I visited it, I suspect “The Last Resort”.

The County Council has tried to mask both buildings’ shortcomings, but it’s like putting lipstick on a pig. These are also scheduled for a significant upgrade and refurbishment.

But Pembroke Town Council is fearful, lest the common folk get the idea they could ascend the Darklin, reach the town centre, and put off the tourists with their proletarian ways. The

appearance and vacancy of the buildings on Northgate Hill stain the town. The public loos are, frankly, disgusting. They can be improved. They should be improved. But Pembroke Town Council - and certain of Pembroke’s representatives on the County Council - are implacably opposed to the development of the South Quay. They claim they are concerned about the location’s status as a conservation area. That makes it especially unfortunate that the opposition to its development repeatedly mentions its proposed end use.

If the proposal was for Miss Mimsy’s Tea Room for Gentlefolk or a boutique hotel to attract the “right” type of person, you can bet they wouldn’t object so loud and hard.

The quays at Pembroke used to be working areas. There was a Mill on the Mill Bridge, and boats sailed up the Pembroke River with the tide to deliver and take away goods. That’s no longer the case and hasn’t been for many, many years.

But imagine the distressed poses today’s elected members would strike at the prospect of anything as common as commerce on the South Quay. All those seamen and their sea-manly ways. It doesn’t bear thinking about. There could even be - gaspcoarse language and intemperance.

Pembroke used to be bustling and full of life. If it’s still bustling and full of life, I’d rather not think it is because the worms are wriggling around, having a good feed on its corpse.

Port invests in world class pilot transfer vessel

FoLLoWINg a rigorous international selection process, the Port of Milford Haven has commissioned Next generation Shipyards from The Netherlands to build a new 22m pilot boat to supplement its existing fleet. The contract marks the first stage of a longterm, multi-million pound investment programme that aims to enhance the Port’s pilotage capability and deliver world class pilotage operations at the uK’s leading

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energy port.

Next Generation Shipyards (NG Shipyards) has extensive experience in building highly sophisticated pilot vessels and crew transfer vessels vessels, both from its own designs and from the designs of others.

The vessel selected by the Port of Milford Haven will be designed by Camarc Design Ltd which specialises in the design of innovative, all-weather, high-speed

working craft.

Safety is the Port’s highest priority, so a rigorous assessment of the international market was undertaken as part of the procurement process, as well as collaboration with other ports and harbours that undertake similar operations. Key features of the new pilot vessel include: a double chine hull, self-righting design which comes with a proven track record of operating safely and efficiently in heavy weather conditions; and an ergonomically

designed wheelhouse and crew facilities, which will provide the highest safety and operational standards in the industry. With sustainability also high on the Port’s agenda, whilst it will have the ability to operate at speeds of more than 25 knots fully loaded, the vessel will incorporate waterjet propulsion and an IMO tier 3 rated engine and exhaust package to help reduce and control emissions. And, as part of its decarbonisation pathway, the Port is actively exploring

alternative fuel solutions which would dramatically reduce emissions as we seek to reach Net Zero well ahead of 2050.

Commenting on the new pilot boat contract, Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven said:

“Around twenty percent of the UK’s energy needs are handled or processed by the energy facilities within the Port of Milford Haven which means our ability to move ships in and out of the port in a safe, reliable, and

timely manner, with proper regard to the environment is vital; not only to our business, but to the resilience and security of UK energy.

“This significant investment in a new pilot vessel will ensure that our highly skilled teams, who operate in some of the most challenging sea conditions anywhere in the world, can continue to deliver a safe, resilient, year-round service to our customers.”

Steven Bonder, Project Manager at Next Generation Shipyards added: “We are really proud that the contract is signed to develop and build the new pilot vessel for the Port of Milford Haven. Together with Camarc Design we are confident to build the best pilot vessel for the Port of Milford Haven. After the extensive procurement procedure we are looking forward to start the engineering and design phase and to start the build of the pilot boat next year.”

The new pilot transfer vessel is expected to be in service in 2025 and further investments in the Port’s fleet will be made over the next few years.

Bespoke Christmas puddings to sweeten the season

geT ready to indulge in the festive spirit with a delightful treat from the heart of Templeton village near Narberth. Friends of Templeton School (FoTS), a dedicated parent-run charity, has cooked up a sweet initiative this Christmas season. Teaming up with a local bakery, FoTS has created their very own Christmas Puddings, wrapped in packaging designed by the talented pupils of Templeton Primary School.

The story began with 15 young artists, aged 4 to 11, lending their creativity to craft a vibrant collage of drawings. These imaginative designs, handpicked by

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the School Council, now adorn the packaging of these delectable puddings, adding a touch

of youthful charm to the holiday festivities.

For the pudding enthusiasts out there, these Christmas treats come in two sizes: 454g (perfect for four servings)

and 908g, priced at a wallet-friendly £7.50 and £12.50 respectively. To secure your pudding, pre-orders are being accepted online at Templeton Primary

School’s official website: www.templetonschool. co.uk.

Excitement is building up in the village, as FoTS is all set to showcase their mouthwatering creations at the Templeton Village Hall Christmas Fayre, happening this Saturday, November 4, from 10 am to 3 pm. With the support of the dedicated members of the Year 6 Enterprise Club, FoTS will be accepting preorders on-site, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to savour these delectable treats. What makes this initiative even more heartwarming is its purpose. All profits generated from the pudding sales will directly

benefit Templeton Primary School and its 114 bright young pupils. The funds will support various ongoing and upcoming projects initiated by FoTS for the academic year 2023/24. One of their major projects includes revamping the school’s outdoor classroom. This revitalisation effort will include the installation of an electrical supply, paving the way for innovative outdoor theatre performances, art exhibitions, and future fundraising events. Additionally, FoTS is actively raising funds to provide the school with more iPads, enhancing the educational experience for all the pupils.

The Great Pembrokeshire Charity Gunging is back!

AFTer the success of last years fundraising and gunging where almost £1,500 was raised, the same motley crew are back in Pembrokeshire, to raise money for this years BBC Children in Need. Several organisations active within communities across Pembrokeshire, are putting their key personnel forward to participate in another charity gunging!

All those who participated and endured the barrels of gunge last year, are back for 2023, and led by Haverfordwest-based Celtic Timber, and the broadband firm, Ogi. Despite the surreal nature of the actual event, all involved are

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bonded by the serious facts around raising funds and awareness of what the money donated, could do for our younger residents across Pembrokeshire during this cost of living crisis.

Jon Howcroft from Celtic Timber notes

“Having already supported funds being raised for charities including the DPJ Foundation at last years County Show, we were keen to continue to look at opportunities to continue to promote those groups and organisations who can benefit from funds generated by Children in Need. We are lucky to have positive links with partners and

individuals engaged in our communities, and when we approached the individuals involved last year, they were all still keen to participate surprisingly!”

Haverfordwest County Football Club are hosting this years Gungeathon at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday 17th November, with Tony Pennock from the club, again, getting stuck in, as following his gunging last year, he has been teased that the run of winning form for the club, dramatically increased.

Martin Jones from Ogi is one of the participants who is keen to engage and support this fundraiser. “With a strong community focus that Ogi and the team already do

here in Pembrokeshire, I was more than happy to get involved once again. Although last year was very cold and wet, it was still great fun and exhilarating, as we all knew that by doing something like this, whilst fun and stupid, it is all to raise awareness and funds for a great cause.”

Iwan Thomas who, as the others involved mocks, that he wears a number of community organisation leadership hats, from PLANED to Pembrokeshire College amongst others here within the county, is still happy to support.

“Doing the work I’m able to do with the amazing organisations I’m involved in, is a genuine privilege. By

getting involved again in this fundraiser means we can, by stepping outside of our daily comfort zones, do something which raises funds for those who have the real need for this support, and provide additional benefits in some small ways, to their daily challenges. Working alongside this great crew of people is also a bonus, as we know the aim is to improve lives in West Wales. Our own discomfort and embarrassment potentially is meaningless, when you know what the main aim is, for those who need those projects and services to be funded.”

With other participants soon to be announced as well within the mass

gunging, the event will be live streamed through the continued support of Pure West Radio, whose own Breakfast DJ, Tom Dyer also got gunged last year – although it was not planned as he was there originally to simply interview the fundraisers primarily. So this year, we understand Tom is coming prepared! For those who wish to donate, please go to the Just Giving website, and search for Celtic Timber and “The Great Gungefest V2 for Children in Need” and kindly donate whatever you can. https://www. justgiving.com/page/ gunge-fest?fbclid=IwAR 3T47YcDkXpd3Okos2D dIG1R80xURcIflb73EZje ndPpZq_yPr_mMIg-HM

Skomer King scallops thriving after ban on catching them

A BAN on catching King scallops off parts of the Pembrokeshire coastline has led to the species increasing its numbers by 12 times since the year 2000, marine scientists have discovered.

In 1990, removing King scallops (Pecten maximus) by any means was prohibited across the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone after a drop in numbers due to extensive fishing from dredgers and hand collectors.

Specialists from Natural Resources Wales, who monitor the waters around Skomer, carried out a survey in 2022 of the King scallops – the sixth survey since 2000.

Scallops were collected, measured and aged by counting their growth rings before being released, alive, back to the waters.

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A report into the survey was released earlier this year and showed the numbers of King scallops living in these waters had increased 12-fold since the initial survey in 2000. The age range of the scallops were between 3 to 12 years

old showing a healthy and thriving population present. And scientists also found the ban on catching scallops has also helped improve the habitat shared by a multitude of other creatures. The sediment on

the seabed where King scallops live has become a thriving habitat for a variety of species with more than 1,000 different creatures found, making it one of the most diverse sediment habitats in the UK.

Ali Massey, a

marine environmental assessment officer with NRW, took part in the survey.

“The results from each survey since 2000 have shown an increase in numbers and it was wonderful to find that the scallop population at Skomer continues to grow,” she said.

“Importantly the sediment habitat where the scallops are found now also supports an increase in other wildlife.

“Animals that live here are either brilliantly camouflaged to help them stay alive, or they survive by burrowing beneath the sediment; creatures like worms, burrowing anemones and tiny shrimplike creatures called amphipods.

“The results speak for themselves. This is great news for both the scallops and other animals found in the sediment habitats and really does highlight

the benefit of areas protected from scallop fishing,” added Ali.

Scallops themselves are also considered as ‘micro habitats’ as they have a whole host of animals attached to their shells including barnacles, sponges and sea squirts.

Even dead scallop shells provide homes to numerous species of crabs, brittle stars, and baby sea urchins, while small marine fish called butterfly blennies use the empty shells to hide and lay eggs.

NRW’s Head of Marine, Rhian Jardine said the findings were positive news.

“The scale and rate of biodiversity loss across the nation is accelerating terrestrially and in the marine, impacting on species that depend upon our natural resources,” she said.

“Restoring nature for nature’s sake is in everyone’s interests.”

Council tax rise fears as Pembrokeshire faces £3.6m overspend

CouNCIL tax levels in Pembrokeshire may have to rise to the Welsh average long term, alongside a continued halt on non-essential council expenditure, despite a reduction in the council’s predicted overspend of more than £1m.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on November 6, heard that, on the second quarter of the financial year projections for the 2023-24 budget, the council was currently on course for an overspend of £3.6m on a previouslyagreed budget of £287.6m.

The budget position for the second quarter is better than the previous quarter one figures released in September, which saw a predicted overspend of £4.8m.

A report for members, presented by Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Cllr Alec Cormack said the council still faces budget pressures, including a projected £8.4m overspend in School ALN provision, Children’s Services, Adult Services and Homelessness, reduced from £8.7m in quarter one, which was also partly offset by a projected underspend of £3.5m in Capital

Financing Costs and Investment Income.

The moratorium “on all nonessential expenditure” introduced during quarter one would continue, Cllr Cormack told Cabinet members “until the projected outturn returns to a balanced budget position”.

Quoting a report from the council’s Director of

Resources Jon Haswell, Cllr Cormack said the reduction in overspend was welcomed but “more must be done to reduce this still further and avoid the need to utilise our limited reserves to fund the shortfall”.

It added: “It is clear from recent announcements from Welsh Government that there will not be late grant funding received during 2023-24, as has been the case in

many previous years, especially in schools, enabling an improved financial position in the latter months of the year.

“Whilst the moratorium on all nonessential expenditure remains in place, we must accelerate the speed at which it is addressing the projected overspend where possible.”

A report for members again highlighted a bleak longer-term picture for council finances, with an

indicative budget gap of £27.2 million for 2024-25 and £47.6 million across the period of the MediumTerm Financial Plan.

The current MTFP assumes an annual council tax increase of 7.5 per cent, with the remaining funding gap being bridged with budget reductions / reduction in service delivery and income generation.

“The financial challenge for 202425 and throughout the

Medium-Term Financial Plan is almost certain to be the greatest challenge ever faced by the council,” members were told.

They were warned that Pembrokeshire, which historically had one of the lowest average council tax rates in Wales, may have to move closer to the rest of the county.

“There are going to be some extremely hard decisions that have to be made, and it is virtually inevitable that in order to balance the budget and ensure financial sustainability for 2024-25 and beyond, the council will have to move its Band D council tax level to at least the average level in Wales, whilst also making significant budget savings across virtually all council services.”

Cllr Cormack, who stressed Pembrokeshire wasn’t alone in facing significant challenges, moved the budget monitoring report be approved, including the continuation of the moratorium, and for him to work alongside senior officers in identifying savings to address the budget gap.

Members unanimously agreed to note the report and support the recommendations.

Showground set to host one of the county’s biggest festive events

P e MB ro K e SHI re

A gr IC u ILT ur AL

SoCIeTY will once again host one of the county’s biggest festive events next month when the annual Christmas Fair returns on Sunday, 10 December 2023.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and a food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said,

“We are excited to be able to once again hold our Christmas Fair and build on the success of last year’s event with even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive

treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. Children can bring along their letters to give to him in person.

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show on social media for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Christmas tree collection charge backed by senior councillors

A LoCAL scheme for the free recovery of real Christmas trees from residents after the festive season will now see a £5 cost for each tree to save the council an estimated £10,000 a year.

At the November meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members backed a proposal to introduce the charge, which was identified as a potential cost saving during the setting of the 2023-24 council budget.

The council introduced a real Christmas tree collection service in 2016 in order to support increase recycling performance and reduce the illegal disposal of Christmas trees after it was awarded funding as part of the Sustainable Waste Management Grant, with 440 trees collected that year, rising to 1,818 in 2022; associated costs increasing from approximately £4,000 to £11,000 in 2022-23.

While the scheme was initially grantfunded, it was solely funded by the council from 2020, a report for members stating: “With increased pressures on budgets it was proposed as part of the 2023-24 savings options agreed by council in March 2023 that a fee would be introduced to support

these collections to households who wished to use the service.”

As one of three options before Cabinet members it was proposed to introduce

a charge of £5 for the discretionary service, an above-inflation rate that required Cabinet approval.

Other options included maintaining the status-quo, with an impact of budgets, and ceasing the collection service, with fears of an increase in fly-tipping.

In recommending the introduction of a £5 charge, the report said it could lead to an increase in fly-tipped Christmas trees, but added: “however this is an issue which has been experienced historically, it will continued to be monitored and investigations undertaken where possible”.

Moving approval of the recommendation, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett stressed that trees could still be disposed of freeof-charge at any of the council’s six waste and recycling centres.

Haverfordwest town centre Pink Cat Shop plans get go-ahead

PLANS to convert a listed former clothes shop in Haverfordwest’s town centre and conservation area to flats and a café have been given the goahead.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, at their November 7 meeting, were recommended to approve an application by Mr B Roscoe to convert the Grade IIlisted Pink Cat Shop, 24 High Street, to six flats and a café.

The application was for committee consideration as it represented a departure from the existing local development plan, but was still recommended for conditional approval.

The building was historically used as a retail store selling clothing; in recent years the basement and ground floors have been

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used as a café, with the upper floors remaining vacant.

Agent Evans Banks

Planning Limited has said the upper floors of the building have been vacant for some five years, and the building was marketed for sale for two years without interest.

A report for planners stated: “The submitted application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the building to form six residential flats with a café on part of the ground floor fronting High Street,” adding: “The proposal to change the rear part of the ground floor to a residential use and a café (A3 use) to the frontage would ensure a positive effect on the secondary frontage is retained.”

Councillor Brian Hall moved approval, seconded by councillor Mark Carter, who said the residential accommodation would be welcomed: “This is exactly what Haverfordwest needs in my view,” adding: “I have no hesitation in seconding approval.”

Haverfordwest councillor Tim Evans also welcomed the

residential usage, saying it was “such a waste” that many properties on the high street didn’t have such a use.

The application was recommended for approval at the October meeting of the committee but was deferred at that meeting as not enough members were present meaning the committee was not in quorate.a

That’ll be the day… but, oh what a night!

THe NATIoN’S best rock ’n’ roll variety show, recently performed at Folly Farm with two nights of highquality entertainment, and seen by over a thousand people, raised over £10,300 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

This was ‘That’ll Be The Day’s’ 16th year at Folly Farm and the much loved show, has now made its 35th appearance at The Follies Theatre. In those 16 years, the event has raised the staggering sum of just over £153,000 for various charities, including: Wales Air Ambulance, the Rotary Clubs of Milford Haven, Narberth & Whitland, the RNLI and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which has been the chosen charity for the last few years.

Event organiser, Phil Thompson MBE commented: “It was great to have That’ll Be The

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Day returning to Folly Farm for two wonderful nights of entertainment, especially in front of two sell out audiences, and yes they will be back on 25th & 26th October 2024. Tickets will go on sale early next year. It was lovely to see so many members of clubs & organisations: Narberth & Whitland Rotary, Haverfordwest Rotary, Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Lamphey W I, Pembroke Bridge Club and Marion Bulley’s Parties from local Care Homes.”

Folly Farm again very kindly supplied the venue. Chris Ebsworth, Director of Folly Farm, said: “Folly Farm was once again proud to support Phil Thompson and the That’ll Be The Day team. A cascade of praise followed the performances, such

as: The Best show ever –not just TBTD shows but the best show I’ve ever seen and tremendous night. First time I’ve seen the show but going to bring others next time because I’ve enjoyed it so much! We look forward to seeing That’ll Be The Day back here next year.”

These comments were summed up by the quote from another audience member: That’ll Be The Day – BUT OH WHAT A NIGHT!

A HUGE thank you must go to Folly Farm and That’ll Be The Day. Also, thanks to sponsors Milford Haven Port Authority (Community Sponsor) Mojo Marketing and Pure West Radio (Marketing and Media sponsors) and last but by no means least, the Paul Sartori Team: Nicky, Nia, Mand, Corinda, Val, Gill, Mair, Janet, Angela, Paul and Pat.

Pembrokeshire’s young people focus on why ‘democracy matters’

THe VerY wellattended Democracy Matters Question

Time events at County Hall saw some tough questions put to a panel of Councillors by young people from Pembrokeshire.

Two events were organised by Electoral Services and the Children and Young People’s Rights Office with representatives from secondary schools, youth groups and Pembrokeshire College attending.

Chairing both the morning and evening sessions was Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Thomas Tudor who said it had been an honour to be involved.

“These amazing events give young people a voice to question elected councillors and officers of the authorities on issues that they are concerned with, and many thanks to all the young people who attended from schools, colleges and Youth Clubs “The thought provoking questions

were amazing, and thanks to the panel members and organisers who facilitated this much needed opportunity for a debate event. I very

much look forward to the next opportunity to chair or attend a similar event once again in the not too distant future.”

He was joined on

the panel by Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and

Regulatory Services

Cllr Michelle Bateman. Along with former Chairman Cllr Pat Davies, Cllr Joshua Beynon, Sustainability (Well-being and Future Generations) Champion, and Cllr Delme Harries, Welsh Language and Children and Young Persons Champion.

The young people were keen to put their questions and found out more about how the Council works from Cllr Tudor and his colleagues.

There were some tough questions to the members with topics including school budgets, school safety, 20mph speed limits, Council funding gap, homelessness, the Welsh language and carbon footprints.

As well as having their questions answered, those involved also found out more about how to get involved with democracy, the Council and Youth Assembly and how they can help to make a real difference.

Happy 109th birthday Ivy

A reMArKABLe lady who was born just two years after the Titanic went down celebrated her 109th birthday on Wednesday 1st November.

Mrs Ivy Skeate received a card from His Majesty The King to mark the occasion. Ivy was born in 1914, the same year that the First World War started.

She has lived at Hillside Care Home in Goodwick since 2013 and celebrated her birthday with tea and cake and visits from family.

Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Tom Tudor also visited Ivy to wish her a happy birthday and brought a gift of flowers. Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to visit Mrs Ivy Skeate to wish her happy birthday on her 109th birthday celebrations, and what a lovely, kind and caring person she is,

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and what a special day full of sweet and happy moments.”

Annette Narbett, Registered Home Manager at the Pembrokeshire County Council- run Hillside, said all staff are very fond of Ivy who still enjoys a game of bingo after lunch on a Wednesday and Sunday. Ivy was born in Southwark, south London, and as an infant her

policeman grandfather patrolled the streets of south London giving residents the all-clear following zeppelin raids with shrill blasts of his whistle.

Having married James Skeate in 1938, she subsequently moved out to Surrey after the onset of the Second World War, later having two daughters. She and her husband settled in Newport in 1966 where they ran West End Stores for many years.

Coffee morning praise for Barnardo’s volunteers

NArBerTH County Councillor, Marc Tierney has thanked local Barnardo’s volunteers for hosting a fundraising coffee morning with a pledge to work with the charity to support young people in Pembrokeshire.

The coffee morning held at the RAOB Club on the Town Moor last Saturday raised a grand total of £500 through the sale of raffle tickets, cake sales, tea and coffee. The generous amount raised is testament to the hard work and dedication of the small group of locally based volunteers who have ensured that Narberth Barnardo’s branch stays active. Following the closure of other branches in Pembrokeshire, Narberth remains the only fundraising branch in the county.

Speaking after the Coffee Morning, Cllr Marc Tierney said: “I want to thank local Branch Chair, Ann Morris and her small team of volunteers for their work in keeping the local Barnardo’s branch going. As we heard during the

event Barnardo’s has been helping children in Wales for more than a century, supporting those who face the daily challenge of poverty and disadvantage.

“Sadly, too many children in Pembrokeshire are growing up in poverty, a situation made worse by the ongoing cost of living crisis and UK government policies.

In my role as AntiPoverty champion, I will work with officers at Pembrokeshire County Council and Barnardo’s Cymru in seeking to ensure that the hard work of local volunteers addresses local need so that money raised in Pembrokeshire stays in Pembrokeshire to support children and families who could benefit most.”

· Barnardo’s Narberth Branch is on the look-out for new volunteers to support their fundraising efforts. If you would like to become a volunteer or to find out more, contact Cllr Marc Tierney by calling 01834 889119.

Chief executive appointed for new education body

ADNoDD, a new arm’s-length body which will oversee the provision of educational resources in Wales, has appointed Emyr George as its first new chief executive.

Established earlier this year, Adnodd will be the one-stop shop for bilingual education resources. It will oversee the commissioning and provision of high-quality teaching and learning materials to support the Curriculum for Wales, and the roll-out of new qualifications for learners aged 14-16.

More recently, Emyr has been leading on high-profile reforms of qualifications to support the new Curriculum for Wales, including a brand-new set of ‘Madefor-Wales’ GCSEs.

Emyr was named earlier this year as one of the Future Generations Commissioner’s ‘100 Changemakers’ for making a positive impact through his work on qualification reforms.

Speaking of his appointment, Emyr said, “Having worked in education for many years, I am passionate about giving young

Emyr will be joining Adnodd in early 2024 from his current role as Qualifications Policy and Reform Director with Qualifications Wales. He brings a wealth of experience from across the education sector, including eight years at Qualifications Wales and prior experience at Ofqual - the qualifications and exams regulator for England.

people the best possible start in life. I look forward to working with others to give learners and teachers the tools they need to succeed.

“It’s essential that learners and teachers can access a wide variety of high-quality materials to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Resources in both Welsh and English, that are relevant, engaging and accessible for all learners and which reflect our nation’s diverse cultures.

“My first task will be to build a team with the right skills and experience to work with learners, teachers and a whole array of contributors to create the high-quality, bilingual resources that will help bring the new Curriculum for Wales to

life for all learners.

Commenting on the appointment, Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said, “With such a strong track record within education, I am delighted that Emyr has been appointed to this role. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in taking Adnodd forward, aligning future educational resources with the Curriculum for Wales and our new qualifications.

“I am determined that all our learners are able to access bilingual educational resources of the highest quality – they deserve nothing less. I look forward to working closely with Emyr and the wider Adnodd team to realise our vision of

ensuring high standards for all.”

Adnodd has recently been consulting with stakeholders to ensure the body reflects the needs and aspirations of the whole education sector, with further developments due in coming months as it becomes fully operational.

Small community councils given protection from forced mergers

AN AMeNDMeNT put forward by Welsh Conservative County Councillor David Howlett has been carried which means smaller Community Councils will be given the option to merge as opposed to what was being proposed, namely that Community Councils under 480 electors would potentially be merged with neighbouring Councils.

Pembrokeshire County Council have appointed the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales to carry out a review of communities and electoral arrangements.

In the first instance Pembrokeshire County Council sets a size policy for Town and Community Councils.

After a series of meetings involving Community, Town and County Councillors a

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proposal was put before County Councillors at the Pembrokeshire County Council meeting on 12th October that any Community Council of under 480 electors would potentially be merged with the Boundary Commission for Wales making proposals as to individual mergers.

Commenting on the issue, Wiston Ward County Councillor, David Howlett said “I work very closely with the three Community Councils in my ward and greatly value the work that Community Councillors do.

Had the initial proposal been adopted it would have potentially seen any Community Council of under 480 electors merged. In Pembrokeshire 24 Community Councils have electorates of 480 or under.

Given the rural nature and sparse population of many parts of Pembrokeshire I felt that enlarged merged Community Councils would be more of a land mass than a community.”

“I was pleased to propose an amendment that Community Councils of under 500 electors would be asked if they would wish to voluntarily merge if they feel it is beneficial for them to do so, and if they do not wish to merge they will remain as they currently are.”

“I was aware that a number of smaller Community Councils were very opposed to any potential mergers and I am pleased to have persuaded a majority of Council members that it was a good idea to support Community Councils that want to merge but allow those that wanted to continue as they are to do so.”

Milford Haven Round Table light up the sky

MILForD HAVeN rouND TABLe successfully hosted their much-anticipated Fireworks Extravaganza on the 5th of November, 2023, at Milford Waterfront. The event, which had been eagerly anticipated, delivered an unforgettable experience to attendees.

Gates opened promptly at 3:00 pm,

welcoming crowds to an evening of festivities that continued until 8:00 pm. The highlight of the event was the starstudded musical lineup, featuring the sensational Blazin’ Squad and the legendary N-Trance. These renowned acts kept the crowd grooving with their electrifying performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

Attendees were treated to more than just musical delights; the Fireworks Extravaganza also featured a lively fun fair, adding a touch of excitement for thrillseekers of all ages. Additionally, gastronomic adventures awaited as attendees indulged their taste buds in a variety of street food options, tantalizing even the most discerning palates.

The much-anticipated firework display lived up to its promise, aweing spectators with its dazzling colors and breathtaking choreography. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Milford Waterfront, the night sky was transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues and mesmerizing patterns, captivating the audience.

What made this event truly special was its accessibility – entry was absolutely free, allowing everyone, regardless of age or background, to partake in the festivities. Milford Haven Round Table’s commitment to providing a memorable experience for the community was evident in their decision to make this event open to all. Families, friends,

and neighbors gathered to witness the night sky ablaze with color, making Milford Haven Round Table’s Fireworks Extravaganza an evening filled with laughter, music, and wonder. The event, which took place from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, provided an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate in style.

Local produce and craft market continues to flourish

KuDoS are in order for the organizers of the local produce market that transpired on the 12th of october at Hermon Community Centre, situated in the heart of North Pembrokeshire.

The evening was marked by a significant turnout of stallholders, reflecting the event’s burgeoning success. It is with great pleasure that we report a full rebooking of stalls for the upcoming market, along with numerous new additions. The forthcoming market is slated for Thursday, the 12th of November, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Hermon Hall boasts

ample parking space to accommodate a large number of visitors.

In keeping with the previous event, there will be a refreshment stall to satisfy your tea and coffee cravings. The inaugural large hamper raffle, featuring a medley of items donated by the stallholders, was received with great enthusiasm.

Congratulations to Paul Holland, the fortunate recipient of October’s hamper! We extend our best wishes to all participants in November’s hamper raffle.

Adding to the evening’s charm is the opportunity to enjoy a pizza supper courtesy of PitsaDe’s

catering van, conveniently located on the premises. We encourage everyone to partake in the hamper competition and to support our local artisans and food producers.

Do not forget to earmark the 7th of December in your calendars. The December market promises an exceptional selection of local fare and crafts, perfectly timed for those seeking unique Christmas gifts.

We look forward to seeing a thriving gathering of the community, championing the best of what Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Marching for Gaza: A ban would only ruffle more feathers!

SQuAWK! I’ve seen many a stormy day along the Pembrokeshire coast, but none quite like the tempest brewin’ over the right to march for Gaza, I tell ye! As a bird often caught in the winds of political uproar,

I’ve got my feathers in a bunch over the notion of banning demonstrations without a peck of legal justification. It’s enough to make a seagull squawk!

Perchance, it’s true that political demonstrations can

ruffle some feathers. But since when did a bit of squawking become grounds for a ban in a democracy? Nay, I say!

The Metropolitan police, with Sir Mark Rowley at the helm, have resisted ministerial squawks to clip the wings of this Palestinian solidarity

march. And rightly so! For the safety of the public does not seem to be at stake this Saturday.

And what’s this I hear? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is fluffing his feathers over the date?

A rally on Armistice Day being “disrespectful”?

Respect is all well and good, but it’s not the yardstick for measuring public order. If we were to ground every flight of protest to avoid offending any sensibility, the skies would be empty!

Now, I’ve got a bone to pick with the

home secretary, Suella Braverman. Calling proPalestinian gatherings “hate marches” is a mixup worse than a muddle of mackerel! There’s a sea of difference between condemning the horrors faced by civilians in Gaza and supporting a violent agenda. If she can’t see that, she might as well be fishin’ without bait! Squawk! It’s true, a smattering of anti-Israeli rhetoric can morph into antisemitism, and that’s a line no decent gull would cross. And yet, we mustn’t let the few who carry hateful placards overshadow the peaceful majority calling for a ceasefire. The situation is stickier than a pile of fish guts, but it’s not beyond hope. Politicians ought to navigate these choppy waters with care, not stir the pot till it spills over! And that goes double for Ms. Braverman, who seems more interested in pecking her way up the Conservative party than in calming troubled waters.

In the squawk of all things, the Met’s decision to let the march proceed is the one to nest on. A political ban on proPalestinian rallies would only agitate the nest further. What we need is healing, not division - and that’s my bird’s eye view!

So let the march go on! And let us, like the wise old gulls we are, seek understanding amidst the cacophony. Squawk on, my friends, squawk on!

Competition that calls for global innovations

rWe, a global leader in offshore wind energy, has officially opened entries for its inaugural “Floating Wind Co-use Competition”, targeting innovators worldwide. The company aims to harness creative solutions that champion both biodiversity enhancement and harmonious coexistence with other maritime activities.

Central to this competition is RWE’s commitment to foster sustainable and inventive approaches tailored for floating offshore

wind projects. RWE has achieved groundbreaking and innovative milestones like the installation of the first-ever recyclable rotor blades and the establishment of ‘green’ fuel operation vessels. The firm is also delving into the potential of artificial reefs to boost marine biodiversity.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, remarked, “Sustainability and biodiversity are not mere buzzwords for us; they’re embedded in every phase of our wind farm projects. We’re urging innovators to

bring forth technology and ideas that can augment our efforts to establish offshore wind farms that genuinely benefit the marine ecosystem.”

The competition welcomes entries from a diverse range of participants, from startups and research entities to individual inventors. RWE’s emphasis lies in nurturing innovations that not only reduce environmental impacts on marine life but also positively transform the marine ecosystem, aiding local marine stakeholders and particularly

supporting fisheries.

Champions of this competition stand to gain invaluable insights by collaborating with RWE’s experts, translating their concepts into real-world applications for floating offshore wind farms in regions spanning Europe, Asia, and America. Moreover, the winners will receive a monetary research grant to refine and amplify their inspirational ideas.

In the global arena, RWE is setting the gold standard by steering efforts toward affordable, commercial-scale floating

wind solutions. With landmark demonstration projects already underway in Spain and Norway, RWE’s influence is palpable. The company is poised to make waves in the upcoming UK Round 5 Seabed Lease auction for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, foreseen as a lucrative opportunity for the broader Celtic Sea region and the UK.

Danielle Lane, RWE’s Director of Offshore Wind Development for UK and Ireland, highlighted the competition’s broader vision, stating, “Floating wind development in

the Celtic Sea isn’t just about energy; it’s about fuelling economic growth, fostering innovation, and nurturing local communities. Our competition is designed to place innovation and biodiversity at the epicentre of our projects.” Competition entrants have until the stroke of midnight (CEST) on 31st December 2023 to present their transformative ideas. For comprehensive details and to submit entries, visit www.rwe.com/floatingwind-competition

Wales Witnesses green resurgence as Keep Wales Tidy Launches free “Local Places for Nature” garden packs

reNoWNeD for their scenic landscape and green spaces, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are set to become even greener.

The leading Welsh environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, offers communities across the country a chance to revamp and transform their local areas with Free garden packages.

Launched in 2020, Keep Wales Tidy’s “Local Places for Nature” scheme already boasts a legacy of over a thousand gardens across Wales, from orchards to vegetable and wildlife gardens.

The project has involved a range of community groups, from sports clubs and schools to health boards and councils. Local Places for Nature garden packages offer an opportunity for groups of all sizes and skill levels to come together and improve our local green spaces, enhancing our biodiversity and improving everyday

lives for the local community.

• The garden packages are more than juts equipment, instead offering groups a holistic experience, equipped with:

• Native plants to boost local biodiversity.

• essential tools and materials for gardening.

• expert advice on garden setup.

• Continued support from the heart of Keep Wales Tidy’s committed team.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, stated, “The gardens aren’t just ecological hubs. They’re platforms for community cohesion, boosting mental and emotional well-being. We’re geared up for lots of interest in the coming months, so we encourage early applications.”

Those eager to improve their communities, and the environment, can apply for their free garden package on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy. cymru/nature This sustainable initiative, funded by Welsh Government, is part of a wider ‘Local Places for Nature’ programme, focusing on creating, restoring, and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

For more information, readers are encouraged to reach out to Keep Wales Tidy’s dedicated team at nature@keepwalestidy. cymru.

Local Places for Nature is delivered by Keep Wales Tidy, a Wales-wide environmental charity committed to achieving a more beautiful Wales, by working with individuals, communities, and businesses. To find out more about how you or your organisation can get involved, visit www. keepwalestidy.cymru

Birth of a culture unveiled

MuSIC enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a night that promises to be nothing short of legendary. The stage is set at The Queens Hall, where on Sunday, 3rd December 2023, at 7:30 pm, doors will swing open to welcome a diverse audience to witness the birth of a culture.

The much-awaited event, ‘Grandmaster Flash: Birth of a Culture’, is a celebration of the iconic DJ Grandmaster Flash, a founding father of hip-hop, whose innovative techniques and electrifying performances have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.

In the early 1970s, amidst the bustling streets of the South Bronx, Joseph Saddler, a young man with a profound passion for music, was quietly revolutionizing the art of DJing. While studying electrical engineering, Saddler, a Bronx native, was experimenting with his father’s vinyl collection since his toddler days. It was during this time that he conceived an idea that would reshape the music industry: transforming the humble

turntable into a powerful musical instrument.

As the 1970s drew to a close, Grandmaster Flash had pioneered a trend that echoed across the globe. Emcees flocked to his side, captivated by his beats and magnetic stage presence. Together, they embarked on a musical journey that birthed the iconic group, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The group’s reputation soared, fueled by the seamless blend of lyrical prowess and Flash’s unparalleled skills as a DJ. His performances were nothing short of acrobatic marvels, where he spun and cut vinyl with a finesse that astounded audiences.

His fingers, toes, elbows, and any object within reach became extensions of his musical expression.

The event at The Queens Hall, Narberth, promises to be a night of electrifying beats, soul-stirring lyrics, and a celebration of the cultural phenomenon that is hip-hop. With advanced standing tickets priced at £35.00, this musical extravaganza has captured the hearts of enthusiasts far and wide. It is a testament

to the enduring influence of Grandmaster Flash, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and music aficionados.

Reflecting on the significance of Grandmaster Flash’s impact on the music industry, Sarah Jenkins, a local music historian, remarked, “Grandmaster Flash is more than a DJ; he is a pioneer, a visionary whose creativity knows no bounds. His contributions to hip-hop culture are immeasurable, and this event is a tribute to his enduring influence.”

The anticipation for ‘Grandmaster Flash: Birth of a Culture’ is palpable, with early bird tickets already sold out. As the music world gears up for this unforgettable night, The Queens Hall, Narberth, stands as a beacon, illuminating the path to a cultural renaissance. On the 3rd of December, Narberth will not just witness a performance; it will bear witness to history in the making, as the spirit of hiphop comes alive on its stage, in the form of the legendary Grandmaster Flash.

IN A WorLD grappling with the urgency of climate change and the imperative of energy conservation, companies like eco Home Insulation are leading the way, not just as businesses but as champions of a greener and more sustainable future.

Founded by Managing Director Daniel Marsden in 2018, Eco Home Insulation has become a beacon of hope for those grappling with skyrocketing household bills and the looming energy crisis.

The Silent Hero: Home Insulation

Home insulation may not be the flashiest topic, but its impact is nothing short of extraordinary. A well-insulated home acts as a thermal shield, keeping the indoor environment comfortable all year round. But the benefits extend far beyond mere comfort.

The foremost benefit of home insulation is its ability to significantly reduce energy consumption. By preventing heat from escaping during the winter and keeping cool air in during the summer, insulation reduces the need for constant heating and cooling leading to substantial energy savings and translating into lower energy bills.

Eco Home Insulation: A trusted partner

There is no denying that the cost of living has soared, and the energy crisis has left many families struggling to keep up with their bills. In response,

Daniel Marsden and his team at Eco Home Insulation are now committed to not just having a positive impact on the environment, but also helping their customers save money on their household bills through grant-funded insulation, heating, and renewable measures.

Eco Home Insulation is a shining example of a company that understands the intricate relationship between sustainable living and financial prudence. Their commitment to the environment and their customers is evident in every aspect of their work.

A Helping Hand in Tough Times

In an era where climate change is no longer a distant threat, but an immediate concern, Eco Home Insulation’s mission to reduce the carbon footprint remains steadfast. However, their expansion into providing financial relief couldn’t be timelier. The cost of living has placed immense pressure on households, and the energy crisis has created uncertainty.

Eco Home Insulation stands as a guiding light, offering a helping hand to those in need by making grant-funded insulation, heating, and renewable measures available to eligible customers via the ECO4 scheme. This initiative allows homeowners to improve their homes, reduce energy bills, and lower their carbon footprint at no cost. You can check your potential eligibility for these measures on Eco Home Insulation’s website at http://www.ecohomeinsulation.co.uk/

Angela Barnes to bring laughter to Milford Haven

THe TorCH THeATre prepares to host renowned British comedian Angela Barnes and her uproarious stand-up comedy show, ‘Hot Mess.’

Scheduled to run from Monday, November 13, 2023, this highly anticipated event promises an evening filled with laughter, wit, and a healthy dose of life lessons.

Angela Barnes, a familiar face from popular TV shows such as “Mock The Week,” “Live at the Apollo,” and “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown,” brings her unique blend of humour and storytelling to the Torch Theatre stage. Renowned for her down-to-earth and straight-talking style, Barnes is set to take the audience on

a rollercoaster ride through the challenges of trying to live one’s best life.

Described as a “gloriously down-to-earth, straighttalking and extremely funny comic” by The Guardian, Angela Barnes has garnered critical acclaim for her quick wit and relatable anecdotes.

The show promises a delightful mix of standup, stories, and jokes that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

Critics have showered ‘Hot Mess’ with praise, with One4Review awarding it a stellar five-star rating, hailing it as “thoroughly entertaining, well written, well balanced, quality entertainment.”

BroadwayBaby, impressed by Barnes’ performance,

praised her “well thought out, quick-fire one-liners” delivered with a “down-toearth and likeable stage persona,” earning the show a well-deserved four-star rating. EdFestMag also chimed in with a glowing review, highlighting the abundance of “great punchlines galore.”

However, it’s essential for attendees to note that ‘Hot Mess’ carries a strict 14+ age restriction due to its potential for swearing and adult content. Despite the adult nature of the material, Barnes’ comedic prowess lies in her ability to navigate these themes with finesse, offering a blend of hilarity and thought-provoking insights.

The Torch Theatre,

Angela Barnes’ ‘Hot Mess’ promises not only entertainment but also a chance to reflect on the trials and tribulations of modern life, all delivered with a healthy dose of laughter. Don’t miss your chance to witness this comedy sensation in action at the Torch Theatre starting from Monday, November 13, 2023. Prepare to be charmed, amused, and enlightened, as Angela Barnes takes Milford Haven on a side-splitting journey through life’s ‘Hot Mess.’

Haverfordwest’s Haverhub secures ‘Forever Home’

H AV er F or DW e ST ’ S

iconic old Post Office, a grade II listed building on Quay Street, has been given a new lease on life.

Haverhub, a community interest company, has acquired the historic site, marking the culmination of seven years of relentless dedication and unwavering community spirit.

The tale of transformation began in 2016 when visionary minds Gitti Coats and Jerry Evans set out to resurrect the derelict old Post Office into a multifaceted space for local residents. Their dream, shared by many in the community, was to create a hub where social, cultural, and regeneration opportunities could flourish.

Jerry Evans took a pivotal step in 2017 by purchasing the abandoned

building, ensuring that the seeds of their vision could finally be sown. His tenacity and commitment kept the project alive, safeguarding the heritage site until the day when it could be reclaimed by the community. That day arrived this week, as Haverhub secured funding from the Community Ownership Fund

to purchase the old Post Office, transforming it into a permanent community asset. This achievement not only preserves the historic charm of the building but also guarantees its future as a thriving community space, steered by the people of Haverfordwest.

Director and project founder, Gitti Coats,

expressed her elation, stating, “It’s a big day for all who’ve brought Haverhub to life, from ideas and dereliction to the current diverse and lively community hub seven years later.” She went on to extend her heartfelt gratitude to Jerry Evans, her steadfast companion in this journey, without whom the project might never have come to fruition.

Jerry Evans echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the overwhelming encouragement and support received from the local community. “We have been so thrilled at the generosity of people wanting to help the town create better opportunities for everyone,” he said. “We are happy to have brought a community together around the heritage and setting of the Quayside.”

Ghosts BBC1, 8.30pm

The final episode of the supernatural comedy sees Mike and Alison receive a life-changing offer beyond their wildest dreams. Still reeling from the news, and anxious to discuss it, they are interrupted by a heartbroken Obi, who has been suddenly dumped by a strangely callous Brenda. Alison and Mike agree to reconvene with lists of pros and cons.

Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2023 BBC1, 9pm Clare Balding presents from the Royal Albert Hall. As ever, the event will be paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and this year there is a special emphasis on the Battle of the Atlantic, and the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. Music comes from Mica Paris, Calum Scott, Colin Thackery, Alfie Boe and Katie Melua.

Richard Ayoade hosts, with guest panellists Jamie MacDonald and Steph McGovern.

9.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys. Newlyweds Dermot and Maria argue. Last in the series. (R)

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 The Graham Norton Show. 11.30 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. (R) 12.40 Survivor. (R) 1.40 BBC News.

6.30 Villages by the Sea. (R) 7.00 Homes Under the Hammer. (R)

8.00 Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics UK. 1.00 Impossible. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Mountain Vets. (R) 3.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown. (R) 4.15 World’s Busiest Railway 2015. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 5.30 Villages by the Sea. (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. Fleur East is on hand with more Strictly exclusives.

7.00 Hairy Bikers Short. The pair make a five-tier wedding cake. (R) 7.15 Scrum V Live. Cardiff v Bulls (Kick-off 7.35pm). All the action from the match in fourth round of United Rugby Championship fixtures at Cardiff Arms Park.

9.30 The Newsreader. The country is rocked by an unprecedented mass shooting in Clifton Hill in Melbourne.

10.25 The Fast and the Farmerish. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.05 Film: Pan’s Labyrinth. (2006) Period fantasy, starring Ivana Baquero.

12.55 Sign Zone: Panorama. (R) 1.25 The Crash Detectives. (R) 1.55 Saving Lives at Sea. (R) 2.55 Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. (R) 3.35 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase.

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather. 7.00 Coast & Country. Sean Fletcher and Ruth Dodsworth explore the Great Orme in Llandudno.

7.30 Emmerdale. Scrapyard problems come to light. Bernice is seemingly guarding a secret. Caleb is happy to mention he has rekindled things with Leyla.

8.00 Coronation Street. Paul gets a devastating update on his prognosis, Carla prioritises Peter over Underworld, and Gemma ignores Chesney’s wishes by keeping Joseph off school.

9.00 Backstage. A look back at the best bits from the last two years of the show.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather. 10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 The NFL Show. 11.40 The Voice UK. The return of the singing

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Y Sioe Fwyd. (R) 1.30 Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Prosiect Pum Mil. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 6.35 Bex. Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Yn y Lwp. 9.30 Wil, Aeron a’r Inca. (R) 10.45 Jason Mohammad: Stadiymau’r Byd. (R) 11.50 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier. (R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Renovation Nation. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

7.25 Survivor.

8.25

9.00 Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2023. His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla are joined by members of the Royal Family at the Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance from the Royal Albert Hall. Hosted by Clare Balding, music artists include Mica Paris, Calum Scott, Colin Thackery, Alfie Boe, Katie Melua, Sigma featuring Morgan, and 14-year-old opera singing sensation Malaki.

10.40 BBC News; Weather.

11.00 Match of the Day.

12.10 The Rap Game UK. (R) 1.05 Weather for the Week Ahead. 1.10 BBC News.

6.15 Hey Duggee. (R) 6.30 Supertato. (R) 6.35 Shaun the Sheep. (R) 6.50 Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed! (R) 7.05 Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese. (R) 7.15 Grizzy and the Lemmings. (R) 7.30 Pokemon: Sun and Moon – Ultra Legends. (R) 7.55 Deadly Mission Shark. (R) 8.20 Blue Peter. (R) 8.50 Newsround. 9.00 The Wild Gardener. (R) 10.00 Bear Family and Me. (R) 10.55 Two Minutes Silence. 11.05 My Million Pound Menu. (R) 12.05 Mary Makes It Easy. (R) 12.35 Film: A Matter of Life and Death. (1946) 2.20 A to Z of TV Gardening. (R) 2.35 Film: Planet of the Apes. (1968) 4.25 Wynne’s Welsh 70s. (R) 4.55 Monty Don’s American Gardens. (R) 5.55 Villages by the Sea. 6.25 Great Asian Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo travels from the imperial city of Hue to Halong Bay. (R) 7.25 Dolly Parton at the BBC. Archive performances by the country superstar. (R) 8.25 Dolly Parton: Here I Am. A profile of the American country star. (R) 9.55 Later... with Jools Holland. With Roisin Murphy, Nitin Sawhney, Tom Walker, Yussef Dayes, English Teacher and Suggs.

10.40 Dolly Parton at Glastonbury 2014. (R)

11.50 Film: Let It Snow. (2020) Premiere. Horror, starring Ivanna Sakhno.

1.15 Film: By the Grace of God. (2018) 3.25 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 7.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. (R) 9.25 ITV News.

9.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. 11.40 Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook. (R) 12.45 ITV News; Weather. 12.55 Film: The Scorpion King. (2002) 2.40 Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. (R) 4.00 ITV News; Weather. 4.15 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 4.25 Film: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (2005) Fantasy adventure, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson.

7.25 The Voice UK. Emma Willis hosts the spinning-chair singing contest, with AnneMarie, Olly Murs, Tom Jones and Will.i.am overseeing another round of blind auditions.

9.00 The 1% Club. Quiz, hosted by Lee Mack. (R) 9.55 ITV News; Weather.

10.10 Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad. The pair reach the final stop on their Latin America road trip as they arrive in Panama. Last in the series. (R) 10.35 Long Lost Family Special: The Unknown Soldiers. The search for the remains of soldiers killed during the First World War. (R)

11.50 English Football League Highlights. Action from the latest fixtures.

1.05 Catchphrase. (R) 1.40 The Switch. (R) 2.30 The Grave. (R) 3.35 Unwind. 5.05 James Martin’s French Adventure. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 8.05 Stwnsh Sadwrn: Larfa. 8.30 Dennis a Dannedd. (R) 9.10 Y Doniolis. (R) 9.25 Bwystfil. (R) 9.35 Cic. (R) 10.00 Efaciwîs. (R) 11.00 Y Pymtheg Olaf. (R) 12.00 Ffermio. (R) 12.30 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 1.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 2.00 Cynefin. (R) 3.00 Gwyl Cerdd Dant. 5.00 Clwb Rygbi. Scarlets v Emirates Lions (Kick-off 5.15pm). Live coverage of the United Rugby Championship match at Parc y Scarlets.

7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon. Weekend news and sport. 7.30 Gwyl Cerdd Dant. More competition from the Cerdd Dant Festival in Cardiff in the company of Nia Roberts, Heledd Cynwal and Elin Llwyd. It's a Festival with a young edge – and there will be four very large choirs of cerdd dant music singers competing for the main prize. 11.55 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.10 The King of Queens. (R) 7.00 Cheers. (R) 8.20 Frasier. (R) 10.20 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 11.45 The Simpsons. (R) 12.45 Four in a Bed. (R) 3.20 Film: Little Women. (2019) 5.55 Channel 4 News. 6.25 Fortress Britain with Alice Roberts. (R) 7.25 Film: Fisherman’s Friends. (2019) Comedy, starring James Purefoy. 9.35 Film: Terminator: Dark Fate. (2019) 12.00 Film: 2012. (2009) 2.40 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 3.30 Hollyoaks Omnibus. (R) 5.30 Strangers on a Plane. (R) 5.556.20 Cheers. (R)

6.00 Milkshake! 9.50 The Smurfs. (R) 10.15 Entertainment News. 10.35 Friends. (R) 12.05 Film: The Christmas Ball. (2020) 1.55 Film: How to Fall in Love at Christmas. (2023) 3.45 Film: Christmas on Candy Cane Lane. (2022) 5.35 The Battle of Britain: Minute by Minute. (R) 7.20 5 News Weekend. 7.25 Secrets of the Royal Palaces. stories of palace private life – and the moments the royals wish were private – beginning with the royal family’s race to be by Elizabeth II’s side in her final moments at Balmoral. 8.25 Britain’s Favourite 70s Toys. A countdown of the best toys of the decade, featuring a cast of experts, toymakers and manufacturers, as well as a smattering of famous faces and comedians. (R) 9.25 Adele: 30 Greatest Moments. A countdown of memorable events from the singer’s career, from the time the north London teenager first burst onto the scene in 2008 to the present day. (R) 11.25 ICC Cricket World Cup

Bill Bailey’s Australian Adventure Channel 4, 9pm

The comedian never seems to stop working. After finishing his recent UK tour, he jetted off to New Zealand to perform numerous gigs there. Now he’s back on the box. It’s a four-part series in which he explores diverse ecosystem of the vast state of Western Australia. As an animal lover, he’ll no doubt find the time to check out the wildlife en route too.

The Playboy Bunny Murder ITV1, 9pm Novelist and broadcaster

Marcel Theroux presents a two-part documentary which looks into a series of murders that have remained unsolved since the 1970s, including the death of Eve Stratford, a Playboy Bunny who aspired to be a famous model.

Marcel sets out to bring the past to life while asking if there are potentially more victims and if it's the women will finally get justice.

the prison.

10.10 BBC News; Weather.

10.35 BBC Wales Today; Weather. 10.40 Match of the Day 2. Action from the latest fixtures.

by Defenders. 1.15 Weather

6.20 Countryfile. (R) 7.20

Beechgrove Garden in Winter. (R)

7.50 Breakfast. 9.00 Weatherman Walking. 9.30 Landward. 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites. 11.30

Jimmy’s Food Factory. (R) 12.00 Hairy Bikers: Pies & Pasties. (R)

12.15 MOTD Live Women’s Super League. Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool (Kick-off 12.30pm). 2.45 Trampoline & Tumbling World Championships 2023. Coverage of day four. 5.00 Scrum V Sunday.

6.00 Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph. This morning’s national service of remembrance.

7.20 Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. The actress explores Mexico City’s history, food and culture.

8.00 Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration. A concert of themes old and new from the sci-fi show, recorded in Cardiff. (R)

9.30 Liz Bonnin’s Wild Caribbean. Liz explores the Central American coastline.

10.30 The Yorkshire Ripper Files: A Very British Crime Story. The arrest, trial and conviction of Peter Sutcliffe. Last in the series. (R) 11.30 The Secret Genius of Modern Life. The technology involved in the passport. (R) 12.30 Red Dwarf. (R) 1.00 Planet Earth: A Lion’s Tale. (R) 1.15 Sign Zone: Question Time. (R) 2.15 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. (R) 2.45 The Newsreader. (R) 3.35 This Is BBC Two.

6.45 Villages by the Sea. (R) 7.15 Bargain Hunt: Shakespeare Special. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: This Farming Life. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 The Boss. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Oceans. (R) 4.15

This Farming Life. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. With Toussaint Douglass, Mark Foster, Sheree Murphy and Sian Williams.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. Fleur East chats to the latest couple to leave the contest.

8.00 Wales’ Home of the Year. The judges assess three properties in the south west.

8.30 Countryfile. Groups taking part in the annual Children in Need Countryfile Rambles.

9.00 MasterChef: The Professionals. The final week of heats gets under way, with four more chefs aiming to impress.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Panorama.

11.10 Have I Got a Bit More News for You. Richard Ayoade takes up the reins as host, with panellists Jamie MacDonald and Steph McGovern. (R)

11.55 Would I Lie to You? (R)

12.25 Louis Theroux Interviews –Anthony Joshua. (R) 1.15 Blankety Blank. (R) 1.50 BBC News.

7.00 Between the Covers. With Adrian Edmondson, Annie Macmanus, Chris McCausland and Angela Barnes.

7.30 Mastermind. Specialist subjects include Peter the Great and Robert Harris’s Cicero Trilogy.

8.00 Only Connect.

8.30 University Challenge.

9.00 Simon Reeve’s Return to Cornwall. The explorer goes back to the county. (R)

10.00 Cunk on Earth. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Film: The Conversation. (1974) Thriller, starring Gene Hackman.

1.05 Sign Zone: Countryfile. (R)

2.00 Money for Nothing. (R) 2.45 Garden Rescue. (R) 3.30 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 James Martin’s French Adventure. (R) 7.00 Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South. (R) 7.25 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. (R) 9.25 ITV News. 9.30 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.

11.30 Fletchers’ Family Farm.

12.30 ITV News; Weather. 12.40 Film: Smallfoot. (2018) 2.30 Live Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union. Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs (Kick-off 3.00pm). 5.15 Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals. (R) 5.45 ITV News; Weather. 5.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

6.00 Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. The Sophies and Skys are paired up for the first time.

7.30 Welsh Lives. A look at the lives of the volunteers and players of the Barry Town Pan Disability Football team. 8.00 Three Little Birds. Leah and Hosanna race against the clock to save Chantrelle. 9.00 Six Four. Michelle returns to Scotland to help Chris search for Annabel. Last in the series.

10.00 ITV News; Weather.

10.20 Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight. (R) 11.15 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union Highlights. Action from the fifth round of fixtures.

12.20 English Football League Highlights. (R) 1.40 Catchphrase. (R) 2.15

6.00 Cyw. 8.50 Penblwyddi Cyw. 9.00 Y Siambr. (R) 10.00 Arfordir Cymru: Môn. (R) 10.30 Y Fets. (R) 11.25 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. (R) 11.55 Ffasiwn Drefn. (R) 12.20 Rygbi Pawb Uchafbwyntiau. (R) 1.00 Clwb Rygbi. Dragons v Leinster (Kick-off 1.15pm). 3.20 Mamwlad. (R) 3.50 Ffermio. (R) 4.25 Clwb Rygbi. 6.10 Pobol y Cwm Omnibws. (R) 7.15 Newyddion a Chwaraeon. 7.30 Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol. 8.00 Prosiect Pum Mil. 9.00 Owain Tudur Jones: Ar Faes y Gad. (R) 10.00 Drych: Meddwl yn Wahanol. (R) 11.00 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.20 Cheers. (R) 6.50 The King of Queens. (R) 7.40 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.30 The Simpsons. (R) 9.30 Sunday Brunch. 12.30 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders. (R) 12.40 The Simpsons. (R) 1.40 The Great British Bake Off. (R) 2.55 Film: Shrek Forever After. (2010) 4.45 Film: Peter Rabbit. (2018) 6.30 Channel 4 News. 7.00 World’s Greatest Train Journeys from Above. (R) 8.00 Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker. 9.00 Bill Bailey’s Australian Adventure. 10.00 Gogglebox. (R) 11.00 Dispatches. 12.15 Walter Presents:

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Bernice has vanished, leaving a trail of debt.

8.00 Coronation Street. Bernie dreads her punishment as she has her day in court.

9.00 The Playboy Bunny Murder. Marcel Theroux investigates the murders of four young women that have remained unsolved since the 1970s and reveals a dark and violent side of London's nightlife.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Sharp End. Political discussion presented by Rob Osborne.

11.45 Coast & Country. Sean Fletcher and Ruth Dodsworth explore the Great Orme in Llandudno. (R) 12.10 Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport. (R) 12.40 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite. (R) 2.20 Loose Women. (R) 3.05 For the Love of Paul O’Grady. (R) 3.55 Unwind. 5.10 Monster Carp. (R)

6.00 Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C. 12.05 Dau Gi Bach. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Adre. (R) 1.30 Cymry ar Gynfas. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C. 3.05 Dylan ar Daith. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Dan Do. (R) 6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R) 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. 8.25 Cais Quinnell. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Ffermio. 9.30 Sgorio. 10.00 Gwesty Aduniad. (R) 11.00 Pobol y Rhondda. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier. (R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 The Great House Giveaway. (R) 11.55 News. 12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. (R) 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 News. 7.55 Rory Peck Awards. 8.00 Air Fryers: Are They Worth It? (R) 9.00 24 Hours in Police Custody. (R) 10.00 999: On the Front Line. (R) 11.05 Dispatches. 12.10 Bangers: Mad For Cars. (R) 1.05 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 1.55 24 Hours in A&E. (R) 2.50 Grand Designs. (R) 3.45 Unreported World. (R) 4.10 Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.05-6.05 World’s Most Secret Hotels. (R) 6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30

Marcus

Secrets of the Aquarium BBC2, 8pm

If you’ve ever wondered how a shark is moved from one tank to another, or how many rays is too many for one aquarium, then a trip to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, may be in order. Marcus, the NMA’s new curator, attempts a high-risk move for a problem shark to the top of the aquarium. Star attraction Friday the turtle, suffers a nasty bite from a mystery tank mate.

Under the Hammer. (R) 12.15 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.00

BBC News at One; Weather. 1.30

BBC Wales Today; Weather. 1.45 Doctors. 2.15 The Bidding Room. (R) 3.00 Escape to the Country.

3.45 Antiques Road Trip. 4.30 The Repair Shop. (R) 5.15 Pointless.

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.

6.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

7.00 The One Show. With Lauren Laverne and Roman Kemp.

7.30 EastEnders. Harvey encourages Rocky to come clean about his involvement in the fire after Kathy is arrested and Phil worries Alfie will tell his secret.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals. Experienced chefs compete in the final heat of the competition.

9.00 The Met. Documentary following officers from London’s police force.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Paranormal: The Girl, the Ghost and the Gravestone. Multiple witnesses claim to see a hooded figure. (R)

11.10 Roman Kemp: The Fight for Young Lives. Efforts to improve support for people with mental health issues. (R)

12.10 Charlotte in Sunderland. (R)

12.40 Survivor. (R) 1.40 Weather for the Week Ahead. 1.45 BBC News.

Return to Lockerbie with Lorraine Kelly ITV1, 9pm Acting on a tip-off, TV-AM’s Scotland Correspondent

Lorraine Kelly was one of the first reporters to arrive on the scene of the Lockerbie disaster in 1988 before it was cordoned off. In this poignant film, she returns to the scene of the terror attack, which saw 270 people lose their lives, for the first time to try to understand what happened to Lockerbie and its people when the TV cameras left.

case in a sinister new direction.

10.00 BBC News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 BBC Wales Live. Weekly show featuring hard-hitting stories and in-depth interviews.

11.10 BBC New Comedy Awards. The remaining contestants compete in the final.

11.55 Game On! Children in Need. A celebration of all things gaming. (R)

1.55 BBC News.

6.20 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.05

Antiques Road Trip. (R) 7.50 Sign Zone: Expert Witness. (R) 8.20

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R) 8.50 Lifeline. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 The Boss. (R) 1.45 First Minister’s Questions. 2.45 Lightning. (R) 3.15 Oceans: The Southern Ocean. (R) 4.15 This Farming Life. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two.

7.00 This Farming Life. The Barclay boys and Rachel and Camy enter the Royal Highland Show. Last in the series.

8.00 Secrets of the Aquarium. New series. Behind the scenes at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth.

9.00 Louis Theroux Interviews –Pete Doherty. An encounter with the Libertines cofrontman.

9.45 Live at the Apollo. Comedy from Ria Lina, Lucy Beaumont and Josh Pugh.

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Film: Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. (2017) Romantic drama, starring Jamie Bell and Annette Bening.

12.55 Sign Zone: Clean It, Fix It. (R) 1.40 MasterChef: The Professionals. (R) 3.40 This Is BBC Two.

6.30 Escape to the Country. (R) 7.15 Antiques Road Trip. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Nadiya’s Simple Spices. (R) 8.30 Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 11.15 Politics Live. 1.00 The Boss. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Oceans: The Red Sea. (R) 4.15 This Farming Life. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Sheree Murphy, Toussaint Douglass, Mark Foster and Sian Williams take part.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two.

7.00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. With Samantha Fox and Sinitta.

8.00 The Secret Genius of Modern Life. The technology that goes into the modern vacuum cleaner.

9.00 Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius. A series of disasters throw Shakespeare’s life, purpose and family into chaos.

10.00 Upstart Crow. Will's new play goes missing. (R)

10.30 Newsnight.

11.10 Weather.

11.15 Unspun World with John Simpson.

11.45 Film: My Old Lady. (2014) Comedy drama, starring Maggie Smith.

1.25 Sign Zone: DNA Family Secrets. (R) 2.25 MasterChef: The Professionals. (R) 3.25 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning.

12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. Bernice tries to escape police involvement. 8.00 The Martin Lewis Money Show: Live. Live from Manchester, the money expert shares tips on how to celebrate Christmas without breaking the budget and how to get the best deals before Black Friday.

9.00 The

Italy: Secrets of the South. Gino D’Acampo explores Cisternino and the Itria valley. (R) 11.10 A Time to Die. (R) 12.35 The Switch. (R) 1.25 Cash Trapped. (R)

6.00 Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C. 12.05 Codi Pac. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 3 Lle. (R) 1.30 Ffermio. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C. 3.05 Y Fets. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. 6.00 Adre. (R) 6.30 Sgorio. (R) Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Gwesty Aduniad. 10.00 Rocco Schiavone. 11.05 Arfordir Cymru: Môn. (R) 11.40 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier. (R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 The Great House Giveaway. (R) 11.55 News. 12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. (R) 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 News. 7.55 Rory Peck Awards: Hunger-Stricken Families in Madagascar Forced to Sell Children. 8.00 The Great British Bake Off. 9.15 Banged Up. 10.15 Gogglebox. 11.20 UEFA European Qualifiers Preview. 11.55 Gogglebox. (R) 12.50 Ramsay’s Hotel

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R)

4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R) 6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.30 Emmerdale. The ruck between Billy and Aaron continues.

8.00 Coronation Street. Amy is arrested for criminal damage during an anti-spiking march.

9.00 Return to Lockerbie with Lorraine Kelly. The presenter returns to the scene of Europe's deadliest terror attack 35-years after Pan Am Flight 103 exploded mid-air killing 270 people in the small town of Lockerbie.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Peston. Political magazine show, hosted by Robert Peston.

11.40 A Time to Die. Exploring the current British law on assisted dying. (R) 1.00 Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace. (R) 1.50 Cash Trapped. (R) 2.40 Loose Women. (R) 3.25 After Lucy Letby: Silence on the Wards? Tonight. (R) 3.50 Unwind. 4.50 Masked Dancer. (R)

6.00 Cyw. 11.00 Dysgu Gyda Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C. 12.05 Colleen Ramsey: Bywyd a Bwyd. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Richard Holt: Yr Academi Felys. (R) 1.30 Cais Quinnell. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C. 3.05 Owain Tudur Jones: Ar Faes y Gad. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Arfordir Cymru: Môn. (R) 6.30 Rownd a Rownd. (R) 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Gogglebocs Cymru. 10.00 Prosiect Pum Mil. (R) 11.00 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 11.35 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier. (R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 Great House Giveaway. (R) 11.55 News. 12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Four in a Bed. (R) 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.00 News. 7.55 Rory Peck Awards. 8.00 Location, Location, Location. 9.00 Banged Up. 10.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (R) 11.05 Great British Bake Off. (R) 12.20 The Simpsons. 12.50 Taskmaster. (R) 1.45 First Dates Hotel. (R) 2.40 Hullraisers. (R) 3.30 Naked, Alone and Racing to Get Home. (R) 4.25 Britain’s Best Woodworker. (R) 5.20 Strangers on a Plane. (R) 5.45-6.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News. 1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: Dashing Home for Christmas. (2020) 3.15 Film: A Sugar and Spice Christmas. (2020) 5.00 5 News at 5. 6.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. Graeme meets a dog with severe separation anxiety and attachment issues. (R) 6.55

DIY SOS BBC1, 9pm Richie Anderson, Zoe Ball, Rev Kate Bottley, Scott Mills, Jeremy Vine and Owain Wyn Evans get their hands dirty to help out in this DIY SOS special. Nick Knowles and his team are in Risley, Derbyshire, where the Treetops Hospice has been delivering support and counselling for children and young people. However, the current setting is a little too clinical, so the team, local tradesmen and volunteers are pitching in to deliver a custom-made building.

Children in Need 2023 BBC1, 7pm The nights are drawing in, the clocks have gone back and the weather is, frankly, rubbish. When those three elements come together, it can only mean one thing –yes, it’s time for another edition of the annual charity juggernaut. Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey, Lenny Rush and Alex Scott are entrusted with keeping things running as smoothly as possible.

from Bridgwater,

6.30 Escape to the Country. (R)

7.15 Antiques Road Trip. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Big Little Journeys. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News. 12.15 Politics Live. 1.00 The Boss. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Oceans: Atlantic Ocean. (R) 4.15 This Farming Life. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R)

6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Toussaint Douglass, Mark Foster, Sheree Murphy and Sian Williams take part.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. Janette Manrara is back with more backstage gossip.

7.00 Villages by the Sea. Ben Robinson discovers the impressive lime kilns in Solva, Wales.

7.30 Mary Makes It Easy.

8.00 Saving Lives at Sea. The crew at Wick search to find a paddleboarder.

9.00 The Newsreader. A gossip columnist plans to expose Helen’s troubled past.

9.50 The Fast and the Farmerish. Bogmen and Determinators rev up against each other. (R)

10.00 Mock the Week. (R)

10.30 Newsnight. 11.10 Weather.

11.15 Liz Bonnin’s Wild Caribbean. (R) 12.15 Secrets of the Aquarium. (R)

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather. 2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R) 4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather. 7.30 Emmerdale. Rhona is shocked by the situation she finds herself in. Dawn has concerns. Chloe dreams while Mack machinates. 8.30 Wales This Week. Current affairs programme dedicated to discussing and investigating the stories and issues important to Wales and the Welsh.

9.00 Backstage. Nest Jenkins presents the arts programme showcasing the most exciting Welsh talent.

10.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.

10.30 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

10.45 Britain: On the Sick? Tonight. Adam Shaw finds out what is behind Britain’s sick note epidemic. 11.15 Inside M&S. 12.05 The Best of the 80s. (R) 12.20

6.00 Cyw. 12.00 Newyddion S4C. 12.05 Dim Byd i’w Wisgo. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Mamwlad. (R) 1.30 Pobol y Rhondda. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C. 3.05 Gwesty Aduniad. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. 6.00 Y Sioe Fwyd. (R) 6.30 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Pobol y Cwm. 8.25 Rownd a Rownd. 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Y Frwydr: Stori Anabledd. 10.00 Y Byd yn ei Le. 10.45 Bwmp. 11.00 Rygbi Pawb. 11.45 Diwedd. Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier. (R) 9.55

News at Ten.

10.30 BBC Wales Today; Weather.

10.40 Film: Pretty Woman. (1990) A millionaire businessman hires a prostitute for a week, and falls in love with her despite their many differences. Romantic comedy, Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy and Laura San Giacomo.

12.35 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. (R) 1.35 BBC News.

6.45 Villages by the Sea. (R) 7.15 Antiques Road Trip. (R) 8.00 Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. (R) 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 10.00 BBC News.

12.15 Politics UK. 1.00 The Boss. (R) 1.45 Lightning. (R) 2.15 Eat Well for Less? (R) 3.15 Oceans. (R) 4.15 This Farming Life. (R) 5.15 Flog It! (R) 6.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games. Sheree Murphy, Toussaint Douglass, Mark Foster and Sian Williams take part.

6.30 Strictly: It Takes Two. Janette Manrara is on hand with more Strictly exclusives.

7.00 Villages by the Sea. How Devonshire Beer stone was used for the Tower of London.

7.30 Scrum V Live. Zebre Parma v Cardiff (Kick-off 7.35pm).

9.30 The Newsreader. Geoff’s telethon is interrupted by a protest.

10.20 The Fast and the Farmerish. Teams from England and Wales rev up for a thrilling semi-final. (R)

10.30 Newsnight. 11.00 Weather.

11.05 The Secret Genius of Modern Life. The technology that goes into the modern vacuum cleaner. (R)

12.05 Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius. (R) 1.05 Sign Zone: Panorama. (R) 1.35 Saving Lives at Sea. (R) 2.35 Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. (R) 3.15 This Is BBC Two.

6.00 Good Morning Britain. 9.00 Lorraine. 10.00 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Men. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather. 1.55 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

2.00 James Martin’s American Adventure. (R) 3.00 Lingo. (R)

4.00 Tipping Point. (R) 5.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 ITV News Wales at Six; Weather.

6.30 ITV Evening News; Weather.

7.00 Coast & Country. Ruth Dodsworth and Sean Fletcher explore the wilds of the Cambrian Mountains.

7.30 Emmerdale. Pressure builds for Mack. Kim heads to see Cain. Jimmy and Nicola make secret plans.

8.00 Coronation Street. Sean puts a stop to Dylan and Mason’s vape enterprise, Jenny receives a sad update on the future of the Rovers.

9.00 Big Brother: Live Final. The rebooted reality show comes to an end with the final few housemates hoping they have what it takes to walk off with the £100,000 prize money. Last in the series.

10.30 ITV News; Weather.

11.00 ITV News Cymru Wales; Weather.

11.15 The NFL Show. Including action from Baltimore Ravens v Cincinnati Bengals.

12.10 The Voice UK. (R) 1.25 Cash Trapped. (R) 2.15 Loose Men. (R)

3.05 Angela Black. (R) 3.55 Unwind. 5.05 Made in Britain. (R)

6.00 Cyw. (R) 12.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 12.05 3 Lle. (R) 12.30 Heno. (R) 1.00 Y Sioe Fwyd. (R) 1.30 Sgwrs Dan y Lloer. (R) 2.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 2.05 Prynhawn Da. 3.00 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 3.05 Prosiect Pum Mil. (R) 4.00 Awr Fawr. (R) 5.00 Stwnsh. (R) 6.00 Cais Quinnell. (R) 6.35 Bex. Newyddion S4C. 7.00 Heno. 7.30 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 8.00 Mike Phillips: Croeso i Dubai. (R) 8.55 Newyddion S4C a’r Tywydd. 9.00 Lleisiau Eraill: Aberteifi 2023.

10.00 Sgorio Rhyngwladol: UEFA Euro 2024. 10.30 Jason Mohammad: Stadiymau’r Byd. (R) 11.35 Diwedd.

Channel 4: 6.05 Countdown. (R) 6.45 Cheers. (R) 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond. (R) 8.25 Frasier. (R) 9.55 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. (R) 10.55 The Great House Giveaway. (R) 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary. 12.00 Steph’s Packed Lunch. 2.10 Countdown. 3.00 A Place in the Sun. (R) 5.00 Help! We Bought a Village. 6.00 Channel 4 News. 7.00 Live England International Football. 10.00 Gogglebox. 11.05 The Last Leg. 12.10 England International Football. 1.05 Film: Pitch Perfect 3. (2017) 2.40 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. (R) 3.30 Come Dine with Me. (R) 5.40-6.05 Strangers on a Plane. (R)

6.00 Milkshake!: 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 Storm Huntley. 12.15 Alexis Conran. 12.50 Entertainment News. 12.55 5 News at Lunchtime. 1.00 Home and Away. (R) 1.30 Film: A Magical Christmas Story. (2022) 3.15 Film: The Christmas Stocking. (2022) 5.00

wiTH eddie THe game guru

LADIeS AND geNTLeMeN, gather ‘round, for in the enchanting realm of Park Beyond, you, yes you, are the visionary maestro orchestrating a symphony of amusement parks! Picture yourself as the Visioneer, a magical amalgamation of creator, manager, and designer, where every whimsical nuance of crafting, steering, and beautifying successful amusement parks dances under your command.

Let your imagination run rampant as the creative maestro of the park! Unleash your creativity by sculpting mind-bending loops and dizzying hoops for a coaster that defies gravity, beckoning daring teenagers to experience the thrill. Delve into the depths of excitement with exhilarating flat rides that entice the adventurous souls, or sprinkle the park with delightful, charming rides tailored for families. But wait, there’s more! Elevate your park to unimaginable heights with extraordinary modules, infusing your creation with a distinctive flair that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.

But that’s not all, my friends! You

possess the power to mold the world to your whims using terraforming tools, shaping majestic mountains for your coasters to conquer or crafting bespoke ride scenery with the versatile modular building system, a canvas upon which your creativity knows no bounds. Group, save, duplicate – the world is your vibrant playground!

In your role as the park manager, discover the art of catering to diverse audiences. Perfect your ride placements, set prices, and curate shops that resonate with every visitor. Your specialized staff, handpicked and directed by your genius, will ensure guests are treated like royalty. Dive deep into the intricate web of visitor enjoyment using potent heatmap tools, allowing you to finetune their experience to perfection.

And now, dear dreamweavers, as the park’s lead designer, you’re bestowed with boundless freedom to customize every nook and cranny of your domain. Adorn your park, carve out themed realms, and relish the limitless panorama of creativity. Design a haven where visitors saunter along graceful paths, immersed in

playful wonderlands brought to life by the myriad themed scenery props at your fingertips.

Embark on your journey in Campaign Mode, where Cloudstormer colleagues, seasoned in the art of amusement, guide your novice steps. Are you more the Creator, sculpting worlds from the ether, or the Manager, orchestrating the symphony of guest satisfaction? Together, you’ll revive parks in need, thwart the sinister schemes of Cloudstormer’s archnemesis, Hemlock, and emerge victorious!

Yet, if you crave absolute freedom, Sandbox Mode beckons. Tailor your experience to your desires, abolishing constraints with infinite riches or intensify the challenge by limiting your resources. Become the true theme park tycoon, where your decisions shape the destiny of your creation.

So, my fellow dreamers, venture forth into Park Beyond today. Whether you’re a visionary, a maverick manager, or a creative virtuoso, this, my friends, will be a theme park odyssey etched in the annals of your imagination!

Spotlight on Best Pet Competition sponsors

We have had a fantastic response so far for our Pet Competition, thank you to all our entries so far. We are loving watching videos and looking at pictures of your beloved pets and hearing what makes them the best!

There is still time to enter, and there are some amazing prizes to be won, kindly sponsored by Cys Ci Luxury Dog Retreat, Tidy Dog Grooming and Spa Ltd Haverfordwest & The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery.

Pictures and videos will be available on our website from the 10th of December, so our readers and followers can vote for their favourite.

Send an email to jess@ herald.email to enter your little darling - applications accepted up until the 1st of December!

Cys Ci Luxury Dog Retreat

Cys Ci Luxury Dog Retreat believes in replicating the comforts of home for every canine guest. As

passionate dog owners, they recognize each pet’s unique needs, ensuring tailored experiences from dietary to emotional care.

At Cys Ci, dogs aren’t just guests – they’re family. Ensuring companionship and engagement, their attentive staff offer multiple daily walks, enriching activities with toys like KONGs and Lickimats, and stimulating scent games. Socialization and playtime are at the heart of their philosophy, because a contented dog makes for a delighted owner.

Nestled amidst 30 acres of beautiful Ceredigion countryside, their retreat boasts both security and serenity, just moments away from stunning beaches like Penbryn and Tresaith. Our 4-acre enclosed exercise fields cater to every dog temperament, whether they’re outgoing or more reserved. Additional amenities include an all-weather Astroturf shelter and convenient

wash facilities, with exciting expansions like professional grooming and on-site dog photography on the horizon.

Considering a stay for your pup? Reach out for a retreat tour to see why Cys Ci is the luxury choice for discerning dog owners. https://www.cysci.co.uk/

And we’re excited to announce: Cys Ci is proudly sponsoring The Pembrokeshire Herald’s Top Pet competition! Stay tuned for updates on our website and social channels.

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery

Step into Pembrokeshire

Pet Bakery, and you’re immediately welcomed by the heart-warming aroma of vegan pet treats freshly baked on-site. Their open kitchen often bustles with the crafting of doggy delicacies, from Dog-nuts and Woofles to an array of 20+ healthboosting biscuits.

While dogs get to indulge in these unique treats,

their human companions aren’t forgotten. The café serves rich coffee and scrumptious homemade cakes, ensuring everyone’s palate is pampered. Beyond edibles, the shop also boasts vegan dog shampoos by Narberth Soap Co and chic pet accessories by Pembs Pooches. And for the feline fans, they’ve got cat treats with more goodies for horses and birds on the horizon!

https://www.petbakery.uk/

Excitingly, Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery is the proud sponsor of the Top Pet competition. The winning pet’s owner will savour coffee and cake at their Quay Street café, while the triumphant pet enjoys a delightful prize package of pup cake, puppacino, and doggy wine. Cheers to that!

Tidy Dog Spa

Nestled within the vibrant Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest, Tidy Dog Spa has established itself as

a beacon of luxury and care for our furry companions. Renowned for their topnotch, full-service pet spa, the salon is specially designed to accommodate up to three dog households simultaneously without any mix, ensuring utmost safety and individual attention for each pet.

Deeply rooted in the belief that every pet deserves individualized care, Tidy Dog Spa operates on a 1-1 basis, avoiding the use of crates and allowing pets to build a trusting relationship with their groomer. Their team of three dedicated groomers work diligently to maintain consistency, ensuring the same groomer tends to the same dog, whenever possible. This approach proves invaluable for pets, especially those who might be a little shy or apprehensive, helping them ease into their grooming routines seamlessly.

Tidy Dog Spa spends quality time during the initial consultation to

understand every pet’s unique requirement, from coat condition and behaviour to lifestyle. After an in-depth discussion with pet parents about maintenance and style preferences, they curate the perfect grooming package, replete with tailored products and schedules. Their flexible appointment options cater to diverse lifestyles, ensuring convenience for all. For those keen on exploring their diverse services, do visit the ‘Tidy Dog -Services’ tab for a comprehensive list. And as a token of appreciation, they’re offering a 50% discount on your next grooming session when you refer a friend. https://tidydoggrooming. co.uk/

We’re thrilled to announce that Tidy Dog Spa is the generous sponsor for The Pembrokeshire Herald’s Top Pet competition. Join us in celebrating this partnership and don’t miss the chance to treat your pet to an unmatched spa day!

Learn from nature and secure your future with a solar power system

one of the most common reactions we have from the general public when enquiring about solar power system is cautious curiosity.

They may have already heard basic soundbites about the benefits of solar, that it is a virtuous investment, it’s good for the environment and will save costs in the long term, but how do they choose what is the right system for their

needs? What pitfalls can they avoid and as it’s a considerable investment, are they at risk of making a costly mistake?

Let us reassure you that investing in a solar system supplied by a qualified registered, installer is a very low risk undertaking that is protected and governed by regulation. Choose a Solar provider who is registered with MCS – the industry authority who has very stringent compliance to ensure all installers meet their exacting standards and financial regulation.

Naturally, West Wales based Celtic Green Energy meet these requirements and as one of Wales leading renewable energy specialists, have been providing naturally affordable energy solutions the region for the last decade.

I S M y PROPERT y

S u ITABLE FOR S OLAR ?

In the first instance, everyone who uses electricity may be able to have a solar system, however, due to the size constraints of large solar panels, not all properties may be suitable. If you don’t have enough roof space, the roof is in poor condition or your roof is permanently in shadow, a Solar install may not be appropriate. As these are large installations, you need to own the property, however, if you rent your property, you would need to seek the landlord’s permission to have an installation fitted.

W HAT CAN I u SE S OLAR POWER FOR ?

Anything that has an electric plug can be powered by solar power! When the sun shines during the day, electricity is generated by the solar PV panels – even on a cloudy day! You can use your kitchen appliances such

as kettles, microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators whilst you relax watching daytime TV. If the solar power is insufficient to power these appliances, your alternative power source from the national grid will kick in at the usual tariff charge. Needless to say, the more solar panels you have, the more electricity you generate, the less you are dependent on the national grid and the more you save.

W HERE DO I START ?

A good starting point to find a suitable installer is to check out the MCS website for a list of regional registered approved businesses (available here.) or by asking your neighbour who they used and were they happy with the service. A quick phone call will offer you a rough price guide, but a site survey will be needed to ascertain the best system for your needs. At Celtic Green Energy, we have a free Energy Helpline where customers can phone in to discuss their needs in detail. As every property owner has differing criteria from building type, location, environment, living conditions, energy behaviours to monthly consumption – a bespoke Solar system will need to be designed to satisfy these particular constraints. An initial phone call will arrange a no-obligation free site survey when we will be able to advise you on your ideal system.

W HAT DO I NEED ?

The Renewable Energy surveyor will discuss your usage needs and address your concerns with the most appropriate system for your requirements. Your current energy consumption is always

a good starting point, so a solar system will be proposed to match this precedent. There are a variety of solar panel options available – mostly roof mounted, but if roof space is a problem and there is spare land, a ground mount system could be considered. You can also choose to have stylish in-roof panels, all black or bezel edge finishes.

If you use a lot of your energy after daytime, a solar battery system should be considered where you can use solar energy at night. There are a great selection of solar batteries available on the market varying in performance, capacity, longevity and price. When choosing a suitable battery, go for the best performance at the best price, but make sure it has a good warranty – some are only 2-3 years, others are up to 10 years.

Remember that Solar Power system is a great source of free electricity for other applications such as powering Air Source Heat Pumps, underfloor heating, electric immersion water heaters and charging electric vehicles. What are normally energy hungry products can be powered for free. Ask the energy advisor about the best product solutions for your requirements.

W HAT ABO u T COSTS ?

Installing a renewable energy system may be a significant upfront cost, but should be considered a long term investment that will secure your future energy needs without the fear of continually rising energy costs. Remember that during the energy crisis of 2022, a number of successful family businesses such as bakers and butchers went out of business simply because they

were faced with astronomical electricity bills after coming out of fixed price energy contracts.

Unlike the purchase of a car, a solar system will add worth to your property and help values appreciate over time. Most systems are staged payments and only paid for in full after completion. Depending on your location, industry sector or if you are a private resident, grant funding is often available to help with the installation of renewable energy systems. Your energy provider will be able to advise you what’s available at the prevailing time.

Su M u P

With the rising uncertainty of energy prices, the Solar Power industry is seeing a mass of interest in their products, but met with profound confusion from the general public. There is widespread competition amongst energy installers offering attractive low cost options and undercutting tactics, but make sure your installer is registered and complicit with industry standards. Thankfully Celtic Green Energy are well established with a formidable reputation for quality and service. they have a particularly good reputation of understanding their products and helping advise customers on the most appropriate choice for their needs, aspirations and budget to provide them with long term fuel security. If you would like to know more about having solar power system installed, you can call their energy help line 01269 500388 or learn more and visit their website here. Here’s to brighter tomorrows and sunnier savings!

Prosiect Cymru-Lloegr newydd i adfer natur a rhoi hwb i ffyniant gwledig

MAE grŵp o Ymddiriedolaethau

Natur yn wedi lansio gororau gwylltach –prosiect uchelgeisiol i adfer natur ar draws dwy wlad, pedair sir a thri phrif dalgylch afon.

Nod

Ymddiriedolaethau

Natur Swydd Amwythig, Swydd Henffordd, Sir Drefaldwyn a Sir Faesyfed ydy creu ac adfer cynefinoedd ledled rhanbarth hanesyddol ac arbennig y Gororau.

Mae ‘Gororau Gwylltach’ yn disgrifio tirwedd naturiol a diwylliannol unigryw o boptu i’r ffin rhwng Cymru a Lloegr ac mae’n cynnwys blaenddyfroedd Afon Llugwy, Afon Tefeidiad ac Afon Clun.

Yn ymestyn dros ryw 100,000 hectar, mae’r ardal yn gartref i gymunedau gwledig sydd wedi hen sefydlu ac mae’n frith o goetiroedd hynafol, rhostiroedd a mawndiroedd, dolydd llawn blodau, porfeydd coediog a ffriddoedd, sef cynefin ucheldirol arbennig o brysgwydd a glaswelltir.

Mae gan y Gororau hefyd ardaloedd o ffermio dwys yn ogystal â phlanhigfeydd coedwig lle mae byd natur yn ei chael hi’n anodd ffynnu.

Nod menter Gororau Gwylltach ydy galluogi rhwydwaith o ystadau, ffermydd, coedwigoedd, gwarchodfeydd natur a thiroedd comin i helpu natur i ffynnu unwaith eto.

Oherwydd eu lleoliad daearyddol, mae gan y Gororau ran hanfodol i’w chwarae mewn storio dŵr, sicrhau cadernid ecolegol a lliniaru effeithiau’r argyfyngau o ran yr hinsawdd a natur.

Mae’r diwygio presennol i gymorthdaliadau ffermio wedi cyflwyno cyfle i ddatblygu modelau busnes newydd a fydd yn helpu i gynnal incymau ffermydd yn ogystal â chaniatáu adfer natur ledled y dirwedd amaethyddol. Gan weithio gyda

chymunedau lleol a thirfeddianwyr, bydd menter Gororau

Gwylltach:

• yn adfer ac yn creu cynefinoedd sydd wedi’u colli, gan gynnwys mawndiroedd, coetiroedd brodorol a glaswelltir

• yn ailsefydlu prosesau naturiol ar draws sianeli afonydd, gorlifdiroedd a

gwlyptiroedd i helpu i leihau’r risg o lifogydd a gwella ansawdd dŵr

• yn amddiffyn, yn ehangu ac yn hybu cadarnleoedd rhywogaethau prin sydd ar ôl, fel y bele, y gylfinir a’r gragen las berlog dŵr croyw

• yn creu ‘tirweddau buddsoddadwy’ a fydd yn cysylltu tirfeddianwyr a ffermwyr â

datblygu yn Ymddiriedolaeth Natur

Sir Amwythig: “Dydy natur ddim yn glynu at ffiniau gwledydd neu siroedd a dyna pam y mae gweithio ar raddfa tirwedd yn y Gororau mor gyffrous i ni.

“Efallai fod y rhanbarth yn rhan o Sir Drefaldwyn, Sir Faesyfed, Swydd Henffordd a Swydd Amwythig, ond un tirwedd sydd yma ac mae’n haeddu cael ei hamddiffyn â naws ddofn am le.

“O ystyried y dreftadaeth ddiwylliannol y mae cymunedau’r Gororau’n ei rhannu, fel pedair Ymddiriedolaeth Natur leol, mae gennym ni gyfle gwych i weithio gyda phobl leol, tirfeddianwyr, ffermwyr a chyrff anllywodraethol i nodi ardaloedd o bwysigrwydd strategol a chyfleoedd a fydd o fudd i gynefinoedd, bywyd gwyllt a phobl.” Meddai Iolo Williams, cyflwynydd rhaglenni bywyd gwyllt ar y teledu a’r is-lywydd ar gyfer yr Ymddiriedolaethau

Natur: “Mae’r Gororau wrth fy modd ac mae’r prosiect newydd cyffrous yma’n cynnig cyfle gwych i adfer y dirwedd hon oedd unwaith yn doreithiog ar hyd y ffin rhwng Cymru a Lloegr.

chyfleoedd cyllid gwyrdd a ddaw i’r fei i helpu i greu ffrydiau incwm hyfyw ar gyfer yr economi wledig

• yn annog ffermio atgynhyrchiol, gan gynnwys pori er cadwraeth gyda bridiau brodorol

• yn hybu ac yn datblygu cynhyrchu bwyd cynaliadwy lleol

Meddai Helen O’Connor, pennaeth

“Buaswn i’n hoffi’n fawr gweld caeau’r Gororau yn llawn rhywogaethau fel y gylfinir, y gornchwiglen a’r bras melyn, pyllau dŵr wedi’u llenwi â madfallod dŵr a llyffaint, a dolydd gwair llawn blodau gyda phryfed yn sïo o’u cwmpas unwaith eto.

“Yng Nghymru, rydyn ni wedi colli adar eiconig fel yr eos a bras yr ŷd – ac mae llygoden bengron y dŵr nawr wedi’i chyfyngu i ychydig o safleoedd yma ac acw ac maen nhw’n bendant ar drengi.

“Mae Gororau Gwylltach yn rhoi gweledigaeth i ni i helpu natur sydd mewn argyfwng a dwi’n annog pawb i gefnogi’r fenter yma.”

New stats show lift in sheep export volumes

Increases in both sheep export tonnages and lamb domestic consumer sales volumes help form a positive set of headlines within the latest round of red meat industry statistics.

However, a number of factors continue to impact on the UK sheep sector during 2023 – including elevated farm input costs, inflationary pressures on red meat consumers, and weather impacting grass growing conditions, reports the latest edition of Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) Market Bulletin report.

It says that, on the export front, the latest trade data from HMRC indicates fresh/frozen sheep meat exported during August totalled 6,400 tonnes – an eight per cent increase on the year. Volumes of sheep meat exported overall during the eight-month period are up ten per cent on the year, with 94 per cent of the total volume destined for the EU.

“Some EU countries are indicating declines in their domestic production, which could

well benefit UK exports, along with much of New Zealand’s exported product continuing to be sent to China,” writes Glesni Phillips, HCC’s Intelligence, Analysis & Business Insight Executive.

At home, lamb producer prices have stabilised and are now recording higher than both year-earlier and fiveyear averages, “Lamb liveweight prices in Wales have been volatile during the year to date but reached a new high of 356.8p/kg for new season lambs during the end of May. They have since stabilised somewhat but are now recording higher

than both year-earlier levels and the five-year average,” said Glesni.

She observed grocery price Inflation was falling but remained historically high. “As a result, consumers continue to experience higher prices at retail and therefore continue to look for ways to manage their budgets. We have seen average prices for lamb in British retail record notable increases for the last 18-months or so. For example, during the four weeks ending 1st October 2023, the average price of lamb at retail was £12.24/kg – a 21 per cent increase on the corresponding period in 2020 where the average

stood at £10.10/kg.”

Glesni said this puts pressure on the spending power of consumers “yet data from consumer specialists Kantar for the latest 12-week period to 1st October does reveal that the volume of lamb sold was two per cent higher on the year, driven by a five per cent increase in the number of buyers. It would seem shoppers are returning to lamb despite the higher prices, and perhaps they are now eating lamb as an occasional treat.”

Volumes of fresh/ frozen sheep meat imported so far in 2023 are down 24 per cent on the year to 33,000 tonnes.

“It should be noted that volumes imported in August alone however did experience a notable year-on-year increase of over thirty per cent for the first time this year. This is due to higher volumes of Australian lamb being produced and exported following pressures on their farmgate prices,” said Glesni.

Market Bulletin reports sheep throughput is 1.5 per cent higher than yearearlier levels at 10.2 million head. The throughput of both lambs and adult sheep are drivers behind this increase – with lambs up 1.2 per cent following peaks in March, June and August this year. Following a higher carryover of old season lambs into 2023, this was to be expected. Despite overall higher numbers being processed at UK abattoirs, the volume of sheep meat produced on the domestic market for the year to date currently stands one per cent below year-earlier levels at 210,000 tonnes. Market Bulletin says this is due to lighter carcases being presented at UK abattoirs – for both lambs and adult sheep.

Net zero doesn’t have to mean empty cupboards

A DAIrY farmer from North Wales has raised his concern for the industry with leader of Plaid Cymru rhun ap Iorwerth and North Wales regional Member of the Senedd Llyr gruffydd at a recent farm visit, saying that net zero targets don’t have to mean empty cupboards.

Dei Davies farms along with his wife Heulwen and son Rhys, around 100 acres at Moor Farm, Holywell, a county council dairy holding on rent on a 15 year tenancy on 73 acres, with 27 owned, and a further 100 acres as temporary rented land for silage and grazing. 120 milking cows , about 80 young stock, spring

calving system.

Hot topics covered during the farm visit included the Control of Agriculture Pollution Regulations, the Habitat Wales Scheme, the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals and bovine TB.

Speaking after the visit, Dai Davies said: “Our fear is that tree planting targets and the Control of Agriculture

Pollution Regulations mean that we will have to reduce stocking rates. That would mean we’d be looking at milking about 60 cows only. We’d have to reduce the heifers for sure. In effect that would mean we’re less profitable because of the reduced income. Put that across all of Wales and the Welsh dairy industry would only lose ⅓ of milk production.

“All that money the Welsh Government has invested in dairies such as Mona dairies and Pembrokeshire Creamery are wasted if we can’t keep them going with milk.

Reduced stocking rates and lost income, means people will go out of business. If they get it wrong now, you can’t fix it after.Net zero ambitions don’t have to mean empty cupboards if we get it right.”

Discussing the Control of Agriculture Pollution Regulations, Mr Davies told Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llyr Gruffydd that the planning system in place doesn’t allow farmers to move at a pace that keeps them in line with

the regulations.

“The planning system doesn’t work and it takes far too long. From getting a quote for having a new slurry system built, to actually getting the right permissions, the quotes are out of date and double.

“For this to work, we need to look at the closed period and do what farmers have done for centuries - look at the weather. If the forecast is unsuitable we must work with that. The technology is there to support data driven decision making. We shouldn’t be farming by calendar.”

Addressing the issue of bovine TB he said:

“Bovine Tb is obviously a massive concern for all of us.

We’re a clean herd here, despite being in an intermediate area. We never had bovine tb and are lucky for now. If it comes, it will be a disaster but there’s not much we can do about it. As we’re grazing farm, if our badgers become unwell we’ll know about it.”

FUW deputy president Dai Miles said:

“It was good to discuss some of the very big challenges with our elected politicians. Farmers, from all sectors, are facing so many challenges and we need the Welsh Government to support us for the sake of our countryside, family farms, the economy and of course food security.”

Sustainable Agriculture Award winners announced

CLIVe Swan and family from Ffrith Farm, Mold, have been announced as the winners of this year’s NFu Cymru / Wynnstay Sustainable Agriculture Award.

The award, which was first presented in 2019, recognises a commitment to the economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing of Wales.

During a presentation at the NFU Cymru conference today (Thursday 2nd November), Clive and his son Ed were presented with a prize of £500 and a Welsh slate engraved barometer.

The Swans farm in the fertile fields of Mold, north-east Wales, is home to a 150-beef cattle herd. Having started with two pigs in 2010, they now have over 100 and also run a flock of freerange hens. All of these animals supply their bustling farm shop which the family, made up of Clive, wife Gail, son Ed and daughter Rebecca, opened in March 2003.

They pride themselves on offering a fine food shopping experience with exceptional home produced and locally produced food. The Swan family have farmed the 200 acres since 1980 and their emphasis has always been on minimum food miles and traceability.

Since joining the business full time in December 2021, Clive and Gail’s son Ed has been committed to taking the farm and shop to the next level by focusing on sustainability and their environmental impact.

It’s not ‘just a farm shop’, the Swans now have a farm-to-shop-trail to educate members of the public where people can walk around the farm and see the free-range pigs, the beef suckler herd, free range hens, honeybees and barley and wheat growing in the fields. Ed has also branched out into growing pumpkins and sunflowers which are extremely popular with the general public.

They host regular farm

tours and educational visits for children, the WI, Scouts and local community groups. For some locals, a visit to the farm shop is their weekly interaction with other people and it is also a safe place for members of the local community to go to when they are struggling, and the family offer a warm welcome and a listening ear.

Hedd Pugh, NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board Chairman, one of the judges for the award, said: “I’d like to congratulate the Swan family on winning this award. It’s great to see the farm running alongside the shop and how they’ve managed to integrate the two businesses and involve customers in the whole process from farm to fork.

y products whilst maintaining, protecting and enhancing the environment makes the Swans a fantastic example of how productive, efficient food production, environmental management and climate change mitigation

measures can go hand in hand.

“The wide and varied roles that their family play in the rural community, in education and their interaction with the general public makes them a true Sustainable Agriculture Champion, a shining example of the contribution that Welsh farmers make to the economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing of Wales.”

Bryn Hughes, National Sheep & Beef Specialist at Wynnstay, who also judged the award said: “Wynnstay are very pleased to be sponsors of the Sustainable Agriculture award. The standard of entries and the finalists for this year’s award show the quality and diversity of our faming across Wales. In an ever-changing economic and political environment, sustainable agriculture is key to the long-term prosperity of our farm businesses and to underpinning a thriving agri-food supply chain in Wales.”

every year the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SoFI) report presents updated estimates to monitor progress toward Sustainable Development goals (SDg) Target 2.1: to end hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. It’s not a target many would argue with, and the most recent numbers show us that global hunger, measured by the prevalence of undernourishment, remained relatively unchanged from 2021 to 2022.

However they are still far above preCOVID-19-pandemic levels, affecting around 9.2 percent of the world population in 2022 compared with 7.9 percent in 2019. That means that an estimated 691783 million people in the world faced hunger in 2022 and almost 600 million people are projected to be chronically undernourished in 2030.

In addition, whilst the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity remained unchanged at the global level for the second year in a row, there were still 2.4 billion people moderately or severely food insecure in 2022. That’s 391 million more than in 2019.

Whilst we might think that moderate or severe food insecurity

would see worsening food insecurity levels in Africa, and parts of the global southEurope, isn’t a continent many would expect to find within the context of a conversation around food insecurity. However, a closer look at home highlights a worrying trend. The latest report by the Trussell trust, examining hunger in Wales, highlighted that one in five people face hunger because they haven’t got enough money to buy food.

39 percent of all households referred to food banks in the Trussell Trust network in Wales are living with children under the age of 16. With that in mind, we applaud the Welsh Government for their commitment that all primary school children in Wales will get free school meals by 2024. However, whilst that goes some way to helping primary school children from next year, it does little to alleviate the stress and anxiety families in Wales experience now.

We know that hardship on this scale isn’t the end of the story either. People facing hunger are more likely to be affected by social isolation and loneliness, spiralling debt, and a decline in physical and mental health.

As a society, we must do better. Our Governments must do better and farming is here to support those efforts.

Demand for exemption information grows as XL bully ban looms

THe BLue CroSS pet charity is calling on Defra to release information and access

to the ‘exemption portal’ following its announcement of plans to ban XL bully

type dogs by the end of the year. owners have been given just 12 weeks to register their dogs and secure an exemption certificate, but the government has failed to explain and provide clarity on how owners can take action to exempt their pets within the very limited timeframe and a deadline of 1 February 2024.

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross said: “To announce the ban as coming into force without advice for those owners of well behaved and much-loved pets in how they take action as soon as possible to register their dogs as exempt, is incredibly alarming and unfair. The Government has put a huge amount of anxiety and stress on owners

of the types of dogs that could be caught up in the ban under the very wide breed type definition provided.”

The Government has advised owners to ensure their dog is microchipped (already a legal requirement for all dogs), neutered as soon as possible, kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public. The advice is then to apply for a certificate of exemption, however details of how to register are still not in place and there is currently no time frame on when the online registration portal will be available. The cost to register will be £92.40 per dog.

Becky continued: “It has already been over a week since the Government released their definition of the type of dogs that may

come under the ban but owners still lack the important details of how they can get their dogs exempted. For thousands of worried owners the clock is ticking, as from 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL bully type unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs.”

Blue Cross is urging animal lovers to write to their MP and express their concerns around the impact this ban is going to have on responsible pet owners, animal welfare charities and the veterinary sector and ask the Government to give this legislation the scrutiny and overhaul it deserves.

Find your local MP and download the template letter here https://www.bluecross. org.uk/XLbullyMP

Success for new Media Festival

THe second International Media Festival of Wales (IMFW) took place at university of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (uWTSD) Yr egin building in Carmarthen last week, to celebrate and elevate local and international media talent.

The festival, only in its second year and run by UWTSD Filmmaking Lecturer Brett Aggersberg, included a variety of submission categories, including Drone, Adventure, Animation, and Virtual Reality, among others.

The Festival received submissions from countries including France, the United States, Kuwait, China, and New Zealand, as well as a large amount of films by UWTSD students and members of the local south Wales media industry.

Winners were announced at an awards

ceremony on Tuesday 24th October 2023 at Yr Egin, with entertainment from The Hepburns and sponsorship from local rum brand Barti Ddu.

Brett Aggersberg, UWTSD Film Lecturer and organiser of the event said: “The International media Festival of Wales is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the cuttingedge technology and techniques film makers and content creators are using to tell their story.

“The festival has grown since last year and promises to get even bigger. With major companies such as Panasonic Lumix, Format Hi-Tech, and Tokina cinema lenses, as well as local companies such as Carmarthen Cameras and Wales Interactive, supporting the event, it shows the world the innovation taking place in Wales, and celebrates the common passion to

tell stories. Judges were particularly impressed with the quality of submissions from young local film makers.”

Rhys Cannon, who graduated from BA Filmmaking at UWTSD last academic year, won the Television category for his short Horror film ‘The Pit’ which was shot in Wales. Rhys said: “I am extremely grateful for this award, and to have been featured in this innovative and progressive festival.

“‘The Pit’ was a collaborative project between myself and other Filmmaking students, as well as students from other Creative Carmarthen courses. This award serves as recognition for everyone’s efforts, and a proud moment for me in my time at UWTSD.”

During the same week, the host venue Canolfan S4C Yr Egin celebrated 5 years as a vibrant cultural

venue, business and creative hub. The iconic building on UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus provides a focal point for the creative community

as well as for diverse communities across the region, and is the headquarters of Welsh medium television channel, S4C.

New Careers Initiative to SPARC Female Interest

Pe MB ro K e SHI re is on the cusp of a transformative energy revolution, poised to reshape not only the local employment landscape but also extend its influence far beyond its borders. As we embark on this exciting journey towards a sustainable future, green energy skills clusters are forecasting a remarkable surge in local employment opportunities in south west Wales.

The Port of Milford Haven projects the current energy sector surrounding the Waterway could support 8,000 Welsh jobs by 2030, with plans for Celtic Sea floating offshore wind having the potential to create 10,000 new jobs across the region by 2050. If this generational opportunity is to be realised educators and training providers will play a pivotal role in preparing learners.

These opportunities

also bring challenges, as the demand for skilled workers will be more than Pembrokeshire can supply. Females are still hugely underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) based industries and gender disparity continues to perpetuate stereotyping and contributes to the UK gender pay gap. In response to these issues

RWE Renewables, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Port of Milford Haven and Ledwood Engineering have joined forces to collaborate with Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College to create a careers initiative called SPARC, helping to inspire a new and more diverse workforce in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said:

“It’s important we inspire young people to develop their STEM skills and consider future careers in renewable energy.

Women are underrepresented in this sector, particularly in engineering.

That’s why I’m so pleased that

initiatives such as SPARC are enabling young people, especially girls, to discover the amazing opportunities available to them in this emerging employment sector.”

SPARC is no longer an idea; it has been made possible by genuine collaboration with industry and local secondary schools. Together we will feel confident of raising female ambition.”

SThe all-new Škoda Superb

THe fourth generation of the Škoda Superb builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering an even more sophisticated design, more space and comfort and state-of-the-art technology. Customers can once again choose between estate and a hatch body styles. A new range structure with seven Design Selections offers many sustainable solutions, such as textiles made of 100 percent sustainable materials.

TInnovative Škoda Smart Dials and a new interior concept featuring a free-standing 13-inch infotainment screen make for even greater ease of use and deliver a clean and spacious interior. Škoda has once again optimised its powertrains for even greater efficiency. There are three petrol engines with outputs ranging from 150 hp (110 kW) to 265 hp (195 kW), and two diesels with 150 hp (110 kW) and 193 hp (142 kW) to choose from. In addition, the portfolio includes a new plugin hybrid powertrain that is exclusive to the Superb estate,

as well as an all-new mild-hybrid version. Innovative assistance systems such as the Turn Assist and Crossroad Assist are making their debut in the model.

Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto, says: “The Superb has been the standard-bearer of Škoda’s ICE range for more than 20 years. In its fourth generation it will continue to be just that, offering an even more refined, sculptural design, outstanding spaciousness and cutting-edge technology. Further powertrain optimisations and improved aerodynamics make for even greater efficiency. We have reconstructed the plug-in hybrid powertrain from scratch, and it now offers an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometres. The completely new interior is even more ergonomic and features an exemplary amount of sustainable materials. Last but not least, we will continue to offer the Superb as a hatch and estate version, perfectly reflecting our customer focus.”

The standard-bearer of Škoda’s ICE portfolio

takes well-known virtues to the next level

With the all-new fourth generation, Škoda is once again setting standards in terms of design, roominess, comfort and safety. Further design and aerodynamic refinements have reduced fuel consumption while improving performance.

Three modern TSI petrol engines, including one with mild-hybrid technology, two diesels and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain with an electric range of more than 62 miles (100 km) on the WLTP cycle deliver outputs ranging from 150 hp (110 kW) to 265 hp (195 kW). The top diesel and the top petrol engine come with all-wheel drive.

All powertrains in the new Superb are mated to a DSG automatic transmission as standard. Furthermore, numerous new and improved assistance systems provide even more safety and comfort. The significantly brighter new-generation LED Matrix beam headlights and DCC Plus are making their debut in the Superb. New and roomier interior concept, an uncluttered design and intuitive operation

Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says: “The Superb has been showcasing Škoda’s technology and design expertise for more than two decades. With characteristic virtues such as practicality and spaciousness that are now associated with our brand’s entire model portfolio, the Superb has been exceptionally well received by customers worldwide. The new, fourth generation builds on these strengths and takes them to the next level, making it a perfect companion for everyday explorers. By offering the fourth-generation Superb as a hatch and estate we make sure that we serve the individual needs of all our customers to perfection.”

The fourth-generation Superb features a sculptural exterior design and a new, octagonal Škoda grille. The allnew interior concept includes a free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 13 inches in size. The selector lever has moved to the steering column, enabling a clean, tidy and much roomier centre console. In another first for the Superb, a head-up display is available as an option. The new Škoda Smart Dials provide quick and intuitive access to numerous vehicle and infotainment functions. Moreover, the all-new Superb adopts the new range structure with Design Selections, first introduced with the Enyaq. This offers themed option packs as well as individual options. New features include a Phone Box with inductive 15-watt fast charging and simultaneous smartphone cooling, as well as back-friendly Ergo seats with ten pneumatically controlled massage cushions. The electrically operated load cover in the Estate is one of several new (and a total of 28) Simply Clever features.

Martin Jahn, Škoda

Success story spanning more than two decades and three model generations

The Škoda Superb was launched in 2001 and more than 1.6 million have since rolled off the assembly lines. The Superb has been produced in Kvasiny (Czech Republic), Solomonovo (Ukraine), Aurangabad (India) and Nanjing (China). Over the course of more than two decades it has won numerous international accolades and awards. More than 30 of these came for the third Superb generation in 2016 alone. Between 2001 and 2008, Škoda delivered a total of 137,000 first-generation vehicles. The second generation sold a total of 618,000 units from 2008 to 2015. In 2009, Superb was offered in estate form for the first time. The third-generation Superb was launched in 2015, a total of 845,000 units have been produced to date. The biggest European markets for the third-generation Superb have been Germany with 153,222 vehicles (up to and including September 2023), the Czech Republic (61,479 vehicles) and the United Kingdom (57,054 vehicles).

‘Heartless’ council ‘evicts’ elderly care home residents

A SoCIAL CAre champion says elderly care home residents –including a 100-year-old woman carried out on a stretcher – have been evicted against their will.l

Mario Kreft MBe, Chair of Care Forum Wales, the body which represents over 500 independent care providers in Wales, condemned the “heartless” way Neath Port Talbot Council had gone about effectively forcing the closure of the Hollins Care Centre in Cimla.

The Council, which pays some of the lowest rates for care in Wales, withdrew its contract with the care home even though two months earlier an inspection by the Care Inspectorate Wales had found no concerns with care, according to owner Ben Jenkins.

Neath Port Talbot Council has now begun moving out the home’s 70 residents, leaving the Centre’s 94 staff looking for work two months before Christmas.

Mario Kreft said: “This is a very worrying development because this home hasn’t been closed by the Care Inspectorate Wales, and one would have thought in a case like this, the regulator would have had concerns.

“The CIW report paints a picture of an improving situation at the Hollins despite the challenges of the pandemic and the outrageously low fees paid by the Council with the only complaints that the building is a bit run down –hardly surprising given the level of fees the Council are paying.

“It’s a home that has some issues, but we have just come out of a global pandemic the like of which we’ve never seen before, and the local authority had a contract with the home, paying unsustainable and irresponsibly low fees.

“Unsustainability is the very issue the Council and the Health Board are concerned about, and that’s down to a lack of investment, which is down to the low level of fees the home was operating under.

“If local authorities like Neath Port Talbot are not going to take responsibility and pay viable fees, then homes like this are surviving on a wing and a prayer.

“The Council know full well the true cost of care, they’re just institutionally prejudiced against the private sector and that’s leading to exactly this kind of situation.”

In 2013, Neath Port Talbot Council transferred their homes to a notfor-profit provider and paid them an average of £719.85 a bed, more than 50 per cent higher than their rate for private care home residents.

The Council still pays their private care homes, like the Hollins, less than the 2013 figure they paid to a housing association – their average weekly payment to private care homes is £710 a bed.

That compares with the Council paying the highest weekly rate in Wales, Torfaen, where private care home residents have over £9,000 a year more spent on them.

Mr Kreft added: “At the heart of this, we have to think of the residents and their families, and some of those people are very elderly and very vulnerable, and they’re now having to be moved many miles from where they want to be. The Council has effectively evicted them.

“At the same time, we’re coming up to Christmas, and we’re saying to a large workforce: “We’re sorry, but you haven’t got jobs.”

“This has been very badly handled and whoever is responsible for this, I think the chief executive and the leader of the Council should take a very close look at this and find out what lessons need to be learned.

“They are removing people against their will and putting many others out of work just before Christmas.

“They could have worked through this and gone about it in a much better way. It’s been badly done and badly communicated – removing an old lady who is 100 years old on a stretcher is just not right.

“The Welsh Government and the Commissioner for Older People should be taking a long hard look at this and I know the Commissioner is particularly interested in people being removed from care homes against their will.

“They are paying a rate for care that is unsustainable. Then, when inevitably things are not going as they want, they pull the plug despite a recent inspection report suggesting that these beds and jobs could have been saved.

“Now, it is highly unlikely that they will ever get these beds and jobs back because in Wales, if a home closes, it ceases to be registered and has to be re-registered by a new owner and has to meet the current higher standards.

“That’s throwing the baby out with the bath water because you can’t possibly build a new home in Neath Port Talbot today, even if you were given the land, and make it viable on the fees that the Council pay – it would mean instant bankruptcy. It’s just not viable.

“The current wisdom

is that we are looking at £200,000 a bed for a new care home in the independent sector.

“At least two local authorities in Wales are building homes, at £280,000 a bed in Flintshire and £270,000 a bed in Gwynedd, and each is being built with £10 million of Welsh Government money.

“It’s institutional prejudice. Local authorities like Neath Port Talbot don’t like the private sector and don’t want to pay the going rate. It’s a race to the bottom.

“When you take a contract away without any right of appeal or communication and remove people against their will to other care homes it brings up some very serious questions about the rights of individuals and how you respect older people.

“What we are seeing is a local authority cancelling a contract and removing people who don’t want to be removed. In one case, an elderly lady is now going to a home in Bridgend that’s 20 miles away, where her family will only be able to visit once a week.

“We accept there are issues, but were they so serious that this drastic action needed to be taken? They don’t appear to have had a Plan B.

“Instead, Neath Port Talbot has lost over 70 care home beds. That will mean more people staying in hospital for longer than they need to and taking up badly needed neds there.

“I’m not sure this needed to be done, but if it did, it should have been with proper consultation, putting individuals and families at the heart of this.

“They’ve ignored that and have simply done it because they can.”

An investigation by social care champions Care Forum Wales last year revealed the local authorities in Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are among the lowest care fee payers in Wales.

Neath Port Talbot pays the fifth lowest rate in Wales, with only Flintshire, Wrexham, Swansea and Denbighshire below them in CCFW’s CCFW’s League of Shame.

Take the leap and skydive for your NHS charity!

Your NHS charity has an opportunity for the ultimate thrill seeker, a charity skydive!

Partnering with Skyline Events, Hywel Dda Health Charities is offering supporters the opportunity to skydive from any eligible airport in partnership with Skyline Events. This includes 20 airports across the UK (including Swansea).

To take part in a charity skydive for Hywel Dda Health Charities, you will need to pay a £70 registration fee (payable directly to Skyline upon registering) and pledge

to raise a minimum of £395 in sponsorship for our charity. When you hit your target your costs are covered.

Please note that you can choose to support a specific Hywel Dda University Health Board hospital, ward, service or department or you can choose to fundraise for general charitable purposes. Fundraising for general charitable purposes means that your funds will be spent where and when they are needed the most.

The minimum age requirement is 16, and under-18s must have a participating adult with

them.

Claire Rumble, fundraising officer, said: “We’re really excited about our new partnership with Skyline Events. We think it will provide a truly thrilling experience for our fundraisers.

“If you are interested in creating a memorable day while fundraising for your local NHS charity, why not give it a go?”

For further information and to book online at: https://booking. skylineskydiving.co.uk/ book/y137dzlx?charity= 99625&rf=1&siteid=4

Motorcycle group appeals for toys and donations

The 3 Amigos Motorcycle Group and Dollies are appealing for donations and toys for their charity toy run which takes place on Saturday 9th December 2023.

Their toy run is supporting children’s services within Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Wish Fund, a campaign which helps the Hywel Dda paediatric palliative care service to create lasting memories for the children, young people and families they support. The run also supports Action for Children.

The toy run is a much-loved event which sees hundreds of motorcyclists collecting and delivering toys.

The 3 Amigos will be travelling around various locations across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire collecting for their appeal on the lead up to the run.

The collections are as follows:

• 04/11/2023 – Tesco, Haverfordwest

• 16/11/2023 –Fishguard

• 18/11/2023 – Home Bargains, Milford Haven

• 25/11/2023 –Castle Square,

The 3 Amigos Motorcycle Group said:

“All of us have family or know someone whose children have needed care and treatment at Cilgerran Ward. We know the money donated goes towards

helping make patients and families on the ward have a better experience.

“It’s such a good feeling seeing how much joy the toy run brings to all the people who come out to support us.

Helping Santa visit and handing out presents to

the children in hospital at Christmas will create such a worthwhile feeling.

“Last year, we raised an outstanding £10,000. We always aim to raise as much as we are able to.”

Katie Hancock, fundraising officer,

said: “Once again the 3 Amigos Motorcycle Group and Dollies are going above and beyond to support children’s services in Hywel Dda University Health Board.

“Their famous toy run is always a huge success and brings

Christmas cheer to many children supported across the Hywel Dda region. We can’t thank them enough for their time, effort and dedication to fundraising. If you can, please support the 3 Amigos and Dollies this Christmas.”

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Shining star from Pembrokeshire scoops top trophy

THe eNgINeerINg construction industry’s (eCI) brightest and best were celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Cutty Sark in London and one of the brightest stars among them was Jordan Palmer from Pembrokeshire who won Scholar of the Year.

The 11th ECI Training and Development Awards, organised by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), brought together industry leaders, influencers and policymakers, as well as the rising stars of tomorrow, at a ceremony hosted by engineer, broadcaster, teacher and STEM advocate, Kate Bellingham.

Inspired by the rich maritime history of the Cutty Sark and with the ceremony taking place beneath its worldfamous hull, the theme of this year’s event was about embarking on journeys.

Speaking at his first ECI Awards since joining the ECITB, Chief Executive Andrew Hockey stressed that industry’s most valuable assets are its people, both those at the start of their journeys like the scholars, apprentices and graduates honoured last night and those present “whose journeys have paved the way for those that follow”

He said: “I would like

to congratulate all the winners and finalists who are great examples of the success stories from across industry over the past year. They exemplify the talent, innovation, resilience and endeavour that our industry holds in such high regard, setting standards to which we all aspire.

“The quality of nominations this year reflects the strength of talent in the industry and the breadth of attendees last night shows that these awards are one of the biggest events in the engineering construction calendar.

“It was wonderful to be in the same room to celebrate all that is great about training and development in our industry with so many partners and friends representing organisations from across the length and breadth of the UK and internationally.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all our judges, who had the monumental task of choosing a winner in each category.”

Jordan Palmer fought off stiff competition to win Scholar of the Year. He has proved to be an exceptional talent in welding and fabrication, demonstrating truly inspirational qualities.

He achieved success in Pembrokeshire’s regional welding competition and won a silver medal in the

pick the overall winners based on the significant contributions they have made both to the ECI and their own organisations.

Among the winners on the night was Bilfinger UK Executive President Sandy Bonner, who was

Lynda Armstrong, Chair of the ECITB Board, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone honoured last night and thank our generous sponsors who made the event possible.

– Wessex Water’s Culture, Inclusion and Diversity Programme

Scholar of the Year – sponsored by Cavendish Nuclear Ltd

Winner: Jordan Palmer (Pembrokeshire College)

Inspiring Skills Wales Welding Competition finals.

Jordan’s dedication to personal growth led to an apprenticeship at Rhyal Engineering. His passion for his craft and willingness to share knowledge make him an outstanding candidate, as demonstrated by his selection to represent Wales in the 2022/23 UK Skills final.

Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty for Engineering and Computing at Pembrokeshire College, accepted on behalf of Jordan who was unable to attend the event.

He said: “Jordan is so dedicated to his studies. He’s so keen and talented in engineering.

He’s a welder and fabricator and, to be honest, we struggle to get him out of the welding bays because he’s so keen on cracking on and gaining his skills.

“We’ve been working closely with the ECITB and the scholarship programme is one example of where we’ve brought lots of young people in to supply skills and training to bring talented individuals into the sector.”

Making significant contributions to industry

The judging panel for the awards was made up of John Simpson from the ECIA, Tracey Shelley from BCECA and Zainab Adigun from AFBE, who whittled down a shortlist in each category to

“The Cutty Sark has an incredibly storied history which I think reflects the ambition, tenacity and bold endeavour that often defines engineering construction, and which was evident in the success stories of all our finalists this year.

“The organisations and individuals in the room have the capacity to influence positive change through innovation, knowledge, skills and collaboration. In essence, the world needs you to do what engineers have always done best, which is to build something better than what came before.”

eCI Training & Development Awards 2023: Winners and Finalists

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by C&P engineering

Winner: Luke Turner (Cavendish Nuclear Ltd)

Finalists: Lydia Uttley (Wright Engineering), Annie Nash (EDF)

graduate of the Year – sponsored by BCeCA

Winner: Hannah Marchant (Cavendish Nuclear Ltd)

Finalists : Alexander Board (Jacobs), Ben Pond (Aquaterra Energy Ltd)

eD&I Initiative of the Year – sponsored by NDA

Winner: WSP

Finalists : Fluor Limited, The Human Library – ACOSTE, Everyone Belongs

Finalists: Owen Klinton (The Engineering College), Patrick Grannon (North Lindsey College), Thomas Tooze (Bridgewater and Taunton College)

Large employer of the Year – sponsored by CATCH

Winner: Dounreay, a Division of Magnox

Finalists: NNB Generation Company (HPC), Briggs of Burton

Small/Medium employer of the Year – sponsored by AFBe Winner: STATS Group Finalists : Hornbill Engineering Limited, Wright Engineering

Approved Training Provider of the Year –sponsored by TWI Winner: Forth Valley College

Finalists : GSS Training Limited, CATCH

Leading Industry Safety Award –sponsored by Sellafield

Winner: Petrofac

Finalists: Andrew Clarke (Dounreay, a division of Magnox), Connected Competence (Employer Delivery Group), C&P Engineering Services Ltd

International Training Provider of the Year – sponsored by Petrotekno Winner : 3t EnerMech Finalists and regional winners: Vibrant Global, BJ Services (M) Sdn Bhd

outstanding Contribution to Industry

Winner: Sandy Bonner (Bilfinger UK)

One in four employees ‘considering contracting or freelancing’

NeArLY one in four employees are considering switching from fulltime employment to become contractors or freelancers, new research* from Workwell & IPSe shows.

The study found 24% of employees would consider making the move to working for themselves with nearly two fifths of them saying they could switch within the next 12 months.

Workwell, a leading provider of services to flexible workers and recruiters in the UK and overseas, collaborated with IPSE, a community of over 35,000 selfemployed people. They also questioned people already working as contractors, freelancers and those running their own businesses to find out why they had made the move.

It found the key motivation was to have more flexibility over

how, when and where they work. Around 55% surveyed cited that as their reason for making the move while 45% said they wanted to be their own boss.

Just one in five (20%) said they moved because they wanted to make more money while 30% did so because they did not like where they were working. The COVID 19 pandemic was a key factor for 7% who said it had made them reassess what they wanted from life.

More than twothirds (67%) questioned said they had been contracting, freelancing or running their own business for more than four years.

Chris Mollan, Head of Accountancy Services at Workwell

said: “Contracting and freelancing remains an attractive option for substantial numbers of employees with around one in four considering giving up the security

of working for someone else. It is clear that the motivation to switch is more about having increased flexibility in your working life and being to some extent your own boss than it is about earning more.

“However making the move does require planning and a clear idea of what you are going to do as well as expert support on a wide range of issues around accountancy and tax efficiency that people in employment will not have

had to think about.”

Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE, said: “It’s no surprise that self-employment’s offer of increased flexibility and autonomy in work continues to be an attractive option for swathes of the UK’s workforce. For many, this could mean turning a passion project or side hustle into a fully-fledged freelance business, whilst for others selfemployment offers a sustainable route to work for people managing

a long-term illness or caring for others. Despite this, those considering a career in selfemployment have been continuously overlooked in this government’s ‘back to work’ drive.

“Government must not miss its opportunity to support people in launching a selfemployed career, especially when today’s figures show a strong appetite to operate in this way. Simplifying tax rules for the self-employed and

more tailored support and resources for new freelancers would not only help them to succeed early in their self-employed careers, but for many years to come”.

Workwell’s awardwinning accountancy service is designed to help contractors, freelancers and business owners to manage their business easily and taxefficiently. Clients are supported by their own dedicated accountant and have online accounting to access and manage their accounts easily, from anywhere. It also provides umbrella company solutions for contractors.

Workwell enables businesses in the UK and overseas to more easily and compliantly benefit from flexible workforces. Its services for recruiters and end hirers are designed to take away the risk, hassle and complexity of contingent labour supply.

SI was intrigued to hear the Covid Inquiry on the car radio, as I was working. I am now hooked and hearing the LBC News presenter having to apologise for all the potty mouthed swearing being read out as they carried it live on air and couldn’t bleep out the swearing.

There was also the macho culture of misogyny, bullying and lack of diversity within Downing Street. Helen MacNamara was Deputy Cabinet Secretary in the Cabinet Office at the time. The most senior female civil servant and described how women in Number 10 were talked over or sidelined by men taking part in a “superhero bunfight.”

Along with the revelation that Health Secretary Matt Hancock wanted to decide “who should live and who should die” if hospitals became overwhelmed with coronavirus patients. We must thank Lord Stevens, who led NHS England until 2021, for this revelation.

Responding to the COVID Inquiry that heard Boris Johnson was “obsessed with older people accepting their fate and letting the young get on with life and the economy going”, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “This inquiry is painting a clear picture of a Conservative Party totally unfit to govern our country.”

“Every shocking revelation is another devastating blow to the families who lost loved ones to COVID. It is hard to hear how badly Conservative Ministers failed them, our NHS and our country.”

“The British people deserve the chance to hold the Conservatives to account at a General Election and kick them out of power for good.”

Responding to Martin Reynolds statements at the COVID inquiry, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said: “The culture of chaos in Number 10 has been laid bare. “

“Time and again, the people charged with

W ITH ANDREW LyE

keeping the country safe, saw themselves as above the law, working to save their own skin whilst thousands of families could not see their loved ones or say goodbye.”

“Warring factions, senior figures spinning in circles, and a complete inability to get to grips with any of the major issues facing our COVID response: bereaved families will feel sick to their stomachs hearing about this litany of failings which led to so much unnecessary suffering.”

“Many will rightly be furious. Their actions have caused irreparable damage to trust in politics and put millions through unnecessary pain. It is unforgivable.”

Last week we heard many revelations, including the fact that lockdown rules were constantly being broken in Downing Street. So many revelations came to light that horrified me yet didn’t surprise me. I wondered why we took so long to go into lockdown as we could see what covid was doing in other countries.

I am sure that Boris Johnson’s comments about elderly people accepting their fate will have turned many people off him, especially if you are elderly. And to think he has just announced he will be presenting a programme on GB News. No doubt they will be regretting offering him the job. By the time others have given their evidence and he gives his own, he will not be flavour of the month.

It’s a shame we don’t have our own inquiry here in Wales, so we can hear what was said by the likes of First Minister, Mark Drakeford and others. But it cannot possibly be more shambolic than what we are hearing from England. And if mud sticks, PM Rishi Sunak was Chancellor of the Exchequer and he will be facing a General Election with the next 14 months. What criticism will he face at the Inquiry? His ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ has already attracted criticism. Maybe more will come out?

NNFN slams Habitat Wales Scheme

THe NeW Habitat Wales Scheme (HWS) will slash the financial support farmers receive for environmental work and represents a huge step backwards in backing sustainable food production, nature and the climate, the Nature-Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) says.

The farmer-led organisation has given a hugely negative verdict to the stopgap scheme, which should support farmers in 2024 until the new Sustainable Farm Scheme (SFS) payments begin in 2025.

LITTLe INCeNTIVe For A greeNer FuTure

The NFFN has been shocked to find that farmers across Wales are looking at massive reductions in payments of between 47% and more than 90% under the HWS scheme compared to the previous Glastir agrienvironment scheme, which is being scrapped along with the organic support payments.

Current Glastir contract holders have had to adjust their business plans accordingly, with environmental support payments forming an essential component of farm business viability.

The organisation is now warning that farmers who have done the most for nature in the country are being penalised, and the reductions in payments mean that some farmers may not even be able to continue working on their land.

The NFFN also says the HWS will have the opposite effect of the Welsh Government’s pledges to support agriculture to bring about a greener future by giving little incentive

to farm in a more environmentally friendly way. This also raises concerns about what is to come when the SFS is introduced, the organisation says.

MASSIVe DroP IN PAYMeNT rATeS

NFFN Cymru steering group chair Hywel Morgan said: “I had been worried that Glastir might be scrapped without anything in place, so I’m glad there is an interim scheme open to all, but the payment rate is not encouraging or supportive of naturefriendly farming. £69 per hectare is an insult to nature.

“I’m looking at a drop from around £5,000 in payments to around £1,800, while organic farmers are facing a double blow with the end of both organic and Glastir payments. Some farmers who have been organic for years are looking at allowing intensive dairy farming and fertiliser use on their land just to get income, while others are thinking of planting their whole farm with trees.

“My biggest concern is going forward to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). If this is the rate of funding, we are not going to get much uptake. I would like to think this is a oneoff blip, and the SFS will reward is better for nature and biodiversity recovery.”

FArMerS CoNSIDer INTeNSIFYINg

ProDuCTIoN

The NFFN, in partnership with the Soil Association and other farming organisations, has surveyed 20 farmers across Wales to find out how the HWS will impact them. The farmers were looking at reductions in support

of between 47% and 96% in the best and worst-case scenarios, respectively, with an average loss of 76%.

Farmers told them they would potentially look at intensifying production to make up the shortfall, renting out land to neighbours farming more intensively, selling off cattle, planting trees on their land and laying off staff members.

The NFFN says this is all exactly the opposite of the direction agriculture in Wales should be heading for a sustainable future. It is also worried that the loss of a wholefarm organic scheme will lead to farms decertifying.

The NFFN has acknowledged that there is at least a scheme now available to support farmers for 12 months until SFS begins and that it is open to all farmers in Wales. However, this does not outweigh the organisation’s major concerns about the scheme.

The NFFN is alarmed at plans to cap payments so that only the first 200 hectares of habitat land receive 100% of the payment rate, falling to 50% for between 200 and 400 hectares and 10% for areas bigger than that. It is concerned how this will affect farms in Wales with large areas of habitat, particularly upland ones.

HWS uPTAKe LoW

There are also worries about low uptake for HWS and questions over the accuracy of the habitat maps which have been drawn up for the scheme.

NFFN Cymru steering group member Tony Davies, who farms at Henfron Farm at Rhayader in Powys,

said: “When the Welsh Government announced the demise of the Glastir and Organics schemes and the details of the HWS I was extremely shocked. I will have to comply with almost all of my current Glastir management requirements but will only receive 30% of the Glastir payment.

“My hay meadow reversion fields will have a 97% cut in payment per hectare, while some of the woodlands I have planted under various schemes over the past 20 years are not even eligible.

“Many sheep farmers will find it difficult to join the scheme as the wintering costs will be more than the payment.

“These drastic cuts to the environmental schemes do not correspond with the

claims the Welsh Government makes about restoring nature and fighting climate change.”

Fellow NFFN Wales steering group member Gethin Owen, who farms at Abergele in North Wales, said: “The HWS now gives me no incentive to manage my habitat grassland in a low or zero-input way or to grow cereals due to the increased costs of cultivation.

“I would be financially better off renting out land to my intensive dairy farming neighbour. This discourages the adoption of more sustainable farming methods.”

SCHeMe A

KICK IN THe TeeTH

NFFN

Cymru manager Rhys Evans

said: “This is a kick in the teeth for farmers undertaking long-term habitat management and positive environmental work.

“Nature-friendly farming has so much to offer – providing healthy, safe food whilst looking after biodiversity, tackling climate change, reducing flooding and improving water quality.

“Based on the HWS’ low payment rates and lack of ambition, we are now worried about the future SFS, which needs to value these vital public services appropriately.

“Farmers are facing tough decisions and might have to undertake drastic measures.

BLuE vIEW

By PAuL DAvIES MS

Pro T e CTIN g our military heritage and remembering the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. As Remembrance time comes around again, we’re reminded of the those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. This year I will be laying a wreath at services in both Milford Haven and Neyland, where I will join with local dignitaries and the communities to reflect on the extraordinary bravery and commitment of our fallen servicemen and women then and now.

each local authority to have a designated War Memorial officer. Appointing a War Memorial Officer in communities would be the best way to establish a point of contact for the public, develop partnerships with local community groups and build stronger community links with schools to educate children and young people about the importance of war memorials and to tell the stories of our fallen heroes.

This contradicts the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme principle to keep farmers on the land.”

The NFFN has suggested one partial solution to the problems could be to extend current Glastir contracts until 2025, when the SFS begins and offer the HWS payments to new entrants who have not previously been in agrienvironment schemes. Furthermore, the NFFN is calling for organic support payments to be maintained, or otherwise, the Welsh Government risks losing the support of the very farmers who are leading the way in helping to deliver Wales’ nature and climate targets.

The Welsh Government’s public consultation on SFS is expected to open in mid-December, and the NFFN encourages members to have their say.

Pembrokeshire Herald readers will know that I care very deeply about honouring our heroes and at the Senedd, I have led the campaign to protect war memorials in Wales. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has estimated that there are around 3,000 war memorials in Wales and each one of those war memorials plays an important role in ensuring that the sacrifices made by so many are not forgotten by generations to come. As time passes the names on a war memorial can become obscured through wear and as relatives pass away there is a danger that the record could be lost forever. We cannot allow this to happen. War memorials are important focal points for communities to come together to remember those individuals and give thanks for our freedoms.

I have always believed that future generations must remember and never forget those who died for our freedoms – and they must also remember in order to learn from previous wars so that they are never repeated again. That’s why I want

I know that budgets are tight, but the creation of a war memorials officer can easily be developed alongside other heritage and conservation work done by councils across Wales and more importantly, it sends a statement to our armed forces community that we will remember those who fought and died for our country. This should be a priority for any and all governments. Next week, we come together to pay our respects for our fallen servicemen and women and give thanks to those that continue to serve our country – but it’s important that we take every opportunity to protect our military history and educate our future generations about previous conflicts. For my part, I will continue to call on the Welsh Government to do more to safeguard and protect Wales’ war memorials. It’s absolutely crucial that we remember the sacrifices that the armed forces and their families made – and continue to make – every day.

by Nick Thomas-Symonds, Torfaen MP & Shadow Minister without Portfolio

THe week of Labour conference started with a fantastic by-election result in rutherglen and Hamilton West. The week after saw Labour overturn huge Tory majorities in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth, with swings of over 20% away from the Tories.

The message from voters was clear – they want change, and an end to this shambolic Tory Government.

Talking to excellent Labour candidates like Jackie Jones in the new Ceredigion Preseli seat, or Henry Tufnell for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, that’s the message they’re getting from residents here too.

It’s no surprise that people want rid of the Tory Government after watching the fiasco of their Conference from Manchester. No leadership, no direction, just a party fighting amongst themselves.

Keir Starmer’s speech couldn’t have been more of a contrast. Keir gave a positive vision for how a Labour Government can give Britain its future back.

We know we will inherit a mess from the Tories. We know there are no easy answers – in Keir’s words, it will take a decade of renewal.

It’s time people in Pembrokeshire had a Government that is on their side and will work to unleash the potential of Britain, not hold it back.

The missions for Government that Keir, Rachel Reeves and others outlined at Labour conference are the way to do just that.

To get Britain building again, work-

ing with the Welsh Labour Government and local councils to deliver affordable homes for first time buyers in their local area.

To switch on Great British Energy – a new British company giving us cheaper bills, new jobs, energy security from tyrants like Putin and the chance to invest in renewable energy and cut carbon emissions.

To train record numbers of doctors and nurses and to cut waiting lists, paid for by ending the non-dom tax status enjoyed by the super-rich. The Welsh Labour Government has ensured that prescriptions are free for everyone and has introduced the groundbreaking New Treatment Fund. But we know that we need a Labour Government in Westminster too: in 2010, that partnership delivered high public satisfaction rates for our NHS.

To break down barriers to opportunity, giving people the chance to develop new skills. Here in Wales, we have led the way by giving everyone under the age of 25 a guaranteed offer of work, education, training, or selfemployment.

To take back our streets from gangs, drug dealers and flytippers, with stronger policing, guaranteed patrols and criminals behind bars.

All pledges are fully-funded, so there will be no repeat of the Conservative economic chaos which has caused so much suffering over the past few years.

Pembrokeshire and Britain need the change that only a UK Labour Government can deliver.

Mortgage Support Scheme unveiled

THe WeLSH goVerNMeNT has announced a new funding package for Welsh homeowners having difficulty paying their mortgage.

Julie James, Wales’s Minister for Housing, unveiled the Help to Stay Wales Mortgage Support Scheme on Tuesday, November 7.

TArgeTeD SuPPorT

With rising interest rates, energy costs and cost-of-living expenses, many homeowners cannot meet mortgage repayments.

As part of the Cooperation Agreement, the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru considered introducing Local Authority Mortgages. However, that idea is a non-starter.

Instead, the Help to Stay Wales Scheme formed part of discussions about

the mortgage market and how the Welsh Government can provide targeted support.

PreVeNTIoN BeTTer THAN Cure

With increased investment, the Welsh Government aims to prevent many individuals and families from entering possession proceedings and becoming homeless, adding to the already stressed waiting lists and high temporary accommodation costs for Local Authorities

During 2022-23 and 2023-24, the Welsh Government provided more than £3.3 billion of support to help people struggling with the cost of living through targeted programmes which put money back into people’s pockets.

As part of the budget agreement with Plaid Cymru for 2023-24, £40m repayable capital funding has been made

available over this year and next year to bring forward schemes to provide flexible financial support.

WorKINg ALoNgSIDe eXISTINg SCHeMeS

Help to Stay Wales will work alongside support offered by mortgage providers through the UK Mortgage Charter for customers struggling to afford their mortgage payments.

The Scheme will provide an option for homeowners who are at serious risk of losing their home by offering a partial repayment of an existing mortgage balance via a low-cost equity loan, secured by a second charge (behind first charge lender), reducing revised mortgage repayments to a level the applicant can afford.

The Development Bank of Wales will operate the Scheme and

be interest-free for the first five years.

The purpose of the Scheme is to reduce the number of homeowners at risk of repossession and homelessness by offering them time to resolve their underlying financial issues.

uK FINANCe AND LeNDerS SuPPorT Wg SCHeMe

Julie James MS said:

“The current economic climate presents many challenges for homeowners as they face the significant rise in fuel costs, high inflation, escalating rent and house prices with incomes often not keeping pace.

“The aim of the Help to Stay Wales Scheme is to help homeowners to continue living in their precious homes.

“By widening our current mortgage rescue offer, we can help more

people at an earlier stage before they face the awful threat of repossession.

“I would like to thank UK Finance and mortgage lenders already supporting the Scheme. I hope more lenders will provide their support over the coming weeks.

“We will continue to do all we can with our powers to protect vulnerable households through this cost-of-living crisis.”

Designated Member

Siân Gwenllian said: “The detailed work undertaken through the Co-operation Agreement on the mortgage market has led to the creation of Help to Stay Wales to support people affected by soaring interest rates.

“By utilising the financial institutions and the powers we currently have in Wales, we have created a Made in Wales solution which will provide direct support to those facing the greatest difficulties.

“Despite having limited powers and resources in this area, our hope is that the direct support being provided in Wales will provide an

additional safety net.”

AVoIDINg THe STreSS oF rePoSSeSSIoN

Chief Executive for Shelter Cymru, Ruth Power, said: “We’ve been campaigning for more support for homeowners struggling with their mortgage repayments.

“We welcome any initiatives that get upstream to prevent homelessness and widen the safety net for households facing a cost of housing and cost-ofliving crisis.

“This Scheme will offer eligible households assistance from the early point of arrears accruing rather than waiting until they face the incredible stress of repossession.

“We must now ensure that as many households as possible have the option to use it to stay in their homes, learning from people at risk of homelessness how best such a scheme can help them.

“Anyone at immediate risk of losing their home can contact Shelter Cymru’s helpline on 08000 495 495 for

independent advice.

Mortgage Rescue, which has operated in Wales since 2008, is still available and remains a valuable last resort, but requires people to already be in possession proceedings to qualify for support.

Help to Stay Wales will extend this to include those facing possession proceedings and financial hardship.

CoNSerVATIVeS

Welsh Conservative Shadow Housing Minister Janet FinchSaunders MS said: “It is not the role of the Welsh Government to hand out loans to pay off people’s mortgages.

“The UK Government has already secured a wide range of support directly from mortgage providers to support people.

“The Scheme raises several questions, including whether it is being targeted correctly and why social landlords are not being supported to invest in

homes threatened with repossession.”

Speaking to The Herald, Janet FinchSaunders explained: “A social landlord mortgage rescue scheme can work in two ways.

“The first is through a shared equity loan. If a homeowner qualifies, they will be given an equity loan from a housing association, enabling them to keep up with their mortgage payments. The loan is repayable to the housing association but is interest-free.

“The second option is mortgage to rent. If an individual cannot afford to continue owning a share of their property, the housing association could buy the property and rent it back to the individual.

“Whilst the second option would mean that the individual no longer owns their own home, they would still be able to live there, but by renting from a social landlord.

“Individuals would reach out to the relevant local authority/social landlord, so there would be no preying on struggling homeowners”.

In a busy news week, it’s likely that the vast majority may have missed the Welsh Liberal Democrat conference.

With one Member of the Senedd and no Welsh MPs, it’s fair to say that the Liberal Democrats in Wales are a very pale shadow of what they once were. For those who don’t know their history, in 1906 every single MP returned for Wales, bar one, was a Liberal. Just over a century later and they seem destined for oblivion in the very same country.

But is there yet hope for reinvention for the Liberals in Wales?

After long, arid months, with little to no media coverage, the party conference seems to have made no impression outside the small number of delegates in attendance.

The noise made was universally to challenge the aimlessness and lack of purpose of Liberalism in Wales. Simon Hobson, an approved parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems, laid out his formula for rescuing, reinventing and revitalising the Welsh Lib Dems.

His is a plan for a radical root and branch review and shake up of the party, tapping into the growing discomfort across Wales, especially amongst the younger generation, with the Union and its failures.

It is hard to disagree with some of the conclusions, solutions or the prediction of extinction for the Lib Dems in Wales if they do nothing.

In direct response to this article, a Lib Dem member wrote an even bolder and stronger piece for Byline Cymru.

This prescribes seizing upon the cause of Welsh independence, refashioning it as a truly Liberal project and driving the party and the nation forwards with this Liberal agenda for Welsh sovereignty.

It is a powerful idea, with a strong Liberal history and tradition in Wales, dating back to the Liberalism of the 19th century. Home Rule for Wales

was a long running Liberal theme before the wars of the 20th century derailed the natural evolution of the relationship between the four nations of the United Kingdom.

From the Lib Dem party perspective in Wales, it is the energy and enthusiasm which inspires members to engage in this way that must be seized upon and channelled. The fusty, near empty rooms and corridors of their conference this year should be incentive enough. The Lib Dems in Wales would be wise to engage with those who have fresh ideas and energy…

To round off this much more interesting debate and discussion, outside the somnolence of conference, a former Lib Dem policy wonk (for Jane Dodds, their current leader), added a measured and thoughtful discussion of the Liberal case for independence. Although prefaced with the rather disappointing conclusion that ‘most Liberal Democrats in Wales subjugate the idea of independence to the impractical dream of federalism’, the article certainly inspired a vigorous and entertaining discussion in the comments section.

In all of this, here we find the rub. Liberalism in Wales needs some vigour, which is noticeably absent at present. Opening up the party to an official separation from the UK branch frees the party in Wales to make the question of independence an open one, to reinvigorate its discussions, to focus its policies and attention on how to address Welsh challenges and Welsh priorities.

My popcorn is ready and I am watching with some eagerness. The Wales constitutional commission report in January will surely raise questions for all political parties and politicians in Wales – how they react will be telling, where they land may be existential for some.

death notices

A NNE H ANNAFORD

Mrs. Anne Hannaford

Milton, Tenby The death occurred peacefully at Rickeston Mill Nursing Home on Thursday 5th. October of Mrs. Anne Hannaford of Milton, Tenby. She was 97. Anne is survived by her daughter, Lesley, her son, Robert and their respective families. The funeral will take place on Tuesday 14th. November with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11.30.am where friends please meet. Family flowers but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Anne for The Alzheimer’s Society to fund research, may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

D OROTH y ROWENA JAMES

Mrs Dorothy Rowena

James Templeton (formerly of Vallen Farm, Martletwy)

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on 21st October

of Mrs Rowena James, she was aged 80 Rowena was predeceased by her husband Danny and will be sadly missed by her children Hugh, Denzil, Roy, Pearl and Ivor and grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral service takes place on Monday, 13th November 12noon at St. John’s Church, Templeton and will be followed by interment at Martletwy Churchyard. There will be family flowers only with donations in memory of Rowena made payable to Wales Air Ambulance c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www. rossitersfunerals.co.uk

T HOMAS (TOMM y)

H OPKINS

Mr Thomas (Tommy) Hopkins of Solva, formerly of Cwm Gwili and Crosshands Died peacefully at his home on 1st November, aged 82 years. A dearly loved brother, uncle, relative and friend. Funeral service at

Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Monday 13th November at 12.15pm. For those unable to attend the funeral service, you are invited to join the family at the Harbour Inn, Solva from 2.30pm onwards. Enquiries to W.G.Bernard Mathias & Daughter 01437 720537

C AROL A NNE DAv IDSON

FORMERLy M ANNING NEE

M ATHIAS

DAVIDSON Carol Anne formerly Manning nee Mathias Peacefully on Thursday 2nd November 2023 at her in home in Llangennech, Llanelli, Carol formerly of Nolton Haven. Beloved wife of Tom, loving mother of Barry and Amy, fond step-mother of Nicola and Hayley, adored nanny of Thomas, Joshua, Jessica, Archie and Tedi and cherished sister of Diane. Carol will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral Friday 17th November, friends please meet for service at Llanelli Crematorium 12.00 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired in Carol’s memory for Cancer

Research Wales may be sent directly to Cancer Research Wales, 22 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ. Further enquiries to Arthur Cambrey Funeral Director, Alban Road, Llanelli, SA15 1ES Tel: 01554 772829.

C AROL Hu LOTT

Mrs. Carol Hulott Pembroke

The death occurred suddenly but peacefully at her home on Wednesday 1st. November of Mrs. Carol Hulott, of Belmont Terrace, Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke. The funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised but all enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

Hu GH L ESLIE M ORRIS MR HUGH LESLIE MORRIS Whitland (Formerly of Narberth) The death occurred suddenly but peacefully with his family at home on Monday 30th October of Mr Hugh Leslie Morris aged 77

years, of Maes Abaty, Spring Gardens, Whitland. Beloved husband of Kathy. Devoted dad of Susan, Helen and Rebecca and father-in-law to Rob, Barry and Murray. Cherished grandad of Scarlett, Brody and Charlie. Much loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle Hugh will be sadly and deeply missed by all who knew him The funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Monday 13th November at 11.30am. There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for The British Heart Foundation c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 & 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson. co.uk

M ARGARET DASH

Mrs Margaret Dash Narberth The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on 27th October of Mrs Margaret

Dash, she was aged 73 and lived in Narberth. Margaret is survived by her husband Walter, children James, Clare and Jonathan and her two grandchildren Sofia and Sylvie. The funeral service will take place on Friday 10th November at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45pm. There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to “Paul Sartori Foundation” c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www. rossitersfunerals.co.uk

ROBERT W ILLIAM (B ILL )

K EPPEL -COMPTON G P

C APT. RAF ( RTD) KEPPEL-COMPTON

Robert William (Bill) Gp Capt. RAF (rtd) Died peacefully 30th October, 2023 aged 85 years. Funeral service, Tuesday 21st November, 12.15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

Pause for thought...

The Jews, wrote Jonathon Sacks, had a history longer and more remarkable than most. They were the first to find God in history and understand it as a coherent narrative rather than a random sequence of events. In fact, no people have ever insisted more firmly that history has a purpose and humanity has a destiny.

But for all that Biblical Hebrew had no word for history. Judaism organised itself around the concept of ‘memory’; what happened to their ancestors had formed part of their experience. Put simply the past was ‘family history.

I can understand that kind of looking at history because I have a few memories of the battles that took place in the Dodecanese the Greek islands in the 1940’s even though I was not alive at the time. I can ‘relive’ them because my dad was in the SAS/SBS and shared some, if but a few of his memories with me. That’s why I think it’s important to remind

ourselves that we belong to the ‘human family’ when we are thinking about war and its terrible consequences.

The statistics are both staggering and bewildering. I’ve read for example that it has been estimated that the total deaths in WW2 ranges from 50 million to more than 80 million and that more than 7,000 UK personnel have died in medal earning theatres since 1945. It’s also worth remembering that in a recent UN press release it was stated that ninety per cent of war time casualties are civilians.

But we should never forget that every single death is a tragedy. Wilfred Owen highlighted this in his marvellous poem ‘Futility’. Owen wrote it in 1918 when he was reflecting on the death of an unnamed soldier lying dead in the snow in France. The thrust of the poem is summed up in these final two lines: ‘O what made fatuous sunbeams toil to break earth’s sleep at all?’ Owen was killed himself on November 4, 1918.

We must ‘remember

them’ of course, but we should never forget what God has done for us in the past either. You can read something of this in David E Gardner’s book ‘The Trumpet Sounds for Britain’ volume 2. It was Gardner who first pointed me to Winston Churchill’s powerful observation that there were times when had a ‘feeling’ that a Guiding Hand has interfered’. As the Psalmist said, ‘God is a refuge and strength, always ready to help in trouble’. The news is clearly pretty depressing at the moment. War and conflict continue to blight and threaten our world in all sorts of ways. But thankfully the day is coming when the ‘Prince of Peace’ will come, and war will be no more. But as we wait for that wonderful day let’s give thanks for those who are seeking to be peacemakers, often in difficult and dangerous situations. We might even ask if we need to be peacemakers in some way too.

ROB JAMES

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DEEPLy TRAuMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE OF GAzA

DeAr SIr,

All war is terrible.

For me, it’s all the worse when, in the face of human suffering, we stand by silently.

As Bob Dylan said long ago, “Pretend that we do not see”.

But then in this case, we know only too well that Gaza is under siege, with the debris and casualties of daily bombardments on our TV screens every day. So distressing. So deeply traumatic for the people of Gaza. Yet in the face of this daily horror, what troubles me all the more is that we see no initiative by the UK government or, as far as I know any UK-based international charity, to launch British supply convoys to Gaza with desperately needed food, medical supplies, and whatever else people need to survive.

We know it is near impossible to get supplies into Gaza, but the point is we try and, in doing that, signal to the world that British people, whatever governments have to say, will not stand by whilst civilians in any war zone are in the most desperate need.

Every time there is a major catastrophe in the world, war or natural, we send aid. In the case of Ukraine we have taken in many hundreds of refugees. Surely now we should be helping the people of Gaza crying out for relief?

Personally, as I believe is the case with millions more around our country, I cannot stand by any longer and simply do nothing. It is all far too upsetting, as is being expressed in so many huge protests around the world, and through the UK, including Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, and Bournemouth.

This is not to take sides. Palestinian people are suffering. And so are Israeli people. An endless cycle of violence breeding violence. But then on the

most basic humanitarian grounds the least we can do, and surely must do, is all we can to get desperately needed aid to the civilian population.

We cannot resolve all world’s geo-political issues, but we can help resolve human suffering and in that I would hope find our common humanity, world-wide.

Jeff Williams

GAzA: THERE IS NO JuSTIFICATION

DeAr SIr, our children are in a mental health crisis. We need to take action now.

Together with other organisations across the running sector, we’re calling on the leaders of our biggest political parties, to unlock the potential of sport and physical activity to play a more meaningful role in tackling the UK’s growing mental health epidemic.

We’re failing too many of our children,

who leave school unfit, inactive and dealing with poor mental health on an unprecedented scale.

The number of children and young people in mental health crisis reached record levels this year. In the year to March 2023 there were 21,555 urgent referrals to mental health crisis teams, up 46% on 2022, according to analysis of NHS data by the charity Young Minds.

All of us involved in sport and physical activity, from grassroots community clubs to the UK’s biggest mass participation running events, have seen the profound and positive effect physical activity can have on mental health and wellbeing in children and adults.

As a country, our long-term health and wellbeing strategy needs to prioritise prevention.

As a sector, we’re ready to help. We work to deliver solutions, facilitating activity outreach programmes in schools and communities, rolling out junior and adult Parkruns across the nation, staging world-

leading events that inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active and improve their mental and physical health and generating £85bn every year in economic, social and health uplift.

But we could do so much more. Our sector needs more ambition from leaders to work with us, to give our young people the best chance in life by striving to become the most active nation in Europe.

Government –both now and in the future – must therefore demonstrate boldness and bravery and commit to maximising the transformative power of our sector.

We’re calling on all party leaders to put physical and health literacy at the heart of the future school curriculum, giving all children and young people access to high-quality PE, cocurricular activity, and community provision to truly leverage the unique position of schools to transform every childhood through physical activity.

Matt Newman Ceo at run 4 Wales

1. An Election is to be held for oNe Town Councillor for the CeNTrAL WArD oF MILForD HAVeN

ToWN CouNCIL

2. Forms of nomination paper may be obtained from the eLeCTorAL SerVICeS oFFICe, uNIT 23, THorNToN INDuSTrIAL TrADINg eSTATe, MILForD HAVeN, SA73 2rr

3. Nomination papers should either be delivered by hand to the reTurNINg oFFICer, eLeCTorAL SerVICeS oFFICe, uNIT 23, THorNToN INDuSTrIAL TrADINg eSTATe, MILForD HAVeN, SA73 2rr between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm on any working day after the date of this Notice, but no later than 4.00pm on FrIDAY 27th oCToBer 2023 (appointments must be made to deliver nomination papers in person Appointments can be made by email to electoralservices@pembrokeshire.gov.uk) or nomination papers may be submitted electronically by scanning the nomination papers and emailing to Returningofficer@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

4. If the Election is contested, the poll will take place on the 23rd day of NoVeMBer 2023

5. Applications to register to vote must reach the electoral registration officer by 12 midnight on TueSDAY 7th NoVeMBer 2023. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

6. Alterations to existing arrangements for postal voting by electors or their proxies who already have an indefinite or fixed period postal vote, or new postal vote applications, must reach the eLeCTorAL regISTrATIoN oFFICer uNIT 23, THorNToN INDuSTrIAL TrADINg eSTATe, MILForD HAVeN, SA73 2rr, by no later than 5.00pm on WeDNeSDAY 8th NoVeMBer 2023

7. Applications to vote by proxy must reach the eLeCTorAL regISTrATIoN oFFICer by no later than 5.00pm on WeDNeSDAY 15th NoVeMBer 2023

WILLIAM BrAMBLe Returning Officer, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1TP (Tel No: 01437 775714/5)

Dated this 19th day of October 2023 by the Returning Officer, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

CYNgor SIr PeNFro

CYMWYSTerAu YMgeISYDD

Er mwyn gallu sefyll yn etholiad cyngor cymuned/tref yng Nghymru rhaid chi fod yn 18 mlwydd oed neu drosodd ar y dyddiad enwebu bod yn ddinesydd Prydeinig, yn ddinesydd cymwys o'r Gymanwlad, yn ddinesydd yn un o aelod-wladwriaethau yr Undeb Ewropeaidd neu’n ddinesydd tramor cymwys, ac yn bodloni o leiaf un o'r pedwar amod cymhwyso canlynol:

(i) yn etholwr llywodraeth leol yn y cymuned/tref, neu

(ii) wedi dai fel perchennog neu denant unrhyw dir neu aneddle arall yn y cymuned/dref yn ystod y cyfan o’r deuddeng mis cyn y dyddiad yr ydych yn gael eich enwebu’n ymgeisydd, neu

(iii) a’i brif neu unig weithle yn ystod y deuddeng mis cyn y dyddiad yr ydych yn gael eich enwebu’n ymgeisydd wedi bod o fewn ardal y cymuned/tref, neu

(iv) wedi byw yn y tref neu o fewn 4.8 cilomedrau iddi yn ystod y cyfan o’r deuddeng mis cyn y dyddiad yr ydych yn gael eich enwebu’n ymgeisydd.

rHoDDIr rHYBuDD TrWY HYN

1. Mae Etholiad i’w gynnal ar gyfer uN Cynghorwr Tref ar gyfer WArD CANoL CYNgor TreF ABerDAugLeDDAu

2. Mae ffurflenni papurau enwebu ar gael o’r gWASANAeTHAu eTHoLIADoL, uNeD 23, YSTAD DDIWYDIANNoL THorNToN, ABerDAugLeDDAu, SA73 2rr

3. Dylech rhoi ffurflenni enwebu papur drwy law i’r SWYDDog CANLYNIADAu YN gWASANAeTHAu eTHoLIADoL, uNeD 23, YSTAD DDIWYDIANNoL THorNToN, ABerDAugLeDDAu, SA73 2rr rhwng a 10.00yb a 4.00yp ar unrhyw ddiwrnod gwaith ar ôl dyddiad yr hysbysiad hwn, ond fan bellaf erbyn 4.00yp ar DYDD gWeNer 27ain HYDreF 2023 (dylid gwneud apwyntiad i ddod âr papurau enwebu i’r swyddfa yn bersonol. Gellir trefnu apwyntiad drwy ebostio gwasanaethauetholiadol@pembrokeshire.gov.uk), neu gellir cyflwyno enwebiadau yn electronaidd trwy sganio’r ffurflenni enwebu a’u hanfon dros ebost at returningofficer@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

4. Os bydd pleidleisio, cynhelir yr etholiad ar y 23ain dydd o TACHWeDD 2023

5. Mae’n rhaid geisiadau i gofrestru i bleidleisio gyrraedd y Swyddog Cofrestru etholiadol erbyn canol nos ar DYDD MAWrTH 7fed TACHWeDD 2023. Gellir cyflwyno cofrestriadau ar lein: https://www.gov.uk/cofrestru-i-bleidleisio

6. Rhaid newidiadau yn y trefniadau presennol ar gyfer pleidleisio drwy’r post gan etholwyr neu eu dirprwyon sydd eisoes a phleidlais bost am gyfnod amhenodol neu benodol, neu geisiadau am bleidleisiau absennol newydd gyrraedd y SWYDDog CoFreSTru eTHoLIADoL, gWASANAeTHAu eTHoLIADoL, uNeD 23, YSTAD DDIWYDIANNoL THorNToN, ABerDAugLeDDAu, SA73 2rr fan bellaf erbyn 5.00yh ar DYDD MerCHer 8fed TACHWeDD 2023

7. Mae’r ceisiadau am bleidleisio trwy ddirprwy yn gorfod cyrraedd y SWYDDog CoFreSTru eTHoLIADoL fan bellaf erbyn 5.00yh ar DYDD MerCHer 15fed TACHWeDD 2023

WILLIAM BrAMBLe Swyddog Canlyniadau Neuadd y Sir, Hwlffordd, Sir Benfro, SA61 1TP (Rhif Ffôn 01437 775714/5)

Dyddiedig y 19eg ddydd o Hydref 2023 Argraffwyd a Chyhoeddwyd gan y Swyddog Canlyniadau, Neuadd y Sir, Hwlffordd, Sir Benfro

ServiceS

CARPENTRy

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHy

CLEARANCES ELECTRICAL

FENCING, DRIvEWAyS AND LANDSCAPING

FABRICATION

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

HAIRDRESSING

RECLAIMED BuILDING MATERIAL

RuBBISH AND WASTE REMOvAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRy

SCRAP METAL

SHuTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOuND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGy AND COMPuTERS

TRAILERS

Euro 2024 hopes soar with Brennan Johnson’s return

THe CYMru national football team is set to receive a significant boost in their bid to qualify for euro 2024, as Tottenham Hotspur striker Brennan Johnson returns from injury.

Johnson, who missed the crucial October victory against Croatia due to a hamstring injury sustained in his first Spurs start, is now back

in action, ready to bolster Cymru’s campaign alongside his fellow teammates.

Cymru, currently led by manager Robert Page, faced a challenging road in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, marked by early defeats against Armenia and Turkey. However, the tide began to turn with a triumphant victory over Croatia, a result that propelled Cymru to the

second spot in Group D, just six points behind leaders Turkey, but with a game in hand. The victory against Croatia has injected renewed hope and enthusiasm into the Cymru squad as they prepare for their upcoming matches.

Captain Aaron Ramsey, a key figure in the Cymru lineup, remains absent due to injury, allowing defender

Ben Davies to retain the captaincy. Davies, a stalwart in the Cymru defence, will be crucial in guiding the team through their crucial fixtures.

Alongside Johnson, midfielder Joe Morrell is also set to make a comeback following his suspension, further strengthening Cymru’s midfield.

Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of Sunderland defender Niall Huggins, who receives his debut call-up to the national team. A former Cymru Under-21s international, Huggins brings youthful energy and determination, offering a fresh perspective to the team’s defensive strategies.

Manager Page, who had faced immense pressure after early setbacks in the qualification campaign, has expertly steered the team back on track. The upcoming matches against Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday, 18 November, and Group D leaders Turkey in Cardiff four days later, will be critical for Cymru’s Euro 2024 aspirations. Victory in these

fixtures would secure Cymru’s qualification for the European Championships, marking a significant achievement for Cymru football.

The Cymru squad, comprising a mix of experienced players and promising talents, is geared up for the challenges ahead. With the return of Johnson and Morrell, along with the addition of Huggins, Cymru fans are filled with anticipation, hopeful that their team will continue to deliver outstanding performances on the international stage.

Football enthusiasts can catch all the action as Cymru takes on Armenia at the Republican Stadium after Vazgen Sargsyan in Yerevan on Saturday, 18 November, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00 GMT. The match will be broadcasted live on Viaplay, S4C, and BBC Radio Wales, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the game. Additionally, the match highlights will be featured on Match of the Day Wales, airing on BBC One Wales from 22:45 GMT and available on demand.

Huggins receives maiden Cymru call-up for crucial Qualifiers

SuNDerLAND’S

Niall Huggins, hailing from York but with deep-rooted Welsh connections, has been granted his first senior call-up to represent Cymru in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey.

The 22-year-old defender, who qualifies for the Cymru squad through his Bangor-born father, has previously showcased his talent with four caps at the Under-21 level.

Huggins’ selection comes in the wake of his outstanding performances for Sunderland, culminating in a memorable moment when he netted his first senior goal – a breathtaking solo effort against Watford at

the illustrious Stadium of Light. His remarkable display has not gone unnoticed, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Cymru senior team. Cymru manager, John Doe, expressed his confidence in Huggins, stating, “Niall has displayed exceptional skills and dedication on the field. We believe he will bring tremendous value to the squad.”

Alongside Huggins, Charlie Savage, Josh Low, Luke Harris, and Owen Beck will be absent from the senior team, as they are slated to rejoin the under-21 set-up for their Euro qualifiers against Iceland and Denmark this month. Despite these changes, the Cymru team remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming qualifiers, with

a shot at securing their place in the prestigious European Championships for the third consecutive time.

Cymru faces a critical challenge as they go head-to-head against Armenia in Yerevan on November 18, followed by a highstakes encounter against Turkey in Cardiff just three days later. Victory in both matches is imperative for Cymru, as it would propel them to qualify for the Euro 2024. With Group leaders Turkey having already secured their spot in the championships, the battle for the second automatic qualification place intensifies, with Cymru, Armenia, and Croatia vying for the coveted opportunity.

manderwood pembroKeSHire league

Fixtures • 11th November

DIVISIoN 1 (11th November)

Clarbeston Road v Monkton Swifts

Kilgetty v Tenby

Milford United v Carew

Neyland v Hakin United

Pennar Robins v Fishguard Sports

DIVISIoN 2

Hakin United II v St Clears

Merlins Bridge II v Camrose

Narberth v Cosheston

DIVISIoN 3

Letterston v Kilgetty II

Pembroke Boro v Neyland II

Pendine v Goodwick United II

St Florence v Pennar Robins II

DIVISIoN 4

Camrose II v Monkton Swifts III

Carew III v Angle

Prendergast Villa v Milford United Tenby II v Fishguard Sports II

DIVISIoN 5

Broad Haven II v Milford Athletic II

Cosheston II v Manorbier United Hundleton v Letterston II

Lawrenny II v Johnston II

Wales 49-26 Barbarians: Alun Wyn Jones Signs Off in Style

IN A BITTerSWeeT spectacle at the hallowed Principality Stadium, Welsh rugby enthusiasts were treated to a riveting clash that marked the swan song of three titans of the game: Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny, and Justin Tipuric.

The trio’s farewell, however, was marred by a sobering revelation before the match commenced, casting a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere.

The festivities took an unexpected turn with the shocking news of Fiji lock Api Ratuniyarawa’s appearance in Cardiff

Magistrates’ Court, facing grave accusations of sexual assault. The Barbarians, upon learning of the charges, promptly collaborated with South Wales Police, refraining from further comments to respect the ongoing investigation.

Despite the sombre backdrop, the Welsh legends exhibited their mastery on the field, crafting a performance that will be etched into the annals of Welsh rugby history. Leigh Halfpenny, in his final Wales appearance, showcased his unparalleled kicking precision, converting all five tries with unwavering accuracy. A testament to

his remarkable career, the crowd rose in a standing ovation when Halfpenny left the pitch, acknowledging his contributions to Welsh rugby.

Warren Gatland, the seasoned head coach, lauded his team’s exceptional display, stating, “To score 49 points means you’ve got to be happy. The reception Leigh received from the crowd was a testament to him as a player and person. For those three players to have that game was incredibly special.”

Alun Wyn Jones, a stalwart of Welsh rugby, delivered a performance befitting his legacy,

scoring a try for the Barbarians and being named the man of the match. In a heartfelt speech, Jones expressed his gratitude to the fans, acknowledging their steadfast support throughout his illustrious 18-year career. Both Jones and Tipuric, donning the iconic black and white shirts but playing against their country of birth, bid farewell to the international arena, leaving an indelible mark on Welsh rugby.

The Welsh team, driven by the spirit of their departing legends, orchestrated a symphony of tries. Dewi Lake, Tom

Blues march on as Pembroke humbled

oN A WeT Saturday afternoon many pitches around the county were too wet even for any play

However we did get a few games in division three as well as one Pembrokeshire outfit playing in division two.

Haverfordwest remain unbeaten in Division 3 West, after beating table toppers Cardigan 20-18. Shaun Leonard kicking all 18 of the hosts points, but it wasn’t enough. Matthew John, Mike Griffiths

and Matthew Phillips all crossed the whitewash for the visitors. Although Haverfordwest remain in second they have five wins from five and sit a point behind Caridgan having played one game fewer.

Haverfordwest unbeaten run will face a big test next week as they travel to Tenby in the cup, a challenge I’m sure the blues will be looking forward to.

Pembroke travelled to Aberaeron and I’m sure were hoping for a better

day than it turned out to be for the Scarlets. The visitors failed to score a point and conceded 57 in what was a crushing 57-0 defeat for the newly relegated outfit. It will be interesting to see how the Scarlets bounce back from this.

At Pill Parks Llangwm picked up a rare win as they defeated Llanybydder 26-13, with tries from front row Phil Llewelyn and Jack Roberts, which was supplemented by some good kicking in the form

of Harry Makepeace. The result lifts the Wasps above local rivals Neyland in the table which I’m sure will put a smile on their faces.

Meanwhile in division two west, Milford Haven were defeated 28-15 by high flying St Clears. It was always going to be a tough test for the Mariners given the way St Clears have started the season, and tries from Buirds and Sweeney were not enough for them on the day.

Rogers, Sam Costelow, Taine Plumtree, Aaron Wainwright, and a late brace by Kieran Hardy punctuated their victory. Simione Kuruvoli showcased his skill for the Barbarians, scoring two tries, while Alun Wyn Jones delighted the crowd with a popular try, adding to the fervour of the occasion.

Amidst the reverberations of the match, Wales now faces the daunting challenge of filling the void left by these departing giants. With the upcoming Six Nations tournament looming on the horizon, the Welsh team finds solace in the promising talent

of players like George North, whose exceptional performances during the World Cup and subsequent matches have fuelled optimism. Despite the controversy that surrounded the match, the enduring legacy of Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny, and Justin Tipuric will serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of Welsh rugby players and fans. Their unwavering dedication, unparalleled skill, and indomitable spirit have defined an era in Welsh rugby, leaving an indelible imprint that will resonate through the ages.