The Pembrokeshire Herald 19/12/2025

Kurtz criticises Tufnell over GP pressures

Local MS says Welsh Government decisions are root cause of crisis

CONSERVATIVE Senedd Member

Sam Kurtz has criticised Labour MP Henry Tufnell after the MP suggested GP practice management should be held accountable for patient dissatisfaction at Pembroke Dock’s Argyle Medical Centre.

Patients registered at the surgery have for years raised concerns about access to appointments, particularly difficulties securing same-day consultations and long waits to get through on the phone.

Speaking to BBC Wales, Mr Tufnell said he had discussed the situation with the Health Board’s Chief Executive and claimed the senior official “feels powerless” to intervene.

He said: “I’ve spoken to the Chief Executive of the Health Board, and he feels powerless to do anything about it. We need to come together and hold the management of these surgeries to account; there must be transparency about what they’re doing, and, fundamentally, we need reform in the system.”

Mr Kurtz responded angrily, arguing that responsibility for reforming NHS Wales rests with the Welsh Government, not GP surgeries or frontline staff.

e said: “I don’t think it’s very helpful to point the finger at the surgery and

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

suggest the fault lies with them when staff are working incredibly hard.

“If he wants to point the finger, it should be at his Labour colleagues in Cardiff Bay, who have continuously piled pressure onto GP practices by imposing contracts that are extremely difficult to deliver. That is why surgeries like Argyle are under such strain.”

Mr Kurtz later told The Pembrokeshire Herald that the problems faced by GP practices across Pembrokeshire were the result of long-term policy failures rather than poor local management.

“As someone born and raised in Pembrokeshire, I have seen first-hand the damage caused by the Welsh Labour Government’s mismanagement of our local NHS, despite the dedication and professionalism of frontline staff who continue to do their very best in increasingly challenging conditions,” he said.

“Anyone seeking to place the blame on NHS staff should back off. The fault does not lie with them. Real improvement will only come through properly supporting GP practices, listening to their concerns and working with them

rather than against them.”

Argyle Medical Group is the secondlargest GP practice in Wales, serving around 25,000 registered patients with nine GPs — an average of approximately 2,800 patients per doctor. In 2021, the practice had the equivalent of 10.75 fulltime GPs and was actively seeking to recruit more.

However, ongoing recruitment difficulties forced Argyle to withdraw from its contract at St Clement’s Surgery in Neyland and reduce hours at St Oswald’s Surgery in Pembroke. Following the Neyland closure, patients were transferred to the Neyland and Johnston Medical Practice, which later handed back its GP contract after retirements and further recruitment problems. Those patients are now treated by salaried and locum GPs employed by the Health Board.

Similar pressures are being felt across Pembrokeshire, from Tenby in the south-east to St Davids in the northwest. While Wales does not face “GP deserts” on the same scale as the welldocumented shortage of NHS dentists, reduced access to general practice has contributed to more patients attending hospital for conditions once routinely dealt with by GPs. This has placed

additional strain on hospital services and staff. In 2018, the Welsh Government pledged to recruit 1,000 additional GPs into NHS Wales. While overall GP headcount has risen, the number of full-time GPs has continued to fall. Many newer recruits work part-time, as locums, or on limited contracts, meaning fewer doctors are available in practice on a day-to-day basis.

Newly qualified GPs have also tended to favour larger urban centres, particularly along the M4 corridor and in north-east Wales, where professional support and career opportunities are greater. Critics argue that Welsh Government recruitment and retention strategies have failed to address persistent shortages in rural and coastal communities.

There are also ongoing shortfalls in independent prescribing pharmacists and community nursing staff, limiting efforts to relieve pressure on GP surgeries.

Mr Kurtz said: “The foundation of NHS care — with GPs as the first point of contact — has buckled. Blaming GP staff is a distraction. The issues are structural, long-term and political, and ultimately the buck stops in Cardiff Bay.”

Three inmates deny murder of Lola James killer

THREE prisoners have denied murdering child killer Kyle Bevan, who was found dead in his cell at HMP Wakefield.

Bevan, aged 33, was serving a minimum sentence of 28 years after being convicted of murdering his partner’s two-year-old daughter, Lola James, in Haverfordwest in 2020.

The defendants, Lee Newell, 56, and a second man who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video link, where they entered not guilty pleas to a charge of murder.

A third accused, Mark Fellows, 45, did not attend the hearing, but his barrister told the court that he also denies the offence. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

Judge Guy Kearl KC said the case would proceed to trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks and is scheduled to begin in June.

Bevan was jailed in 2023 after a jury found him guilty of killing Lola James following a prolonged assault lasting several hours. The toddler suffered catastrophic head injuries, which doctors said were comparable to those typically seen in high-speed road traffic collisions.

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Medical evidence presented at Bevan’s trial detailed 101 separate injuries, including extensive bruising and scratches, with indications that weapons had been used during the attack.

A TEENAGE boy has appeared before the courts charged with a series of alleged assaults, public order offences and criminal damage incidents said to have taken place in Haverfordwest over several days in December.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, is accused of multiple offences alleged to have occurred between Wednesday (Dec 11) and Monday (Dec 16).

The charges include several counts of assault by beating, obstructing or resisting a police officer, using threatening or abusive behaviour, and criminal damage involving property valued at under £5,000.

The court previously heard that Bevan, described as a prolific drug user, had moved into the family home within days of making contact with Lola’s mother, Sinead James, via Facebook.

Bevan, originally from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, had denied murdering the child but was convicted following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Teenager faces multiple charges after series of alleged incidents

It is alleged that a number of the incidents involved police officers acting in the execution of their duty. One charge relates to alleged trespass on or near a railway, while another concerns an arrest for an alleged breach of the peace.

The teenager appeared before the Youth Court, where reporting restrictions were confirmed under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, preventing the publication of any information likely to identify him.

The court made further directions in the case, and the youth was remanded on conditional bail pending future hearings.

The case remains ongoing.

Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers

A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been jailed for three years and six months.

Alexander Campbell was sentenced on Wednesday (Dec 17) at Swansea Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that Campbell had been in a relationship with his partner, Miss Hiscox, for six years. On the night of the offence, he returned home highly intoxicated and became argumentative.

The counsel for the prosecution told the court that Miss Hiscox advised Campbell to go upstairs and sleep off the alcohol. Instead, he began poking her and told her not to tell him what to do.

Campbell then launched what Miss

Hiscox described as “a flurry of punches that rained down on her.”

Neighbours contacted police after hearing the disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a smashed bowl on the floor and Miss Hiscox lying on the sofa under a blanket, covering her face.

Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Campbell threatening officers, telling them: “I will turn this place into a f***ing murder scene.”

As officers attempted to separate the parties, PC Thomas placed her arm out to create distance. Campbell grabbed her wrist with force, an assault captured on body-worn video.

He then attacked PC Jones, climbing on top of him and punching him repeatedly, again recorded on

police body-worn footage.

PC Thomas later attended Withybush Hospital, where she received four stitches under local anaesthetic. Miss Hiscox suffered severe facial bruising, with one eye swollen almost shut.

The court was told that Miss Hiscox’s ten-year-old daughter was upstairs at the property during the incident.

Campbell has 27 previous offences. In mitigation, the court heard that he accepted alcohol turned him into a different person, telling the court: “I’m an ugly person when I drink. I’m a different person when I’m sober.”

Sentencing Campbell, the judge said he knew better than anyone how alcohol affected him.

“You came home in a bad mood and almost predictively, you assaulted her,” the judge said.

“The noise and aggression was such that the neighbour called the police.”

“You gave her a bruise on her face that can only be described as a large shiner.”

“In short, you have injured three people. Your conduct was utterly pathetic, like an overgrown child.”

The judge also referred to Campbell’s violent history, describing him as a “cowardly bully.”

While acknowledging that Campbell had previously complied well with a suspended sentence after removing his own alcohol tag, the judge said custody was unavoidable.

Campbell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.

Warning him about his future, the judge added: “If you carry on with this behaviour you will spend a lifetime in prison. The only person who can change this is you.”

The court also granted a restraining order for five years.

Historic rape charges involving underage girl

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

Bail revoked for teenager charged with rape

A TEENAGER charged with rape following an alleged incident at a Saundersfoot nightclub has been remanded into custody after bail was revoked at Swansea Crown Court. Joshua Probert, aged eighteen, is accused of raping a woman at Sands Nightclub in the seaside village during the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity and no details that could identify her can be reported.

Probert was initially granted bail by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. However, on Thursday afternoon (Dec 18) the Crown Prosecution Service applied for a special hearing at Swansea Crown Court, arguing that the earlier bail decision had been made without all relevant information being available.

The hearing was presided over by Paul Thomas KC. After considering new material put before the court, the judge ruled that there was a risk of reoffending.

There was also discussion that the defendant was at risk in the community due to alleged threatening phone calls against him.

Bail was therefore revoked and Probert was remanded into custody.

The defendant appeared in court supported by members of his family,

including his mother, stepfather and father.

Much of the detail discussed during the hearing cannot be reported for legal reasons. Probert is due to return to court in four weeks’ time as proceedings continue.

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations

would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.

Communities across Pembrokeshire unite in memory of Sally Allen

THE TRAGIC loss of Sally Allen in 2025 sent shockwaves through communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Deeply loved and widely respected, Sally was an integral part of the agricultural and equestrian world. Her sudden passing left an immeasurable sense of loss for her family, friends, and the many organisations and communities she was part of.

In the days and weeks following the accident, people from across the county came together in an extraordinary show of compassion, solidarity and remembrance.

Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity was on hand to offer guidance and support to communities affected by the tragedy, helping individuals and

families navigate the early and often overwhelming stages of grief.

Support in Sally’s memory has been widespread, with particular strength coming from the agricultural and equestrian sectors that meant so much to her. Young Farmers Clubs across Pembrokeshire organised fundraising evenings and gatherings, creating spaces for people to come together, share memories, and acknowledge the profound loss felt by so many.

On Monday 15 December, a deeply moving moment of remembrance took place as Sally’s family came together

with David Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd (CCF), along with further representatives from CCF and Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity. The occasion marked the launch of a specially commissioned design on one of CCF’s lorries.

The vehicle, N12 CCF, now proudly carries sunflowers – a flower Sally loved – alongside her name, celebrating her life while also featuring the Sandy Bear logo. This thoughtful tribute was warmly received by the Allen family and ensures that Sally’s memory, kindness and impact will continue to be carried far and wide.

CCF is deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities Sally

cared about. At the launch, Mr Evans announced that CCF will make a donation to Sandy Bear aligned with the miles travelled by N12 CCF throughout January, transforming everyday journeys into a lasting legacy of support.

In addition, a JustGiving page will remain open until the end of January, allowing individuals and organisations to continue honouring Sally’s memory by supporting Sandy Bear alongside the CCF fundraiser.

Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity supports children and young people across Wales who are grieving the death of someone important to them. Being present at times of profound loss, and helping communities process grief with care and compassion, is at the heart of the charity’s work.

Sally Allen’s life touched many. The response to her passing has shown not only the depth of love felt for her, but the strength of communities when they come together in kindness. Through these acts of remembrance and generosity, her legacy will continue to make a difference to others during their darkest moments.

Former police officer accused of making sexual remarks to women while on duty

A FORMER police officer has appeared in court accused of making sexually inappropriate remarks to women he encountered while on duty.

Luke Silver, aged 34, is alleged to have abused his position as a police officer by making unwanted and explicit comments to two women during the course of official police business.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Silver attended one woman’s home following an incident involving her partner and took an initial statement. However, the woman told the court that Silver later returned to her address on several further occasions, during which the conversation allegedly became personal and sexual in nature.

She said the officer asked intrusive questions about her sex life and made comments about her appearance, which she found unsettling. In

messages sent to a friend at the time, the woman described his behaviour as “inappropriate”, “strange” and “creepy”.

The court was told she later said she felt uncomfortable during the visits, claiming Silver behaved in an overly relaxed manner while speaking to her and made remarks that were entirely unrelated to the police matter he had attended for.

A second woman has also made allegations that Silver asked her sexually explicit questions and made comments about her body while acting in his capacity as a police officer.

Silver, formerly of Gwent Police and now living in Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, denies three counts of improper use of police powers or privileges. The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2021.

The trial is continuing at Cardiff Crown Court.

Man charged after dog walker killed in Llanpumsaint collision

A 28-YEAR-OLD Carmarthen man is to appear in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision in Carmarthenshire which claimed the life of a 38-year-old dog walker.

Aaron Jones died after being struck by a vehicle in Llanpumsaint on Monday (Dec 23), 2024, while he was out walking his dog.

Daniel Wyke, aged 28, from Carmarthen, was arrested the following day. He has now been charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of dangerous driving.

Wyke is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 15), 2026.

The charges follow what police have described as a lengthy investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Sergeant Sara John said: “Our thoughts remain with Aaron’s family, who continue to be at the heart of this investigation.

“We recognise that this has been a lengthy investigation, and I am grateful to Aaron’s family, and the wider community, for their patience and support while our enquiries have been carried out.

“We will continue to support Aaron’s family as the case progresses, and we seek to provide justice for Aaron and his loved ones.”

Police confirmed that Aaron’s family have asked for privacy at this time.

The collision sent shockwaves through the Llanpumsaint community, with residents previously expressing concern about road safety in the area following the tragedy.

The case will continue through the courts

Food business operator fined for displaying incorrect hygiene rating

A 36-YEAR-OLD food business operator has been fined after admitting displaying an incorrect food hygiene rating sticker at a pub in Pembroke Dock.

Joshua Jake Peniket, of The Boar’s Head, Templeton, Narberth, appeared on the court register at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 11), although he was not present for the hearing.

The court heard that on May 8, 2025, Peniket was the operator of a food business establishment, The Ferry Inn, Pembroke Ferry, Pembroke Dock. On that date, he displayed a food hygiene rating sticker which was invalid because the rating shown was incorrect.

The offence was brought by Pembrokeshire County Council and related to a breach of the Food Hygiene (Rating) Wales Act 2013, which requires

food businesses to display accurate and valid hygiene ratings.

Peniket pleaded guilty to the offence, and the court took his guilty plea into account when imposing sentence.

He was fined £200, ordered to pay a £80 surcharge to fund victim services, and £100 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, with the total balance of £380 to be paid by January 9, 2026.

Police appeal after digger stolen and attempted break-ins

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is urging farmers to be vigilant after a digger was stolen and an attempted burglary reported at rural properties off Old Hakin Road, Haverfordwest, in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

Officers say a small digger was taken from a farm and driven around a mile from the scene before being abandoned nearby. A second incident was reported shortly afterwards, in which someone attempted to enter several vehicles and outbuildings at another address before leaving empty-handed.

RURAL CRIME WARNING

Police have issued fresh crimeprevention advice to the farming community following the two reports, stressing the importance of securing boundaries, machinery and outbuildings.

FARMERS ARE BEING URGED TO:

• Install and maintain fences, gates and warning signs.

• Use high-quality locks on barns, sheds and storage units.

• Keep keys to high-value equipment in a safe, secure location.

• Install security cameras in strategic places.

• Join or participate in Farm Watch schemes to share intelligence with neighbours and police. Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rural Crime Team is also offering farm visits to help

mark equipment and carry out security audits. These can be arranged by emailing ruralcrimeteam@dyfed-powys. police.uk.

Further advice on preventing rural crime is available at:

https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ advice/advice-and-information/rc/ruralcrime/

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Enquiries are ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to contact them using any of the following methods:

• Online form: https://www.dyfedpowys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-

us-beta/contact-us/

• Email: 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk

• Direct message via social media

• Call 101 Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 25001019854.

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-yearold Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)

• A second count of assault

• Criminal damage

• An additional allegation of

interpersonal violence

• A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address

was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

• Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015

• Common assault

• Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Milford Haven man denies threatening to blow up council house

A MILFORD HAVEN man accused of threatening to blow up a councilowned property and to kill a police officer has pleaded not guilty to all charges at Swansea Crown Court.

Robert Adams, aged 46, of St Peters Road, Milford Haven, appeared before the Crown Court on Tuesday (Dec 16), where he formally denied two serious offences arising from a major armed police incident in the town last month.

The court heard that the charges relate to an incident on Monday (Nov 3), when armed police, fire crews and National Grid engineers were deployed to St Peters Road following reports of threats and concerns over gas and electricity supplies. Power and gas were temporarily shut off to nearby homes as a precaution while police negotiators dealt with the situation.

Adams is accused of making a threat to destroy property belonging to Pembrokeshire County Council, contrary to Sections 2(a) and 4 of the Criminal

Damage Act 1971. It is alleged he threatened to blow up the property during the incident.

He is also charged under Section 16 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 with threatening to kill Dyfed-Powys Police officer PC 195 Aled Tayler, intending that the officer would fear the threat would be carried out.

At an earlier hearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Adams was remanded in custody after bail was refused due to the seriousness of the allegations and concerns about interference with witnesses.

At Swansea Crown Court, Adams entered not guilty pleas to both charges. The court was told that the case will now proceed to a full trial.

A provisional trial date has been set for April 2026, with further case management hearings to take place in the meantime.

Adams remains in custody.

Young woman admits knife possession at Milford Haven retail park

PEMBROKE DOCK teenager handed curfew and rehabilitation order after court hears of repeated police call-outs

An 18-year-old Pembrokeshire woman has been released on conditional bail after admitting possession of a knife at a Milford Haven retail park.

Jaylane Bamford was arrested shortly after midnight on Sunday (Nov 24) at Haven Head Retail Park, where officers found her with a cut to her hand and a blade in her possession.

Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza told Haverfordwest magistrates this week that police had been dealing with repeated incidents involving the defendant in recent months.

“The police go out, they find her drunk in the street with the same group of friends, they speak with her and she becomes abusive,” he said. “The police are having difficulty dealing with her.”

Mr Colamazza added that on two

previous occasions Bamford had been found with injuries to her hand. The most recent incident also placed her in breach of existing bail conditions, which prohibited her from contacting a female who was with her at the time of the arrest.

Man given conditional discharge after attempted theft following child’s death

A MAN who turned to alcohol after the death of his child has been given a conditional discharge after attempting to steal two gas canisters in Haverfordwest town centre.

Andrew Berrigan, aged 39, was arrested in September 2024 after trying to take the canisters, valued at £80, from a property at Winch Crescent.

Appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, Berrigan pleaded guilty to a single charge of attempted theft.

Mitigating, his solicitor Tom Lloyd said the offence came during a period of

profound personal distress.

“This was a very silly and almost inexplicable offence,” he told the court.

“Shortly beforehand, he and his partner lost their child, and things spiralled out of control. They were drinking to excess, and he cannot clearly remember what happened that day.”

Mr Lloyd added that Berrigan, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, has no previous convictions.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge. Berrigan was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £26 surcharge.

However, her solicitor Tom Lloyd said the offence must be seen in the context of significant personal difficulties.

“This isn’t simply a young lady running wild in the community and misbehaving,” he said. “This is a young

lady with a vast array of problems and difficulties.

“She was in possession of the knife for the sole purpose of causing selfharm, so she’s a threat and a danger only to herself.

“Spending four weeks in custody has been a huge thing for her. She’s found it very difficult and she never wants to go back.”

Appearing via video link from HMP Parc, Jaylane Bamford, of Britannia Drive, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to possessing a blade in a public place and to breaching her bail conditions.

She was sentenced to an 18-month Community Order, including a threemonth electronically monitored curfew between 7:00pm and 7:00am, and 18 days of rehabilitation activity requirements. A destruction order was made for the knife.

Magistrates also ordered her to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs

Motorist banned after cocaine found in system

A MERLINS BRIDGE motorist has been banned from the road after being caught driving with cocaine in his system.

Police officers stopped Paul Evans, 39, on June 8 as he drove along Clay Lane, Haverfordwest.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that when officers spoke to Evans, he admitted smoking a cannabis joint the previous day. Blood tests later carried out at the police station showed he had 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine — a cocaine metabolite — in his system.

The legal limit is 50 micrograms.

A number of other drugs were also detected, although these were all below the legal threshold.

Further enquiries revealed that Evans was driving without third-party insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Evans, of Fern Hill Road, Merlins Bridge, pleaded guilty to all three offences.

He was fined £200 and disqualified from driving for 17 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and an £80 surcharge.

Woman ‘terrified in own home’ after ex breaches court order

A WOMAN has told a court she lives in fear after seeing her former partner standing outside her home, despite him being banned from approaching her under a two-year non-molestation order.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that the woman believed her ex-partner, Michael Walden, had been living in Birmingham since the order was imposed in July.

However, on December 15, footage from her Ring doorbell showed Walden standing outside her property in Milford Haven while she was collecting her children from school.

In a statement read to the court, the woman said: “I was very scared. I’m terrified of being in my own home, and I was feeling scared about taking the children to school the following day.”

The non-molestation order prohibited Walden from attending the woman’s address or making any direct or indirect contact with her.

Crown Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza said the woman’s fear was heightened by her belief that Walden had been residing in Birmingham following his previous court appearance.

But defence solicitor Mike Kelleher stressed that no direct contact had taken place.

“He was not there to make any sort of trouble or threats,” he said. “He just wanted to ensure that his children were well.

“There was no direct contact with the woman – he was simply seen on the Ring doorbell.”

The court also heard that when Walden was arrested, police discovered a quantity of cannabis in his possession.

Walden pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and breaching the nonmolestation order.

Sentencing him, the presiding magistrate said: “The fact that this was pre-meditated and that you travelled down to Pembrokeshire from Birmingham, knowing you were prohibited from attending the woman’s address, crosses the custody threshold.”

Walden was sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 court surcharge. A forfeiture and destruction order was also imposed for the cannabis.

Teen found asleep at wheel was more than twice drink-drive limit

A NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD motorist was discovered to be more than twice the legal drink-drive limit after being found asleep at the wheel of his car in Tenby.

Police were called to Tudor Way, Tenby, on the night of Saturday (Nov 30) following reports from a member of the public about the standard of Miller Phillips’ driving. His Ford Focus had been seen mounting the pavement before coming to a standstill.

“He was attempting to start the vehicle, but it wasn’t going anywhere,” Crown Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside breath test proved positive, and further tests at the police

station showed the 19-year-old had 80 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher said the consequences of the offence would stay with his client for a long time.

“The decision to drive that night is going to haunt him for a considerable length of time,” he said.

“He was asleep at the wheel when police arrived, and the vehicle had hardly moved at all. But he fully accepts that he drove it that very short distance.”

Phillips, of Hop Gardens Road, Sageston, pleaded guilty to the offence. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £400, and ordered to pay a £160 surcharge and £85 court costs.

RNLI assists in three-hour search for missing person

ANGLE RNLI assisted in a threehour search for a missing person in Pembrokeshire on Sunday evening, the charity has confirmed.

The lifeboat crew was tasked at 6:57pm to support an ongoing search in the Pennar area after coastguard teams from Dale, St Govan’s and Llansteffan had already been deployed for several hours.

The coastguard search was escalated after personal belongings were discovered on the shoreline, along with footprints leading into the water, prompting concerns for the individual’s safety.

Following the request for assistance, the Angle RNLI lifeboat launched and

arrived on scene shortly afterwards, beginning a coordinated shoreline search.

Conditions were described as difficult, with a strong southerly wind and driving rain significantly reducing visibility.

Due to the circumstances and potential risk to life, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924, based at Newquay, was also deployed to assist with aerial searches of the area.

After a thorough multi-agency operation, all search assets were stood down at around 10:00pm.

Police later confirmed that the missing person had been located safe and well in Pembroke Dock.

Man charged with months of coercive control and assaults

A 28-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with subjecting a woman to months of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as assaulting her and her young child.

Jake Davies, of Stokes Avenue, Haverfordwest, is accused of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards the woman over a period of more than five months. He is also charged with assaulting the woman by beating and with assaulting her four-year-old child.

The Crown alleges that between August 1 and December 1, Davies repeatedly prevented the woman from using social media and from contacting her friends. He is further accused of threatening to kill himself if she left the property.

Davies was arrested on December 14 after allegedly throwing the woman against a bannister inside her home.

“All he was saying, repeatedly, was that he wanted no further action taken against him,” Crown Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“That was the sole thing he was talking about while he was assaulting

Mr Colamazza said the relationship began to deteriorate in August.

“He’s been very controlling about who she sees and he’s very jealous of her,” he said. “His aggression then turns towards the child – on one occasion he threatened to cut off the child’s fingers.”

Davies appeared before the bench in custody, where he denied all three charges of assaulting the woman and her child, and of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

Despite an application by the Crown Prosecution Service to remand Davies in custody ahead of his Crown Court appearance, magistrates agreed to release him on conditional bail.

The conditions require that Davies lives and sleeps at his home address in Stokes Avenue, Haverfordwest; reports to Haverfordwest police station three times a week; does not enter Milford Haven or the surrounding area; and has no direct or indirect contact with the complainant. He must also comply with a daily electronic curfew between 7:00pm and 7:00am.

Davies is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on January 16.

Drunken rampage sparked safety fears at Home Bargains

A COURT has heard how staff and customers at the Haverfordwest branch of Home Bargains feared for their safety when a customer went on a drunken rampage inside the store.

Staff member Christine Campion became aware of the growing concern on the afternoon of October 23 as Christian Teeley, 22, began hurling drunken abuse at shoppers.

“She heard people shouting ‘Get him out,’ and could see Christian Teeley swearing at random members of the public,” Crown Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She asked him to leave the store, but he then started swearing at her and began walking towards her. She was concerned that he was going to be violent.”

Although Teeley did not physically assault the complainant, magistrates were told that his actions caused her to fear immediate violence. As a result, he

was charged with common assault, as well as using threatening and abusive words and behaviour. He pleaded guilty to both offences.

During a subsequent police interview, Teeley admitted that he becomes “violent and unpleasant” when under the influence of alcohol.

The court was also told that the incident took place just three months after Teeley had received a conditional discharge for behaving aggressively while drunk towards staff at Withybush General Hospital. The latest offence therefore placed him in breach of that sentence.

Teeley, of Cherry Tree Close, Milford Haven, was sentenced to an 18-month Community Order, during which he must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring tag. He must pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Jailed after drunken damage

A MAN with no fixed address has been jailed after carrying out a drunken damage spree in Haverfordwest, which included smashing a car and breaking the front door window of a woman’s home.

Carl Rago, aged 29, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he was sentenced for offences committed on October 22.

The court heard that Rago damaged a white Vauxhall Corsa, causing £368 worth of damage. He also smashed a window pane in the front door of a woman’s home.

Rago denied the damage to the vehicle, but was found guilty in his absence earlier this month. He admitted the second count of criminal damage, for which the court was told he received credit for his guilty plea.

He also pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress on the same date. No separate penalty was imposed for that offence.

Magistrates were told the offences were aggravated by the fact that Rago was under the influence of alcohol and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at the time.

Sentencing him, the bench imposed a total custodial sentence of eight weeks’ imprisonment, with the terms running concurrently. Rago was also ordered to pay £368 compensation for the damage to the car and £350 compensation for the broken window, along with £650 in prosecution costs.

The magistrates said the offences were so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.

HGV driver dragged woman off sofa, court hears

A PEMBROKESHIRE HGV driver has been sentenced after dragging a woman off a sofa by her ankles, causing bruising to her elbows.

Paul Frank returned to his home in Haverfordwest on June 13 to find the woman sitting on his settee.

“He was verbally aggressive, grabbed her by her legs and pulled her off the couch,” Crown Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He grabbed her by her ankles, which resulted in bruising to her elbows.”

When interviewed by police, Frank, 56, of St Margarets Close, Haverfordwest, made a full admission

to the assault.

Representing himself in court, he told magistrates he had previously asked the woman not to attend his property.

“She’d previously accused me of taking her mobile phone, so I didn’t want her in the house,” he said in mitigation.

“But when I came home from work and saw her there, for some reason I just lost it and pulled her off the sofa.”

Frank pleaded guilty to assault by beating and was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order. He must complete 50 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 in court costs along with a £114 surcharge.

Restraining order after public order offence

A CARMARTHEN man has been handed a restraining order after admitting a public order offence involving a woman known to him.

Joe Davies, aged 40, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence took place in Carmarthen on April 10, when Davies directed his behaviour towards Helena Davies.

Motorist over drink-drive limit after ‘two glasses of wine’

A MOTORIST who drove home from the pub believing she had consumed just two glasses of wine was later found to be more than three times the legal drink-driving limit.

Rhiannon Butler, 40, was stopped by police as she drove her Volkswagen Golf along Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, on Saturday (Nov 30).

“There was a strong smell of alcohol inside the vehicle and when she was asked about this, she said she was a recovering alcoholic who worked in a pub, which was why she smelt of alcohol,” Crown Prosecutor Ryan Colamazza told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Butler initially refused to provide a roadside breath sample. When she eventually agreed, the reading showed 125 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. Further breathalyser tests carried out at the police station later

recorded a reading of 109.

Butler, of River View, Stranraer Road, Pennar, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving offence. The court was told this was her second conviction for drink-driving, following a previous court appearance in 2020.

Due to the high reading, magistrates requested a pre-sentence report from the probation service before passing sentence.

“She’d been working that day and had drunk some alcohol when she finished,” the probation officer told the court. “She thought she’d had two glasses of wine, but people were filling up her glass, so she was unsure how much she’d drunk.”

Butler was disqualified from driving for a total of 40 months and given a 12-month community order. She was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

The court heard that a victim personal statement was presented and read aloud by the prosecution.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, taking Davies’ guilty plea into account. He was also ordered to pay £350 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed, banning Davies from contacting Helena Davaies directly or indirectly, entering her home, or referring to her on any electronic device or online platform. The order will remain in force until December 15, 2026.

Police investigate suspicious disappearance of white-tailed eagle

POLICE and wildlife crime officers are investigating the suspicious disappearance of a satellite-tagged white-tailed eagle in mid Wales after its tracking device was found cut off and deliberately hidden.

Dyfed-Powys Police is working alongside the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) following the disappearance of the juvenile bird in the Newtown area.

Officers say the satellite tag and harness were recovered from remote moorland and show clear signs of having been removed from the bird using a sharp instrument, most likely a knife, before being concealed in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.

Despite searches in the area, the body of the eagle has not yet been located.

Police are now appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed suspicious activity.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from people who were:

• At or around Gwgia Reservoir, Tregynon, between 11:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday (Sept 13)

• On access land near Bryn y Fawnog between midday and 3:00pm on the same day

All potential lines of enquiry are being pursued, including detailed

forensic examination for DNA and fingerprints.

Police are working closely with the tag owners, the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, and Forestry England to analyse tracking data and support the investigation.

The disappearance is being treated as a serious wildlife crime. The persecution of birds of prey remains a national policing priority, with species

such as white-tailed eagles, golden eagles and hen harriers fully protected by law

Satellite tags are widely used for conservation and research purposes, providing vital information about bird movements and survival. Each tag carries contact details so that any recovered device can be returned directly to researchers.

Members of the public who enjoy

the countryside are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving birds of prey or their habitats.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101 quoting reference 25000766626. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

DNA spray used in police crackdown

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are deploying forensic DNA spray as part of a targeted operation to tackle dangerous and antisocial riding on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.

Dyfed-Powys Police have begun a series of enforcement operations using SelectaDNA – a forensic spray containing a unique code that can be traced to a specific location, date and time.

Traditionally used to mark property at risk of theft, the spray is now being used to identify individuals and vehicles involved in illegal riding, particularly where offenders attempt to conceal their identities.

The operations follow a sharp rise in complaints, particularly across south Pembrokeshire. Police received 60 reports over a six-month period, with 92 per cent of callers raising concerns about antisocial or dangerous riding. Many reports involved riders wearing face coverings.

Across the Dyfed-Powys force area, officers have seized 19 e-bikes and 28 e-scooters during recent enforcement activity.

The crackdown involves neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, response officers, the force intelligence bureau, the roads policing unit and drone operators, with patrols focused on areas of highest community concern.

and arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, possession of controlled drugs, drug driving and having no insurance.

The e-bike, which officers said had been heavily modified and was worth between £4,000 and £6,000, was seized and is set to be destroyed.

PC Stuart Gray warned parents to think carefully before buying e-scooters for children this Christmas.

“E-scooters and bikes pose serious safety risks for children, including accidents and injuries,” he said.

“We urge parents to prioritise their child’s wellbeing and consider safer, more appropriate alternatives.”

Inspector Thomas said police would continue to take firm action.

“These riders are causing a huge amount of concern in the area due to their dangerous behaviour and intimidating appearance, and we are committed to resolving the issue,” he said.

“Ahead of the operation, officers were trained in the use of SelectaDNA, which is a spray containing a quantity of unique DNA,” he said.

“It can be used to tag people, e-bikes, scooters or motorbikes, and can pinpoint offenders to a specific location, date and

Inspector Celt Thomas said officers had received specialist training before the operation began.

Van driver avoids ban

A VAN driver who was caught speeding on the A48 near Nantycaws avoided disqualification after magistrates accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to others.

Norman Andrew Chapman, aged 59, of Rock Drive, Gelli, Pentre, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

Chapman admitted driving a Ford Transit 350 panel van at 68mph on a dual carriageway subject to a 60mph limit for that class of vehicle. The offence occurred at 1:05pm on April 2 and was detected using laser equipment.

The court heard detailed

mitigation outlining Chapman’s caring responsibilities. He helps care for his housebound mother, who is on oxygen, and has taken on additional responsibilities while his brother undergoes cancer treatment. Magistrates were also told he assists a lifelong friend with panic attacks by taking her shopping, and that losing his licence would jeopardise his employment and potentially affect his employer’s business.

Finding exceptional hardship, the court decided not to disqualify Chapman.

He was fined £193, ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs, and had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

time.

“If offenders are later identified or brought into custody following an incident, their bikes, clothing or even they themselves can be forensically examined and evidentially linked to an offence.”

During the first operation in Pembroke Dock, an illegal e-bike rider was stopped

“We will continue to target these groups over the coming months and are confident these operations will have positive results.

“We urge members of the community who have information about anyone riding illegally or antisocially to contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Harassment case dismissed

A HARASSMENT case against a Milford Haven man was dismissed after prosecutors offered no evidence.

David Daley, aged 45, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15) for trial.

Daley had denied a charge of harassment without violence, relating

to allegations that between October 28 and October 30 he persistently sent unwanted messages and attended at the home address of a female in Prioryville, Milford Haven.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the charge was formally dismissed by the court.

Pleas to save fire-ravaged Manorbier school site heard

A PLEA for councillors to not act as “judge, jury and executioner” when the potential closure of fire-ravaged Manorbier is decided upon next year was heard at full council.

At the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members received a petition opposing the potential closure of Manorbier School.

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

After that, a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall.

It had been hoped the school would be rebuilt, but earlier this year members of Pembrokeshire County Council backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which, amongst other recommendations,

included a statutory consultation on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School.

The decision attracted strong local opposition, with more than 1,500 people signing a petition on the council’s own website calling for the school to be rebuilt, meaning it passed the threshold for a formal hearing by members of the council.

The formal consultation for the discontinuation of Manorbier closes in just a few days on December 19.

Manorbier community councillor Richard Hughes

However, many of the council’s figures, especially on the level of surplus

places at the school, have been strongly disputed.

Speaking at the December meeting, Richard Hughes, of Manorbier Community Council, said the council consultation was “deeply flawed and unlawful,” the quoted capacity figures after the fire damaged the original building “null and void,” with a true surplus of some 21 per cent.

“The school is clearly thriving under less-than-ideal conditions, your report claims 59 per cent [surplus], it’s misleading and artificial.”

He said the council was acting as “judge, jury and executioner” in its “deeply flawed” consultation.

“How members of staff have worked under these conditions for three years is amazing, the service they are providing in that school is fantastic.”

He criticised the consultation

wording, feeling it painted Manorbier in an unfair light, saying it was stacked heavily in favour of St Florence school in a submitted question heard later at the meeting.

“We do feel there’s a hidden agenda, nothing more than a boost for St Florence school; we were led to believe was all about the positives and the negatives for the school; we have lost the trust in the director of education, we still feel we’re not been listened to.”

He said it was important councillors, when a final vote on Manorbier’s future, expected in March, keep an open mind “not just going along with the narrative: ‘We can’t afford it, and the figures are going down’.”

He went on to say: “We want to get the right vote, the moral vote, and get the school rebuilt.”

Cabinet member for education Cllr Guy Woodham praised the work at the school following the fire, saying he intended to “set the facts out” when it came to a final decision.

Leader of the independent group Cllr Huw Murphy said: “It just doesn’t sit right with me to close a school that has burned to the ground. Yes, we will respect the decision in March, however we haven’t handled the decision well. We need to do what’s right, and we haven’t done what’s right for Manorbier.”

Members agreed to note receipt of the petition prior to the final report before council in 2026.

Later in the meeting, Cllr Woodham disputed Cllr Kidney’s submitted question claim, Cllr Kidney telling Cllr Woodham: “We’ve put a lot of trust and faith in you on this consultation to make sure it’s fair and transparent. St Florence was referenced more times than our school, for a consultation I think it’s misleading.”

Cllr Woodham responded: “I will do my utmost to give a balanced report when I bring it back to full council.”

Man jailed after strangling partner and attacking police officer

A MILFORD HAVEN man who strangled his partner during a violent domestic assault before attacking a police officer has been jailed for two years.

Timothy John, aged 38, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after admitting a series of offences arising from an incident in October.

The court heard that John had been arguing with his partner about his drug use when the situation escalated into violence. Prosecutor Craig Jones said the defendant grabbed the woman by the throat and held her in a chokehold for around ten seconds, leaving her struggling to breathe and fearing she would lose consciousness.

During the attack, John also

punched and kicked the victim before smashing a glass bong over her head. At the time, the woman was still in her underwear and managed to flee the property and run into the street to seek help.

John also damaged the victim’s mobile phone by biting the screen, rendering it unusable.

Police attended the address the following day to take a statement from the victim and discovered John hiding in a bedroom. When officers attempted to detain him, he assaulted a female police officer, knocking her glasses to the floor, before escaping from the property.

The defendant handed himself in around 24 hours later.

John pleaded guilty to intentional

strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage, and escaping from lawful custody. The court was told he has five previous convictions for six offences, although none for violence.

Defending, Dan Griffiths said John accepted the relationship was over and had been using cocaine at the time of the incident, which had made him paranoid, volatile and unpredictable.

He told the court that John had previously worked as a fisherman, roofer and welder, but had struggled with alcohol and substance misuse. Mr Griffiths added that a presentence report highlighted a difficult upbringing and noted a lack of insight

into his offending, with concerns that he attempted to minimise his behaviour.

The defence urged the court to consider a suspended sentence to allow John to work with probation services.

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said the offence involved serious strangulation and a sustained assault on an intimate partner, leaving the victim frightened in her own home. John was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and made subject to a ten-year restraining order preventing any contact with his former partner.

Dyfed-Powys Police have been asked to provide a custody image of the defendant.

Trefin dog case ends in forfeiture

A WOMAN from north Pembrokeshire has been fined £1,000 and ordered to forfeit four dogs after repeatedly breaching a Community Protection Notice issued following complaints and protests in her village. Julia Goodgame, aged fifty-eight, of Bryn Y Derwydd, Trefin, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11), where she admitted failing to comply with the terms of a notice served by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that on Friday (June 20) Goodgame failed to secure control of her dogs just three days after a Community Protection Notice was issued on Tuesday (June 17). The notice was served under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin relating to dog noise and control. Earlier this year, the dispute escalated into a public protest in the village, with a number of residents gathering to raise concerns about constant barking and its impact on daily life.

Goodgame had previously denied breaching the notice when she first

Haverfordwest

A COUPLE from the Haverfordwest school area have been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, a magistrates’ court has heard.

The pair were dealt with at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) in separate but linked cases brought by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that over a period in May, the couple failed to secure regular attendance at school for their child, who was of compulsory school age at the time.

Both cases were brought under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which places a legal duty on parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

One parent admitted the offence, with the guilty plea taken into account

appeared before magistrates in September. At that hearing, the council alleged multiple breaches across June and July and said enforcement action had been taken only after informal measures failed. A trial was later listed for Monday (Nov 10), with several witnesses expected to give evidence.

However, at the November hearing, Goodgame changed her plea from not guilty to guilty to one offence, with the remaining allegations not proceeded with.

As part of Wednesday’s sentence, magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collie dogs, which Goodgame told the court were the only dogs in her possession.

Authorised officers from Pembrokeshire County Council are permitted to seize the dogs, with custody transferred to the council or an approved animal welfare organisation to ensure their humane handling and care. The court granted the council powers to rehome the dogs through reputable animal welfare organisations, or to destroy them if deemed necessary.

Goodgame was also ordered to pay the reasonable costs of seizure,

couple

transport, detention and any veterinary treatment required, along with additional enforcement costs.

A Criminal Behaviour Order was imposed until further order of the court. The order prohibits Goodgame from allowing her dogs to create unreasonable noise, leaving dogs outdoors while she is absent from the property, or allowing dog faeces to accumulate at the address. Any waste stored on the premises must be kept in secured bins away from boundary fences.

In addition to the £1,000 fine, she was ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,200 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, allowing deductions to be taken directly

from benefits if necessary.

The forfeiture order was made under section 50 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Councillor Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services said: “The Council welcomes the outcome of this court case, which was the culmination of coordinated action between public protection, housing services and the police.

“It is unfortunate that in leading to this position, residents of the area have had to endure long periods of inconvenience and distress as a result of the situation, which hopefully will now be resolved.”

fined over child’s school attendance

during sentencing. They were fined £40 and ordered to pay a £16 victim services surcharge and £128 in prosecution costs.

The second parent did not attend court and the case was proved in absence. Magistrates imposed a £60 fine, along with a £24 victim services surcharge and £100 in costs.

Collection orders were made in both cases, with payments set at £24 per month starting in January.

Magistrates imposed strict reporting restrictions under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. These prohibit the publication of any information that could identify the child involved, including names, addresses, schools, workplaces or images.

The restrictions remain in place until the child reaches the age of eighteen.

Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands

A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.

Douggie Whitbread, aged twentyfive and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.

Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.

He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.

The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.

Former Army Cadet leader sentenced for child abuse image offences

child

uncovered indecent material on his mobile phone.

Michael Monks, aged 55, of Russell Terrace, came to the attention of officers when a warrant was executed at his home in May 2022. During the search, police seized his Huawei phone, later discovering dozens of indecent images of children.

A forensic examination found 48 illegal images, including 25 Category A images – the most serious level, involving graphic sexual abuse. Officers also located three images involving bestiality.

The investigation showed Monks had been involved in a group on the encrypted messaging app Wickr, where members exchanged illegal material. The court heard he had both received images and shared four of his own with other users.

At the time, Monks was serving as a leader at the Army Cadet centre in Llanelli.

During his police interview, Monks denied any sexual interest in children and maintained that position until moments before his appearance at Swansea Crown Court.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told him the children depicted were “real victims being subjected to horrific abuse so that people like you could derive sexual gratification”. He added he had lost count of the number of defendants who had tried to claim they viewed such material “out of curiosity”.

The judge noted it wastroubling that Monks had only just accepted he had a sexual interest in children,

saying meaningful rehabilitation would not be possible unless offenders first acknowledge their behaviour.

Defending, Dan Griffiths said Monks’ reluctance to admit his sexual interest was likely due to shame, not deception. He said there had been no further offending in more than three years, suggesting his client could control his behaviour. Monks also cares for his wife and was willing to comply with any order imposed.

The court also heard of significant delays in the case. Although police received the forensic report in March 2023, they did not seek charging advice from the CPS until January 2025. Judge Thomas described the delay as “wholly unacceptable”.Monks admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children (Categories A, B and C), three counts of making such images, two counts of distributing images (Categories B and C), and one count of possessing extreme pornography. He had no previous convictions.

With credit for early guilty pleas, the court imposed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Monks must undertake a rehabilitation programme, complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and comply with a 10year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his internet use. He will also be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Judge Thomas said he expected the Army Cadet organisation to take whatever action was necessary following the conviction.

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)

• Intentional non-fatal strangulation

• Common assault on a woman

• Criminal damage in a domestic context

• Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant

• Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches.

On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later regranted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case— particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

Lamphey parent fined over child’s school attendance

A PARENT from the Lamphey area has been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, magistrates heard.

The case was dealt with in the defendant’s absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) following proceedings brought by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that between Wednesday (April 30) and Friday (May 23), the parent failed to secure regular school attendance for their child, who was of compulsory school age at the time.

The offence was brought under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which places a legal duty on parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

The case was proved in absence, and magistrates imposed a fine of £220. The parent was also ordered to pay an £88 victim services surcharge and £100 in prosecution costs.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £408 to be paid by Thursday (Jan 9).

Magistrates imposed reporting restrictions under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. These prohibit the publication of any information that could identify the child involved, including names, addresses, schools, workplaces or images. The restrictions remain in force until the child reaches the age of eighteen.

Changes to bus services coming in the New Year

CHANGES are being introduced to several local bus services in Pembrokeshire from January, including new early-morning journeys aimed at improving commuter and school travel.

From Monday (Jan 5), First Cymru will make timetable changes to the 302, 349 and X49 services.

On the 349 route between Haverfordwest and Tenby via Pembroke Dock, two new morning peak journeys will be added in both directions. The changes are intended to improve access to work and school in Tenby and Pembroke Dock, and to address a gap in early services travelling back towards Haverfordwest.

The first additional service will depart Haverfordwest at 06:25, travelling via Neyland at 07:02 and Pembroke Dock at 07:17, before arriving in Tenby at 08:16. A second new journey will leave Tenby at 07:20, passing through Pembroke Dock at 08:30 and Neyland at 08:44, arriving in Haverfordwest at 09:14.

Further minor adjustments will also be made to the 349 timetable to help improve punctuality.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

As a result of these changes, the X49 service between Haverfordwest and Tenby via Narberth will depart an hour earlier from Monday (Jan 5), with the first journey now leaving Haverfordwest at 06:30.

Amendments will also be introduced to the 302 timetable from the same date, with the aim of improving reliability on that route.

Updated timetables are now available online.

In addition, Pembrokeshire County Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to several other bus services around the Haverfordwest area. The proposals are designed to improve reliability and provide better connections with other bus and rail services.

The consultation covers the following routes:

• 301 – Haverfordwest town service

• 307 – Haverfordwest–Merlin’s

Bridge circular

• 308 – Haverfordwest–Llangwm–

Burton circular

• 311 – Haverfordwest to Broad Haven

• 313 – Haverfordwest to Wiston

The consultation closes on January 26, 2026. Any approved changes

would be introduced in Spring 2026. Paper copies of the new timetables and consultation documents can be requested by calling 01437 764551. Further information is available on the council’s website.

Parliament narrowly backs move towards UK-EU customs union

A TEN Minute Rule Bill calling for the UK to negotiate a customs union with the European Union has passed its first Parliamentary hurdle after a knife-edge vote in the House of Commons.

The proposal, brought forward by Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP, was approved by a single vote on Tuesday after the Commons split 100 votes to 100, with the Deputy Speaker using their casting vote in favour of the Bill proceeding.

The Liberal Democrats described the result as a “historic victory”, arguing it sets an important parliamentary precedent for closer post-Brexit trading ties with the EU.

The vote saw 13 Labour backbenchers break ranks to support the proposal, alongside MPs from the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru. In Wales, six MPs voted in favour, including Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts, Ben Lake, Llinos Medi, Ann Davies, and Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, as well as Labour’s Tonia Antoniazzi, the MP for Gower.

However, the majority of Welsh Labour MPs chose not to back the measure. Among those abstaining was Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, who did not vote either for or against the Bill.

Other Welsh Labour MPs who abstained included representatives from Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli, Neath, Newport, the Valleys and north Wales constituencies.

Economic impact of Brexit cited

The Liberal Democrats pointed to analysis from the House of Commons

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Library, commissioned by the party, which estimates the UK is losing around £250m a day in tax revenue as a result of Brexitrelated economic impacts.

The party also highlighted concerns about the effect of Brexit on Welsh trade, citing research suggesting the volume of Welsh exports to the EU fell by around 31% between 2019 and 2024, while EU imports into Wales declined by approximately 20% over the same period.

They argue that small and mediumsized businesses in Wales are particularly exposed to additional trade barriers with the EU, given Wales’ historic reliance on European markets.

Speaking after the vote, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP said the result reflected growing pressure for a change in the UK’s trading relationship with Europe. “Across Wales, people are crying out for real change and a solution to the costof-living crisis,” he said. “A customs union with the EU is the single biggest step the government could take to grow our economy, put money back into people’s pockets and generate billions for our public services.”

GOVERNMENT POSITION UNCHANGED

The vote does not change government policy, and Ten Minute Rule Bills rarely become law without government backing.

Labour ministers have so far ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, citing commitments made during the general election campaign.

However, the narrow margin and cross-party support are likely to add pressure on the government as it seeks to “reset” relations with the EU through negotiations on trade, defence and regulatory cooperation.

For Pembrokeshire, where agriculture, food production, tourism and small exporters form a significant part of the local economy, the debate is likely to resonate, particularly among businesses affected by post-Brexit paperwork, costs and delays.

The Bill will now proceed to a second reading at a later date, though its longterm prospects remain uncertain.

Marine Nitrates Taskforce update raises hopes for Pembrokeshire house building

DEVELOPMENT across parts of Pembrokeshire that has been effectively frozen by marine nutrient pollution rules could begin to move again, following an update from the Welsh Government on the work of its Marine Nitrates Development Taskforce.

In a written statement published on Wednesday (Dec 17), Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said progress was being made on a package of national measures designed to allow housing and other development to resume “in a sustainable way as quickly as possible”.

The taskforce was established in October to address the widespread planning block affecting areas where protected rivers and marine environments are already failing nutrient targets. In west Wales, this has had a significant impact on Pembrokeshire, where phosphate and nitrate pressures linked to wastewater and agriculture have stalled new housing schemes and complicated local planning decisions.

MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH

The taskforce brings together senior officials from the Welsh Government, local authorities, Natural Resources Wales and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Ms Bryant said meetings had been “constructive and collaborative”, with a shared urgency to find workable solutions.

Among the key components now being progressed are a national Nutrient Calculator and expert-led guidance to help quantify the impact of new developments, alongside a local authority-led handbook

for developers, which is reported to be at an advanced stage.

A national Nutrient Credit Trading Group has also been established, allowing developers to offset nutrient impacts through accredited mitigation schemes. The Welsh Government says this framework will help planning officers and applicants identify their nutrient contribution and put effective mitigation in place.

FUNDING FOR WEST WALES

For Pembrokeshire, the funding element of the announcement is

particularly significant. The Welsh Government has confirmed more than £500,000 has been allocated to the West Wales Nutrient Management Board to support implementation on the ground, alongside up to £1.5m over three years to assist local authorities in affected areas.

Pembrokeshire County Council has repeatedly warned that nutrient neutrality requirements have delayed housing delivery, including affordable homes, and placed pressure on its Local Development Plan. The new measures are intended to provide sufficient clarity for councils to process applications while remaining compliant with environmental law.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The taskforce has also examined how future Local Development Plans can progress under the updated regime. The Welsh Government’s Chief Planning Officer is working with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, Natural Resources Wales and heads of planning to ensure plans can move through examination without breaching nutrient rules.

Ms Bryant said taskforce members report regularly to the First Minister, cabinet colleagues and council leaders, adding that there is “optimism” developments can begin to resume as the new tools and guidance are put into practice.

While no formal timeline has been set, the statement suggests the Welsh Government is seeking to move beyond the current planning impasse, which has been a source of frustration for developers, councils and communities across Pembrokeshire and wider west Wales.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS REMAIN

The Welsh Government has stressed that the approach is not about weakening environmental protections, but about enabling growth while safeguarding vulnerable rivers, estuaries and coastal waters that are central to Pembrokeshire’s economy, tourism and biodiversity.

Further updates are expected in the new year as the guidance and mitigation mechanisms are rolled out nationally.

Automatic voter registration pilots add over 16,000 people to electoral roll in Wales

MORE than 16,000 people were added to the electoral register during the UK’s first Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) pilots, according to results published this week by the Electoral Commission.

The pilots were carried out in Gwynedd, Newport and Powys, with a fourth, desk-based exercise taking place in Carmarthenshire. They were launched by the Welsh Government in 2024 under powers granted by the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024.

Under the scheme, local authorities used existing public records – including council tax and education data – to identify and add eligible voters to the electoral register without requiring them to submit an individual application.

The pilots form part of a wider programme of electoral reform in Wales, which has already seen the introduction of votes at 16 for Senedd and local elections, alongside efforts to improve accessibility and participation.

The Electoral Commission said the pilots demonstrated that barriers to registration could be reduced using data already held by public bodies, and that large numbers of people who would otherwise remain unregistered could be enfranchised through automated processes.

Although four local authorities were involved overall, only three pilots resulted in people being directly added to the register. Carmarthenshire participated through a data-matching exercise rather than live registration.

The findings have significance beyond Wales. The UK Government has already signalled its intention to introduce automated voter registration across England and the rest of the UK as part of future electoral legislation.

The Electoral Commission estimates that more than eight million people across the UK are currently not registered to vote. Concerns have been raised in recent years that Britain has one of the

most complex voter registration systems among established democracies.

Supporters of AVR argue that using trusted public datasets could significantly reduce under-registration, particularly among young people, renters and those who move frequently.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said the pilots showed automatic registration was both effective and scalable.

She said: “These Automatic Voter Registration pilots have added over 16,000 previously unregistered potential voters to the electoral register in just three local areas. It proves that AVR works and should be in place across Wales for future elections.

“It makes life easier and simpler for voters and could help reduce the barriers thousands of people across the country face in playing an active part in our democracy.”

Ms Blair said the results also highlighted the potential impact of a UKwide scheme.

“The fact that over 16,000 people were added in just three areas using only local authority data means the potential for AVR at a UK level, using more comprehensive national datasets, is huge,” she said.

Despite the positive results, automatic voter registration will not be in place for the next Senedd elections in May 2026.

ERS Cymru said it was disappointed by the timescale and urged the next Welsh Government to move quickly to ensure the system is operational for local elections in 2027.

Badger Trust launches manifesto ahead of 2026 Senedd elections

THE BADGER TRUST has published a new Cymru Badger Manifesto calling on candidates standing in the 2026 Senedd elections to commit to a science-led approach to bovine tuberculosis

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr rieve.nesbitt-marr@herald.email

(bTB) and to maintain Wales’ current policy of not culling badgers.

The manifesto, released on

setts, recording road casualties and supporting local authorities.

BTB POLICY IN WALES AND ENGLAND

Wales has not carried out widespread badger culling as part of its bTB control strategy, instead focusing on cattle testing, biosecurity measures and herd management.

Badger Trust claims that new herd incidents of bTB in Wales fell by more than 40% between 2010 and 2024, which it attributes to cattlebased controls rather than wildlife intervention.

The charity contrasts this with England, where it says almost 250,000 badgers have been culled over the past decade as part of bTB control programmes. It argues that bTB rates in England remain higher than in Wales and that the evidence does not show culling alone to be responsible for reductions in disease.

Disputed claims over culling

Wednesday (Dec 10) as part of the charity’s Badgers Belong Here / Mae Moch Daear yn Perthyn Yma campaign, sets out the organisation’s position on badger protection, wildlife crime and bTB control, and urges politicians to reject calls for the reintroduction of culling in Wales.

Badger Trust argues that political decisions taken during the next Senedd term will be critical to the future of badgers, which it describes as culturally and ecologically significant to Wales. The charity says badgers have been present in Wales for more than 250,000 years and remain part of Welsh folklore, place names and rural identity.

FIVE KEY COMMITMENTS

The manifesto outlines five commitments the charity is asking Senedd candidates to support, including defending what it describes as science-led policy on bTB, challenging misinformation in public debate, strengthening enforcement against wildlife crime, recognising badgers as part of Welsh heritage, and supporting local volunteer badger groups.

According to Badger Trust, 140 incidents of badger-related wildlife crime have been recorded in Wales since 2020, which it says highlights the need for improved reporting and enforcement.

The charity also points to the work of six active badger groups across Wales, which it says assist with rescuing injured animals, monitoring

The manifesto challenges the frequently cited claim that badger culling in England led to a 56% reduction in bTB in cattle. Badger Trust says this figure has been misinterpreted and that studies cited in support of culling also involved additional measures such as enhanced cattle testing and biosecurity.

The charity points to statements from researchers and official correspondence which, it says, indicate that reductions in bTB cannot be attributed solely to culling.

Supporters of culling, including some farming groups, continue to argue that wildlife control should remain an option as part of a wider disease management strategy, particularly in areas with persistent infection. The Welsh Government has previously said it keeps its bTB policy under review in line with emerging evidence.

CALL TO CANDIDATES

Nigel Palmer, CEO of Badger Trust, said Wales demonstrated that bTB could be tackled without killing wildlife.

He said: “Wales is a world-leading example of how to address bovine TB through evidence-based policy. The progress made here shows that culling is not necessary, and we urge Senedd candidates to stand by the science.”

The manifesto is available in both Welsh and English and will be circulated to political parties and candidates ahead of the 2026 election.

Mental Health Foundation: Cardiff must guarantee prevention funding

WELSH Government wellbeing data shows that overall mental wellbeing has not returned to prepandemic levels, with particular concern around children and young people. Evidence also highlights persistent inequalities, with people living in more deprived communities experiencing significantly poorer mental health outcomes.

Public Health Wales has repeatedly raised concerns about rising levels of anxiety, distress and emotional difficulties among young people, alongside clear links to poverty, housing insecurity and wider social pressures.

The Mental Health Foundation argues that these trends underline the need for prevention-focused policies that address the root causes of poor mental health, rather than relying on overstretched clinical services to intervene once people reach crisis point.

‘Words alone won’t change lives’

Alexa Knight, Director of Policy and Influencing at the Mental Health Foundation, said Wales could not “treat its way out” of the crisis.

She said:

“Wales is gripped by a growing mental health crisis, and we cannot treat our way out of it. For too long, policy has focused on treatment and crisis response while neglecting prevention — the very thing that stops problems before they start.

“We welcome the new Mental

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Health and Wellbeing Strategy and its focus on prevention, but words alone won’t change lives. There is still no dedicated budget for prevention in Wales and no clear way to track spending or impact.

“The next Welsh Government must turn principle into practice with ring-fenced funding and clear accountability.”

MANIFESTO PRIORITIES

The Foundation’s Commitment to Prevention manifesto sets out five priorities for the next Welsh Government:

• prioritising prevention within overall mental health spending

• introducing a Welsh Child Payment to help tackle child poverty

• reaffirming Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary

• developing a dedicated approach to children and young people’s mental health

• addressing the wider social determinants of mental health, including housing, education and employment

The charity says these measures would not only improve wellbeing but reduce long-term costs by easing pressure on health and social care services and improving productivity.

A 2021 economic analysis estimated

that poor mental health costs the Welsh economy more than £4.8 billion each year, through healthcare demand, lost productivity and wider social impacts.

SECTOR SUPPORT FOR PREVENTION FOCUS

Health and third-sector organisations across Wales have broadly welcomed the Welsh Government’s emphasis on prevention, while cautioning that delivery will depend on long-term funding, workforce capacity and measurable outcomes.

Mental health charities and NHS bodies have consistently called for stronger coordination across housing, education, employment and community services, arguing that mental health outcomes cannot be improved through healthcare policy alone.

ELECTION ISSUE

With the 2026 Senedd election approaching, the Mental Health Foundation says mental health prevention must be a central political issue, backed by firm financial commitments rather than broad statements of intent.

Without decisive action, the charity warns, Wales risks continuing cycles of crisis care, rising waiting lists and widening inequality — outcomes it says are avoidable with early, sustained investment.

NatWest Cymru extends Wales Air Ambulance partnership

NATWEST CYMRU has announced it will extend its charity partnership with Wales Air Ambulance into 2026 after staff fundraising efforts raised more than £31,000 for the lifesaving service.

The total of £31,650 is enough to fund the cost of nine emergency missions.

Staff across Wales were asked to vote for their chosen charity last year, with Wales Air Ambulance receiving almost 60% of the final vote.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said the partnership had been a significant achievement for staff and customers alike.

“We’ve had such a fantastic year working in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, learning about what it does and understanding why it is so important,” she said.

“This is the first time our franchise in Wales has been able to choose its own charity, and we are incredibly proud to be able to hand over a cheque for £31,650.

“Every part of Wales can benefit from the services Wales Air Ambulance provides.”

Ms Shipman stressed that the money was raised entirely through staffled fundraising.

“People might see that amount and think this is a big bank with big purse strings, but I can honestly say every single penny was raised through staff volunteering,” she said.

“There were bucket collections,

fundraising events, and we could not have done it without the support of our family, friends and wonderful customers.”

She added that the decision to extend the partnership reflected shared values.

“At NatWest we are about supporting communities, helping people thrive and sometimes even changing lives through the work that we do,” she said.

“There are natural synergies between us and Wales Air Ambulance, which is why we have decided to continue supporting this incredible service as it prepares to mark its 25th anniversary.”

Over the past twelve months, NatWest Cymru staff have taken part in a wide range of fundraising activities, including abseiling down a church in Rhyl and skydiving in Swansea.

Kirstin Jenkins, Local Director for North and West Wales branch banking

and Deputy Chair of the Regional Board, said the enthusiasm shown by staff had been remarkable.

“It’s been great fun,” she said. “Everyone has really rallied together and come up with outstanding ideas to help us raise awareness and as much money as possible.”

She highlighted events such as a coffee and cake fundraiser in Brecon during the Jazz Festival, and Wales Air Ambulance’s involvement at the start and finish of the Team GB Baton Relay.

“One of the most surprising things for many of us was learning that Wales Air Ambulance relies entirely on fundraising and public support,” Ms Jenkins said.

“That was a huge motivation. People understand that this service could impact their life tomorrow if they ever needed it.”

Gemma Yorke, Director of Business Banking for NatWest, said coordinating

The alternative view By Mike Dello

Trying to apply logic to the senseless slaughter on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday is an almost impossible task. Fifteen innocent people were murdered by a fatherand-son pair, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, in what can only be described as a cold-blooded and cowardly attack.

As crowds gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah, the victims included two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a ten-year-old girl, with dozens more injured. The attackers opened fire from a nearby bridge, taking pot shots at civilians below. The antisemitic nature of the attack has rightly shocked the world, not least because such atrocities are rare in Australia.

What also surprised many was just how lenient Australia’s gun laws remain, despite its reputation for strict firearms control. As ever, it is only after tragedy strikes that sweeping reforms are announced, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese now promising urgent changes.

It would be easy — and lazy — to

condemn Islam or individual Islamic movements. Doing so achieves nothing. The genie is well and truly out of the bottle globally, in a world where we are repeatedly told to celebrate diversity while struggling to confront its most difficult consequences. The irony in Sydney was stark: a local greengrocer and former Syrian policeman, Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim, risked his life to disarm one of the attackers. He is now recovering in hospital with gunshot wounds after an act of extraordinary bravery.

Jewish communities across the world are once again crying out for protection. Given that Jewish people live in every corner of the globe, this is an almost impossible demand for governments to fulfil. It does not help when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly condemns the Australian government, given that a massacre of far greater magnitude occurred inside Israel itself two years ago. Where was the protection for Israeli citizens then? Netanyahu remains a deeply problematic figure on the world

around five hundred staff across Wales had been a major achievement.

“We are split across many divisions, but we have all worked together to support the charity staff chose,” she said.

“A big part of this partnership has also been raising awareness. People see the helicopter in the sky, but don’t always stop to think about what is happening on the ground.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity delivers consultant-led, hospitalstandard emergency care directly to patients and, where needed, transfers them to the most appropriate hospital.

The charity relies on public donations to raise around £13 million each year to keep its helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road, with NHS consultants and critical care practitioners supplied through the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.

Abi Pearce, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Wales Air Ambulance, said the support from NatWest Cymru had been invaluable.

“We are profoundly grateful for the outstanding £31,650 raised, which is the equivalent cost of nine lifesaving missions,” she said.

“It has been an incredible year of collaboration, travelling across Wales to keep up with the fantastic fundraising efforts.

“We are delighted the partnership will continue into 2026 as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.”

stage, particularly given his actions in Gaza — though none of that excuses the horror in Sydney.

Elsewhere, President Zelensky continues to wade through diplomatic quicksand as peace talks drag on in Europe. Vladimir Putin, buoyed by increasing support from Donald Trump, appears in no mood to relinquish the Donbas region. European leaders watch nervously, trying to assess what Russia’s next move will be once a Ukrainian defeat appears inevitable.

Closer to home, domestic security continues to deteriorate. Around 700 illegal migrants crossed the Channel in the past week alone, following 28 days of poor weather, pushing this year’s total close to 40,000. Sir Keir Starmer — seemingly more interested in solving security problems abroad — appears absent while safety on Britain’s streets worsens. Some incoming cultures have little respect for women or children, creating serious challenges on our shores. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood arrived promising an iron fist on migration, but so far her approach

looks more limp wrist than firm resolve. Donald Trump is never far from controversy. His name surfaced again following the murder in Los Angeles of film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle, who were stabbed to death by their heroin-addicted son, Nick Reiner. Reiner senior directed classics including Misery, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men. While many offered condolences, Trump chose instead to politicise the tragedy, claiming Reiner had been unfavourably involved with the Democratic Party.

The former president also found time to announce a $5bn lawsuit against the BBC, accusing it of bias over a Panorama documentary and branding the corporation “fake news” over an editing dispute relating to comments he made before the Capitol Hill riots.

And finally, a lighter note: Dick Van Dyke turned 100 this week. A brilliant comic actor, fondly remembered — if not for his accent — for Mary Poppins. Quite possibly the worst Cockney accent ever committed to film, but power to you, Mr Van Dyke.

You drink, we’ll drive! THIS FESTIVE SEASON

RESIDENTS are being urged to plan their nights out carefully and book local taxis as Dyfed-Powys Police warn of the dangers of drinkdriving during the busy Christmas party season.

Although this year’s enforcement campaign has not yet been formally launched, last year’s figures show the scale of the problem facing the force. According to official Dyfed-Powys Police data, 55 people were arrested for drinkdriving in December 2023. Across a wider twelve-month period from September 2022 to September 2023, a further 446 people were charged with drink-driving offences – 358 men and 88 women.

Police say those figures should act as a “clear reminder” that too many motorists are still taking risks, particularly the morning after heavy drinking.

POLICE: NO SAFE LIMIT AND NO QUICK FIX

In public guidance issued on their website, the force warns that there is no safe way to judge whether a driver is under the limit, stating: “It’s

impossible to get alcohol out of your system quickly. A shower, coffee or any other method won’t remove the alcohol from your body.”

Officers stress that alcohol can remain in the system well into the next day, leaving drivers unknowingly over the legal limit even after a night’s sleep.

A spokesperson for DyfedPowys Police said that drivers should plan their transport before leaving home, adding: “The safest option is to leave the car at home and arrange a lift or book a taxi.”

LOCAL DRIVERS URGED TO BOOK AHEAD

Taxi operators across Pembrokeshire report that they are already receiving increased bookings from workplaces, pubs and clubs for Christmas gatherings. Many firms will be running extended hours on the busiest weekends, but availability will still be tight.

Residents are being advised to book taxis early and avoid relying on being able to “grab one at closing time”, particularly in rural areas where fewer vehicles are on the road.

Taxi firms also point out that the “morning-after risk” is one of the most common causes of drink-drive arrests in winter, and encourage anyone unsure of their alcohol level to arrange transport rather than take a chance.

WINTER ROADS ADD TO THE DANGER

Pembrokeshire’s rural road network, narrow lanes and exposed coastal routes can be particularly hazardous in wet and icy conditions. Local councillors have backed the safety message, reminding

residents that impaired driving on these roads puts lives at risk.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “Every drink-drive collision is preventable. Planning ahead can protect you, your family and other road users.”

Police are urging residents to look out for friends on nights out, make use of taxis and designated drivers, and avoid becoming a statistic on the county’s winter roads.

The message remains simple: Plan it. Book it. Don’t risk it.

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

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death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horsedrawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-yearold man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Hywel Dda Optometric Team wins at the Optometry Wales Awards

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY

HEALTH BOARD’S Optometric Team has been honoured with the Health Board Support Award at the Optometry Wales Awards 2025.

The award – sponsored by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – was presented by BBC Wales broadcaster Lucy Owen during a ceremony held in Cardiff on 29 November 2025.

Organised by Optometry Wales, the awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the eye-care sector in Wales. They recognise individuals and teams whose work goes above and beyond through clinical excellence, innovation, sustainability, mentoring, and service development.

RECOGNISING LEADERSHIP AND

SUPPORT

DURING MAJOR REFORM

Hywel Dda’s Optometric Team received the award for its significant support to practices across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire during the rollout of the new national Optometry contract.

Their nomination highlighted the team’s strong leadership through the transition period and their commitment to ensuring practices were fully equipped to deliver high-quality eye health services under the new contract.

A key part of this work was developing

new clinical pathways to ensure more patients could be safely managed in primary care. These pathways have improved access to timely local care and reduced the need for hospital appointments, ensuring people receive the right care in the right place.

OVER 13,300 COMMUNITY APPOINTMENTS DELIVERED

Since January 2024, more than 13,300 appointments have taken place in community settings using these enhanced pathways. Previously, many of these cases would have required referral to the hospital eye service. Now, an average of only 13.9% of patients require hospital referral — a significant shift demonstrating the positive impact

of strengthened community-based care.

The team has also played a central role in developing Optometry Collaboratives, bringing together local practices to share ideas, improve services, and meet the needs of the local population.

“A FANTASTIC AChIEVEMENT”

Rachel Absalom, Head of Optometric Services at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It reflects the dedication of our committed team and the strong relationships we have built with practices across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

“The new pathways have made a real difference for patients, enabling

more care to take place closer to home, and we are grateful to our colleagues in primary care who have worked with us to make this possible.”

Professor Philip Kloer, Chief Executive, added: “This is a fantastic achievement and recognises the vital work of our Optometric Team in supporting the rollout of the new national contract. Their leadership has strengthened local services and helped patients receive care closer to home.

“I’m also delighted to see several independent practices from our region recognised on the night, which demonstrates the exceptionally high standards of care delivered across Hywel Dda.”

SIx REGIONAL WINS ON THE NIGHT

A total of six awards were won across the Hywel Dda region. They included:

• Optometrist of the Year: Andy Britton (Specsavers Haverfordwest)

• Independent Practice of the Year: MN Charlton (Concept Eye Clinic, Fishguard)

• Dispensing / Contact Lens Optician of the Year: Samantha Houghton (Specsavers Haverfordwest)

• Sustainability Practice of the Year: Specsavers Haverfordwest

• Technology Practice of the Year: Specsavers Haverfordwest

Christmas Spectacular fills St Davids Cathedral for unforgettable concert

A CAPACITY audience packed into St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (Dec 14) for the annual Christmas Spectacular, with hundreds filling the nave for one of the Cathedral’s most anticipated events of the year.

The evening opened with a serious and striking performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, delivered by the Cathedral Choir and accompanied by harpist Bethan Semmens. Choristers took on a series

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of demanding solos, earning warm applause from the audience.

FESTIVE SECOND HALF

The tone shifted after the interval as the Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica returned for a lively programme of carols, Christmas favourites and

crowd singalongs. The highlight of the evening was a colourful and humorous rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas by the Vicars Choral and Choral Scholars, which had the audience laughing throughout.

TEAM EFFORT BEHIND THE SCENES

The event was led by Director of Music Laurence John, with Assistant

Director of Music Ben Richards and music team member Arwel Davies supporting the performance. The Cathedral also thanked backstage staff and volunteers for helping to deliver a smooth and memorable evening.

The Christmas Spectacular is now a fixture of the Cathedral’s festive season and continues to draw large crowds, with Sunday’s concert selling out well in advance.

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

HaverHub talk showcasing 40 key artefacts from Haverfordwest’s history

THOSE who attended “The History of haverfordwest in 40 Artefacts” talk at HaverHub on 5 December 2025, said the event was “excellent”.

The talk offered a fascinating insight into the town’s past, including the remarkable fact that Haverfordwest was once a county within Pembrokeshire with its own currency and police force.

Below is a summary of the themes explored during the presentation, based on the museum’s collection and Dr Simon Hancock, who presented the talk’s expertise:

A JOURNEY THROUGH

HAVERFORDWEST’S STORY

Haverfordwest’s rich history is brought to life through objects held in its museum, illustrating the town’s development as a medieval port, administrative centre, and thriving market hub. The 40 artefacts selected for the presentation reveal centuries of Welsh life, local craftsmanship, political change, and moments of conflict—from early prehistory to the modern era.

EARLY AND MEDIEVAL LIFE

• Neolithic standing stones & Iron

Age slag – Traces of prehistoric occupation near Garn Turne.

• Roman artefacts – Finds demonstrating Roman presence in the wider area.

• Medieval tiles & effigies –Unearthed from the Augustinian Priory, showing craftsmanship and burial practices.

• Imported French floor tiles –Evidence of wealth and longdistance trade at the Priory.

• Jet chess piece – A rare object hinting at leisure activities and trade connections.

• Skeletal remains – Providing insight into high child mortality and possible injuries from the 1405 siege of the town.

• Warfare evidence – Including a skull bearing a puncture wound consistent with medieval combat.

TRADE, POWER AND GOVERNANCE

• Port and market artefacts –Reflecting Haverfordwest’s importance as one of Wales’s leading medieval ports.

• Banking materials – Linked to the historic Haverfordwest Bank.

• County corporate charters –

Documents showing the town’s unique status as a county corporate in its own right, granted by Edward V in 1479.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LIFE

• Local crafts and furniture –Examples of regional artistry and practical workmanship.

• Military uniforms and objects – Underlining the town’s long association with local defence forces.

• Music-related artefacts –Celebrating the town’s strong musical tradition.

• Cinema memorabilia – Particularly from the Palace Cinema, operating from 1913 onwards.

WHERE THESE STORIES LIVE TODAY

• Haverfordwest Town Museum

– The primary home of many of these significant artefacts.

• HaverHub events – Where Dr Simon Hancock continues to present and interpret local history.

• Archaeological sites – Including the Priory ruins and recent excavations on Bridge Street.

Wales’ ban on physical punishment shows impact three years on

A LANDMARK Welsh law banning the physical punishment of children is beginning to change attitudes and protect young people, according to a new Welsh Government review published on Tuesday (Dec 16).

The Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 came into force in March 2022, making it illegal for parents and carers to physically punish children.

Three years on, an independent evidence review has found high public awareness of the law, strong professional confidence in applying it, and a growing rejection of physical punishment as an effective form of discipline.

One of the central findings relates to the Out-of-Court Parenting Support Scheme, which allows parents to access guidance and education rather than face prosecution. Since the law was introduced, around 365 families have been referred to the scheme, with 310 parents completing the sessions. The majority reported positive outcomes, while fewer than five cases have progressed to prosecution.

The Welsh Government says this demonstrates that the legislation is focused on education and prevention rather than punishment.

The review found that awareness of the law is widespread. Around 95% of parents surveyed said they know physical punishment is illegal, while 87% of the general public were aware of the legislation. A similar proportion of children and young people said they understood that parents are not

to the findings, the Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn

However, the law has not been without criticism.

permitted to physically punish them. Attitudes towards discipline are also shifting. The review found that 86% of parents now view physical punishment as ineffective.

Professionals working with children and families reported increased confidence when discussing discipline and children’s rights with parents, saying the law has removed previous uncertainty about what is acceptable.

However, the review also identified areas where further work is needed, including additional research and ongoing support for the workforce implementing the law.

said the legislation was making “significant progress” in protecting children’s rights.

She said: “By supporting families rather than punishing them, we are helping parents develop positive relationships with their children.

“The fact that almost all parents now know physical punishment is illegal, and the majority see it as ineffective, represents a significant cultural shift.

“Our approach prioritises education and support, with hundreds of families benefiting from parenting programmes. We want a Wales where every child is safe, valued and respected.”

Opponents have previously warned that banning physical punishment risks drawing the state further into family life and criminalising parents for low-level incidents that would once have been dealt with informally. Others have raised concerns about police workload and the challenge of consistent enforcement, while some parents continue to argue that discipline should remain a private family matter.

Welsh ministers maintain that the focus remains firmly on education and support rather than prosecution, but debate around the law’s long-term impact on families and public services continues.

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

School leaders deliver Christmas cards for fair funding

SCHOOL leaders from across Wales are delivering Christmas cards to the Senedd today in a symbolic call for fair funding for schools.

The cards, one for every Senedd member, are being delivered by school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, urging politicians to give children in Wales what it describes as the “best Christmas gift” – a fully and fairly funded education.

NAHT Cymru national secretary Laura Doel and president Kerina Hanson are gathering outside the Senedd at 1:00pm today before handing the cards in at the Senedd reception.

The action follows the union’s warning last week that while £339m came to the Welsh Government as a

result of increased education spending in England for the 2026/27 draft budget, only £39m has so far been allocated to core school budgets in Wales.

Earlier this week, an additional £112.8m was allocated to local government following a budget agreement between the Welsh

However, NAHT Cymru says the additional money will fall well short of what is needed. The Welsh Local Government Association has predicted a £137m shortfall in school budgets in Wales for the next financial year, while local authorities are also facing a £200m deficit in social care funding.

The union has also raised concerns that the First Minister has declined to explain how the £339m of additional education funding has been allocated, prompting calls for urgent and transparent scrutiny of the budget.

Speaking ahead of the card delivery, Laura Doel said: “Christmas is a time of giving, and we’re urging the Welsh Government to give schools in Wales the funding they rightfully deserve.

“The money that comes to Wales for education should be spent on education, yet we know much of it has never reached schools. We urgently need clarity on where this money has gone and to see greater investment going directly to pupils.

“The system is at breaking point, and without action we are facing an incredibly bleak new year for schools across Wales.

“We’re calling on every member of the Senedd to act this Christmas and give children in Wales the best possible gift – a fully and fairly funded education.”

The Welsh Government says education remains a priority, pointing to additional funding agreed with Plaid Cymru for local government, some of which is expected to support schools.

However, teaching unions and local authorities continue to warn that funding pressures remain severe.

Kurtz thanks Narberth postal workers for Christmas effort

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has paid tribute to postal workers at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Narberth during a visit this week, thanking staff for their hard work at the busiest time of the year.

The run-up to Christmas is the peak period for Royal Mail, with teams processing and delivering thousands of cards, parcels and festive packages for households and businesses across west Wales. During his tour of the depot, the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd met with postal workers and heard firsthand about the pressures they face in keeping deliveries on track.

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As part of the now annual tradition, Mr Kurtz also donated a bottle from Pembrokeshire’s award-winning Velfrey Vineyard for a free staff raffle.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Every year, postal workers go above and beyond to make sure our Christmas cards and parcels arrive safely. Their dedication keeps communities connected, and I want to pay a heartfelt thank you to the team in Narberth for the incredible work they do at the most demanding time of the year.”

Haverfordwest businesswomen launch 2026 charity calendar.

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

HAVERFORDWEST Business

Women have launched their 2026 charity calendar, with 100% of profits from every sale being donated to breast cancer charities.

The calendar, revealed this week, features a striking and humorous design promoting body positivity while celebrating the women who

run and shape businesses across the town. Organisers say the project has a two-fold purpose: to raise vital funds for breast cancer research and to highlight the diverse and growing range of female-led enterprises operating in Haverfordwest.

Each purchase will help fund lifesaving research and provide essential support to those affected by breast cancer — a cause many within the group say is deeply personal to them.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest Business Women said: “A huge thank you to all the fantastic ladies brave enough to ‘bare all’ for such an important charity. This project shows the strength, humour and solidarity of the incredible women involved.”

Calendars are available now from Victoria Book Shop and other local stockists in Haverfordwest, with all profits going directly to breast cancer charities.

3 Amigos toy bike run

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run took place on Saturday 13th December , with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after

1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising

in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner

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is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

gaming

Terminator 2D: No Fate feels like a love letter to both the arcade era and James Cameron’s iconic film, blending nostalgic design with a modern understanding of what makes retro-inspired games compelling today. From the moment it begins, the game commits fully to its 2D identity, delivering chunky pixel art, dramatic animations, and environments that echo the grit and steel of the Terminator universe. Gameplay is fast and purposeful, balancing run-andgun intensity with moments that reward careful positioning and timing, so it never feels like a mindless throwback. Each encounter channels

the relentless pressure that defines Terminator 2, making even familiar action scenarios feel tense and urgent.

What truly elevates the experience is how well the game captures the tone of its source material without relying solely on nostalgia. The sense of pursuit, the looming threat of unstoppable machines, and the fragile hope of resistance are all communicated through gameplay rather than exposition. Enemy patterns are aggressive and varied, pushing the player to stay mobile, while the sound design and music reinforce the cold, mechanical atmosphere that fans of the franchise expect. It respects the film’s legacy while

still standing confidently as a game first, movie tie-in second.

By the time the credits roll, Terminator 2D: No Fate leaves a strong impression as a focused, confident experience that understands exactly what it wants to be. It doesn’t try to reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to; instead, it refines classic ideas with care and authenticity. For players who grew up feeding coins into arcade cabinets or anyone who appreciates tight 2D action with a strong identity, the game delivers a satisfying, memorable ride that proves there’s still plenty of life left in both retro design and the Terminator mythos.

CliCk to

James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash appears to be shaping into the most daring evolution of the series so far, a film that seems ready to ignite both the mythology of Pandora and the emotional core of its characters. Even from what little has been revealed publicly, there is a sense that the franchise is stepping into a darker, more mature rhythm, where the wonder of the world is still present but is now shadowed by a gathering sense of inevitability. The title itself hints at destruction and renewal, and the story seems poised to explore the tension between these forces with a clarity the previous films only hinted at. Instead of simply expanding the world, this installment feels like it is testing its foundations, pushing its characters into environments that challenge their identities, loyalties, and the very idea of what it means to protect a home that is constantly changing.

What stands out most is the atmosphere—thicker, heavier, almost mythic. Pandora appears more alive than ever, but also more unpredictable, as if the planet is responding to the pressures placed upon it by conflict. The volcanic and desert

regions teased in concept art and industry chatter add a rawer visual palette, replacing serene oceans and lush forests with landscapes shaped by heat, ash, and ancient elemental forces. These new frontiers seem to carry storytelling weight, reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters, particularly the Sully family, who appear to be navigating fractures not just from external threats but from choices that split their priorities. The family dynamic, once defined by unity and protection, now seems to crack under the strain of competing destinies and the lingering trauma of their ongoing fight for survival.

Visually, Cameron looks set to push the boundary between spectacle and symbolism. The series has always been known for its technological leaps, but here the grandeur seems to serve something more intimate. Firestorms illuminating the night sky, ash drifting like snow over alien deserts, and bioluminescent life flickering in defiance of encroaching destruction all hint at an aesthetic that mirrors the emotional stakes. Scenes that blend catastrophe with beauty suggest a film that’s not just about conflict, but about transformation—both for Pandora and for the characters

who inhabit it.

Emotionally, the film seems poised to cut deeper than its predecessors. The Na’vi and humans appear to be heading toward a collision where diplomacy is no longer possible, and this growing tension promises to test every alliance and every belief the characters hold. Themes of legacy, identity, and the cost of survival seem primed to take center stage, particularly as younger members of the Sully family begin to carve their own paths, sometimes in ways at odds with their parents’ hopes. If executed well, this could add layers of nuance that elevate the narrative beyond the straightforward colonial allegory of the earlier films.

Ultimately, Fire and Ash feels like a turning point—less an expansion than a reckoning. It carries the energy of a story that knows it is approaching a critical crossroads, one that could redefine the emotional and thematic trajectory of the entire saga. If Cameron brings together the technical mastery he’s known for with the weightier storytelling hinted at so far, this chapter may not only surpass expectations but also give the series the depth and urgency it has been steadily building toward.

Tech and Taff

Mickey Mouse, meet Dai the Algorithm

MICKEY MOUSE, meet Dai the Algorithm NOW then. I was sitting there minding my own business, trying to persuade my laptop not to update itself again, when I hear Disney’s only gone and flogged Mickey Mouse to the machines. A billion dollars, mind. That’s not pocket money — that’s sell-the-family-silverand-the-dog money.

Disney’s done a deal with OpenAI, the people behind ChatGPT and that new video thing, Sora, which can knock up films quicker than the BBC can cancel a Welsh drama. Soon enough, you’ll be able to get AI to make pictures and videos of Mickey, Darth Vader, Deadpool — the lot. All without a single human being needing to put on a funny suit or spend six hours in makeup.

And you don’t need to be Einstein — or even a first-year comp sci student from Treorchy — to see why the creative industries are looking a bit green around the gills.

Actors’ unions are saying they’re “incredibly worried”. Which, translated into plain Welsh, means this is going to end with someone getting done over. Disney says it’s all fine, mind. No actors’ voices, no actors’ faces. Everything’s very responsible. A bit like when a developer promises affordable housing, then builds one flat and calls it a day.

From a tech point of view, this is a big moment. For years, AI companies have been training their systems on whatever they could get their digital hands on — books, films, music — and only afterwards asking if that

was alright. Now the big boys are cutting deals. Lawyers are involved. Contracts thicker than the Western Mail on a Saturday.

But here’s the thing, boyo. Mickey Mouse will be fine. Mickey’s been around longer than most of us and survived wars, recessions and at least three dodgy reboots. It’s the people behind the scenes who are twitchy.

Performers are already talking about refusing to be digitally scanned on set. Fair enough too. Nobody wants to find out an AI version of them is starring in Fast & Furious 27 while they’re back home wondering whether the boiler’s going to pack in again.

And then there’s Sora itself. Clever? Oh, very. Sensible? That’s debatable. It’s already been used to create fake videos of dead public figures — Martin Luther King Jr, JFK, even the Queen — saying things they never said. Which is impressive in a technical sense, but morally about as welcome as a wasp at a picnic.

OpenAI says it’s putting safeguards in place. Which is good. But in tech, safeguards usually arrive after something’s gone badly wrong — a bit like railings being added after someone’s fallen into the river.

The truth is, AI’s moving at a fair old lick now. Faster than the regulators, faster than the unions, and definitely faster than most people trying to work out what’s going on. Deals like this show that the future of creativity isn’t being decided in studios or theatres — it’s being sorted out in boardrooms, with spreadsheets and very expensive coffee.

School issues safeguarding alert over children’s use of Roblox

YSGOL PENRHYN DEWI in St Davids has issued a safeguarding warning to parents after concerns were raised about children’s use of the popular online gaming platform Roblox.

In a letter sent to families today (Dec 15), Assistant Headteacher Louise Gray said the school had been made aware of a series of risks linked to the platform, which is widely used by children aged 8–13 – and in some cases younger.

Roblox allows users to create and play games developed by other players. However, the school says this user-generated model can expose children to inappropriate or harmful content depending on which games they access.

RANGE OF RISKS HIGHLIGHTED

The letter sets out several specific safeguarding concerns, including:

• Inappropriate content in usercreated games

• Highly addictive gameplay, with daily quests and reward systems designed to increase screen time

• Easily changed parental controls, allowing children to adjust settings without verification

• Chat features that expose younger players to inappropriate messages

• Peer pressure from in-game ‘connections’, with children believing they know other users

• Emotional dysregulation linked to

heavy use of the platform

• Scams, including fake offers of free Robux or cosmetic items

Parents are being urged to closely monitor how their children use the platform, who they interact with, and what content they can access.

GUIDANCE AVAILABLE

The school has directed families to the Welsh Government’s Hwb website for further advice on parental controls and safe use of Roblox.

A Roblox spokesperson said: “Roblox is committed to providing a safe and positive experience for every member of our community, especially children and young people. We use a combination of chat filtering, human and AI-assisted moderation, parental controls and age verification tools to help protect our users from inappropriate content or behaviour.

“Younger players have more restrictive settings by default, and features such as voice chat and unfiltered text chat are limited to ageverified users. We encourage parents and carers to make use of our safety features, review their child’s settings regularly, and talk with them about staying safe online.”

“We continuously update our policies and systems in response to emerging risks, and we work closely with safety experts and regulators to help ensure Roblox remains a secure environment for creativity and play.”

HOROSCOPES

Disney+’s upcoming series

The Lowdown arrives with the quiet confidence of a show that knows exactly what tone it wants to strike, positioning itself as a smart, characterdriven drama with an edge of contemporary relevance. From what has been teased so far, it looks set to balance sharp, incisive dialogue with emotional nuance, creating a narrative that feels both immediate and considered. Rather than leaning on high-concept spectacle or relentless twists, the series appears more interested in the subtleties of human behaviour, allowing tension to build naturally through conversations, decisions, and the consequences that follow them. This approach gives the impression of a show that is comfortable taking its time, trusting viewers to engage with the material on a deeper level.

Thematically, The Lowdown seems willing to explore morally complex territory, presenting characters who are flawed, conflicted, and often forced to navigate situations where right and wrong are anything but clear-cut. There’s a sense that the series wants to reflect the ambiguity of real life, resisting simple resolutions in favour of more honest, sometimes unsettling

outcomes. That commitment to complexity could prove to be one of its greatest strengths, especially in a streaming landscape where many shows aim to be instantly digestible rather than quietly challenging.

Performance-wise, the early signs point toward an ensemble that prioritises restraint over grandstanding, with acting choices that feel grounded and believable rather than overly dramatic. This measured style complements the show’s visual identity, which appears polished but deliberately understated, favouring mood, texture, and carefully composed shots over flashy set pieces. The result is

a look that supports the story rather than competing with it, reinforcing the sense of intimacy that seems central to the series’ appeal.

If The Lowdown ultimately delivers on its promise, it could carve out a distinctive place within the Disney+ catalogue as a series that rewards attention and patience. It feels like the kind of show that invites reflection, encouraging viewers to think about its characters and themes long after the credits roll, and sparking conversation not through shock value, but through insight, observation, and emotional resonance.

up to you. Even if someone challenges you, it’ll be less of a hassle and more of a game figuring out how to talk your way around them. In fact, the debate could even take on some fun and/or flirtatious overtones. And those who’re inclined to agree with you (and admire you) will do so even more.

CANCER

You may be in the mood to make an extravagant purchase, but just because you’re going to go over-the-top doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your money’s worth. If you really deserve a treat like this, and you probably do, you won’t want any bargain-basement stuff. A fine piece of art, a high-quality appliance, a new digital device, just do your research and get the best you can afford. Then use it with pleasure and pride.

LEO You’re exercising some self-control when you could be going hog-wild, and the Universe won’t let this effort go unnoticed. The first unexpected byproduct could be a more meaningful connection with someone close to you, someone you’re fully tuned in to, instead of letting myriad other happenings distract you. Another benefit you can start reaping is the suddenly louder voice of your intuition, letting you know the right thing to do.

VIRGO

The connections you have with others are of particular importance at the moment. The energy you get from the people in your life is both supportive and restorative. Keeping those connections alive and prosperous is something you can put your famous organizational ability toward with incredible results now. Reach out and touch people by sending Messages, making calls and generally brightening days in a methodical way.

LIBRA

Sometimes too many cooks spoil the broth, and sometimes many hands make light work. The latter’s the case now, so assemble a group if you really want to make some significant progress or have some significant fun. This way, you can get some help taking care of all the details (you’ve definitely got the big picture covered). The forward movement you’ll make will be extremely valuable, and the sense of community you’ll get is priceless.

SCORPIO

While asking for a raise may not be the best idea at the moment, there are some other aspects of your job you can explore. Get to the bottom of whatever’s been particularly challenging to you lately; maybe there’s a course you can take to update your skills or someone you can meet with to suss out new options. Whatever you do, make it a positive journey of discovery, not a power play. Big moves aren’t favored right now.

SAGITTARIUS

Exploring new territory, whether the literal kind or on a philosophical plane or in interpersonal relationships, is one of your favorite pastimes. And right now you’re in luck, because the stars are sending some fresh stuff directly your way. Whether the journey you’re about to embark upon is across land, through your mental headspace, or deeper into your heart, it’s sure to hold your interest.

CAPRICORN

Try to remove yourself from the chaos today. Step out of the fray, let everyone else continue on without you, and see what happens. Let the people around you realize that you’re a bigger influence in the community than they’ve been giving you credit for. Turning away from the rat race will also help you refocus on your personal goals. Doing so will buoy your confidence and spark some much-needed inspiration.

AQUARIUS

What other people find restful and relaxing, you probably find a big yawn. Fortunately, the stars are sending you plenty of stuff to keep you busy in a way that’ll make you happy. Relationships are progressing at unprecedented speed, with plenty of discoveries and lots of room for interesting conversations and experiments. Even a little power struggle intrigues you, probably because of the myriad possibilities for making a compromise.

PISCES

You’ll soon be getting something new, something enchanting, something that will fit you without a doubt. What is this gift the cosmos has to give you?

It’s

Opinion:christianity, politics and the danger of turning faith into a badge a p embrokeshire p erspective

Tommy Robinson’s use of Christian symbols at political rallies raises legitimate and uncomfortable questions, not because faith has no place in public life, but because of how easily religious imagery can be turned into a marker of belonging rather than belief.

Christian symbols carry moral authority. When crosses, carols or explicitly Christian language appear at rallies dominated by opposition to immigration, they risk signalling that Christianity is being used less as a faith and more as a cultural boundary, separating who belongs from who does not. That is a political message, whether intended or not, and it sits uneasily alongside the core Christian

teachings of humility, compassion and care for the stranger.

Christianity in modern Britain is not a preserved national heirloom. It is a global faith sustained, in large part, by migration. In Milford Haven, our Catholic parish has relied in recent years on priests from the Philippines and now Nigeria to remain open. One of them, Father Jay from Manila, married me to my wife, who was born in Tokyo, in a service that naturally incorporated Japanese elements. That is not an anomaly. It is the lived reality of countless parishes across the country.

Against that backdrop, the appearance of Christian symbols at rallies framed around opposition to

by editor tom sinclair

immigration feels discordant. When a cross is waved in defence of a supposedly threatened “Christian Britain”, it risks turning a universal faith into a cultural badge, one that excludes the very people who are, quietly and without fanfare, keeping British Christianity alive.

This concern does not arise in isolation. Robinson has long framed his activism around identity, grievance and distrust of institutions, particularly the media. Against that backdrop, the introduction of Christian imagery inevitably attracts scrutiny. For critics, it appears to mark a shift from cultural protest to moral claim, suggesting not just that immigration is wrong, but that it is un-Christian.

If Christianity is being presented as proof of national legitimacy or cultural ownership, then it becomes something quite different from a living faith. It becomes a symbol of exclusion. Once faith is reduced to a political emblem, it rarely remains inclusive for long.

However, the Church of England’s response has been deeply flawed.

By publicly condemning Robinson’s use of Christian symbolism, Church leaders have stepped into the role of political arbiters rather than moral guides. In doing so, they risk reinforcing the very narrative they claim to oppose, that institutions are quick to denounce, slow to listen, and hostile to expressions of identity they do not control.

There is also an unavoidable charge of inconsistency. The Church frequently intervenes in debates on asylum policy, welfare reform and

social justice, all explicitly political issues informed by moral reasoning. It cannot credibly argue that Christian language must remain above politics only when it is deployed by someone it finds objectionable. Faith in public life cannot be selectively permitted. More damaging still, public denunciation often strengthens rather than weakens Robinson’s appeal. Institutional condemnation feeds a sense of persecution, allowing him to present himself as a truth-teller silenced by elites. Moral scolding rarely drains support from figures built on defiance. More often, it consolidates it.

If the Church believes Robinson’s interpretation of Christianity is wrong, the answer is not to police his use of symbols but to make a better theological case. Christianity has a long and serious tradition of debate about borders, belonging, responsibility and mercy. That tradition is weakened when disagreement becomes declaration.

In this dispute, both sides risk cheapening what they claim to defend. Robinson risks reducing a living, global faith into a cultural weapon. The Church risks reducing moral authority into institutional posture.

Faith is strongest when it persuades, not when it is claimed as territory, and weakest when it is used to exclude rather than engage.

BADGER AND THE KING OF THE HILL

BADGER can usually find something positive to say about everyone, even if it occasionally requires a late-night search through a dictionary or thesaurus.

Recently, Badger has been dismayed by the performance of most of our politicians. His main point is that, while their effectiveness is often lacking, most act in good faith rather than with ill intent. Though they sometimes fall short despite good intentions, cases of true venality or corruption remain rare.

Last week, Badger was quite critical of the WRU, struggling to find positives. Even so, Badger holds out hope that the WRU may yet have strengths not always visible to him— or to others. Maybe.

On social media, it seems everyone assumes the worst of county councillors. Badger believes those who accuse Pembrokeshire’s county councillors of dishonesty reveal more about themselves than the councillors. Or, put another way, they reveal more about what they would do if elected.

Honestly, if you believe you could do better, there’s no barrier to being a candidate. Of course, those with strongly held views at either end of

the spectrum who are most eager to criticise may find a learning curve when they realise that the county council does not handle issues such as immigration policy or other national matters.

Some people are beyond the pale. The wilfully ignorant and deliberately contrarian really get on Badger’s nerves. Those who confuse appalling rudeness and crass behaviour with plain speaking are also frustrating. Stupidity is fine. If you’re thick as mince, Badger can make allowances for that. Badger gives most people the benefit of the doubt, unless there is corroborating evidence of malign intent.

The sin Badger is least tolerant of is hate. Hate clouds every judgement a human being can make. Hate is often excused as a product of ignorance. If only everyone could learn to get along—so the soft soap goes—tolerance would spread, and the world would be a happier place. Rubbish.

Hatred and intolerance are default human conditions. History proves it. Even the most enlightened societies are built upon excluding or, usually, killing others. That does not mean hate is excusable. However, it is explicable.

And it is this hatred - the force that shapes society and clouds judgment far more than incompetence or disagreement - that Badger addresses this week.

When Badger says he looks for the good in everyone, there are times when even sinking the deepest mineshaft fails to turn up a single nugget of good in some.

Donald Trump is a loathsome, repellent, wicked liar. He is a serial fraudster and conman. He has swindled others out of millions. He owes millions in damages to the women he has molested. He has the self-control of an incontinent and badtempered toddler.

If you’re an enemy of the USA with economic or military power, you’re

safe. Faced with strength meeting his bluster, Donald Trump lives up to his nickname - TACO. Trump Always Chickens Out. Faced with an opponent inferior in strength, Trump never hesitates to play the strongman. He’s James Cagney standing on top of a flaming building. He’s at the top of the world, even as he blows up what he’s standing on.

Donald Trump embodies the worst qualities of inherited wealth. It’s not that he doesn’t know right from wrong. He thinks they don’t apply to him. In Trumpworld, if Donald says it, it must be true. If Donald does it, it must be right. Trump not only displays hatred in his rhetoric and actions but also actively circulates and profits from it, making hatred a central part of his appeal and public persona.

Some in the UK defend Donald Trump’s every word and action, regardless of the lies he tells, the inflammatory language he uses, and his disgraceful and criminal behaviour. By defending him, they indirectly excuse or even participate in the cycle of hostility he perpetuates. They seem willing to accept and justify his actions to reinforce their own views. The best they can offer in his defence is whataboutery, using unrelated comparisons to avoid addressing their reluctance to criticise him.

On Sunday, the film director Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered in their Los Angeles home. Rob Reiner was that rare thing: a child actor who went on to succeed in later life. He directed a string of films that have stood the test of time: This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, Misery, Ghosts of Mississippi, The American President, and—above all—the immortal The Princess Bride.

Rob Reiner was also a noted supporter of the Democratic Party and campaigner for liberal causes.

The great orange faecal mountain in Washington’s response to two people murdered in their home was even worse than even the most jaded

and vehement of his critics could have imagined.

The turd in the Oval Office wrote: ““A tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”

You read that correctly. The President of the USA suggested that Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were murdered because some of his supporters were angry at Reiner’s criticisms. Needless to say, that was a lie; a complete fiction spun from whatever Donald Trump has instead of compassion, taste, and decency. Those are words of hate. They tacitly endorse the murder of the President’s critics.

And like all true shits, when later challenged about his comment, he doubled down on it to cause maximum offence and gain maximum exposure.

Badger doesn’t care much what you think of Donald Trump’s politics, such as they are. He doesn’t mind if you support the US President from your armchair in Pembrokeshire. Badger couldn’t care less if you regard the Oval Office’s current occupant as the saviour of whatever western civilisation is. Those are your views, and you are entitled to have them.

Of course, if you hold contrary views, be careful. The US President thinks it’s fine and dandy to have someone murder you in your home, no matter whether that’s in Hollywood or Hakin.

Where Badger parts company with Donald Trump’s supporters is when they try to excuse comments like the one Badger sets out above. At that point, Badger thinks that, rather like the US President, you have parted company with the human race.

Storm winds, Farage and the smell of old fish!

SQUAAARK! I was halfway through this week’s column – one claw on the keyboard, one eye on a suspicious pasty – when a flashing thing popped up on me screen.

“Punters back Nigel for prime minister.”

Well pluck me feathers and call me a kipper.

There I am, perched above Milford Haven Docks, watching trawlers creak, diesel stink rise, and a bloke fight a gull over a sausage roll, and somehow Nigel Farage is second favourite to run the country. SECOND. After weeks of stories about what he was allegedly like as a schoolboy.

Funny old tide, politics. You think something’s about to capsize… then it just bobs back up, dripping but smug.

That’s Farage, that is. A man who can survive any storm by clinging on like a barnacle.

Now, I’m only a humble seagull, not a Dulwich College prefect, but even I’ve heard the squawking. Twentyeight former classmates telling the Guardian about racist and antisemitic behaviour. Jewish kids taunted. A black pupil told where “Africa” was. Proper nasty stuff. Not playground banter. Not “oh it was the 80s”. This is the sort of thing that sticks with you longer than the smell of mackerel guts

in August.

And Farage’s response? No apology. No “I was wrong”. Just flap, flap, flap. Attack the BBC. Attack the messengers. Claim it was all “banter”. Claim he never “really” tried to hurt anyone.

Never really, mind. Like nicking chips but only meaning to borrow them.

Now here’s the thing that’s got this old dockside gull scratching his head. In any normal world, allegations like that – and the reaction to them –would have politicians falling over themselves to distance themselves. Calls to step aside. Calls to reflect.

Calls to apologise.

But not this time.

Instead, parts of the media seem almost thrilled. “Farage DESTROYS the BBC.” “Farage FURIOUS.” Ooooh, lovely drama, pass the popcorn and the dog-whistles.

And maybe that’s because the water’s been warming for years. Farage doesn’t feel like an outlier anymore. He feels… on trend.

We’ve got politicians competing over who can deport the most people, like it’s a fish auction. Labour: fifty thousand. Reform: six hundred thousand. Tories: “Hold my pint.” Labour talking about an “island of strangers”. Blaming immigration for social breakdown. Everyone shouting about borders while pretending racism is something that only happens in history books and badly subtitled documentaries.

From where I’m perched, I can tell you this: when everyone starts squawking the same tune, the loudest gull always wins.

That’s why these school allegations rattle Farage. You can’t dress them up as “legitimate concerns”. You can’t slap a hi-vis jacket on them and call it border security. They’re just ugly, personal racism, with no policy paper to hide behind.

And that’s why, squaaark, it all feels a bit nightmarish. Farage isn’t just a man anymore. He’s a symptom. A walking, talking result of years of dog-whistle politics, where everything is blamed on “them” and nobody wants to say who “them” actually are. If he weathers this storm too, it won’t just be a let-down for the people who spoke up. It’ll be proof that his poison has seeped into the water.

And once that happens, even the seagulls start to notice the fish don’t taste right anymore.

Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a bloke down by the marina with chips, and unlike British politics, I don’t intend to miss my chance.

SQUAAARK.

RSPCA Cymru staff give up Christmas to care for rescued animals

WHILE many families across Wales will be unwrapping presents and sitting down to Christmas dinner, RSPCA Cymru staff and volunteers will once again be on duty, caring for vulnerable animals and responding to welfare emergencies throughout the festive period.

Across the charity’s two national rehoming centres and its network of local branches, including RSPCA Llys Nini in Swansea, scores of dogs, cats and small animals will spend Christmas Day in safe hands. Many of the animals have been rescued from neglect or cruelty and are now being given a second chance while they wait for loving forever homes.

RSPCA Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers will also be working throughout Christmas and Boxing Day, responding to animal welfare calls across Wales.

Despite the demands of the season, staff ensure the animals still enjoy some festive cheer, with special treats, toys and plenty of attention from carers.

Chloe Wakeham, 25, an Animal Care Assistant at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, will be working on

Christmas Day.

“My favourite part of the day will be getting to spend time with the animals and watching them open their presents,” she said. “We all chip in for treats for the cats and dogs and make sure they get lots of fuss.

“Once my shift ends, I’ll be spending time with my family and watching my own animals open their presents. I’ll be enjoying my Christmas on Boxing Day.”

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ethan Griffin, 20, from Swansea, will be working on Christmas Eve, responding to emergency calls.

“The festive season doesn’t stop animals from being in

need,” he said. “This will be my first Christmas shift with the RSPCA, and I’m really looking forward to helping animals who need us.

“When I get home, I’ll be straight into comfy Christmas pyjamas and watching Home Alone with my family and pets.”

Meanwhile, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan, who works across South East Wales, will be on the frontline on Christmas Day, responding to emergency calls between midday and 8pm.

“I’ve worked for the RSPCA for 13 years and this will be my first Christmas as an officer,” she said. “In my previous role, we always made sure every

animal had a special meal and a gift from Santa.

“I’ll be with my family in the morning before going on call, and I hope any rescues I attend make a real difference – that’s why we do the job.”

RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Ellie West will be working on Boxing Day, marking her tenth festive period on duty.

“Our children are grown up now, so it’s nice to help colleagues with young families,” she said. “It’s reassuring to know we’re there for animals and people when they need us most.

“Wildlife rescues are always my favourites at Christmas –we’ve helped many grey seal pups over the festive period, and those rescues always stay with you.”

The charity has warned that reports of animal abandonment are on course to reach a sixyear high. In response, RSPCA Cymru has launched The Big Give Back to Animals winter appeal to raise vital funds and ensure frontline teams can continue their lifesaving work.

As others celebrate at home, RSPCA staff across Wales will once again be proving that for rescued animals, Christmas care never stops.

School leaders demand answers over £339m education funding

SCHOOL leaders have demanded greater transparency from the Welsh Government over how hundreds of millions of pounds in additional education funding has been spent, after the First Minister declined to give detailed answers during Senedd scrutiny.

The call comes after NAHT Cymru, which represents school leaders, said £339m flowed to the Welsh Government as a result of increased education spending in England for the 2026/27 draft budget. Of that total, only £39m has so far been allocated directly to core school budgets.

This week, a further £112.8m was allocated to local government following a budget agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, with ministers indicating that some of that funding will reach schools. However, education leaders have warned that the scale of the pressures facing

schools means the additional money is unlikely to close existing gaps.

The Welsh Local Government Association has predicted a £137m shortfall in school budgets across Wales in the next financial year. At the same time, councils are facing an estimated £200m deficit in social care funding, placing further strain on local authority finances and limiting how far additional funding can stretch.

Appearing before the Senedd’s scrutiny committee, the First Minister was questioned by Labour MS Jenny Rathbone, Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell and Conservative MS Mark Isherwood about how education consequentials had been allocated. She declined to give a breakdown of where the additional funding had gone, instead arguing that, under devolution, consequentials are not automatically passed on to specific services.

The First Minister repeatedly pointed to figures showing that Wales spends around seven per cent more per pupil than England. However, education leaders argue that headline per-pupil figures do not reflect the reality faced by schools.

NAHT Cymru’s national secretary, Laura Doel, said the union remained deeply concerned following the evidence session.

She said: “Despite repeated attempts by members from all parties to get a clear answer on consequential funding, the First Minister refused to give one. Instead, she focused on per-pupil spending comparisons with England, but that is not the same as the amount of money that actually reaches schools.

“Local authorities have to retain funding to run essential support services, so to imply that schools are receiving significantly more money is misleading.

“School leaders are

crying out for clarity. While we recognise that the Welsh Government and local authorities have autonomy over spending decisions, this question cannot simply be avoided. If funding has been allocated elsewhere, ministers should be open about where it has gone and why.”

Ms Doel added that, regardless of how the figures are presented, schools are struggling to meet rising costs.

“Whatever spin is put on this, schools do not have enough money to meet the needs of learners. Additional funding came to Wales as a result of UK Government decisions, and school leaders are entitled to know how that money has been used.”

The Welsh Government has previously said it must balance competing pressures across public services and that local authorities play a key role in determining how education funding is distributed at a local level.

Basic Payment Scheme 2025 balance paid to 95% of Welsh farmers

The WELSH Government says more than ninety-five per cent of farm businesses have now received their full or balance payment under the final year of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), ahead of the introduction of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) in 2026.

Announcing the update on Friday (Dec 12), Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, confirmed that over 15,400 Welsh farm businesses have been paid £68.7m. This comes on top of the £160m issued in BPS advance payments since 14 October.

FINAL ROUND OF BPS PAYMENTS

The Basic Payment Scheme, which has been the backbone of farm support in Wales for a decade, provides direct income support to help farmers plan and manage their businesses. BPS 2025 marks the last year in which full BPS payments will be made before the scheme begins to be phased out.

The Cabinet Secretary said officials would “continue to process the outstanding BPS 2025 claims as soon as possible,” adding that all but the most complex cases should be completed by 30 June 2026. Payments issued today

represent the main balance due to farmers following earlier advances, giving many businesses the cash flow they need during the quieter winter period—traditionally a challenging time in the agricultural calendar.

Shift to Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2026

From 1 January 2026, the Welsh Government will begin rolling out the Sustainable Farming Scheme, a major reform to how agricultural support is delivered. The SFS will reward farmers for environmental outcomes such as habitat management, carbon reduction and biodiversity improvements, alongside continued food production.

The government has argued that the new scheme is essential to meeting Wales’ climate and

nature targets while ensuring long-term resilience in the sector. However, the transition has been closely watched by farming unions, who have raised concerns about the administrative burden, income stability, and the speed at which BPS is being phased out.

Mr Irranca-Davies reaffirmed the government’s stance, saying: “This government is steadfastly committed to supporting Welsh farmers to sustainably produce quality food. This is demonstrated today in our payment of the BPS 2025 balance payments and will continue throughout the transition period.”

SECTOR REACTION

Farming unions are expected to scrutinise the detail of today’s announcement, particularly

around remaining unpaid cases. Last year, late payments led to frustration in parts of the sector, with unions calling for greater certainty as the industry faces rising input costs, supply chain pressures and continued market volatility.

The move to the SFS remains one of the most significant agricultural policy changes in Wales since devolution. Ministers insist the shift is designed to support both food production and environmental stewardship, while critics warn the transition must not undermine farm viability— especially for family-run livestock farms that dominate rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

WHAT HAPPENS NExT

Farmers still awaiting their BPS 2025 balance will continue to be processed “as soon as possible”, the Welsh Government said. Officials will also publish updated guidance on the Sustainable Farming Scheme ahead of its launch.

The coming year will therefore become a pivotal moment for Welsh agriculture, as the longstanding BPS framework—which provided over £200m annually to Welsh farmers—makes way for a new results-based model that will shape the industry for decades to come.

Terry Bayliss awarded FUW Lifetime Achievement award

THE Farmers’ Union of Wales has awarded its 2025 FUW Lifetime Achievement Award to Terry Bayliss, recognising his long-standing contribution to the UK sheep sector and farmer-led processing initiatives.

Terry’s involvement in the agricultural industry took a significant step forward in 1998, when he and four fellow farmers established Farmers Ferry in response to poor returns for UK sheep producers. Their aim was to create a more efficient route for exporting lambs directly from farms to continental markets. By its second year, Farmers Ferry was exporting around 1.2 million lambs, quickly becoming a notable development within the sector. Terry has served as Company Director and Chairman for 27 years.

The early success of Farmers Ferry led to the formation of Farmers First, which attracted over 2,750 farmer investors, and later to the creation of Farmers Fresh in 2000, operating from a slaughterhouse in Kenilworth. This expansion provided farmer-controlled access to European markets for lamb carcasses and helped increase competition within the UK marketplace.

In 2018, the company acquired the Fairfield Meat Abattoir in Wrexham,

creating Farmers Fresh Wales. Over the years, the business has navigated major sector challenges, including foot-and-mouth disease, Brexitrelated uncertainty and the Covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining trade in the EU and developing new markets in the UK, Canada and the Middle East.

Terry’s contribution has been previously recognised, including receipt of the John Gittins Memorial

Award in 2021 and the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy in 2019, for both of which the FUW provided nominations.

Presenting Terry Bayliss with the FUW’s Lifetime Achievement Award, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Terry Bayliss has played a significant part in developing farmercontrolled processing and marketing structures over many years. From

humble beginnings to becoming a major force in the UK processing sector, the journey he helped shape is remarkable.

His commitment to supporting producer interests, and his role in strengthening market access for lamb, have made a substantial contribution to the sector and Welsh farmers. The FUW is delighted to recognise his work with this award.”

SFS tops agenda at NFU Cymru meeting with Deputy First Minister

IN a meeting this week with the Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, NFU Cymru reiterated key areas where the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) needs to continue to evolve to ensure it can deliver for Welsh farming.

Speaking after the meeting NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “Whilst NFU Cymru continues to believe that the framework of the Sustainable Farming Scheme is right, we remain of the firm view that there is still work to do to evolve the scheme, to ensure it can deliver for Welsh farming and the communities that it underpins.

“I was pleased that the Deputy First Minister very much shared our view that there is ongoing work to do on the optional and collaborative layers of the scheme and that he was prepared to listen to specific concerns related to a number of universal actions.

“This included the proposals for six hours of training required annually through the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Universal Action. The

union highlighted the need to ensure that the broad range of valuable CPD opportunities provided by organisations such as NFU Cymru can be included.

“In respect of the Animal Health & Welfare Universal Action, NFU Cymru made it clear that there should be no duplication between the Animal Health Improvement Cycle and the Biosecurity Risk Assessment requirements of this universal action and the requirements of farm assurance schemes operating in Wales.

“NFU Cymru also expressed concern with regards to the SFS requirements relating to hedges within the Hedgerow Management Universal Action and disappointment that hedge planting will not be included as a measure of progress within the Trees and Hedgerow Opportunity Plan.”

Turning to the Optional Layer of the SFS, Aled Jones said: “We impressed on the Deputy First Minister the need to progress proposals under the optional layer of the SFS to support productivity and efficiency on farm, measures to increase profitability and

the sustainability of farming businesses.

“The development of a well-resourced, practical Sustainable Production offer is going to be crucial to help meet our ambition for the continued growth of the food and farming sector in Wales and to address some of the challenges that Welsh Government’s economic modelling and impact assessment of the SFS picked up this autumn.”

Concluding, Mr Jones said: “A properly resourced universal layer and social value payment that provides stability to farming businesses must continue to be at the heart of the SFS both now and in the future. The current government and any future government must give an ongoing commitment to maintain, as a minimum, the current 70:30 budget split between the universal and optional/collaborative layers. Looking ahead, an increased budget of a minimum of £500m is needed to take account of inflation and to help meet our shared ambitions for food, climate, environment, communities and language.”

The proposal to establish a new National Park in North East Wales remains a significant concern for Farmers’ Union of Wales members living and working within and around the proposed boundary. Following further engagement with local members, the FUW has submitted an additional consultation response to Natural Resources Wales, highlighting a number of unresolved issues linked to the proposed Glyndŵr National Park.

Central to members’ concerns is the long-term funding and governance of a new National Park Authority. Funding is expected to come from Welsh Government grants alongside a levy on local authorities, however there is widespread uncertainty about whether this approach would offer sufficient stability in the long term. With existing National Park Authorities already under financial pressure, members question whether establishing a new body is realistic given ongoing constraints on public finances.

There is also concern that any additional financial burden placed on local authorities could further strain services relied upon by rural communities. From transport and education to healthcare and emergency services, many of these provisions are already stretched, and members fear that additional responsibilities could have unintended consequences for those living and working in rural areas.

Planning and development remains another key issue. Experience from existing National Parks suggests that planning processes can be more complex and time-consuming, creating

delays for essential farm developments. This can affect everything from infrastructure improvements and diversification projects to compliance with regulatory requirements.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact to on-farm renewable energy developments. Restrictions in some designated areas have limited opportunities for farmers to invest in renewables, reducing both farm efficiency and the sector’s contribution to wider environmental objectives.

Housing affordability is another ongoing worry. National Park designation can place added pressure on local housing markets, making it more difficult for local families, young farmers and multi-generational farm businesses to remain within their communities.

While tourism can bring economic benefits, members have highlighted the pressures increased visitor numbers can place on rural infrastructure. Issues such as parking, road safety, emergency service capacity and rural crime all risk being exacerbated without adequate investment and resourcing.

The FUW maintains that many environmental and landscape objectives can be delivered through partnership working and existing policy mechanisms.

The current National Landscape designation already provides strong protection, and the Union continues to urge Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government to fully assess the social, economic and environmental impacts before any further decisions are taken.

BMW iX3 is the Electrifying.com 2026 Car of the Year

The all-new BMW ix3 has been revealed as Electrifying. com’s 2026 Car of the Year. Closely following its recent triumph at the Top Gear.com Awards, the first Neue Klasse model deeply impressed the team behind the world’s most-watched EV YouTube channel, who declared it “the most important car of the year”.

Ginny Buckley, Editor-inChief at Electrifying.com, was “astonished” by the BMW iX3, commending its “smooth power delivery”, “incredible” charging capabilities and “minimalist” interior design. However, it was the SAV’s “super slick” automated driving functions that impressed her most, culminating in the “smoothest and most relaxing” system she had experienced.

On presenting the headline accolade, Buckley said, “The phrase ‘game-changer’ is overused in the car industry, but the BMW iX3 lives up to that claim. This is BMW starting again from the ground up - new battery tech, new software, the lotwith a claimed range of up to 500 miles. But the real standout is the bigger picture: BMW hasn’t just made a better EV, it’s worked out how to build one more sustainably too. The iX3 Neue Klasse is the point where BMW’s electric future properly clicks. It’s a brilliant, deserved winner.”

With the launch of the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group has further intensified its efforts to increase circularity and reduce CO2 emissions across the entire vehicle life cycle – from production to

end of life. For instance, at its newest production plant in Debrecen, Hungary – where the BMW iX3 is built – normal operations run entirely without fossil fuels. Furthermore, the product carbon footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is 34 per cent smaller than that of its predecessor over its full life cycle1. This means that, when powered by energy from the European electricity mix, it will have a smaller product carbon footprint (based on overall life cycle) than a comparable combustion-engine model once it has covered around 21,500 kilometres (13,358 miles).

Reflecting on the success of the BMW iX3, David George, CEO, BMW Group UK and Ireland commented, “The launch of the new BMW iX3 marks a significant step-change in the

performance and innovations of our battery electric vehicles. With its impressive 500-mile2 range and ultra-fast charging capabilities, the BMW iX3 delivers a truly compelling driving experience for our customers. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire Electrifying. com team.”

The Electrifying.com Awards celebrate the electric vehicles and companies that represent a genuine step forward for drivers and the wider EV sector. Electrifying.com is the UK’s fastest-growing electriccar platform who provide consumers with trusted, jargonfree insight into electric cars, charging and the transition to cleaner transport.

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Flying Spur sets new ‘winter lap record’ at most northerly active racetrack in the world

THE Flying Spur Speed has again demonstrated its exceptional performance in all conditions by setting a new ‘winter lap record’ at the world’s most northerly active race circuit.

The record was set at the Drivecenter Arena circuit in Fällfors, northern Sweden – just 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, and a former military airbase. Despite the entirety of the 2.05-mile track being covered in 12” of ice and snow, the Flying Spur Speed was able to complete laps in under three minutes, with the best time standing at 2:58 – the quickest any vehicle has lapped the facility in winter

conditions, ever. The Flying Spur’s variable four-wheel drive system and rear-wheel steering combined to give the car outstanding agility in the conditions, and peak speed was 120 mph during the record run despite the longest straight being only 450 metres long and covered in sheet ice.

The record was inspired by a combination of previous events from Bentley’s history – the two Ice Speed Records captured by Bentley in 2007 and 2011, and the one-hour endurance record set by a Turbo R at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK in 1986 where 140 mph was averaged around the banked bowl. While the

conditions mirrored those of the Ice Speed Records, the car that was used – registration Y15 BML – has a specification matched to the Turbo R in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. Identical Brooklands Green paintwork, yellow fine lines, and an interior in Linen, Cumbrian Green and Open Pore Walnut were specified to mark the Turbo R’s 40th birthday this year.

Flying Spur Speed – Performance in All Conditions

The Flying Spur Speed is a car designed to deliver exceptional driving performance in all conditions, thanks to its Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain and advanced chassis systems. An

advanced 600 PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is combined with a 190 PS electric motor that is neatly integrated within the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. In Sport Mode this powertrain deploys a full 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, with the instant torque of the E-motor complementing the charismatic crossplane beat of the V8.

In pure EV mode, the E-motor provides 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations, while the 25.9 kWh battery offers up to 47 miles (76 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle). Together, the V8 and E-motor provide the new Flying Spur with a total range of 515 miles (829 km). Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent.

The Bentley Performance Active Chassis comes as standard with the Flying Spur Speed. Features of the sophisticated new setup include Bentley Dynamic Ride and All-Wheel Steering, along with an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential, while a new generation of ESC software permits a range of driving styles to be accessed and provides reliable traction in all conditions – though the record was asset with the system completely switched off.

With the new car’s rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3 : 51.7, the chassis systems and ESC have a mechanically-optimised platform in which to provide the final refinement. The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes, to provide exceptional traction in all conditions – vital for a fast lap on snowcovered sheet ice.

Computer gaming lounge plans for Tenby cinema submitted

FORMAL plans to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been submitted to the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores earlier this year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, seeks permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

This follows a recently submitted application for a ‘CONTINUE? Retro Gaming Lounge’ sign on the front of the former cinema, ahead of the wider scheme for a retro gaming facility at the former cinema site, which has a Grade-II-listed front façade.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd says: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful

business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/ bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall

function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It adds: “The development would provide a muchwelcomed addition to White Lion Rd which will improve the vitality and viability of the immediate area by promoting greater levels of footfall within the area and introduce greater variety to the shopping frontage at this location.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application, and the related signage scheme, will be considered by park planners at a later date.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.

Independent brewers join call for business rates relief

INDEPENDENT brewers have joined growing calls for urgent, pub-specific relief on Business Rates amid fears that community pubs across west Wales and beyond could be forced to close.

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has warned that changes announced in the Autumn Budget will see pub costs rise sharply over the next three years, with the average pub facing a 76% increase in Business Rates. By

comparison, large warehousestyle premises operated by online and technology giants are expected to see increases of around 16%.

The issue will be discussed at a meeting taking place on Monday in Saundersfoot, where local publicans, small brewers and business representatives are due to come together to examine the impact of rising Business Rates and escalating operating costs. The meeting is expected to focus on the future sustainability of community pubs, particularly in coastal and rural areas where they often act as vital social hubs as well as key local employers.

Independent breweries are particularly exposed, SIBA says, as the vast majority of their beer is sold through local community pubs. Many small breweries also operate

their own pubs or taprooms, meaning they are hit twice by rising rates. Some independent brewers have reported rateable value increases of up to 300%, creating new costs they say will be extremely difficult to absorb.

New industry research published on Thursday (Dec 12) suggests that introducing a pub-specific Business Rates relief of 30% from April 1, 2026 could protect around 15,000 jobs currently under threat in the pubs sector and help prevent widespread closures.

The call for action follows an open letter sent last week by SIBA’s board, expressing deep concern at the impact of the Budget’s Business Rates decisions on the hospitality sector.

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA, said: “The last orders bell is ringing very loudly in our

community pubs after the shock changes to Business Rates in the Budget.

“Publicans and brewers feel badly let down by a system that still isn’t fairly addressing the imbalance between big global tech companies and small business owners.

“We were promised proper reform of Business Rates in the Labour manifesto last year and a rebalancing of the tax regime, but this has not been delivered. Pubs therefore need urgent help to address the planned increase in costs through a pubspecific relief, followed by full and meaningful reform.”

Those attending Monday’s meeting in Saundersfoot are expected to consider how local voices can feed into the national debate and press for urgent action to protect community pubs across Pembrokeshire.

Cosheston Garden Centre expansion approved by planners

PLANS to upgrade a garden centre on the main road to Pembroke Dock have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, submitted through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, Mr and Mrs Wainwright sought permission for upgrade of a garden centre with a relocated garden centre sales area, additional parking and the creation of ornamental pond and wildlife enhancement area (partly in retrospect) at Cosheston Garden Centre, Slade Cross, Cosheston.

The application was a resubmission of a previously refused scheme, with the retrospective aspects of the works starting in late 2023.

The site has a long planning history, and started life as a market garden and turkey farm in the 1980s, and then a number of applications for new development.

A supporting statement says the previously-refused application included setting aside a significant part of the proposed new building for general retail sales as a linked farm shop and local food store/deli in addition to a coffee bar.

It was refused on the grounds of “the proposal was deemed to be contrary to retail policies and the likely impact of that use on the vitality and viability of nearby centres,” the statement said, adding: “Secondly, in noting that vehicular access was off the A 477 (T) the Welsh Government raised an objection on the grounds that insufficient transport information had been submitted in respect of traffic generation and highway safety.”

It said the new scheme seeks to

address those issues; the development largely the same with the proposed new garden centre building now only proposed to accommodate a relocated garden centre display sales area rather than a new retail sales area with other goods, but retaining a small ancillary coffee bar area.

“Additional information, in the form of an independent and comprehensive Transport Statement, has now been submitted to address the objection raised by the Welsh Government in respect of highway safety,” the statement said.

It conceded: “It is acknowledged that both the creation of the ornamental

pond and ‘overspill’ parking area do not have the benefit of planning permission and therefore these aspects of the application are ‘in retrospect’ and seeks their retention.”

It finished: “Essentially, this proposal seeks to upgrade existing facilities and offer to the general public. It includes the ‘relocation’ of a previously existing retail display area which had been ‘lost’ to the ornamental pond/amenity area and to provide this use within the proposed new building and moves away from the previously proposed ‘farm shop’ idea which we thought had merit.

“This revised proposal therefore involves an ‘upgrading’ rather than an ‘expansion’ of the existing garden centre use.”

An officer report recommending

approval said that, while the scheme would still be in the countryside rather than within a settlement boundary, the range of goods sold would be “typical of the type of goods sold in a garden centre and which could be sold elsewhere within the garden centre itself,” adding: “Unlike the recent planning application refused permission it is not intended to sell delicatessen goods, dried food, fruit and vegetables, pet products and gifts.”

It added that a transport statement provided had been reviewed by the Welsh Government, which did not object on highway grounds subject to conditions on any decision notice relating to visibility splays and parking facilities.

The application was conditionally approved.

Llandeloy cottage crochet plans given the green light

A CALL to change the use of a Pembrokeshire farm holiday cottage to a crochet workshop has been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr and Mrs Evans of

Lochmeyler Farm, Llandeloy, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission for a change of use of a self-catered cottage to a crochet workshop.

A supporting statement says the application, one of a number of historic farm diversification schemes on site “seeks to continue to evolve with current market demands,” the cottage proposed for the change of use once a former outbuilding that was originally converted in 1992 into “a well-established holiday let”.

It added: “Made by Margo is a wellregarded local business founded by Margo Evans, a passionate lifelong crafter who began knitting at a young age. Her company specialises in creating handcrafted, contemporary crochet products using high-quality natural materials.

“Accordingly, Margo is a highly sought-after teacher known for her popular crochet classes. This proposal is motivated by a recognised need for a permanent space for the

business, as to date the applicant has needed to use community halls or similar spaces to accommodate clients.

“Thus, the proposed change of use will secure a permanent space for these workshops and will future proof the business against the lack of availability of public spaces.

“Other alternatives have been considered with the cottage being the most viable option, particularly as demand has waned for holiday cottage post Covid-19. The holiday cottage, whilst once popular, is no longer in high demand, with visitors requiring more modern amenities and larger spaces which without significant investment, this holiday cottage is unable to provide.

“Consequently, the cottage’s change of use will diversify the farm’s revenue, while simultaneously providing a permanent base for a small rural business. While the primary customer base is local, the space may also help attract seasonal

tourism and broaden the business’s appeal.”

It says the operation would be on a small scale, with a maximum of six people per class and a three day perweek schedule.

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The provision of a workshop would have both social and environmental benefits for the applicant and local community through the provision of business and income generated from the operation.

“With regard to environmental impacts, positive environmental impacts would be achieved through the re-use of the building. Whilst the proposed location is in the open countryside, which is not a sustainable location, the proposed operation of the business is low scale. It is considered that the number of trips would be of low frequency when compared to the potential number of trips that are generated from tourism.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Major investment confirmed for GP services in Wales

MORE than £41m in extra funding will go into general practice in Wales this year following a new agreement between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and GP leaders. Ministers say the deal provides stability at a time of rising demand — but the settlement comes against a backdrop of sustained pressures, recruitment challenges and concerns over patient access.

The package includes a 4% uplift to the General Medical Services (GMS) contract for 2025-26, in line with independent DDRB pay recommendations, and a guaranteed 5.8% recurrent uplift from 2026-27. The Welsh Government says the multi-year commitment will allow practices to plan ahead, modernise systems and strengthen community-based services.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the investment showed an “unwavering commitment” to general practice, adding:

“The 4% pay uplift ensures fair recognition for GPs and practice staff who work tirelessly to deliver care for communities across our country. Multi-year funding gives practices the confidence to invest in the transformation primary care needs.”

However, the announcement comes

at a time when many Welsh practices continue to report severe workforce pressures, rising demand, and longstanding challenges in recruiting new partners. GP numbers have fallen over the past decade, with some practices handing back contracts or operating list closures because of unsustainable workloads. Patient satisfaction with access has also declined, according to the latest Welsh GP Patient Survey.

WHAT THE DEAL INCLUDES

The settlement for 2025-26 comprises £37.9m of new investment and £4m in reinvested capacity funding, with the key elements including:

• A 1.77% uplift in expenses, intended to help practices manage inflationary pressures in energy, staffing and running costs.

• A recurrent £20m stabilisation fund to support practices facing immediate operational pressures and to prepare for wider reform under the incoming Sustainable Farming Scheme model for health.

• An increased partnership premium, aimed at retaining experienced GPs and encouraging new partners into a model that some say has become less attractive due to financial and regulatory risk.

• A full review of the GMS allocation formula — the first in more than 20 years — which determines how funding is distributed between practices. Some rural and deprived communities have long argued the current system does not reflect the complexity of local health needs.

WIDER CONTExT

General practice remains the foundation of the NHS, accounting for around 90% of patient contacts, yet it receives a proportionally small share of the overall health budget compared with hospital services. Both the Welsh NHS Confederation and GPC Wales have repeatedly warned that without sustained investment, primary care risks being unable to meet increasing demand from ageing populations and rising chronic illness.

The Welsh Government’s own “community-by-design” programme relies on shifting more care closer to home, reducing pressure on emergency departments and supporting earlier intervention. For that to be achieved, GP leaders say investment needs to be matched with workforce expansion, improved digital systems, and clear strategies to retain experienced clinicians.

Working groups will now be set up to examine access standards, diabetes prevention and new service models.

Mr Miles said he was pleased that GPs would be “actively contributing to creating innovative care models that enhance access, improve outcomes and deliver care locally.”

GP representatives broadly welcomed the deal but have stressed that it is only one step in addressing the scale of challenge across primary care.

Welsh NHS leaders hail GP contract deal as ‘vital step’ in strengthening primary care

WELSH NHS leaders have welcomed the successful conclusion of the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract for 2025-26 — and key elements of 2026-27 — describing it as a “positive example of social partnership” at a pivotal moment for general practice.

The deal, negotiated between Welsh Government, the Welsh NHS Confederation and GP representatives, sets out new investment and commitments for frontline primary care, including accelerated digital transformation through the NHS Wales App and strengthened support for population-level health management.

Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said the agreement comes at a crucial time for GP services across Wales.

He said: “NHS leaders welcome this agreement as a positive example of social partnership in action. We also welcome the commitment to accelerating digital transformation for patients through the NHS Wales App and the measures agreed in the contract to enable enhanced population health management, such as diabetes management.”

Mr Hughes added that GPs and their multidisciplinary teams remain “the front door to the NHS,” and stressed that investment in general practice is essential if Wales is to treat more people closer to home.

“Evidence shows investing in primary and community care reduces demand on hospitals and emergency care and delivers returns of £14

for every £1 invested. To enable this shift ‘upstream’ from hospitalcentred care to integrated services in the community, we must develop care pathways and joint performance measures that address the full needs of individuals,” he said.

BACKGROUND: WHY THE GP CONTRACT MATTERS

General practice forms the foundation of the Welsh NHS, handling millions of patient contacts every year.

According to the latest official figures for 2023-24:

• Over 29 million calls were received by GP practices

• 18 million appointments took place

• 11 million of these were face-toface

• More than 200,000 home visits were carried out

• 78 million prescriptions were dispensed

• Over 14,000 medication reviews took place

Demand has continued to rise while GP numbers have come under sustained pressure, particularly in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys, where recruitment remains a long-running challenge. Practices in West Wales have repeatedly reported difficulties filling vacancies and increasing reliance on multidisciplinary teams, including nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physiotherapists.

The new GMS contract is therefore seen as a key mechanism for stabilising the sector, supporting digital access, improving chronic disease management, and helping to deliver the Welsh Government’s communityby-design programme, which aims to shift care away from hospitals and into community settings.

A recent survey by the Welsh NHS Confederation found that 74 per cent of NHS leaders support moving resources from acute hospital services into primary care, community-based services, mental health and social care, reflecting growing consensus around early intervention and prevention.

WHAT COMES NExT

The Welsh Government is expected to outline further detail in the coming months on how investment will be delivered at practice level, including support for digital tools, workforce development and shared performance measures with health boards.

With winter pressures mounting and hospitals facing record demand, NHS leaders say the success of the new GP contract will be central to improving access, reducing waiting times and ensuring patients in communities such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion can receive timely, local care before conditions escalate.

The Welsh NHS Confederation represents all seven local health boards, the three NHS trusts, Health Education and Improvement Wales, and Digital Health and Care Wales.

Motorcycle fundraisers transform children’s play area at Glangwili Hospital

THANKS to outstanding fundraising by the Pembrokeshirebased 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group, Hywel Dda Health Charities has funded a major improvement of the outdoor play area at Cilgerran children’s ward in Glangwili Hospital — a project costing more than £15,000.

The 3 Amigos and Dollies have supported Hywel Dda University Health Board’s children’s services for twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas toy runs becoming landmark dates in the local calendar, drawing hundreds of bikers and supporters from across west Wales.

The latest funding has delivered

a full transformation of the ward’s outdoor space, including a resprayed graffiti wall, new toys and play equipment, a summer house, improved storage, and a moveable ramp to make the area more accessible for young patients. Members of the group even volunteered to help paint and refresh the space themselves.

Paula Goode, Service Director for Planned and Specialist Care, said: **“We are so grateful to the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group for their amazing support. Not only have they raised an incredible amount for the ward, but they have given their time to help make the outdoor space as special as possible.

“Outdoor play greatly reduces stress and anxiety for children, and it provides a vital opportunity to meet other young people going through similar experiences. It benefits both

their physical and mental wellbeing, so we couldn’t be happier with the transformation.”

Tobi Evans, a volunteer with the fundraising group, said: “Because of the generosity of everyone who donates, we are able to give thousands each year. We are always humbled by how much people give, and it’s thanks to them that we’ve reached our 25th year.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “We can’t thank the 3 Amigos and Dollies enough for their support for Cilgerran ward. You have put a smile on so many faces. Diolch yn fawr!”

Hywel Dda Health Charities funds items, equipment and activities that go beyond core NHS funding, making a meaningful difference to children and families across mid and west Wales.

Senedd rejects calls to ‘eliminate’ rates for small businesses

A CONSERVATIVE call to abolish rates for all small businesses in Wales has been voted down by the Senedd amid warnings the tax burden is “hollowing out” high streets.

Tory Senedd Members urged the Welsh Government to scrap business rates entirely for the smallest businesses to give them “breathing space” amid a record wave of closures.

Samuel Kurtz claimed Wales has the “least competitive” business rates in Britain coupled with the highest unemployment in the UK and the lowest take-home pay.

“This is not the framework of a thriving economy,” he said, warning of an “economic doom loop” following November’s UK autumn budget.

Mr Kurtz, the Conservatives’ shadow economy secretary, told the Senedd high streets will be “hollowed out” and communities “left poorer” without radical reform.

Leading the debate on Wednesday December 10, Mr Kurtz described a business rates revaluation as the “final blow” for many businesses.

“Countless small firms have seen their valuations double,

triple or even quadruple,” he said. “One business owner told me recently that her monthly bill will rise by £8,000 – eight grand. For a small business, that’s completely unsustainable and untenable.”

Luke Fletcher, Plaid Cymru’s shadow economy secretary, welcomed the introduction of differential multipliers – a key determinant of bills – for highstreet shops in Wales.

But he criticised the Welsh Government for excluding the hospitality industry from the lower

rate multiplier, costing the typical pub an extra £6,800 a year.

“To not include hospitality… was a massive misstep by the government,” he said.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, pointed out that Wales has had the highest percentage of small businesses closing since 2020 as he called for a VAT cut for hospitality businesses.

Conservative Joel James warned high streets are in a perilous state, with the Labour UK Government’s increase in

employers’ national insurance “killing businesses”.

His colleague Gareth Davies painted a bleak picture of a “decimated” hospitality sector, warning a pub closes every day. He suggested small businesses are being “suffocated” by “punishing” policies at both ends of the M4.

Responding to the debate, Rebecca Evans defended the Welsh Government’s record, arguing the economic environment has improved despite challenges such as inflation.

Wales’ economy secretary pointed to existing support which she said protects thousands of small businesses from bigger bills.

She told Senedd Members: “Our small business rates relief scheme provides over £140m of relief annually to around 70,000 properties across Wales, with over 50,000 of these receiving 100% relief and paying nothing at all.”

The Tory motion, which also called for free parking in town centres and the reversal of tourism tax plans, was voted down 34-12 with one abstention. Labour and Plaid Cymru amendments were also rejected as Senedd Members failed to reach any agreement.

Pembrokeshire industrial jobs ‘could be at risk’ as parties clash over investment

TRADE unions have warned that hundreds of industrial jobs in Pembrokeshire could be at risk without stronger longterm support for Welsh manufacturing, as political parties set out competing approaches ahead of the Senedd elections.

TUC Cymru says its analysis suggests 939 industrial jobs in Pembrokeshire could be vulnerable if investment in clean industrial upgrades were withdrawn, warning that policies proposed by Reform UK, and to a lesser extent the Conservatives, pose the greatest risk to industrial employment.

The warning comes as the union body launched its “Save Welsh Industry – No More Site Closures!” campaign at events in Deeside and Swansea, calling on all political parties to commit to a five-point plan to protect and future-proof Welsh industry.

According to TUC Cymru, jobs at risk locally include 434 in automotive supply chains, 183 in rubber and plastics and 75 in glass manufacturing. The union body says these sectors rely on continued investment to

remain competitive and avoid offshoring.

TUC Cymru said its modelling focused on industries most exposed to closure or relocation if industrial modernisation and decarbonisation are not delivered. It argues that without sustained public and private investment, Welsh manufacturing faces further decline.

A GMB member working at Valero in Pembrokeshire said: “It’s clear Nigel Farage has no clear plan. I can see this industry collapsing under his policies. We need support, not division. His way will lead to job losses across the board and the lights will go out.”

The union body stressed that all parties need to strengthen their industrial policies, but claimed Reform UK’s stated opposition to net zero-related investment would place the largest number of jobs at risk across Wales, estimating that almost 40,000 industrial jobs nationally could be affected.

Conservative policies were also criticised, though the TUC said the likelihood of job losses under the Conservatives was lower.

Labour has rejected claims

that Welsh industry is being neglected, pointing to recent investment announcements made at the Wales Investment Summit, where more than £16bn worth of projects were highlighted as being in the pipeline across Wales.

Ministers said the summit demonstrated growing investor confidence, with projects linked to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, ports, digital infrastructure and battery storage, and thousands of jobs expected as schemes move from planning into delivery.

Labour has argued that public investment is being used to unlock private sector funding, particularly in industrial regions, and says modernising industry is essential to keeping Welsh manufacturing competitive while protecting long-term employment.

At UK level, the party has also highlighted its National Wealth Fund and GB Energy commitments, which it says will support domestic supply chains, reduce long-term energy costs for industry and help secure both existing and future jobs.

Opposition parties and some business groups

have questioned whether all announced projects will translate into permanent employment, arguing that greater clarity is needed on timescales and delivery.

Reform UK has argued that scrapping net zero policies would cut public spending and reduce costs for households and businesses, while the Conservatives have pledged to roll back climate-related targets and reduce regulation on industry.

Unions dispute those claims, warning that higher electricity prices and a lack of investment would make Welsh industry less competitive internationally.

TUC Cymru President Tom Hoyles said Welsh industry needed urgent action from all parties to survive and thrive in the 21st century, warning that policies which sought to turn back the clock could put thousands of Welsh jobs at risk.

With industrial areas including Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire also identified as facing significant pressures, the future of Welsh manufacturing is expected to remain a key political issue in the run-up to the Senedd elections.

1950s women’s group questions ‘new evidence’ claims

CAMPAIGNERS representing women born in the 1950s have written to the UK Government demanding urgent clarification over what ministers are calling “new evidence” on state pension age changes – and why the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agreed to pay £180,000 towards legal costs when a High Court cap had been set at £90,000.

In a strongly worded email sent on Monday (Dec 15), Jackie Gilderdale and Kay Clarke, writing on behalf of 1950s Women of Wales, 50s Women United and Pension Partners for Justice, asked Pensions Minister Torsten Bell and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden to explain the Government’s position ahead of a planned meeting with MPs in January.

They warn that, if ministers do not provide a “full and substantive” response, they will file Freedom of Information requests and escalate the issue to the National Audit Office (NAO) and the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.

FIRST, THE ‘NEW EVIDENCE’

The Welsh-based group say they are “seeking urgent clarity” about repeated references in Westminster to “new evidence” relating to the way changes to women’s state pension age were communicated.

They argue that key material being talked about publicly is not new at all, but was uncovered years ago during the early stages of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign.

In their letter, Jackie and Kay say the omission of state pension age rises for women from automatic pension forecasts “as early as 2003” was documented by the original WASPI co-founders, widely used in campaigning work and held by law firm Bindmans “for almost a decade”.

“It CANNOT credibly be described as new,” they write.

The email asks the ministers to spell out:

1. What evidence is being described as “new”;

2. When that evidence first came into the possession of Government, MPs and legal representatives; and

3. Why “long established, documented evidence is now being presented in this manner”.

They also point to the fact that some material was once published on the WASPI website but later removed by the current WASPI leadership, led by Angela Madden, saying the reason “has never been explained”.

COSTS CAP AND £180,000 PAYMENT

The second major concern raised in the correspondence is the size of the DWP’s contribution to WASPI’s legal costs after the recent judicial review was halted. The campaigners highlight that a

costs capping order in the High Court proceedings limited the department’s liability to £90,000, yet the DWP has since confirmed it will pay £180,000 towards WASPI’s costs.

“This raises significant concerns regarding value for money, propriety and regularity, which fall within the scrutiny remit of the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee,” the letter states.

“It is unclear on what basis this excess payment was authorised, who approved it, or how it complied with principles of public financial management and ministerial accountability.”

Jackie and Kay say that unless ministers set out a clear justification for the payment, they will “proceed with a formal Freedom of Information request and refer the matter to the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee for full investigation”.

They also argue that, in a climate of tight public finances, any decision to go beyond a court-imposed cap should be fully explained to Parliament and the public.

CALL FOR INCLUSIVE MEDIATION

Underpinning the exchange is a long-running demand by 1950s Women of Wales and allied groups for formal mediation between the Government and all major campaign organisations representing women affected by pension age changes.

They point to recent changes to the Civil Procedure Rules and to case law encouraging courts and public bodies to make greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation.

“As Pensions Minister, Mr Bell has a duty to engage constructively in mediation with leaders of all 1950s women groups,” they write, adding that these groups “possess further evidence requiring scrutiny”.

“To decline or ignore such engagement would risk breaching ministerial duties; fail to meet legal expectations and be manifestly unjust to the women impacted.”

The letter asks for written confirmation that the Minister will now engage in mediation “in line with the Civil Procedure Rules and 2024 ADR requirements”.

SECRECY ROW OVER DECEMBER HEARING

The latest intervention also revisits controversy around the handling of a court hearing on 3 December, linked to the WASPI judicial review.

In earlier emails copied into the thread, Jackie and Kay describe the arrangements for public access to that hearing as an “extraordinary scandal”, claiming the DWP and WASPI agreed to conditions which “effectively repudiated the principle of open justice” by limiting or charging for access.

They say it took an intervention by a High Court judge shortly before the hearing to restore open access, after which both parties withdrew their applications and the case did not proceed.

The campaigners argue that this sequence “raises profound questions” and are calling for greater transparency about why the case collapsed and what, if anything, was being “concealed”.

Those comments are allegations by the campaign group; there is no suggestion that any party has accepted that characterisation of events.

WASPI GOVERNANCE QUESTIONS

Alongside criticism of Government, the Welsh group is also calling for scrutiny of WASPI’s own governance.

In previous correspondence, they raised concerns about:

1. apparent discrepancies between public statements about resignations and the directors still listed on Companies House; 2. the group’s internal accountability; and 3. whether WASPI’s leadership structure reflects those it claims to represent.

They argue that, by WASPI’s own figures, the organisation represents a relatively small proportion of the estimated

3.8 million women affected by state pension age changes, and say ministers should not treat it as the sole voice of the cohort.

“Government cannot be expected to engage with a company whose own governance raises such substantial questions,” one email says, while stressing that all groups – including WASPI – should be involved in any settlement process.

“WOMEN DESERVE hONESTY”

The latest message concludes by saying that women born in the 1950s “deserve honesty, transparency and accountability”.

“Anything less further undermines trust in the political process and perpetuates an injustice that has already endured for far too long, and cost a vast number of lives,” Jackie and Kay write.

They tell the ministers that, if their questions are ignored, they will ensure the full group of All-Party Parliamentary Group members, cross-party MPs and the wider public “are fully informed”.

The Herald has approached the Department for Work and Pensions, Torsten Bell MP, Pat McFadden MP, WASPI and Bindmans for comment.

A spokesperson for Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) said: “Just days before WASPI’s judicial review was set to take place, the Government backed down and agreed to reconsider all the evidence in the case by the end of February, and to pay WASPI £180,000 in legal costs – an increase on the costs cap.

“Prior to the expected hearing date, WASPI secured an agreement for the case to be screened online, in the public interest. However, the case was not in the end heard given the out-of-court settlement.

“WASPI continues to fight for fair and fast compensation for 1950s women and we enjoy the clear backing of the Parliamentary Ombudsman who concluded compensation was due following a thorough six year inquiry.”

W ITH ANDREW LYE

Wales is set to lose out on over £1 billion more in transport funding over the coming years after the Welsh Liberal Democrats revealed that the UK Labour Government confirmed that Northern Powerhouse Rail will go ahead as an ‘England and Wales project.

Northern Powerhouse Rail, sometimes referred to unofficially as High Speed 3, is a rail project designed to enhance connections between major cities in the North of England, such as Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Not a single inch of the project will be based in Wales.

The new scandal follows on from Wales missing out on billions of pounds in transport funding due to the clarification of various projects such as HS2 and East-West Rail (between Oxford & Cambridge) as ‘England and Wales projects, despite them not being based in Wales. This means Wales doesn’t receive consequential funding to spend on its own transport projects, whereas Scotland and Northern Ireland do.

The latest decision is set to deprive Wales of between £1.34 billion£1.59 billion in funding, on top of the up to £4 billion Wales has lost out on from HS2 and between £306 million and £363 million from East-West Rail.

Combining losses from all three projects, Wales could be set to lose out on approximately £6 billion in transport funding, despite its own public transport infrastructure creaking at the seams.

Scotland is set to receive £2.7 billion as a result of Northern Powerhouse Rail whilst Northern Ireland is set to receive just under £1 billion.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated that the figure exposes

Labour’s stance that Wales is getting fair funding when it comes to transport, because they will invest £445 million on rail in Wales over ten years, as “an absolute joke”.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called on the UK Labour Government to devolve heavy rail to Wales, as it is in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to stop these repeated funding scandals, something Labour have repeatedly refused to do.

The Lib Dems have also highlighted that the Government could simply classify the projects as ‘England only’ projects to trigger consequential funding. Something that was done frequently in the past, such as for Crossrail/ the Elizabeth Line.

The Labour Government has refused to commit to several rail projects in Wales, such as the electrification of the North & South Mainlines, despite previously supporting the projects before coming into Government.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:

“This Labour Government is deliberately depriving Welsh communities of billions of pounds in transport funding, whilst expecting a pat on the back for delivering crumbs.

“Labour has the power to change the system and stop these funding scandals, but has made its position clear.

“ They are happy for Wales to be left behind, paying for megaprojects in England whilst our own rail and transport infrastructure collapses.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for fair transport funding that delivers for our communities and businesses.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

‘Fat cats’ preying on veterinary practices

PRIVATE equity firms have been accused of collaring the market in a corporate “feeding frenzy” that has seen local, independent vets gobbled up by global giants.

Carolyn Thomas told the Senedd that non-vet ownership has led to a “monopolisation” of the sector, with six big firms owning 60% of UK practices –up from 10% a decade ago.

Leading a debate on Wednesday December 10, the Labour politician warned the “endless pursuit of profit” was driving down wages for staff while pushing up fees for customers.

“The cost-of-living crisis has put significant financial burden on pet owners,” she said.

“Many have been priced out of pet insurance, with premiums based on postcode. If an area has a large corporate presence, premiums are higher, but without insurance, sudden, huge vet bills can be impossible to pay…

“I read about pet owners skipping meals to cover costs, having to hand over their pets to rescue, or – in some cases – very sadly being forced to euthanise their pet.”

The short debate was prompted by a petition submitted by Linda Evelyn Joyce-Jones raising concerns about the corporate takeover of veterinary practices.

In 1999, the Blair UK Government changed the law to allow vet practices to be owned not only by qualified veterinary surgeons.

Ms Thomas raised an ongoing Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the veterinary market for household pets which has uncovered major competition concerns.

She told Senedd Members: “One of the companies being looked into is IVC Evidensia, the largest provider of vet services in the UK, owning over 1,000 practices. It is owned in part by Nestlé, which also manufactures pet food.

“How can owners be confident of the quality of the food or the nutrition advice from their vet when the two have such a conflict of interest?”

Ms Thomas, who chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee, said bills for pet owners have increased by 60% – “double the rate of inflation and increases in vet salaries”.

She pointed to growing pressure on rescue centres, with the RSPCA reporting a 25% rise in the number of pets abandoned in Wales and England this year.

She said: “Pets are a muchloved part of the family and it can be incredibly worrying for owners and have a significant mental health impact when their animal becomes unwell.

“It’s even more stressful and expensive when this happens outside of normal practice hours, and many of the large companies… do not cover outof-hours emergency care.”

Ms Thomas told the Senedd the corporate takeover is having a “severe negative impact” on those working in the sector, “which is plagued by support staff experiencing poverty pay”.

She warned vets feel pressured to upsell to pet owners or book emergency appointments for non-urgent symptoms due to strict deadlines and targets.

“The situation is clearly

unsustainable,” she said.

“It’s costing the lives of pets, it’s traumatising and unaffordable for pet owners and has created an unacceptable work environment for vets and support staff.

“France has taken legal steps against the corporate ownership of clinics, and Ireland is considering the same. I believe that the UK needs to take action now, before it’s too late.”

The north Walian warned of a “dire” situation on Anglesey where there are no out-ofhours vet services, “a constant source of concern for local pet owners”.

Andrew RT Davies, the former Tory group leader, described the situation on Ynys Môn as an “unmitigated disaster” for islanders who view their pets as part of their family.

Responding to the debate, Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’ Deputy First Minister, acknowledged the growing trend of corporate consolidation had raised critical questions.

Mr Irranca-Davies, who is responsible for animal welfare policy, said the Welsh Government was awaiting the final outcome of the CMA’s investigation expected in March 2026.

He pointed out that regulation of veterinary surgeons remains non-devolved as he welcomed the UK Government’s intention to consult on “timely” reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The MP-turned-Senedd Member, who was a Defra minister under Gordon Brown, said: “My priority is to ensure that Wales has exemplary standards of animal health and welfare, and a thriving veterinary sector is essential to achieving those goals.”

Kurtz warns six-month housing pause is costing jobs and worsening housing crisis

connected to NRW’s interpretation of rules surrounding the marine Special Area of Conservation off the Pembrokeshire coast. Despite efforts by local planning authorities to work within the requirements, development has stalled across wide areas of the county.

Mr Kurtz stressed that responsibility for the impasse sits with NRW and the Welsh Government, not with local councils, which he said are “doing everything reasonably possible” in exceptionally constrained circumstances. In the absence of clear, workable national guidance, planning departments cannot approve applications or provide certainty to developers.

and councils to find a proportionate solution that protects the marine environment without damaging livelihoods or halting much-needed housing delivery. He has also pressed the Cabinet Secretary for Housing to set out what support, if any, is being offered to affected workers and businesses, and when certainty is likely to return to the sector.

Commenting, Samuel Kurtz MS said:

“Everyone accepts the need to protect our natural environment, but this blanket, unresolved approach from NRW—made worse by inaction from the Welsh Government—has left housebuilding in Pembrokeshire frozen for nearly six months.

“Planning authorities are being placed in an impossible position. Builders and architects are already laying off staff because they simply cannot operate under the current guidance.

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has renewed his warning that a moratorium linked to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) guidance has left housebuilding across large parts of Pembrokeshire “frozen” for almost six months, with growing consequences for employment, local businesses and the county’s already stretched housing supply.

Raising the issue in the Senedd last week, the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire challenged Ministers over the continued paralysis affecting new developments

The knock-on effects, he warned, are now being felt across the local economy. Housebuilders are laying off staff, and architects, surveyors and other construction-related firms are seeing projects scrapped or delayed indefinitely. These are “real and immediate” job losses in a county already facing an acute shortage of homes, he said—undermining the Welsh Government’s stated aim to increase housing supply and support economic growth.

Mr Kurtz has called for urgent engagement between Ministers, NRW

“These job losses are a genuine and growing cause for concern. At a time of severe housing shortage, the Welsh Government must take responsibility, get a grip on the situation and deliver a solution that protects the environment while safeguarding jobs, homes and local communities.”

‘Children spending more time in digital worlds than the real one’

CHILDREN are spending more time in digital worlds than the real one, the Senedd has heard, with excessive screen use shaping behaviour and health in ways society cannot ignore.

Labour’s John Griffiths expressed concerns about the impact of smartphones and online gaming on young people amid an “epidemic of screen use” in Wales.

Mr Griffiths titled the debate “Locked in, Bruh!” – “the state of playing a video game while oblivious to anything else” – on the suggestion of Tom, a teenager from Newport.

He raised research from the Centre for Social Justice, a thinktank, which estimates that up to 814,000 UK children aged three to five are already engaging with social media.

The Newport East Senedd Member told the chamber two-thirds of primary school pupils in Wales have their own smartphone by the age of 11.

Mr Griffiths said boys spend two hours more a day on online gaming while girls spend more time on social media and “reel scrolling” which has been linked to damaging self-esteem.

He told Senedd Members: “Boys

are becoming more short-tempered and violent when exposed to violent video games and there is, rightly, much concern that children in more deprived families are particularly vulnerable.”

Mr Griffiths, who was first elected in 1999 and will stand down in 2026, said children aged five to 16 spend at least six hours a day looking at a screen. He added that for children, aged 11 to 14, that figure rises to nine hours a day.

He pointed to research showing more than 70% of young people in the UK do not undertake an hour of physical activity a day yet have at least six hours to spend looking at a screen.

He said: “Children are sat inside with a screen at the end of their nose and are not spending time outside enjoying their local communities or playing and interacting with friends.”

Mr Griffiths warned of increasing levels of obesity and rising numbers of young people reporting vision problems, with one in three children globally now short-sighted.

He told the Senedd: “As for the mental health and wider social impacts, anxiety and depression are increasingly linked to excessive screen use as is sleep disruption –with social media interfering with rest and emotional development.”

He raised a New Zealand study of more than 6,000 children that found a correlation between excessive screen time and below-average performance in literacy and numeracy. He warned children have increasingly shortened attention spans and an inability to concentrate.

Mr Griffiths shared the case of his constituent, Danielle, who said her son becomes more aggressive and snappier after a significant time gaming. Lucy, another constituent, explained how her children find the endless reels on social media addictive.

“Once they start scrolling, it’s hard to break that cycle,” the Senedd Member said. “And when she and her husband take the devices away, it often results in tantrums and tears.”

Mr Griffiths raised the example of countries such as Australia, France and Italy which have introduced strict

age checks and bans on social media for under 16s.

He acknowledged such a policy would need to come from the UK Government because powers over internet services are not devolved. But he said Wales has the authority to introduce measures through education policy on, for example, smartphones in schools.

The Tories’ Sam Rowlands warned algorithms are having a “sickening” effect on teenagers who are eight times more likely to act on self-harm urges when exposed to such content. “TikTok users with eating disorders receive over 4,000% more toxic content,” he warned.

Responding to Wednesday’s (December 17) debate, Jane Hutt recognised how so-called doom scrolling can have a detrimental impact on young people.

Wales’ social justice secretary said: “We are living through profound change. Childhood today is shaped by technology in ways that were unimaginable a generation ago… For many young people, screens, smartphones and online gaming are part of everyday life.”

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

SUPPORTING BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PEOPLE ACROSS WALES

DEAR SIR,

AS we move through the festive period, many of your readers will already be finding Christmas cards dropping through their letterboxes, filled with good wishes from friends and family.

Those messages mean a great deal at this time of year, but at RNIB Cymru we are also interested in what is on the envelopes they arrive in. Used stamps can be recycled to raise vital funds, helping us continue our work supporting blind and partially sighted people across Wales.

Whether readers have one stamp or a hundred, sending them to RNIB Cymru can make a real difference as we head into 2026. We can also make use of foreign stamps, old postcards, and expired or foreign currency.

To find out more, visit rnib. org.uk/stamps, where prepaid collection envelopes or boxes are available. Alternatively, readers can

email RNIBStamps@rnib.org. uk or call 0330 002 0051.

Wishing you and all your readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

ANSLEY WORKMAN COUNTRY DIRECTOR, RNIB CYMRU

RSPCA ASSUREDCERTIFIED FARMS

DEAR

SIR,

IF You or a loved one are enjoying a chocolate advent calendar this Christmas, take a moment to look at its size. Shockingly, around a third of the UK’s egg-laying hens spend most of their lives in cages that give each bird even less space than thatroughly the size of a sheet of A4 paper.

The good news is that shoppers are increasingly choosing to avoid eggs from caged birds. Thanks to this shift, around 70% of hens now live on RSPCA Assured-certified farms, managed by dedicated farmers following hundreds of strict higher welfare standards.

refuses to be mentally tamed. That woman is dangerous— and that is precisely why society works so hard to contain her.

If you haven’t already done so, one of the easiest ways to support higher welfare farming is by switching to eggs with the RSPCA Assured label. This ensures your eggs come from hens that are free to move, stretch their wings, perch, and forage whether they are kept indoors or out.

So when you’re doing your festive shopping this year, please look for the RSPCA Assured label on your eggs and help give more hens a cage-free Christmas.

Charlotte Thomas

Regional assessment manager, RSPCA Assured

SOCIETY HATES INTELLIGENT WOMEN

DEAR SIR,

There is one type of woman society has always feared most: the intelligent woman. Not the silent woman. Not the “pretty but obedient” woman. Not the woman trained to smile, nod, and comply. But the woman who thinks, questions, challenges, and

From classroom discussions to presidential debates, intelligent women are routinely told to “tone it down.” Why? Because her intellect threatens structures that once depended on her silence. Her clarity exposes borrowed authority and fragile power. Nothing unsettles a system more than a woman who refuses to play dumb, stay quiet, or apologise for her intelligence. The unspoken rebuke is always the same: your insight is disrupting our comfortable ignorance. This contradiction is built into society’s unspoken job description for women. Must be highly educated, but deferential in debate. Must show leadership potential, but remain supportive rather than commanding. Must pursue ambition—provided it is listed under “interests” rather than “purpose.” Excellence is encouraged, so long as it never challenges male authority. So why does a powerful woman cause such resistance? Because she is an upgrade the system cannot force-quit. She does not run on outdated software of shame or smallness. Her operating system is simple: self-possession. She reads the fine print others hoped she would ignore. She recognises traps dressed up as tradition and refuses to sign contracts designed to limit her life.

Intelligent women ask uncomfortable questions. Who decided my worth requires a “Mrs.” degree? When did ambition need permission? Why is confidence praised in men and punished in women? When was the last time a man was told to “smile more” during a boardroom negotiation? These questions rattle a centuries-old order that expected women to be grateful for slightly larger cages.

Many women are done seeking validation from systems that profit from their insecurity. This is the era of the unapologetically brilliant woman.

And the world will have to adjust.

YUMNA ZAHID ALI

death notices

D R P ETER L ILLEY

PASSED away peacefully on Monday 1st December.

Beloved husband of Andrea, loving father and father-in-law of Matt and Joan, Anna and Mark, Rob and Liz, and a much loved grandfather of Megan, Iwan, James, Felix, Owen, Arthur and Violet.

Funeral service on Tuesday 23rd December at St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle at 11am followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock.

No flowers by request.

Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to ‘British Heart Foundation Cymru’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

P HILIP B EYNON

T HE death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Friday 28th November of Mr. Philip Beynon of Cenarth Close, Pembroke Dock. The devoted and much loved husband of Ann, Phil was 65 and will be hugely missed by all his family, friends and former work colleagues.

The funeral will take place on Friday 19th. December with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 3.15. pm where friends please meet.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Phil for Cancer Research may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

D OREEN A NN J ONES

T HE death occurred peacefully at her home on Friday 21st. November of Mrs. Doreen Jones of Broadmoor, Kilgetty. Predeceased by her husband, Christopher, Doreen was 89 and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral will take place on Saturday 20th. December with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 1.00.pm. Immediate family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu for The RNLI may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN,Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

E DWARD ‘”T ONY ”’ A NTHONY G OLDING

T HE D eath occurred peacefully at The Royal Princess Alexandra Hospital in Kent on Friday 28th. November of Mr Edward “Tony” Golding. He was 93. Born in

January 1932, Tony lived as a boy at 28, Monkton Lane and kept a strong affinity with Monkton all his life, visiting many times over the years.

The funeral will take place on Monday 22nd. December with a service at Monkton Priory Church at 11.00.am followed by interment at Monkton Cemetery.

Family flowers only please.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN,Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

A LMA J AMES

I T is with great sadness that the family of Alma Ivy James, Middle Lamboro Farm, Clarbeston Road announces her passing peacefully at home on 28th November, aged 87 years.

Beloved wife of the late Glenville James (Glen) dear mother of Christopher, Anthony, Edward, Matthew and Timothy. loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

Funeral Service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Saturday, 3rd January at 12,15p.m.

Family flowers only. Donations if so desired towards The Paul Sartori Foundation, received by Ken Davies &

Sons, Funeral Directors, Blaenwern, Bro Waldo, Clunderwen. SA66 7NQ. Tel: 01437 563319

J ONATHAN D AVIES

T HE death occurred peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Monday 8th December 2025 of Mr Jonathan Davies, affectionately known as Jon, aged 81 years of Lamphey.

Loyal husband to Jane. Dearly loved Dad to Catherine, James, and Hilary. Much loved Father-in-law to Eti and Helen. Treasured Grandad to Rumi & Isaiah.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 5th January 2025 at Ss Faith & Tyfei Church, Lamphey at 11.00am followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 12.15pm.

The family would like to collect stories about Jon. If you feel you are able, please send any anecdotes or memories to Jon’s daughter Hilary, hilary@saharalondon.com

We will also provide a story-box at the wake. There will be family flowers only.

Funeral arrangements are carried by E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680.

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENTRY

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

CLEARANCES

ELECTRICAL

FENCING, DRIVEWAYS AND LANDSCAPING

HAIRDRESSING

FABRICATION

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRY

SCRAP METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS

TRAILERS

VEHICLE RECOVERY

WINDOWS

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

HAVERFORDWEST

Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

• U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee

• U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips

• U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton

• U10s: Rhys Davies

• U10s Eagles: Frankie

Campbell

• U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards

• U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler

• U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis

• U15s: Logan Keane

• U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.

Clubs event inspires girls to try new sports

MORE than 50 young people took part in a multisport taster event designed to encourage girls to get involved in new activities.

The Sport Pembrokeshire Community Clubs event was held at Fishguard Leisure Centre on Sunday (Dec 1) for pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and its feeder schools, with sponsorship from Valero.

Local sports clubs and activity providers offered a wide range of sessions, including cricket, selfdefence, rowing, dance, hockey, tennis, table tennis, rugby and basketball. Water for participants was kindly provided by Princes Gate.

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun also played a key role in helping the event run smoothly.

Dan Bellis, of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “It was a fantastic evening and it was brilliant to see so many young people and coaches in attendance.

“There was a wide range of activities on offer and everyone clearly enjoyed themselves.

“We hope the girls who took part have discovered a new sport or activity and will continue their involvement with the local clubs and providers who supported the event.”

manderwood Pembrokeshire leagUe

WRU opens upgraded pathway gym to support elite rugby talent

THE WRU has officially opened a newly refurbished pathway gym at its National Centre of Excellence, as part of efforts to strengthen the development and retention of elite rugby players in Wales.

The upgraded facility is now fully operational and will support players across the men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ performance pathways, providing a consistent highperformance environment from youth level through to elite rugby.

The refurbishment forms part of the WRU’s One Wales strategy, which aims to create a unified approach to player development across the game.

The £259,000 project was formally opened by the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, and was backed by £207,000 from Sport Wales through the Welsh Government’s Elite Performance Fund.

The new gym includes advanced performance and monitoring equipment, such as force plates and velocity-based training systems, designed to reduce injury risk while improving rehabilitation and physical conditioning.

The work represents the first phase of a wider programme of improvements planned for the National Centre of Excellence.

A second phase, expected to open in the new year, will deliver additional facilities including a strength and conditioning hot-and-cold recovery suite and dedicated changing areas for female athletes.

Speaking at the opening, Jack Sargeant said the investment reflected a commitment to both performance and equality in Welsh sport.

He said: “This funding is about making sure Welsh athletes have access to the facilities they need to compete at the highest level. The upgraded Pathway Gym demonstrates our focus on excellence and ensuring players, regardless of gender, can train in a world-class environment.”

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said the improvements were central to the union’s long-term ambitions.

He said: “We are extremely grateful to Sport Wales and the Welsh Government for their support. The Pathway Gym is a key part of our plans to develop and retain top-level

He said: “This facility will provide Welsh athletes with an outstanding environment in which to train and develop. It supports the continued growth of the women’s and girls’ game while helping players across all pathways reach their full potential.”

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

AN ExTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced

a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest. Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat.

In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby

were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate

attack and unleashed a stunning 25yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground. Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Bluebirds’ European Journey Continues in Season Four of You Can Have It All

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY has confirmed the return of their club documentary series, You Can Have It All (YCHIA), later this month, showcasing the thrilling journey of last summer’s European adventure.

YCHIA first began filming in 2021, with Season One covering a rollercoaster 2021-22 campaign for the Bluebirds. The season ended with a dramatic top-flight survival, following a challenging period. Season Two shifted focus to the 2022-23 season, which saw the club qualify for Europe for the first time since 2004. The Bluebirds’ stunning play-off victory, which included back-to-back penalty shoot-out wins against Cardiff Met and Newtown, marked manager Tony Pennock’s first season in charge as a major success.

The excitement intensified as the series continued to cover their historic European campaign, which began with a trip to North Macedonia to face KF Shkëndija. Returning to Cardiff City Stadium for the second leg, the Bluebirds made club history by winning their first-ever European tie on penalties. The drama then took them to the Faroe Islands to face B36 Tórshavn, where they were controversially edged out by a single goal in the return leg.

Now, with further continental success under their belts, YCHIA returns for its fourth season, documenting last summer’s European adventure. This season follows Haverfordwest County’s journey through the qualifying rounds of the newly rebranded UEFA Conference League (UECL).

Providing exclusive behind-thescenes access, the series tracks the

Bluebirds’ travels to Malta for the first leg of their UECL first qualifying round tie against Floriana, and the return leg at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli a week later. The season also covers the build-up to the competition, including a visit to Geneva for the UEFA draw and a match against reigning Northern Ireland champions Linfield at Windsor Park, the national stadium.

Season Four will be released in

three episodes on December 18, December 23, and January 2. You can watch You Can Have It All on Haverfordwest County’s YouTube channel by following this link. The club will also share highlights and snippets of the documentary across their social media platforms, so be sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)!

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties • P81