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History teacher Vicki Williams has not returned to work following terrifying classroom assault • P6
Major retailer agrees terms p3
Search suspended
Teenager missing off marloes P4
Blue Lagoon
suspected spinal injury P6
teen sentenced for milford Haven school Knife attack
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Major retailer agrees terms for former Wilko store in Haverfordwest
Primark speculation intensifies as 31,430 sq ft building closely matches the size of the retailer’s newest UK stores A MAJOR national retailer has agreed heads of terms to take over the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest, raising hopes of a significant revival for the town centre. Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that the negotiations have reached the important preliminary agreement stage, although the identity of the prospective tenant remains commercially confidential. Local speculation continues to centre on Primark, which would be opening its first store in Pembrokeshire if it proves to be the mystery retailer. Primark has not confirmed or denied its involvement. Responding publicly to the speculation, a company spokesperson said: “We love to hear that people would like to have a Primark store near them. “As a growing business, we’re always looking for new opportunities for store locations; however, we can’t comment on speculation about where we might open next.” Building is an almost exact match The size of the former Wilko building adds considerable weight to the suggestion that it could accommodate a Primark store. Commercial property particulars show that the Old Bridge Street premises provide 31,430 sq ft of ground-floor space. That is almost precisely the same size as the 31,400 sq ft Primark which opened at the Ashley Centre in Epsom in March. The Haverfordwest building is also larger than several of the retailer’s latest compact branches, including a planned 29,000 sq ft store in Ashford and a 24,000 sq ft store in Wimbledon. Primark has previously indicated that its smaller store format allows it to move into premises of approximately 15,000 to 25,000 sq ft, opening opportunities in towns which may not have been considered suitable for one of its traditional department-store-sized branches. At 31,430 sq ft, the former Wilko is also more than twice the size of Primark’s smallest Welsh store in Newport, which covers 15,400 sq ft. It would, however, be considerably smaller than the company’s 87,000 sq ft Cardiff flagship and its world-leading Birmingham store, which extends across more than 160,000 sq ft. The comparison does not confirm Primark as the incoming tenant, particularly because the Haverfordwest figure represents the building’s gross internal area rather than necessarily its final customer-facing sales space. It does, however, demonstrate that the premises fall comfortably within the range of buildings which Primark
currently occupies. Herald revealed talks in March The Herald first revealed in March that the council was in advanced discussions with a major national retailer over the prominent property. At the time, Deputy Council Leader Cllr Paul Miller said negotiations were detailed and suggested that an agreement could be only weeks away. The talks have now progressed to agreed heads of terms, setting out the principal commercial points of a proposed deal ahead of final legal The former Wilko building offers 31,430 sq ft of ground-floor space—almost arrangements. Cllr Miller said: “The new tenant in exactly the same size as a new Primark store which opened in Epsom this year. Wilko will be a big anchor tenant for us, Primark has not confirmed that it is the prospective Haverfordwest tenant. The council hopes that securing a already seeing the difference. Tom Sinclair major anchor store will encourage “These things will take another three or editor@herald.email people from across Pembrokeshire to five years to play out.” visit Haverfordwest, while generating No opening date has been announced, additional spending for independent and the identity of the incoming retailer and we are already having people in the shops, cafés and other businesses. will remain unconfirmed until final industry who know what’s going on there It would also provide an important vote arrangements are completed and a asking to be involved in Haverfordwest’s of confidence following years of concern public announcement is made. future too. about declining footfall, empty units and For now, however, the agreement “The new tenant will be better than the loss of several well-known high- of heads of terms represents a major Wilko. People will be really pleased.” street names. step towards bringing the former Wilko Heads of terms do not amount to Cllr Miller said: “I think people are building back into use. a completed lease and can remain subject to legal, financial and practical conditions. However, reaching that stage represents the strongest indication yet that the building is moving towards reopening. Major gap left by Wilko Wilko closed its Haverfordwest branch after the national homewares retailer entered administration in 2023. Its departure left one of the town centre’s largest retail premises empty and removed an important source of footfall from the surrounding shopping area. Pembrokeshire County Council subsequently carried out essential structural improvements to the building, including repairs to its roof, supported by a £1 million town-centre loan. The work was intended to create a suitable shell which could be fitted out by a new occupier. Because of its unusually large floor area, only a relatively limited number of national retailers would be capable of using the entire building. Car park helped attract tenant Cllr Miller said the new Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange and multistorey car park had played an important role in attracting the prospective retailer. He said: “One of the major pull factors for the new tenant was the new car park, the Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange.”
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Search for missing 14-year-old boy off Marloes remains suspended Telephone: 01646 45 45 45 Fax: 01646 45 46 47 Email: editor@pembrokeshire-herald.com To advertise: sales@herald.email Facebook: thepembrokeshireherald Twitter: pembsherald Website: www.pembrokeshire-herald.com
No sign of teenager found after extensive operation involving lifeboats, aircraft, Coastguard teams and specialist drones
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THE SEARCH for a 14-year-old boy missing in the sea off Marloes remains suspended, with no further operation announced. HM Coastguard suspended the multi-agency search at 5.15pm on Monday after rescue teams found no sign of the missing person. The Coastguard said the operation would only restart if additional information was received. The emergency began at approximately 3.30pm on Sunday (Aug 30), when three people were
reported to be in difficulty in the water at Marloes. Two of the three managed to self-rescue, but the third person— understood to be a 14-year-old boy— remained unaccounted for. Sunday’s response involved Coastguard rescue teams from Broad Haven and Dale, RNLI lifeboats from Angle, Tenby and St Davids and a local pilot boat. A Coastguard rescue helicopter and an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft were also deployed, alongside the
Welsh Ambulance Service. Mayday relay broadcasts were issued to vessels in the area. The operation continued until approximately 3.30am on Monday, when it was temporarily suspended before restarting at first light. Further searches throughout Monday involved Coastguard rescue teams from Broad Haven, Dale and St Davids, Angle and Little Haven RNLI lifeboats and the Coastguard Drone Team. HM Coastguard said: “Sadly, no sign of the missing person was found.” Asked whether searching would resume on Tuesday, a spokesperson said: “It is pending further information, so it will only be restarted if there is additional information forthcoming.” Dyfed-Powys Police had asked members of the public to avoid Marloes Sands while emergency services dealt with the incident. As of Tuesday morning, there had been no public confirmation that the boy had been found and no announcement that the search had restarted. The Pembrokeshire Herald has contacted HM Coastguard, DyfedPowys Police and the RNLI and will update this report if further information is received.
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Angle lifeboat crew spent 22 hours at sea searching for missing boy ANGLE RNLI volunteers spent more than 22 hours at sea over two days during the major search for a missing 14-year-old boy off Marloes Sands. The station has now released a detailed account of the operation, revealing the scale of the search and the involvement of police marine officers, port vessels and commercial and leisure craft. Angle’s all-weather lifeboat was tasked for immediate launch at 3.34pm on Sunday (Aug 30), following multiple 999 calls reporting that three people were in difficulty in the water. Two had managed to recover themselves, but the 14-year-old boy remained unaccounted for. The lifeboat made its way to Marloes at speed and immediately began searching the area. After finding nothing, the crew extended the operation along the coastline before receiving a series of formal search instructions from HM Coastguard. Over the following eight hours, the volunteers completed multiple search patterns covering the areas where the missing swimmer was considered most likely to be found. The operation also involved allweather lifeboats from St Davids and Tenby, Coastguard rescue teams from
Tom Sinclair
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Dale, Broad Haven, St Davids and Llansteffan, Coastguard helicopter R924 and fixed-wing aircraft R224. Dyfed-Powys Police and its Marine Unit joined the response, together with three Milford Haven Port Authority pilot vessels and several commercial and leisure craft. The assets were stood down at around midnight. After refuelling at Milford Marina, the Angle crew returned to their berth and made the lifeboat ready for service by 2am. Just six hours later, at 8.16am on Monday, the volunteers were tasked again to continue the search. Angle worked alongside Little Haven’s inshore lifeboat, four Coastguard rescue teams, the Coastguard Drone Team, Dyfed-Powys Police and its Marine Unit, a Port Authority pilot vessel, Milford Haven Harbour Patrol and other vessels. Crews conducted extensive shoreline searches stretching from St Ann’s Head to Broad Haven North, including the waters and coastlines around Skomer and Skokholm islands. At 4.15pm, the Angle lifeboat returned to its jetty for a crew change and short
Hermon driver admits causing death of Blood Bikes volunteer Tim Minett A PEMBROKESHIRE van driver has admitted causing the death of Blood Bikes Wales volunteer Tim Minett by driving without due care and attention. Roger King, 57, of Hermon, entered the guilty plea during a hearing at Swansea Crown Court. Mr Minett, 78, was riding a Blood Bikes Wales Honda motorcycle when it was involved in a collision with King’s Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos. The collision happened at around 6:20pm on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, while Mr Minett was carrying out voluntary duties for the charity and transporting blood supplies for the NHS. Tim Minett King had originally been charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving. He denies that more serious
Tim Minett
allegation. The case came before Judge Geraint Walters for a mention hearing and was adjourned until October 12. King was granted unconditional bail until the next hearing. Mr Minett, known as Tim to his family and friends, was described following his death as a dedicated Blood Bikes Wales rider. His family said at the time: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.” Blood Bikes Wales is a volunteer-run charity which provides a free courier service to the NHS, transporting blood products, samples, donor milk, medication and other urgently required medical supplies. Proceedings remain active.
welfare break before relaunching. By 5pm it was back on scene, working with the Coastguard Drone Team on a low-water search of the shoreline around Marloes Sands and the surrounding area. Angle RNLI said its crew was formally stood down at 7.30pm after nothing was found and no further information became available. The lifeboat was back alongside and ready for service by 8pm. The station thanked its volunteers for
their “immense dedication” during the lengthy and demanding operation and praised Milford Haven Coastguard for its coordination and support. HM Coastguard has said the wider search is now suspended and will only restart if further information is received. The missing boy remains unaccounted for. Angle RNLI added: “Our thoughts are with the swimmer’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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Teenager detained for four-and-a-half years over Milford school knife attack
History teacher Vicki Williams has not returned to work following terrifying classroom assault A TEENAGE boy who stabbed a teacher in the head with a kitchen knife at Milford Haven Comprehensive School has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ youth detention. The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified because of his age, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Sept 3) after being convicted of wounding with intent. He had previously admitted possessing a knife on school premises but was cleared by a jury of the more serious charge of attempted murder. The court heard that the boy, who was 15 at the time, attacked history teacher Vicki Williams in an empty classroom shortly after 3:00pm on February 5. He had followed Mrs Williams into the room and asked her to check some of his schoolwork before closing the classroom door. Mrs Williams told the trial that “alarm bells” began ringing when the pupil shut the door and appeared cold towards her. The teenager then produced a large kitchen knife from his school bag and struck her in the head. A violent struggle followed as Mrs Williams fought to defend herself and wrestle the weapon away from him. She suffered a wound to her scalp, scratches to her back and cuts to her hands. She was taken to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest for treatment
and was discharged later that day. Mrs Williams told the jury that she feared she was dying as she left the classroom to seek help. The boy fled from the school following the attack, sparking a major emergency response and a lockdown of the site. Police traced him shortly afterwards to his grandmother’s home. The court heard that he was crying and told his grandmother: “Something went in my head, nan.” Sentencing the teenager, Judge Paul Thomas KC said the reason for the attack remained unknown. He told him: “I don’t know why you attacked Mrs Williams with that knife. You have never told anybody why you did it.” The judge said the attack had been deliberate and carried out using a dangerous weapon, adding that Mrs Williams was fortunate not to have suffered fatal or significantly more serious injuries. The prosecution argued during the trial that the teenager had deliberately selected a large knife from his family home, concealed it inside his school bag and waited until Mrs Williams was alone before attacking her. Christopher Rees KC, prosecuting, described Mrs Williams as a lone female teacher who had been selected as an “easy target”. The teenager gave a different account, claiming he had taken the knife into
school to show off to friends as part of a game in which pupils brought unusual household objects onto the premises. He said Mrs Williams spotted the knife and tried to take it from him, and maintained that she was injured accidentally during the resulting struggle. He denied having any previous dispute or ill feeling towards the teacher. However, after deliberating for just over four hours, the Swansea Crown Court jury rejected his account and convicted him of wounding with intent by a majority of 11 to one. He was found not guilty of attempted murder. The court heard that the attack has had a profound psychological impact on Mrs Williams, who has not returned
to work and continues to experience fear, sadness and guilt as a result of what happened. Following the conviction, Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale praised Mrs Williams’ courage in confronting her attacker and reliving the incident during the trial. She said it was only through good fortune that the teacher had not suffered even worse injuries and stressed that the emotional consequences of the attack should not be underestimated. The incident also had a profound effect on pupils, teachers and families connected with Milford Haven Comprehensive School. The teenager has remained in custody since being charged on February 7.
Child rescued after suffering suspected spinal injury at Blue Lagoon A CHILD was rescued from the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy after suffering a suspected spinal injury. St Davids RNLI volunteers were paged at 3.06pm on Thursday (Aug 27) following reports that the youngster had sustained a back injury while jumping into the water at the popular coasteering spot. When the station’s all-weather lifeboat reached the scene, its smaller Y-class boat was launched carrying a basket stretcher. With help from swimmers who had remained with the casualty, the volunteer crew carefully lifted the child into the stretcher. A paramedic was taken to the casualty to carry out an initial assessment before the youngster was transferred by boat to Abereiddy beach. The child was then handed into the care of St Davids Coastguard and the Welsh Ambulance Service. The all-weather lifeboat returned to St Davids and was ready for service again by 5.15pm.
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The RNLI confirmed that the child is now home and making a good recovery. Will Chant, St Davids RNLI coxswain, thanked the swimmers who supported the casualty until emergency crews arrived, as well as the Coastguard and ambulance teams. He said: “We want everyone to enjoy the coast, but to do so safely. Tombstoning might look like fun, but the water isn’t always as deep as it looks. The tide changes, rocks can be hidden and cold water shock can affect anyone. “If you’re looking for adventure, we recommend choosing a supervised coasteering session, where you’re provided with safety equipment. “In an emergency at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Our volunteer crew are on call 24/7 to come to your aid.” Photo: RNLI/St Davids
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Month-long overnight closures begin on A4076 OVERNIGHT closures are due to begin tonight on the A4076 between Johnston and Steynton. The road will be closed between Sunnycroft Roundabout and the Horse and Jockey at Steynton from 8:00pm until 6:00am each night. The restrictions, which will also apply to cyclists and pedestrians, are scheduled to remain in force from Wednesday, September 2, until Tuesday, September 29, or until the work is completed.
Southbound motorists will be diverted along the A477 towards Pembroke Dock before turning at Sentry Cross Roundabout and travelling west to rejoin the A4076 at Steynton traffic lights. Northbound traffic will follow the same diversion in reverse. Drivers are being advised to allow additional time for their journeys. The Welsh Government order also allows the work to be rescheduled or extended if necessary.
Shoplifter admits stealing goods worth almost £470
A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted stealing goods worth almost £470 from two stores in the town. Luke Brunton, 35, pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol worth a total of £361.50 from Tesco during visits on July 23 and July 25. Brunton, of Arthur Street, also admitted stealing £107 worth of laundry pods
from Home Bargains on July 25. He further admitted breaching a community order by failing to attend unpaid work and an office appointment. Haverfordwest magistrates adjourned sentencing for the probation service to prepare an all-options report. Brunton was released on conditional bail and must not enter Tesco or Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock.
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New vision unveiled to transform Tenby Market Hall
AMBITIOUS proposals to transform Tenby Market Hall into a more vibrant destination for traders, residents and visitors have been unveiled. The plans would make greater use of the historic building’s ground floor and introduce a new first-floor mezzanine, increasing capacity for existing traders while creating opportunities for new businesses. Pembrokeshire County Council says the redesign is intended to encourage visitors to spend longer in the market and strengthen its role at the heart of Tenby town centre. However, while funding has been secured to develop the designs, the money required to carry out the transformation has not yet been found. The proposals were drawn up by Pembrokeshire-based Oochitecture following an award from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The architects have sought to give the building a fresh and modern appearance while preserving the historic character that has made it one of Tenby’s bestknown landmarks. Public engagement and early discussions with Market Hall traders helped shape the emerging plans. Feedback highlighted strong support for retaining the character of the building while creating a sustainable, year-
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round space capable of supporting local businesses and attracting more visitors. The Council said these views had directly influenced the design, including its emphasis on flexibility, increased trading space and an improved visitor
experience. Although there is currently no confirmed funding to deliver the work, the authority says it will continue working with partners and exploring potential funding opportunities. The unveiling of the designs marks the beginning of a further round of public consultation. Residents, traders, businesses and
visitors are being invited to examine the proposals and complete a questionnaire about how the market is currently used and how it could be improved. Responses will be considered as the designs are developed and before any decisions are made about progressing the project. The Tenby Market Hall Vision Questionnaire can be completed HERE.
Abercych woman scoops £8,000 Pembrokeshire Lottery prize
AN ABERCYCH woman is celebrating after winning £8,000 in the latest Pembrokeshire Lottery Superdraw. Deborah Buckland, from the village near Boncath, secured the jackpot with lottery number 49536 when the draw took place on Wednesday (Sept 2). The winning number was announced live on 102.5 Radio Pembrokeshire, before the Pembrokeshire Lottery team telephoned Deborah to share the good news. Deborah visited the lottery office the
following day and said the win had yet to feel real. She plans to take her time and let the news sink in before deciding how to spend her windfall. The lottery’s regular £2,000 weekly draws will continue, while a Superdraw is held on the first Wednesday of every month. The next will take place on Wednesday, October 7, when the prize will be £4,000. Anyone wishing to join the Pembrokeshire Lottery or find out more can telephone 01646 690800.
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Ferry floods with 500 tonnes of seawater after hull is ripped open at Welsh port A STENA LINE ferry carrying 157 people was flooded with around 500 tonnes of seawater after its hull was punctured while docking at Holyhead Port, an official investigation has revealed. The incident bears similarities to an accident previously reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald at Fishguard Harbour, where another Irish Sea ferry had a hole punched in its hull after making contact with port infrastructure. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has now published its findings into the much more serious Holyhead incident involving the Stena Estrid. The 214-metre ferry was arriving from Dublin on the morning of January 7, 2026 when it struck an unprotected turning fender at Terminal 3. The impact holed the vessel below the waterline in its starboard engine room, as well as causing damage above the waterline on the cargo deck. Around 500 tonnes of seawater poured into the engine room, while an unknown additional quantity entered an adjacent void space. There were 157 people aboard at the time — 91 passengers and 66 crew — together with 95 vehicles. Nobody was injured. Crew fought major flooding The MAIB said the crew responded quickly to the emergency, shoring up the damaged hull and pumping water from the flooded compartments. Ballast was also transferred within the ship to deliberately create a list to port, lifting the damaged section of the starboard hull above the waterline and helping bring the ingress of water under control. Once the situation had stabilised, Stena Estrid was able to complete its berthing manoeuvre and passengers and vehicles were unloaded. Holyhead Port was closed to ferry traffic until later that evening while the vessel was moved and the jetty
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inspected. Strong winds during docking Investigators found that Stena Estrid had made contact with a turning fender at the northern end of Terminal 3. The vessel was manoeuvring in westerly winds of force six to seven and had a tug attached to its port aft quarter. The MAIB said the ferry closed on the jetty faster than expected, probably because of its position after turning combined with the effects of the strong wind. Sharp protrusions were subsequently identified on the fender involved. Following the accident, the protruding brackets were removed and improvement works were begun at Holyhead, including replacement of deficient or missing fenders and
renewal of two mooring dolphins. The MAIB has now closed its investigation in light of the action already taken and further improvements planned. Echoes of Fishguard Harbour accident For Pembrokeshire ferry users, the incident has echoes of an accident at Fishguard Harbour on December 20, 2024. The Herald reported at the time that Irish Ferries vessel Isle of Innisfree sustained a hole in its hull after making contact with port structures while attempting to dock at Fishguard. The vessel had only recently arrived in Pembrokeshire as part of emergency arrangements introduced following the closure of Holyhead Port after Storm Darragh. No injuries were reported in the Fishguard incident, but emergency repairs were required before the ferry could sail. Subsequent vessel records
described the damage as a hole above the waterline on the port side near the stern. The circumstances were therefore significantly less serious than those involving Stena Estrid, where the hull was breached below the waterline and hundreds of tonnes of water entered an engine room. Nevertheless, both incidents involved large Irish Sea ferries making contact with infrastructure while manoeuvring in Welsh ports and suffering hull damage. Fishguard and Pembroke Dock remain strategically important Irish Sea ferry ports for Pembrokeshire, particularly when disruption elsewhere on the network forces operators to divert or increase services through west Wales. The December 2024 Fishguard incident itself came during such disruption, when Holyhead’s closure led to additional sailings through Pembrokeshire and saw some of the largest ferries ever to use Fishguard Harbour arriving at the port.
Arrest warrant issued for Monkton man accused of carrying crossbow A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Monkton man accused of possessing a crossbow in a public place. Richard Probert, 47, of Gwilliam Court, Monkton, is alleged to have been carrying the weapon on Angle Road when he was arrested by police
earlier this year. He was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 1. However, after Probert failed to attend, magistrates issued a warrant without bail for his arrest.
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Police appeal after burglars flee Tenby Co-op with till drawers POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two people allegedly broke into a Tenby supermarket and fled carrying till drawers in a shopping basket. The burglary happened at the Coop store on Heywood Lane at around 12.15am on Saturday, August 29. Dyfed-Powys Police said two people reportedly forced their way into the premises before leaving on foot towards Broadwell Hayes and Heywood Lane. They were carrying several items believed to have been taken from the store, including till drawers placed inside a shopping basket. The break-in forced the supermarket to close temporarily while damage to the building was repaired. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information or CCTV that could help officers with their enquiries, is asked to get in touch.” Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police: Online: dyfed-powys.police.uk/ contact
Court Reporter
Email: 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
Telephone: 101 Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting
crimestoppers-uk.org. Quote crime reference: 20260829-005.
DP-
Electrician banned after cocaine and cannabis found in system A SELF-EMPLOYED electrician has been banned from the roads after being caught driving with cocaine, cannabis and a cocaine metabolite above the legal limits in his system. Henri Hempleman, 22, was stopped shortly before midnight on May 16 while driving a BMW 1 Series through Burton. “It was the standard of his driving that alerted the police,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. Officers found that both front tyres were defective. Subsequent blood tests revealed Hempleman had 2.7mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol — the active ingredient in cannabis — 18mcg of cocaine and 324mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, per litre of blood. The respective legal limits are 2mcg, 10mcg and 50mcg. Hempleman, of Bryndyrys, Clynderwen, pleaded guilty to three drug-driving offences and two charges
of using a vehicle with defective tyres. His solicitor, James Bell, told magistrates that Hempleman had experimented with drugs at a party the previous day. “He was simply unaware that the drugs would still be in his system when he drove,” he said. “He’s not a regular drug user but had been experimenting at the party. This is the last time this has occurred.” Mr Bell said Hempleman worked as a self-employed electrician and travelled outside the area for much of his work. “The inevitable ban is going to cause him hardship,” he added. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order requiring Hempleman to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also fined £307 and ordered to pay an £85 contribution towards court costs and a £123 victim surcharge. Hempleman was disqualified from driving for 17 months.
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Mayor and Reform councillor clash over Haverfordwest town-centre decline
Mayor of Haverfordwest: Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner THE MAYOR of Haverfordwest has challenged a Reform UK county councillor to explain who he blames for the decline of the county town after local representatives were accused of failing to act for a decade. Councillor Randell Izaiah ThomasTurner intervened after Cllr Scott Thorley published a social-media post blaming Haverfordwest’s problems on a “lack of vision”, failure to understand modern consumers, paid parking and inaction by local councillors. Cllr Thorley, who represents Milford Hakin on Pembrokeshire County Council, argued that the town should have followed the retail-park model, where shoppers are offered free parking and several major stores in one location. His comments came amid a wider public argument about empty shops, deprivation and whether major regeneration projects—including Haverfordwest’s controversial £5.7m signature bridge—are delivering meaningful improvements. However, Mayor Cllr ThomasTurner challenged the suggestion that Haverfordwest Town Council had failed to act. He said: “When you refer to a ‘lack of action from local councillors’, who exactly are you directing that criticism at? “If you mean Haverfordwest Town Council and its councillors, then I’m struggling to understand the point. The Town Council has put on over 27 events this year alone, with more still to come, alongside other initiatives aimed at bringing people into and supporting our town. “And there is certainly a vision for Haverfordwest.”
Cllr Scott Thorley Tom Sinclair
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The Mayor pointed to his proposal for Haverfordwest to become a Welsh Government pilot area for the temporary suspension of business rates. A 24-page strategic report was presented to politicians and business representatives in July following what Cllr Thomas-Turner described as 18 months of work. The proposal is intended to support existing traders, attract new businesses and bring empty premises back into use while extensive regeneration work continues. Representatives from Labour, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and the local business community attended the meeting, but no Reform UK representative was present. Cllr Thomas-Turner said: “Your party was the only party that did not attend that meeting. “So the vision is there. The ideas are there. The willingness to act is there. “What I would question is whether everyone who is now criticising the lack of action has actually been willing to turn up, engage and contribute when opportunities to do so have been presented.” Responding, Cllr Thorley said his criticism concerned a much longer period and was not directed solely at the current Town Council. He said: “This isn’t a recent issue. It’s an issue caused by a lack of action over the last ten years. “Everyone who could help failed. They fell asleep at the wheel while the town deteriorated. “Events are great, but we need a sustainable plan to get people back
into town centres.” Cllr Thorley also questioned whether the proposed business-rates pilot could be limited to Haverfordwest and claimed the plan lacked research, detailed costings and a step-by-step explanation of how it would be funded. Explaining Reform’s absence from the meeting, he said party representatives were either on holiday or outside Pembrokeshire. He went on to describe the gathering as “a photo op for politicians”. He also pointed to the current mix of businesses around the town square as evidence that previous approaches had failed. Cllr Thorley was co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council in April 2025 but is no longer a member of that authority. He was elected as Reform UK’s first Pembrokeshire county councillor in March 2026, representing Hakin in Milford Haven. The argument subsequently drew contributions from residents and other elected representatives. Labour county councillor Joshua Beynon questioned whether free parking alone would revive the town. He said: “Personally, I don’t think free parking is the saviour of town centres. It’s about the offer that the town has. “Whenever I’ve gone anywhere, I don’t care about the parking cost if the offer is good. “I would say it’s better today than it was five years ago, but there still need to be improvements.” Cllr Beynon also highlighted the growth of online shopping, recalling asking a group of children whether they or their parents had bought something online during the previous week. Every child raised their hand.
Residents offered differing explanations for Haverfordwest’s difficulties, including high rents and business rates, reduced bus services, fewer public toilets, paid parking and inconsistent opening hours among some independent shops. One mother said she had bought her children’s back-to-school items online because Haverfordwest no longer offered somewhere to purchase everything conveniently in one place. Others argued that retail parks themselves had contributed to the decline by drawing major shops and footfall away from traditional centres. Responsibility for Haverfordwest is divided between several authorities. The Town Council supports community facilities, events and local initiatives, while Pembrokeshire County Council controls major regeneration projects, car parks and the collection of nondomestic rates. The Welsh Government sets the wider business-rates system and would need to support the proposed pilot. Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire County Council is investing heavily in the signature bridge, Western Quayside, a new public transport interchange and the redevelopment of Haverfordwest Castle. Supporters believe those projects will eventually attract visitors and private investment. Critics argue that new structures and public spaces will achieve little unless empty shops, accessibility and the town’s retail offering are addressed simultaneously. The increasingly political argument now centres on whether Haverfordwest lacks investment—or whether years of investment have been directed towards the wrong priorities.
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Woman sent to court cells after abusing magistrates A 53-year-old Haverfordwest woman was sent to the cells for contempt of court after repeatedly hurling abuse at an all-female Bench of magistrates. Sally Nolan, of Three Meadows, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Haverfordwest Police Station on August 12. The Crown says the allegation relates to a Facebook post. Nolan denies the charge. During the hearing she repeatedly interrupted proceedings despite warnings from the court’s legal adviser and presiding magistrate. “It’s absolutely disgusting the way you treat people in courtrooms,” she shouted towards the Bench. She went on to accuse police of lying under oath and alleged “bullying and corruption”, before telling those
in court: “You’re all going to jail, I tell you now. You should be ashamed of yourselves.” After Nolan failed to calm down, magistrates ordered that she be taken to the cells for contempt. The presiding magistrate told her: “You’re not making things any easier for yourself. Return when you’re cool enough to take part and listen. Your behaviour is not acceptable.” Nolan returned to court more than an hour later and said she was calmer, but declined to apologise. “If the court case was adhered to properly I’d apologise, but I’m being treated like dirt,” she said. She was subsequently released on unconditional bail and will return to court on September 15, when District Judge Mark Layton is due to conduct a case management hearing. The underlying charge remains denied and has not been determined by the court.
Hayscastle man denies sexual assault but admits two assaults A HAYSCASTLE man has denied sexually assaulting a woman by putting his hand down the back of her trousers and inside her underwear. Robert Gooch, 33, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. However, he admitted two charges of assault by beating—one involving the woman and another involving a man who was present during the incident. “He had touched the female earlier, and she didn’t object, but as his behaviour continued she tried to distance herself,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.
“He then tried to kiss her and pushed one hand down the back of her trousers and under her underwear, before grabbing hold of her left hand and biting her with force.” After hearing an outline of the prosecution case, magistrates accepted jurisdiction. However, Gooch, of Y Glyn, Hayscastle, elected to stand trial before a jury at Swansea Crown Court. He was released on conditional bail. He must not contact any prosecution witnesses, enter Albert Street in Haverfordwest, or post anything on social media relating to the allegations.
Driver topped 110mph before undertaking tanker at 70mph
Muhammad Kazi was driving his Toyota C-HR along the A48 towards Carmarthen on May 23 when his vehicle attracted the attention of a roads policing officer. The officer began pacing the Toyota and recorded it travelling at more than 110mph. Kazi continued into a 50mph zone at more than 95mph and was later recorded travelling at between 90mph and 105mph. The court register states that he displayed poor lane discipline, repeatedly moving between the centre line and the edge of the carriageway. At one point, his vehicle was seen straddling the centre
markings. Kazi was also observed tailgating other vehicles before undertaking an HGV tanker near Pensarn roundabout while travelling at 70mph in a 40mph zone. The 46-year-old, of Brynaeron, Ffrwdwen, Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention when he appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Sept 2). He was fined £692 and received five penalty points. Kazi was also ordered to pay a £277 victim surcharge and £130 costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,099.
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Pembs man becomes prison ‘listener’ while awaiting strangulation sentence
A PEMBROKESHIRE man who admitted intentionally strangling a woman and damaging a police van has earned a trusted role supporting fellow prisoners while on remand, a court has heard. Carl Rago, 29, has spent the past three months working with prison staff to address his behavioural issues following his remand earlier this summer. He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from HMP Swansea, having admitted intentionally strangling Kelly Marie Picton on May 25. Rago, of Penffynnon, Cilgerran, also pleaded guilty to causing £1,530 worth of damage to a police van following his arrest on June 7. His solicitor, Alan Lewis, said: “Since his remand, Carl has sought to better himself in prison, where he has been receiving counselling and has been accepted as a listener. “This is a voluntary role involving six-hour shifts, sometimes throughout the night, dealing with other prisoners’ problems and issues. If someone wants to open their heart to you, they are able to do so. “This shows how much Carl has moved on during the three months he
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has spent in prison.” Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Rago had stripped naked following his arrest. “He was naked at the time of his arrest, so the damage costs include cleaning the vehicle as well as damage to the equipment,” she said. Ms Vaughan said the strangulation involved two chokeholds which caused considerable pain to the victim’s neck and lungs. “She does not believe she lost
consciousness, but she was struggling to breathe and could feel liquid rising in her throat,” she said. “She also experienced persistent pain in her neck and lungs and felt sick as a consequence.” Mr Lewis told the court that the victim had since done everything she could to secure Rago’s release from custody. “He acknowledges that the force he used on the victim was excessive, but the victim has done as much as she can to get him released,” he said. “She and he are the only ones who know what happened that night in
May.” After considering a comprehensive pre-sentence report, magistrates declined jurisdiction over the strangulation offence, ruling that their sentencing powers were insufficient. Rago will therefore be sentenced by a judge at Swansea Crown Court later this month. He will remain in custody until that hearing. For damaging the police vehicle, Rago was fined £40 and ordered to pay £270 compensation to DyfedPowys Police, £85 in court costs and a £16 surcharge.
Man remanded over alleged strangulation and assault A FISHGUARD man accused of strangling and assaulting his partner has been remanded in custody. Peter Bromley, 51, is charged with strangling Rhiannon Powen and assaulting her by beating. He is also accused of causing criminal damage to a necklace worn by Ms Powen during the alleged incident in Fishguard. Bromley, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard,
Pensioner admits strangling woman in Milford Haven A PENSIONER has admitted intentionally strangling and assaulting a woman in Milford Haven on New Year’s Day. David Hollins, 68, pleaded guilty to intentionally strangling Emma Hollins and assaulting her by beating at an undisclosed location in the town on January 1, 2026. Given the seriousness of the offences, Haverfordwest magistrates
ordered the probation service to prepare an all-options pre-sentence report. Hollins, of Haughmond Cottage, Bank House Ebrey Wood, Astley, will return to court for sentencing on September 22. He was released on conditional bail and must not contact any prosecution witnesses or enter Milford Haven.
pleaded not guilty to all three charges when he appeared in custody before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, applied for bail ahead of the trial. However, magistrates remanded Bromley in custody, citing his previous breaches of court orders and concerns that he could interfere with prosecution witnesses. His trial is due to take place on October 8.
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Councillors reignite row over £5.7m ‘Instagram bridge’
Cllr Thorley: Thinks bridge was too expensive
Critical of new bridge: Cllr Huw Murphy TWO Pembrokeshire county councillors have reignited the controversy surrounding Haverfordwest’s £5.7m signature footbridge after it was credited with “transforming” the county town. The claim prompted criticism from Reform UK councillor Scott Thorley and Independent councillor Huw Murphy, who both questioned whether the project represented sensible use of public money. The bridge, which connects Riverside with the Western Quayside development, officially opened on October 10, 2025. It has therefore been open for just under eleven months, despite recent coverage describing its impact “a year on”. Cllr Thorley, who represents Hakin, said he regularly asked visiting friends and relatives what they thought of the structure. He said: “Every time I have a friend or family member come down to visit I ask what they think of the bridge. ‘It’s a bridge’, ‘doesn’t look right’ and ‘wrong colour’ are some of the answers. “I then mention the cost. Same answer every time. That answer is a fit of laughter and, ‘Are you serious? What a waste of taxpayers’ money.’ “Anyone think it’s good value or
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acceptable?” Following controversy over his comments, Cllr Thorley added that he would continue to “call out waste and failure” wherever he believed it had occurred. Cllr Huw Murphy, the Independent member for Newport and Dinas, supported the criticism and described the structure as the “Instagram bridge”. He said: “We are not here to be popular but to do what’s right on behalf of the people and companies who pay tax, which we should spend and invest wisely—but on many occasions fail to.” Cllr Murphy rejected arguments that criticism was misplaced because most of the cost came from the former UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. He said: “The bottom line is this bridge was paid for by tax revenue— what tax is irrelevant.” He argued that public money should instead have been directed towards priorities including Withybush Hospital, threatened schools, public toilets and household waste and recycling centres.
However, the Levelling Up Fund award was capital funding specifically approved for the regeneration of Haverfordwest. It was not money Pembrokeshire County Council could simply transfer to the NHS or use to meet the running costs of schools, toilets and waste services. That does not prevent councillors and taxpayers questioning whether the project should have been proposed or approved in the first place. Published figures put the bridge’s cost at approximately £5.7m, of which around £5.1m—90 per cent—was externally funded. Pembrokeshire County Council contributed approximately £600,000. Council officers previously said the old footbridge had serious structural problems and that a like-for-like replacement would have cost more than £900,000. Abandoning the signature bridge project would also have risked losing the Levelling Up funding and leaving the authority responsible for around £1.1m already spent. Defenders of the scheme argue that it is not simply a bridge. The project included new public spaces, landscaping, improved accessibility and work to the former Cleddau
Foundry building. It is also intended to connect Western Quayside with Haverfordwest’s new public transport interchange. That development remains officially listed as being “in progress”, making the bridge’s eventual contribution to the wider regeneration plan difficult to assess fully. Among the public responses, one resident argued that £5m was not excessive for a major civic bridge and challenged critics to provide the cost of comparable structures. Others remained unconvinced. One commenter claimed an Instagram search produced only six results for the bridge, two of which had been posted by Pembrokeshire County Council. When the bridge opened, Deputy Council Leader Paul Miller said it was an important connection between Western Quayside and the new transport interchange and formed part of the wider Haverfordwest Masterplan. The renewed argument leaves the central question unanswered: has the bridge begun transforming Haverfordwest—or has an expensive structure been mistaken for regeneration itself?
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Teenager suffered cracked ribs in confrontation with doorman A TEENAGER who suffered cracked ribs during a confrontation with a Haverfordwest doorman has appeared in court charged with charged with being drunk and disorderly and with assault Charlie Lynch, 19, was seen intoxicated in Castle Street on the night of May 15. “The bouncer heard him slurring his words and saw him begin punching a sign on Castle Square,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates. “The bouncer told him not to be an idiot and not to mess with him as he’d turn into an animal, but when the defendant failed to leave, the bouncer put him to the floor.” Ms Vaughan said the doorman had been “quite heavy-handed” with Lynch. “But Lynch wouldn’t take no for an answer,” she concluded. Lynch, now living at Silverdale Lodge, Johnston, admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place
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and assaulting Paul Anson by beating. His solicitor, Mike Kelleher, said Lynch had been drinking heavily and had no recollection of what happened. “This is a young man who’d been drinking and has no recollection of what took place that day,” he said. “He was homeless at the time, living rough, and he became depressed and began drinking to excess.” Mr Kelleher said Lynch was given accommodation at Silverdale Lodge shortly after the incident. “This is his first conviction as an adult, and it has shown him the perils of drinking to excess,” he said. “He hasn’t had a drink since this incident.” The solicitor told the court that Lynch had suffered a number of cracked ribs during the confrontation. “It might be said that the doorman’s reaction went above and beyond what it should have done,” Mr Kelleher
and a £26 victim surcharge. No compensation was awarded to the doorman.
added. Magistrates handed Lynch a sixmonth conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £85 in court costs
Drink-driver assaulted two people who tried to stop him leaving caravan park A BIRTHDAY celebration at a Pembrokeshire caravan park ended in violence after a drink-driver assaulted two people who tried to prevent him getting behind the wheel. Jordan Green, 32, and his partner were staying at Croft Caravan Park, near Kilgetty, when an argument broke out between them on August 15. “Two people at the caravan park saw him attempting to drive off in his vehicle and, knowing that he had consumed a large amount of alcohol, tried to stop him from driving,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. “But the defendant became aggressive towards them, threatening to knock one of them out, while the female sustained a slight cut.” Ms Vaughan said the incident was aggravated by the presence of children at the caravan park. The pair eventually managed to remove the keys from Green’s vehicle.
A subsequent breath test carried out by police showed he had 94mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — almost three times the legal limit of 35mcg. “His behaviour was completely
unacceptable, and he could easily have hurt or killed someone,” the female victim said in a statement read to the court. Green, of Hillcrest View, Maerdy,
pleaded guilty to drink-driving and two counts of assault by beating. His solicitor, Jess Hill, said Green had been celebrating his partner’s birthday and the couple had been drinking. “He had an argument with his partner, he was in a highly emotional state, and he reacted instantly by pushing both people away from him,” she said. “He didn’t want to cause them any harm; he just wanted them to get away.” Ms Hill said Green was now at “significant risk” of losing his job because driving was an essential part of his employment. Magaistrates disqualified Green from driving for 14 months and imposed a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete ten rehabilitation activity days. He was ordered to pay a total of £150 compensation to the two victims, fined £369 and told to pay an £85 contribution towards prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
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Man pulled out cleaver during confrontation in Tenby town centre A PEMBROKESHIRE man has admitted possessing an offensive weapon after pulling out what appeared to be a cleaver during a confrontation in Tenby town centre. James Donald, 35, of no fixed abode, was standing in the middle of the road near Tudor Square on July 11 when he was approached by two men. “Two men were walking along the road near Tudor Square when they saw the defendant standing still in the middle of the road,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. “They asked him if he was okay, and one of them started mocking him, stating that he loved him. “The defendant then said, ‘F*** you, I’ve got a knife,’ and pulled out what looked like a cleaver with a black handle.” The court heard that Donald later apologised to the men and told them he was going through a difficult period. “He said he was really sorry but was going through a tough time at the moment,” Ms Vaughan continued. “He then got into a taxi, and the taxi driver seemed to know him, as he said this was unusual behaviour for him.”
Donald pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He also admitted failing to surrender to bail following an earlier failure to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order requiring him to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a nine-month alcohol treatment programme and a mental health treatment requirement.
Donald was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knife.
Pembroke builder banned after driving with amphetamine in his system A SELF-EMPLOYED builder has been disqualified from driving after being caught behind the wheel with amphetamine and cannabis in his system. Neil Hart, 48, was stopped by police on April 5 after officers noticed that the Vauxhall Astra he was driving along London Road, Pembroke Dock, did not have a valid MOT. Blood tests taken at the police station showed Hart had 839mcg of amphetamine per litre of blood — more than three times the legal limit of 250mcg. He also had 2.4mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal
psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, per litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mcg. Hart, of Strongbow Walk, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to two counts of drugdriving when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order. Hart must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay an £85 contribution towards prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
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Milford Haven councillors to consider community grants and marina licence MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL will consider applications for financial assistance from two community organisations when members meet next week. The full council is due to meet at Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit, Havens Head Business Park, at 6:00pm on Monday, September 7. Councillors will consider funding requests from Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society and the Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO). The amounts being sought have not been disclosed in the published agenda. Members will also discuss a licensing application relating to Dock and Go at Milford Marina, although this item is listed for information only. Other business includes the appointment of a new chair of the council’s Planning, Policy and Community Committee. Councillors will also consider
appointing an additional community governor to the Federation of Holy Name and St Francis Catholic Primary Schools, along with representation on the Milford Haven Port Welfare Committee. A report concerning badges for former mayors will come before members, as will quotations for a new photocopier and cemetery reports covering June and July. The council will be asked to approve its internal audit policy and terms of reference, consider its accounts for July and August and review the corresponding bank reconciliations. Members are also due to examine a new concerns and complaints policy and a draft calendar of council meetings covering January to December 2027. The meeting will include a public question-and-answer session lasting a maximum of ten minutes. Remote access can be provided to councillors and members of the public upon request.
Farm contractor fined for assaulting former partner during dispute A PEMBROKESHIRE farm contractor has been fined after admitting assaulting his former partner during an emotionally charged dispute following the end of their 23-year relationship. Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Timothy Webb assaulted the woman on March 8 after she made comments about her new relationship in front of their ten-year-old son. “She made repeated comments about her new sex life in front of their son, and this made Timothy Webb extremely upset,” Webb’s solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told magistrates. “He took the complainant by the scruff of her neck so that she could be moved away from his child and he wouldn’t hear what she was saying. She then took herself to the floor, with the defendant falling with her. “But he denies pushing her and denies sitting on her.” Webb, 39, of East House, Crinow, Narberth, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and causing £20 worth of damage to her jumper during the altercation. “This happened during a highly charged emotional period following their separation after a 23-year relationship,” Mr Lloyd continued. “My client thought there might be time to reconsider their relationship, but when she arrived that day, she informed him
that, after 23 years, she was now in a new relationship.” The court heard that Webb had no previous convictions and worked as a farming contractor while also helping to care for livestock at his family’s farm near Narberth. “My client has lost his family and he has lost his clean character,” Mr Lloyd said. “Respectfully, why put this man on a community order which he doesn’t need?” After a short adjournment, magistrates imposed a £384 fine rather than a community order. Webb must also pay a £154 surcharge, £85 in prosecution costs and £120 compensation to the victim. Magistrates dismissed the Crown’s application for a restraining order preventing Webb from contacting her.
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Welsh NHS pauses gender surgery pathway
GENDER-AFFIRMING surgical assessments, referrals and operations arranged through the Welsh NHS have been paused while an independent review examines the Welsh Gender Service. The decision affects new surgical
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referrals, assessments for surgery and procedures that had already been scheduled.
Although the Welsh Gender Service is based at St David’s Hospital in Cardiff, patients requiring surgery are normally referred to specialist providers in England. It remains unclear how many Welsh patients are affected, how long the suspension will last or whether people whose referrals have already been accepted by English providers will be able to proceed. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which runs the service, said the decision followed a meeting of the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee’s Quality, Safety and Outcomes Committee on August 24. At that meeting, the service was escalated to Level 3 under the NHS improvement and assurance process. The commissioning committee said the pause was a “precautionary and clinically-led step” intended to ensure referrals were supported by robust quality, safety and clinical governance arrangements. It said information considered included referral data, clinical feedback and correspondence concerning aspects of the patient pathway. Concerns have centred on the rate of surgical referrals from Wales compared with gender services in England, together with aspects of the assessment and referral process. However, neither the comparative figures nor evidence establishing that any referrals were clinically inappropriate has yet been published. The pause does not affect hormone therapy support, endocrine reviews, psychological services or speech and
language therapy provided through the Welsh Gender Service. David Fluck, executive medical director at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “We recognise that this will be concerning for patients, their families and those waiting for treatment. “The Welsh Gender Service supports people at important stages in their lives and we understand that uncertainty regarding care can be distressing. “Our priority is to ensure patients continue to receive compassionate support and clear information throughout this process.” He said affected patients would be contacted directly when developments concerning their individual care became available. TransActual, which campaigns for transgender people, has strongly criticised the suspension and described it as an “extraordinary violation of NHS Wales’ duties as a provider of care”. The organisation said the decision was having a “cruel impact” on people awaiting surgery and questioned whether a higher referral rate than England should itself be treated as evidence of a clinical problem. Some affected patients were reportedly already admitted to hospital when their procedures were stopped. The NHS has not publicly confirmed how many scheduled procedures were affected, how much notice patients received or when operations might be rearranged. A separate review of gender surgery services in NHS England is expected to report in 2027. The Pembrokeshire Herald has asked the Welsh Government, Welsh Gender Service, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee to confirm how many patients are affected at each stage of the pathway. We have also asked whether referrals already accepted in England can proceed, how many scheduled operations have been postponed and what clinical and psychological support is being offered. Further questions concern the evidence used to justify a complete pause, who will conduct the independent review, when it will report and whether patients will retain their existing position and priority when the pathway reopens. The Welsh Government has been asked whether ministers support the inclusion of operations that had already been scheduled and when the Health Minister was first informed.
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Former surgeon found hiding near estranged wife’s home A FORMER orthopaedic surgeon was found hiding in undergrowth just 20 metres from his estranged wife’s Haverfordwest home after breaching a domestic violence protection order. Khwaja Sediqi was prohibited from going within 100 metres of the property in Primrose Drive when police discovered him nearby during the early hours of August Bank Holiday Monday. “Mrs Sediqi was petrified when she heard a knock on the back window of her property at around 1.20am,” Sally Rogers, prosecuting on behalf of Dyfed-Powys Police, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “She believed it was Khwaja Sediqi.” Officers searching the garden noticed a patch of white among the undergrowth. When they shone a torch towards it, they saw the defendant hiding in the bushes. “When the torch shone on him, he stood up and was arrested around 20 metres from the back door of the property,” Ms Rogers continued. “This was a clear breach.” The court heard that Sediqi arrived in the UK from Afghanistan with his wife and their four children in 2024. Ms Rogers said Mrs Sediqi was
finding it difficult to extricate herself from the relationship because of pressure from relatives and religious attitudes towards divorce within the family. “She has made it very clear that she wants Sediqi to stay away from her, but this was a planned breach,” the prosecutor said. “He chose to go to her property even though he knew it was prohibited, and going there in the middle of the night was particularly frightening for her.” Ms Rogers further alleged that Sediqi had struck his wife and pulled her hair on several occasions, describing his behaviour during their relationship as controlling and coercive. Sediqi, 38, of Goat Street, Haverfordwest, was represented by solicitor Jess Hill. She told the court that he had worked as an orthopaedic surgeon before arriving in the UK and had since undertaken voluntary work at Withybush Hospital while hoping to obtain the qualifications needed to practise medicine in this country. “His family has been his world, as he has no other family or friends,” she said. “His four children live with his estranged wife and he is missing
contact with them, as he does not know a third party who can assist him. “He was hoping to attract the attention of his older children that night without attracting his wife.
Magistrates fined Sediqi £200 and ordered him to pay £292 in costs. “If you breach the order again, you will more than likely be looking at a custodial sentence,” the presiding magistrate warned him.
Thieves steal staff tips during early-morning raid on Pembroke pub A PEMBROKE pub has appealed for the public’s help after masked intruders forced their way into the premises and stole money belonging to staff. The break-in happened at The Watermans Arms shortly before 4am on Sunday, August 30. According to the pub, three people smashed their way through a rear door before taking a staff tip pot containing money earned by employees. The raid was captured on CCTV, but those involved had covered their faces and were wearing gloves, making identification difficult. A spokesperson for The Watermans Arms said: “Unfortunately, we had a break-in at the pub in the early hours of this morning. “The back door was smashed and badly damaged, and the people responsible stole our staff tip pot. “This is absolutely disgraceful. That money belonged to our hardworking staff and had been given to them by customers in recognition of the service they provide.” The pub is asking residents and businesses in Pembroke and the surrounding area to check CCTV, doorbell cameras and other security footage recorded between 3.30am
and 4.30am. Of particular interest is any footage showing three people travelling together on foot or in a vehicle before or after the break-in. The pub said even apparently insignificant footage could help establish the route taken by those responsible.
Anyone who wishes to provide information privately has been assured that their confidentiality will be respected. Members of the public have also been urged not to identify or accuse individuals on social media, or to approach anyone they suspect may have been involved. The spokesperson added: “Please
share this appeal, particularly around Pembroke and the surrounding areas. “Hopefully, together we can find out who is responsible and ensure they are held accountable.” Anyone with information or relevant footage should contact Dyfed-Powys Police or speak directly to The Watermans Arms.
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Ceredigion alcohol-free zones set to continue in three towns ALCOHOL-FREE zones to target public drinking in three Ceredigion towns are expected to continue for a further three years despite police saying it was difficult to prove the restrictions “remained necessary and proportionate”. There are currently three Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in place in Ceredigion, covering the town centres of Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Lampeter, which allow the banning of drinking alcohol in designated public areas in order to address anti-social behaviour in public places. Implementation of an order makes it an offence should a person fail to comply with a request from a police officer or an authorised officer to not consume alcohol, or refuses to surrender alcohol to the officer. The three PSPOs in Ceredigion originally had a three-year provision and were due to expire in October 2020, those timescales extended in both 2020 and 2023, with a current expiry date of October 2026. A report for members of Ceredigion County Council’s September Cabinet meeting, presented by Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public
Bruce Sinclair
Local Democracy Reporter
Protection Cllr Matthew Vaux said that, while all three town councils and the seven local county councillors supported their renewal, police had said there was no substantial evidence to demonstrate an ongoing need for the orders. “Data provided by Dyfed-Powys Police showed that, during the preceding 12 months, the Force
attended seven incidents in which street drinking was identified as a contributing factor. “The Dyfed-Powys Police Local Commander advised that evidence of this nature would be central to any application to renew the orders and that the relatively low number of recorded incidents made it difficult to demonstrate that the restrictions remained necessary and proportionate.” The report before members included options of extending the PSPOs for a further three years, allowing them
to expire, with or without a further review; recommending a preferred option for full council decision at a later date. Speaking at the meeting, Aberystwyth Morfa a Glais councillor Alun Williams said he was surprised by the option to discontinue the PSPOs for a scheme that had been a success in Aberystwyth. He said the town’s Owain Glyndwr Square has, in the past, been “dominated by groups of drunken men,” who, while not necessarily committing crimes, had “created an atmosphere” where “people want to spend as little time in Owain Glyndwr Square as possible,” adding the PSPOs had “solved that at a stroke”. Cllr Ann Bowen Morgan of Lampeter agreed, saying that while the situation in her town may not have been as bad the PSPOs had “made a difference,” with previous issues in the town’s Harford Square. Members unanimously backed the continuation of the scheme in the three towns; the final decision being made by full council. As back in 2023, the extension of the PSPOs will cost approximately £700 through public notices being placed in the press, councillors heard.
Man wanted for harassment contacted Herald demanding appeal be removed A MAN being sought by DyfedPowys Police in connection with an alleged harassment offence previously contacted The Herald and demanded that its coverage of the police appeal be removed. Officers have renewed their appeal for information concerning Alan Tait, 69, from the Ammanford area. Police believe he may now be living in the Bideford area of Devon. He also has known links to Newport. Tait contacted The Herald in February, shortly after an earlier police appeal was circulated. In his first email, sent from an address connected to a website entitled Request for Investigation, he identified himself as “the man that the police have recently issued a wanted notice for”. Tait denied wrongdoing and claimed he was a whistleblower attempting to expose serious crimes. He alleged that the police appeal formed part of a longrunning campaign against him. He subsequently sent The Herald a series of screenshots and photographs which he said supported his account. In a further email, Tait formally requested that the newspaper stop publishing or hosting the wanted notice. He also asked The Herald to question Dyfed-Powys Police about the source of the photographs used in its appeal and to seek his comments before carrying
any further reports. The Herald replied that it reports official information supplied by the police and was not in a position to investigate or adjudicate the wider disputes raised in his correspondence. Tait’s allegations have not been independently verified. Dyfed-Powys Police has now renewed its appeal, saying: “Officers continue their enquiries to locate Alan Tait, who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.” The force has not disclosed further details about the alleged offence. Anyone with information that could assist officers is asked to contact DyfedPowys Police online, by emailing 101@ dyfed-powys.police.uk or by calling 101. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The police reference is BRC469114.
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Families’ lives ‘put on hold’ by dementia diagnosis delays FAMILIES affected by dementia are being forced to put their lives on hold while waiting months for a diagnosis, according to new research published by Alzheimer’s Society. A UK-wide survey commissioned by the charity found that 45% of people waited more than six months for a dementia diagnosis after first seeking help. Alzheimer’s Society is now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce a 12-week diagnosis target as part of the forthcoming Wales Dementia Strategy, in line with a Plaid Cymru manifesto commitment. The charity said people receiving a diagnosis should then be given a care plan promptly, together with appropriate treatment and information about available support. The survey, conducted by Yonder Data Solutions among 1,004 adults, highlighted the effect prolonged uncertainty can have on carers and their families. Among respondents supporting somebody with a formal dementia diagnosis, 46% said the time taken to secure that diagnosis had affected their work, while 35% said it had made planning for the future more difficult. Almost a third experienced sleepless nights, while 30% said they felt as though their lives had been placed on hold. The effect was particularly pronounced among working-age adults. More than half of respondents aged between 35 and 44 said the wait had affected their employment.
Families also reported significant financial consequences from caring for somebody with dementia. Across the survey, 37% said they had used personal savings, 36% had cut everyday spending and 34% had reduced their working hours. A further 33% said they were spending less on their own health and wellbeing. Although the research was conducted across the UK, Alzheimer’s Society said its findings demonstrated the need for firm diagnosis standards and improved post-diagnosis support in Wales. The research also highlighted the difference receiving a formal diagnosis can make. Nine in ten respondents caring for somebody who had been diagnosed said at least one aspect of their lives became easier afterwards.
Pembroke Dock man remanded over strangulation allegation A PEMBROKE DOCK man who has admitted assaulting a woman has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial on a separate allegation of intentional strangulation. Christopher Hanratty, aged 51, of St Teilos Road, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Aug 28) for an application hearing. Hanratty previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman by beating her in Pembroke Dock on July 28. He has pleaded not guilty to intentionally strangling the same woman
in Pembroke on April 25, contrary to the Serious Crime Act 2015. Court records show that Hanratty was remanded in custody, with magistrates citing the alleged risk of further offending and of causing injury or fear of injury to an associated person. The nature and seriousness of the alleged offence were also cited when bail was refused. Hanratty is due to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 17, at 2pm.
Benefits included gaining a better understanding of symptoms and behaviour, being able to support the person more effectively and finding it easier to obtain information or speak to healthcare professionals. Michelle Dyson CB, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It is always better to know. A dementia diagnosis can bring answers, understanding and access to the support, treatment and care that can make a real difference to people’s lives. “Too many families spend months, and sometimes years, waiting for answers
while their dementia progresses. It is like trying to plan a journey without knowing where you are going or when you will arrive. “Behind every delayed diagnosis is a family living with uncertainty and trying to prepare for the future without the support they need. “Dementia does not wait, and neither should diagnosis. People living with dementia in Wales should receive an accurate diagnosis within 12 weeks. “Following diagnosis, people should quickly receive a care plan and treatment where appropriate. It is the very least people with dementia and their families deserve.” Even after a diagnosis was received, many carers said more assistance was needed. The most commonly identified priorities included greater follow-up from healthcare professionals, clearer information about treatments, help accessing local services and practical guidance about what to do next. Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging anyone concerned about memory or thinking problems to seek medical advice as early as possible. Support is available from Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456. Its Welshlanguage support line can be contacted on 03300 947 400.
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Battle lines drawn over who should control policing in Wales A POLITICAL battle over who should control policing in Wales has intensified after Andrew RT Davies warned that responsibility for the country’s four forces must not be transferred from Westminster to the Senedd. The Conservative MS said the Welsh Government’s record on health, education and other public services demonstrated that ministers in Cardiff Bay should not be entrusted with additional powers. His intervention follows renewed pressure from First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth for policing and justice to be devolved to Wales. The row comes at a critical moment for the future of Welsh policing. The UK Government intends to abolish elected Police and Crime Commissioners from 2028 and is examining whether the existing 43 forces across England and Wales should be replaced by a much smaller number of larger regional organisations. That raises major questions over the future of Dyfed-Powys Police, which serves Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys across the largest geographical police area in England and Wales. Under one possible model, control of policing in Wales could pass to the Welsh Government. Another could see the four Welsh forces merged into a single national organisation. Alternatively, Westminster could retain control while introducing new regional forces and governance boards. Mr Davies, the Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, said transferring responsibility to Cardiff Bay would be a serious mistake. He said: “Whether it’s health or education, public services in Wales have gone backwards in areas for which Senedd ministers have responsibility. “Cardiff and the Vale Health Board is blighted by systemic failings—the only reason I haven’t called for it to be put in special measures is because I don’t trust Plaid Cymru separatist ministers to sort the problems out. “Policing must not be devolved—more powers is the last thing the Senedd
Tom Sinclair
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needs.” The Plaid Cymru government has identified policing and justice as priorities for further devolution. Mr ap Iorwerth has said he hopes to persuade Prime Minister Andy Burnham that policing powers should be transferred to Wales, while Plaid’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts has questioned why some English mayors exercise greater influence over policing than Wales’s elected national government. Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock told MPs this week that the UK Government would engage on the future of devolution, including the possibility of “deepening devolution” in Wales. Supporters of transferring the power argue that policing is already closely connected to services controlled in Cardiff Bay, including health, housing, social care, education, substance misuse and support for victims. They also point out that policing is devolved in Scotland and Northern
Ireland, while several English mayors can set policing priorities, approve budgets and appoint chief constables. Both the 2019 Commission on Justice in Wales, chaired by former Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, and the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales recommended devolving policing and justice. Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has also argued that the present overhaul provides an opportunity to transfer responsibility to Wales. Giving evidence to the Commons Welsh Affairs Committee in July, Mr Llywelyn described the UK Government’s reforms as a “seismic shift” and said his ambition was to see policing devolved. However, he has previously warned that replacing the four forces with a single Welsh organisation could result in resources being drawn away from rural communities towards more densely populated areas. Former Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis took a different view, publicly advocating the creation of
one national service—Heddlu Cymru or Wales Police—before retiring from policing in 2025. The future structure therefore presents two separate questions: whether policing should be controlled from Cardiff or Westminster, and whether Wales should retain its existing four forces. Devolution would not automatically require their merger, although the Plaid government would face pressure to explain whether it intended to retain Dyfed-Powys as an independent force. Although policing policy remains reserved to Westminster, the Welsh Government already provides a substantial proportion of the money used by the four Welsh forces. For 2026–27, the Welsh Government element of their core funding settlement amounts to £113.47 million. Cardiff Bay is also providing approximately £16.3 million to support Police Community Support Officer posts. Total core support for the four Welsh forces stands at £512.3 million, with additional revenue raised through council tax police precepts. Supporters of devolution say the existing arrangement creates a confusing division in which the Welsh Government funds policing and controls many of the public services with which officers work—but cannot set overall policing policy. Opponents fear that transferring control could politicise policing, create expensive new administrative structures and weaken cross-border cooperation with forces in England and UK-wide bodies such as the National Crime Agency. For communities in west Wales, the question is likely to be more immediate: whether any new structure would protect neighbourhood policing, rural crime teams and emergency coverage across the vast Dyfed-Powys area. With PCCs set to disappear and the future number of forces under review, the argument is no longer simply constitutional. Decisions expected during the coming years could determine who controls local policing—and whether Dyfed-Powys Police continues to exist in its present form.
Man denies dangerous driving and failing to stop for police A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and refusing to provide a breath specimen. Jack Mills, aged 26, of Glebe House, Winch Lane, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Aug 28) following the execution of a bench warrant. Mills is accused of driving a Ford Focus dangerously on St Thomas Green, Haverfordwest, on April 13. He also denies failing to stop the vehicle when directed to do so by a
police constable in uniform and failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis. Two separate allegations that Mills failed to surrender to bail at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on August 25 were withdrawn. Mills was released on conditional bail, with a requirement that he live and sleep each night at his Haverfordwest address. His three-hour trial is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 26, at 11am.
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Man admits assault and criminal damage A BIRMINGHAM man has admitted assaulting a woman and damaging property during an incident in Haverfordwest. Wayne Poole, aged 49, of Regan Crescent, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Aug 28) for a bail application. Poole previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman by beating her in Haverfordwest on August 4. He also admitted damaging a pint glass and cupboard door during the same incident. A separate charge alleging that Poole intentionally strangled the
woman was discontinued. Poole was released on conditional bail while a pre-sentence report is prepared. His bail conditions include a daily curfew between 7pm and 7am, a requirement that he live and sleep at his Birmingham address, and an order preventing him from contacting the woman directly or indirectly. He is also prohibited from entering Brookvale Road in Birmingham. Poole is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 22, at 10am.
Saundersfoot woman denies failing to provide blood sample A SAUNDERSFOOT woman has denied failing to provide a blood specimen during a police investigation in Haverfordwest. Katie Smith, aged 40, of Nant y Dderwen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Aug 28) for trial. Smith is accused of failing, without reasonable excuse, to provide a specimen of blood for laboratory analysis on April 5. She previously entered a not guilty
plea to the charge. The trial was unable to proceed because the court ran out of time. Court records also state that Smith raised serious medical issues during the hearing and was told that supporting medical evidence would be required before her trial. Smith was released on unconditional bail. Her two-hour trial has been rearranged for Thursday, September 24, at 10am at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
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Fishguard RNLI called out twice after windsurfers reported in difficulty FISHGUARD RNLI volunteers were called out twice in just over an hour after two windsurfers were reported to be in difficulty near Fishguard Fort. The crew was first paged at 12:17pm and launched the charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson. The Trent-class allweather lifeboat was also requested to prepare to launch in support. HM Coastguard Fishguard headed to the scene while the inshore lifeboat made its way across the bay. After locating the two windsurfers, the lifeboat crew was told that neither required assistance. The all-weather lifeboat, which had been about to launch, was therefore stood down and the inshore crew returned to station. However, just 65 minutes after the initial call, the volunteers were paged again. By then, one of the windsurfers had made it safely back to shore, while the other was drifting within the port’s working area as a ferry prepared to depart. The inshore lifeboat returned to the scene, took the windsurfer and their equipment aboard, and carried them the short distance back to the lifeboat station.
The RNLI reminded members of the public that anyone who is, or appears to be, in difficulty around the coast
should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. The inshore lifeboat approaches
the windsurfer in Fishguard Bay (Pic: RNLI/Jessica Rogers)
Council records 461 dog-ban interventions in Tenby but issues no fines PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has recorded 461 interactions with dog owners in Tenby this year—but has not issued a single fixed-penalty notice. The figures were disclosed after The Pembrokeshire Herald asked how seasonal dog restrictions were being enforced on the county’s beaches. Across Pembrokeshire, council officers have recorded 721 interactions concerning the restrictions during 2026, with almost two-thirds of those taking place in Tenby. However, the authority confirmed that no fixed-penalty notices have been issued. A council spokesperson said its approach remained focused on informing and warning dog owners rather than immediately resorting to enforcement action. The spokesperson said: “Our inform and warn process has been implemented throughout the year and it is disappointing to note instances where individuals have decided to ignore the restrictions. “However, we are finding that the majority of people comply with the informing process and change their behaviour to comply with the prescribed restrictions.” The council also said lifeguards recorded 1,520 interactions during
2025, although it is unclear whether those figures were gathered in the same way and they should not be treated as a direct year-on-year comparison. Seasonal restrictions vary between beaches. The council said unrestricted areas considerably exceed restricted sections across Pembrokeshire, with only Tenby North Beach and Whitesands subject to restrictions covering the entire beach. At several other locations, dogs are permitted on designated sections even while restrictions operate elsewhere on the same beach. The latest figures are likely to renew debate over whether an education-led system provides a sufficient deterrent when some owners repeatedly disregard prominent signs. The council did not provide a separate total for formal warnings, explain how many of the recorded interactions involved repeat offenders or supply comparable figures for 2024. It also did not indicate what circumstances would have to arise before a fixed-penalty notice was issued. Dog owners are advised to check the signs at each beach carefully, as restrictions can cover an entire beach, a designated section or operate during particular periods of the year.
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WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2025 & 2026
For information on our wedding packages or to book a meeting at the venue please email: jenna@nelsonmilford.com
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Tenby lifeboats launch twice during busy Friday evening TENBY’S lifeboat crews were called out twice on Friday evening (Aug 28), responding to separate incidents along the Pembrokeshire coast. The first call came shortly after 8:00pm, following a report to the Coastguard that a person may have been injured after jumping into the water from Tenby’s old lifeboat station. The town’s inshore lifeboat launched and reached the scene within a minute, but its volunteer crew found no sign of anyone requiring assistance. Crew members spoke to police officers who were searching from the pier. Following initial enquiries, officers believed the report may have been a hoax and that nobody had been injured. With no casualty located and nobody apparently in need of assistance, the
lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. The second shout came shortly after 10:20pm, when both Tenby lifeboats were requested to launch following a report that a person might be in difficulty in the Morfa Bychan area, near Pendine. Once on scene, the inshore lifeboat searched the coastline between Marros and Morfa Bychan, while the all-weather lifeboat covered the area from Morfa Bychan to Gilman Point. A short time later, confirmation was received that the person had been found safe and well a short distance inland. Both lifeboats were subsequently stood down and returned to Tenby, arriving back at the station shortly after 11:30pm.
Newcastle Emlyn man remanded over alleged death threat A NEWCASTLE EMLYN man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of sending a death threat. Michael Sudbury, 51, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Swansea on Tuesday. He is alleged to have sent a threatening communication to an unnamed person
in Carmarthen on March 12, while being reckless as to whether the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out. Sudbury, of Bryn Mawr, Newcastle Emlyn, was remanded in custody and is due to appear again before Haverfordwest magistrates on September 14. The allegation has not yet been proved in court.
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Carnival float celebrates 27-year link
PUPILS and staff from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi celebrated the longstanding friendship between St Davids and the African kingdom of Lesotho by taking part in the city’s carnival. The school decorated a colourful Lesotho-themed float to represent the community’s friends in Matsieng, a royal village which has been formally twinned with St Davids since 1999. The carnival appearance comes as work continues on an £85,319 National Lottery-funded project documenting the history of the relationship. Led by the Wales–Lesotho charity Dolen Cymru, the project is entitled Wales as an Outward Looking Nation – The story of St Davids and Matsieng. It will collect 30 oral histories alongside photographs, documents, artefacts and other material from people in Wales and Lesotho. The stories will eventually be shared through community events and a public exhibition, preserving the experiences of those who have helped sustain the international friendship for more than a quarter of a century. Since the twinning was established, the two communities have taken part in reciprocal visits, fundraising activities, school partnerships and civic exchanges. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi is officially linked with Mahloenyeng Combined School in Matsieng, with St Davids pupils visiting Lesotho in 2014 and again in 2018. Teachers and pupils from Lesotho have also travelled to Pembrokeshire, allowing young people from the two communities to learn about one another’s lives and cultures. The school has established its
own Lesotho committee and marks Moshoeshoe Day each March in memory of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation. Its pupils have also supported fundraising intended to help children in Lesotho who have been orphaned as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The St Davids Matsieng Support Group received a Gold Star Learning
Link Award in 2015 in recognition of its work promoting links between Wales and Africa. Following the carnival, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi said staff and pupils had been delighted to celebrate the partnership. The school also paid tribute to Mrs Caroline Blair for her long-standing work supporting the relationship.
A spokesperson said: “YPDVA is very proud of its relationship with our Lesotho family, and we are forever grateful to Mrs Blair for her leadership, inspiration and invaluable time.” The heritage project was awarded £85,319 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in October last year and began during 2026.
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Artist turns trauma and healing into immersive exhibition PEMBROKESHIRE artist, musician and performer Lucie O’Neill will bring her multidisciplinary exhibition, METANOIA: The Transformative Mind of a Traumatised Dreamer, to the Joanna Field Gallery from September 12 to 29. The exhibition draws on Lucie’s own experiences of trauma and healing, combining original artwork with short extracts from a forthcoming concept album. Each piece represents a stage in an emotional journey moving through crisis, distress and anguish towards courage, acceptance, freedom and self-worth. Lucie said: “Having first sought support for my own mental health at 19 for symptoms of PTSD, I became passionate about using storytelling and creativity to raise awareness of mental health and give a voice to people navigating emotional distress who may feel alone or trapped within their own minds.” Born and raised in Pembrokeshire, Lucie studied English literature, fine art, media and drama before
completing a degree in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. Her final-year work focused on broadcast media and mental health storytelling, earning her the Bournemouth University Students’ Union Mental Health Awareness Award. After returning to Pembrokeshire, she began painting as a way of processing traumatic experiences and established the creative wellbeing brand Escape Your Mind. She has since sold prints, undertaken commissions and exhibited at venues and art fairs across the county. In 2021, one of her pieces was selected for the Create for Wellbeing exhibition in Bristol. Lucie later trained as a teacher, gaining a PGCE in drama from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, before spending four years working as a creative arts lecturer and dance instructor at Pembrokeshire College. Alongside her teaching career, she continued performing and began writing original music. Her collaboration with musician Will
Hughes led to the development of METANOIA as a concept album, before the project expanded into a wider body of visual and performance work. Lucie created an original artwork for every song, seeking to represent visually the emotions, behaviours and experiences explored at different stages of recovery. Drawing on her background as a dancer, she has also incorporated tap dancing into several tracks. She said: “My exhibition is an immersive exhibition combining visual art and short musical clips to explore the emotional journey from crisis towards healing and self-worth. “Each original artwork is paired with a snippet of its corresponding track from my upcoming album, inviting visitors to listen while experiencing the artwork and connecting with the emotion behind each piece.” Visitors will be guided through nine stages of transformation: Crisis, Distress, Anguish, Courage, Perspective, Acceptance, Gratitude, Freedom and Self-Worth. QR codes displayed alongside the artworks will allow visitors to hear extracts from the accompanying songs ahead of the album’s planned release in 2027. Visitors are encouraged to bring a mobile device and Bluetooth headphones, although a limited number of headphones will be available at the gallery. Lucie said the project was not intended to replace professional mental health care or therapeutic support. She added: “I hope it can offer a creative outlet, a sense of connection and a way of exploring emotions during periods when people feel alone or are waiting for further help.” Art therapy also played an important part in the development of the exhibition. After returning to therapy in 2024, Lucie took part in
group art therapy at Bro Cerwyn, which helped her recognise and release emotions through creative techniques and discussion. Her musical journey later took her to the renowned Rockfield Studios after two METANOIA demos were entered into a Pro7ect songwriting competition. After placing within the top 10 per cent of Welsh entries, she was offered a discounted place on a songwriting retreat. There, she collaborated with artists from around the world and worked with producers including Gethin Pearson, Greg Haver and Andrew Levy. Lucie and Will subsequently continued developing the project with Pearson at The Institute of Sonic Architecture and Stiwdio Owz. Other musicians involved in the album include bassist Dan Pugsley and Welsh drummer Jack Charles. A song created during the Rockfield retreat will also feature on the album. Centred on the theme of freedom, it was co-written by Lucie and featured artist Carys Bromham with session musicians and producer Andrew Levy of The Brand New Heavies. Local organisations supporting the exhibition include West Wales Action for Mental Health, The VC Gallery, Hiraeth Haven and Henry.H Art Academy. Lucie will also work with Barry John of The VC Gallery and qualified art therapist Ellie Hanley to deliver a series of community workshops responding to the exhibition’s themes. METANOIA: The Transformative Mind of a Traumatised Dreamer will be open at the Joanna Field Gallery during Torch Theatre box-office hours from September 12 to 29. For opening times and further information, telephone the box office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre. co.uk. Updates are also available through @lucieoneill.music and @ escapeyour_mind on social media.
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Jailed former Reform Wales leader ordered to repay £22,592 over Russia-linked bribes A FORMER leader of Reform UK in Wales has been ordered to surrender more than £22,500 obtained through a Russia-linked bribery scheme. Nathan Gill, 53, of Anglesey, is already serving a ten-and-a-half-year prison sentence after admitting eight bribery offences committed while he was a Member of the European Parliament. At a confiscation hearing at the Old Bailey on Thursday (Sept 3), Judge Richard Marks KC ruled that Gill had benefited from his crimes by £22,592.41. He was ordered to repay the full amount within six months or serve an additional nine months in prison. Gill was not required to attend the hearing. His barrister, Clare Ashcroft, told the court that the money would have to be raised through the sale of a rental property. She said notice had been served on the tenants but that the Anglesey property could not be marketed until they had moved out. Gill admitted accepting payments in return for promoting narratives favourable to Russian interests between December 2018 and July 2019.
The offences included making pro-Russian statements about Ukraine in the European Parliament and contributing opinion pieces to media outlets including the television
channel 112 Ukraine. The bribery operation was orchestrated by former pro-Russian Ukrainian MP Oleg Voloshyn, who was connected to the channel through
his wife. The requests and money ultimately came from Viktor Medvedchuk, a wealthy Ukrainian politician and businessman regarded as a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Gill’s conduct was uncovered after counter-terrorism officers stopped him at Manchester Airport in September 2021 as he attempted to travel to Russia. Investigators examined his mobile phone and discovered WhatsApp conversations with Voloshyn containing coded references to payments, including “promised x-mas gifts”, “postcards” and “5K”. Gill was first elected to the European Parliament for UKIP and later represented the Brexit Party. He subsequently led Reform UK’s Welsh Parliament election campaign in 2021 but is no longer a party member. When sentencing him last November, Mrs Justice CheemaGrubb said Gill had allowed money to corrupt his “moral compass”, describing his conduct as a “grave betrayal” of the electorate. She said his actions had damaged more than his own reputation, adding: “It erodes public confidence in democracy itself.”
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at peak times between 8pm and 10pm. Ogi offers a choice of speeds for streaming, gaming, home working, video calls and everyday browsing. The Big Welsh Switch offers end 4 October 2026 Check availability and view full offer details at ogi.wales. Prefer to speak to someone? Call Ogi on 029 2002 0301. Offer information Offer ends 4 October 2026. Minimum 24-month term. New residential customers only. Monthly prices increase on 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2028, as shown above. Customers have 30 days from installation to cancel under Ogi’s 30-day trial. Wifi equipment must be returned. Standard installation and set-up included. Subject to availability. Full terms at ogi.wales.
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Vision Arts brings powerful family drama The Ferryman to Milford Haven VISION ARTS is inviting Pembrokeshire audiences into the heart of a County Armagh farmhouse with its latest production, The Ferryman. The powerful family drama is being staged at the Boulevard Theatre in Milford Haven from Thursday, September 3, until Saturday, September 5. Set in rural Northern Ireland in 1981, the story unfolds inside the Carney family home following the annual harvest. The fire is warm, the kettle is boiling and the extended family is preparing for an evening of food, music, laughter and lively Irish conversation. But beyond the farmhouse walls, Northern Ireland remains gripped by the Troubles. Inside, old loyalties, buried wounds and unspoken fears linger beneath the celebrations. When an unexpected visitor arrives, the Carneys are forced to confront a past that was never truly gone — and secrets carried quietly from one generation to the next begin to surface. Written by Jez Butterworth, The Ferryman is a sweeping story of family, love, loyalty, loss and betrayal. Moments of warmth and humour sit
alongside a steadily growing sense of danger as the consequences of the past close in. Vision Arts has now released the official trailer for the production, offering audiences a first glimpse
inside the Carney farmhouse and the world created on stage by the local theatre company. The company said: “The door is open, the family is waiting and the music is playing. But once you step inside, you may discover that some
stories cannot remain buried forever.” The Ferryman runs at the Boulevard Theatre, Milford Haven, until Saturday, September 5. Tickets can be booked through boulevard-theatre.com/whatson.
UK food supply needs stronger protection against growing risks, watchdog warns THE UK GOVERNMENT must work more closely with households, local communities and the food industry to prepare for increasingly severe disruption to the country’s food supply chain, the National Audit Office has warned. A new report by the public spending watchdog says extreme weather, cyber-attacks, disease outbreaks and international conflict are becoming more likely to interrupt the production and distribution of food. Food is one of 13 sectors designated by the government as Critical National Infrastructure because of its importance to the functioning of the country. Businesses largely succeeded in keeping food moving during the Covid-19 pandemic and disruption caused by the war in Ukraine, in most cases without significant government assistance. However, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is becoming less confident that the private sector could withstand future shocks without greater government intervention. The NAO found that Defra had taken some positive steps, including expanding its Food Supply Chain Resilience team and increasing preparations for catastrophic incidents in which supplies could be seriously affected. But it concluded that the department
had not done enough in recent years to involve businesses, councils, households and communities in its emergency planning. Government research suggests UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries. Businesses told the watchdog that Defra had engaged effectively with the industry during the pandemic, but that contact had become less frequent since then. They also had limited involvement in
developing the department’s “playbook” for responding to food supply emergencies, creating a risk that the plans may not work effectively during a real crisis. The last national exercise testing preparations for a catastrophic disruption to food supplies took place in 2023. The NAO said food businesses had been largely excluded, despite some indicating that they would welcome the opportunity to participate. Local resilience forums, which bring together councils, emergency services
and other public bodies, also said they lacked clarity about what Defra would expect them to do during a serious disruption. The watchdog identified wider structural concerns. Defra said in 2025 that it had very little confidence that work across government to improve national resilience was sufficiently joined up. It may also lack some of the legal powers needed during a catastrophic incident, including the ability to direct businesses to take emergency action to maintain food supplies. The NAO recommended that Defra renew its engagement with the food industry, test emergency plans with businesses and local government, and examine whether approaches used in other countries or critical infrastructure sectors could be adopted in the UK. It also called on the department to review its emergency powers and work with the Cabinet Office to ensure public preparedness campaigns include practical information about food. Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Recent disruptions have shown the resilience of the UK’s food supply chain, but risks are increasing in likelihood and severity. “Defra should learn from approaches taken in other countries, and strengthen preparedness for emergencies by testing plans with local government and industry.”
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The Pembrokeshire Herald is celebrating a major milestone after our Facebook community reached 60,000 followers – and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us get there. From breaking news and court reports to community stories, sport, politics, entertainment and the stories that simply get Pembrokeshire talking, thousands of people now turn to the Herald every day to find out what is happening across the county. Reaching 60,000 followers is something we are incredibly proud of, but the number belongs just as much to our readers as it does to us. Every follow, share, comment, photograph, tip-off and message has helped build the Herald into the platform it is today. Our readers are often our eyes and ears across the county. You tell us when something is happening in your town or village, send photographs and videos from breaking incidents, share the achievements of local people and make sure the stories that matter to Pembrokeshire are heard. That relationship has always been at the heart of what we do. Local journalism is about far more than simply reporting the biggest stories. It is about celebrating the people who make Pembrokeshire what it is – our schools, sports clubs, charities, community groups, volunteers, businesses
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and the countless individuals doing remarkable things every day. We are enormously grateful to everyone who contributes to the Herald, whether regularly or simply by sending us a photograph, result, story or piece of information they think deserves to be shared. Our thanks must also go to the businesses and organisations which advertise with us. Their continued support makes local journalism possible and allows us to keep producing the newspaper, supporting local jobs and providing news online every day. Many of those advertisers are themselves independent Pembrokeshire businesses, employing local people and investing in the communities they serve. Some have been with the Herald for many years, and their loyalty and support has been invaluable. The way people consume news has changed enormously, and social media now allows a story happening in Pembrokeshire to reach tens of thousands of people within minutes. But whether you pick up the printed newspaper each week, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, the principle remains the same: Pembrokeshire deserves a strong local voice. Sixty thousand followers is more than just a number on a screen. It represents a huge community of
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Thank you from our Editor Tom Sinclair people who want to know what is happening in the place they call home. Some of you have followed us from the beginning. Others may have discovered the Herald through a story shared by a friend only recently. Many no longer live in Pembrokeshire but continue to follow us to keep up with news from home. Whatever brought you to our page, we are delighted that you are there. There have been thousands of stories along the way – some serious, some heartbreaking, some uplifting and plenty which have sparked lively debate in the comments.
And there are many more still to come. So, from everyone at The Pembrokeshire Herald, thank you to our readers, advertisers, contributors, photographers, community groups, sports clubs, businesses and everyone who has supported us along the way. Most of all, thank you to each and every one of our 60,000 Facebook followers. Your continued support means more than you might realise. Here’s to 60,000 – and the next chapter of Pembrokeshire’s story.
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Schools battle for glory as S4C’s Tekkers returns with knockout format
POPULAR S4C football gameshow Tekkers returns for a third series this week — with a new knockout format raising the stakes for its young competitors. Tekkers: Cwpan Cymru begins on Stwnsh, S4C’s children’s service, on Friday (September 4) at 5:15pm. The entire series will also be released as a box set on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer on the same day. Sixteen primary schools from across Wales will take part, with teams travelling from communities including Prestatyn, Penarth, Aberaeron and Cross Keys. For the first time, the competition will include a knockout stage. The four schools recording the highest scores in the opening round will progress to the semi-finals, before the two successful teams compete in the grand final. Only one school will be crowned the first-ever Tekkers: Cwpan Cymru champion. Presenters Heledd Anna, Lloyd Lewis and Huw Owen return to guide the teams through a series of energetic and unconventional football-themed challenges. Each game will test the pupils’
“tekkers”, including their passing, dribbling, shooting and goalkeeping abilities. Lloyd Lewis said: “This is our very own World Cup competition format. Which school will be the ultimate champion at the end of the series? “It’s all to play for as teams from all over Wales descend on the Tekkers
stadium. “Before crowning the champions, the teams will need to tackle new games, including a goalkeeping challenge while wearing zorbs, the colourful crossbar challenge and a penalty shoot-out against a giant dartboard.” The semi-finals will begin on S4C on Friday, October 30, with the grand final scheduled for Friday, November 13.
A special festive edition of Tekkers will also be broadcast over Christmas, when Caernarfon’s Ysgol Maesincla takes on Ysgol Y Castell, Caerphilly, for the Tekkers Christmas Trophy. The Welsh series has also attracted international interest, with Irishlanguage broadcaster TG4 acquiring the format from production company Boom Cymru for a forthcoming Gaelic version.
Haverfordwest Fire Station open day raises £740
A fantastic £740 has been raised for The Fire Fighters Charity following Haverfordwest Fire Station’s 2026 Open Day. Despite some decidedly mixed Pembrokeshire weather, families turned out in force on Saturday to meet firefighters, see the station and appliances up close, and watch demonstrations by crews. There was even a dramatic rescue involving the Welsh Fire and Rescue Service’s much-loved dragon mascot, who was safely escorted from a smokefilled building by firefighters! Crews have thanked everyone who braved the weather and supported the event, as well as the partner agencies, local
businesses and news organisations which helped make the day a success. Following an initial count, £740 will now be donated to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides specialist health and wellbeing support to serving and retired members of the UK fire services and their families. A huge number of local businesses also donated raffle prizes, including Bristol Trader, Vincent Davies Department Store, Freestyle Barbers Haverfordwest, County Sports, Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, Bluestone, Mike’s Bikes, LXC Barbers, Block and Barrel, Sakai’s Sports Massage and Haverfordwest County AFC.
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Pembrokeshire cinemas benefit from £170,000 FILM HUB WALES has awarded the money to 31 projects designed to bring independent, international and Welsh films to communities across the country. In Pembrokeshire, the funding will support programmes at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard and Haverfordwest Film Society. The Torch Theatre’s Community Collaborations programme will run from September 2026 until March 2027, offering screenings and events celebrating diversity within the county. The programme will include films made by, and featuring, people with direct experience of the communities represented on screen. The theatre will work with organisations across Pembrokeshire on seasons linked to Second Hand September and Disability History Month. Theatr Gwaun will receive support for two separate projects. Its year-round programme will continue to feature British independent and international films alongside mainstream releases. The Fishguard venue will also develop activities aimed at younger audiences through POINT Presents and Kids Club, while Monday morning screenings and accessible Welcome Wednesday events will be maintained. The theatre will also launch its first Festival of Welsh Film from October 23 to 25. Marking 130 years of cinema in Wales, the festival will take audiences on a journey through the country’s film history. Its programme is expected to include Welsh-language and Englishlanguage features, archive material, locally produced short films, audienceselected classics and special events. Organisers hope it will become an annual fixture in Fishguard’s cultural calendar. Haverfordwest Film Society will meanwhile take part in the UK-wide Rip It Up season, which explores changing representations of youth culture, friendship, rebellion and identity on screen. Based at the Merlin Theatre at
Pembrokeshire College, the society will screen Quadrophenia and Pride between September 15 and October 27. Guest speakers are expected to be announced, with discounted or free admission available to students. Pembrokeshire communities could also benefit from a new three-year Spotlight project led by the Wales One World Film Festival. The scheme will support volunteers and local ambassadors to establish community screenings in rural towns and villages, including Hermon and Newport, where lengthy or impractical public transport journeys can make it difficult to reach established cinemas. Amy Daniel, Spotlight coordinator, said: “We will mentor volunteers and ambassadors who will go on to shape and lead cinema provision in their communities, meaning it belongs to them. “We’ll also work closely with established venues in the region to exchange knowledge and build cinema-going across the bordering counties, supporting access to culture as well as the local economy. “It’s rare to secure funding for longer-term projects and this means we can create change.” The funding has been allocated through Film Hub Wales’ Spotlight, Film Exhibition Fund and Rip It Up programmes. Hana Lewis, head of Film Hub Wales, said community involvement was at the centre of many of the successful projects. She said: “Independent cinema is a great tool for local people to get involved in creative activities on their doorsteps. “Their voices help to shape the direction of culture in that place and, in return, cinemas offer crucial social and wellbeing services that reduce isolation and generate local income.” Film Hub Wales is part of the BFI Film Audience Network, with the grants provided through National Lottery Good Cause funding. It is managed by Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff.
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West Wales smallholding offers visitors a taste of The Good Life
PEOPLE dreaming of escaping to the countryside are being offered the chance to experience the realities of smallholding life before making the move themselves. Orchid Meadows, a 25-acre smallholding, nature reserve and glamping site near Tregaron, has launched a series of residential and daytime “Good Life Tasters” running throughout the autumn and winter.
The experiences are intended for people considering a more selfsufficient lifestyle but who want to learn more about the work involved before committing themselves. Orchid Meadows keeps hens, produces much of its own fruit and vegetables, manages woodland for firewood and grows hay for a nearby horse-training school. The land is also managed to support nature and
local wildlife. Visitors will be introduced to subjects including self-sufficiency, conservation, wildlife protection, meadow management, no-dig vegetable growing, apple-tree pruning, woodland management, firewood production and caring for hens. Each experience includes a practical task, with activities changing throughout the seasons. September sessions will include sphagnum bog management and making hawthorn jelly, followed by apple juicing in October and preparing no-dig vegetable beds for winter during November and December. Later sessions will cover tree planting, living-willow sculpture, woodland management and work supporting a marsh fritillary butterfly reintroduction programme. Orchid Meadows owner Stephen Hounsham said: “There are so many different things happening on a smallholding—some more glamorous, others more hard graft and some rather mucky—but together they reward you with an unbeatable lifestyle where it feels you’re in your
own little world. “We’re offering people the chance to see if it might be a world they’d be happy in.” The first day begins with a guided tour of the holding, followed by a vegetarian lunch made with produce from Orchid Meadows and other local suppliers. Participants will then undertake a practical task at a relaxed pace with instruction provided. Those staying overnight will complete the activity the following day and have an opportunity to revisit the parts of the smallholding that particularly interest them. A residential experience costs £105 per person and includes two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and lunch on two days, along with a jar of homemade chutney, jam or hedgerow jelly. The daytime alternative costs £45 and includes lunch and a jar of preserves. Orchid Meadows is run by husbandand-wife team Stephen Hounsham and Lynn Thornborrow at Bryneirian, Tynreithyn, near Tregaron. Further information is available at orchidmeadows.co.uk.
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Ancient Welsh guardians to light up Haverfordwest lantern parade GIANT glowing figures inspired by Welsh mythology will lead this year’s Haverfordwest Lantern Parade through the town’s streets. The popular community celebration returns on Friday, October 30, with a Noson Galan Gaeaf theme marking the changing seasons and the arrival of winter. Entitled The Light of Ancient Guardians, the parade will feature two large illuminated puppets created by Sand Palace Arts, whose proposal was selected following a public vote. One figure will draw inspiration from the Welsh mythological characters Ceridwen and Rhiannon, associated with magic, transformation and the Otherworld. The second will depict a white stag — a sacred messenger traditionally associated with the wilderness and Annwn, the Otherworld of Welsh mythology. The figures will lead a procession of community-made lanterns from St Thomas’ Green to County Hall Car Park, accompanied by the rhythms of Samba Doc. Participants are invited to gather at St Thomas’ Green from 5:00pm, with the parade setting off at 6:00pm. The evening will conclude at County Hall Car Park with a circus-style fire performance by Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners.
Ahead of the event, three free drop-in workshops will give residents the opportunity to create their own willow-and-paper lanterns. Led by Sand Palace Arts, the family-friendly sessions will focus on owl and mouse designs inspired by Welsh folklore and the parade’s natural-world theme. The workshops will be held from 10:30am until 3:30pm on: • • •
Saturday, September 26, at HaverHub, Haverfordwest Saturday, October 3, at the VC Gallery, Haverfordwest Saturday, October 17, at Albany Hall, Haverfordwest
All ages are welcome, no previous experience is needed and advance booking is not required. SPAN Arts said the celebration would bring the community together to honour Welsh traditions while welcoming the darker months. Both the workshops and parade are free to attend. Further information, including the parade route, parking and traffic arrangements, will be published at span-arts.org.uk. Anyone with accessibility requirements can contact info@spanarts.org.uk or call 01834 869323.
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Herbrandston father wins Welsh learning award after completing 25 courses
A DEVOTED Pembrokeshire father who returned to education following the death of his wife has won a prestigious Welsh adult learning award. Fred Murad, 44, from Herbrandston, began his life-changing learning journey after his wife, Claire, died from sepsis in 2021.
Tom Sinclair
editor@herald.email
Left to raise their two young children, Freddy and Sophie, Fred was determined to gain the skills he needed to support their education and build a brighter future for the family. He joined a Springboard adult
learning course at his children’s school and has since completed 25 courses in five years, covering family learning, numeracy, literacy, digital skills and welding. Fred is now preparing to begin the final year of a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. He plans to continue for a further year to achieve a bachelor’s degree. At the same time, he is working towards a Level 3 Award in Education, Teaching and Learning at Pembrokeshire College. His studies have also transformed his career. After previously managing chefs in the hospitality industry, Fred now works as a welding tutor at Pembrokeshire College and hopes ultimately to become a lecturer, inspiring other adult learners to fulfil their potential. His remarkable achievements have earned him the Life Change Award at the 2026 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. Fred is one of 11 winners who will be honoured at a ceremony at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff on September 23. He said: “I was honoured to be nominated, but to win the award is surreal. I am grateful and blessed, and I wonder what Claire would think of me. “If I had passed away instead of Claire, I wouldn’t want her to give up, so I can’t let her down. “Springboard and Learning Pembrokeshire opened the door for me to learn while providing childcare, which was greatly needed as a lone parent without family support.” Fred, who lives with nine-year-old Freddy and five-year-old Sophie, urged other adults who may be considering returning to education to take that crucial first step. He said: “If you have the opportunity, go for it. That first step you take to get
back into learning might just be the opportunity you need to open doors and propel you to the next level. “With the fast-changing working environment, learning has ensured that I keep up to date and am not left behind.” Fred was nominated for the award by Laura Phillips, from Springboard at Pembrokeshire County Council. She said his determination to help others now mirrors the commitment he first made to supporting his own children. “As a tutor, Fred has the same mentality as the one he adopted for the sake of his children,” she said. “He says he is not going to give up on anyone and wants to inspire every learner to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve.” The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards are a highlight of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales, which runs from September 21 to 27. Co-ordinated by the Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government, the awards celebrate people who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning. Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Cefin Campbell said: “Fred’s achievement highlights the value of investing in people and ensuring that learning opportunities are available throughout life. “His story demonstrates the positive impact adult learning can have, not only for individuals, but for families, workplaces and communities across Wales.” Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute director for Wales, said lifelong learning could help people enter a new career, develop new skills, improve their wellbeing or simply pursue something they enjoy. She added: “The impact can be transformative, and we can see that through the stories of our award winners. “Their commitment to learning has made a huge difference to their lives, but also to those around them. In a fast-changing world, the message to ‘never stop learning’ is more important than ever.” Free taster courses and online learning sessions will be held across Wales throughout September and during Adult Learners’ Week. Anyone inspired by Fred’s story can receive free advice about local learning and training opportunities from Working Wales by calling 0800 028 4844 or visiting workingwales.gov. wales.
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Greenacres aims for 100 walkers in Step Into September challenge
GREENACRES RESCUE is calling on the community to put its best foot forward by joining a month-long fundraising challenge in aid of animals in need. The charity’s new Step Into September challenge asks supporters to complete 30 miles during the 30 days of September while raising sponsorship for Greenacres. More than 80 people have already registered, and organisers hope to reach 100 participants before the challenge begins on Tuesday, September 1. The event is designed to be flexible and accessible, with participants able to walk, run, hike or wheel the distance wherever and whenever suits them. The 30 miles can be completed in one go, spread across several longer outings or covered a mile at a time throughout the month. Supporters can take part alone or alongside friends and family, while dogs are also warmly encouraged to join their owners. Every pound raised will help Greenacres continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming vulnerable animals, giving them the care and second chance they deserve.
The Talbenny-based charity has been rescuing animals for almost 18 years and relies heavily on the generosity of the local community to continue its work.
Evette, Greenacres’ community outreach fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted that more than 80 people have already signed up, and we’re hoping to reach 100 participants
before the challenge gets underway. “Participants don’t need to be experienced walkers or athletes. They can walk locally, along the Pembrokeshire coast, with their dogs, friends or family, or simply complete a few miles at a time at their own pace. “Every step taken and every pound raised will help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need.” Participants are encouraged to aim for £100 in sponsorship. Everyone who completes the challenge and raises at least £100 will receive an exclusive Step Into September finisher’s medal. Those taking part will receive a fundraising pack containing sponsorship forms, a mileage tracker, social media materials and further information about the challenge. The event is being sponsored by Fenton Vets. Fundraisers can also share photographs, walking updates and milestones throughout September by tagging Greenacres Rescue on social media. To register, visit the Step Into September page on the Greenacres Rescue website.
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Waterloo Foundation backing keeps early years outdoor play programme running
A PROGRAMME providing inclusive outdoor play sessions for young children and their families has continued through summer 2026 thanks to support from The Waterloo Foundation. The funding enabled First 1000 Days, delivered by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, to keep running while longer-term financial support was secured.
Tom Sinclair
editor@herald.email
Launched as a pilot in 2022, the programme offers structured outdoor play sessions for very young children and their parents or carers. It provides an inclusive and supportive setting for families, including those whose children have neurodevelopmental differences,
allowing youngsters to explore, learn and regulate at their own pace in the outdoors. Families taking part have described the sessions as transformative. Parents say the programme has increased their confidence, reduced feelings of isolation and helped them enjoy spending time outdoors with their children. The sessions also give children opportunities to engage with nature,
develop new skills and build confidence in an environment designed around their individual needs. Abi Marriott, funding officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Waterloo Foundation for supporting First 1000 Days and helping us keep this important programme running during a period of funding uncertainty. “We’ve seen the difference these sessions make to children and families, and it has been an honour to support the brilliant team delivering the programme. “Their dedication, care and commitment to the families they work with is clear in every session, and it’s fantastic to see how First 1000 Days continues to develop. “Thank you to The Waterloo Foundation for helping make this work possible and for supporting families during such an important stage of their children’s development.” The Waterloo Foundation’s support has provided stability and continuity for participating families while the charitable trust worked to secure the programme’s next phase. Further details about the future of First 1000 Days are expected to be announced shortly. The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust said it remains committed to ensuring every child, regardless of need, ability or postcode, has the opportunity to thrive in nature during their earliest years.
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Popular Car Run returns in support of hospice care THE ANNUAL Paul Sartori Pembrokeshire Car Run will return on Sunday, September 6, bringing an impressive collection of vehicles to the county’s roads while raising vital funds for local hospice-athome services. The popular event will begin at the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, with participants asked to arrive between 8.30am and 10.00am. Tea, coffee and breakfast rolls will be available to purchase from 8.30am before the first vehicles set off at 10.30am. This year’s scenic route will cover approximately 45 miles, finishing at the Dyfed Shire Horse Farm in Eglwyswrw. Entry costs £5 per vehicle, with participants receiving a map and full details of the route. The annual run traditionally attracts large numbers of spectators, who gather at locations along the route to watch the vehicles pass. A route map and approximate timings are being shared in advance to help people choose where to watch. Vehicles will leave the showground in groups of 30, so spectators are encouraged to stay a little longer to see each group and to remain in a safe position at the roadside. Paul Sartori Hospice at Home
provides a range of services for people living with life-limiting illnesses in Pembrokeshire. These include home nursing care, equipment loans, complementary therapy, bereavement counselling
and future care planning. Fundraising events such as the Pembrokeshire Car Run play an important role in helping the charity continue supporting patients and their families throughout the county.
Community groups interested in organising their own fundraiser are invited to contact Rosie-Faye by emailing rosie-faye@paulsartori.org.
Late Welsh Government guidance blamed for school meals delay PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has blamed late guidance from the Welsh Government for delays in introducing expanded free school meal provision for secondary pupils. The authority responded after The Pembrokeshire Herald revealed that families newly covered by the scheme had been left without a clear application route just days before the new school term. Despite now receiving the required information, the council has still not confirmed when applications will open or when eligible pupils will begin receiving free meals. The response arrived on Friday evening (Aug 28), after the deadline set by The Herald for its original report had passed. A council spokesperson said: “Local authorities have been working closely with Welsh Government to implement the new arrangements and were dependent on receiving the final information and guidance required to establish local application and delivery processes. “While this information has now been received, it was provided later than originally anticipated.
Tom Sinclair
editor@herald.email
“As a result, local authorities, including Pembrokeshire, have been completing the necessary arrangements to ensure the scheme can be introduced correctly and consistently.” The expansion will initially extend entitlement to pupils in Years 7 and 8 whose households receive Universal Credit, removing the existing £7,400 earnings threshold for that group. However, Pembrokeshire’s existing online application system remains based on the previous rules. The council said it was progressing implementation “as quickly as possible” and would publish full information about eligibility, applications and the start of the scheme once its arrangements were finalised. It acknowledged that families were seeking clarity before the beginning of term and said preparations remained a priority. Parents with questions about their circumstances have been advised to contact cashless.catering@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk. Existing means-tested free school
meal applications remain open, while universal provision for children in fulltime primary education is unaffected. The council’s response does not state when the Welsh Government supplied the delayed guidance, how far implementation has been pushed back or whether newly eligible pupils will
receive free meals from their first day at school. The Herald has asked the Welsh Government to explain why the guidance was provided later than expected and to confirm when families should be able to access the expanded entitlement.
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A supercharged El Niño is about to test an already overheating world THERE are warnings which can safely be filed under “something to keep an eye on”, and there are warnings which ought to make governments sit bolt upright. The latest alert from the United Nations belongs firmly in the second category. El Niño, the vast Pacific weather pattern capable of disrupting rainfall and temperatures around the world, is strengthening at an extraordinary rate. Scientists believe the developing event could become the most powerful in at least 1,000 years. UN Secretary-General António Guterres says it is “being supersized before our eyes”. That is not simply dramatic language. Ocean temperatures in the region used to measure El Niño are already about 2.6C above the long-term average and could approach 4C above normal before the event peaks. To put that in context, an anomaly of just 0.5C is enough for an El Niño to be declared. El Niño is not caused by climate change. It is a natural cycle, driven by changes in Pacific winds and ocean currents, which releases enormous quantities of heat from the sea into the atmosphere. But it is now developing on top of a planet already warmed by decades of coal, oil and gas consumption. Think of it as turning up the oven when the kitchen is already sweltering. The consequences will not be confined to distant islands or obscure points on a meteorological chart. El Niño changes weather patterns across the globe. It can weaken monsoon rains, intensify drought, worsen wildfires and contribute to destructive flooding in other regions. Indonesia is already facing severe fires, while India has experienced its weakest monsoon in years. Australia is preparing for increased fire danger, and parts of South America face a greater risk of intense rainfall and flooding. The World Food Programme estimates that the developing event could push another 50 million people into acute hunger. Failed rains destroy harvests, livestock and livelihoods. Floods wash away roads and food stores. Prices rise, and those with the
least money are hit first and hardest. Wales may appear comfortably removed from the Pacific, but our food system is global. Poor harvests overseas affect the price of rice, coffee, fruit, animal feed and countless other goods. Disruption to shipping and commodity markets eventually reaches supermarket shelves in Haverfordwest, Carmarthen and Cardigan. Nor are British farmers insulated from the changing climate. Repeated heatwaves and widespread drought have already damaged crops and reduced yields. Farming organisations warn that increasingly erratic seasons are making it harder to decide when to sow, graze or harvest. Here in west Wales, the threat does not always arrive as spectacular heat. It may come as relentless winter rain, overwhelmed drains, flooded homes, coastal erosion or storms which damage farms and cut off communities. Climate disruption does not produce the same weather everywhere; it loads the dice in favour
of greater extremes. Scientists are particularly concerned because evidence suggests global heating may itself be making strong El Niño events more intense. If that is correct, a natural cycle which has always affected the planet is now being amplified by human activity. Each event begins from a warmer starting point and has more heat available to redistribute. That is why 2027 is expected to challenge — and perhaps decisively break — the global temperature record. Forecasts are never guarantees, but the direction of travel is painfully clear. Europe has already endured a summer of extraordinary heat, accompanied by fires and tens of thousands of excess deaths. Another surge in global temperature will place further strain on hospitals, emergency services, agriculture, water supplies and energy networks. None of this means despair is useful. Cutting emissions still matters because every fraction of a degree avoided reduces future
harm. Preparing communities matters because good forecasting, flood defences, resilient infrastructure and effective emergency planning save lives. Wales must therefore treat climate resilience as an essential public service, not a fashionable extra to be funded only when budgets are comfortable. New homes should not be approved where flooding is foreseeable. Rivers, drains and sea defences must be maintained. Farmers need practical support to adapt, and councils require the resources to prepare for heat as well as storms. A record El Niño would be a natural phenomenon arriving in profoundly unnatural circumstances. It will offer another glimpse of what happens when ordinary climate cycles collide with an atmosphere altered by humanity. The warning is flashing red. What matters now is whether those in power are prepared to look at it.
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S K O O B F O Y JO E H T D N A R BADGE READING is going out of fashion. No. Wait. Come back! Let’s start again. Amongst those poor souls without the good taste and intelligent discernment of Badger’s readers, reading is disappearing. Ahem. Reading books, physical books, real books containing the printed word on sheets of paper, is going out of fashion amongst the young. There was a time when a young person being found with their nose in a book was considered a sign of intelligence. These days, it is more likely to prompt an emergency phone call to the parents. “Come quickly,” the teacher might say. “Your son has been reading.” The National Literacy Trust takes this issue seriously, and Badger understands their concern. Its latest research found that only 32.7 per cent of 8–18-year-olds enjoy reading in their free time. Even more alarming, fewer than one in five read something every day. This represents a considerable decline. In 2005, the age of the smartphone, TikTok, and watching somebody else unbox a toaster was still some distance away. Now a child can spend six hours looking at a screen and regard reading three pages as an act of endurance comparable to crossing Antarctica. Naturally, adults blame phones. We always blame phones. When Badger was young, we had no phones, apart from the enormous beige object in the hallway which required you to stand beside it while telephoning somebody. We had books. We also had television, but only three channels, and if you didn’t like what was on, you read a book or stared through the window until teatime. The trouble is that modern children are not necessarily opposed to reading. They are, however, rather particular about what they read. The Literacy Trust found that children are encouraged by subjects that interest them, links to films and television, attractive titles and, crucially, being allowed to choose what they read. This seems reasonable, especially
when you consider what is offered up to children studying English in school. While Badger was considering this article, he glanced at the list of set texts prescribed for the WJEC’s GCSE qualification in English Literature. Oh dear! When Badger studied for his O-Levels, also set by the WJEC, the curriculum included such snoozefests as “An Inspector Calls”, “Lord of the Flies”, and “Of Mice and Men”. Urtexts, such as Shakespeare and Dickens, accompanied those works. Well, readers, nothing much has changed in the last forty-odd years. The unfortunate poor sod studying English literature these days is stuck with much the same diet, with the added horror of the poetry of Edward Thomas and Danny Abse chucked in for good measure. Except for Dickens and Shakespeare, without whom English would not have a literature worth the name, the same boring, earnest, and predictable choices confront the modern student as they did Badger. A word first about Lord of the Flies: it was contentious, pretentious, strained twaddle in 1980 and frozen to death as it is now. Badger sympathises with the poor schmucks forced to endure its hand-wringing prose in the twenty-
first century. As a point of comparison, the length of time between Lord of the Flies’ original publication in 1954 and Badger’s O-Level was twenty-seven years. The WJEC syllabus suggests that in the intervening forty-five years, nothing has been published to excite the imaginations of younger readers. To which Badger says “bullshit”. If a 13-year-old wants to read about football, dragons, Formula 1, Minecraft, Taylor Swift or the complete history of industrial-scale cheese production, we should resist the temptation to hand them Middlemarch and tell them to stop being difficult. And if we want them to enjoy reading as the gateway to worlds of knowledge, we should stop inflicting the turgid symbolism of The Lord of the Flies upon them. Let’s start with books that are accessible, funny, and reward a young reader with a well-told story. Badger nominates Terry Pratchett’s books, which work on several levels, including having a decent number of laugh-out-loud moments on every page. A skilful presentation of a short novel, such as “Guards! Guards!”, would highlight how Pratchett follows and then subverts well-known stereotypes and archetypes, opening the door to a wider consideration of
storytelling and narrative. For poetry, Badger recommends R.S. Thomas, who does not deserve his “difficult” reputation and is definitely the best of Welsh poets writing in English. The Iago Prytherch poems, despite their superficially bleak subject matter, are life-affirming and effortlessly show mankind’s spiritual connection to the universal in general and place in particular. Besides, connecting Welsh students with the greatest of Welsh poets is something you’d think a Welsh examination board would be only too ready to encourage. Texts from The Canon must include Shakespeare. While Macbeth is Shakespeare’s most accessible play for young people, it has been done to death. Meanwhile, the entirety of Romeo and Juliet can be taught in one showing of West Side Story. As for Dickens, well… if we must: A Christmas Carol is on the syllabus and is probably the most accessible text for modern young readers. And, in the spirit of his remark about Romeo and Juliet, there’s always The Muppets’ take on the tale (or the wonderful Alastair Sim’s in Scrooge). Twelfth Night is Badger’s recommendation. It’s funny enough, silly enough, and yet touches upon classical themes of love and loss. And, in Malvolio, it contains a genuinely great comic invention. Unaware of his own shortcomings, self-centred and prepared to believe outrageous flattery, Malvolio sets the model for the pompous fool in much modern comedy, right down to characters such as Rupert Rigsby or David Brent. But all is not lost, readers. Research also suggests that digital reading has not disappeared. Young people read online, listen to audiobooks and encounter words in all sorts of places. The National Literacy Trust found that digital reading can actually provide a gateway to reading, particularly for less-engaged readers. So perhaps the book isn’t dying after all. Perhaps it is merely waiting patiently on the shelf while the child finishes watching a man on YouTube explain how to sharpen a pencil.
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£20,000 National Lottery grant secures future of Pembroke community club A POPULAR Pembroke community venue has received £20,000 to replace its ageing roof and ceiling. Pembroke Power Station Sports and Social Club secured the grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, allowing essential structural work to be carried out and helping to safeguard the building’s long-term future. The improvements will ensure the club remains safe, warm and accessible for the hundreds of residents who use it for sports, meetings and community activities. Although the club was originally financed by Pembroke’s former oil-fired power station, it has no connection with the RWE gas-fired station operating today. When the old power station closed in June 1997, the club also faced closure. Members rallied to protect the venue, establishing Pembroke Power Station Sports and Social Club Limited in January 1998. Following a major fundraising effort, they raised enough money to purchase the property’s freehold, completing the acquisition on March 31, 2001, and securing the club’s independence. Today, the venue is home to at least 16 skittles teams, two pool teams and two darts teams. It also hosts a
Ukrainian band, the Civic Trust charity and a new chess club launching in September. Numerous fundraising and community events are held at the club throughout the year, helping residents meet, socialise and support local causes. The new roof and ceiling are also expected to improve the building’s energy efficiency, making it more comfortable and enabling additional activities to take place during the winter.
David Miller, treasurer of Pembroke Power Station Sports and Social Club, said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the work of the club and its members in this way. “Thanks to National Lottery players, we can secure the future of our club and ensure it remains a safe, welcoming space for the whole community. “This project will allow us to continue bringing people together for years to come.” Club chairman Dave Owen added:
“We want to thank National Lottery players for their support. “This club is a lifeline for local people, and this funding ensures we can keep our doors open and our facilities at their best.” National Lottery players raise more than £32 million for good causes across the UK each week. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes more than £600 million annually through over 13,000 grants and plans to invest more than £4 billion in communities by 2030.
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Tributes paid to ‘great Carmarthen character’ Mair Lloyd TRIBUTES have been paid to Mair Lloyd, remembered as “a great Carmarthen character” who devoted many years to serving the Llangunnor community. Mrs Lloyd, who twice chaired Llangunnor Community Council, died at Caemaen residential home in Llanelli on Wednesday, August 19. She was 98. She was also closely involved with Age Cymru Sir Gâr’s Knit and Natter clubs and served as press officer for Carmarthen Fuchsia Club. Before moving to Caemaen, Mrs Lloyd lived at Rhoslas in Tregynnwr, Carmarthen. Her previous home was in Southern Terrace, Pensarn. She found herself at the centre of one of Carmarthen’s most dramatic events in October 1987, when the River Tywi breached the valley’s flood defences. Mrs Lloyd and other residents had to be rescued by boat during what remains one of the worst floods in living memory in Pensarn and Carmarthen. The then Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, and Diana, Princess of Wales, were later given a guided tour of Mrs Lloyd’s flood-damaged home when they visited the affected area. Mrs Lloyd was the widow of Vincent “Vince” Lloyd, proprietor of the former Carmarthen Service Station Esso garage in Llangunnor Road. Mr Lloyd died in 1985. She is survived by her two sons,
Richard, a retired teacher living in Gwent, and Robert, former editor of the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star newspapers. She also leaves five grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. Carmarthenshire county councillor Alun Lenny described Mrs Lloyd as “a very dear woman and a great Carmarthen character”. Lee Whatley, chairman of Llangunnor Community Council, said: “Mair gave many years of dedicated service to our community, serving as a councillor from July 1979 until February 2007, with a brief period away from the council in 1997 before later returning. “During her long tenure, she held the position of chair twice, in 1982 and 1992 — a reflection of the trust, respect and affection her fellow members had for her. “Her contribution to Llangunnor extended well beyond formal meetings. In 1993, she led a chairman’s walk, bringing residents together to enjoy and appreciate our local public rights of way while raising funds for restoration work at Llangunnor Church. “I was always pleased to see her making the effort to attend events held at Babell Chapel, especially my Big Lunch gatherings. “Even in her early 90s, she would catch the bus and walk the final stretch up to the chapel — a small act that
said so much about her determination, kindness and love for this community.” Mrs Lloyd’s funeral will take place on Monday, September 7. A service will be
held at Llangunnor Church, Carmarthen, at 10.30am, followed by a committal service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15pm.
Activate West Wales seeks three new directors to help shape region’s future ACTIVATE WEST WALES is seeking three non-executive directors to help shape the future of sport, physical activity and active recreation across the region. The voluntary board members will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance as the organisation enters its next phase of development. Applicants with experience in policy and public affairs, commercial development, and community wellbeing and preventative health are particularly encouraged to apply. Established in 2023, Activate West Wales works across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. It brings together partners from sport, health, local government, education, housing, the voluntary sector and local communities. The partnership aims to address inequalities in physical activity and help organisations align their priorities, services and investment so that more people can lead active lives. Its work also includes developing a workforce capable of responding
to the particular needs of different communities, understanding local barriers and influencing decisions beyond individual organisations. Jamie Rewbridge, chief executive of Activate West Wales, thanked the outgoing non-executive directors for helping establish the partnership. He said: “Their guidance, expertise and commitment have helped establish Activate West Wales as a trusted regional partnership and a catalyst for collaboration across our region. “As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are looking for new board members who share our belief that lasting change happens when organisations, communities and sectors work together around common goals. “We welcome people who can bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and valuable experience to help us continue building strong partnerships and creating greater opportunities for people to be active.” The appointments will be for threeyear terms. Mr Rewbridge added: “We are looking forward to hearing from
Pictured: Kate Williams, head of strategic partnerships and development at Activate West Wales, with chief executive Jamie Rewbridge. applicants with experience and expertise in policy and public affairs, commercial development, and community wellbeing and preventative health. “These are voluntary roles and provide an opportunity to contribute to a growing regional movement focused on creating healthier, more connected communities across West Wales.”
Activate West Wales said it was keen to hear from people with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences so that its board better reflects and understands the communities it serves. Further information about the roles and the application process is available at activate.wales/opportunities.
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Torch Theatre to celebrate 20 years of the Met in cinemas OPERA lovers in Pembrokeshire are being invited to celebrate two decades of spectacular performances from New York’s Metropolitan Opera when a special anniversary production comes to the Torch Theatre. Twenty Years of the Met in Cinemas will be screened in Milford Haven for one night only on Saturday, September 19, at 6pm. Hosted by internationally acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming, the programme brings together memorable moments from more than 185 operas broadcast to cinemas during the past 20 years. The anniversary presentation will feature performances by some of opera’s most celebrated singers, including Lise Davidsen, Natalie Dessay, Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Flórez, Elīna Garanča, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Jonas Kaufmann, Peter Mattei, Matthew Polenzani, Sondra Radvanovsky and Nadine Sierra. Fleming, one of the most recognised classical singers of her generation, will also appear among the archive highlights. The Metropolitan Opera’s cinema broadcasts have allowed audiences around the world to experience productions from its New York stage, combining live performance with close-up filming and behind-thescenes access. Anwen Francis, from the Torch Theatre’s marketing team, said the screening would offer audiences an
opportunity to revisit some of the company’s finest performances. She said: “We are delighted to be screening this wonderful showcase of the Met’s highlights and performances here at the Torch Theatre. “From Norwegian soprano Lise
Davidsen, who has taken the classical music world by storm, to distinguished lyric tenor Matthew Polenzani, audiences are most certainly in for a treat.” Twenty Years of the Met in Cinemas will be shown at the Torch Theatre on
Saturday, September 19, at 6pm. Tickets cost £20, or £18 for concessions and £9 for people aged under 26. They can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the box office on 01646 695267.
Llangollen stands with Nepal as Eisteddfod supports flood appeal THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod is rallying behind the people of Nepal following devastating flash floods that have caused a major humanitarian emergency. Trustee Karen Price has organised a special coffee on Monday, August 31 to raise urgently needed funds for those affected. The event will take place from 10:00am until noon in the Competitors’ Building on the Eisteddfod field, with cakes, a raffle and a bric-a-brac sale. All proceeds will support communities affected by the disaster. The appeal has a particularly close connection to the Eisteddfod through volunteer Bho Pradhan, who maintains strong links with his native Nepal and has provided a fundraising link through which donations can be made directly. John Gambles, chairman of the
Tom Sinclair
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Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “Llangollen stands with Nepal. We have been shocked and deeply saddened by the scale of this disaster, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected. “Our Eisteddfod was founded on bringing people and nations together through friendship, peace and understanding. At times like this, those values matter more than ever. “This event has come together at incredibly short notice, but we hope people from across Llangollen and the surrounding area will join us and help show our friends in Nepal that they are not alone.” Those unable to attend can support the appeal by donating online at gofund.me/b1f3c7857.
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Moby Dick exhibition could reunite Fishguard Sea Cadets after 70 years TWO former Fishguard Sea Cadets who defeated a team of Hollywood actors and stuntmen in a rowing race could be reunited for the first time in more than 70 years at a new exhibition celebrating the making of Moby Dick. Huw Lewis and Gareth Rees were members of the Sea Cadets crew that took on the visiting film crew in Fishguard Bay while John Huston’s epic adaptation of Herman Melville’s novel was being filmed in the area in 1954. Organisers hope both men will attend the opening of The Making of Moby Dick: An Exhibition of Memories at Martha’s Gallery in Theatr Gwaun on Tuesday, September 1. The exhibition launches the 2026 Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival and marks the 70th anniversary of the film’s cinematic release. Fishguard and Goodwick became key locations for the production, which starred Gregory Peck as the obsessive Captain Ahab and was reportedly one of the most expensive films made at that time. For local residents, the arrival of Huston, Peck and the enormous production team transformed the Twin Towns into an unlikely corner of Hollywood. More than seven decades later, the exhibition brings together photographs, stories and personal recollections gathered from members of the community who remember the production—or whose
families were involved in it. A festival spokesperson said: “Where better to begin than with the memories of the people who were here when Hollywood came to Fishguard and Goodwick? “This special exhibition brings together memories, stories and photographs gathered from the local community, preserving the recollections of those who remember that extraordinary year and the mark it left on the towns.”
The celebrated rowing race saw the young Sea Cadets take on a rival crew composed of actors and stuntmen working on the film—and beat them in Fishguard Bay. If Huw and Gareth both attend the exhibition opening, organisers believe it will be their first meeting in more than 70 years. The festival team has worked closely with Hanes Abergwaun and Ein Hanes to collect and preserve memories connected
to the production. Graphics for the exhibition have been created by Julian Jefferson of Fishguard Arts Society, Cymdeithas Celfyddydau Abergwaun, while the project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The spokesperson added: “It feels like the perfect place to begin our journey towards this year’s festival.”
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GAMING
With eddie the game guru
The Blood of Dawnwalker is shaping up to be one of the most exciting dark fantasy RPGs in years, delivering a rich blend of gothic atmosphere, meaningful player choice, and brutal vampire-fuelled action. Set in a plague-ravaged 14th-century Europe where vampires have emerged from the shadows to seize power, the game places players in the role of Coen, a man cursed to exist between two worlds—human by day and vampire by night. This dual nature is far more than a storytelling gimmick, fundamentally changing how you approach exploration, combat, and decision-making throughout the adventure. What immediately stands out is the game’s world. Vale Sangora feels hauntingly beautiful, with dense forests, ruined settlements, towering castles, and forgotten ruins creating a setting that is both dangerous and captivating. The visual presentation is stunning, with the dark fantasy aesthetic enhanced by impressive lighting, weather effects, and detailed
environments that make every journey feel memorable. The atmosphere is consistently strong, balancing horror, mystery, and adventure without ever feeling overly bleak. Combat is fast, visceral, and satisfying. As a human, Coen relies on swordsmanship and magic, while his vampire form unlocks supernatural abilities that allow for more aggressive and acrobatic encounters. Switching between these identities adds a layer of strategy that keeps battles fresh throughout the experience. The progression system offers plenty of room for experimentation, encouraging players to tailor Coen’s abilities to suit their preferred playstyle. Perhaps the game’s greatest strength is its emphasis on choice and consequence. Time moves forward as quests are completed, meaning it is impossible to do everything. Every decision carries weight, forcing players to choose who to help, who to ignore, and what sacrifices are worth making. This creates a constant sense of urgency that gives the narrative
real momentum and makes each playthrough feel uniquely personal. The story itself is compelling, driven by strong characters, moral ambiguity, and a world that reacts believably to your actions. Rather than presenting simple good-or-evil choices, The Blood of Dawnwalker thrives in the grey areas, challenging players to decide how much of their humanity they are willing to lose in pursuit of their goals. While a few rough edges remain typical of an ambitious open-world RPG, they do little to diminish what is otherwise a remarkably promising experience. With its engrossing world, innovative day-and-night mechanics, engaging combat, and meaningful narrative choices, The Blood of Dawnwalker stands as a bold new entry in the genre and a strong contender for one of the year’s best role-playing games. It successfully combines the depth RPG fans crave with a unique vampire twist, creating an adventure that is both memorable and deeply immersive.
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The Death of Robin Hood is a surprisingly dark and uncompromising reimagining of one of cinema’s most familiar legends, taking the Robin Hood story and stripping away almost everything audiences have traditionally associated with the character. Gone are the heroic adventures, the merry men, the romance and the light-hearted swashbuckling. In their place is a bleak, violent and deeply personal story about an ageing outlaw forced to confront the life he has lived and the consequences of the choices he has made. Hugh Jackman is excellent in the title role, delivering a performance that feels almost completely removed from the heroic characters audiences may expect from previous versions of Robin Hood. His Robin is older, exhausted and hardened by years of violence. Rather than presenting him as a noble outlaw who steals from the rich to help the poor, the film asks us to look at what such a life might actually have done to a person. Jackman gives the character a sense of weariness and regret without turning him into an obvious sympathetic hero, and that moral uncertainty becomes one of the film’s greatest strengths. The opening section is particularly brutal, establishing immediately that this is not going to be a traditional Robin Hood adventure. The violence is harsh and uncomfortable, and the film makes little attempt to romanticise
the world Robin has inhabited. It is a world where survival often comes at the expense of somebody else, and Robin is very much part of that brutality. The contrast between the legendary figure we think we know and the damaged man we see on screen is striking. The film changes considerably as the story progresses. After the violence of the opening, it becomes a much quieter and more reflective character study, with Robin forced to confront his past while recovering from serious injuries. Jodie Comer brings a calm and compelling presence to the story as Sister Brigid, providing a fascinating contrast to Robin’s troubled personality. Their relationship is not what you might expect from a traditional Hollywood interpretation, and the film is far more interested in redemption, mortality and whether a person can ever truly escape the consequences of their past than it is in romance or adventure. This slower second half will probably divide audiences. Anyone expecting a fast-moving medieval action film may find themselves frustrated by the deliberate pace, because The Death of Robin Hood is much more interested in atmosphere and character than constant action. There are moments where the story feels deliberately bleak and contemplative, almost as though the film wants you to sit with Robin and consider whether he deserves forgiveness rather than
simply watch another legendary hero defeat his enemies. Visually, the movie is striking. The landscapes are rugged, cold and often beautiful, creating a world that feels harsh and unforgiving. The cinematography gives the film a grounded, almost Western-like quality, while the production design avoids the polished fantasy appearance that has become common in historical blockbusters. Everything feels dirty, weathered and lived-in, which suits the story perfectly. What makes The Death of Robin Hood particularly interesting is that it refuses to give the audience an easy answer about whether Robin was ever a hero. Instead, it presents a man who has become almost inseparable from the legend built around him. The film asks whether the stories people tell about someone can ever truly reflect who that person was, and whether a lifetime of violence can be balanced by one final attempt at redemption. It is certainly not a film that everyone will enjoy. The relentlessly gloomy tone, graphic violence and slower pacing make it a very different experience from the Robin Hood movies many people grew up with. However, that difference is also exactly what makes it worth watching. Rather than simply retelling a familiar story, the film attempts to find something new in a character who has been brought to the screen countless times before.
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Tech ‘n Taff
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China was supposed to collapse, butt. It forgot to cooperate
NOW listen, butt, I have been hearing about the imminent collapse of China for most of my working life. The property market was going to finish it. Then it was the debt. Then the ageing population. Then political unrest. Every few years, another important-looking fellow appeared on television to explain that the Chinese economic miracle was finally running out of road. China, unfortunately, had not been copied into the email. While Western experts waited for the wheels to come off, the country quietly went through three stages of industrial development. China 1.0 was the workshop of the world. Cheap labour, enormous factories and container ships piled high with televisions, trainers and plastic gadgets destined for the middle aisle of Lidl. Western companies loved it. Manufacturing was expensive, complicated and involved employing people who expected wages and pensions. Far easier to send everything overseas, increase the profit margin and hold a meeting about “shareholder value”. Then China 2.0 arrived. The clever bit was that China never intended to spend eternity assembling everybody else’s inventions. It invested in engineers, universities, factories, ports, power supplies and research. It learned how to make the machinery it had once bought from Germany and Japan. Before long, it was dominating solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles. We in Britain were still congratulating ourselves on inventing things, while other countries were getting on with making them. It is a very British habit. We invent the train, sell the railway works and then act surprised when the new carriages arrive from abroad. Now we have China 3.0, boyo, and this one could put the wind up Silicon Valley. Chinese technology companies are producing increasingly capable artificial intelligence models, often for
far less money than their American competitors charge. One recent system from the start-up Moonshot attracted so much interest that new subscriptions reportedly had to be suspended because its computing capacity could not keep up. That matters because the American AI boom is built upon a financial wager of truly Dai-capwearing proportions. Investors have poured billions into computer chips, data centres and technology companies because they expect American firms to dominate artificial intelligence. Once we are all dependent upon their systems, the theory goes, they will be able to charge us accordingly. But what if China develops something nearly as good and gives it away? Imagine spending millions building the finest toll bridge in Wales, complete with consultants, commemorative plaques and a bilingual opening ceremony, only for someone to place a perfectly good free bridge alongside it. Your financial forecast would look a bit sick by lunchtime. Now, before anyone accuses old Barrie of waving a little red flag from the roof of Cardiff University, China’s model has serious problems.
Its property sector has suffered, it produces more goods than its own population can buy, and its political system presents very real concerns about censorship, privacy and surveillance. Technological competence does not make a government virtuous. Nor does one impressive chatbot mean China has defeated America. The United States still possesses enormous research budgets, the world’s leading chip designers and an ability to attract talented people from everywhere. But China has demonstrated something Britain, and perhaps Wales in particular, appears to have forgotten. Industrial power does not fall from the sky like rain over the Rhondda. You must decide what you want to build, invest in the skills and equipment, and keep going when the first attempt turns out a bit wonky. China picked industries, backed them and thought in decades. Britain sold industries, outsourced production and told itself that banking, property and a few cheerful television programmes would keep the country prosperous forever. Wales knows how that story ends. We once exported coal, copper, steel and engineering
expertise around the world. Today, politicians sometimes celebrate the opening of a warehouse containing products designed somewhere else, manufactured somewhere else and sold by a company paying its corporation tax somewhere very sunny. We still possess excellent universities, capable engineers and young people bursting with ideas. What we lack is the patient investment required to turn a clever Welsh prototype into a company employing thousands. Artificial intelligence is not merely about chatbots writing wedding speeches or helping your nephew cheat at homework. It will influence medicine, manufacturing, defence, energy and education. The countries controlling it will help set the prices, standards and rules. The lesson from China is not that Wales should copy an authoritarian state. It is that serious countries make plans lasting longer than the journey from Cardiff Central to Swansea. For decades, the West waited for China to fail. China was too busy building the future to notice. And unless we get our skates on, butt, we shall be buying that future from them too.
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Chad Powers is the kind of television show that sounds like it should be a complete disaster on paper, yet somehow turns its ridiculous premise into one of the more entertaining sports comedies to arrive on Disney+. Starring Glen Powell in the dual role of disgraced former college quarterback Russ Holliday and his bizarre alter ego Chad Powers, the series follows a man who has watched his promising football career collapse spectacularly and decides that the best way to get another chance is to completely reinvent himself. Disguised with prosthetics, a ridiculous hairstyle and an exaggerated Southern accent, Russ joins the struggling South Georgia Catfish as Chad, hoping to prove that he still has what it takes to be a star quarterback. It is an absurd setup, but that is exactly where much of the show’s charm comes from. Powell clearly throws himself into the role and seems to be having an enormous amount of fun playing a character who is almost impossible to take seriously. Chad’s awkward behaviour, outrageous excuses and increasingly difficult attempts to keep his identity secret provide plenty of genuinely funny moments, while the contrast between the arrogant Russ and the supposedly kind-hearted Chad gives the character more depth than you might initially expect. What makes the show work particularly well is that
it isn’t simply a string of jokes built around a man wearing a disguise. Beneath the comedy is a surprisingly interesting story about redemption, ego and whether someone can genuinely change when they are forced to live as somebody else. As Russ becomes more comfortable being Chad, he starts discovering qualities that he never had as himself, and the line between the two personalities gradually becomes less clear. The supporting cast also helps keep the series entertaining, with Steve Zahn bringing plenty of personality to Coach Jake Hudson, Perry Mattfeld making Ricky an engaging presence and Frankie A. Rodriguez standing out as Danny, who becomes one of Chad’s closest allies. The chemistry between Powell and Rodriguez is particularly enjoyable and gives the show some of its funniest and most likeable moments. The series does occasionally struggle with its tone, moving between broad slapstick comedy, sports drama and more serious character moments without always making those transitions smoothly. Some of the supporting characters also feel as though they could have been developed further, while the disguise itself requires the audience to overlook more than a few enormous questions about how nobody manages to recognise Russ. However, trying to apply too much realism to
Chad Powers rather misses the point. This is deliberately silly television, and once you accept that, it becomes remarkably easy to enjoy. Powell is undoubtedly the biggest reason for that. He manages to make Russ thoroughly unlikeable while simultaneously making Chad incredibly entertaining, and the physical comedy, accents and constantly changing mannerisms demonstrate just how committed he is to the ridiculousness of the character. The result is a surprisingly warm and funny series that manages to be more than just another sports comedy. Chad Powers may borrow familiar ideas from disguise comedies and feel-good sporting shows, but Glen Powell gives it enough energy and personality to stand on its own. It isn’t perfect, and some of the jokes won’t work for everyone, but when it hits the mark it is genuinely hilarious, and underneath all the stupidity there is a surprisingly heartfelt story about a man finally being forced to confront the person he has become. Chad Powers won’t reinvent the sports-comedy genre, but it doesn’t need to. It is silly, occasionally crude, surprisingly heartfelt and carried almost entirely by Glen Powell’s infectious performance, making it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something light, funny and entertaining on Disney+.
ARIES This is an excellent day for a practical discussion with someone older or more experienced. This might happen by talking to a partner, close friend or a member of the general public. It’s a positive day to schmooze. Check the Moon Alert if spending money. TAURUS Co-workers are supportive today, which is why you’ll be productive. However, romance and dealings with your kids might be challenged because of today’s Full Moon, which is an intense Lunar Eclipse. You’ll be forthright and direct in all your communications. GEMINI You might feel a tug-of-war between authority figures and the demands of home and family. You can’t keep both these areas happy, which means you have to make a choice. Your choice today has to be in favor of home and family and your personal life. CANCER Because the Moon is your ruler, naturally you will feel the energy of today’s Full Moon. Be careful, because it could introduce an accident-prone tendency. Therefore, pay attention to everything you say and do. Think before you act. LEO Something to do with your finances might come to a head today. As a result, you’ll see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not a train. This can be a productive day! You’re charming with everyone. Be aware of the Moon Alert. VIRGO The Sun is in your sign opposing the Moon in PISCES, creating today’s Lunar Eclipse. This could make you feel that something has evolved to a point of fruition. It could pertain to your sense of responsibility for others. It also might deal with a shift in your values. LIBRA This is a productive day! You’re ambitious, and the energy of today’s Full Moon makes you want to tackle unfinished business because you have lots of brainpower. Actually, you always have lots of brainpower, which is why many of you are in the legal profession. SCORPIO Issues related to a friend or a member of a group might come to a head today. If so, you can expect a resolution, one way or another. Whatever happens will probably make you look good in the eyes of everyone because your reputation is solid this year. Lucky you! SAGITTARIUS Dealings with bosses, parents and authority figures might be challenged because of the Full Moon energy today. You can’t ignore their demands. This could relate to a dispute about your property or shared expenses. Whatever the case, be charming and conciliatory. (Do your friendly, breezy thang.) CAPRICORN Pay attention to everything you say and do. This is a mildly accidentprone day for you because of the Lunar Eclipse. You might find yourself in an argument with someone. Be smart and steer clear of controversial issues. Be patient with spouses, partners and friends. AQUARIUS Today the Moon is in your sign lined up with Pluto, which can make you emotionally intense. In fact, you might feel overwhelmed by something. You also might feel obsessed with an idea. (This can make one jealous in love.) Be ready for a surprise invitation! PISCES Today the Full Moon is in your sign, which can make dealings with those who are closest to you a bit stressed. Be accommodating. But be aware that today you can be productive and get a lot done!
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Moby Dick rowers reunited in Fishguard after 70 years TWO former Fishguard Sea Cadets who defeated a crew of Hollywood actors and stunt performers during the filming of Moby Dick have been reunited for the first time in 70 years. Huw Lewis and Gareth Rees were members of a five-man rowing crew which powered to a shock victory in a 1.5-mile race off Fishguard in September 1954. Now both in their late eighties, the pair met again during the launch of a Moby Dick exhibition at Theatr Gwaun. Huw was stroke of the boat and Gareth was second stroke. They were joined by fellow crew members Gordon Lewis, Gordon Brooks and Ben Masey. Elstree Film Productions had agreed to the challenge in the belief that victory for the boat coxed by Gregory Peck, who played Captain Ahab, would provide valuable publicity for John Huston’s film. Instead, the Hollywood star and his crew were left trailing as the Sea Cadets triumphed against the odds. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” said Huw, a retired civil engineer and builder. “Hundreds of people had turned out to watch and there was a lot of betting on the outcome.
“The boats used were 27ft-long ‘whalers’ — the ones in the film. We rowed one and the Pequod crew had two, so it was a three-boat race.” The exhibition, which runs until October 13, is the curtain-raiser for a programme organised by the Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival to mark the 70th anniversary of the film’s
cinematic release. Among those attending the launch was Margaret Andrews, of Haverfordwest, who worked with the cast as a teenage make-up artist at their headquarters in the Fishguard Bay Hotel. Festival chairman Patrick Thomas told the audience: “It has been
fascinating to collate the stories about that unique period when Tinseltown came to the Twin Towns. “We’ve been so lucky to trace so many people who were involved. The community’s memories are at the heart of this project and will now be preserved for posterity.” Fishguard and Goodwick Mayor Cllr Steve Hughes described the filming as “one of those stand-out moments in the history of the Twin Towns”. He added: “This festival is not only focused on the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick, but also involves those communities.” The festival begins on Friday, September 25, with a lantern parade through Fishguard led by a giant model of Moby Dick. Smartphone users will also be able to see an augmented-reality version of Herman Melville’s great white whale projected over Fishguard Bay. Other attractions include musical and literary events throughout the weekend, including a Saturday afternoon screening of the 1956 film at Theatr Gwaun. Literature Sunday, featuring authors and discussions at Peppers Art Gallery, will be followed by Simffoni Mara at Theatr Gwaun that evening, bringing the festival to a close.
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The floods in Nepal are not somebody else’s disaster From Himalayan valleys to the Pembrokeshire coast, climate breakdown is changing lives - and pretending it will remain safely overseas is a dangerous delusion It is tempting to look at the terrible pictures coming out of Nepal and regard them as something from another world. The landscape is unfamiliar. The distances are enormous. The scale of the destruction - communities engulfed by water, mud and ice, hundreds dead and thousands missing - is almost impossible to comprehend from the relative safety of Pembrokeshire. But this is not somebody else’s crisis. Climate breakdown does not respect borders, passports or political slogans. It does not care whether a government believes in it, whether a newspaper reports it or whether someone on Facebook insists that the weather has always changed. The climate has always changed. The important question is how quickly it is changing now, what is driving that change and whether our homes, farms, roads and public services can cope with the consequences. Nepal cannot. The country may require billions of dollars to recover from the floods - a sum equivalent to a significant proportion of its entire economy. Roads, bridges, homes and livelihoods have disappeared. Families who had very little to begin with have lost everything. A wealthy country can borrow money, deploy emergency services, subsidise damaged businesses and begin rebuilding. Poorer nations have far less protection. They are hit first, hit hardest and frequently left waiting for assistance from countries whose industrial wealth helped create the problem.
That is the uncomfortable truth at the heart of the climate debate. Those who contributed least to global emissions are often the people paying the highest price. A subsistence farmer in Nepal, a fishing family in the Caribbean or a child enduring extreme heat in India did not become wealthy from two centuries of fossil-fuel consumption. Yet they are standing directly in the path of its consequences. Here in Pembrokeshire, the effects are less dramatic - for now. We are not watching Himalayan lakes burst through valleys, but we are watching our coastline change. We have seen storms batter our harbours, roads disappear beneath floodwater and farmland struggle through periods that are either too wet or too dry. Ask farmers whether the seasons feel dependable. Ask coastal residents whether the sea seems an abstract concern. Ask those responsible for maintaining roads, drains and sea defences whether extreme weather carries no cost. In Pembrokeshire, climate breakdown will not necessarily arrive as one spectacular catastrophe. It may come through repeated smaller blows: another flooded property, another damaged road, another failed crop, another insurance premium that becomes unaffordable. It will appear in council budgets as money required for repairs rather than services. It will appear in supermarkets when harvests fail overseas and food prices rise here. It will appear in household bills, migration pressures and demands on emergency services. And, inevitably, it will affect the poorest first. A comfortable household may be able to absorb a larger energy bill, install better
insulation or recover from storm damage. A family already deciding which bill can wait has no such protection. That is why this cannot be reduced to an argument about reusable coffee cups, paper straws or whether somebody drives a diesel car to work. Individual choices matter, but they cannot substitute for serious action by governments, industries and the largest polluters. Nor should ordinary people be lectured while powerful interests carry on much as before. People will support change when it is practical, affordable and fair. They will understandably resist when environmental policy appears to mean higher costs for them while corporations and governments escape responsibility. That distinction matters. Climate policy imposed without regard for rural communities can do real harm. Pembrokeshire depends on farming, tourism, transport and energy. The transition must protect livelihoods as well as the environment. Telling a farmer, tradesman or care worker simply to buy a newer vehicle is not a credible policy. But neither is denial. There is nothing conservative about refusing to protect the land we intend to pass to our children. There is nothing economically responsible about waiting for roads, homes and businesses to be destroyed before spending money. Prevention may be expensive, but rebuilding entire communities is dearer. We need investment in drainage, flood prevention, coastal resilience, renewable energy and properly insulated homes. We need planning decisions that recognise where flooding and erosion are likely to worsen. We also need an honest discussion about which places can realistically be defended and which
may eventually have to change. Above all, wealthy nations must recognise their obligations beyond their own borders. Supporting countries such as Nepal is not charity performed for applause. It is part of a shared response to a shared threat. Floods, droughts and failed harvests destabilise societies. They increase hunger, displacement and conflict. The effects travel through supply chains, food markets and human migration until they reach our own shores. The dangerous illusion is that money and geography will permanently shield us. They will buy time. They will not buy another planet. The people of Nepal are experiencing the brutal end of a crisis that, in Pembrokeshire, may still seem gradual and manageable. We should look at what has happened there with compassion, certainly, but also with recognition. Their disaster is a warning. We can argue over the precise policies, challenge wasteful schemes and demand that the costs are distributed fairly. We should do all of those things. What we cannot sensibly do is pretend that climate breakdown belongs to somebody else. There is no “over there” on a planet this small.
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Celtic and Sustainable: From West Wales outwards
This is the story of twin rural businesses with triple vision. Glyn Hyett started 3pTechnik in Cardiff in 2000 and brought it to Cardigan in 2005. Its technology harvests rainwater as a precious resource and purifies it before its journey to the soil, rivers and sea. As we face droughts, floods and polluted dying rivers, its importance has grown in relevance. Within three years of arriving in Cardigan a second business, Celtic Sustainables was added, initially to supply local households with natural products for home decoration, insulation and renovation. The twin businesses now employ 17 staff and have moved into one of the largest units in Parc Teifi, Cardigan. DIYers trickle in daily for advice from staff who share their passion for the products while the main income now comes from supplying the trade across Britain and into Ireland. Surviving and growing as an independent business from rural roots takes a magic formula. My guess is its the alchemy from combining great ingredients: Passion for nature based products that solve problems, keen awareness of the market, commitment to the people involved and the personality of West Wales. Celtic and sustainable. Builders suffer from fibre based insulation. It is unpleasant to install but when it reaches the end of its life, its horrible. Degraded fibres get into their lungs, skin and eyes. De-installing is hell. Celtic Sustainables sells recycled plastic insulation which is inert and its price is attractive to the trade. It reduces microplastic waste in water and soil, keeping it in insulation for decades. Sheeps wool is a bonus for farmers, utterly gorgeous to use, and if you let the smell seep out, enriches the place with nostalgic aroma. Natural paints have deep colour and aromatic resonance compared to chemical paints. For residents and
visitors its the invisible effect, a quality in the interior air as well as the visual impression that is the wow factor Besides rainwater harvesters, 3P Technik provides storm water treatment products to remove pollutants from rainwater. Only recently has it come to light how much toxicity comes off busy roads, especially at traffic lights where everyone brakes. All the tyres we buy wear down on roads and the materials run off with rain to form a lethal cocktail for fish and aquatic life. 3p Technic cells have the highest level of certification for pollution removal in the world.. This practical approach to environmental problems has been at the heart of both businesses. But so has loyalty — to customers, to the area and, importantly, to the people who work there. That is why the recent move to employee ownership is such an important next step. Glyn is staying on to help and pass on his knowledge, while ownership is now placed in the hands of the staff who know the businesses from the inside. The decision was influenced by what Glyn had seen happen to other successful green businesses including in Cardigan. When they were sold to companies based elsewhere promises made at the time of sale were not kept, the business left the area and lost the dedicated staff who identified with it. They lost a chunk of their identity and the town lost one of its stars. Employee ownership provides a way of keeping successful, environmentally minded businesses rooted in west Wales with staff who identify with the business so are likely to keep it sustainable in all senses. From healthier buildings and cleaner water to skilled employment and a strong connection with the area, the businesses have always been concerned with what we leave behind. Now the people who have helped create that legacy have the opportunity to carry it forward.
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Burnham must swoop for fair votes Our feathered columnist says Britain’s voting system is about as fair as leaving one bag of chips between ten hungry gulls ALRIGHT, me lovers. Stephen Seagull ’ere, speaking to you from the roof of a slightly rusty van down Milford Docks, where I’ve been studying democracy. There’s a fellow below eating chips. He paid for the whole bag, but I’ve got 34 per cent of the gulls behind me, so apparently I’m entitled to take 63 per cent of his dinner. That, boys bach, is first past the post. SWARK! Now, Andy Burnham came flapping into last year’s Labour conference like a gull spotting an unattended pasty outside Greggs. Plenty of confidence, plenty of lift beneath the wings, but none of the usual screeching and pecking you get from politicians trying to look important. Labour’s top brass tried keeping him out of Parliament with a convenient change to the rules. But then they lost Gorton and Denton without him, Burnham won Makerfield, and before they could say “constitutional crisis”, he was walking through the door of Number 10. At that conference rally, Burnham spoke about proportional representation—the revolutionary idea that the number of seats a party gets should bear some resemblance to the number of people who voted for it. Radical stuff, apparently. Among gulls, the system is simpler. Whoever gets to the chip first keeps it until a larger gull arrives. Westminster has essentially copied this arrangement, added neckties and called it parliamentary democracy. Burnham argued that people have stopped trusting politics because too many feel their votes count for nothing. He’s right. In safe seats, elections can resemble one of those council consultations where the decision appears to have been made before anyone is asked. Next week, MPs may consider an amendment calling for a national commission on Britain’s voting system. A recent survey suggests most Labour MPs support such a review, including many newcomers perched on tiny majorities who cannot be certain whether
reform would help them personally. Fair play to them. Voting for something because it is right, rather than because it protects your own nest, is behaviour rarely observed around Westminster—or Milford Marina during nesting season. Burnham should now take possession of the idea. He should promise a proper commission before the next election and make electoral reform part of Labour’s manifesto, allowing voters to approve it. Labour members already appear strongly in favour. The party conference is likely to back demands for a commission. The public mood has shifted too, particularly since Nigel Farage demonstrated how Britain’s electoral system could hand enormous power to a party supported by only a minority. Labour won nearly two-thirds of Commons seats in 2024 with about one-third of the vote. Its supporters may have enjoyed that at the time, but the same broken machinery could one day deliver a landslide to Farage on an equally narrow share. You cannot call a trap unfair only after your own webbed foot gets caught in it. AWK! Some councillors have recently been
elected with little more than 20 per cent support. Imagine that principle applied nationally: a prime minister disliked or rejected by three-quarters of voters, yet handed an overwhelming Commons majority. That is not merely unfair. It is dangerous. Democracy depends upon losers accepting the result because they believe the rules were legitimate. If voters conclude the game is rigged, eventually they stop playing nicely. Tony Blair once asked Roy Jenkins to devise a fairer system which retained a link between MPs and constituencies. Then the old guard bared its teeth, the unions ruffled their feathers, and Blair backed away. Keir Starmer also appeared sympathetic before performing one of those mysterious political manoeuvres where a leader begins facing one direction and, without visibly moving, ends up facing the opposite way. Burnham now has the opportunity to finish the job. But there is one dead fish floating beside this otherwise handsome policy boat: political donations. Burnham has retreated from imposing a proper cap. The proposed legislation would restrict huge foreign
donations, which is welcome, but domestic donors could still pour fortunes into political parties. The unions dislike caps, naturally, because large donations buy influence—and nobody willingly surrenders a reliable supply of chips. Yet money in politics is one of the main reasons the public suspects Westminster is for sale. Burnham’s greatest asset is that people believe he understands ordinary lives. That authenticity is worth more than any advertising campaign purchased by a millionaire, company or union baron. Since Burnham entered Downing Street on July 20, something unusual has happened: people have expressed hope. Even some who would not normally vote Labour seem willing to give him a chance. He must not mistake caution for safety. If he spends his premiership circling nervously above the harbour, frightened to land anywhere, that optimism will disappear. Sometimes a leader has to fold his wings, choose his target and swoop. Make votes fair. Curb the big money. And for heaven’s sake, guard the chips. SWARK!
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Pembrokeshire recognised for responsible pet ownership initiative COUNCIL scheme praised for using early intervention and partnership working to protect dogs, support owners and resolve community concerns
PETS CORNER
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has received national recognition for an initiative designed to promote responsible dog ownership and prevent welfare and community problems from escalating. The authority received the Responsible Pet Ownership Award in the Hero Awards category of the RSPCA’s 2026 PawPrints Awards. The annual scheme celebrates councils, emergency services, veterinary professionals and other public-sector organisations whose work goes beyond minimum legal requirements and helps to improve animal welfare. Judges praised Pembrokeshire’s Responsible Pet Ownership initiative for transforming the way concerns surrounding dog ownership are addressed. According to the RSPCA, the initiative has helped turn responsible dog ownership from a reactive enforcement matter into a coordinated and preventative service. New council tenants receive clear information about what is expected of them as pet owners, alongside early visits from Dog Wardens, animal welfare assessments and pet contingency planning. Housing providers, police and council departments also share intelligence and use a graduated approach to intervention, allowing concerns to be dealt with consistently. Case studies considered by the judges showed owners changing their behaviour, complaints ending and dogs being protected. The RSPCA said the initiative was helping owners to succeed while also protecting animals and the communities in which they live. Prevention was the central theme of this year’s PawPrints Awards, with judges considering how early intervention and responsible ownership could improve animals’ lives while reducing pressure on already stretched public services. Sioned Nikolic, RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs adviser, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts we know so many go to for animals across Wales, and we are thrilled to recognise so many outstanding organisations for their pioneering
work. “It’s vital to celebrate the fantastic efforts being made to improve the lives of animals wherever possible. “This year, we placed a particular focus on prevention, recognising the vital role that early intervention, responsible pet ownership and proactive approaches play in improving animal welfare outcomes. “By acting earlier, public bodies can not only protect animals from harm but also reduce long-term demand and cost pressures on already stretched local services.” The PawPrints Awards were launched in 2008 and recognise good practice in areas including stray-dog services, housing, contingency planning, animal licensing and kennelling. Gold, silver and bronze awards are available in each of the main categories. Platinum status is reserved for organisations which have maintained goldlevel standards for at least five consecutive years. More than 113 awards have been presented across England and Wales this year, including six platinum honours awarded to four Welsh organisations. Monmouthshire County Council received platinum recognition for contingency planning, Cardiff Council for its stray-dog service and Hope Rescue for kennelling. Shared Regulatory Services, representing Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils, achieved three platinum awards for the second successive year. These recognised its work in kennelling, licensing and stray-
dog services. Animal Licensing Wales and Cardiff Council also received gold awards for kennelling, while Newport City Council secured gold for its stray-dog services. Judges were particularly impressed by organisations helping people and their pets remain together during homelessness and other crises, improving animal welfare enforcement through partnership working and using public leadership to secure lasting change. Sioned added: “We are also delighted to showcase our Hero Award winners, who have stepped up to tackle some of the most pressing and complex animal welfare challenges. “Their innovative campaigns and dedicated work have had a real impact, and we’re thrilled to highlight their contributions alongside our core awardees.” Elsewhere in west Wales, Carmarthenshire County Council has been selected as a finalist for the Special Recognition Award for its proactive, intelligence-led response to illegal dog breeding. Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, of Plaid Cymru, is a finalist for the Massingham Advocacy Award. The RSPCA highlighted his support for the campaign to end greyhound racing and his work to place responsible dog ownership and community safety on the Senedd’s agenda. Animal Licensing Wales, led by Monmouthshire County Council, is also a finalist for the Withnall Partnerships Award. The winners of the special
awards will be announced at a ceremony in Cardiff in November. Sioned said public-sector organisations played a crucial role in raising animal welfare standards across Wales, although much of their work often went unheard. She added: “This commitment from public bodies has changed the lives of countless pets, wildlife, livestock and other animals. “We’re so thrilled to be able to shine a spotlight on these inspiring efforts and to invite them to join us in creating a kinder world for every animal.” For Pembrokeshire, the award recognises an approach centred on setting clear expectations, identifying difficulties early and bringing different agencies together to protect dogs, assist their owners and address concerns within the community. PETS CORNER TIP OF THE WEEK Make an emergency plan for your pet Choose a trusted friend, relative or neighbour who could care for your pet at short notice. Write down the animal’s feeding routine, veterinary details, medication and any behavioural or welfare needs. Make sure your chosen emergency contact knows where this information is kept and how to access your home safely if necessary. Planning ahead can help ensure your pet is properly cared for if an unexpected emergency prevents you from looking after it yourself.
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applications were intended to open from September, regardless of household earnings. The expansion was backed by £15 million, including £5 million for providing additional meals and £10 million for improvements to school kitchens and dining facilities. Welsh Government announcement However, an email sent by Pembrokeshire County Council to Mrs Daye on Tuesday told her that she was “not currently eligible” because her income exceeded the existing threshold. The email acknowledged that pupils entering Years 7 and 8 whose parents receive Universal Credit would become eligible regardless of income, but added: “This will be implemented in Pembrokeshire after October half term.” It continued: “Up until that point, you will need to pay for the school meals for him.” Mrs Daye, a working widowed mother of two from
Haverfordwest, said: “I am so disappointed to be told I am not eligible when I clearly am. “I suspect this is the response a lot of parents have had. The bottom line is that I have to pay, with no indication of getting refunded.” After checking her son’s cashless catering account following his first day, she confirmed that no subsidy had been applied. Mrs Comery said her son had also been charged after beginning Year 7 at Milford Haven School. She had previously contacted The Herald after receiving correspondence indicating that the scheme would not be introduced locally until after half-term. Pembrokeshire’s autumn half-term runs from October 26 to October 30, meaning affected families could be required to pay for almost two months before the expansion begins. Pembrokeshire school term dates
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PE M B ROKES H IRE families newly covered by expanded free school meal provision have been told they must continue paying until after the October halfterm. Two parents who contacted The Pembrokeshire Herald confirmed that their Year 7 children were charged for meals on their first day of secondary school on Wednesday (Sept 2). Alison Daye’s son, who has started at Haverfordwest High VC School, was charged £2.90. Sara Comery’s son, who has started at Milford Haven School, paid £2.53. Neither child received the expected free school meal subsidy. The Welsh Government announced in June that the £7,400 earnings threshold would be removed for families receiving Universal Credit, beginning with pupils in Years 7 and 8. Parents were told that
The council had previously blamed late Welsh Government guidance for the delay. In a response issued on August 28, it said the necessary information had arrived later than anticipated and that officers were completing arrangements to introduce the scheme “correctly and consistently”. However, that response did not disclose that implementation would be postponed until after October half-term. It also failed to answer questions about reimbursements, backdating or the number of Pembrokeshire pupils expected to benefit. The council advised parents to contact its cashless catering team about their individual circumstances. Mrs Daye followed that advice but was told she must continue paying. The Herald returned to the council on Wednesday and asked it to confirm the exact start date, whether entitlement would be backdated, whether parents would be reimbursed and how many pupils were affected. It was also asked why the October timetable had not been disclosed in its earlier response and what support would be available to families unable to afford meals during the delay. No response had been received by the requested deadline. Universal free school meals for primary pupils and applications from families qualifying under the existing secondary-school criteria are unaffected.
EDUCATION
Free school meals expansion delayed until after half-term
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NFU Cymru launches Red Tape Survey
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FARMING
NFU Cymru is asking farming businesses to share their experiences of the burden of red tape on farm and what changes they would like to see to make regulation more practical and proportionate. The union has this week, launched a survey to gather evidence from across the country to support its work inputting into the Independent Review of red tape that was announced in June by the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS and which is being led by Brecon farmer and former NFU Cymru President, John Davies. NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams said: “An independent review of the regulatory burden affecting Welsh farming businesses was a key ask within NFU Cymru’s Senedd Election manifesto, we were therefore pleased to see that Plaid Cymru, in their own manifesto, saw this as a key action to implement within their first
100 days in government. “We are pleased that John Davies has hit the ground running with the review, announcing an early action at the Royal Welsh Show, that the requirements of the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) in Universal Action 12 of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will be aligned with the requirements that already exist within Farm Assurance on animal health and welfare. “We are also glad to see that John has spent the summer meeting farmers at county shows, livestock markets and other events throughout the length and breadth of Wales. Our survey is designed to complement the work that John is already undertaking and to provide an opportunity for every farming business to share their own experiences of how regulation impacts their day-to-day work. “We want to understand which requirements place the greatest
administrative burden on farm businesses, where farmers believe that unnecessary complexity or duplication exists and what changes could make regulation more practical and therefore effective on farm. “NFU Cymru is clear that regulation has an essential role to play in underpinning high standards on farm and ensuring that the consumer can have the utmost confidence in the food that we are proud to produce, but our position remains that regulation must be proportionate, workable and joined-up. We must get to a situation where farmers understand why the regulation is required and what it is set out to achieve, that they feel comfortable and able to complete and maintain the records and applications necessary and applicable to their business, and they do not live in fear of what might happen when the inspector may next call on their farm. “This is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a more streamlined and effective regulatory regime in Wales, one that can be focussed on delivering positive outcomes for food, nature, climate and communities rather than adding unnecessary cost and bureaucracy to family farms. “This survey will help to strengthen NFU Cymru’s contribution to the review, helping to ensure our input is shaped on the real-world experiences of family farming businesses across all sectors and all areas of Wales. The survey not only provides an opportunity to highlight areas of concern but also to suggest solutions to deliver a more streamlined and effective regulatory framework in Wales.” The survey can be accessed on the NFU Cymru website here and will remain open until Friday 2nd October 2026.
Unit 18b, Withybush Ind Est, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BS
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No guarantees yet over local benefits from Glyn Cothi wind farm NO FIRM guarantees have been given over how many jobs, contracts or community benefits would remain in Carmarthenshire if the proposed Glyn Cothi Wind Farm is approved. The Welsh Government-owned development could bring up to 27 turbines to Brechfa Forest, with a combined generating capacity of approximately 162MW. Its developer, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, has repeatedly promised skilled employment, opportunities for local suppliers and “tangible and lasting benefits” for surrounding communities. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, has also described Glyn Cothi as an opportunity to keep “energy and wealth local”. However, neither the council nor Trydan has yet put figures or measurable targets behind those promises. The Herald asked the council what local employment, procurement and community-benefit commitments it would seek before the wind farm proposal was determined. It was also asked whether it would support binding targets for contracts awarded to Carmarthenshire businesses, a minimum number of local jobs and apprenticeships, and publication of the amount ultimately spent within the county and Wales. Other questions covered the value and geographical reach of any community fund, possible electricity discounts for nearby residents and who would pay for highway disruption caused by transporting turbine components. The council did not address those individual points, saying it would be premature to comment before a formal application was submitted. Cllr Vaughan Owen said: “Carmarthenshire County Council is aware of the emerging proposals for the Glyn Cothi Wind Farm being promoted by Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru. “No Development of National Significance or Significant Infrastructure Project application for the wind farm has been submitted for determination at this stage. “Should an application come forward, it would be determined by Welsh Ministers through the statutory planning process, with the council acting as a statutory consultee rather than the decision-making authority.” He said the authority would expect any application to be accompanied by the necessary technical and environmental assessments. Cllr Vaughan Owen continued: “As no application has been submitted, it would be premature to comment on matters
such as community benefit funding, procurement commitments, employment targets, construction routes or other project-specific details. “These would need to be considered in light of any formal proposals brought forward by the developer. “The council’s role will be to ensure that any future application is subject to appropriate scrutiny and that the interests of Carmarthenshire’s residents and communities are properly represented through the statutory process.” The position leaves unanswered what the council believes would constitute an acceptable economic return for communities hosting the development. It also contrasts with the ambitious claims made during a business breakfast organised by Trydan in Carmarthen on July 6. More than 50 representatives from businesses and organisations across South West Wales attended the event, which promoted potential investment, employment and supply-chain opportunities arising from renewableenergy developments. Speaking at the event, Cllr Vaughan Owen said: “Emerging technologies and regulatory reforms are starting to point us towards something smarter and more local — a connected local energy network where the power we generate in Carmarthenshire helps power Carmarthenshire, keeping both energy and wealth local. “This is why the proposed Glyn Cothi project is so important. It represents a
chance to think differently.” Trydan chief executive Richard Evans said the publicly owned company was “serious about the local value” created by its projects. He added: “We look forward to working with local businesses and organisations in Carmarthenshire and beyond to ensure the Glyn Cothi project delivers tangible and lasting benefits.” The Herald asked Trydan to explain what those benefits would mean in practice. Thirteen questions were submitted covering the project’s estimated capital value, anticipated construction and permanent employment, local procurement targets and whether those commitments would be contractual and publicly reported. Trydan was also asked about the proposed value and duration of a community fund, direct benefits for nearby households, its grid-connection timetable and whether income generated by Glyn Cothi would be separately identifiable when profits were returned to the Welsh Government. The developer did not answer the individual questions by the requested deadline, but invited The Herald to discuss the project informally. It provided a statement from Glyn Cothi project manager David Thomas, who said: “Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru is working with others to design a renewable energy project which delivers local benefits in the area for many years to come, and is part of a long-term
energy strategy that works for Wales. “Wind data, collected at the height of the meteorological mast, is an important design input. We’re pleased to have been given planning consent by Carmarthenshire County Council.” The council’s planning committee recently approved the associated 122-metre meteorological mast, which will collect wind data to help inform the emerging design. Trydan says the proposed wind farm could produce enough clean electricity to meet the equivalent annual requirements of approximately 144,000 average Welsh homes. Questions also remain about where the turbine components would enter Wales and which roads would be used to carry abnormal loads to Brechfa Forest. Associated British Ports was approached after Alice Jones spoke at Trydan’s July business breakfast. ABP said Ms Jones had attended to represent the Celtic Freeport and discuss the company’s wider role in supporting the energy transition. It stressed that her attendance was not connected specifically with the Glyn Cothi development. The company has been asked whether Swansea or Port Talbot could be used to receive turbine components, whether abnormal-load routes have been discussed and whether businesses or ports in Pembrokeshire could secure work from the project. A fuller response from ABP is awaited.
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Nominations sought for outstanding dairy person in Wales
The FUW has teamed up with NatWest Cymru to seek nominations for its esteemed Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry Award. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on someone within the dairy sector who has truly gone above and beyond. This prestigious award celebrates a person who has not only contributed significantly to the development of the Welsh dairy sector but has also
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become a key part of its community. The winner will be publicly announced and honoured with the award presentation at the Welsh Dairy Show on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at the United Counties Showground in Nantyci, Carmarthen. Opening the nominations process for the FUW/NatWest Cymru Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry Award, FUW Carmarthen Member Services Manager, David Waters said: “This award provides a terrific opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication, and innovation of individuals who have helped shape the industry for the better. We’re particularly delighted to have teamed up with NatWest Cymru this year, with their support helping us give this award the profile it deserves.” Dai Miles, FUW Deputy President and a former winner of the award in 2021, added: “The dairy industry is a crucial part of Wales’ agricultural fabric, and a significant contributor to the Welsh economy. Every day individuals go above and beyond to safeguard and champion the sector. This award therefore serves as a fantastic opportunity to publicly celebrate and honour those unsung heroes who are the very backbone of our industry.” Nominations should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievements of the nominee and need to be emailed to FUW Carmarthen by e-mail carmarthen@fuw.org.uk or sent by post to FUW Carmarthen, Suite 10 Second Floor West, Tŷ Myrddin, Old Station Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1LP by Friday October 9 2026.
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Government must engage more to strengthen food supply chain
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) must work more closely with households, communities and industry to ensure the food supply chain can withstand increasingly likely and severe shocks including extreme weather events, cyber-attacks and disease outbreaks, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report. The government has designated food as one of 13 Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors that it considers essential for the country to function properly. During recent disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, private sector businesses have succeeded in keeping the food supply chain running, in most cases without the need for significant government assistance. But short- and long-term risks that could significantly affect the food supply chain are becoming more likely and potentially more severe. For example, climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events. As a result, Defra is less confident about the private sector’s ability to withstand such shocks without greater government intervention. Defra has taken some positive steps to improve its preparedness for food supply disruptions, such as expanding its Food Supply Chain Resilience team and increasing its focus on planning for catastrophic events where food supply would be seriously affected. However, it has done too little in recent years
to encourage businesses, households and communities to strengthen resilience and prepare for potential food shortages caused by disruption to the food supply chain. UK households are less prepared for emergencies compared with several other countries, according to government research. While food supply chain businesses praised how Defra engaged with them during the COVID-19 pandemic, they told the independent public spending watchdog that it has done so less frequently since then. These businesses also had limited input in the development of Defra’s ‘playbook’ for responding to food supply disruptions, creating a risk that plans may not work in practice. Scenario exercises that test Defra’s preparedness for catastrophic events that would severely disrupt food supply – the last national exercise took place in 2023 – have also largely excluded food supply chain businesses, with some indicating that they would welcome inclusion in future exercises. Meanwhile, local resilience forums have indicated that they lack clarity from Defra on what is expected of them in the event of disruption. Defra also needs to contend with wider structural issues, the NAO report says. Despite participating in several crossgovernment working groups and boards, Defra stated in 2025 that it had very little confidence that cross-government work to build resilience was sufficiently joined-up. Defra also lacks the legal powers it may need during a catastrophic event to maintain food supply, such as
the power to direct businesses to take emergency action. Defra can further improve resilience by learning from approaches used in other CNI sectors and in other countries. To strengthen the food supply chain’s resilience to disruptions, the NAO recommends that Defra: • •
•
•
•
refreshes its approach to engaging with food supply chain businesses assesses the potential costs and benefits of approaches used to build resilience in other sectors or countries and whether they are wholly or partly applicable to the UK’s food supply chain reviews its response plans to ensure they would be effective in practice reviews the current legal powers it could use to respond to a catastrophic event that causes a severe food supply disruption works with Cabinet Office to ensure that future initiatives to encourage greater preparedness by households and communities include appropriate detail on food preparedness
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Recent disruptions have shown the resilience of the UK’s food supply chain, but risks are increasing in likelihood and severity. “Defra should learn from approaches taken in other countries, and strengthen preparedness for emergencies by testing plans with local government and industry.”
The first week of September once again marks Love Lamb week, now in its eleventh year. The week provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the high quality produce, its magnificent taste, and its key role as the beating heart of so many of Wales’ rural communities. It’s worth remembering that our Welsh lamb is a family affair from start to finish; from the family farms in Wales who produce it, to our consumers who enjoy coming together around the table to eat. It is a product shaped by generations of knowledge and tradition, with its distinct flavour a result of Wales’ unique environment, delivering a product that is not only delicious but also rooted in the Welsh landscape. This heritage of traditional farming methods and a deep connection to the land is what makes Welsh lamb so special, offering a taste that is truly unique and a story that is genuinely authentic. Beyond the plate, Welsh lamb is a powerful economic engine for our country. The industry supports thousands of jobs, not just on farms, but throughout the supply chain, from local abattoirs, independent butchers and bustling farmers’ markets. This traceability and local connection mean that when you choose
Welsh lamb, you are directly investing in the sustainability and vibrancy of our rural economy, and in turn securing local employment and sustaining the Welsh language and rural communities. Recent years have, however, seen the sector face its share of challenges - from the growing threat of diseases, to trade deals. Previous UK trade figures showed a 40% surge in imported sheep meat in 2024 the highest level since 2018. The continuation of such a trend could be a real threat to the livelihoods of Welsh farmers by displacing high-quality, sustainably produced Welsh lamb in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles, and undermining our longterm food security and self-sufficiency. In light of such challenges, this week therefore provides a timely opportunity to champion Welsh Lamb. It is a chance to not only celebrate the product, but to make a conscious choice to support the families and communities who produce it. By choosing Welsh lamb, not only are you supporting a way of life, a set of values, but also a flavour that is unmistakably Welsh. Let’s ensure the future of Welsh lamb is as bright as its past.
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MOTORS
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MG Brings Electrified Innovation and Performance to CarFest 2026
MOTORS
MG will showcase its latest generation of vehicles and advanced technologies at CarFest 2026, headlined by the Cyberster taking to the track alongside static displays of the MGS9 Plugin Hybrid, MG IM6, and MGS6 EV. Together, these models reflect the breadth of MG’s innovation, spanning fully electric performance, intelligent vehicle technologies, and advanced plug-in hybrid capability. Visitors to CarFest 2026 will have the opportunity to explore MG’s evolving electrified range and experience how cuttingedge technology is shaping the brand’s future direction. Building on more than a century of British automotive heritage, MG continues to evolve through the integration of advanced technologies, while remaining true to the spirit of innovation, accessibility, and design excellence that has defined the brand throughout its history. At the heart of MG’s presence will be the Cyberster in dynamic on-track action, complemented by the MGS9 Plug-in Hybrid as a key static showcase. Together, they embody MG’s
enduring performance DNA and its commitment to delivering advanced technologies that remain accessible to a broad audience, framed within a contemporary cultural context. William Wang, Managing Director of MG Motor UK and Europe, commented:
“CarFest is a significant moment for MG to connect with families and share the next chapter of our brand journey. From the Cyberster’s exhilarating ontrack performance to the advanced technologies across our flagship models, we are
demonstrating how MG is evolving beyond traditional automotive boundariesblending our proud heritage with intelligent, accessible innovation to help shape a more exciting and inclusive future of mobility for customers.”
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MOTORS 65
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VAUXHALL CORSA - 2015
1.4i ecoFLEX Energy Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (a/c) (90 ps) ** PETROL....... 5 SPEED.......1 PREVIOUS OWNER.........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 70,530 MILES......... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS........£35 ROAD TAX......... LOW INSURANCE GROUP 6............67 MPG..
£5,495
BMW 1 SERIES - 2015
KIA SPORTAGE - 2014
TOYOTA IQ - 2010
FORD FIESTA - 2008
2.0 CRDi KX-2 SUV 5dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 5 (134 bhp) ** DIESEL......... AUTOMATIC 6 SPEED........4 WHEEL DRIVE.........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 72,293 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 9 STAMPS. .
1.33 Dual VVT-i 3 Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (s/s) (98 ps) ** PETROL......6 SPEED....... 1 PREVIOUS OWNER...........LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY 43,016 MILES..........SERVICE HISTORY 11 STAMPS.........£35 ROAD TAX........ 67 MPG........
1.25 Zetec Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual (133 g/km, 81 bhp) ** PETROL.........5 SPEED........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 35,537 MILES...........SERVICE HISTORY......... 2 KEYS........£170 ROAD TAX.....
£7,295
CITROEN C3 PICASSO -2013
1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 8 SPEED.........DIESEL........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 79,471 MILES..........£20 ROAD TAX........ . 2 KEYS....... 78 MPG.......
1.6 VTi Exclusive MPV 5dr Petrol EGS6 Euro 5 (120 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 6 SPEED...............PETROL....... LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY COVERED 42,607 MILES........FULL SERVICE HISTORY 10 STAMPS.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER........2 KEYS........ 58
VOLKSWAGEN UP! - 2014
RENAULT CAPTUR - 2019
1.0 High up! Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (75 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED.......LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 60,320 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 5 STAMPS........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 2..........£20 ROAD TAX..
0.9 TCe ENERGY Iconic SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED........ 1 PREVIOUS OWNER........98,541 MILES......... SERVICE HISTORY....
£7,495
£5,995
FORD FOCUS - 2015
1.0 ZETEC 5d 124 BHP ** PETROL......6 SPEED......ONLY COVERED 69,115 MILES FROM NEW.......£20 ROAD TAX.........60 MPG.......ZETEC EDITION.......MEDIA SCREEN........ BLUETOOTH.......AIRCON........STOP START.........ALLOYS.......NICE EXAMPLE
£4,995
£4,995
£6,395
£4,695
£4,695
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VAUXHALL CORSA - 2015
1.2i Sting Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (70 ps) ** PETROL.........5 SPEED...........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 70,388 MILES..........SERVICE HISTORY 10 STAMPS........ 2 KEYS.........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 2........ 62 MPG.........STING EDITION...
£4,795
l
TOYOTA YARIS - 2016
BMW X1 - 2015
FORD B-MAX 2014
1.33 Dual VVT-i Icon Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (99 ps) ** PETROL.......6 SPEED...... 1 PREVIOUS OWNER......YES ONLY COVERED 29,354 MILES........SERVICE HISTORY 4 TOYOTA MAIN DEALER STAMPS.
2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 8 SPEED..........DIESEL........ 97,029 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 9 STAMPS......... 2 KEYS...
1.4 Zetec MPV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER.........92,834 MILES...........SERVICE HISTORY 8 STAMPS........£195 ROAD TAX......
HONDA HR-V - 2017
MINI CONVERTIBLE - 2016
BMW Z4 - 2011
1.5 Cooper Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) ** PETROL........CONVERTIBLE......6 SPEED.......£35 ROAD TAX........57 MPG.........2 KEYS.........COOPER EDITION........HALF LEATHER SPORTS SEATS.......MEDIA SCREEN.
2.5 23i M Sport Highline Edition Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 5 (204 ps) ** PETROL.......CONVERTIBLE......6 SPEED........MILEAGE 115,991 .........SERVICE HISTORY 8 STAMPS...
£8,995
1.6 i-DTEC EX SUV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps) ** DIESEL......6 SPEED.... 1 OWNER FROM NEW.......111,320 MILEAGE..... FULL HONDA MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY 11 STAMPS.......2 KEYS.......£200 ROAD TAX.......... 72 MPG.
£7,995
£6,495
£5,995
£4,495
£7,495
DACIA SANDERO 2017
AUDI A1- 2012
DACIA SANDERO STEPWAY 2015
VOLVO XC60 - 2015
1.0 SCe Ambiance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (75 ps) ** PETROL........5 SPEED......... 1 OWNER FROM NEW........FULL SERVICE HISTORY......... LOW INSURANCE GROUP 4..........67 MPG.........AMBIANCE EDITION....
1.4 TFSI Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps) ** PETROL.......6 SPEED.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER.......SERVICE HISTORY..........2 KEYS....... £170 ROAD TAX...........64 MPG........SPORT EDITION.
0.9 TCe Ambiance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED......... 1 OWNER FROM NEW.........LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY COVERED 63,951 MILES........... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS...
2.4 D4 SE Lux Nav SUV 5dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) **DIESEL.........6 SPEED AUTOMATIC......... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS......... CAMBELT AND WATER PUMP DONE AT 113,000 MILES.......2 KEYS........£215 ROAD TAX..
£3,995
.
£4,995
£4,695
£6,995
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MOTORS
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MOTORS 69
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LEPAS reveals full UK specification of all-new L6 EV
LEPAS has confirmed full UK specification for the new L6 EV, an all-electric C-segment SUV bringing together elegant design, advanced technology and practicality. Joining the flagship L8 PHEV, the L6 EV – the brand’s first all-electric SUV - has been designed around modern urban life. Its well-balanced dimensions are combined with a spacious interior, generous electric range and technology designed to make everyday driving easier. UK customers can choose between two generously equipped trim levels. Essence, which includes a comprehensive suite of technology, safety and comfort features and Elevate, which adds further luxury, convenience and intelligent parking technology. Both variants use a 65kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and frontmounted electric motor producing 160kW (217PS) and 275Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0–62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 111mph. Its 279-mile WLTP range is designed to cover everyday journeys as well as longer trips. When charging is needed, the 120kW DC capability provides a 30– 80 per cent charge in approximately 22 minutes. The L6 EV is built on LEPAS’ LEX Platform, a new-energy architecture developed around intelligence, efficiency and safety. The EV’s integrated 12-in-1 electric drive system has been designed for efficiency and smooth power delivery, with electric power steering and an electric brake booster are standard. The L6 EV features Bosch IBP 2.0 braking technology which has been developed to improve braking performance, energy recovery and pedal feel, whilst also reducing the pitching sensation sometimes associated with
electric vehicles. As with the L8, LEPAS’ European chassis team carried out dedicated development work to refine the L6 EV for European roads, engineered to combine smooth electric performance with the ride comfort and predictable handling expected by European drivers. Exterior styling: Leopard-inspired elegance The L6 EV brings LEPAS’ Leopard Aesthetics design philosophy to the C-SUV market. Its clean, flowing shape includes details inspired by the movement, confidence and agility of one nature’s most elegant predators. Signature ‘Hunting Eye’ LED headlights are joined by a wide-body profile inspired by a leopard in motion and distinctive LED rear lighting. At 4,570mm long, 1,852mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1,676mm high, the L6 EV combines SUV road presence with dimensions suited to towns and cities. A 2,700mm wheelbase helps maximise passenger space, while 159mm of ground clearance adds everyday versatility. Both Essence and Elevate feature 19inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Standard equipment also includes LED headlights with Intelligent High Beam Assist, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights. Electrically adjustable, heated and power-folding door mirrors with puddle lights are also standard. Privacy glass is fitted to the rear windows and tailgate, while acoustic laminated front side windows help reduce outside noise. In addition to the free of charge Lucid White, L6 EV features five other pearlescent exterior colours priced at £500: Phantom Grey, Cosmic Black, Quicksilver, alongside the vibrant Solar Orange and Supernova Purple.
The L6 EV’s interior has been designed to feel calm, spacious and intuitive. Advanced technology is integrated into a clean and uncluttered cabin. A wrap-around cockpit puts the driver at the centre of the experience, while the 13.2-inch waterfall-style central
touchscreen display brings a sense of minimalism while the large panoramic sunroof brings natural light into the cabin. LEPAS’s intelligent LEX Platform has allowed designers to create a flat floor in the rear, creating more space and giving rear passengers more room to stretch out. The boot provides 410 litres of luggage space, increasing to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. A further 99 litres of hidden underfloor storage provides space for charging equipment, shopping and other items. Both models come with a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, dualzone climate control, rear air vents and a heated multifunction steering wheel, whilst heated front windscreen, keyless entry and go and 40/60 split-folding rear seats are also standard. The entry-level Essence trim features Basalt Black fabric upholstery and sixway manually adjustable front seats. Elevate adds Basalt Black full leather-effect upholstery and six-way power adjustment for both front seats, with the driver also benefiting from fourway power lumbar adjustment. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on Elevate, along with a power tailgate,
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BUSINESS
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BUSINESS
£225,000 refurbishment gives NatWest’s Haverfordwest branch a new look
NATWEST has completed a £225,000 refurbishment of its Haverfordwest branch as part of a wider investment in face-to-face banking services. The High Street premises now feature upgraded technology, a redesigned customer area, improved interview rooms and new facilities for staff. Among the additions are upgraded cash machines, a customer lounge and a dedicated Zoom room, allowing customers and branch staff to speak remotely with specialist teams elsewhere in the bank. The branch has also received new branding, including a Welsh dragon graphic, while environmental improvements include a plumbed-in water cooler intended to reduce plastic waste. Staff bathrooms and the
branch dining area have also been refurbished. Alison Davies, branch manager at NatWest Haverfordwest, said: “We’re incredibly proud to showcase our refurbished branch here in Haverfordwest. “This investment reflects how important our local community is to us. “With new technology and an improved layout, we’re making banking faster, more personal and more accessible for our customers. “We’ve also created a muchimproved working environment for our colleagues, with better facilities that support them to deliver the best possible service every day. “It’s a space designed for everyone – for our customers and for our team.” The refurbishment comes amid the continuing decline of bank branches across
west Wales, leaving many customers—particularly older people, vulnerable residents and businesses handling cash—concerned about access to in-person services. NatWest has pledged that it will make no further branch closures until at least 2029. The banking group is investing more than £50 million over 18 months to upgrade branches across the UK. Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, welcomed the investment. He said: “I am delighted to see NatWest investing in Haverfordwest. “This investment will strengthen the high street and support local residents who rely on face-to-face banking. “The refurbishment will help ensure customers in Haverfordwest can continue to access in-person banking
services and modern facilities for years to come.” Dipesh Mistry, NatWest’s regional director of branch banking for Central England, South West and Wales, said Haverfordwest remained an important centre for west Wales. He said: “Haverfordwest plays an important role in west Wales, with a strong local community and a growing number of customers and businesses who rely on faceto-face banking. “At NatWest, we’re committed to supporting that community by investing in branches like Haverfordwest and keeping services local. “Our promise to keep our branches open until at least 2029 underlines our longterm commitment to Wales and to growing alongside the communities we serve.”
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Pembrokeshire-raised editor launches new network of community news titles A NEW network of locally based news publications is set to launch across Wales under plans announced by two of the country’s best-known journalists. Political journalist Will Hayward and Pembrokeshire-raised former Western Mail editor Catrin Pascoe have established The Cymru News Network, which they say will eventually provide an overarching news service for Wales. The organisation intends to create individual local brands covering defined geographical areas, with a commitment to maintaining an office in every community it serves. Its first titles are expected to be announced over the coming months, although the locations have not yet been disclosed. Hayward revealed the venture to the 16,000 subscribers of his independent political newsletter on Sunday (Aug 30), ahead of a formal announcement expected next week. He said the network would offer “thoughtful, intelligent and accessible journalism” while attempting to address what its founders regard as gaps in local reporting across Wales. Rather than immediately launching a single national website, the business will build a collection of community publications from the ground up. These could eventually be combined into a wider Welsh news service owned and operated entirely within
Wales. The founders say every publication will be physically based in the area it covers rather than operated from a central newsroom. Hayward wrote: “How can you have your finger on the pulse of a community if you are not in that community?” The network is expected to cover local government, community affairs, culture, food and features. Its founders say the publications will not adopt an overtly political position, describing their principal stance as supporting the communities they represent. The venture will be led operationally by Pascoe, who has worked in Welsh journalism for more than 25 years.
Born in Cardiff and raised partly in Pembrokeshire, she began her career after undertaking work experience at the Western Telegraph. She later joined Media Wales and in 2016 became the first woman to edit the Western Mail, remaining at the helm of the national newspaper for more than a decade. Hayward left WalesOnline in 2024 to operate his political newsletter independently. He said the publication now reaches 16,000 subscribers and has expanded from a home-based operation into a small team working from an office. He stressed that the newsletter and the new network would remain
separate products, with Pascoe and a future team of reporters expected to oversee the day-to-day operation of the local titles. The network also intends to establish career pathways for young journalists, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may otherwise struggle to enter the profession. Its launch comes during a difficult period for Welsh journalism, with declining print income, newsroom centralisation and dependence on social-media platforms placing growing pressure on traditional local publishing. The company is now seeking longterm corporate partners to support its expansion. Hayward said several organisations were already involved, although they have not yet been named. No details have so far been released about which parts of Wales will receive the first publications, how many journalists will be employed or whether readers will be charged for access. The Herald has asked The Cymru News Network whether Pembrokeshire is being considered for one of its first titles, where its offices will be located, how the operation will be financed and when recruitment is expected to begin. The formal launch is due to take place next week.
Milford Haven hearing clinic wins Welsh award for second year running A FAMILY-RUN hearing clinic in Milford Haven has been named Audiology Clinic of the Year for the second consecutive year. Pembrokeshire Hearing Ltd received the accolade at the Prestige Awards Wales 2026/27, adding to a growing collection of industry honours secured by the independent practice. The awards panel praised the clinic’s commitment to patient care and its work to make specialist audiology services more accessible within a rural county. Judges said: “Pembrokeshire Hearing ensures every patient is treated with warmth, dignity and respect, making world-class audiology accessible in a rural community where such services are often limited.” Founded and run by Emma Arthure and Kev Workman, the clinic provides hearing assessments, digital hearing aids, tinnitus management and earwax removal. It also offers home visits, free in-depth hearing assessments and trial periods for digital hearing aids, with care plans tailored to individual patients. The judges highlighted what they
described as the clinic’s combination of professional expertise and personal support. They added: “Emma and Kev have built a clinic that blends professional expertise with genuine empathy, creating an environment where patients feel supported every step of the way.” Kev Workman, co-director of Pembrokeshire Hearing, said: “Winning Audiology Clinic of the Year for the second year running means the world to us. “We’re incredibly proud to serve Pembrokeshire, and this recognition reflects the care, dedication and heart we put into every appointment. “Our patients are at the centre of everything we do.” The business is now preparing to expand beyond Milford Haven, with a second clinic planned for Tenby later this year. The new location will offer appointments and continuing support for patients of all ages as the company extends its services across the county. Pembrokeshire Hearing can be contacted on 01646 428420 or through its website.
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Baking activities support dementia patients at Withybush Hospital
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DEMENTIA patients at Withybush Hospital are benefiting from baking activities designed to stimulate the senses, encourage independence and evoke memories. Donations to Hywel Dda Health Charities have funded cooking ingredients and other supplies for patients on Ward 12. Patients have been encouraged to make cakes, providing an enjoyable activity while supporting their wellbeing and giving them an opportunity to retain practical skills. Hospital staff say baking can be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia because it engages several senses and involves familiar tasks such as weighing, measuring and mixing. Zoe Griffiths, Senior Sister on Ward 12, said: “We are so grateful that charitable donations supported these activities on the ward. “Cooking is of great benefit to the patients as it is a good stimulating activity, which will stimulate the senses as well as improve appetite. “As well as this, cooking can also bring back old memories the patients may have and keep the brain active, as it involves
weighing and measuring.” The activities were funded by Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board. The charity uses donations to provide services, equipment and activities beyond those
normally covered by core NHS funding. Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the
three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.” Further information about supporting patients and NHS staff across the Hywel Dda area is available from the charity’s website.
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New NHS dental patients fall by 11% in west Wales despite national rise
THE NUMBER of new NHS dental patients treated across west Wales fell by almost 11% last year — despite an increase across Wales as a whole. New Welsh Government figures show that 10,346 new patients were treated in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area during 2025–26. This was 1,272 fewer than the 11,618 recorded during the previous year, representing a fall of 10.9%. Across Wales, however, the number increased by 3%, rising from 146,341 to 150,776. The contrast raises further questions about access to NHS dentistry in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, particularly for people who do not already have a place with a practice. The longer-term figures are more concerning. In 2022–23, NHS dentists working under Hywel Dda treated 17,972 new patients. The latest total is 7,626 lower — a reduction of 42.4% in three years. Hywel Dda recorded the secondlowest number of new patients among Wales’ seven health boards during 2025–26, ahead only of the much less populous Powys area. A “new patient” is defined in the statistics as somebody beginning a routine Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3 course of treatment who has not previously been treated by that particular NHS dental contractor, or whose last qualifying treatment there was more than four years earlier. It does not necessarily mean the patient had received no NHS dental care anywhere else. However, statisticians estimate that around 80%
of those counted had not undergone a separate routine course of treatment with another Welsh contractor during the preceding four years. The regional reduction comes against a difficult national picture. Almost 1.4 million NHS courses of dental treatment were recorded across Wales during 2025–26 — 40.3% fewer than in 2019–20, the last financial year largely unaffected by the Covid pandemic. The total also fell by 1.7% compared with 2024–25. Access has recovered only partially since the pandemic. During the two
years ending in March 2026, 40.6% of adults in Wales received NHS dental treatment. Among children, 50.5% were treated during the latest 12-month period. For people in the Hywel Dda area who do not have an NHS dentist, applications are now handled through the national Dental Access Portal. The system operates as a referral route and does not provide immediate registration with a practice. The latest figures cover the final year of the previous NHS dental contract. A new system came into force across Wales on April 1, changing how
practices are paid and how patients are recalled and treated. Future statistics may not be directly comparable because of those changes, making the 2025–26 results an important final measure of performance under the former arrangements. The Herald is seeking an explanation from Hywel Dda University Health Board for the fall in new patients and details of how many people across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion are currently waiting for access to routine NHS dental care.
One in five young adults has only one close friend or none, report warns ONE in five young adults in Britain now has only one close friend or none at all, according to a major government review warning of a growing crisis of loneliness and social isolation. The proportion of 18 to 24-year-olds with such limited friendship networks has tripled during the past decade, the Young People and Work interim report states. It also says 70% of people in that age group experience loneliness, while those aged 16 to 29 are more than twice as likely to say they often or always feel lonely as people aged over 70. The review, commissioned by the UK Government to examine rising levels of youth unemployment and economic inactivity, argues that loneliness, deteriorating mental health and reduced opportunities for young people are increasingly interconnected. It says loneliness in Britain has quadrupled since 2019, with the coronavirus pandemic accelerating a longer-term decline in social connection. The loss of places where young people can meet face-to-face is identified as an important factor. Cuts and closures affecting youth clubs, libraries,
pubs, swimming pools and community centres have reduced opportunities for spontaneous social contact and a sense of belonging. The report states: “Historically, social networks shrank with age. Today, young people have fewer friends than older Britons.” Young people growing up in poverty are said to be particularly vulnerable, with children living in relative poverty twice as likely to experience loneliness as those from more affluent households. The report warns that isolation cannot be considered separately from young people’s participation in education and employment. It says many young people experience loneliness as part of a life which has become increasingly restricted, leaving them feeling that their future is out of reach. The findings come amid wider concern over the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, commonly described as NEET. Latest figures show 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 across the UK were in that position between April and June this
year, equivalent to 13% of the age group. Although this represented a fall compared with the previous quarter, the total was still around 30,000 higher than a year earlier. The government review also found that mental health conditions have become the most commonly reported health problem among young people outside education and employment. One in five young people classified as
NEET reports a mental health condition, more than double the proportion recorded in 2012. The report calls for greater support to help young people reconnect with their communities and enter education or work, warning that the erosion of both social spaces and entry-level employment has created a “national crisis of opportunity”.
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Tufnell presses Chancellor on future of Pembrokeshire’s energy industry
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PEMBROKESHIRE’S position at the heart of the UK’s energy industry must be protected and strengthened as Britain moves towards a new energy future, Henry Tufnell MP has said following a highprofile government visit to the Port of Milford Haven. The Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP said he used the Chancellor’s visit to make the case directly for continued UK Government support for the county’s strategically important energy sector, including both its existing industries and opportunities for future growth. Mr Tufnell said the Milford Haven Waterway’s concentration of major energy infrastructure means decisions taken in Westminster over the coming years will have significant consequences for jobs, investment and communities across Pembrokeshire. Following the visit, he said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Chancellor to the Port of Milford Haven and showcase how Pembrokeshire powers Britain.” He highlighted the scale of the existing energy cluster around the Haven, which includes an oil refinery, a gas-fired power station, two LNG terminals and fuel storage facilities. According to Mr Tufnell, the port supplies around 20% of the UK’s energy demand. He added: “I made it clear to the Chancellor that Pembrokeshire must continue to play this important role and be supported by the UK Government to grow. “I will keep pressing this point in Parliament to protect existing well-paid jobs, deliver new jobs, and to secure our energy independence.” Strategic importance of Milford Haven The comments underline the significance being placed on the Milford Haven Waterway as the UK attempts to balance energy security with the transition towards lower-carbon sources of power. The Haven is already one of Britain’s most important energy gateways, with substantial oil, gas and electricity infrastructure concentrated along the waterway. Its two LNG terminals have also reinforced Milford Haven’s importance to UK energy security, providing infrastructure
through which imported liquefied natural gas can enter the national network. At the same time, Pembrokeshire is increasingly being promoted as a potential centre for the next generation of energy projects, including developments associated with offshore renewable energy and the Celtic Sea. For the county, however, the political challenge will be ensuring that the transition brings substantial employment and investment locally rather than simply replacing existing industries without providing comparable jobs. Port makes its case to government The Port of Milford Haven has also stressed that its role extends beyond the immediate operation of the Waterway. Speaking following the visit, the Port said it had welcomed the opportunity to explain the contribution Milford Haven makes to the UK’s energy security, economy and national resilience. It described itself as the UK’s leading energy port and said the surrounding energy cluster helps power homes, businesses and industry while supporting employment, trade and investment throughout Pembrokeshire and West Wales. Port representatives also highlighted its status as a Trust Port and the work it undertakes with schools, charities, young people and community organisations. The visit therefore provided an opportunity not only to discuss the national importance of Milford Haven’s energy infrastructure but also the economic benefits which flow from the industry into the wider county. Focus turns to what comes next Mr Tufnell’s intervention will inevitably raise questions about what additional government support could now follow the ministerial visit. Pembrokeshire has long been one of Wales’ most strategically important industrial areas, despite its relatively small population, because of the concentration of energy
infrastructure surrounding the Haven. The emerging Celtic Sea renewable energy sector has meanwhile created expectations of another substantial period of investment, with ports and coastal communities hoping to secure construction, engineering, maintenance and supply-chain work. For local politicians and businesses, one of the key tests will be how much of that economic activity remains in West Wales. There is also the question of how existing skilled workers and industries fit into the transition. Mr Tufnell’s emphasis on protecting “existing well-paid jobs” is significant. While considerable attention has been given to the employment which could eventually be generated by new energy technologies, established oil, gas and power operations continue to support skilled employment and businesses across Pembrokeshire. His position appears to be that the county should not have to choose between its existing energy economy and the industries of the future. Instead, he is calling for government backing which allows Pembrokeshire to build upon the industrial expertise,
port facilities and infrastructure already present around Milford Haven. A bigger role for Pembrokeshire The visit comes as wider political attention increasingly turns towards the distribution of economic power and investment across Wales. For Pembrokeshire, the argument being advanced is straightforward: a county which already makes a substantial contribution to Britain’s energy security should receive the investment necessary to remain an important part of that system as it changes. Mr Tufnell has now pledged to continue making that case in Parliament. With major decisions over energy infrastructure, renewable development and industrial investment expected in the years ahead, the practical measure of success will be whether the political attention currently focused on Milford Haven translates into projects, investment and secure, well-paid employment on the ground. For Pembrokeshire, that is likely to matter considerably more than the ministerial photographs.
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Senedd Members support calls for better paternity leave in UK-wide parent strike
PARENTS and politicians joined together on the steps of the Senedd today calling for better paternity leave and support for new parents. In a campaign organised by Anna Whitehouse (Mother Pukka) and The Dad Shift, similar strikes took place in 13 locations across the UK including in Edinburgh, London, and Belfast on Thursday, August 27. Protesters came together to call for flexible working by default, and a minimum of six weeks’ paternity leave at 90% pay, including for the selfemployed. In a post shared on social media, The Dad Shift said the aim was to make it “the biggest parents’ protest in British history”. In Cardiff Bay, parents and children gathered alongside Senedd Members on the steps of the Welsh Parliament holding placards with slogans such as “More time, more pay, more dad” and “Q: What’s the worst Dad joke? A: UK paternity leave”. The Cardiff protest was supported by the Women’s Equality Network Wales (WEN Wales), which described the UK as “failing” parents in a social media post promoting the campaign. Plaid Cymru MS Sarah Rees began campaigning
for better parental leave and flexible working when she was made redundant on maternity leave more than a decade ago. Speaking after the protest, the Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg MS said: “My daughter is now 12, coming up to 13, and I didn’t think that we would be fighting this long, that a decade on I would be passing that baton to the next round of parents. “What’s fantastic is that we’ve got dads involved, we’ve got dads leading this event because we know that parenting isn’t a mother’s job. We need two incomes to make a house work. A single parent can tell you that more importantly than anyone else. The levels of poverty for single parents in Wales is shameful and the way to tackle that is to improve things like the cost of childcare which Plaid Cymru are proudly doing.” She continued: “But also we need to look to the UK Government and to tackle some of those things, which is why we’ve all come here today – along with people across the UK – because it’s really important that we see right from day one that dads and nonbirthing parents are involved in parenting and they’re seen as part of that.” Ms Rees was joined by fellow Plaid Cymru MSs including Kiera Marshall,
whose own daughter is less than a year old. Labour’s Huw Thomas also spoke at the event, sharing his experiences as a father to a seven-year-old and a fiveyear-old. Speaking after the protest, he said: “Before I was elected I was leader of Cardiff Council, which is a busy job in its own right, and balancing that as a dad, doing right by my kids, doing right by my wife, it’s a real challenge, particularly at younger ages.” Mr Thomas also highlighted some of the work being done by the UK Government in terms to improve support for new parents. He added: “Let’s recognise the improvements that the UK Labour government are bringing in with the Employment Rights Act. You will now have access to paternity leave from the first day of employment. “That’s 32,000 dads that benefit from that, but I think we all can recognise we need to go further. “We’ve got declining birth rates in this country, that will put additional burden on services in coming decades unless we can support families to feel able to have children. “So what this strike is about, and the call for action, is a nobrainer for me.”
blue view
With Brian Murphy As we head into the autumn, we have come to the end of the Agricultural Show season, but farmers have not stopped working to produce the food we all enjoy. For people like me, who don’t come from a farming background, the shows are a great place to get an insight into farming and an opportunity to speak with the farmers directly. At the County Show and Fishguard show I had that opportunity. Many spoke about the challenges facing farming from the prolonged dry weather and as cooler weather comes in the pressure may ease. However, some pressures remain. Bovine TB and now Bluetongue disease are serious and deadly for the livestock affected. They also place enormous emotional and financial pressure on farming businesses. Over 10,000 animals are slaughtered every year in Wales due to Bovine TB, and many of these can be due to false positives when the animal is tested. Bluetongue can be prevented by using vaccines, but there is a shortage of them. Both diseases can be controlled effectively if the government has the will to do something positive. These are issues which are raised regularly in the Senedd by the Conservative Party members, and I am certain they will continue to hold the Welsh Government to account if they fail to deliver for our farmers. And this Plaid-led government needs to be held to account. Before the election Plaid Cymru promised to use their first 100 days to
set out clear plans to take Wales forward. And they have failed. One of their promises was to develop Bronglais into a centre of rural healthcare excellence, and they gained many votes on the back of that. When questioned about their commitment to that pledge Mabon ap Gwynfor responded with “The concept of developing Bronglais as a centre of rural health excellence is an emerging area of consideration for the Cabinet Minister and reflects a broader ambition to strengthen the delivery of high-quality healthcare services in rural areas. Discussions with NHS organisations and partners will continue as part of wider strategic planning for healthcare services in Mid Wales.” That is not effective governance. It is waffle and dither. It also reads as if it was written by AI. What people need to see is action on tackling the major issues in Wales. Not woolly promises to do something in the future. Bringing down business rates on small businesses will reenergise the High Street. Tourism can be boosted by scrapping the tourism tax and removing the ludicrous 182-day rule. Transport congestion will be eased by giving the green light to major transport projects. What we have is consultations, talking shops and a constant focus on matters beyond the competence of the Senedd, such as net zero policies, trees in Uganda, Nation of Sanctuary and constitutional arguments. I hope Plaid will wake up and realise what the real priorities are and deliver real meaningful change to the people of Wales.
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Rhun hails first 100 days as critics say change has yet to be felt
With ANDREW LYE
Probably the most famous and high-profile Liberal in the world, now, is Mark Carney. Mark Carney was known to us in the UK as Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020 As Prime Minister of Canada since taking over from Justin Trudeau as Leader of the Canadian Liberal Party in March 2025, he went on to win the Canadian federal election in the same year, winning the highest vote share of any party since 1984. Mark Carney won the election as he made it clear that he was not going to see Canada become the 51st state of the USA, as Trump referred to it. Since he returned to the White House in January 2025, Canada has been in the cross wires of President Trump. So, the latest piece of stupidity comes out of the mouth of Donald Trump. Changing the name of a lake called Ontario and which has been called that for more than 400 years to Lake America. Trump seems to think that signing an Executive Order with his Sharpie pen, changes the map, forthwith. Even if this was a lone incident, we would have to say it is inane and stupid, but of course it is not a lone incident. He has also tried to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, he wants to incorporate Canada as the 51st state, he is laying claim to Greenland, and he claims that the Strait of Hormuz which is about 2,000 miles away from America is now an American territory. Mark Carney deserves our respect, along with the Canadian people for the way they are responding to his rants and actions. Canada, with its
population of 41.4m is the David standing up to the USA Goliath, with its population of 342.6m They have responded tariff to tariff with those imposed by Trump. They have actively begun to change their markets, both import and exports, away from a country which is, of course, their nearest neighbour with a 2,000-mile-long border between them. They have begun to purchase defence equipment from European suppliers who will also build some of those units within Canada. And they have begun to participate more fully in European activities in discussion with European leaders. And there is even talk that Canada could join the EU. Canada is standing strong against Trump when people thought it would be in the weakest position. Canadian businesses are eagerly embracing new markets for importing and exporting their products. Individuals are refusing to buy American products, unless essential, and are choosing Canadian products or imports from other friendly countries. Canadians have greatly reduced their visits and holidays to the US. As an out-of-control American President lashes out. Mark Carney, a Liberal PM who holds elite academic degrees in economics and decades of high-level experience in global finance, central banking and public service, has calmly stood up to the bullying. I hope that when PM Andy Burnham meets Trump, he emulates Mark Carney. And remember, David defeated Goliath. Be like Mark Carney!
If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales
FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has defended his government’s record during its first 100 days, saying ministers have laid the foundations for long-term change despite mounting financial pressures. The Plaid Cymru administration says the “initial planned activity” attached to all 96 commitments in its first 100-day programme has now been completed. However, that does not mean all 96 policies have been fully delivered. In many cases, the commitments involved beginning reviews, establishing expert panels, preparing legislation or drawing up longer-term delivery plans. Mr ap Iorwerth acknowledged that much more remained to be done but said the opening months of the administration had provided an opportunity to begin turning its long-term vision for Wales into reality. He said: “I’m proud that my government has kept its promise to the people of Wales. “In our first 100 days, we have hit the ground running, laying the foundations for change that will lead to better outcomes in people’s lives. That’s what matters most. “This next phase will be about getting Wales moving. Our focus now is on turning early action into lasting results by getting waiting lists down, ensuring a more sustainable future for our NHS, helping families with the cost of living, creating good jobs, raising standards in our schools, tackling child poverty and standing up for our nation.” The milestone follows Plaid Cymru’s historic Senedd election
victory in May, after which it formed a minority government under Mr ap Iorwerth. Its six stated priorities are reducing NHS waiting lists, expanding affordable childcare, growing the Welsh economy, raising educational standards, tackling child poverty and securing what it considers a fairer financial and constitutional settlement from Westminster. NHS investment and surgical hubs Health remains one of the government’s biggest tests, with waiting lists continuing to grow during its opening months. Ministers have announced a £145m NHS package, including £100m intended to help reduce waiting times, £25m for the development of elective surgical hubs and £20m for essential maintenance across the NHS estate. A clinically led group has been established to develop proposals for as many as ten elective treatment centres across Wales. A delivery plan is expected before the end of 2026. Work has also started on a new Cancer Plan for Wales, a national telehealth programme, reducing the NHS’s reliance on agency staff and moving a greater proportion of health board spending into primary and community care. The government says health boards have agreed to work towards increasing the share of their budgets devoted to primary care from 2027-28. However, the surgical hubs have not yet been built and
the wider reforms remain at an early stage. Opposition parties say patients will judge the administration by whether waiting times actually fall, rather than by the number of reviews commissioned. Childcare and free school meals The government has committed an additional £55m during 2026-27 towards expanding funded childcare. Its longer-term aim is to provide every child aged between nine months and four years with 20 funded hours a week for 48 weeks of the year. Ministers estimate that the fully implemented offer could be worth as much as £30,000 to a family during the first four years of a child’s life. The first stage involves completing the rollout of 12.5 funded hours for all two-year-olds. The government says all 22 local authorities are now on course to provide this by the end of the financial year. A further £15m has been allocated to widen eligibility for secondary-school free meals by removing the existing £7,400 income threshold for families receiving Universal Credit. Parents of pupils in Years 7 and 8 are expected to be able to apply for the expanded provision from September, with the funding also intended to help schools improve kitchens and dining facilities. The practical test will be whether councils and schools, including those in Pembrokeshire, can implement the expanded entitlement promptly and ensure eligible children receive meals
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without unnecessary delays. Child poverty payment Plaid Cymru has also begun developing Cynnal, a proposed Welsh Child Payment. An expert group has been established to design a pilot under which £10 a week would be paid for as many as 15,000 children living in households receiving Universal Credit. The pilot has not yet started, and decisions about its detailed eligibility rules and any eventual national rollout remain to be made. Ministers are also preparing a new child poverty strategy with targets and milestones while reviewing existing Welsh benefits to determine whether support is reaching the families most in need. Schools and young people Education measures include an additional £40m to address repairs and maintenance across the Welsh school estate and work towards providing every primary school with a dedicated library space by 2030. A new Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan is due to be published during the autumn, while teacher-training incentives in shortage subjects have been increased to £20,000. The priority subjects include mathematics, science, Welsh and digital studies. Local authorities are also being given greater scope to restrict smartphone use in schools for pupils under 16, with national guidance intended to produce a more consistent approach. A review of higher education funding, student support, research, participation and the financial resilience of Welsh universities has also been launched. Economy, transport and rural Wales The administration has set a ten-year target of halving the productivity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK. An expert panel is considering the structure of a proposed National Development Agency, while a nationwide skills audit is expected to inform a Future Skills Summit on October 8. For younger passengers, £8m has been provided to extend the £1 bus fare for people aged between five and 21 until March 2027. A new express coach between Bangor and Carmarthen is expected to begin operating during the autumn. Ministers say it will reduce north-to-south journey times by more than an hour, although it will not amount to the direct rail connection campaigners have long sought. For farming, the government has committed more than £1bn over three years through the Sustainable Farming Scheme and confirmed a move away from single-year funding settlements. It has also commissioned a review of the paperwork facing family farms and published proposals for a statutory duty
requiring government policies to be “rural proofed”. Financial warning Mr ap Iorwerth said Wales faced severe financial constraints, warning that the Welsh Government’s budget next year was expected to be lower in real terms than the current settlement. He argued that this strengthened the case for replacing or reforming the Barnett formula so funding more closely reflected Wales’ needs. The First Minister is expected to raise the matter directly with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a meeting in October. The Welsh Government is also pressing for funding arising from HS2 and other England-only rail projects, greater support for the remediation of coal tips and contaminated land, and further devolution. Its demands include control over justice and policing, rail infrastructure, youth justice, probation, welfare, water and the Crown Estate. NHS leaders welcome direction but urge long-term action The Welsh NHS Confederation, which represents health boards, NHS trusts and special health authorities across Wales, welcomed the government’s early engagement while warning that sustained investment would be needed before patients experienced meaningful change. Its director, Darren Hughes, said: “NHS leaders welcome the positive engagement shown by ministers and officials during the Welsh Government’s first 100 days, including opportunities to shape discussions through key summits and meetings. “The government’s early focus on prevention, digital transformation and improving collaboration across public services is encouraging and aligns with the priorities we’ve been calling for on behalf of NHS leaders.” However, he said sustained investment was still needed in NHS buildings, infrastructure and the integration of health and social care. Mr Hughes added: “The scale of the challenge ahead cannot be underestimated. There is no quick fix, which is why we need a long-term plan for health and care if we are to improve outcomes for patients and ensure the sustainability of health and care services in Wales.” Labour counts reviews and new bodies Welsh Labour said its analysis of the government’s programme showed that the opening 100 days had produced six new bodies, 12 reviews, three expert panels, three audits, two feasibility studies, four strategies and four consultations. Party leader Ken Skates said: “Plaid have been telling us for decades that they were ready to lead Wales. Their actions
since getting into government suggest otherwise. “100 days in and it’s difficult to see what has changed. Plaid Cymru’s programme has included new reviews, expert groups, taskforces and strategies. “But big questions remain. What practical things will they do to tackle the cost of living? When will two-year NHS waits be eliminated? And what is the full timetable and cost of the childcare offer? “The people of Wales deserve less talk and more action.” Labour also highlighted increases in treatment waiting lists and contrasted the creation of a Welsh town-centre taskforce with more immediate measures being pursued by the UK Government. Reform points to waiting lists and unemployment Reform Wales said NHS waiting lists had increased by almost 9,000 patient pathways since May. Figures included with the party’s statement put the total at around 698,400, approximately 8,700 higher than when Plaid took office. Reform said provisional July data indicated a further rise to around 709,700 pathways, including 4,700 waits lasting more than two years. The party also highlighted an increase of 1.1 percentage points in Wales’ unemployment rate during the latest quarter, together with an employment rate of 72.5%, compared with 75.1% across the UK. Those figures were supplied by Reform and short-term economic and NHS changes cannot necessarily be attributed solely to a government which has been in office for little more than three months. In a response issued on Wednesday, Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said: “The people of Wales will take a dim view of Plaid Cymru’s government-bywhinging. “Plaid have been at the helm now for over 100 days, and while they’ve ticked some boxes by setting up a few
committees and reviews, NHS waiting lists are still growing. “Instead of complaining about the UK Government, Plaid should roll their sleeves up and deliver the real change the people of Wales asked for back in May.” Conservatives cite “missed opportunities” Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar described the opening 100 days as a series of “missed opportunities”, criticising the focus on constitutional reform and the government’s net-zero target. He said ministers could instead have acted on business-rate relief, the visitor levy, transport projects and mobile-phone restrictions in schools. Mr Millar said: “There has been a total lack of urgency to improve people’s lives, yet Plaid ministers have been quick to prioritise spending yet more time, energy and money on tinkering with the constitution. “Plaid must use the powers it already has to focus on the people’s priorities and deliver rapid and real change for the people of Wales.” The government has also suffered an early political setback after failing to secure Senedd support for its supplementary budget following a disagreement with Welsh Labour over funding for additional learning needs. That defeat underlined the difficulties Mr ap Iorwerth may face in delivering major spending and legislative proposals while leading a minority administration. The government has now launched a public dashboard intended to allow people to track its progress. Ministers insist the first 100 days were designed to begin programmes rather than complete reforms which will take several years. The decisive question for the next phase will be whether those plans produce changes people can see — particularly shorter NHS waits, greater financial help for families and stronger employment prospects — at a time when the government says its spending power is becoming increasingly constrained.
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Picture of the week! Tenby by Brian James Devastating floods leave thousands of Nepalese families in urgent need DEAR SIR,
Devastating flash floods struck Nepal at the end of August, affecting around 65,000 people, including more than 22,000 children. Many people remain missing, while entire villages have been largely destroyed. Homes, livelihoods and vital infrastructure have been swept away, leaving thousands of families facing an uncertain future. ShelterBox has launched an urgent appeal to support those who have lost everything and are now in desperate need of safe shelter and essential household items. Working closely with local partners, including Rotary members, we are assessing the needs of affected communities and preparing to provide emergency items such as blankets, sleeping mats, pillows and tarpaulins. These supplies will help families protect themselves from the elements as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. ShelterBox has a long history of responding to disasters in Nepal, including the devastating earthquake of 2015, as well as major floods across South Asia. That experience is helping us prepare to support those affected by this latest disaster. Every donation, no matter its size, can help provide urgently needed assistance. I would
encourage your readers to donate or share details of the appeal. At a time when families have lost loved ones, their homes and any sense of security about the future, public support can make a real difference. For further information or to donate, visit shelterbox.org. Alice Jefferson Head of Emergency Response and Preparedness
Protect your hearing DEAR SIR, Some of life’s best moments come with a soundtrack – whether it’s at a music event, a festival or a night out with friends. It’s how many people connect, celebrate, and make memories. To keep it that way it’s really important to protect your hearing health. Our new research found that a startling 83% of young people aged 20-29 have experienced ringing, buzzing or muffled hearing after listening to loud music or attending an event, and 10% experience it regularly. This could be you, your children or your grandchildren. While these effects can initially be temporary, repeated exposure to loud sounds can risk hearing damage becoming permanent, leaving people to manage hearing loss or invasive tinnitus for the rest of their lives. Despite this, only 7% of young people said they wore earplugs at music events in the last 12 months,
and just one in five said they wear them often. The good news is that protecting your hearing doesn’t have to be complicated. Small actions such as wearing good quality earplugs, which also make a thoughtful gift for festival lovers, stepping away from the speakers, or taking listening breaks can make a big difference and improve their experience. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy music more safely while keeping sound quality clear. RNID’s ‘Don’t Lose the Music’ campaign is helping music lovers understand the risks of loud music and take simple steps to look after their hearing. Find out more at rnid. org.uk Franki Oliver Audiology Manager at RNID
Mary’s meals DEAR SIR, My journey with Mary’s Meals began in 1984, almost two decades before the charity was founded, when I first visited Medjugorje, a small village and pilgrimage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I had felt a spiritual calling to go and fell in love with the place, returning regularly over the years. During the blessing of the new Mary’s Meals information centre in Medjugorje, I found myself standing beside the charity’s
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founder, Magnus MacFarlaneBarrow. I already knew about its work, but as we received a blessing from a Scottish bishop, I felt a deeper calling to become involved. Founded in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, Mary’s Meals now provides a daily school meal to more than three million children across 16 countries. Many live in extreme poverty and face hunger every day. By serving meals in schools, the charity helps bring children into the classroom, where they can receive an education and gain hope for a brighter future. The more I learned, the more determined I became to help. I have since fundraised, volunteered and become an ambassador for the charity. As a dedicated beekeeper, I have become known in my community for turning sales of honey into donations. I like to measure the difference made jar by jar: every three jars I sell can help feed another child for an entire school year. Remarkably, it costs just £19.15 for Mary’s Meals to provide those meals. My husband and I had always supported charities, but we wanted to make a lasting difference. We therefore began making a regular donation to Mary’s Meals. At a cost of only 10p per meal, our gifts have provided thousands of meals to hungry children over the past decade. Regular donations give the charity greater stability and help it plan ahead in some of the world’s poorest communities. Even a small contribution can make a profound difference. Helping children to eat, grow and learn is one of the most meaningful things we can do, and it has been a blessing to play a part. Throughout August, Mary’s Meals is tripling the first three payments made through new regular donations. This has been made possible by a generous supporter who will match new regular gifts, as well as increases made by existing donors, up to a total of £250,000. For anyone who has considered making a lasting difference to the life of a hungry child, this may be the perfec opportunity. More information is available at www.marysmeals. org.uk/get-involved/ways-togive/regular-giving. Marie Langford Mary’s Meals supporter, volunteer and ambassador
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Death Notices
Annette Charlton
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Much loved she will be sadly missed by all her family and friends Annette passed away who made her very welcome in the peacefully on 6th August aged 89 time she spent here in Pembrokeshire. years.
John Bathgate Passed away, at his home in Solva on August 20th, aged 94 years. Beloved husband of Hannah, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Angela and Rob, a much-loved grandfather and grandfather-in-law of Robert and Jessica, Sarah and Christopher and great grandfather of Lottie, Griff, Hattie and Iolo. Funeral service Wednesday 9th September at 11.00am at the W.G.Mathias Chapel of Rest, St. Davids, followed by interment at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest. Donations, if desired, for the St. Davids RNLI c/o W.G. Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 62 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU.
Jane Mary Hayden Peacefully on Wednesday 12th August, Mary aged 95 years. Devoted wife of the late Bill Hayden, loving mother of Sian and Brian, Andrew and Lizzie, Michael and Carolyn, grandmother of Rebecca, Emily, John, Emma, Gareth and Jessica and great grandmother. Funeral service on Friday 11th September 2026 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11.30am. No flowers by family request. Further enquires to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.
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Rali Ceredigion roars into West Wales
SPORT
WEST WALES will become the centre of the rallying world this weekend as a recordbreaking Rali Ceredigion brings some of Europe’s fastest drivers and most spectacular machinery to the roads around Aberystwyth, with 149 crews representing 18 nations preparing to tackle three championships, 16 competitive stages and around 118 miles of flat-out action. The sixth running of the event takes place from Friday to Sunday (September 4–6), with everything from cutting-edge Rally2 cars to historic Ford Escorts, Porsches and a Lancia Stratos set to compete on the demanding Ceredigion roads. From cars blasting through the streets of Aberystwyth to highspeed battles along narrow country lanes after dark, this year’s event promises to be the biggest Rali Ceredigion staged to date.
Despite the strength of an international entry featuring some formidable names, Welsh hopes of victory are very real, with Osian Pryce and Meirion Evans carrying much of the home support as they take on Europe’s best while simultaneously fighting for the British Rally Championship. Five-time World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke will also join the battle, while Finland’s Teemu Suninen arrives in West Wales leading the FIA European Rally Championship. For the first time, Rali Ceredigion will bring together the FIA European Rally Championship, Motorsport UK British Rally Championship and FIA European Historic Rally Championship during the same weekend, creating a remarkable mix of modern and historic machinery and giving spectators three separate championship battles to follow.
Welsh pair eye British title At the heart of the home challenge is Osian Pryce, who, alongside co-driver James Morgan, arrives leading the British Rally Championship and boasting an enviable record on the Ceredigion roads. He has competed in all five previous editions, finished inside the top seven on every occasion and won twice, including victory at the inaugural event in 2019. Pryce will compete in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 prepared by the Lampeterbased Castrol MEM Rally Team and heads into the weekend following victory at the Down Rally in Northern Ireland. With leading European Championship crews around him, there will inevitably be a temptation to chase outright glory, but with two full sets of British Championship points available across the weekend,
Pryce insists his domestic title challenge has to remain the priority. “Given our record on Rali Ceredigion and our position in the BRC, there are a lot of expectations heading into the event,” he said. “It would also be quite easy to get sucked into the ERC battle, as we’d obviously like to score another good overall result – but we have to be sensible and focus on the BRC. Whatever comes after that will be a bonus.” Pryce’s Castrol MEM teammate Meirion Evans is also firmly in the championship fight, with the local driver and co-driver Dale Furniss sitting third in the standings heading into a rally on which they have repeatedly demonstrated the pace required to win. Evans’ best result came in 2022 when he finished runnerup, while he had been fighting for victory at the inaugural event before going off the road.
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In 2023 he recorded more fastest stage times than anybody else only for a puncture to damage his challenge, while last year an incident on the Y Diafol stage dropped him to 21st before an impressive recovery carried him back to tenth overall. “Rali Ceredigion is my home rally, but it’s one I’ve never really had the rub of the green on – so hopefully this year that will change,” Evans said. “For the sake of the BRC, we need to be at our best on both days and it’s important that we win at least one of the rounds. “Over the years, we’ve proved that we have the speed to do it. It’s just tying it all together and making sure it sticks at the end.”
European stars descend on Wales Standing in the way of the Welsh contenders is an international field of considerable quality, headed by European Championship leader Teemu Suninen, who arrives with a 25-point advantage but without previous competitive experience of Rali Ceredigion. Several of his closest rivals already know the Welsh stages, including Italy’s Andrea Mabellini and Polish contenders Mikołaj Marczyk and Jakub Matulka, potentially giving them an important advantage on roads where local knowledge and confidence can make a significant difference. “It’s a new rally for me, so I need to see how the conditions are and understand the rally before I can push on the limit,” Suninen said. “The weather might also be interesting. I don’t have experience with this car in the wet and I also need to think about the championship. The rally looks quite unique, so I’m sure the local guys will be fast here.” The notoriously unpredictable Welsh weather could add another dimension to the championship fight, with changing conditions capable of transforming the character of the stages and making tyre choice particularly difficult. One man unlikely to be intimidated by the challenge is Kris Meeke, with the five-time World Rally Championship event winner making his Rali Ceredigion debut in a Toyota Yaris Rally2. His enormous experience at the highest level of the sport immediately makes him one of the headline names on the entry list, while Scotland’s Max McRae adds another famous rallying surname to the British Championship field in a Škoda Fabia Rally2. Pryce believes the strength of the entry demonstrates how far the event has progressed since its inaugural
running seven years ago. “It’s fantastic to have a home rally that’s part of both the British and European championships, and this year’s route again looks challenging,” he said. “There are some new stages and the dark stages look exciting. It’s something I wish we could have more of. Once again, there’s a strong entry and the competition level is going to be even higher this year.”
Historic machinery joins the action For the first time, Rali Ceredigion will also welcome the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, bringing cars representing some of rallying’s most celebrated eras to the Welsh roads, including the Lancia Stratos, Ford Escort Mk2, BMW M3, Triumph TR7 V8 and Porsche 911. Championship leader Seb Perez heads the Historic contingent, with former British Rally champion Mark Higgins, Poland’s Maciej Lubiak and Welsh competitor Tomas Davies also among the entries, while there will be plenty of home interest in the National rally, where John Dalton tops the field in the distinctive Welsh-built Darrian T90 GTR. Dylan Davies, Aled Wyn Morgans and Rhys Wyn Davies are among the other Welsh competitors taking part.
Aberystwyth takes centre stage The spectacle begins before a competitive wheel is turned, with Aberystwyth seafront becoming rally headquarters on Thursday evening for the Rali Show, autograph session and ceremonial start, giving supporters the opportunity to get close to the cars and drivers before competition begins. Following shakedown and qualifying
on Friday, the cars will head into Aberystwyth for two runs through the spectacular town-centre superspecial before leaving the town to tackle the Elerch and Blaenmelindwr stages in darkness. The contrast between rally cars racing through the streets of Aberystwyth and then attacking narrow country roads after sunset has become one of the defining features of the event. Saturday brings the biggest test of the weekend, with eight competitive stages including two runs over a demanding loop of Aberffrwd, Soar y Mynydd and Cwm Elan. At around 13 miles, Cwm Elan is one of the rally’s major tests, combining speed with crests, bumps, technical corners and changing surfaces before crews return to Aberystwyth for another two passes through the street stage. By Saturday evening the first allocation of British Rally Championship points will have been decided, but there will be no opportunity for the leading crews to relax, as another complete set is available on Sunday. Four stages make up the final day, with competitors tackling Gorsgoch and Ty Glyn twice before the final Ty Glyn run serves as the European Rally Championship Power Stage, offering bonus points to the five fastest eligible crews. European contenders will therefore have to balance protecting their overall positions against attacking for valuable additional points, while the British crews will effectively begin another championship battle before the surviving cars return to Aberystwyth for the ceremonial finish on the promenade.
Biggest Rali Ceredigion yet The numbers demonstrate just how dramatically Rali Ceredigion has grown, with 149 crews from 18 nations
entered across the International, National and Historic competitions. From its beginnings in 2019, the event has developed into one capable of attracting European Championship leaders, World Rally Championship winners and some of Britain’s best drivers, while putting West Wales in front of an increasingly large international motorsport audience. Despite that growth, the rally retains a distinctly Welsh identity, with local crews central to the competition, Welsh businesses and volunteers playing a major role in delivering the weekend and Aberystwyth itself becoming an integral part of the spectacle rather than simply acting as a base for teams. Ceredigion County Council is encouraging the thousands of spectators expected to visit the area to support local shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses throughout the weekend. Temporary road closures will be required around competitive stages, although town centres will remain open and designated Fan Zones will operate at selected locations. Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “Rali Ceredigion has become one of the most significant events in our county’s calendar, and we are delighted to welcome competitors, teams and spectators back to Ceredigion. “Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to showcase everything our county has to offer while supporting local businesses, hospitality venues and attractions.” When the first car leaves the start, however, predictions will count for very little. Suninen has a European Championship lead to defend, his rivals have points to recover and Meeke possesses the pedigree to challenge almost anybody in the field, while Pryce and Evans have the speed, local knowledge and motivation to put Welsh crews firmly at the centre of the battle. Then there is Rali Ceredigion itself, where rain can transform a stage in minutes, darkness can make a familiar road feel completely different and a single puncture or missed braking point can undo an entire weekend’s work. With almost 150 crews, 18 nations, three championships, 16 stages and around 118 competitive miles, West Wales is preparing for one of its biggest motorsport weekends of the year – and by the time the final cars return to Aberystwyth promenade on Sunday, Rali Ceredigion could have changed the course of both the British and European championship battles.
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Goodwick strike first blow to Hakin GOODWICK UNITED took first blood in this season’s Pembrokeshire League title race with a deserved 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Hakin United. Two penalties from Kyle O’Sullivan proved decisive for the hosts, who produced a strong all-round performance and largely kept the Vikings at arm’s length before Camron Thomas pulled one back deep into stoppage time. Hakin started brightly enough, with Jordan Kilby going close early on when his effort flashed just past the top corner, but they struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances. At the other end, Goodwick goalkeeper Nick Jones was called into action to deal with a Mark Jones header, but as the first half developed it was the home side who began to take control. Adam Lawrence and Mason Jones were particularly impressive, while Ben Steele helped marshal a Goodwick defence which looked assured throughout. Lawrence caused Hakin problems with his pace and direct running, and it was from one of his attacks that Goodwick won their first penalty. Hakin appealed for offside in the build-up, but play continued and Lawrence was brought down inside the
box. The penalty decision itself appeared clear, and O’Sullivan made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Goodwick the lead. The visitors looked for a response after the break and turned to the bench,
introducing Ryan Wilson and Luby, but Goodwick continued to look the more dangerous side. Their advantage was doubled when Mason Jones was brought down inside the penalty area, giving O’Sullivan another opportunity from the spot. Once again he kept his composure,
calmly converting his second penalty of the evening to leave Hakin facing a two-goal deficit. Goodwick continued to defend well as the match entered its closing stages, with the Vikings unable to build the sustained pressure needed to force their way back into the contest. Hakin eventually found the net in the 93rd minute when Camron Thomas headed home, but the goal proved little more than a consolation. On the balance of play, Goodwick were worthy winners and the result gives them an early psychological advantage over one of their main rivals for the Division One crown. There were strong performances throughout the Goodwick side, but Will Haworth was named Man of the Match after another energetic display on the wing. His pace caused problems throughout the evening and ensured the Hakin defence rarely had an opportunity to settle. The result comes early in what is expected to be another fiercely contested title race, with both clubs again likely to be among the leading challengers. For Goodwick, however, this was an important early marker — and a victory which will give them plenty of confidence as the season begins to take shape.
Four-star Hakin Seconds topple leaders Solva HAKIN UNITED Seconds made it three home wins from three with an impressive 4–0 victory over Division Two leaders Solva at The Obs on Tuesday evening (Sept 1). The final score did not tell the full story of an entertaining encounter in which Solva played some excellent football, particularly during the opening half. The visitors created several good opportunities but found Hakin goalkeeper Owain in inspired form, producing a succession of important saves to keep them scoreless. At the other end, the energetic Hayden Dimond caused repeated problems for the Solva defence as chances developed at both ends. The breakthrough came through 16-year-old Jake John, who put the Vikings ahead and left Solva disappointed to go into the interval trailing after a strong first-half performance.
The visitors continued to compete after the restart, with Leo and Kieran among their most influential players, but Hakin’s youthful side gradually took control. Reggie Armstrong, Callum Stannett and Mason Dolling all found the net during the remainder of the contest as the hosts turned a closely fought game into a convincing victory. Dimond, Evan Rutherford, Stannett and John were among those to impress for a Hakin squad containing a remarkable number of promising young players. Solva played their part in an excellent game, but the Vikings’ energy and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive. The 4–0 result maintained Hakin’s perfect home record after three matches at The Obs. Hakin United Seconds return to action at home against Johnston on Saturday.
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Manderwood Pembrokeshire league DIVISION ONE
Fixtures
Results
24-25 August 2026
5-Sep-2026
DIVISION 1 Narberth
4
1
Fishguard Sports
Pennar Robins
1
3
Milford United
St Ishmaels
0
6
Tenby
2
Goodwick United Neyland
Merlins Bridge
v
Monkton Swifts
Milford United
v Monkton Swifts
3
Merlins Bridge
v Neyland
2
1
Hakin United
Narberth
4
1
Carew
Pennar Robins
v Carew
St Ishmaels
v Goodwick United
Goodwick United R
5
1
Merlins Bridge II
Hakin United R
2
0
Kilgetty
Tenby II
0
5
Solva
Johnston
2
2
Camrose
N Hedges & Sfoot
1
4
Clarbeston Road
Hakin United R
3
1
Goodwick United R
DIVISION 2
DIVISION TWO
DIVISION 3
DIVISION THREE
Fishguard Sports
12-Sep-2026 Carew
v Hakin United
Fishguard Sports v Milford United Goodwick United v St Ishmaels Merlins Bridge
v
Pennar Robins
St Florence
4
0
Carew Reserves
Narberth
v Monkton Swifts
Herbrandston
6
1
Camrose Reserves
Tenby
v Neyland
Lawrenny
1
1
Broad Haven
Pembroke Boro
1
2
Clarbeston Road Res
Tenby II
4
0
Haverfordwest CC
Angle
3
3
St Clears
DIVISION 4
19-Sep-2026 Merlins Bridge
v Carew
Milford United
v Neyland
Johnston II
0
3
Manorbier United
Monkton Swifts v
Fishguard Sports
Solva Reserves
1
2
Fishguard Sports Res
Narberth
v
Tenby
Pennar Robins
v Goodwick United
St Ishmaels
v Hakin United
St Ishmaels Res
1
4
Pennar Robins II
Milford United Res
11
1
Newport Tigers
Prendergast Villa
2
1
St Clears Reserves
DIVISION 5 Narberth Reserves
3
2
Kilgetty III
Pembroke Boro Res
5
3
Milford United III
Broad Haven Reserves
3
3
Lawrenny Res
Milford Athletic Res
1
2
N Hedges Sfoot II
DIVISION FOUR
DIVISION FIVE
SPORT
Rali Ceredigion roars into West Wales