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MArloes Sands
inquest names teenager who died • P3
Admiral job cuts
MS warns of ‘serious blow’ as Admiral plans job cuts • p6
jail spice bust
Prison staff found 744g of spice in a cell • p16
Hywel Dda faces £20m battle to contain mounting deficit
Health board needs further action to hold its annual shortfall at £41m, while £26m of future funding depends on financial recovery • Page 4
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Teenager who died at Marloes Sands named at inquest
A TEENAGER whose disappearance at Marloes Sands prompted a major search has been named as 15-year-old Marcin Michal Komoszewski, from Bradford. An inquest into his death opened
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before the Pembrokeshire coroner on Thursday (Sept 24). The hearing was told that Marcin
Four men face Crown Court over alleged Tenby sex offences FOUR MEN have appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with sexual offences against a woman in Tenby. The charges relate to an alleged incident on May 11, 2024. The prosecution alleges that the woman was drugged and sexually assaulted, and that intimate photographs or videos were recorded and shared without her consent. Kacper Caban, 25, of Hereford, faces two counts of rape, one charge of sharing an intimate photograph without reasonably believing the woman consented, and one charge of causing her to engage in sexual activity without consent. Callum Doyles, 22, of Pentwyn Avenue, Hereford, is charged with sexually assaulting the woman by
penetration. Owen Dykes, 22, of Belle Vue Terrace, Hereford, faces a charge of sharing intimate photographs or films without reasonably believing the woman consented. He is also charged with voyeurism, involving an allegation that he recorded her performing a sexual act for his own sexual gratification, knowing she did not consent. Sajmon Caban, 23, of Hereford, is charged with voyeurism. He is accused of recording the woman performing a private act for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, knowing she did not consent. The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where the four defendants are due to appear on October 23.
was on holiday with his family when he entered the sea on the afternoon of August 30 and was seen getting into difficulty. Relatives and a member of the public attempted to help him, but contact was
lost in the difficult conditions. His disappearance brought emergency teams from across Pembrokeshire to the area, with lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams and aircraft taking part in the search. RNLI crews from Angle, Tenby, St Davids and Little Haven were involved, alongside coastguard teams from Broad Haven, Dale and St Davids. A coastguard helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft and drone team also assisted, with the Welsh Ambulance Service among the agencies responding. Angle’s lifeboat crew spent more than 22 hours at sea during the operation. The search was called off on the afternoon of August 31. Nine days after Marcin disappeared, a passing yacht reported a body in the water off St Anne’s Head on September 8. Angle’s lifeboat recovered the body, which was subsequently confirmed to be Marcin. The inquest heard that a post-mortem examination had been carried out at the University Hospital of Wales, but the results remained outstanding. Further tests are required, with the hearing told that their results were expected to take nine months.
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Hywel Dda faces £20m battle to contain mounting deficit It warns that stronger evidence of delivery is needed before the committee can provide the board with assurance, with further escalation possible if progress remains inadequate. Warning from NHS Wales
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HYWEL DDA must deliver almost £20 million of further financial action to prevent its annual deficit reaching £60.9 million, according to papers prepared for its latest board meeting. The health board, which runs Withybush Hospital and services across west Wales, is continuing to report a planned £41 million shortfall. Achieving that figure depends on £19.9 million of additional measures. Even then, the deficit would remain above the Welsh Government’s £22.1 million target. Hywel Dda remains under targeted intervention for finance. The papers for Thursday’s meeting (Sept 24) expose concerns over both the scale of the financial challenge and whether the necessary improvements can be delivered quickly enough. Pressure to reduce spending
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A separate performance report says firm plans for the required measures are still being developed. By the end of August, the accumulated deficit was £26.3 million against a planned £17.1 million. To finish the year at £41 million, the monthly deficit would need to average about £2.1 million over the remaining seven months, compared with £5.3 million so far. Of £30.5 million in identified savings, £23.8 million are one-off measures, helping this year’s accounts without permanently reducing spending.
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annual requirement and lack sufficient detail about their intended results. Members want those plans tested more rigorously. The committee also warns that some service improvements remain fragile, relying on external funding or corrective measures which may not be sustainable. Reducing medical staffing costs presents a particular challenge. Although stronger controls have been introduced, the committee recognises the difficulty of achieving savings quickly without adversely affecting performance. Its concerns extend to overdue audit recommendations. The report identifies insufficient evidence of progress in several areas and says some recommendations still lack completion dates.
Pressure for improvement is also evident in correspondence from NHS Wales deputy chief executive Nick Wood. In an August 14 letter to Hywel Dda chief executive Phil Kloer, reproduced in the latest papers, he described the financial position as “unacceptable”. He called for the remaining savings gap to be closed by the end of September, temporary savings to become lasting reductions in costs, and opportunities to improve on the £41 million deficit forecast. While acknowledging some progress, Mr Wood expressed concern about the speed of change and the organisation’s ability to turn plans into measurable improvements. He sought an agreed route to financial stability by the end of September. Further funding at stake The financial recovery paper identifies a further risk: £26 million of recurring funding is conditional on the board breaking even in 2027/28. Failure to secure it would widen the financial gap. Potential measures cover staffing, purchasing, service organisation and buildings. These remain proposals requiring assessment and, where necessary, consultation. The paper says patient safety, equality and effects on staff must be considered before individual schemes are approved.
Highest financial risk rating The Finance and Performance Committee has raised the risk of missing the financial target to the highest available score of 25. Its report says savings plans submitted by clinical care groups fall short of the
Hywel Dda, which runs Withybush Hospital and services across west Wales, is forecasting a £41 million deficit.
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Ambulance capacity warning over hospital shake-up EXISTING ambulance transport arrangements cannot accommodate the extra hospital transfers that Hywel Dda’s future clinical model would generate, a new health board plan warns. The Transport and Accessibility Plan, prepared for the September 24 board meeting, identifies additional demand as patients move between hospitals for different levels of care. Its long-term strategy envisages a new urgent and planned care hospital, with Withybush and Glangwili repurposed to provide community services. These are future arrangements, with no immediate change to emergency departments announced in the transport paper. Lengthy waits at Withybush Separate performance figures show 69 of 673 ambulance handovers at Withybush lasted more than four hours in August, while 291 exceeded 45 minutes. Across Hywel Dda, handovers exceeding an hour rose from 532 in July to 727 in August. The board reports weekly improvement meetings and closer working with ambulance managers. Extended sameday emergency care at Withybush is planned from January 2027. Earlier demand for improvement The latest figures follow concerns raised by NHS Wales about the pace of improvement in ambulance handovers. In an August 14 letter included in the board papers, deputy chief executive Nick Wood challenged the proposed timetable for getting 75 per cent
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of handovers completed within 45 minutes. He acknowledged some improvement but said difficulties remained with ambulance handovers and lengthy emergency department stays. The correspondence underlines the pressure on the health board to improve existing services alongside its longerterm planning. Getting patients home The transport plan also warns that capacity constraints could affect journeys home after urgent care. It cites 2021 Census figures showing 15.2 per cent of Pembrokeshire households had no car or van. Proposals include expanding community transport and improving booking information, building on
Man threatened to burn former partner in her home
A WOMAN has described her fear after her former partner threatened to burn her in her home and hang her. Dylan Deacon, 30, sent the threatening messages on May 10, Haverfordwest magistrates heard. “He messaged her out of the blue after not speaking to her for some time,” prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court. “He told her he’d burn her house down and kill her and called her a stupid bitch. This made her very fearful.” In a victim impact statement, the woman said she had already been in an emotional and vulnerable state before receiving the messages. “He was drinking heavily and I felt abandoned and confused,” she said. “I lost a lot of my friends as a result, and he was always unpredictable so I was unsure what steps he’d go to. “When he messaged me, saying he’d
burn me in the house and hang me, it broke my heart. He couldn’t have told me anything worse.” Following the incident, she installed security cameras around her Haverfordwest home and accepted additional safety measures to help her feel more secure. “I’m slowly building my life back and getting stronger,” she said. Deacon, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to sending a communication threatening death or serious harm. Magistrates adjourned sentencing until October 13 for the probation service to prepare an all-options pre-sentence report. He was released on conditional bail, with a condition prohibiting him from contacting the woman directly or indirectly.
Pembrokeshire’s Country Cars and Hospital Journeys schemes. Delivery depends on funding, feasibility and partner organisations. An initial implementation programme is to be developed with partners over the next 12 months. Rural access matters The wider significance of transport
was reinforced in a separate public health report announced by Hywel Dda on Thursday. Executive director of public health Dr Ardiana Gjini said: “In a rural area, access matters.” She highlighted how distance, transport, digital connections and the availability of nearby support can affect people’s health and wellbeing. Her annual report, Building a healthy rural future in Mid and West Wales, calls for joint action by the NHS, councils, communities and national organisations. It identifies the challenges of an ageing population, increasing longterm illness and communities spread across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, together covering a quarter of Wales’s land area. Dr Gjini also recognised the strengths of rural communities, including volunteering and mutual support. The report calls for services to be designed around people and for prevention to become a shared responsibility, recognising that health is shaped by housing, employment, food and social connections as well as medical care.
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Bro Preseli teacher denies hitting pupil on football trip to France
A SUPPLY teacher at Ysgol Bro Preseli has denied hitting a pupil and being under the influence of alcohol during a school football visit to France. Shôn Rowcliffe’s conduct on the trip is being examined by an Education Workforce Council fitness-to-practise panel. He was suspended from his role at the Crymych school following the allegations. His representative told the hearing that he accepts swearing, using strong language and raising his middle finger. However, he disputes that he struck a pupil across the chest or was intoxicated, and denies asking the child to keep the alleged incident secret. According to BBC Wales’ report of the proceedings, Rowcliffe also rejects the suggestion that his admitted behaviour resulted from excessive alcohol consumption.
The visit involved Year 7 and Year 8 footballers travelling to an annual tournament at a French school twinned
with Ysgol Bro Preseli. Fellow staff member Martin Edwards, who accompanied the group, brought
concerns to the attention of school managers after their return to Wales. Giving evidence, headteacher Rhonwen Morris described Rowcliffe’s work at the school before the trip and said she had previously had no concerns about him. He had been engaged on a day-to-day supply basis to cover a staff absence, assisting the PE department and coaching pupils in football and rugby. Morris described him as a “conscientious person” who was “hardworking and willing to turn his hand to anything”. The headteacher also outlined the preparations for the overseas visit. Staff had received training before travelling with the boys, and she said the school had been confident that the arrangements were in place. The hearing continues.
Pembrokeshire MS warns of ‘serious blow’ as Admiral plans 500 job cuts UK insurance business. Claire Archibald, the Reform UK MS for Ceredigion Penfro, called for an overhaul of business rates following the announcement by the Cardiff-based insurer on Wednesday (September 23). Her constituency covers communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. The proposed reductions would affect approximately five per cent of Admiral’s UK insurance workforce and form part of a wider drive to save £100 million. The company has begun a 45-day collective consultation with affected employees. It says it is too early to determine how many departures could be voluntary or whether compulsory redundancies will be needed. No figure for any Pembrokeshire impact is given in the announcement.
A SENEDD Member representing Pembrokeshire has warned of a “serious blow to the Welsh economy” after Admiral announced plans to cut around 500 jobs from its
Local MS calls for change Ms Archibald linked her criticism to wider concerns about the cost of doing business in Wales. She said: “Admiral and Legal & General
have confirmed large job losses, a serious blow to the Welsh economy. By loading higher business rates onto big companies, Plaid Cymru has added costs at the worst possible time and made further cuts extremely likely. “Reform’s answer is a full review of the rates regime, followed by a simpler, pro-growth replacement that puts Welsh workers and their jobs first.” Admiral’s stated explanation for its proposals centres on changing its structure and working practices to improve efficiency and meet customer needs. The company has also said the reductions are not being driven by its use of artificial intelligence. Alistair Hargreaves, chief executive of Admiral UK Insurance, said: “We are making changes to Admiral’s UK insurance business to ensure we have the right structure, skills and ways of working to meet evolving customer needs. “These changes are aimed at making us faster and more efficient so we can continue to deliver great customer
outcomes. “Unfortunately, these proposed changes could result in a number of role reductions if implemented.” Support for affected staff Admiral says it will offer enhanced redundancy terms and explore opportunities to redeploy affected employees. Other support includes retraining, financial assistance towards further education and grants for staff interested in starting their own businesses. Employees undertaking approved retraining may also be able to work part-time for up to 12 months while developing new skills. The Welsh Government described the announcement as disappointing and said it would seek talks with the insurer. A spokesperson said: “A meeting will be arranged with the company to understand the reasons for this action and to offer additional support to those affected.”
Man jailed for 40 weeks after punching woman in Haverfordwest street A MAN has been jailed after punching a woman repeatedly during an argument in Haverfordwest town centre while subject to a suspended sentence. The incident unfolded shortly after 10:00pm on August 4, when an argument broke out between Wayne Poole, 49, and the woman at a property where they were staying. “Items were damaged when the defendant threw them, and at this point the victim left the property but was followed by Wayne Poole,” prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. A couple walking past the property heard Poole shouting abuse at the
woman in the street. “They heard the man call the woman ‘a nasty, nasty c***’, and they then heard the female say she wanted the man out of her life,” continued Ms Vaughan. “At this point, they realised the situation was escalating when they saw the male jump over some railings and start punching the female to her head and upper body. This was when she started shouting for help.” Statements read to the court revealed that the witnesses had found the incident deeply distressing. Poole, of Regan Crescent, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and causing criminal damage to a pint glass and cupboard
door at the Haverfordwest property. Defending, Tom Lloyd said Poole had expressed remorse and assured the court that his behaviour would not be repeated. “The defendant has expressed remorse for what happened and has assured the court that this won’t happen again,” he said. “He says he has a longstanding problem with alcohol and now wants the probation service to help him address the issue.” After considering the mitigation, magistrates sentenced Poole to 40 weeks in custody. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation for the criminal damage,
an £187 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
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National park parking rise cut as councillor warns of ‘two-tier’ access
Traeth Mawr at Newport Sands, one of the 14 locations affected by the increase in single-site parking season ticket prices
Parking hike: Cllr Huw Murphy warned against creating a “two-tier system”
A PROPOSED doubling of parking season ticket prices at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car parks has been rejected following concerns about household budgets and the affordability of visiting the coast. Members instead agreed to increase single-site season tickets from £50 to £75 for the 2027 season — a rise of 50 per cent. The all-sites season ticket will remain at £140. The decision came at the National Park Authority’s meeting on Wednesday, September 23, when members voted eight to four for a smaller increase than officers had recommended. Speaking afterwards, Newport and Dinas councillor Huw Murphy warned against creating a “two-tier system” in which visitors’ ability to afford parking could determine their access to coastal locations with better facilities. He said the debate went beyond the price of a ticket, with limited public transport leaving many people dependent on their cars to reach parts of the national park.
offering those amenities.
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“I’m struggling with a doubling of the fee; we are proposing to go £47 above the rate of inflation here today,” he said. The availability of free parking elsewhere in the national park was also raised during the debate, with an argument that motorists could choose between charging and non-charging locations. However, in his statement following the meeting, Cllr Murphy said charging car parks were generally better maintained and more likely to have facilities such as public toilets and nearby cafés. He argued that the availability of free parking elsewhere did not resolve the question of whether people on lower incomes could afford to visit locations
Smaller increase approved The officers’ recommendation to raise the single-site season ticket to £100 was formally proposed by Cllr Di Clements, who represents Martletwy, and seconded by St Ishmaels councillor Claire George. Carew councillor Vanessa Thomas, of the Independent Group, proposed an amendment setting the price at £75. It was seconded by Plaid Cymru councillor Michael Williams, who represents Tenby North and also opposed the proposed 100 per cent increase. “Everyone is being put under pressure, we should respect that,” he said. The amendment passed by eight
Concerns over access During the meeting, Cllr Murphy argued that bus services were seasonal and sporadic, served only some locations and did not provide a practical alternative for many visitors. He said the remoteness of some areas made travelling by car the only realistic option, particularly outside the main holiday season. “I wouldn’t be supporting such an increase, especially now when fuel is nearly £2-a-litre in a cost-of-living crisis,” he told members. Cllr Murphy initially suggested increasing the single-site ticket to £70.
The parking information board at Traeth Mawr, showing the existing pay-and-display charges
votes to four, meaning single-site ticket holders will pay £25 more next year rather than the £50 increase originally proposed. Neyland councillor Simon Hancock also raised concerns about living costs and called for discounts for people receiving Universal Credit. Members were told that similar schemes had experienced virtually “zero uptake”. Why officers sought an increase The authority has offered singlesite and all-sites season tickets since 2017, alongside its normal pay-asyou-go charges. Officers argued that the existing £50 and £140 prices created a near threefold “price anomaly”. Both tickets allow unlimited parking by one vehicle at a time, with the all-sites ticket providing the additional flexibility of using different locations. Parking revenue goes into the authority’s general fund to support its wider facilities and services. Saundersfoot was the most popular location for single-site season tickets in 2025, with 323 sold, followed by Poppit Sands with 213 and Little Haven with 172. A further 207 all-sites tickets were sold. The 14 charging locations are Saundersfoot, Poppit Sands, Traeth Mawr at Newport Sands, Manorbier, Little Haven, Broad Haven, Solva, Penally, Amroth, Freshwater East, West Angle, Newgale, Oriel y Parc in St Davids and Nolton Haven. Pay-as-you-go charges range from free parking for up to 30 minutes to £8 for a full day. Season ticket prices last increased in 2023, when single-site tickets doubled from £25 to £50 and all-sites tickets rose from £70 to £140.
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Lifeguard cuts spearfisher free in dramatic Freshwater West rescue
AN RNLI lifeguard saved a spearfisher’s life at Freshwater West by going underwater to cut through a line that was dragging them beneath the waves. Senior beach lifeguard Oly entered the water from a rescue watercraft after discovering the casualty trapped by a spear line caught on a reef and wrapped around their wrist. The person was barely able to gasp for air as incoming waves repeatedly submerged them. The rescue was one of several incidents at the Pembrokeshire beach on Saturday, September 5, when lifeguards brought four people safely
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ashore during the final weekend of fulltime patrols in Wales. The emergency began at around 1.15pm, when lifeguards Jed and Fin spotted a father and son being swept out to sea in a rip current. Both lifeguards grabbed rescue boards and paddled out. Fin reached the son and helped him onto his board to bring him back to shore. With a large swell and challenging conditions, Oly and off-duty lifeguard Willem, who was visiting the beach, launched the rescue watercraft to
assist. Once the father and son were safely ashore, Oly headed back out to help a kayaker in the water beside an overturned kayak, about 200 metres south of the red and yellow flags marking the swimming area. On reaching the kayaker, he discovered the spearfisher trapped nearby. Oly dismounted the watercraft and used its onboard blunt-ended knife to cut the line underwater. RNLI rescue watercraft carry the knives for emergencies involving hazards such as fishing and kite lines. After freeing the casualty, he helped them onto the rescue sled and brought
them ashore, where Jed provided further care. Oly then returned with Fin to rescue the kayaker. Carl Amos, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, praised the team’s response. “This was a remarkable team effort and a fitting example of the professionalism, skill and dedication shown by our lifeguards throughout the 2026 season,” he said. “Conditions at Freshwater West can be challenging, with large surf, strong rip currents and powerful waves creating significant hazards for water users. “Our lifeguards responded to multiple incidents in quick succession, helping four people and preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. “In particular, the actions of Senior Beach Lifeguard Oly, who acted decisively to free and rescue a casualty in serious distress, demonstrate the level of training and commitment our teams bring to keeping beachgoers safe.” With the summer season ending, the charity is reminding visitors that most Welsh beaches are no longer lifeguarded full time. Mr Amos urged anyone heading to the coast to check local conditions, understand the risks and avoid entering the water alone. “If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” he said. “If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live.” The RNLI’s advice is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, using your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Everyone floats differently, and it is normal for your legs to sink. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can.
Neyland man sentenced after fleeing from police custody in Hakin A NEYLAND man who forced his way past police officers and fled from a house in Hakin has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court. Ieuan Jones, aged 23, escaped after refusing to be handcuffed, prompting a two-hour search involving police officers, a dog unit and a drone. The court heard that officers were called to the home of Jones’s partner shortly after midday on April 20 following a report she had made to police. Prosecutor Brian Simpson said Jones appeared calm when officers arrived. After speaking to his partner, they told him he was under arrest and cautioned him. However, as one of the officers reached for a pair of handcuffs, Jones “tensed up” and said he would not allow himself to be handcuffed. He then forced his way past the officers and ran through the front door. Officers gave chase but lost sight of him. A search of the surrounding area was
launched, with a police dog unit and drone deployed, but Jones could not be found. The operation was called off after approximately two hours. Jones handed himself in at
Haverfordwest Police Station at around 5.50pm after being driven there by members of his family. The court heard that he was not charged with any offence arising from
the original report made by his partner, who provided police with a withdrawal statement approximately one month later. Jones, of Mayfield Road, Neyland, had no previous convictions or cautions. He pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody. Defending, Dan Griffiths told the court that Jones was fully compliant and willing to engage with any order imposed. “He fully understands the consequences of non-compliance,” Mr Griffiths said. Judge Geraint Walters told the barrister that he was not considering an immediate custodial sentence. Jones was given an 18-month community order. He must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, undertake a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.
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Eight cows rescued after cliff fall as Angle lifeboat handles two call-outs
EIGHT cows were brought safely ashore after falling from cliffs at Ellen’s Well, Angle, in a rescue operation supported by the village’s RNLI crew. Angle lifeboat was tasked at 11.30am alongside Milford Haven Harbour Patrol to provide safety cover while local farmers and a fishing vessel worked to recover the stranded animals. The crew deployed the lifeboat’s
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inflatable Y boat, with farmers and equipment transferred to the cove where the cattle had become trapped. With the tide rising, the cows were coaxed towards the water’s edge and secured with lines. They were then encouraged into the water one at a time and taken around to Angle Point, where
Defective tyre leads to drug-driving ban for Pembroke Dock motorist
A DEFECTIVE tyre led police to discover that a Pembroke Dock motorist was driving with almost three times the legal limit of cannabis in his system. Nathan John was approached by an officer on May 10 after one of the tyres on his Seat Leon was found to be so badly worn that its cord was exposed. A roadside drug test returned a positive result, while subsequent blood analysis showed John had 5.8 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol — the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis — per litre of blood. The legal limit is two micrograms. John, of Military Road, Pennar, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’
Court this week to drug-driving and using a vehicle with a defective tyre. His solicitor, Alexander Scott, said John had been using cannabis at the time to manage severe anxiety after finding that prescribed medication had proved ineffective. “He found that all of his prescribed medication was non-effective, so he moved, more recently, towards cannabis,” Mr Scott told magistrates. “But he now has a medical prescription for the drug that assists him, so has gone through the correct medical procedure.” John was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.
they were brought ashore on the beach. During the operation, the lifeboat crew received a second call to investigate reports of a person cut off by the tide below the Impala Terminal at Gelliswick. Both the lifeboat and Y boat headed to the area, where they found a person in a bay west of the terminal. The Y boat crew spoke to the individual, who explained that they were a photographer, were aware of
their surroundings and were happy to remain where they were. The volunteers then returned to assist with the cattle recovery. By 2.45pm, all eight cows had been recovered safe and well to the beach. With no further assistance needed, the crew were stood down. The lifeboat was back at its berth and ready for further service by 3pm.
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Sex offender admits indecent images and court order breaches A CONVICTED sex offender has admitted making ten indecent images of a child and breaching a sexual harm prevention order four times. David Smith, 68, of Stratford House, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to making ten Category C indecent photographs of a child. Officers visited his home after receiving information from the National Crime Agency. During a search, police discovered a Fusion laptop, a Toshiba laptop, a
Motorola mobile phone and a Tumblr account. None had been registered with police, as required by a sexual harm prevention order imposed by Swansea Crown Court in 2016. Smith admitted four charges of breaching that order. He also pleaded guilty to obtaining electronic communications via the internet with intent to avoid payment. Magistrates decided the offences were too serious to sentence in their court and committed Smith to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on October 13. He was released on conditional bail.
Sentencing delayed amid concerns defendant may have Alzheimer’s A 68-YEAR-OLD man who admitted intentionally strangling and assaulting his wife has had his sentencing adjourned amid concerns that he may be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. David Hollins had previously chosen to represent himself when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to intentionally strangling Emma Hollins and assaulting her by beating. The offences took place at a property in Milford Haven on New Year’s Day. However, when Hollins returned to court for sentencing this week, duty
solicitor Alexander Scott raised serious concerns about his memory and ability to understand the proceedings. “He’s been insistent that he doesn’t want anyone to assist him in court, but it appears that he’s suffering from some form of Alzheimer’s disease,” Mr Scott told magistrates. “He can just about remember coming to court on the first occasion but can’t remember what he pleaded guilty to. “He’s also unable to recall being interviewed at the police station, which took place without a solicitor or an appropriate adult.”
Mr Scott said Hollins had entered the guilty pleas because he simply wanted to “get the matter out of the way”, but could not remember the alleged incidents themselves. “He can’t remember as far back as when these offences are alleged to have taken place,” he added. Magistrates agreed to adjourn sentencing until October 20 to allow a psychiatric report to be prepared. Hollins, of Ebrey Wood, Astley, was released on conditional bail. He must not contact Emma Hollins directly or indirectly.
Motorist claimed dead person was driving crashed car A MOTORIST claimed his car had been driven by a person who was dead when police questioned him following a crash in Haverfordwest. Jake Bowman-Davies, 28, was the only person officers found at the scene of the single-vehicle collision at around midnight on August 8. “He was the only person at the scene, but he claimed the vehicle had been driven by someone who the officers knew had died some months earlier,” prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates. Following the collision, BowmanDavies was taken to Withybush Hospital’s A&E department for a check-
up. He was subsequently asked to provide a breath sample for analysis but refused. Bowman-Davies, of Trafalgar Road, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, including a 90-day alcohol monitoring requirement and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also banned from driving for 36 months and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
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Specialist rape courtrooms promised by 2028 EVERY Crown Court in Wales and England is to have a dedicated courtroom for rape and serious sexual offence cases within two years, under government plans to improve victims’ experience of the justice system. The package, estimated to cost £23 million, includes private entrances and waiting rooms intended to prevent victims coming face to face with defendants before giving evidence. Trials will also be given fixed dates instead of being placed on “floating lists”, where cases wait for an available courtroom. The changes are intended to reduce uncertainty for people preparing to give evidence. The commitment covers Crown Courts in Wales as part of the wider rollout by 2028. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the reforms were overdue, warning that low prosecution rates and lengthy waits had left victims feeling failed by the justice system. “For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt let down by our justice system,” he said. “Prosecution rates for rape remain
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shamefully low, with many victims waiting years for justice.” Court staff will receive training to help them understand the effects of trauma and better support those attending court. A single point of contact for victims will also be piloted. Although separate entrances and waiting areas can already be requested, access currently depends on the facilities available. The proposals follow campaigning by Labour MP Charlotte Nichols, who waived her anonymity to speak publicly about being raped and the delays she experienced. Speaking in the Commons in March, she described waiting more than 1,000 days for her case to reach court. Welcoming the announcement, Ms Nichols described it as a “hugely important milestone” and said she was proud that speaking about her experience had helped bring about meaningful change. Rape Crisis also welcomed the package, describing it as a significant
step towards ensuring courts meet the needs of victims and survivors. The announcement forms part of Labour’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy supported the specialist courtroom proposals but said ministers also needed to increase court sitting
time and tackle the backlog. He criticised the government’s separate plans to reduce the number of jury trials, arguing that clearing delays should be the priority. “The fact that victims have been withdrawing their cases because they have taken too long has been a disgrace,” he said.
Council seeks views on new vision unveiled for Tenby Market Hall
A NEW vision for the future of Tenby Market Hall has been unveiled, marking a significant milestone in a project that aims to transform one of the town’s most iconic historic buildings and support the continued regeneration of Tenby town centre. The release of the design follows the successful securing of UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) investment, which enabled the development of the plans and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to exploring opportunities for the future of this important community asset. Developed by Pembrokeshire based Oochitecture, the proposals present a fresh and modern vision for the space while respecting its historic character. The design maximises the use of the ground floor, while also introducing a new first-floor mezzanine that increases capacity for traders, creates opportunities for new businesses and improves the overall visitor experience. The proposals aim to create a more flexible and vibrant environment that can support a diverse mix of traders, encourage longer visitor dwell times and strengthen the Market Hall’s role as a key destination within Tenby town centre. The emerging vision has been shaped by feedback gathered through public engagement activities and early
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discussions with Market Hall traders. Responses highlighted the importance of retaining the building’s historic character while creating a vibrant, sustainable space that supports local businesses, enhances the visitor experience and encourages greater use of the building throughout the year. These views have directly informed the development of the proposals, ensuring the plans respond to the needs and aspirations of those who use and value the Market Hall most. While funding for the delivery of the project has not yet been secured, the Council remains committed to working
with partners and exploring future funding opportunities to help realise this vision for Tenby Market Hall. The publication of the design marks the next phase of engagement and provides an opportunity for the community to help shape the future of the project. The Council is keen to hear further responses to the proposals. Residents, traders, businesses and visitors are encouraged to review the plans and complete the public questionnaire to understand how the market is currently used. Have your say on this exciting new vision and help shape how the proposals are progressed by completing the questionnaire here: Tenby Market Hall Vision Questionnaire.
All responses received will be carefully considered and will help inform the next stages of design development before the project moves forward. Councillor Paul Miller, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Education, said: “This new vision demonstrates the potential of Market Hall and Old Town Hall to play an even greater role in the future of Tenby. These proposals have been informed by local feedback and show how this important historic building could be revitalised for future generations. “The plans seek to create a vibrant destination that supports local businesses, provides opportunities for new traders and enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike. While funding for delivery has not yet been secured, we remain committed to this project and to working with the community and partners to bring forward a sustainable and achievable scheme. I would encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and complete the questionnaire to help shape the next stage of the project.” The Council looks forward to continuing to work closely with traders, residents, partners and the wider community to develop proposals that honour the building’s heritage while creating a strong and sustainable future for this landmark asset.
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Two linked Pembrokeshire dental practices suspended after safety failings Narberth and Pembroke Dock practices shared management and staff; both reopened in December after inspectors’ immediate concerns were addressed TWO Pembrokeshire dental practices under the same management were suspended after inspectors found serious patient safety failings at both sites, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has revealed. Huw Jones Dental Practice in Narberth and Pembroke Dock Dental Care shared a responsible individual and registered manager. HIW says the person in those roles at the Narberth practice also owned the Pembroke Dock practice, and that the two sites were staffed by the same employees. That connection explains why an inspection at Narberth in November 2025 led the watchdog to examine the Pembroke Dock practice as well. Both subsequently had their registrations suspended on the same dates. They were reinstated after making significant improvements. HIW highlights the case in its annual report, published on Thursday (Sept 24), as an example of its action to protect patients. The annual report does not name the practices, but its separate, published inspection reports identify them and set out what happened. One inspection led to another Inspectors visited Huw Jones Dental Practice on November 12, 2025 and identified significant risks to patients and staff. Both practices voluntarily suspended their registrations the following day while HIW sought assurance that they were safe. HIW then carried out a focused inspection of Pembroke Dock Dental Care on November 25. It found similar breaches of regulations there. On November 27, the watchdog formally suspended both registrations for one month and designated both practices as services of concern. At Pembroke Dock, inspectors
December 22, 2025. HIW said neither practice remained designated a service of concern from that date. The Narberth report also records positive feedback from patients: all 25 people who completed its inspection questionnaire rated the service they received as very good. Those views sit alongside the inspectors’ findings about safety systems that patients would not necessarily see. The published reports describe conditions at the time of the November inspections. They do not establish the present condition of either practice. Both reports also set out further improvement plans beyond the immediate issues addressed before reinstatement. Wider warning on Welsh healthcare
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identified serious lapses involving fire safety, cleaning and sterilising instruments, and wider health and safety arrangements. The report says daily testing of the practice’s sterilising equipment had stopped in July 2025. It also recorded unaddressed recommendations from an earlier fire risk assessment, shortcomings in patient records and concerns about how medicines and prescription forms were managed. HIW said it could not be assured that the Pembroke Dock service was safe for patients at the time of inspection. At Narberth, it found concerns about
infection prevention, the cleaning of reusable equipment, medical emergency equipment, medicines, records and fire precautions. The watchdog also identified weaknesses in management and oversight across the two sites. Its annual report says it informed the General Dental Council, the fire and rescue service and the health board so the concerns could be considered more widely. Both practices allowed to reopen HIW says the provider took action to address its immediate concerns. Following significant improvements, both registrations were reinstated on
The case appears in an annual report that credits healthcare staff across Wales for compassionate care while warning that longstanding problems with access, patient flow, staffing and some care environments are taking too long to resolve. HIW carried out 216 on-site inspections during 2025–26 and received 783 concerns from the public, up from 743 the previous year. It says the figures reflect both pressure on services and greater willingness to raise concerns. The report also praises maternity care at Glangwili General Hospital, where women and families described staff as kind and responsive. Inspectors nevertheless sought more consistent incident reporting, staff handovers and safeguarding training. HIW chief executive Alun Jones said patients needed to see improvements that endure. The watchdog’s findings on hospital delays have a local context: separate figures reported by the Herald this week showed 69 ambulance handovers at Withybush Hospital lasting more than four hours in August.
Hermon coffee morning raises more than £13,500 in memory of Melony Richards A COMMUNITY coffee morning held in memory of Melony Richards, of Hermon near Crymych, has raised more than £13,500 for Cancer Research Wales and Padarn Ward at Glangwili Hospital. Friends, colleagues and neighbours joined Melony’s family at the event on Saturday, September 12, helping to organise it, donating items and giving generously. The family said they had been overwhelmed by the kindness shown and thanked everyone who took part. Donations are still being accepted
from people who were unable to attend. They can be left at the Hermon Hall office or posted to Canolfan Hermon, Hermon, Glogue, Pembrokeshire, SA36 0DT. Cheques should be made payable to “M Phillips”. Anyone wishing to donate by bank transfer can call Hermon Hall on 01239 831968 or Mandy Phillips on 07779 960932 for details. The collection closes on September 30. “Diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb,” the family said — thank you very much to everyone.
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Dyfed-Powys Police confirms cyber incident as staff data investigation continues unit, with cyber-security supporting the response.
specialists
Systems subject to precautionary measures Police said precautionary measures had been applied to force systems while specialists investigated and worked to restore services safely. “Since the incident was identified, an investigation has been ongoing into the circumstances surrounding it, with support from cyber-security specialists and appropriate action taken,” the force said. “Our systems have been subject to precautionary measures while specialist teams investigate the incident and work to restore services safely.” The statement does not identify how the incident occurred, whether a thirdparty supplier was involved, or precisely how long individual services were unavailable. It also does not specify the types of staff information potentially affected.
DYFED-POWYS POLICE has confirmed that a cyber incident disrupted some of its non-emergency systems, with investigators examining whether information relating to staff may have been accessed or compromised. The force said the incident was identified on Monday, September 14. Online and email contact were subsequently unavailable for a period, although both services have now been restored. Emergency response was unaffected, police said, and the 999 and 101 telephone services remained operational throughout.
The Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK’s data protection regulator, has been notified. The confirmation follows questions from The Pembrokeshire Herald about the cause of the disruption, the impact on police services and whether information held by the force had been compromised. Investigation into staff information In its statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said its investigation had so far found no evidence that personal data belonging to members of the public had been
accessed or compromised. However, enquiries into the security of staff information remain ongoing. The force said: “We are, however, continuing to investigate whether any information relating to our staff may have been accessed or compromised, and are taking all appropriate steps to protect that information, and will provide appropriate advice to colleagues if required.” That statement does not establish that staff information was accessed. It confirms that investigators are still examining the possibility. The investigation is being managed by Tarian through its regional cyber-crime
Emergency services unaffected Dyfed-Powys Police stressed that it remained fully operational and that its response to emergency incidents had not been affected. The force said it continued to monitor its systems closely as the investigation progressed. “We understand the potential concern this may cause and want to reassure the public that we have and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our information and maintain the security of our systems,” the statement said. Police said further updates would be provided when they were in a position to release more information.
Pembrokeshire scheme helping girls into energy careers shortlisted for UK award A PEMBROKESHIRE project encouraging girls to consider careers in energy and construction has been shortlisted for a UK and Ireland Green Gown Award. Pembrokeshire College’s SPARC Alliance is a finalist in the awards’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability category for its Powering Progress for Women project. Established in 2024, SPARC brings schools and employers together to give young women a closer look at careers in renewable energy, engineering, construction and maritime industries. Learners take part in site visits, practical sessions and activities with employers, alongside accredited learning. The alliance was developed by the college, Pembrokeshire County Council and industry partners including RWE, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Wind, the Port of Milford Haven and Ledwood Engineering. The Crown Estate has recently joined as an investment partner. Nearly 200 girls involved
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An independent evaluation covering September 2025 to July 2026 found that 197 girls from seven Pembrokeshire secondary schools took part in 41 activities with employers. According to the evaluation, awareness of renewable energy careers rose from 30% to 70% among participants, while awareness of local career opportunities increased from 47% to 68%. It also reported that 65% of Year 9 participants chose a STEM GCSE subject. The college says the project aims to challenge the low representation of women in energy and construction, where they account for fewer than 15% of the workforce. Pembrokeshire College principal Dr Barry Walters said: “To be recognised by the Green Gown Awards is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of collaboration between education, industry and our wider
community. “Through the SPARC Alliance, we are helping young women see themselves in careers that will shape the future of energy and sustainability, while ensuring local employers have access to the diverse talent they need to support the transition to net zero.”
The alliance has also received funding through the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme. Other further education colleges in Wales have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore whether the approach could be used more widely.
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Man taken to hospital after lifeboat call to Caldey Island TENBY’S lifeboat crews were called out early on Tuesday (Sept 22) to help a man who had fallen ill on Caldey Island. Both lifeboats were requested to launch shortly before 6.30am after the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust asked for assistance bringing the casualty to the mainland. The inshore lifeboat launched first and made the short crossing to Caldey, while the all-weather lifeboat waited to collect paramedics. On reaching the island, two lifeboat crew members were taken to the village to assess the man before bringing him down to the jetty. Ambulance staff were waiting aboard the lifeboat to take over his care. Members of Tenby Fire and Rescue and Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team were also aboard, ready to help transfer the casualty to the boat if needed. The man was brought back to Tenby and taken to hospital for further treatment. Following the call-out, the lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for its next service.
Milford Haven motorist banned for three years after drug-driving A MILFORD HAVEN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after admitting drug-driving offences. Barry McElroy, 51, was stopped by police on May 7 as he drove an Audi TT out of Milford Haven Golf Course with a passenger. Blood tests subsequently showed cocaine at 38 microgrammes per litre of blood, against a legal limit of 10. The cocaine breakdown product benzoylecgonine was measured at 400 microgrammes per litre, eight times the legal limit of 50. Haverfordwest magistrates heard this was McElroy’s second drug-
driving offence within ten years. McElroy, of Haven Drive, Hakin, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance. After considering a pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order requiring him to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was disqualified from driving for 36 months and fined £120. McElroy must also pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
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New Haverfordwest transport hub opens with one-hour free parking HAVERFORDWEST’S new public transport interchange has opened, bringing a modern bus station, a 24-hour multi-storey car park and one hour’s free parking to the county town. The Glan yr Afon/Riverside Public Transport Interchange opened on Friday, September 18, as part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s wider regeneration programme. Facilities include wider parking bays, an upgraded passenger waiting area, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and public toilets, including a Changing Places facility. The council says the development will make the town centre easier to visit and improve connections with bus services and onward travel. Its opening also brought an indication that further business announcements could follow, with deputy leader Cllr Paul Miller saying he hoped to confirm new town-centre tenancies shortly. Cllr Miller, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “This project is all about making Haverfordwest Town Centre easier and more convenient to visit.” He said the interchange formed an important part of the town’s regeneration masterplan, with investment intended to encourage growth and bring more people into the centre. “I’m hoping and expecting to be in a position to announce new further tenancies in the town centre shortly, secured on the back of these investments, that will act as further drivers of footfall to the town centre,” he added. The project was supported by £16.894 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund, alongside £1.987 million in county council match funding. A further £1.2 million from the Transforming Towns programme
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contributed to improvements to surrounding public spaces and work on the Prendergast Connectivity Bridge. Built by Kier, the development includes 230 foundation piles, 620 tonnes of structural steel and 2,000 cubic metres of concrete. Construction also involved 3,000 square metres of public realm paving and more than 900 cladding fins. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the interchange would improve access to public transport and support the town’s regeneration. “We are incredibly proud to have delivered this project, a lasting legacy for Haverfordwest and the wider region,” he said. Castle Ward councillor Tom Tudor
welcomed its completion. “The new interchange will play an important role in supporting Haverfordwest, the county town
of Pembrokeshire, and helping it continue to prosper for the benefit of residents and visitors alike,” he said.
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Prisoner recruited mother and partner into jail spice conspiracy
Police uncovered the drugs operation after prison staff found 744g of spice in a cell at HMP Cardiff A PRISONER enlisted his mother and partner to handle payments for drugs as part of a conspiracy to supply spice inside HMP Cardiff. Cameron Williams, 27, was serving a sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin when prison staff discovered 744g of the synthetic cannabinoid in his cell. The discovery sparked an investigation which exposed the involvement of his mother, Amanda Jane Cotter, his partner, Robyn Ward, and fellow prisoner Ahmed Moshen. Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for southern Wales, said all four had been sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. Investigators established that Williams used Cotter’s bank account to receive drug payments from the relatives and partners of other prisoners. Cotter, 56, of Caerau, Cardiff, also attempted to conceal the origin of the money by transferring funds between her accounts, police said. Ward, 25, of Radyr, Cardiff, facilitated payments through her own bank accounts.
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Moshen, 28, received money from family members to buy drugs from Williams, intending to supply them within the prison estate. Williams, who is now held at HMP Parc in Bridgend, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, namely spice. Ward and Moshen, who is currently held at HMP Woodhill, also admitted the offence before trial.
Ahmed Moshen
Amanda Jane Cotter
Cotter was found guilty by a jury at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on June 8, 2026. The investigation was led by Tarian’s Multi-Agency Response to Serious and Organised Crime team, working with HM Prison and Probation Service. South Wales Police officers seized the drugs found by prison staff before the case was referred to the specialist unit. Detective Inspector Jason Meadows, of Tarian, said: “This was a complex investigation involving multiple
individuals both within and outside the prison estate. I would like to thank HMPPS and, in particular, the staff at HMP Cardiff, for their support throughout this investigation. “This partnership working enabled us to remove illicit drugs from the prison estate, thereby safeguarding vulnerable prisoners. We were able to identify the co-conspirators and bring all defendants before the courts. “We will continue to work with HMPPS to proactively identify and pursue those involved in the possession and supply of illicit drugs within the prison estate, as well as those who enable them.” Cameron Williams has been sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison, consecutive to his existing sentence. Amanda Jane Cotter has been sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison. Ahmed Moshen has been sentenced to 7 years in prison, to run concurrently with his existing sentence. Robyn Ward has been sentenced to 2 years and 10 months in prison, suspended for 2 years.
Cameron Williams, 27, currently in HMP Parc, Bridgend
Civic service honours Tenby’s 638th mayor TENBY’S civic traditions were celebrated on Sunday (Sept 20) as St Mary’s Church hosted a service marking Councillor Dai Morgan’s role as the town’s 638th mayor. The service, which began at 10am, included a Sung Eucharist and a blessing of the mayor. Civic guests joined the occasion, with ceremonial robes and chains of office adding colour to the gathering. An invitation issued by Tenby Town Council welcomed guests on behalf of
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Cllr Morgan and his fellow councillors. The order of service featured Tenby’s coat of arms and identified the occasion as a blessing of the new mayor. A group photograph taken outside the church brought together civic representatives, a uniformed cadet and clergy, recording a day celebrating the town’s mayoralty.
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New Carmarthen to Bangor coach service set for October launch Nine daily return journeys will connect west Wales communities, with a late-night service extending to Holyhead A NEW direct coach service linking Carmarthen with Bangor will launch on October 25, with Transport for Wales promising journey-time savings of up to 80 minutes. Edwards Coaches has been appointed to run the TaithCymru service in partnership with Llew Jones. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, October 6. The service will offer nine return journeys every day, calling at Aberaeron, Aberystwyth Bus Station, Aberystwyth University, Machynlleth, Dolgellau, Porthmadog and Caernarfon between its Carmarthen and Bangor termini. One late-night journey each day will extend beyond Bangor to Holyhead Railway Station and Port, providing an additional connection for passengers travelling to Anglesey or using rail and ferry services. The launch will give passengers in Carmarthen a direct public transport link to communities along the west Tom Sinclair coast and into north Wales. Transport for Wales says the service editor@herald.email is intended to make longer journeys easier for people travelling for work, healthcare, leisure or to visit family education, healthcare and leisure, and friends. “The daily late-night extension to as well as those visiting family and Holyhead will also strengthen links friends. Lee Robinson, TfW’s executive with Anglesey, Ireland and the wider director for regional transport and public transport network.” Edwards Coaches will lead the integration, said: “TaithCymru will offer a direct, comfortable and operation, with both companies convenient connection between north recruiting drivers ahead of the October and south-west Wales, cutting journey launch. Jessica Thomas, from Edwards times by up to 80 minutes and making it easier to travel for work, education, Coaches, said: “We’re proud to have
been chosen as the lead operator for TaithCymru. This is an exciting new service that will make journeys across Wales quicker and simpler, and we’re pleased to be working with Llew Jones to bring it to life. “We’re now recruiting drivers to join our team and help us provide the friendly, dependable service our customers expect.” Steve Jones, from Llew Jones, said the partnership would improve connections for the communities it serves and offer more sustainable travel options.
“We’re also looking for drivers to join us and play a key role in introducing this important new connection,” he added. TfW says TaithCymru forms part of the Welsh Government’s plans to improve connections across Wales and develop a more integrated public transport network. Further details about fares and booking are due to be published ahead of ticket sales opening on October 6. More information will be available at tfw.wales/taithcymru.
Local traders urged to join Tenby Christmas Market
LOCAL businesses and craftspeople are being invited to take part in Tenby Christmas Market on Saturday, November 28. Tenby Town Council says a limited number of spaces remain and is encouraging local traders to get involved, with opportunities for those selling gifts, crafts, food and other products. The invitation is open to businesses, independent makers, crafters and community traders who would like to bring their products to the festive event. In its appeal, the council said: “We have limited spaces remaining, and we’d love to see more local businesses involved in what promises to be a fantastic community event.” Anyone interested in taking a stall can contact Tenby Town Council at tenbytownclerk@btconnect.com
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Young ambassadors prepare to get Pembrokeshire pupils moving PUPILS from more than 30 Pembrokeshire primary schools have taken part in a training day to help them inspire classmates to get active and make school sport more inclusive. The Bronze Young Ambassadors event, held at Pembrokeshire Archives on Tuesday, September 15, brought young people together to develop their leadership skills and plan activities for the year ahead. Organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero, the programme gives pupils a voice in shaping sport and physical activity in their schools and communities. Gold and Silver Young Ambassadors welcomed the primary school pupils and shared their own experiences of encouraging participation and promoting wellbeing. Workshops covered first aid, inclusive activities, action planning and the Daily Mile, helping participants build the confidence and practical skills needed for their new roles. Sport Pembrokeshire Manager Matt Freeman said: “The Bronze Young Ambassador Conference highlights the important role young people play
in shaping sport, physical activity and wellbeing opportunities within their schools and communities. “By developing the confidence, skills and leadership qualities of young
ambassadors, we are investing in the next generation of leaders who can inspire others to become more active and connected to sport and physical activity.” Over the coming year, the Bronze Young
Ambassadors will encourage more pupils to take part, champion inclusion and help ensure their classmates’ ideas are reflected in the activities available to them.
Hakin woman banned for 17 months after admitting drug-driving A HAKIN woman has been banned from driving for 17 months after admitting two drug-driving offences. Amy Harries, 42, of James Street, pleaded guilty when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 22). Both charges related to her driving a Citroen C1 on Waterloo Road, Milford Haven, on June 25. One concerned the cannabis compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, while the other related to benzoylecgonine, a
breakdown product of cocaine. Magistrates imposed a 17-month driving disqualification and fined Harries £750. She was also ordered to pay a £300 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,135. Her guilty pleas were taken into account when the sentence was imposed. The court ordered Harries to pay the outstanding sum in weekly instalments of £50, beginning on October 20.
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Milford Haven to honour fishing Concert to raise vital repair heritage at tribute service funds for Neyland church
MILFORD HAVEN’S fishing community will be remembered at a tribute service on The Rath on Saturday, September 26. The Fishermen’s Tribute Service will begin at 11am and will be led by the Reverend Samuel Patterson, with Milford Haven Town Band performing. Held under the banner “Milford’s Fishing Heritage”, the service will honour the memory of all those
involved in the industry, both at sea and on land. Residents are invited to gather to remember family members, friends and colleagues whose lives were part of the town’s fishing heritage. Milford Haven Town Council is encouraging people to help spread the word about the event. For further information, contact the council on 01646 692505.
MUSICIANS and singers from across Pembrokeshire will come together in Neyland next month for a fundraising concert in aid of Bethesda Baptist Church. The concert will take place at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, on Sunday, October 18, at 7:00pm.
All those performing are giving their time and talents free of charge, with proceeds helping to fund essential repairs at Bethesda Baptist Church before winter sets in. Organisers have promised a superb evening of live entertainment, with admission costing £5, payable at the door.
Conservatives call for council tax cap and public votes on larger rises WELSH CONSERVATIVES have called for a cap on council tax rises in Wales, with local referendums required before councils could impose increases above the limit. The party is also seeking an independent review of the formula used to distribute funding to local authorities, arguing that it does not adequately reflect the additional costs of providing services in rural areas. Speaking during questions to the First Minister in the Senedd, Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS urged the Welsh Government to use its existing powers to protect households from rising bills. Mr Millar said the average Band D council tax bill in Wales had increased by more than £600 over the past five years, with some residents facing increases of 50%. “Household budgets are under
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pressure from inflation, rising energy bills and the rising cost of everyday
household bills,” he said. “Instead of continually agitating for further powers from Westminster, the Welsh Government could use existing powers to introduce a cap on council tax and legislate to introduce
a referendum if a local authority attempts to breach the cap.” Under the proposal, councils seeking an increase above the limit would have to put the decision to a local vote. The party’s statement did not specify the level at which the cap should be set. Mr Millar argued that changes to council funding were also needed to address the pressures facing rural authorities. “We also need a truly independent review of the local government funding formula. The current outdated formula fails to recognise the additional costs of delivering services in rural areas,” he said. “The Welsh Government should act now to give council taxpayers greater protection against rising bills and fund frontline services more effectively and fairly.”
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Welsh gender surgery pause continues as NHS sets out review timetable THE NHS has apologised for distress caused by the pause in gender-affirming surgery referrals from the Welsh Gender Service, as it outlined plans for an independent clinical review. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) said experienced gender clinicians had been appointed to a review panel, with final preparations now being completed. The committee aims to finish the first stage of the review by the end of December. However, patients cleared to proceed will not have to wait until then for their surgery to be reinstated. The pause was introduced on August 24 and covers referrals for genderaffirming surgery, assessments by surgical providers and new surgeries. In its update issued on Wednesday (Sept 23), the committee said the decision was a precautionary measure taken on clinical advice after concerns emerged through routine quality, safety and assurance processes. It did not set out the specific concerns in the statement. The committee acknowledged “the uncertainty and worry” experienced by patients and their families and
apologised for the distress caused. “This remains a pause and is not a permanent change to the service,” it said. “The NWJCC is committed to ensuring residents of Wales can access high-quality gender affirming services including access to appropriate surgery.” The review will begin with patients whose surgery was scheduled between August and December 2026.
Cases will be considered in the order of their original operation dates, starting with the earliest. Where a review finds it appropriate for a patient to proceed, arrangements will be made for surgery to resume as soon as possible. The committee said it had sought confirmation from surgical providers in NHS England that patients cleared to proceed would be prioritised. Patients awaiting surgery in 2027,
along with those waiting for a surgical assessment, will also have their referrals reviewed to confirm that the requirements for surgery have been met. No decisions about individual patients’ care have yet been made as part of this process, the committee said. Patients already progressing through a planned series of surgical procedures are unaffected by the pause. Clinically necessary followup care, treatment for complications and other necessary aftercare also continue. The committee has been working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and surgical providers in NHS England to establish the review arrangements. Affected patients will be contacted directly once those arrangements are finalised, with information about the process and what it means for their care. The review’s terms of reference will then be published. Further information, frequently asked questions and support resources are available through Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s website.
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Ascona raises £16,000 for Angle lifeboat and Milford Haven RNLI PEMBROKESHIRE-based Ascona Group has raised £16,000 to support Angle lifeboat and RNLI fundraising in Milford Haven through purchases at its convenience stores. Chief executive Darren Briggs joined volunteer crew members and fundraisers for a cheque presentation alongside Angle’s Tamar-class lifeboat, Mark Mason, during a visit to Milford Haven. The donation was generated through Making a Difference Locally (MADL), a charitable initiative run through Ascona’s partnership with Nisa Retail. Purchases of Co-op branded products at participating stores generate funds for charities and community organisations selected by the retailer. Ascona operates 70 roadside sites across England, Wales and Scotland, each featuring a Nisa convenience store. For Mr Briggs, who grew up in Milford Haven, the presentation also celebrated a family connection to the town’s fishing heritage. The company takes its name from a trawler owned by his greatgrandfather, Charles. “Milford Haven is where I grew up and it has always been very close to my heart, so being able to give something back locally means a great deal to me,” he said. “There is also a lovely connection through the Ascona name, which was inspired by my great-grandfather Charles’ trawler called Ascona which operated between Milford Haven and Lowestoft in the 1950s.” During the visit, the Ascona team toured the lifeboat and heard about
Ascona Group chief executive Darren Briggs shakes hands with RNLI volunteer Darrel Walters during the £16,000 cheque presentation alongside Angle’s lifeboat, Mark Mason, in Milford Haven. Tom Sinclair
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the demands placed on volunteers responding to emergencies on the Milford Haven Waterway and along the surrounding coast. “The tour of the lifeboat really brought home the conditions the crew can find themselves working in,” Mr Briggs said. “Seeing the boat and hearing about what they deal with gives you a completely different appreciation of the job they do.” Angle RNLI crew member Darrel Walters, who accepted the donation on behalf of the crew and fundraising group, said the occasion had particular
significance because of his friendship with Mr Briggs. “As a friend of Darren’s, as well as being part of the lifeboat and fundraising team, it was an absolute privilege to accept this generous donation,” he said. “I was deeply humbled that Darren chose to support the RNLI, and even more so that he chose to do so through the RNLI crew from his hometown of Milford Haven.” Those attending included Angle coxswain Lewis Creese, fellow crew members, representatives of Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group and the charity’s mascot, Stormy Stan. Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager for Mid and West Wales,
thanked Ascona for its support. “The RNLI relies on the kindness and support of organisations and individuals in our communities, and funds like this help ensure our volunteer lifeboat crews can continue to save lives at sea around the Pembrokeshire coast,” she said. “We were delighted to welcome the team aboard the lifeboat and share a little of what our volunteers do to keep people safe.” Angle Lifeboat Station serves the busy Milford Haven Waterway, where commercial shipping operates alongside leisure craft. The RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its lifesaving service.
Secret ballot reform bid sparks claims of ‘sour grapes’ after council leadership contest
A BID to end secret ballots in contentious Pembrokeshire Council appointments sparked claims its Conservative proposer only called for it after losing control of his group in a recent leadership challenge. At a September 21 meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council’s constitutional review committee considered Cllr Aled Thomas’s motion to change the constitution’s secret
ballot rules. The constitution allows secret ballots for contested appointments; Cllr Thomas wants them replaced with recorded roll-call votes. A supporting statement from Cllr Thomas, Conservative Group whip, said: “It is incumbent on us to be as open and transparent as possible to the taxpayers of Pembrokeshire, and residents deserve to know which way their elected councillor is voting. “Furthermore, as became evident following the 2026 AGM, voting by secret ballot allows for disinformation and bad politics to fester, as there is no factual record of the vote. “I’m sure all members would agree that this type of nasty politics should be rooted out of Pembrokeshire, and this notice of motion will go some way in improving that.” Cllr Thomas said the recent AGM’s three-way leadership contest, won by Cllr Tessa Hodgson, sparked Facebook and Twitter posts “spreading
disinformation” about councillors’ choices and claimed a recorded vote would have prevented that. Cllr Jacob Williams then challenged Mr Thomas to explain the “nasty politics” mentioned in his statement. Cllr Thomas replied: “There are members of the chamber making statements about other members of the chamber and how they voted when there was no factual information. People, I believe, were making false accusations after the leadership announcement, used in a way to try and change the public’s perceptions when there was no factual basis.” He added: “Members in the chamber were suggesting that members of my political group changed their voting, I don’t believe that some of the comments made were a true finding.” Deputy leader Cllr Paul Miller asked whether speculation over AGM votes was really “bad” — or whether secret ballots protected councillors from pressure, then asking Conservative
group whip Cllr Thomas whether the proposal was really about tightening his control over party members. Cllr Thomas said his role as group whip was “totally irrelevant” and repeated that the motion was an “openness and transparency call”. Cllr Williams suggested Cllr Thomas’s call was motivated by him “feeling he failed to control his group,” later adding: “This is sour grapes because things didn’t go your way.” Cllr Rhys Jordan later called for the motion to be adopted. Cllr Thomas said that, despite “a lot of focus on my personal circumstances,” his aim was to “be more transparent with the public, the people who vote for us,” adding: “This just goes some way in Pembrokeshire to show we’re an honest council, a council that tries its best.” Cllr Thomas’s motion was defeated by seven votes to six, but it is expected to go before a future full council meeting.
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Lord Nelson Hotel confirms it remains open
THE LORD NELSON HOTEL in Milford Haven has confirmed it remains open and is taking bookings following a change in its operating entity. The reassurance comes after Lord Nelson Hotel Ltd entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation, with documents listing debts of £724,852.04.
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A spokesperson for the Hamilton Terrace hotel confirmed that the operating entity had changed and said the venue was going “from strength to strength”. “We will continue to be Milford’s
Man remanded ahead of trial over alleged threat involving rug A MAN accused of threatening to damage a rug in circumstances allegedly endangering a woman’s life has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial. Luke Rogers, 40, whose address is recorded as HMP Parc, Bridgend, had his case considered at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 22). The charge relates to an alleged incident at Wolfscastle on October 18, 2024. The prosecution alleges that Rogers
threatened to damage his own property, namely a rug, in a way he knew was likely to endanger a woman’s life. It is further alleged that he intended her to fear the threat would be carried out. Rogers previously pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrates remanded him in custody until his trial, which is listed at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for Thursday, October 1, at 2pm. Three hours have been allocated for the hearing.
premier venue for food, events and entertainment, and are proud to continue being a major employer in Milford Haven,” the spokesperson said. The statement confirms that the hotel continues to welcome customers despite the liquidation of its previous operating company. The spokesperson did not name the new operating entity. Companies House filings show Lord Nelson Hotel Ltd passed a winding-up resolution on September 2, appointing Helen Whitehouse and Gareth Bishop, of McAlister & Co Insolvency Practitioners Ltd, as joint liquidators. The resolution states that the company could no longer continue its business because of its current or impending liabilities. The documents were filed on September 10. A statement of affairs, setting out the company’s financial position as at August 20, lists four creditors. The largest amount is £354,373.52 owed to director Justin Scale. HM Revenue and Customs is listed as being owed £286,228.56, while £80,900 is owed to J & K Scale Properties and £3,349.96 to British
Gas Business. Assets were estimated to realise £22,408.20, leaving an estimated shortfall to creditors of £702,443.84. Those assets comprise fixtures, fittings and office equipment valued at £15,000, cash in the bank of £2,408.20, and intellectual property and goodwill valued at £5,000. Notes accompanying the statement say the directors had expressed an interest in buying the company’s assets, goodwill and intellectual property, including its trading name, customer database and social media accounts. The document states that any offers would be considered by the liquidators with advice from independent valuation agents. It does not confirm that a sale was completed. Lord Nelson Hotel Ltd was incorporated in March 2023. Its registered office has since moved from Hamilton Terrace to the insolvency practitioners’ address in Swansea, and Companies House records its status as liquidation. The hotel’s spokesperson confirmed that the venue remains open for business and continues to take bookings.
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Ceredigion Penfro Reform MSs handed new roles in Senedd team
REFORM UK’S two Members of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro have been given new responsibilities within the party’s Welsh parliamentary team, with Claire Archibald taking on the social care portfolio and Paul Marr becoming Deputy Whip. The appointments were announced on Wednesday evening, with both MSs saying they were honoured to take on their new responsibilities. Claire Archibald MS has been appointed Reform Wales’ Shadow Minister for Social Care, giving her responsibility for scrutinising Welsh Government policy across a wideranging portfolio including adult social care, support for older people, unpaid carers, disability services, mental health, women’s health and palliative care. Ms Archibald said: “I’m delighted and very honoured to accept the role of Shadow Minister for Social Care.” She said she would be actively looking to support and improve adult social care and services for older people, as well as support for the thousands of people who provide unpaid care for relatives and loved ones.
Her brief will also include disability services and independent living,
mental health and wellbeing, women’s health and palliative care. She added: “I will work hard to hold the Government to account and push for better care and outcomes for the people of Wales.” The appointment places Ms Archibald in a portfolio closely connected to her experience before entering the Senedd. She previously worked in health and social care, including in care homes, before joining an NHS community healthcare support team providing palliative care to people in their own homes. She also has personal experience of unpaid caring, having cared for both of her parents. Since entering the Senedd following May’s election, Ms Archibald has become a member of the Health and Social Care Committee and has already raised social care issues with the Welsh Government. In June, she asked ministers what plans were in place to address problems across social care and has also raised the issue of retaining foster carers in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Her appointment gives the Ceredigion Penfro MS a prominent role in scrutinising an area which covers everything from residential and domiciliary care to support for carers, disability services and the relationship between social care and the NHS. Meanwhile, fellow Ceredigion Penfro
MS Paul Marr has been appointed Deputy Whip for Reform UK Wales. Announcing his new role, Mr Marr said: “I’m very proud to announce that I have been appointed Deputy Whip for Reform UK Wales. “I’m honoured to have been trusted with this position and to be part of such a fantastic and committed team working for Wales. “I’ll continue to work hard and fight for the people of my constituency.” The whips play an organisational role within political groups, helping to coordinate members during Senedd business and votes and working with colleagues to manage the party’s parliamentary operation. Mr Marr, who was elected alongside Ms Archibald in May, currently serves on the Senedd’s Constitution, Justice and External Affairs Committee. The two Reform politicians are among six MSs representing the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, which stretches across much of West Wales and includes communities in both Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Their election in May gave Reform UK two of the constituency’s six Senedd seats. The latest appointments mean both of Reform’s Ceredigion Penfro representatives now hold defined roles within the party’s Senedd operation, with Ms Archibald concentrating on policy scrutiny and Mr Marr taking on responsibilities connected with the organisation of the parliamentary group.
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Giant Moby Dick mural celebrates Fishguard’s Hollywood heritage A STRIKING mural of Moby Dick has been unveiled in Fishguard to celebrate the town’s unique connection with Herman Melville’s legendary white whale. The giant artwork, situated at the junction of West Street and Brodog Terrace, was created by acclaimed local street artist Lloyd the Graffiti. Its unveiling forms part of the 2026 Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival, which is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the release of John Huston’s classic film Moby Dick. Starring Gregory Peck as the obsessive Captain Ahab, the 1956 production was filmed largely in and around Fishguard Bay, transforming the Pembrokeshire town into the fictional Massachusetts whaling port of New Bedford. Lloyd was selected to create the mural after festival organisers invited artists to submit expressions of interest. He said: “I was over the moon. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this project from start to finish.” Festival chairman Dr Patrick Thomas described the finished mural as “brilliant”. “We definitely made the right choice,”
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he added. Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The story of Moby Dick
Shoplifter warned he faces prison after 77th conviction A HAVERFORDWEST shoplifter has been warned he faces prison if he offends again after magistrates heard he had reached his 77th criminal conviction. Christopher Brockway, 46, of Dew Street, pleaded guilty to stealing goods worth £615.78 from M&S in Haverfordwest on April 22, and a pair of Moomin socks and sunglasses worth £20 from Rock N Rolla in Narberth on May 18. Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates that a member of staff challenged Brockway after he was seen leaving M&S with a trolley containing stolen goods. The
items were recovered. In the second incident, CCTV inside Rock N Rolla captured Brockway taking the socks and sunglasses and leaving without paying. Ms Vaughan told the court this was Brockway’s 77th conviction. Passing sentence, the presiding magistrate warned him: “You’re pushing your luck. With jail hanging around your neck, here you are doing things like this. Next time, you’ll be going to prison.” Brockway was fined £400 and ordered to pay a £160 surcharge, £85 in prosecution costs and £20 compensation to Rock N Rolla.
in Fishguard is a fascinating part of Pembrokeshire’s heritage, linking a Hollywood classic with the town’s deep connection to the sea. “Thanks to National Lottery players, the film’s 70th anniversary will be marked through events, activities and
the return of a giant whale inspired by the famous film, connecting more people with this unique chapter in the town’s history.” Further information about the festival programme is available at onlandsedge.co.uk
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National park backs planning system upgrade costing up to £150,000 A NEW planning database for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has been unanimously backed, with the cost potentially reaching £150,000 over four years. Members approved replacing the existing system at a meeting on September 23 after a report highlighted data corruption, mapping limitations, log-in problems and delays in resolving faults. The final package has yet to be decided, with the £150,000 estimate including all optional extras under consideration. The current database has been in place since 2018 and, according to the report, “has broadly served the authority well during this time”. However, problems with the system have prompted officers to spend the past year investigating alternatives and consulting other national parks and planning authorities. “We have found that a number of other national parks in England have either migrated or are contracting with
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a new planning database provider,” the report said. A comparable replacement offering improved reporting would cost around £120,000 to £127,000 over four years, including transfer costs and annual running charges.
Additional features being considered include a dedicated Local Land Registry module, online preapplication submissions and a tool allowing members of the public to measure plans online. Depending on the option chosen, annual running costs would range from around £18,600 to £25,000, compared with the current £25,000.
Including all add-ons could take the annual bill to £33,000. Initial set-up costs would range from £21,000 to £53,000. The report said any additional expense “should be outweighed by improved efficiencies not only within the planning team but also for the IT team”. Officers said a replacement would reduce time spent on manual procedures, improve monitoring of individual officers’ performance and offer better online services for the public. The report put the preferred provider’s transfer costs, running costs and additional features at approximately £150,000 over four years if all add-ons were included, while stressing that a final decision on the package had yet to be taken. Cllr Di Clements proposed purchasing a new planning database, and members unanimously supported the recommendation.
Milford Haven motorist banned for three years after drug-driving offence A MILFORD HAVEN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after admitting driving with cocaine and a cocaine metabolite in his system. Barry McElroy, 51, was stopped by police on May 7 as he drove his Audi TT out of Milford Haven Golf Course with a passenger. Blood tests showed cocaine at 38 micrograms, against a legal limit of 10, and the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine at 400 micrograms, against a limit of 50. Haverfordwest magistrates heard that it was McElroy’s third drug-driving
offence overall and his second within ten years. McElroy, of Haven Drive, Hakin, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without third-party insurance. After considering a probation service report, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. They disqualified him from driving for 36 months and fined him £120. He must also pay an £114 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
Van driver accused of causing motorist’s death in A4075 collision A 55-YEAR-OLD van driver has appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates accused of causing a motorist’s death by careless or inconsiderate driving. Adam Guichard is charged with causing the death of John Robert Lewis following a collision on the A4075 at Nash, near Pembroke, on March 18, 2024. The charge alleges that Guichard was driving a Ford Transit without due care and attention when the collision occurred. Appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court with the assistance of a sign-language interpreter, Guichard, of Millbank Road, Johnstown, Carmarthen, gave no indication of plea.
Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Guichard had completed a delivery at a nearby address and was rejoining the road when his van collided with Mr Lewis’s Mazda sports car. “This matter is going to involve experts and is likely to be a lengthy trial,” she said. Given the seriousness of the allegation, the prosecution submitted that the case was unsuitable for summary trial in the magistrates’ court. Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Guichard is due to appear on October 26. He was released on unconditional bail until that hearing.
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Greens Motors customers directed to Neyland following reported closure CUSTOMERS of long-established Haverfordwest garage Greens Motors have been directed to Sinclair in Neyland for servicing, following reports that its Withybush premises have closed. A notice at the garage says the business has been taken over by “JLR Sinclair, Neyland” and that servicing needs can be dealt with there from September 14. The message also thanks customers for their support over the years. The precise scope of the arrangement with Sinclair has not been independently confirmed. The development concerns a business whose roots stretch back to a Victorian ironmonger’s shop in Haverfordwest. According to Greens’ own published history, Stephen Green established the business in High Street in 1846. It later expanded into bicycles and motorcycles, selling its first car around 1907. The company says its association with Land Rover began in 1948, placing it among the marque’s earliest representatives. The reported closure comes against the background of liquidation proceedings involving Pembroke Motor Services Ltd, known as PMS, and Green Park Fine Rugs Ltd. Companies House filings for PMS record a resolution to wind up the
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company on August 28, 2026, followed by documents recording the appointment of a voluntary liquidator. A separate Gazette notice confirms that Green Park Fine Rugs entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation, with Gareth Stones, of Swansea-based Stones & Co
Insolvency Practitioners, appointed at a meeting on the same date. Corporate records also show a direct ownership link between those two companies: PMS is recorded as holding at least 75 per cent of the shares in Green Park Fine Rugs. Greens Motors Ltd is a separate legal entity and remains listed as active on
Companies House. That registration does not establish whether its garage is still trading, but the liquidations of the other companies should not be presented as a liquidation of Greens Motors itself. Details of any transfer of staff, existing bookings or customer service arrangements have yet to be independently confirmed.
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College tutor wins award after life-changing return to learning
Fred Murad completed 25 courses in five years, inspired by his children and late wife
A PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE welding tutor who returned to learning to help support his children’s education has been honoured at the 2026 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. Fred Murad received the Life Change Award at a ceremony at The Coal Exchange in Cardiff on Wednesday (Sept 23), recognising a journey that has seen him complete 25 courses in five years. Inspired by his two children and his late wife, Claire, who died from sepsis in 2021, Fred wanted to develop the skills he needed to help his children with their learning. His return to education has also opened up a new career. Now working as a welding tutor at Pembrokeshire College, he is starting the final year of a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. His ambition is to become a lecturer. Fred was among ten award winners and one highly commended learner recognised for achievements ranging from preparing for medical school to helping make Welsh-language learning more accessible. Organised by Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh
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Government, the ceremony was a highlight of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales, which runs from September 21 to 27. Cefin Campbell MS, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, said: “The Inspire! Adult Learning Award winners show how learning can transform lives. “Through their determination and commitment, they have developed new skills, built confidence and created new opportunities for themselves and their communities. Their stories are an inspiration and demonstrate why lifelong learning is so important for individuals, communities and Wales as a whole.” Other winners included Aaron Jones, a part-time senior waiter at Penycae Inn, near Swansea, who received the Skills for Work Award. Aaron completed a Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Apprenticeship with Cambrian Training Company and now speaks publicly about neurodiversity and his experiences of learning.
Cardiff’s Hannah Rowlatt won the New Welsh Speaker Award. Registered blind with a degenerative sight condition, Hannah works as Policy and Campaigns Officer for RNIB Cymru. She says learning Welsh has transformed her life and is working with the National Centre for Learning Welsh to improve the accessibility of course materials for blind and partially sighted learners. The Young Adult Learner Award went to Javier Griffiths-Payne, from Barry, who left school at 14 without qualifications. Just two years after returning to education at Cardiff and Vale College, he has secured a place to study medicine at the University of Bristol. Honey Jenkins, from Abertillery, received the Learner Voice Award after achieving her ambition of becoming a builder with support from Bridgend College. She is now encouraging more young women to consider careers in construction. Shared Futures Award winner Yassmein Hussein, from Cardiff, qualified as a pharmacist in Egypt before deciding to change career direction. She has completed 13 adult learning
courses with Cardiff and Vale College and Cardiff Council, established a Facebook group supporting mothers of neurodivergent children, and encourages other mothers to take up learning. The Hywel Francis Award for Community Impact went to Agrication, a community interest company based on a working farm at Bangoron-Dee, near Wrexham. Founded by Cheryl and Andrew Reeves, it helps people develop practical skills, build confidence and reconnect with their communities. Two winners were recognised following support from Compass Community Hub in Merthyr Tydfil. Daniel Mason won the Learning for Better Health Award after an outdoor learning course helped him through depression following his mother’s death and sparked an interest in photography and the local environment. Julia Anderson, from Tredegar, received the Ageing Well Award. After a rare chronic autoimmune condition brought her social care career to an abrupt halt, pottery and other creative courses helped rebuild her confidence. Shelby Weaver-Slaughter won the Essential Skills for Life Award after returning to learning through an apprenticeship with Bridgend College. She has since completed a Social Services Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship and hopes to progress to a university degree. Swansea’s Georgia Miggins was highly commended. Working towards her ambition of becoming a music therapy teacher, she has achieved a Grade 5 singing certificate and advocates for other young people with additional learning needs. Georgia represented Learning Disability Wales in the Welsh Youth Parliament at 17, sits on Mencap’s Voices Council and is the youngest Learning Disability Wales trustee. Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute Director for Wales, said: “Lifelong learning offers opportunities for all of us, whether that’s to move into a new career, learn a new skill, support our health and well-being or just do something we enjoy. “The impact can be transformative, and we can see that through the stories of our award winners.” Adults interested in returning to learning can explore inperson taster courses and online sessions throughout September. More information is available at adultlearnersweek.wales.
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WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2025 & 2026
For information on our wedding packages or to book a meeting at the venue please email: jenna@nelsonmilford.com
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RAF pilots expected to recover as Hawk flights paused after crash
TWO RAF pilots who ejected from a training jet before it crashed on Anglesey are expected to make a full recovery, as investigators work to establish what went wrong. The Hawk T2 came down near Pencarnisiog on Wednesday (September 23) during a routine
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training flight from RAF Valley. A trainee pilot and a highly experienced instructor escaped by parachute and were treated for minor injuries. The RAF has temporarily paused
flying operations involving both its Hawk T1 and T2 aircraft as a precaution. The suspension also affects the Red Arrows, which fly the T1. RAF Valley station commander Group Captain Gez Currie said the aircraft would have been directed towards
open ground before the crew ejected. “The aircraft would have been aimed in a direction that the pilot believed was open field, in order to avoid builtup areas and anybody on the ground,” he said. However, he stressed that the investigation remained at an early stage and it was too soon to suggest what had caused the crash. “It was a trainee, with a highly experienced instructor on a routine sortie, across the Anglesey area,” he said. Group Captain Currie said both pilots were being cared for in hospital and were with their families. He declined to release personal details about them. Footage shared on social media appeared to show both crew members ejecting moments before the jet struck the ground and burst into flames. Two parachutes could be seen descending nearby. North Wales Police said there were no reports of wider damage or injuries. In an update on Thursday (September 24), the RAF said: “Both pilots are doing well, they are in extremely good spirits and expected to make a full recovery. “A formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now under way and, as a precautionary measure, the RAF has temporarily paused Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying operations.” No date has been announced for flying operations to resume.
Angle lifeboat rescues yacht drifting towards shore with four aboard A YACHT dragging its anchor towards the shore in strong winds was brought to safety by Angle RNLI, in the latest of three recent call-outs for the crew. The nine-metre vessel, carrying four people, had broken down off Milford Shelf when the lifeboat was tasked at 6.38pm on Friday, September 18. With a force six south-westerly wind pushing the yacht towards the shore, the crew assessed the situation and quickly secured a tow. The yacht was taken to the safety of the lock at Milford Marina, where the marina’s workboat was to bring it inside. Angle lifeboat returned to its berth and was ready for service again by 7.30pm. The rescue followed two late-night calls to assist Dyfed-Powys Police earlier in the month. At 11.39pm on Wednesday, September 16, Angle’s crew was called to help search for a missing person at Broad Haven North Beach. Little Haven’s inshore lifeboat and
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coastguard rescue teams from Dale, Broad Haven and St Davids were also tasked. Angle lifeboat made its way to Borough Head before beginning a shoreline search towards Broad Haven. Shortly afterwards, coastguard teams located the missing person in Broad Haven. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to its berth, ready for further service, by 2.30am. A week earlier, at 10.55pm on Wednesday, September 9, Angle lifeboat and St Govan’s Coastguard Rescue Team were called to assist police with an incident at Pembroke Dock. The lifeboat stood by for around 40 minutes while officers brought the incident to a safe conclusion. With no further assistance needed, the crew was stood down and returned to its berth by 12.30am.
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Wales’ largest housebuilder supports eisteddfods across West Wales WALES’ LARGEST housebuilder has donated £2,500 to Wales’ biggest youth organisation. Persimmon Homes presented the cheque to Urdd Gobaith Cymru at Yr Egin in Carmarthen, alongside county councillors Emlyn Schiavone and Tyssul Evans, after they successfully applied to the developer’s Community Champions scheme. The funds will go towards the Urdd’s regional eisteddfods in Pembrokeshire, Swansea county, Carmarthenshire, and Neath Port Talbot early next year. Founded in 1922, the Urdd gives young people across the nation an opportunity to learn and socialise in Welsh, offering experiences in community, sports, and youth work that encompass residential, humanitarian, outdoor, and international placements as well as the arts. It also offers apprenticeships, training, and volunteering opportunities. Over 4.5 million young people in Wales have benefited from its services over the last century. Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative sees £48,000 donated to good causes and muchvalued organisations in Wales every year. Recent local recipients include the Young Farmers Club Eisteddfod, Pontarddulais RFC, Wales Women’s Deaf Rugby, Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim, Gorseinon Cricket Club, and Carmarthen & Cross Hands Autistic Association.
The accredited five-star developer has sites in Gorseinon, Llanilid, Pembrey, Saundersfoot, and just around the corner from Yr Egin in Carmarthen, with prices starting at £205,000. Sharon Bouhali, Persimmon Homes West Wales’ sales director, said: “As a proud Welsh housebuilder, we are delighted to be supporting an organisation like the Urdd that has done so much to enrich the lives of children across Wales for over a
century. “Persimmon has a significant presence in the region where the eisteddfods we are funding are taking place and we hope to see many of our present and future residents in attendance.” Elen Evans, the Urdd’s Community Manager in South Wales added: “We are incredibly grateful to Persimmon Homes for their generous support of the Urdd’s regional eisteddfods across West Wales. This contribution will help further ensure
that the region’s children and young people have the opportunity to take part in valuable cultural experiences, develop new skills, and build confidence through the medium of Welsh. “Partnerships like this are vital in enabling us to continue providing opportunities that make a real difference to the lives of young people in our communities, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and their families to the eisteddfods next year.”
Moby Dick returns to Fishguard cinema where cast watched filming rushes A HOLLYWOOD classic filmed partly in Fishguard Bay is returning to a cinema with a place in its own history. John Huston’s Moby Dick will be screened at Theatr Gwaun on Saturday (September 26), 70 years after its release. During filming in 1954, cast and crew used the theatre to watch the day’s rushes. Butcher James Morse’s premises opposite served as an unofficial office for the production. Based on Herman Melville’s novel, the film stars Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab, whose pursuit of the great white whale drives the story, and Richard Basehart as Ishmael. The screening is part of this year’s Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival, which celebrates Fishguard and Goodwick’s connection to the film. Festival chair Dr Patrick Thomas said: “It seems truly fitting that a movie which first took shape here in Fishguard should form an integral part of a festival marking the 70th anniversary of its cinematic release.” He added that tickets were selling fast. Moby Dick will be shown at Theatr Gwaun at 1.30pm on Saturday, September 26.
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Pembroke gallery offers £1,100 in prizes for West Wales artists WINTERING will run at Isobel Kidd Sculpture Studio & Gallery from December 1 to 31, showcasing selected work by established and emerging artists who live or work in West Wales. The exhibition explores wintering as more than a season, inviting artists to consider themes including stillness, endurance, shelter, migration, survival and renewal. Gallery founder and sculptor Isobel Kidd said: “I wanted WINTERING to be much more than an exhibition about winter landscapes. In the natural world, what appears dormant can actually be full of activity. Seeds wait beneath the soil, animals adapt, coastlines continue to change and life quietly prepares for another season. “I’m fascinated to see how artists across West Wales interpret that idea in completely different ways.” The awards include the £500 WINTERING Prize, the £200 Isobel Kidd Gallery Award, three Highly Commended prizes of £100 each and a £100 Visitors’ Choice Award. Kidd said private support had helped the prize fund grow quickly. “What has been particularly wonderful is the response since launching the Open Call. Private support has enabled the prize fund to grow very quickly, and we can now offer £1,100 across the awards. I think that demonstrates a real desire to support
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artists working in West Wales.” Entries are welcome across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, textiles and fibre art, mixed media, collage, glass,
metalwork, wood, jewellery and artist books. Artists can submit up to four works. Entry costs £15 for one work, £20 for two, £25 for three or £30 for four. The submission fee is non-refundable. The deadline is Sunday, November 8, with selected artists due to be notified by Friday, November 13. A private view and prize
announcement will take place on Tuesday, December 1, from 5pm to 8pm. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite work during the exhibition for the Visitors’ Choice Award. Artists should send images and entry information to sculpture@ isobelkidd.co.uk. Full details and conditions are available at isobelkidd. co.uk.
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Revamped service aims to stop Pembrokeshire residents losing their homes PEOPLE at risk of losing their homes in Pembrokeshire will be offered practical help through a revamped homelessness prevention service delivered by The Wallich. The charity is working with Pembrokeshire County Council to support residents before housing problems reach crisis point, while also helping people who are already homeless find and maintain suitable accommodation. Support will include help with benefits, budgeting, rent arrears and debt, alongside assistance with housing applications, speaking to landlords and preparing for appointments. Staff will also help people move home and manage their tenancies, with the aim of reducing the risk of becoming homeless again Liz Evans, area manager for The Wallich, said dedicated support workers would stay alongside people throughout their involvement with the service, providing continuity as they work towards more secure housing. She said: “We are excited to launch The Wallich’s Pembrokeshire Homeless Prevention Service, creating new opportunities to support people earlier and prevent homelessness before it reaches crisis point. “Through an innovative commissioning approach, and dedicated Support Workers who stay alongside people throughout their journey, we can provide consistent, person-centred support that helps individuals build confidence, resilience and long-term housing stability.” The service will also help people access education, volunteering and
wellbeing opportunities, supporting them to live independently within their communities. Michael Gray, the council’s director of social services and housing, said the partnership formed part of its response to the county’s housing challenges. He said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to being innovative in dealing with the housing challenges we face by supporting the people of Pembrokeshire to have access to a suitable home which is of a high standard, affordable and improves their quality of life.” Mr Gray added that preventing homelessness was complex work and that the council would work with The Wallich to understand which approaches were most effective. The revamped service joins three others operated by the charity in Pembrokeshire: its Street Homelessness Support Service, Conflict Resolutions Service and Making Space service, which supports people affected by hoarding. People seeking housing-related support can access services funded by the Housing Support Grant through the council’s Gateway, which provides a single referral point to help match residents with appropriate assistance. Support is available for a range of needs, including those of people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, and people whose housing difficulties involve mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse or maintaining a tenancy. A referral form is available on the council’s Housing Support Grant webpage. Residents can also email gateway@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or call 01437 764551.
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New play park officially opens in Hundleton
A NEW play park has officially opened in Hundleton, providing an improved outdoor space for children and families in the village. Representatives from Valero Pembroke Refinery were joined at the opening by local councillor Jonathan Grimes, who welcomed the investment
and expressed hope that it could lead to further community projects. Cllr Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton on Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Thank you to Valero Pembroke Refinery for inviting me to the opening of the Hundleton Play Park.”
He added that he was looking forward to the possibility of working with the refinery on further projects in the future. The new facility adds to Hundleton’s existing recreational provision, which includes playing fields and facilities used by local football and cricket teams. Valero Pembroke Refinery, one of the area’s largest employers, has supported a range of community organisations, educational initiatives
and voluntary projects across south Pembrokeshire. The company describes community involvement as one of its guiding principles and regularly works with local groups and stakeholders through its community engagement programme. The opening was welcomed as a positive addition for families in Hundleton, giving younger residents a dedicated space in which to play, exercise and socialise close to home.
Milford Haven blanket competition returns in aid of cancer centre Tom Sinclair
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A MILFORD HAVEN wool shop is inviting blanket makers to show off their handiwork while raising money for Velindre Cancer Centre. Phoenix Yarns, at 89 Charles Street, is holding its third annual blanket competition, with entries open until 5pm on September 27. The competition marks the anniversary of the shop’s opening and
has grown from 13 entries in its first year to 25 last year. Owner Christine Davies hopes this year’s event will attract even more. Several blankets have already been submitted, with completed entries to be displayed in the shop for customers to choose their favourites. Photographs will also be shared online for public voting. There will be a separate prize for the public’s favourite, while a representative from yarn company James C Brett will select the overall winner. Awards for first, second and third place will be presented at an evening celebration at Taste of Haven on October 6, with a light buffet available for those attending. The winner’s trophy has been made by Milford Haven business DJH Crafts. Entry costs £2.50, with the full amount donated to Velindre Cancer Centre, the shop’s charity of the year. Christine said: “We had 13 entries in the first year, 25 last year and we hope to smash that again this year as the competition gains traction.” To take part, drop your blanket into Phoenix Yarns before the deadline. For further information, visit the shop or email phoenixyarns@yahoo.com
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Smaller pylons proposed for West Wales as opponents demand underground cables A NEW pylon design proposed for electricity routes through Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion has failed to satisfy campaigners who want power cables buried underground. Green GEN Cymru has unveiled a 22-metre single-pole structure for its Towy Teifi and Towy Usk projects, saying it would reduce the visual impact of the planned overhead lines. The design is around five metres shorter than the steel lattice pylons previously proposed. However, opponents say changing the shape and height of the structures does not resolve their concerns about development across the countryside. The two projects form part of the company’s plans to connect proposed wind farms to the wider electricity network. For communities along the routes, the announcement introduces a different design into a debate that has already prompted protests and legal challenges. Known as a monopole, the structure uses a single upright support with arms carrying the electricity lines. Green GEN Cymru says it draws on designs already used elsewhere in Europe. The company argues that the poles could carry more electricity than wooden alternatives, allowing it to limit the number of overhead lines required and reduce the impact on farmland. Wooden poles are typically around 12 metres high. The proposed monopoles would therefore remain substantially taller, although shorter than conventional lattice structures.
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A prototype is expected to be available for communities to view in early 2027. The images released so far are computer-generated illustrations. Green GEN Cymru says the design would sit alongside wooden poles, underground cables and traditional pylons among the options available for its network. It maintains that putting every section underground would involve excessive costs and disruption. But campaigners say the new appearance does not answer the central objection to overhead
infrastructure. Speaking to BBC Wales, Dr Jonathan Dean, of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, described the monopole as “still a major piece of infrastructure in the countryside”. He also questioned how the company’s proposals would fit with separate transmission network developments being considered by the National Energy System Operator. Dyfan Walters, a farmer near the proposed route outside Llandovery, told the BBC that underground cables remained the only acceptable option for him. He nevertheless regarded the
company’s decision to revisit its design as evidence that community pressure had made a difference. The announcement also comes against a changed political backdrop. Plaid Cymru campaigned before May’s Senedd election on a presumption in favour of undergrounding new electricity lines, with overhead alternatives limited to low wooden poles or similarly less intrusive infrastructure. Green GEN Cymru’s head of external affairs, Guto Davies, told the BBC that engineering considerations, environmental impacts, community feedback and the political situation had all influenced the search for a different design. The company also hopes Welsh manufacturers and engineering businesses could help develop and produce the structures. Its wider programme covers three major electricity routes affecting Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Powys and Shropshire, with investment approaching £1 billion planned by 2030. The Welsh Government declined to comment on individual proposals because of ministers’ role in the planning process. It said its developing National Energy Strategy would seek to meet Wales’ electricity needs sustainably while securing greater benefits for communities. For residents along the Towy Teifi and Towy Usk routes, the unresolved question is whether shorter poles will meaningfully reduce the impact— or whether the cables should go underground.
New look for Gelliswick Community Choir thanks to TY Milford GELLISWICK Community Choir has unveiled its new formal uniform and thanked Tŷ Milford for its continued support. Members are pictured wearing black outfits with bright orange scarves following the presentation of the uniform, which will be worn at formal performances. The new look comes as the choir prepares for a busy year ahead, including fundraising towards its involvement in the Land of Song Festival in Cardiff in 2027. A spokesperson for Gelliswick Community Choir said: “A huge thank you to Tŷ Milford for presenting us with our wonderful new formal uniform. We absolutely love it. “Their continued support of our choir means a great deal to us, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and encouragement.”
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Llandeilo Antiques and Vintage Fair has ‘pinned ‘ down their success to the variety of Antiques on display .
The next Antiques and Vintage fair to be held at the Civic Hall Llandeilo, will be on Saturday 3rd October and will definitely have all the variety that we come to expect from this quality fair.It provides visitors with inspiration and a choice of antiques and vintage on offer , at affordable prices. The Llandeilo Antiques fair can be located in the heart of Llandeilo, close to the main car park.Here you will find a bustling, vibrant Fair with lots of antiques and vintage to whet your appetite. The fair now includes a vintage element with a touch of retro and some impressive outside stands. Being a Welsh Fair it is understandable that there should be a good selection of Welsh items on offer. Whether it’s an original Welsh watercolour or oil painting or a piece of Welsh pottery or examples of Welsh textiles. There will be a selection
of Welsh blankets and textiles on display , the result of Wales having a rich heritage , in the woollen industry. Recently I bought a little goat that was made of metal and had a pin cushion on its back.I knew these were collectible and it got me wondering about how pincushions evolved through time. Pincushions are often overlooked. Most households have at least one, but they’re relegated to a drawer or hidden away in a sewing room. They are functional, and are often regarded as a modest staple of the sewing basket, yet its evolution in Britain , reflects centuries of social history, changing manufacturing techniques, and decorative art trends. Before the advent of cheap, mass-produced fasteners, brass and iron pins were valuable household assets that needed to be preserved, sharpened, and displayed.
In medieval Britain, metal pins were hand-forged from iron or drawn brass wire, making them expensive luxury items. Tailors and seamstresses stored pins wrapped in parchment, rolled into cloth slips, or stuck into small leather or fabric pillows called pyn-poppetsor pyn-pillows. By the reign of Elizabeth I in the 16th century, filled cushions had become a necessity in noble households. Pins were used not just for sewing, but to hold complex, layered garments, ruffs, and headpieces together. Pincushions of this era were often heavily embroidered with silver and gold thread, filled with wool waste or horsehair . By the 18th century, pincushions took on a sentimental and symbolic role in British domestic life. Layette Pincushions were given as gifts to expectant mothers, these oversized, heavily decorated silk
or satin cushions were pinned with elaborate greetings made from pinheads—often spelling out phrases like “Welcome Little Stranger”. Wealthy Georgian women wore pincushions suspended from their waists on a chatelaine—a decorative belt hook holding essential household tools like scissors, thimbles, and thimbles. The 19th century transformed the pincushion from a practical item into a decorative art form. Industrialization drastically reduced the cost of pin production, while the rise of the Victorian middle class spurred a fascination with “fancywork”. The classic red strawberryshaped cushion gained widespread popularity in Britain during this era. Filled with abrasive emery powder rather than wool, inserting a needle or pin into the strawberry cleaned off tarnish and sharpened the point.
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According to traditional folklore, putting a ripe tomato on the mantle of a new home ensured prosperity and warded off evil spirits (we know better). The problem with that was that fresh tomatoes weren’t always readily available. So, tomatoes were made from fabric and stuffed with sawdust instead. Women found out that those faux tomatoes were perfect for sticking pins into, and the tomato pincushion was born. Victorians crafted cushions shaped as boots, hearts, tortoises, and porcelain half-dolls with stuffed fabric skirts.
During the late Victorian era and through the First World War, British soldiers stationed overseas created heavily beaded, heart-shaped pincushions adorned with ribbons and badges to send home to loved ones as keepsakes. With the decline of home dressmaking in the late 20th century, the pincushion shifted back toward a functional tool for textile artists, quilters, and hobbyists. Today, antique British pincushions— especially Georgian layette cushions, Victorian silver-mounted designs, and WW1 sweetheart tokens—are
prized collector items preserved in museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London Pincushions are the perfect things to collect. They’re relatively small and the variety of shapes and materials make them fun to hunt for. They can be found anywhere from a few pounds to this wall-hanging Victorian beauty valued at £600. There will also be attractive displays of gardinalia at the fair and they has proved extremely popular including watering cans , planters,wheel barrows ,garden tools and large garden pots and urns.
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The Llandeilo fair has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage on display, both inside and outside the building , from jewellery,watches, books, ephemera, militaria and vintage clothes and accessories. There will also be collections of glass and up cycled and pre loved furniture, plus interior design pieces. I’m sure visitors will not be disappointed with the selection on offer at this popular fair. Homemade refreshments will be available and doors open at 10 am until 4pm.Admission is just £2 and dogs are welcome.
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Herald editor’s new book asks who is accountable in the AI age PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD editor Tom Sinclair examines how artificial intelligence could reshape work, warfare and everyday life in a new book that invites readers to hold its author to account. The AI Decade: 50 Predictions About War, Work, Power and Life in the Age of Artificial Intelligence is being published by Cambria Books. Across seventeen chapters, it explores the opportunities, risks and decisions involved in handing more responsibility to machines. An early review, sent to the publisher by Bill Human, describes the book as “readable, serious and alert to both benefit and harm”. Its opening offers a memorable assessment: “Most books about artificial intelligence arrive carrying either a trumpet or a fire extinguisher. Tom Sinclair’s The AI Decade brings a notebook.” That notebook approach runs through the book. Sinclair draws on his experience as an editor to question claims, examine evidence and explore what technological change means for the people affected. In his author’s note, he explains the habits he brings to the subject: checking where a claim originated, comparing conflicting accounts and making complicated material understandable to readers with limited time. The subjects range from classrooms and hospitals to companionship, elections, military technology and the growing influence of companies developing AI. Chapters also examine the competition between the United States and China, alongside the chips, electricity and factories underpinning their ambitions. Throughout, the book returns to a central question: when a machine is given greater freedom to act, who can see what it is doing, intervene when necessary and accept responsibility for the result? For readers in Pembrokeshire, the themes have recognisable implications. They concern young people choosing careers, businesses considering new tools, teachers assessing pupils’ work and patients trying to understand how decisions about their care are reached. The discussion of employment looks beyond headline unemployment figures. Sinclair considers what happens when tasks traditionally given to junior employees can be automated, potentially narrowing the opportunities through which newcomers learn their trade. The first reviewer singles out that emphasis. “He is particularly good at following a technical change to the person at the other end of it,” Human writes. “The labour question is not confined to whether unemployment rises. It is also whether a young worker can still get a first job, learn the trade and share in the value their work helps create.” The book’s fifty predictions give those wider arguments a structure readers can revisit. Each has a probability, a deadline and a stated condition under which it would be judged wrong. They cover developments including
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driverless transport, industrial robots, scientific discoveries and the use of autonomous systems within major businesses. One forecast assigns a 70 per cent probability to fewer than one million humanoid robots being in paid commercial or domestic use worldwide by the end of 2030, excluding demonstrations, pilots and research units. Another gives a 60 per cent probability to a major shift in university assessment by the 2028–29 academic year, towards supervised, in-person or oral conditions. The probabilities express Sinclair’s judgments, leaving room for uncertainty and disagreement. Readers are given space to record outcomes and notes. Human welcomes the decision to make the forecasts testable, while adding a qualification: “Some of the scoring rules could be tighter, but the decision to print them is admirable.” The review continues: “Sinclair has put his forecast on the counter and invited readers to keep the receipt.” The author addresses a question likely to interest anyone picking up a book about AI: how much did the technology contribute to writing it? His disclosure sets out the use of generative AI for research, drafting, analysis and editing. The author’s note describes using several systems to challenge arguments, identify counterarguments and help revise the text. Sinclair states that he selected the evidence, determined the arguments and forecasts, checked and edited the final text, and accepts responsibility for its contents. “My name is on the cover because I made the decisions, and accountability cannot be handed to a system that has none,” he writes. That account of the writing process connects with the book’s concern about responsibility. Delegating a task still leaves decisions about the evidence, the outcome and its consequences. The text includes 297 numbered notes, allowing readers to follow its sources and question its conclusions. Human’s review particularly praises the distinctions Sinclair draws between an impressive demonstration, a useful application and evidence of something more consequential. A promising medical trial, the reviewer observes, does not justify removing the doctor. For the Herald editor, the book extends the work of examining claims and asking who answers for them into a subject with consequences across society. Its closing invitation is straightforward: read the evidence, challenge the argument and return to the predictions as their deadlines arrive. As Sinclair writes in his author’s note: “The intention is straightforward: accountability rather than prophecy.” THE AI DECADE published by Cambria Books is released on October 10, 2026.
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Berkeley Coachworks expands into three Pembroke Port buildings BERKELEY COACHWORKS has expanded into three commercial properties at Pembroke Port, with the company promising new employment opportunities as it grows its operations in Pembrokeshire. The business, part of the Berkeley Group, has taken occupancy of Pillar Warehouse, The Guard House and Falcon House, providing a combination of industrial space and offices. Berkeley Coachworks specialises in bespoke manufacturing and engineering solutions. It says the additional premises will support its continued growth and investment in local skills. The largest of the three properties, Pillar Warehouse, provides around 12,000 sq ft of industrial space. The Grade II-listed Guard House offers almost 2,184 sq ft of offices, while Falcon House is one of four listed annexes renovated to provide modern workspaces. Sarah Pearce, chief operating officer at Berkeley Group, said: “Our move to Pembroke Dock marks an exciting new chapter for Berkeley Coachworks. “The expanded facilities will not only support the continued growth of our business but also create new employment opportunities within the local community. “We are proud to be investing in Pembrokeshire, contributing to the local economy, and helping to develop skilled jobs in the region.
Berkeley Group team members at Pembroke Port. From left: Lee Griffiths, Sarah Pearce, Chris Mickish, Tom Hoare, Gavin McNicholl, Brandon Machin, Dan Evans, Adam Lloyd and Paul Sparrow. “This relocation positions us for future success while strengthening our commitment to serving customers across Wales and beyond.” The company has not specified how many jobs the expansion will create or when recruitment will begin. Sharon Jenkins, commercial property executive at Pembroke Port, welcomed the company’s investment. “We are delighted to welcome
the Berkeley Group team as major tenants,” she said. “Their investment is a significant endorsement of the area and reflects the strategic advantages offered by our port location, excellent transport links and growing marine and engineering cluster. “We look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth in Pembrokeshire.”
The properties were renovated as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project, backed by the Swansea Bay City Deal through the UK and Welsh governments, the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, and private investment. Pembroke Port is owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven.
Tenby author explores justice and revenge in new psychological thriller
TENBY author John Nicholl explores violence against women and the early release of dangerous offenders in his latest psychological thriller, which will be launched at a free event in Carmarthen next
month. That Day at Rose Cottage, published by Boldwood Books on October 21, follows two women driven to act after the criminal justice system fails to protect them.
When a violent man is released from prison early, the consequences are devastating. With their faith in the authorities shattered, the women face a difficult question: how far will they go to protect themselves and others? The novel examines the boundary between justice and revenge, alongside the friendship that helps its central characters confront their fear. John, a former police officer and child protection social worker, said: “Violence against women and the early release of dangerous offenders are subjects that seldom seem far from the headlines. That Day at Rose Cottage explores what can happen when women lose faith in the system that is supposed to protect them. “Although the novel is first and foremost a psychological thriller, I wanted it to raise difficult questions about justice, public protection and the experiences of victims. At its heart, it is also a story about friendship,
courage and survival.” Now living in Tenby, John draws on his experience of working with victims and offenders to write fiction exploring the darker aspects of human behaviour. His previous novels have become international bestsellers and have been published in multiple languages. He will launch That Day at Rose Cottage at Waterstones Carmarthen at 6.30pm on Friday, October 23. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. The book will be available in ebook, paperback, hardback, largeprint and audiobook editions, with the audiobook narrated by Emily Wilden and Henry Nott. Readers will be able to buy it through bookshops and major online retailers. It is also expected to become available through UK libraries after publication.
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More than 50 west Wales patients waiting for life-saving transplants MORE than 50 patients across the Hywel Dda health board area are waiting for a life-saving transplant, as people are urged to record their organ donation wishes and share them with loved ones. The appeal comes during Organ Donation Week, which runs from September 21 to 27, with a reminder that a single donor could save up to nine lives. For Helen, a kidney transplant recipient from Carmarthenshire, that gift has been life-changing. “I’ve been a renal patient for over 30 years and my life has completely changed for the better by having a kidney transplant,” she said. “I can honestly say I don’t think I’d be here without my transplant. “For anyone thinking about signing up, organ donation is the greatest gift a person can give another.” Hywel Dda University Health Board, which serves Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, is supporting NHS Blood and Transplant’s call for people to take two minutes to register their decision. Lauren Blunsden, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation, said: “In Hywel
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Dda, we currently have more than 50 patients waiting for a life-saving transplant. “Registering your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register takes just two minutes and could save up to nine lives. Just as importantly, make sure you tell your loved ones about your decision so they know what you want.” According to the health board, 38,943 people in Pembrokeshire
have already recorded their decision to become a donor, alongside 87,423 in Carmarthenshire and 37,606 in Ceredigion. The board emphasised that families are always involved before organ donation can go ahead, making conversations about a loved one’s wishes essential. It said nine out of ten families support donation when they know the person’s decision and have previously discussed it. Chantal Patel, Chair of Hywel Dda’s Organ Donation Committee,
said: “By registering your decision and talking to your family and friends, you can help ensure your wishes are understood and respected. Organ donation is a remarkable gift that can save lives and bring hope to others at a difficult time.” The local appeal comes amid concerns nationally about falling donor numbers and growing transplant waiting lists. Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are facing one of the most challenging periods for organ donation in over a decade. There has been a sharp decline in donors and a rising number of people waiting for a transplant. We need urgent action.” He urged people to make their wishes clear: “Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one, but opportunities to save lives are being lost because families didn’t know what their loved ones wanted. Leave them certain.” To register your decision or find out more, visit organdonation.nhs.uk and discuss your wishes with your family.
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Seven ways to help children feel calmer about eye tests
PARENTS are being offered advice on helping young children feel more comfortable about eye tests, from playing opticians at home to explaining what they can expect during an appointment. Child psychologist Professor Sam Wass has teamed up with Specsavers for its ‘No Scaries in Sight’ campaign, launched during National Eye Health Week, which runs from September 21 to 27. The initiative follows a survey commissioned by the optician in which some parents reported that their children were nervous about healthcare appointments.
OnePoll questioned 1,000 UK parents of children aged three to five in September. Only 31 respondents were from Wales, meaning the Welsh findings should be treated cautiously. Among that small Welsh sample, 66% said their child disliked medical or health appointments, while 38% reported that their child had been worried before their first eye test. Concerns included whether the test would hurt and uncertainty about what would happen. Professor Wass said unfamiliar surroundings and experiences could make healthcare appointments daunting for young children. “It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous about healthcare appointments, especially when they’re doing something for the first time,” he said. “But these check-ups play a crucial role in supporting healthy development. Correcting vision early can improve learning outcomes and have a real impact on education, confidence and wellbeing.” The survey also found that 55% of Welsh respondents had noticed behaviours or symptoms which Specsavers said could indicate a sight
problem, including sitting close to screens, rubbing their eyes, headaches and squinting. These were parents’ observations, rather than confirmed diagnoses. Professor Wass offered seven suggestions to help families prepare: 1. Practise at home. Playing opticians and taking turns in the chair can help children become familiar with the idea of an eye test before they arrive. 2. Explain how it might feel. Talk about the experience as well as the order of events. Knowing that a room may become darker or that equipment might feel cool can make unfamiliar sensations less surprising. 3. Offer small, genuine choices. Where possible, let children decide things such as whether they would like to hold a parent’s hand. Keep choices simple and offer options that can be honoured. 4. Give them something to do. A small task or game can help direct their attention. Introduce it before they become anxious and give it a clear goal. 5. Keep reassurance calm and simple. Repeatedly saying “don’t
worry” can sometimes suggest there is something to fear. A relaxed tone and a distraction may be more helpful. 6. Consider the waiting room. Bright lights, noise and unfamiliar people can feel overwhelming. Choosing a quieter place to sit and explaining what will happen next may help. 7. Match preparation to the child. Younger children may benefit from a simple explanation shortly before the visit, while older children may appreciate more notice. Let their questions guide how much detail you provide. Specsavers has also introduced a free online activity featuring ‘Optomonsters’ characters, designed to encourage conversations about sight and help children feel more familiar with the idea of an appointment. Jill Campbell, the company’s head of clinical performance, said the campaign aimed to help children feel more comfortable and confident about attending eye tests. Children under 16 are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests. Families can find the campaign’s activities and further information at specsavers.co.uk/kidstests.
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Could stranded seaweed become a building material?
SEAWEED washed ashore could eventually provide a resource for construction materials, according to a French lecturer developing an experimental project to investigate the idea. David Terradot-Piot is examining whether selected marine biomass, carefully processed and checked for contaminants, could be suitable for use in cement-based mixtures. He has identified Pembrokeshire as a potential place for future discussions because of its maritime character and coastal expertise. However, he stresses that no formal partnership or trial has been established in the county, and the project has yet to produce validated performance results. Mr Terradot-Piot teaches construction materials and the
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materials industry at UNICEM Campus Bretagne in France, following operational experience in concrete production and construction materials. The seaweed work is his own independent initiative, rather than an official UNICEM research programme. “The objective is not simply to place untreated seaweed into concrete,” he told The Herald. “The real question is whether carefully selected and appropriately treated marine biomass — or a derived mineral fraction — could eventually become a technically controlled secondary resource.” The distinction matters. Before seaweed could be considered for
construction, the project would need to establish what it contains, how consistently it can be processed and whether the resulting material is suitable for testing. His work focuses on two different sources: stranded green algae found along the Brittany and Normandy coasts, and sargassum, which presents a significant environmental management issue in the Caribbean. In the technical dossier supplied to The Herald, Mr Terradot-Piot sets out a proposed sequence of collection, sorting, washing, salt reduction, drying and, where appropriate, thermal treatment. Chemical and mineral analysis would then help determine whether any resulting material should progress to trials in cement-based mixtures. Sargassum presents a particular challenge because of concerns about arsenic. The proposed work would need to track what happens to contaminants throughout processing, including whether washing transfers them into wastewater. Removing an undesirable substance from the seaweed would not, by itself, resolve the environmental problem if it simply ended up in another waste stream. The next stages would compare carefully controlled mixtures containing treated material with reference mixtures made without it. Tests would examine factors including workability, setting, strength and durability, alongside environmental performance. Mr Terradot-Piot is explicit that the
curves and scenarios in his dossier illustrate how experiments might be planned. They are not measured laboratory results or evidence that the approach will succeed. Nor would a successful treatment method developed in France automatically be suitable for Welsh seaweed. Any future Pembrokeshire study would need to begin with the species, conditions and ecological requirements of the local coastline. Explaining his interest in the county, he said: “I was particularly interested in the area because of its strong maritime identity, sensitive coastal ecosystems and the importance of balancing environmental protection with the management of material deposited on shorelines.” He would welcome exchanges with Welsh researchers, coastal organisations or businesses interested in exploring those questions. A central condition of the proposal is that seaweed should not be treated as waste simply because it has washed onto a beach. Mr Terradot-Piot says beach-cast seaweed can provide habitat, nutrients and organic matter within coastal ecosystems. His approach does not support systematic removal. Any collection would need to consider local ecology, the scale of an accumulation, its state of decomposition and advice from the relevant coastal authorities. “Industrial valorisation should complement responsible coastal management, not override ecological functions,” he said. The dossier suggests that a future investigation could focus on a small, traceable quantity of material from an accumulation already judged appropriate for management. Even then, the environmental case would remain to be tested. Washing requires water and produces effluent, while drying, grinding and any heat treatment consume energy. Transport would also need to be included in the assessment. If the material passed initial checks, Mr Terradot-Piot suggests that a limited, non-structural application could offer a proportionate starting point for testing. For now, the project offers a research question rather than a proven construction product: can an appropriate source of stranded seaweed be turned into a consistent, useful material without creating greater environmental costs? The answer may depend as much on what should remain on the beach as on what could eventually enter a concrete mixer.
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Happier dogs, more confident owners: 37 years of training at Barnlake A NEW puppy, an older dog or simply a fresh start — Barnlake Dog Training Centre helps owners build a stronger bond with their four-legged companions Welcoming a dog into your life brings plenty of joy — and a few challenges. From those first steps in puppy training to developing better everyday habits, a little guidance can make a real difference for both of you. At Barnlake Dog Training Centre in Burton, the aim is to help owners understand their dogs, communicate clearly and enjoy learning together. That approach has been at the heart of Barnlake since Paddy and Merril Maris founded the centre in 1989. Drawing on their experience running an animal shelter, they wanted to help people manage and understand their dogs so fewer would need rehoming. Thirty-seven years on, that founding purpose continues to shape a centre where the relationship between dog and owner comes first. A positive start for puppies The early months with a puppy are full of discovery. Barnlake’s puppy classes help owners make the most of this important stage, introducing young dogs to early commands, appropriate play and meeting other dogs and people in a structured setting. For anyone preparing to welcome a puppy — or finding their feet after bringing one home — a puppy introduction appointment offers the chance to discuss toilet training, equipment and how to get off to a good start. It is an opportunity to ask questions and build your own confidence while helping your puppy learn. Learning at every stage Training does not stop when puppyhood ends. Barnlake’s beginners’ companion dog classes welcome dogs from around 17 weeks onwards, including adults starting their training journey. Small groups allow owners to learn alongside others as they develop the practical skills that make daily life with a dog more enjoyable. Private lessons are also available for dogs or owners who would benefit from individual attention. Barnlake uses reward-based training, helping owners understand how their dogs learn and how to give clear, consistent guidance. With indoor and outdoor training areas and classes offered during the week, evenings and weekends, the team can
advise on a suitable group and time. For some owners, what begins as a puppy class becomes a rewarding shared hobby. As customer Frances put it: “Great puppy classes. Progressed to novice and learning loads. Thanks Merril and Linda.” Another customer, Jane Bouttell, said: “So glad I started dog training. Now hooked. Lovely trainers.” Discover something you both enjoy For those keen to keep progressing,
follow-on training offers further opportunities to practise, develop new skills and spend enjoyable time together. Barnlake also has an established agility section, welcoming owners who want to take part for fun as well as those interested in competition. Dogs need a grounding in obedience before starting, and the team can advise on suitability and the next steps. Whether you want to give a puppy a positive start, help an older dog learn better habits or find a new activity to enjoy together, Barnlake offers a
place to begin. Ready to take the next step? To ask about upcoming classes, prices and availability, call 01646 600420 or email m.maris@barnlake. com. Find out more at www.barnlake. com. Barnlake Dog Training Centre is at Barnlake House, Burton, SA73 1PA, on the A477 just north of the Cleddau Bridge.
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You cannot vote the climate emergency away
Reform’s attempt to scrap a council’s emergency declaration raises a question for every authority, including Pembrokeshire: what action will follow the words?
COUNCILLORS can change a policy, postpone a target and remove an awkward phrase from the minutes. The atmosphere offers no corresponding facility. That is worth remembering as Reform UK seeks to scrap North Northamptonshire Council’s declaration of a climate and environment emergency. The authority made the declaration under Conservative leadership in 2021. Last year, its Reform executive pushed the deadline for becoming a carbonneutral council from 2030 to 2050. Now Reform councillor Leon Gibbs argues that describing the situation as an emergency makes little sense when the target is 24 years away. There is an obvious problem with that argument. His own administration helped put the deadline so far away. First extend the timetable by two decades. Then cite the extended timetable as a reason to question the urgency. It is a remarkably convenient circle. A problem can require immediate action even when solving it will take years. Indeed, the longer the work takes, the stronger the argument for getting on with it. Climate change makes that distinction particularly important. Carbon dioxide accumulates, and the total we emit matters. Reaching
a target in 2050 does not make the emissions produced along the way disappear. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that each additional increment of warming increases risks and damage. There is, however, a point in Reform’s argument that deserves a fair hearing. Declaring an emergency does not insulate a school, reduce a council’s fuel bill or protect a vulnerable community from flooding. Councils should be judged on what they achieve. A declaration accompanied by years of self-congratulation and little measurable progress deserves scrutiny. Gibbs says his party wants achievable improvements to the local environment. The motion emphasises energy efficiency, reducing waste and value for money. Those are worthwhile aims. The question is how removing the declaration helps deliver them. The published proposal also seeks to replace climate change
impact assessments with broader environmental consideration assessments. That deserves more attention than an argument over vocabulary. Residents should be able to see whether the replacement will assess the emissions consequences of decisions just as clearly. If the new approach produces better results, publish the evidence. Set out the investment, the expected savings, the emissions reductions and the dates by which each will be delivered. The same standard should apply here. Pembrokeshire County Council declared a climate emergency in May 2019 and subsequently developed an action plan towards becoming a net zero-carbon local authority by 2030. Seven years after that declaration, residents are entitled to ask what has been achieved, what remains unfinished and how the remaining work will be funded. A target concerns the council’s own operations; it should never be presented as a promise that the
entire county will become carbon neutral on the same date. For Pembrokeshire, this debate must also take seriously the people whose livelihoods depend on energy, transport, farming and tourism. Workers deserve credible plans for future employment. Rural households need affordable ways to heat their homes and get around. Businesses need enough certainty to invest. Climate policy will lose public support if its advocates wave away those concerns or treat every practical objection as hostility to the environment. Equally, concern about costs should lead to careful choices and honest accounting. It cannot justify pretending that delay carries no costs of its own. Our coastal communities, roads, homes and public services need decisions that account for a changing climate. That requires sustained work across successive administrations, including politicians who disagree about almost everything else. Reform is entitled to challenge waste, unrealistic timetables and policies that fail to deliver. Every party should. But if its answer is a later deadline and a weaker statement of urgency, it owes residents a convincing explanation of how that improves their position. Keep the demand for measurable results. Apply it rigorously to every council and every party. The test is whether emissions fall and communities become better prepared. Deleting the word “emergency” proves neither.
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BADGER AND THIS SPORTING LIFE BADGER doesn’t often write about sport. And he writes even less about association football. He’s never caught the footie bug. When he was very young, Badger had a vague interest in West Ham United’s fortunes, but it never stuck. He knows enough about soccer to do well in general knowledge quizzes, but beyond that, he never bothers. Many years ago, Badger had a professional interest in football that was limited to how often players got lifted for drunk and disorderly, or a fracas associated with the former. He well remembers one particularly villainous member of a local side appearing before Pembroke Magistrates’ Court and overhearing his venerable solicitor give him advice of unparalleled cynicism. “I know you’re not, but I’ll tell the Bench you’re very sorry. It won’t happen again. You’ve got a new job. Your girlfriend’s pregnant; and, if that doesn’t work, we’ll get the onion out.” The old rogue got his thuggish client off with a slap on the wrist. The thug continued to behave violently, with apparent impunity, right up to the point where a great truism played out: no matter how nasty and hard you are or think you are, one day you’ll meet someone nastier, harder, and (importantly) faster. He did and ended up almost literally smiling on the other side of his face. That is not to say all football players are bovver boys who spend ninety minutes a week on a Saturday niggling each other on the pitch and spend the rest of the evening getting more intoxicated and spoiling for a fight. If you play rugby, at least if you play it properly, you play with channelled aggression and so much physical commitment that when they’ve finished knocking seven bells out of each other on the pitch, most players don’t have the energy to do much apart from finding a bar to prop themselves up before hobbling home.
What Badger more commonly observes among some football players (and some fans) is an overlap between passion for their team, identification with their team’s fortunes, and hostile tribalism when things don’t go their way or they perceive a slight or a wrong. In recent weeks, Badger has noticed several worrying incidents in local football. The most notorious of them has been widely shared online by this newspaper and the national press. Badger neither knows nor cares what caused the violent scenes at a recent match between junior sides representing Pennar and Hakin; however, he does know that watching adults brawling on and around the pitch was a shocking advertisement for the supposed benefits of participation in sport. In junior sports, there’s always been the pushy parent insistent that their offspring be treated as a special case. Similarly, a few parents have always channelled their lost hopes of sporting glory onto their children. Most parents who watch their child play want them to do well and want to be as supportive as they can. They
are the majority. The minority do not understand that support does not include abusing coaches, shouting obscenities, or barracking officials. Support doesn’t involve physical confrontation. Setting aside the violence, the most worrying aspect was that several players were obviously and visibly shocked by what unfolded in front of them. Badger also noticed that one of the young players sprinted across the pitch to join the melee before running off like a demented chimp after dishing out a couple of cheap shots. Those involved must be bloody proud of themselves for setting such a fantastic example. At the very least, any supporter or player identified as involved should be banned from every football ground and club in the county. And, if those involved include coaches and adult players, that ban should extend to them. Badger doubts the local football association will do much about it. In Badger’s experience, local sporting associations have spines like jellyfish when it comes to tackling such issues. Take the 2025 Harrison-Allen final, which, thanks to the weather, took place in May 2026. Narberth
and Neyland were in the final, but the followers and players of another club, Lawrenny, chiefly, comprehensively disgraced themselves. Badger knows one of that final’s umpires pretty well. Those involved should thank their lucky stars that he’s (marginally) mellowed with age. And the penalties meted out to those idiotic hooligans by the County Cricket Club, whose abuse of one of the players on the field was especially foul, were nil. At the very least, the players involved should have received lengthy playing bans, and the club should have been banned from cup competitions for a couple of years. The only thing that will effectively stop those unable to control themselves when watching sport is to ban them from both participating in it and attending it. If their sport really matters to people, that hits them where it hurts: take it away. Badger has singled out cricket and football, but that applies to all sports. Abuse of officials is a cancer on sport. You can moan all you like about there not being enough of them to go around, but nobody seems prepared to fill the gaps. Given some of the recent behaviour on matchdays, it’s understandable that sports associations are struggling to find volunteers willing to give up their free time and have their families, personal lives, and integrity subjected to prolonged abuse. Badger doesn’t expect players and supporters to be plaster saints. Goodness knows that when he dragged his carcass around sports pitches, Badger was not someone who bit his tongue when he or his team were on the wrong end of a dodgy decision. However, if you think threatening behaviour or actual violence is justified whether participating in or watching sport, Badger extends his sympathies to your children and wishes you a long life wondering why you’re not allowed to watch them play sport anymore.
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Young designers wanted to create treasure for Torch Theatre pantomime CHILDREN and young people across Pembrokeshire are being invited to dream up a precious treasure — and see their creation brought to life in the Torch Theatre’s Christmas pantomime. The Milford Haven theatre has launched its annual design competition ahead of Puss in Boots, which will give the much-loved tale a Wild West twist. This year’s challenge takes its inspiration from a mysterious treasure hidden deep in the mines of the Preseli Mountains. What that treasure looks like is entirely up to the young designers. A scooter made of solid gold, an iPad covered in rubies or diamond Lego are among the suggestions — but organisers are encouraging entrants to let their imaginations run wild. Tim Howe, the Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager for Youth and Community, said: “We need your young people to think about things that are precious to them and draw the design for a spectacular special object to be included on the Torch stage!” He added: “Silly or sensible we
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want to see them all – could it be a scooter made of solid gold? An iPad made of rubies? Or is it some diamond Lego? It’s up to you to imagine…”
The competition has previously challenged young people to design everything from Belle’s ball gown to a giant Golden Croc and the tentacled Aquantis. According to the theatre, it now attracts thousands of entries
from local young people each year. There are three age categories: under-fives, five to ten, and eleven to eighteen. A winner will be selected from each category, with one overall winning design made into a prop for the pantomime. All entries will be displayed in the theatre’s gallery during December. Designs can be hand-drawn, created on a computer or assembled as a collage using pictures, magazine cuttings, fabric and other textures. Entries must be submitted on A4 paper, with the designer’s name, school or college and contact details on the back. They should be sent to Puss in Boots – Treasure Hunt, Torch Theatre, St Peter’s Road, Milford Haven, SA73 2BU, by October 12. Puss in Boots runs from Saturday, December 5, 2026, until Saturday, January 2, 2027. A relaxed environment performance takes place on Saturday, December 19, at 2pm, with a British Sign Language interpreted performance on Tuesday, December 22, at 6pm. Tickets are available at torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.
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Prize-winning vegetables put spotlight on allotment shortage
A PRIZE-WINNING display of home-grown vegetables at Dinas’ annual horticultural show has highlighted calls for more allotments across Pembrokeshire. Richard Hayward won the Supreme Adult Exhibit award at the show, held at Yr Hen Ysgol Dinas on September 19, with an impressive selection of vegetables grown on his allotment. The event attracted a strong field of entries, with local county councillor Huw Murphy once again given the task of choosing the overall adult winner. He said Richard’s success demonstrated both the skill of local growers and the wider benefits of making land available for people to cultivate. “Richard’s display was exceptional and is clear evidence of what can be achieved by people who take pride in growing their own food,” he said. “It also demonstrates the wider value of allotments, not just for producing fresh vegetables but for the physical activity, sense of community and personal wellbeing they can provide.” Cllr Murphy, who represents Newport and Dinas, said demand for allotments in Pembrokeshire continued to exceed
supply. He raised the issue at the county council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee in March 2025,
calling for suitable council-owned land to be considered for additional plots. An update expected to come before the committee in November 2025 has still
not been provided, he said. While Dinas Cross has councilowned allotments, Cllr Murphy said Newport currently has none. Members of Newport Town Council have also raised the lack of provision. “There is clearly a demand for more allotments, and where the Council has suitable land available, I believe we should be looking seriously at how it can be utilised to help meet that demand,” he said. Cllr Murphy said additional plots could help residents grow some of their own food while providing opportunities to spend time outdoors, stay active and build friendships. With household budgets under pressure, he argued that expanding provision would offer a practical benefit to local communities. “This should not be viewed as a political issue,” he added. “It is about responding sensibly to public demand and making the best possible use of suitable Council-owned land. “If residents are asking for allotments and suitable land is available, I believe every effort should be made to increase supply.”
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Cleddau Community Awards nominees celebrated with special river trip NOMINEES for the Cleddau Community Awards were celebrated with a special boat trip along the Cleddau on Monday 21 September. The trip brought together more than 70 people, recognised for their efforts to connect local communities with the waterway, protect its wildlife and celebrate its history. The boat, operated by Dale Sailing, set off from Neyland and travelled downriver to look at the historic buildings, tugs and Ferry terminal in Pembroke Dock, then headed upriver towards Llangwm, where attendees enjoyed the tranquil upper reaches of the Cleddau, spotting heron and wading birds feeding along the edges of the estuary before returning to Milford Haven. The event gave nominees from across the Cleddau catchment the opportunity to meet others whose volunteering and community work supports the river, its wildlife and its heritage. A wide range of local organisations dedicated to caring for the estuary and improving access to the water were represented, alongside many individual volunteers. Sue Burton, from the Welsh Partnership of Marine Protected Areas who supported the trip through funding from the Nature Networks Fund delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to bring together people recognised through the Cleddau Community Awards, giving them the chance to share ideas and experiences and meet
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others working with similar aims. “The estuary runs through the heart of so many of our communities, so a boat trip felt like a particularly fitting way to celebrate the people who give their time to care for this waterway and the communities who live alongside it.” Pip Downs, who organised the awards said: “After much consideration, we decided it was impossible to choose a single winner from so many. It is clear to us that an individual who regularly collects rubbish from the foreshore is every bit as worthy of recognition as a large organisation working to achieve change at government level. We are all contributing in our own ways towards the same goal and this trip was a celebration of everyone who has worked so hard for this important cause. “We hope the awards will encourage more people to get involved and feel part of the effort to protect this very special estuary. There can be so much negativity in the news, but the trip was a reminder of just how many people are quietly working hard to make things better. Everyone brings their own skills and interests and the joy that can come from this work, even in the face of the challenges involved, was clear to see today. “We are extremely grateful to The Heritage Fund for making the trip possible and to Dale Sailing for providing such an enjoyable evening
on the water and the celebration drinks afterwards.” The boat trip formed part of the wider work of the Cleddau Community Awards, which recognise and celebrate
the individuals and organisations helping to connect communities to the waterway and safeguard the Cleddau, its wildlife and cultural heritage for future generations.
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Three shows, three standing ovations for Tenby’s Hadestown cast
YOUNG performers received standing ovations at all three performances of Hadestown at Tenby’s De Valence Pavilion, according to organisers Escape Expressive Arts CIC. The summer project brought
together a youth cast, a professional band and a network of creatives, crew, families and volunteers to tackle a demanding piece of musical theatre. For Escape, the production also demonstrated the value of removing financial barriers and giving young
people the support and resources to explore their abilities. Reflecting on the performances, the company praised the cast’s commitment to the musical, dramatic and emotional demands of the show. “They challenged themselves, supported one another and grew enormously throughout the process,” Escape said. “Together, they created something that felt far beyond a youth production.” The project was built around the belief that access to opportunities should allow young people to discover how much they can achieve, regardless of financial circumstances. Escape said the combination of professional musicians, a supportive environment and a community behind the production had helped the cast reach an exceptional standard. The band was praised for supporting the performers throughout, while audiences brought an energy that organisers said would stay with the company for a long time.
“Three shows. Three standing ovations,” Escape said. “Tears on stage, tears backstage and tears in the audience.” The company also recognised the contribution of those working away from the spotlight, describing the production as a shared achievement involving families, volunteers and the backstage team. “When young people, musicians, creatives, crew, families, volunteers and audiences come together with one shared purpose, something extraordinary can happen,” it said. “What a privilege it is to see that happen here, in our little corner of Wales.” Escape thanked sponsor Drainforce for helping make the summer project possible, saying its support had been essential to delivering the opportunity in the way it did. The company extended its congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in bringing Hadestown to the Tenby stage.
Torch, Theatr Gwaun and Mwldan named among arts funding recipients TORCH THEATRE, Theatr Gwaun and Theatr Mwldan are among the organisations receiving support through the Arts Council of Wales’ Arts Capital Investment Fund. The awards include the Torch in Milford Haven, Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard and Mwldan in Cardigan, with Small World Theatre and Arad Goch also named among the West Wales recipients. The Arts Council confirmed the local organisations’ inclusion in an announcement circulated on Wednesday (Sept 16). The capital programme supports investment in arts buildings, equipment and digital infrastructure, helping organisations improve their
facilities and provide lasting benefits for audiences and communities. The announcement also marked the opening of a further funding round. Other recipients across south-west Wales include Arts Care Gofal Celf, PeopleSpeakUp, Swansea’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Mission Gallery and Swansea Print Workshop. The funding launch took place at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport, attended by Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan. The regional announcement did not specify how much each of the local venues would receive or which improvements their awards would support.
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ARIES: You may feel ready to push ahead with something that has been moving far too slowly. Your energy is returning, but try not to force a decision simply because you are impatient for progress. A conversation over the weekend could reveal information you were not expecting. Financially, a little restraint now could leave you in a much stronger position later. In love, honesty works better than trying to guess what somebody else is thinking. TAURUS: Home and family matters take priority as the week begins, and you may find yourself sorting out something that has been hanging over you for a while. There is a strong chance to bring greater stability into your routine, particularly where money or work is concerned. Someone close may need more reassurance than usual. By midweek, you should feel clearer about what you want. Avoid holding onto an old disagreement simply because neither side wants to back down. GEMINI: Your social side is especially strong this week, bringing conversations, invitations and perhaps an unexpected reunion. You could also receive news that changes your plans slightly, although the end result may actually work in your favour. Work becomes busier, so organisation will be important. Romantically, mixed signals could create unnecessary confusion, so say what you mean. A spontaneous decision towards the end of the week could lead to something surprisingly enjoyable. CANCER: Money and security are likely to be on your mind, but there are signs that something is beginning to move in the right direction. Avoid making an emotional purchase simply to lift your mood. At work, somebody may finally recognise the effort you have been putting in behind the scenes. Relationships benefit from a calmer approach, particularly if tensions have recently been building. The weekend brings an opportunity to switch off and spend time with people who make you feel comfortable. LEO: You are entering a more confident period and others are likely to notice the difference. A situation that once seemed intimidating may suddenly feel much easier to deal with. This is a good week for putting yourself forward, making plans or restarting something you previously abandoned. In relationships, however, remember that confidence and stubbornness are not the same thing. Somebody may have a valid point worth hearing. A promising opportunity could emerge around Wednesday or Thursday. VIRGO: You may need more time to yourself than usual this week, particularly after a demanding few days. Do not feel guilty about stepping away from other people’s problems for a while. Work matters require attention, but you are likely to make better progress by concentrating on one task at a time. A financial concern may prove less serious than first feared. In love, an honest conversation could clear the air and help you understand where you both stand. LIBRA: The focus turns towards friendships, teamwork and your wider social circle. Someone you have not heard from for a while could suddenly reappear, bringing either an invitation or interesting news. Professionally, connections could prove useful, so do not be afraid to mention what you are hoping to achieve. Romance looks lively, particularly for single Librans, although somebody may be difficult to read at first. Your instincts are strong this week, so trust them when something does not feel quite right. SCORPIO: Ambition returns strongly this week and you may find yourself thinking seriously about your next move. A work-related opportunity deserves closer attention, even if it initially seems outside your comfort zone. Be careful not to take criticism personally, as somebody’s advice could actually be useful. At home, a small issue may require patience rather than confrontation. Relationships become warmer towards the weekend, when you may finally get the chance to talk properly without distractions getting in the way. SAGITTARIUS: A change of scenery could be exactly what you need, even if it is only a short trip or a break from your normal routine. You are likely to feel increasingly restless if life has become too predictable. This is also a strong week for learning, planning or exploring a new idea. Financially, avoid committing yourself before checking the details. Romance could take an interesting turn when somebody says something unexpectedly revealing. Keep an open mind rather than jumping to conclusions. CAPRICORN: You may be thinking more seriously about money, commitments and longer-term security. Something that has felt uncertain could finally begin to make sense, particularly once you have all the facts. Work remains demanding, but your practical approach gives you an advantage. In relationships, try not to keep everything bottled up simply because you prefer dealing with problems alone. Someone close genuinely wants to help. By the weekend, you should feel considerably more in control of your plans. AQUARIUS: Relationships are highlighted this week, both romantic and professional. You may need to compromise over something that initially feels non-negotiable, but meeting somebody halfway could produce a much better result. Single Aquarians could find themselves drawn towards someone quite different from their usual type. Work brings an opportunity to collaborate or share ideas. Be cautious with money towards the middle of the week. The weekend looks much lighter, particularly if you accept an invitation rather than staying at home. PISCES: Your routine may need a little attention this week, particularly if you have been trying to fit too much into each day. Small changes could make a surprisingly big difference. Work becomes productive once you stop worrying about everything that still needs doing and concentrate on what is directly in front of you. In love, somebody’s actions may tell you more than their words. The weekend brings a chance to recharge, although an unexpected message could also give you something exciting to think about.
Apple TV’s new comedy Brothers takes one of Hollywood’s most amusing real-life curiosities and turns it into a wonderfully ridiculous television premise: what if Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson really were brothers? The series sees the two actors playing exaggerated, fictionalised versions of themselves, with their longstanding friendship thrown into chaos when a decades-old family secret raises the possibility that they may actually share the same father. It is an intentionally absurd setup, but what makes Brothers work is the fact that McConaughey and Harrelson are clearly having an enormous amount of fun with it. Their natural chemistry, which has been evident since True Detective, gives the show an effortless rhythm, with the pair constantly bouncing off one another as the increasingly bizarre situation spirals out of control. Woody becomes obsessed with discovering whether the two men are genuinely related, while Matthew is simultaneously dealing with his own complicated personal life and the possibility of entering politics. The comedy is at its strongest when the show embraces its ridiculous premise rather than trying to make everything too believable, and there is a wonderfully self-aware quality to watching two famous actors poke fun at their own public personas. Harrelson in particular throws himself into the chaos with an almost childlike enthusiasm,
while McConaughey provides the slightly more grounded counterbalance, creating a partnership that carries much of the series. There are plenty of deliberately awkward moments, eccentric characters and situations that gradually become more outrageous, but underneath the comedy is a surprisingly warm story about friendship, family and the relationships people create for themselves. Holland Taylor is also a standout, bringing plenty of personality to the role of Ma Mac, whose revelation sets the entire story in motion. The biggest weakness is that the central joke could potentially wear thin if the series relied entirely on the question of whether McConaughey and Harrelson are actually brothers, but the show appears to understand that the real entertainment comes from watching the characters
deal with the possibility rather than simply solving the mystery. Brothers is not trying to be a sophisticated prestige drama, nor does it need to be. It is a playful, self-aware comedy built around two actors who clearly enjoy working together, and that chemistry gives the series considerably more charm than its deliberately silly premise might suggest. The result is an easy-going, often hilarious watch that should appeal particularly to fans of McConaughey and Harrelson, while viewers looking for something light and different on Apple TV will find plenty to enjoy. Brothers may not reinvent the comedy genre, but it does exactly what it sets out to do: take a bizarre celebrity coincidence, turn it into a television series and have a great deal of fun along the way.
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Hope is the kind of film that refuses to settle comfortably into a single genre, and that is both its greatest strength and, at times, its biggest weakness. Directed by Na Hong-jin, the filmmaker behind The Wailing, this ambitious Korean science-fiction thriller begins with the residents of a remote village facing a mysterious creature, but quickly grows into something far stranger and more unpredictable. What initially feels like a tense monster movie gradually expands into a violent survival thriller, a dark mystery and eventually a full-blown sciencefiction epic, constantly shifting the audience’s expectations along the way. Hwang Jung-min brings a commanding presence as police chief Bum-seok, while Hoyeon makes an impressive transition into a much more physically demanding role as officer Sung-
ae, giving the film an emotional centre amid all the chaos. Zo In-sung is equally effective as Sung-ki, one of the hunters who initially believes he is pursuing the creature only to discover that the situation is far more complicated than anyone imagined. The film’s biggest achievement is its atmosphere. Na Hong-jin takes his time establishing the isolated village and its uneasy inhabitants, allowing tension to build before unleashing the film’s more spectacular moments. When the action finally arrives, it can be brutal, chaotic and genuinely startling, with the creature sequences providing some memorable imagery and the practical-looking approach giving the violence a physical weight that many modern blockbusters lack. There is also an intriguing idea at the heart of Hope about fear,
misunderstanding and the danger of making assumptions about something we do not understand, although the film deliberately avoids explaining everything in straightforward terms. That ambiguity will undoubtedly divide audiences, particularly during the later stages when the story becomes increasingly bizarre and cosmic in scale. At nearly two and a half hours, Hope is undeniably a long film, and there are moments where its deliberately slow pace and increasingly complicated storyline test the viewer’s patience. Yet there is something refreshing about a sciencefiction movie that refuses to follow the usual formula. Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander add another fascinating dimension to the story, and the international cast helps give the movie a distinctive feel without taking away from its Korean identity. Ultimately, Hope is an unusual, ambitious and often wonderfully strange piece of science fiction that works best when it embraces its unpredictability. It is violent, visually striking and occasionally darkly funny, but beneath the monster-movie spectacle is a story interested in how quickly fear can turn uncertainty into conflict. It will not be for everyone, particularly viewers looking for a conventional creature feature with simple answers, but for those willing to go along with Na Hongjin’s increasingly wild vision, Hope offers a cinematic experience that is difficult to forget.
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GAMING With eddie the game guru
Marvel’s Wolverine finally gives Logan the game he deserves, delivering a bloody, cinematic adventure that captures the mutant’s ferocity brilliantly – even if the combat becomes repetitive towards the end. After years of turning SpiderMan into one of gaming’s finest superheroes, Insomniac Games has moved into much darker territory. And within minutes, it becomes clear this is not Spider-Man with claws. Wolverine is heavier, angrier and considerably more dangerous. Where Peter Parker bounces between enemies, Logan simply tears through them. Combat is fast, aggressive and deliberately brutal, with Wolverine able to parry, dodge, leap towards enemies and unleash devastating rage attacks. There is real weight behind every strike and, at its best, the game makes Logan feel almost unstoppable. The problem is that the formula eventually becomes familiar. Enemy types and encounters begin repeating, meaning some later battles lack the excitement of the opening hours. Logan is the star Where Marvel’s Wolverine really succeeds is in its portrayal of Logan. Liam McIntyre gives the character more depth than simply playing him as an angry man with indestructible bones. This is a Wolverine carrying decades of violence, regret and fractured memories. The story follows Logan as he searches for answers about his past, with familiar Marvel characters including Jean Grey, Sabretooth and Bolivar Trask appearing along the way. Unlike Spider-Man, Wolverine is
not an open-world game. Instead, Insomniac has opted for a more focused, linear adventure spanning locations including the Canadian wilderness, Tokyo and Madripoor. It is a refreshing decision. Rather than filling a huge map with icons and side missions, the game keeps pushing Logan and the story forward. Looks spectacular Visually, Wolverine is exactly what you would expect from Insomniac. Character models are superb, environments are packed with detail and the transition between cut-scenes and gameplay is often almost seamless. Logan himself is particularly impressive, with damage to his body and clothing helping sell the brutality of each encounter. There are weaknesses. Exploration can sometimes feel overly guided, combat loses some variety and a few story beats are predictable. But the most important thing is that playing as Wolverine genuinely feels like playing as Wolverine. The claws are vicious, the healing factor matters and Logan feels dangerous in a way few superhero games manage to achieve. It may not quite reach the heights of Insomniac’s finest Spider-Man games, but Marvel’s Wolverine is still a polished, spectacular and frequently exhilarating adventure. Verdict: 4/5 The good: Brilliant portrayal of Wolverine, spectacular visuals, brutal combat and a focused campaign. The bad: Repetitive encounters, limited exploration and combat that could use greater depth.
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NEWS 57
Monthly metal nights coming to Milford Haven venue P EMBROKESHIRE - BASED events company Black Sea Promotions is proud to announce a new partnership with The Jam Cellar in Milford Haven, securing a regular slot for monthly live metal shows at the venue, with additional events already being planned for the future. The partnership represents an exciting step forward for Black Sea Promotions and its goal of bringing live heavy music back to Pembrokeshire and helping rebuild the local metal scene. The monthly shows will feature a variety of heavy music, showcasing both local and touring artists while providing audiences in Pembrokeshire with regular opportunities to experience live metal close to home. Black Sea Promotions founder Gwynne Taylor said: “We’re really excited to be working with The Jam Cellar and to have a regular home for Black Sea Promotions. There’s a lot of talented heavy bands in Wales and across the UK, and we want to give them a place to play while giving people in Pembrokeshire more opportunities to see live metal on their doorstep.” Chad Walton, Manager and Founder of The Jam Cellar, said: “My goal when starting the Jam Cellar was to create a hub where both musicians and fans could get together and enjoy music and the experience that comes with live performances. This experience was amplified when the Jam Cellar had its first metal night where this passion for live performances was shared with the founders of Black Sea production. I feel very confident that this partnership will not only bring back the joy of live music post Covid but will make Pembrokeshire a destination for musicians and audiences outside of Wales”. About Black Sea Promotions While Black Sea Promotions specialises in heavy music, the company is not limited to one genre. Black Sea Promotions offers event promotion and live music services to all types of venues and artists across all genres, with the aim of supporting and promoting the diverse music scene throughout Pembrokeshire. The company is committed to working with local artists, touring acts, venues and event spaces, helping create more opportunities for live music across the county. The new partnership with The Jam Cellar is the first step in an expanding programme of events, with further shows and projects currently in development.
Luke Sinclair
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Black Sea Promotions hopes to establish Pembrokeshire as a destination for live music, while creating more opportunities for local musicians and venues to connect with audiences both within and outside the region. First Show Under the New Partnership The first show taking place under the new partnership will be Hell in the Cellar 2, the second instalment in a planned series of metal shows at The Jam Cellar. Taking place on Saturday 26 September 2026, the event will bring four heavy acts to The Jam Cellar in Milford Haven, featuring BLiGHt, Drwg, Cold Heart and The Cartographer, who will headline the evening. Hell in the Cellar 2 is the beginning of a series of metal events that Black Sea Promotions plans to bring to the venue as part of its ongoing partnership with The Jam Cellar, with further lineups and dates to be announced. The event will provide a fitting launch for the new partnership and the wider programme of regular metal shows planned for the venue.
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The Golden Cobra returns with more Valleys chaos and guest star Diane Morgan ANIMATED comedy The Golden Cobra returns to the BBC this weekend, bringing more surreal adventures in Ebbw Vale and guest voices including Diane Morgan and cult filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman. The second series launches on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three on Saturday, September 26, with BBC One Wales broadcasts beginning on October 2. Created by Valleys-born writers Adam Llewellyn, James Prygodzicz and Thomas Rees, the comedy follows the fortunes of a curry house and the eccentric characters surrounding it. The new series finds Basil enjoying life as the owner of Ebbw Vale’s number one — and now only — curry house. With rival restaurateur Ernish behind bars, success should mean fewer problems. Predictably, things soon become more complicated. Basil, Jub, Samita and Nick return alongside familiar faces including gym owner Martin Bastard and the chickenshaped Miss Port. Morgan, known for Mandy, Motherland and her portrayal of Philomena Cunk, voices Paisley Brook in episode 12. Other guests include The Toxic Avenger filmmaker Kaufman and Llewellyn’s own grandmother. Produced entirely in Wales, the show returns after a first series which won the Entertainment Programme award at the 2025 BAFTA Cymru Awards. Its three writers also received the Breakthrough Cymru award, while the programme picked up the RTS Cymru comedy award. For Llewellyn, who directs the
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series and serves as lead animator, its Welsh setting is central to its appeal. “We are all immensely proud to be from the Valleys and the cartoon serves as nothing but a loving tribute,” he said. Growing up in the 1990s, the writers rarely saw their communities reflected on national television. Llewellyn
remembers an investigation on HTV’s consumer programme The Ferret into dodgy towels bought at Ebbw Vale market becoming the talk of the town. That sense of recognition is something the team hopes to give viewers through its own, considerably stranger, version of Valleys life. “When you make something about the more unknown parts of the country, there’s a nice sense that you’re perhaps making something its
Co-creator, director and lead animator Adam Llewellyn (Pic: BBC and Beastly Media)
residents enjoy on a more personal level and feel is theirs,” he said. Storylines draw on heavily exaggerated memories of growing up locally, including a new episode involving a school history trip. Other ideas begin with an ordinary suggestion before taking an absurd turn. “Sometimes myself and the writers will be sat around completely stuck for ideas and someone will say, ‘What if they go to Aberdare?’ and someone else will say, as a joke, ‘Yeah, and it’s full of cannibals,’ and it all just falls into place,” Llewellyn said. “We take full advantage of the fact we make a cartoon and strive to do stuff you (probably) couldn’t do in live action.” Each episode begins in a small Cardiff writers’ room, where the three creators work on ideas and try to make one another laugh. The animation team then spends weeks drawing and editing, with scripts continuing to change as jokes are developed. The new series also features more original music, composed by Adam Harvey and performed by Valleys musicians. All 12 episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from September 26, with six episodes also coming to BBC Three from that date. A companion documentary, The Golden Cobra – Behind the Scenes, follows the production team and explores the people and places that inspire the comedy. It will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three from Saturday, October 3. The series is produced by Beastly Media, with support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.
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WHAT’S ON 59
Charity funding supports new Café for people with learning disabilities A PIONEERING new Community Healthy Lifestyle Café for people with learning disabilities is set to launch thanks to generous donations to Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board. The project has received £11,700 in charitable funding and will provide a welcoming, accessible and nonclinical environment where people with learning disabilities from across the Hywel Dda region can learn about healthy lifestyles, improve their wellbeing and gain greater confidence in managing their health. The year-long programme will offer monthly sessions at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in addition to events in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire before the end of the year, bringing together people with learning disabilities, carers, selfadvocacy groups and healthcare professionals. There will be a different focus each month and activities will include practical sessions on healthy eating, hydration, wellbeing, movement, health education and opportunities to access advice from specialist staff. Lisa Bassett-Gravelle, Head of Adult Mental Health Inpatient Wards and the Learning Disabilities Service, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone whose generous donations have made this project possible, it will make such a positive difference for all those who take part.” Tracey Lloyd, Clinical Lead Nurse Learning Disabilities, said: “People with learning disabilities often face significant barriers when accessing mainstream lifestyle and wellbeing services, despite experiencing some of the greatest health inequalities in society. The Community Healthy Lifestyle Café will provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where people can learn new skills, build confidence and gain practical knowledge about healthy eating, hydration, movement and managing their health.” Kate Hall, Clinical Lead Dietitian Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, said: “Importantly, the café will also help people feel more comfortable engaging with health services and empower carers with the knowledge and skills they need to support healthier lifestyles. We are excited about the positive difference this project will make to the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities across our communities.” The project will be co-produced
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with people with learning disabilities and supported by Carmarthenshire People First to ensure activities are accessible, meaningful and shaped by lived experience. It is expected to benefit between 250 and 340 people during its first year, including participants, carers, support staff and healthcare professionals. Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports Hywel Dda Health Charities. “Your generosity enables us to fund projects that go above and beyond NHS core expenditure such as this Community Healthy Lifestyle Café which will have such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.” To find out more about the new Community Healthy Lifestyle Café, you are welcome to attend the launch event on Friday 25th September at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Call us on 01267 234635 to let us know if you would like to attend. For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how you can support local NHS services, please visit: https://hywelddahealthcharities. nhs.wales/
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Opinion: Britain’s security runs through Pembrokeshire THE DANGER posed by Vladimir Putin can feel a long way from a Pembrokeshire kitchen table. Families have bills to pay, appointments to chase and children to get to school. Another warning about Russia can disappear into the background. Yet the connection is visible from the shores of the Milford Haven Waterway. Our LNG terminals, refinery and power station help supply the country. The infrastructure around us gives Pembrokeshire a national importance that sits uneasily with the comforting idea that we are far from trouble. That should shape how we think about Europe’s security. This week, Reuters reported plans to fortify a major new electricity substation in Lithuania against drone attacks and sabotage. Reinforced protection and backup equipment are being built into a project intended to strengthen the Baltic states’ electricity links with western Europe. There is a lesson here for Britain. Keeping a country safe involves the systems that allow ordinary life to continue: power, communications, transport, water and fuel. A hostile state can cause enormous damage without occupying a single town. Nobody can honestly tell readers that Putin has settled on a date to attack a NATO country. Military exercises, recruitment drives and border restrictions deserve scrutiny, but they are not conclusive proof of an invasion plan. Newspaper columns should distinguish between a serious danger and a certain outcome.
We can, however, judge the Kremlin by what it has already done. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrated its willingness to use devastating violence to impose its demands on a neighbour. Hoping that this ambition will remain conveniently contained is a poor basis for our security. The most dangerous calculation Putin could make is that Europe would argue itself into paralysis if an ally came under attack. That is why the commitment to defend Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania matters here. These countries do not become expendable because they are small, or because many British people would struggle to find their border towns on a map. A promise of collective defence loses its value if an aggressor believes some members are less entitled to it than others. Once that doubt takes hold, every member becomes less secure. NATO’s Article 5 obliges allies to assist a member suffering an armed attack, while allowing each to determine the action it considers necessary. It does not prescribe an identical military response from every capital. Its credibility therefore depends on political resolve and practical preparation. Britain should be honest about both. Ministers must explain what our forces can deploy, how quickly they can sustain an operation and whether the necessary ammunition, equipment and trained people will be available. Those questions deserve greater attention than another photograph of a politician beside a tank. Spending commitments need
scrutiny too. Taxpayers are entitled to know what additional money will buy and when it will produce usable capability. Procurement delays and waste weaken the very security that higher budgets are supposed to provide. European governments must also take greater responsibility for their own continent. American support matters enormously, but a credible defence policy has to survive changes of president, competing American priorities and disagreements across the Atlantic. For Pembrokeshire, the practical questions begin closer to home. Are public services and major employers prepared for prolonged disruption? Are emergency communications tested? Can essential services continue during a serious cyber incident? Do councils, emergency services and infrastructure operators have the resources to practise their response together? These are reasonable questions for a county whose energy facilities serve people far beyond its boundaries. Central government should recognise that national role when funding local preparedness. Residents deserve useful information, delivered calmly. People should know where reliable updates would come from during an emergency and how vulnerable neighbours would receive help. Confidence grows when the public can see that somebody has thought through the difficult details. We also need the discipline to resist rumours. An unexplained outage does not establish Russian involvement. An
alarming video does not establish its own authenticity. Checking evidence is part of protecting a community against manipulation and panic. Alongside stronger defences, Britain should keep working for diplomatic routes that reduce the risk of a wider war. Communication matters most when relations are dangerous. Supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and pursuing a durable peace belong within the same serious policy. Readers worried about the cost of this will have good reason. Public money is limited, and pressure on household budgets is real. Government must make its case openly, with clear priorities and measurable results. But postponement carries costs of its own. We do not need predictions of inevitable world war to recognise that the risks deserve preparation now. We need capable forces, dependable allies, protected infrastructure and leaders willing to explain the choices. For those of us living beside the Haven, Britain’s security is something we can see from our own shore. We should expect it to be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
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Friday september 25th 2026
Tech ‘n Taff
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Super intelligence? Try some common sense, boyo DUW, duw. I have decided to rename the kettle in my office the Super Hydration Intelligence System. It still takes four minutes to boil and needs descaling, but I’m expecting American investment by Thursday. Donald Trump has been performing a similar exercise at the United Nations. On Tuesday, September 22, he announced that US government documents would replace artificial intelligence with “super intelligence”. His objection was that artificial makes the technology sound fake. Artificial, butt, means made by people. An artificial hip is a real hip replacement. Calling it a Super Pelvis won’t get you selected for Wales. Yet the rebranding was the least worrying part. Trump rejected international control framed as a “globalist scheme”, mocked catastrophic AI warnings and cast development as a contest America must win ahead of China. To be fair, he also said “we have to be careful” and promised Justice Department scrutiny. Then came this: “We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in.” That leaves rather a lot riding on what happens between encouragement and the arrival of the lawyers. First, a little professorial housekeeping. Superintelligence already has a meaning in discussions about AI: a system whose intellectual abilities greatly exceed those of humans across a very broad range of activities. A presidential announcement cannot establish that a machine has reached that threshold. Nor does putting “super” on the letterhead make its answers trustworthy. Today’s systems can produce impressive work while still making basic mistakes. The International AI Safety Report describes abilities that remain uneven, including a tendency to generate false information. My concern is that this new label encourages people to defer to machines precisely when they should be checking them. Imagine
a busy council officer deciding whether to question the computer. “Superintelligence” sounds awfully authoritative when you have forty cases outstanding and your lunch has gone cold. Then there is the risk from people using the technology deliberately to cause harm. Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre has warned that AI will almost certainly make aspects of cyber intrusion more effective, increasing the frequency and intensity of threats. It also warns that rushing products out ahead of competitors can push security down the priority list. For a Pembrokeshire business, that could mean a more capable criminal finding a weakness before the business gets it fixed. You don’t need a robot marching through Haverfordwest to have a thoroughly miserable Tuesday. Further ahead lies the harder
question: what happens if we give increasingly capable systems objectives, access and freedom to act, then discover we cannot reliably supervise them? A future system might pursue a badly specified goal in ways its designers never intended. Researchers are investigating whether advanced systems could evade oversight or resist shutdown. Such behaviour would not require human feelings, spite or a burning resentment about the office printer. Cleverness does not automatically come bundled with concern for our welfare. Now, bach, scientific honesty matters here. February’s International AI Safety Report described early warning signs, while finding that systems had not reached the capabilities needed for loss of control. Researchers disagree sharply about whether, when and
how catastrophic outcomes might occur. That uncertainty deserves serious investigation. Dismissing the question because the answer is uncomfortable strikes me as an extraordinary approach to risk. If an engineer tells you a bridge may have a structural weakness, you ask for the calculations. You don’t accuse him of hating transport and announce a race across it with China. Competition can encourage discovery. It can also reward whoever skips the awkward checks. My worry is that treating every safeguard as a concession to a rival creates pressure on everybody to lower their standards. The alternative need not involve abandoning useful technology. I want better tools for research, accessible services and less administrative drudgery. There is plenty worth developing. But I want independent testing before powerful systems receive sensitive access. I want serious failures reported, clear responsibility when things go wrong, and evidence that human operators can interrupt dangerous activity. These checks should become more demanding as the potential consequences grow. A tool suggesting recipes and a system authorised to act inside critical infrastructure should face very different scrutiny. And Wales should ask its own questions. If an NHS service or council proposes handing important decisions to software, who checks the result? Who hears the appeal? Can the person in charge actually stop it? Those questions matter whether the supplier’s headquarters are in California, Cardiff or Beijing. Trump can change the stationery. He cannot rename uncertainty out of existence. I’ll keep the ordinary kettle, thanks. It has a clearly marked off switch, and nobody has accused me of undermining Western civilisation for using it. Until next week, Taff.
COLUMN
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He likes you, Andy. Now count your chips Britain’s new prime minister survived his first encounter with Donald Trump. Milford Docks’ resident diplomat wonders when survival became the ambition SWARK! Stephen Seagull ’ere, reporting from Milford Docks, where I have just concluded successful negotiations with a man eating a pasty. He retained the bag. I retained the pasty. Both sides are describing the relationship as special. Which brings me to Andy Burnham’s first meeting with Donald Trump at the United Nations this week. Apparently, it went well. Trump praised him. Burnham smiled. Nobody overturned the furniture. Across the British diplomatic establishment, you could practically hear the emergency biscuits being returned to the cupboard. Boys bach, what a standard we’ve set ourselves. Our prime minister meets the American president and the great national question is whether he’ll get through it without being pecked. I’ve seen nervous pigeons approach a discarded sausage with more confidence in the international order. Now, credit where it’s due. Burnham appeared to handle the encounter sensibly. There are times to puff out your chest and times to let the enormous orange cockerel finish telling everyone he invented sunrise. Any gull who has negotiated access to a fishing boat knows this. You don’t win extra scraps by correcting the skipper halfway through his story. But there’s a difference between getting through the meeting and getting something out of it. Trump called Burnham a “natural business person”. In Donald’s world, that appears to be the highest qualification available. Compassion? Judgment? An understanding of public service? Lovely, but can you put your name on a tower?
I’m a natural business bird myself. Very low overheads. Excellent margins. Occasionally pursued across a car park by the previous owner of my stock. Wouldn’t put me in charge of a nuclear alliance. The president also took the opportunity to suggest relations were better than under Keir Starmer. Of course he did. Why welcome the new tenant without chucking the previous one’s belongings into the street? Burnham wisely let that one flap past. The danger comes if anyone in Downing Street starts treating presidential approval as a durable national asset. Today you’re a splendid fellow. Tomorrow you’ve said something insufficiently admiring about an American golf course and your steel industry is having a very difficult morning. That’s my reading of the perch, anyway. When friendship depends on keeping one bird pleased, everyone else spends an awful lot of time
watching his beak. We know the arrangement down here. The biggest gull occupies the bin lid. The smaller gulls hold consultations about whether he might consider moving one foot. Then a Westminster spokesman calls it shared leadership. And listen, me lovers: I’m not demanding Burnham start a diplomatic incident for our entertainment. We’ve enough squawking already. Being courteous costs nothing. A working relationship with America matters. But the test must be what Britain can secure, defend or refuse once the cameras have gone. For people in Pembrokeshire, the useful questions concern jobs, energy bills, businesses and whether another international confrontation will make filling the tank even more painful. Nobody can settle an electricity bill with a photograph of Andy looking comfortable beside Donald. I tried paying for chips with a flattering portrait of myself once. The woman shut the hatch.
Trump’s description of the Chagos Islands as “real estate” was particularly revealing. There’s a whole world of history and human beings beneath that estate agent’s vocabulary. From my perch, it sounded like someone assessing a harbour solely by how many luxury flats would fit along the quay. Lovely outlook. Existing inhabitants somewhat inconvenient. That is where Burnham will need more than an agreeable manner. Keeping the conversation friendly is useful; knowing when to say no is essential. I’ll give Andy this: he got through his first encounter without losing any obvious feathers. Now let’s see what comes home in the bag. Because I’ve been charming tourists along this waterfront for years, and the clever ones always do the same thing after I’ve finished being friendly. They count their chips. SWARK!
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RSPCA calls on gamers to help tackle animal rehoming crisis
PETS CORNER
GAMERS and online content creators are being urged to support the RSPCA as the charity faces growing pressure on space at its rescue centres. The charity’s Stream for Every Kind fundraiser returns from October 2 to 4, coinciding with World Animal Day and the opening weekend of Adoptober, its annual month-long rehoming campaign. Supporters can also vote for their favourite video game characters to inspire new names for two animals in the charity’s care. Twenty characters have been shortlisted, including Luigi, Ryu and Zelda. Once the winning names are chosen, rescue teams will match them with one male and one female animal whose personalities suit the characters. The appeal comes as the RSPCA says more animals have been entering its care than it has been able to rehome. Many centres are full, leaving the charity spending millions of pounds each year on private boarding. Sophie Lewis, the RSPCA’s mass participation manager, said streaming offered a way to help for people who cannot adopt an animal themselves. “It’s tough out there for our rescue teams. Animal cruelty has been rising, and many of our centres are jam-packed,” she said. “Streamers can promote kindness, raise awareness for the animals in our care, and bring in vital funds that help our teams rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals who have escaped some of the worst situations of cruelty and neglect.” Participants are encouraged to build animal kindness into their broadcasts, whether by helping animals in video games, baking dog biscuits or sharing stories about rescue pets awaiting homes. The gaming theme has already found a fitting ambassador in Mario, a kitten adopted from the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Centre in Birmingham. Now living with Devon Evitts in Wombourne, South Staffordshire, Mario has settled in alongside another RSPCA
rescue cat, Pop. Devon said: “We chose Mario because of his adorable face, and his amazing resemblance to Super Mario! “Mario is a typical kitten – always crazy, and wanting to play. But he sleeps a lot as well – which only fuels his zoomies!” He has also taken an interest in his new family’s gaming sessions. “My boyfriend enjoys playing video games, and Mario likes to sit on his desk with him while he plays!” Devon added. Voting for the rescue animals’ new names is open through the RSPCA’s World Animal Day campaign on fundraising platform Tiltify, where supporters can also donate. Anyone wishing to vote without donating can email fundraisers-support@rspca. org.uk. Those joining the streaming fundraiser can set up a fundraising page through Tiltify or JustGiving, plan a broadcast and go live between October 2 and 4. Participants who raise more than £50 will receive an
RSPCA light-up cube, while the five highest fundraisers will receive a limited-edition gaming merchandise bundle. Sophie said: “Whether
you’re a video game streamer, or create other content, this is the chance to go live with some kind acts – all while raising vital funds for the RSPCA.”
NEWS 65
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Ella Groves
ICNN Senedd reporter
The Bangor Conwy Môn MS said: “On the headline scores, Wales is now closer to Vietnam than to England in both mathematics and science. “I believe we should recognise this for exactly what it is: it’s a national emergency in Welsh education.” In response, Ms Brychan said she wanted to see progress in this area before the end of this Senedd term and would chair a new delivery board to oversee the new strategy. Lynne Neagle, Labour’s spokesperson for children and education, praised the Plaid
administration for continuing many of the schemes begun under her party’s government. She said: “What matters is that the work happens to benefit children and young people.” Ms Neagle – who served as education minister in the sixth Senedd – called on Ms Brychan to share further detail about mental health provision in schools as part of the plan. Noting it includes wraparound mental health support from this autumn, she pressed the education minister for an update on the school counselling toolkit – commissioned from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – which has yet
to be published. Ms Brychan described mental health as a “key priority”, which impacts on pupil attendance and resulting academic performance. While expressing support for elements of Plaid’s new plan, such as an emphasis on supporting children from birth to the end of their compulsory education, Welsh Conservative spokesperson for education Sam Rowlands said the results were a concern for parents. He said: “Literacy and numeracy don’t suddenly start when a child walks through the school gates and we need to understand where children are starting from, track that progress and identify where support is needed before problems become entrenched.” The Fflint Wrecsam MS added that he was “pleased” to see parental involvement highlighted within the plan, noting the “huge difference that good parenting and support at home can make to those children in their first few years”. Ms Brychan agreed, adding: “Education, the schools system, cannot do this on its own. “I think it’s also important to support parents with teaching, reading and reading with their children. “People are very pressurised. It can be difficult to find the time, but giving parents support around that is a key part of this plan as well.”
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WALES’ education minister has pledged to drive up literacy and numeracy standards following international test results which showed Welsh pupils lagging behind the rest of the UK. Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday September 15, education minister Anna Brychan told members the basic education skills needed “significant and sustained focus”. This follows Wales’ latest results from PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), which showed children falling further behind their English, Scottish, and Northern Irish counterparts. “clear expectations for action” would be set under a new strategy, bringing together early years practitioners, teachers, and parents under a “vision for change”. Ms Brychan, a Plaid Cymru MS for Caerdydd Penarth, said: “We owe it to current and future generations to get literacy and numeracy right. “This means allowing teachers, leaders and support staff to focus on what matters most: teaching, learning and supporting learners to succeed.” Reform’s then deputy leader Helen Jenner, agreed and welcomed the focus, despite their “political differences”. However, she labelled the PISA results as “a national emergency in Welsh education” and wanted to know why results had been allowed to fall behind other parts of the UK.
EDUCATION
‘Immediate action’ needed to raise literacy and numeracy standards says Wales’ education minister
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Ysgol Caer Elen invites families to explore Welsh-medium education Open evening will welcome prospective nursery and reception pupils, alongside families with children in Years 4, 5 and 6
FAMILIES considering Welshmedium education are invited to discover what Ysgol Caer Elen has to offer at an open evening on Monday, October 12. The school, on Withybush Road in Haverfordwest, will welcome visitors between 4pm and 6.30pm for tours, conversations with staff and pupils, and a chance to explore its facilities. The evening is aimed at families with children approaching nursery or reception age, as well as pupils currently in Years 4, 5 and 6 who are looking ahead to secondary school. Early years visitors will be able to explore classrooms and meet teaching and support staff. Older pupils and their families can tour the secondary facilities, find out about the curriculum and ask how children are supported as they move into Year 7. As a Welsh-medium school for children aged three to 16, Ysgol Caer Elen offers continuity from nursery through to the end of compulsory education within one school community. Its approach combines academic ambition with an emphasis on
wellbeing, confidence and personal development. In its 2023 inspection, Estyn described Ysgol Caer Elen as “a caring, inclusive Welsh community”, highlighting pupils’ progress and their achievements in literacy, numeracy and digital skills. Inspectors also praised pupils’ positive attitudes to learning, their polite and respectful behaviour, and the strong relationships between staff and children. Support for pupils with additional learning needs was another strength identified in the report. Headteacher Dafydd Hughes said: “Our aim is to develop an innovative 3–16 school which will provide highquality education in a Welsh-medium setting. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute fully to creating a successful learning community. “Our school is inclusive and our ethos is based on the core values of kindness, fairness, support, respect and perseverance. By working together and supporting each other, we can all achieve our goals.”
Families do not need to speak Welsh at home for their children to benefit from a Welsh-medium education. Estyn’s effective-practice work at Ysgol Caer Elen recorded that 93% of pupils came from homes where Welsh was not spoken. The school’s language immersion provision helps pupils develop their Welsh and participate fully in lessons. The open evening will give parents and carers an opportunity to ask about language support, academic progress, pastoral care and everyday school life. Families who are simply exploring their options are also welcome. Ysgol Caer Elen’s open evening takes place on Monday, October 12, from 4pm to 6.30pm at Withybush Road, Haverfordwest, SA62 4BN. For more information, visit ysgolcaerelen.wales, email swyddfa@ ysgolcaerelen.cymru or call 01437 808470. •
Excellent GCSE results which place the school amongst the best in Wales each year.
•
•
Local Authority data and evaluation note that Ysgol Caer Elen is a strong-performing Welsh-medium school with particularly impressive value-added outcomes. Literacy, numeracy and science outcomes consistently exceed Welsh modelled expectations and the school demonstrates strong performance across both Welsh and English language qualifications. During the full Estyn inspection in 2023, it was noted: ‘Ysgol Caer Elen is a caring, inclusive Welsh community in which pupils are given valuable opportunities to develop to become principled individuals and learn about their ‘cynefin’ and local culture. The headteacher and his senior management team are passionate and uphold the highest standards for their staff and pupils. Leaders are hard-working in building continuous progression in effective pedagogy and wellbeing, which allows Ysgol Caer Elen to operate as a successful all-age school’.
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‘Buy Welsh milk and Fairtrade coffee’ call as campaign urges fair pay for farmers
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FARMING
SHOPPERS across Wales are being urged to support farmers at home and overseas as Fairtrade Fortnight gets under way. Fair Trade Wales is encouraging consumers to “buy Welsh milk and Fairtrade coffee”, arguing that producers everywhere deserve prices that cover their costs and allow them to earn a decent living. The campaign, running from September 21 to October 4, comes as figures released by the organisation suggest an increase in Welsh shoppers choosing Fairtrade products. According to Welsh results from Kantar research supplied by Fair Trade Wales, 81% of respondents said they chose to buy Fairtrade products in 2026, compared with 66% in 2025 — an increase of 15 percentage points. The organisation says farmers in Wales and overseas face shared pressures, including unpredictable prices, extreme weather and concerns about attracting younger people into agriculture. Aileen Burmeister, head of Fair Trade Wales, said: “Fair
pay should not be considered a bonus; it should be a minimum. Farmers work hard, take on enormous risk, and feed the world. “They deserve to earn a living that covers their costs, supports their families, and allows them to plan for the future.” Fair Trade Wales says many farmers producing everyday goods such as tea, coffee, cocoa and bananas still receive prices that fail to cover production costs. The Fairtrade system seeks
to address this through minimum prices for covered products and an additional Fairtrade Premium, which producer organisations can invest in priorities such as education, healthcare and improvements to farming. Beth Williams, from West Wales Fair Trade business Turtle Bags, said fair pay also helps producers care for the environment. “Fair Pay is about people and it’s about the planet,” she said. “It’s about offering agency to the
farmers and the growers and the makers in their own lives. “When they are paid properly, they can protect the soil, the water and nature. Environmental justice begins with social justice.” Turtle Bags has supplied shops with Fair Trade bags and baskets for more than 20 years. Wales became the world’s first Fair Trade Nation in 2008. Eighteen years later, Fair Trade Wales says its network includes 29 active community groups, 34 schools, eight places of worship, four universities and more than 17 businesses. During the fortnight, people are being encouraged to shop with local Fair Trade businesses, attend community events and ask their Members of the Senedd to support a renewed commitment to Wales’ Fair Trade Nation status. The campaign also promotes buying local, organic and Fairtrade goods, bringing together support for Welsh agriculture and producers whose crops cannot be grown here. Details of the campaign and events across Wales are available at fairtrade.wales.
Unit 18b, Withybush Ind Est, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BS
FARMING 69
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Free Event to provide practical Sustainable Farming Scheme advice to farmers as deadlines loom
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Cymru is holding a workshop to support farmers to complete some of the most challenging elements of the new Welsh Government grant for farmers, the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), as the scheme’s end-of-year deadlines approach. The event is taking place Friday 6 November 2026, 10:00am -
3:00pm at Llanover Village Hall, near Abergavenny. While this is a free event for CLA Cymru members and non-members, prior booking is strongly advised to avoid missing out. CLA Cymru represents over 3,000 members across Wales, , and works tirelessly to protect and shape the future of Wales’ rural landscape. From Welsh agriculture and the regeneration of the rural economy to
improving the Welsh planning system, CLA Cymru engages with members at the Senedd and at Westminster to help shape policy. The SFS was launched earlier this year as a new approach by Welsh Government to support farming. It replaces the Basic Payment Scheme and farmers must complete 12 universal actions to receive the grant. These actions cover measures
relating to soil, animal welfare and the planting of trees or hedgerows. Initial Welsh Government proposals around trees and hedgerows provoked strong responses from farmers. Following protests that drew around 3,000 farmers to the Senedd, Welsh Government dropped the requirement for trees to cover 10% of farmers’ land. Instead, farmers must create an online map by 31 December identifying areas that could benefit from tree and hedgerow planting. This event will provide advice to farmers on meeting this requirement. The workshop will include sessions explaining the benefits of different types of tree planting, together with a farm tour to identify which plants will work best in different locations on farms. It will also cover the practical steps involved in turning these ideas into an online map and guide attendees through each stage of uploading the plan via the Welsh Government’s online portal. This session will also help farmers complete another universal action, continuous professional development (CPD). This action requires farmers to undertake six hours of learning in sustainable land management throughout the year. The CLA Cymru event will contribute one hour towards this requirement a few weeks before the 31 December deadline. All farmers are invited to attend the event free of charge, with lunch included. Places can be reserved online at www.cla.org.uk/events or by phoning 07817 128277.
NRW supports temporary extension to slurry spreading period following dry weather Natural Resources Wales (NRW) supports the temporary flexibility for farmers announced by the Welsh Government today due to the exceptional dry weather conditions experienced this year. The prolonged period of low rainfall and high temperatures has created significant challenges for farming businesses, while also affecting rivers, habitats and wildlife across Wales. This has led to increased slurry production at a time when opportunities for land spreading have been limited by dry soil conditions, reduced crop growth, and lower nutrient demand. The temporary extension to the slurry spreading period provides additional flexibility for farmers while helping to reduce the risk of slurry stores reaching capacity later in the year, which could risk storage failures and pollution incidents. NRW’s Regulatory Policy and
Approaches Manager Eirian Macdonald explained: “This has been an exceptional year for farmers across Wales, and we recognise that many have needed to provide supplementary feed to livestock and house stock in high temperatures to enable access to sufficient feed and water. This has increased slurry production at a time when slurry spreading has been reduced due to dry soils, no crop growth and lower nutrient need. We support this temporary measure introduced by the Welsh Government as it provides additional flexibility, while helping to reduce the risk of slurry storage capacity issues later in the year.” NRW will continue to expect compliance with the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations and will work with farmers and partners across the agricultural sector to support compliance while protecting Wales’s water, land and air.
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Welsh Government backs farmers with ‘certainty, flexibility and support’
The Welsh Government has today (Wednesday, 23 September 2026) announced measures, including legislation, to help farmers manage the impacts of this summer’s drought, wildfires and other pressures on the sector. Wales’ farmers have faced exceptionally difficult conditions this year. To support the sector at this time, the Welsh Government has increased the advance payment rate available
under the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer and Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) from 70% to 80% of each farm’s estimated eligible claim value. Eligible farm businesses will receive more of their expected payment sooner, helping ease cash-flow pressures caused by the challenging conditions faced, including the drought. Farmers and Natural Resources Wales have reported that the dry
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weather significantly reduced grass growth throughout the summer, disrupting normal cutting and grazing patterns and leaving many farms unable to spread slurry as they normally would. This has led to concerns that slurry storage levels are higher than normal heading into the autumn. In response to this, the Welsh Government will bring forward legislation amending the closed period for spreading slurry and manure, during which farmers are restricted from applying it to land, for all soil and land types, with spreading permitted up to 15 November 2026. The change gives farmers more time to reduce storage levels responsibly and reduce the risk of slurry stores failing in Winter. With storage levels running higher this year, giving farmers extra time to spread safely and reduce those levels is now the more responsible environmental choice, helping to
prevent the greater risk of pollution from stores overtopping or failing. The change, which applies for this spreading period only, includes safeguards to protect water quality, including a limit on the volume of slurry that can be spread at any one time and a minimum gap between applications. Poultry manure is excluded from the change, as it can be safely managed through alternative storage methods. Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd said: “I’ve heard directly from farmers and growers about the impacts of this summer’s drought, and the wider challenges facing the sector, and they’ve told me they need three things from their government: certainty, flexibility and support. “I’ve listened, and we’re taking action. “We are making changes to the closed period for slurry and manure spreading to give farmers more flexibility to manage storage safely and responsibly as we head into autumn. “Not only have we delivered on our commitment to pay an advance payment for SFS in October, but we have also gone further to help with cash flow. We will increase advance payments under SFS and BPS from 70% to 80%, so farm businesses get more of their expected payment sooner. “This builds on the certainty we’ve already given farmers through our billion-pound multi-year funding deal, and shows farmers that as new challenges emerge, we will continue to respond in a way that is agile, practical and on their side.”
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FUW calls for immediate measures to relieve pressure on industry in meeting with Cabinet Minister
Welsh farmers are desperately in need of support and flexibility with rules and regulations following an exceptionally challenging season, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has told the Welsh Government today. Welsh farmers are desperately in need of support and flexibility with rules and regulations following an exceptionally challenging season, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has told the Welsh Government. With farmers being forced to choose between vaccinating their animals against Bluetongue Virus and buying winter fodder, FUW representatives raised concerns about the pressing dilemma facing the industry when they met with Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, in Cardiff earlier today, Tuesday 22 September. The Union pressed the Welsh Government to do all it could to introduce immediate measures to relieve pressure on the industry, including moves to increase the 70% farm support Advance Payments in October to support farmers with their short-term cashflows. The meeting came after Union representatives pressed for rapid action and forward planning to prepare for the wildfire risk in 2027, and called for the UK Government to establish an Emergency Fund to support farming businesses with short-term crises and financial challenges during meetings with Welsh Office and DEFRA ministers in London on 8 September. They also reiterated their
calls for greater flexibility with the Agricultural Pollution regulations, which will see farmers banned from spreading slurry and other organic manures from 15 October until 15 January 2027 on most grassland soil types. With farmers struggling with fodder availability following an exceptionally dry season, farm businesses across Wales will need to graze, spread slurry and take cuts of silage much later than planned for as long as the weather allows. Questions were also asked about the timeline for making longterm changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme, with the FUW highlighting its key asks that require urgent attention to ensure the universal layer of the Scheme is more accessible and practical in 2027. W President Ian Rickman said: “This year has proven to be extremely challenging for Welsh farming businesses. They have faced extreme weather conditions, disease outbreaks and rising input costs during the most significant transition in agricultural support policies for decades, and we welcomed the opportunity to discuss these challenges and potential solutions with the Cabinet Minister today. “The situation regarding Bluetongue is very worrying and the direction of travel in England with regards to testing and diagnosis is seriously concerning, highlighting the UK’s lack of resources when it comes to tackling disease outbreaks. The Farmers’ Union of Wales wants to work with the Welsh and UK Governments on a Bluetongue Strategy that gives confidence
to the sector that we can work together to properly manage the disease. We do not want to be back to square one in March 2027 where the process starts again. “Coupled with a shortage of fodder on many farms due to the recent drought conditions and the hottest summer on record, limited cashflow means some farmers are faced with a pressing dilemma, whether to vaccinate their animals against Bluetongue or buy more forage for the winter. This is why we are calling for immediate action to help relieve this pressure, and increasing the farm support Advance Payments in October would go a long way to support farm businesses in the short-term.” Speaking about the closed period for spreading slurry, Mr Rickman added: “The FUW supports action to improve water quality and recognises that agriculture has a role to play in reducing pollution. However, the current regulations are too rigid, too costly and too bureaucratic. This year’s drought has prevented timely slurry spreading, and there could be serious repercussions if farmers are unable to empty their stores appropriately before the winter. “This is why we are calling for a blanket derogation for the start of the closed period to allow farmers to appropriately apply nutrients and take silage crops before the winter period. We need a common sense approach based on weather conditions and cropneed whilst also appreciating how vital this would be for winter fodder supply and animal welfare in Wales.”
Fertiliser ordering: why timing matters this season The disruption to the global fertiliser market caused by the conflict in the Gulf region and the continuing effects of war and sanctions on the availability of Russian-origin fertiliser has had a damaging impact on the agricultural sector in Wales as is apparent from recent media coverage. And with the price of crude oil standing at over $100 a barrel at the time of writing, approximately 40% up on this time last year, there is little evidence the situation is likely to improve much in the near future. The issue at hand is not simply whether fertiliser exists somewhere in the market, it’s whether enough fertiliser can be imported, manufactured, stored, processed, bagged, loaded and delivered to farms in time for the spring application window. U n d e r s t a n d a b l y, many farmers will be cautious about committing to buying the fertiliser they need for next year too early. Hence the practical question; when should you place your order? Essentially, this year the system has less spare capacity to absorb late demand, sudden buying surges or disruption to the supplies of raw materials required for its manufacture. An added element for consideration is the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment
Mechanism (CBAM) which will see additional tax levied on imported fertiliser from 1 January 2027. The advice from the industry therefore is to start discussing your fertiliser needs as early as possible to reduce the risk of delivery bottlenecks. Discussions about likely requirements, even if final decisions on crop nutrient requirements, expected tonnages and product types are still being shaped, can ease the pressure on the whole supply chain, from sourcing the raw materials, manufacturing and storage to importing and deliveries. We understand many suppliers have indicated a willingness to support earlier deliveries by supplying part loads and coordinating split loads with local farmers to avoid additional transport costs. We also encourage you to speak to a range of fertiliser suppliers to identify who is best placed to meet the specific needs of your farm business and to test your soils and review your likely crop nutrient requirements early. As always, Farmers’ Union of Wales members who are finding it difficult to source sufficient supplies are encouraged to contact their county offices as this will give us an accurate picture of what is actually happening at grassroots level and inform our discussions with key industry bodies.
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Hyundai IONIQ 9 trialled by National Highways as all-electric Traffic Officer vehicle
MOTORS
Hyundai Motor UK has supplied four all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUVs to National Highways for a Traffic Officer vehicle trial on England’s motorways and major A-roads. The trial will assess how the seven-seat IONIQ 9 performs in frontline operational use, combining zero tailpipe emissions, long electric range, rapid charging and the load capacity required for emergency response duties. The four IONIQ 9 vehicles were converted by Richell Vehicle Conversions (RVC), seeing each vehicle finished
in National Highways livery, complete with high-visibility decals, emergency lighting and the full suite of on-board equipment that Traffic Officers rely on when responding to incidents and supporting road users. The conversion incorporates a dedicated 240Ah lithium auxiliary battery system, kept electrically separate from the vehicle’s own battery, to power the emergency warning suite. This is built around a lightbar, a 100W bullhorn and an extensive array of amber and red warning LEDs, alongside further lighting on the wing mirrors,
rear screen and tailgate, plus a flip-up Standby Traffic Commander matrix board for incident messaging. RVC also engineered a bespoke loadcarrying system to house the radio, Inseego telematics and CCTV equipment. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a full-size, seven-seat electric SUV designed to offer longdistance electric capability, flexible interior space and practical load-carrying capacity. In Traffic Officer specification, the vehicle is being assessed for operational suitability, equipment integration, charging performance and the ability
to support National Highways’ work while producing zero tailpipe emissions in operation. The IONIQ 9 is powered by a 110.3kWh battery and offers a WLTP range of up to 385 miles, while its 800V architecture supports ultra-rapid charging - keeping vehicles ready for duty with minimal downtime. Built on Hyundai’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it provides up to 908 litres of load space with the third-row seats folded, alongside the spacious, flexible interior of a full-size electric SUV. The vehicles have been supplied as part of a trial programme to assess the IONIQ 9’s suitability for Traffic Officer duties. Subject to the outcome of the trial, National Highways is considering further purchases during 2026. Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “This trial demonstrates IONIQ 9’s capability in demanding real-world roles, combining zero-emission performance, practicality and rapid charging to support National Highways’ vital work.” For more on the Hyundai range, visit www.hyundai.co.uk
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CITROEN BERLINGO- 2018
FIAT 500 - 2015
VAUXHALL CORSA - 2016
1.6 BlueHDi Feel Multispace MPV 5dr Diesel ETG6 Euro 6 (s/s) (100 ps) ** WHEELCHAIR ACCESIBLE .........DIESEL............AUTOMATIC........3 SEATS....... LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 12,631
1.2 Lounge Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (69 bhp) ** PETROL........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 45,935 MILES ..........SERVICE HISTORY 3 STAMPS...
1.4i ecoFLEX Energy Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (a/c) (90 ps) ** PETROL....... 5 SPEED.......1 PREVIOUS OWNER.........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 70,530 MILES..
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£6,495
£5,495
CITROEN GRAND C4 PICASSO 2018 1.6 BlueHDi Feel MPV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps) ** 7 SEATER......DIESEL.......6 SPEED....... LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 88,037 MILES........SERVICE HISTORY.........2 KEYS...
£6,495
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NISSAN JUKE - 2016 1.5 dCi N-Connecta SUV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) ** DIESEL....... 6 SPEED........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 81,354 MILES........... 2 KEYS..........£20 ROAD TAX.........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 12........... 76 MPG
£4,995
l
BMW 1 SERIES - 2015
FORD KA+ - 2019
TOYOTA YARIS - 2016
FORD FIESTA - 2014
SKODA YETI - 2015
1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 8 SPEED.........DIESEL........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 79,471 MILES..........£20 ROAD TAX........ . 2 KEYS....... 78 MPG.......
1.2 Ti-VCT Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (85 ps) ** PETROL........5 SPEED.......LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 50,651 MILES.......... SERVICE HISTORY......... 2 KEYS........ LOW INSURANCE GROUP 6..
1.33 Dual VVT-i Icon Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (99 ps) ** PETROL.......6 SPEED...... 1 PREVIOUS OWNER......YES ONLY COVERED 29,354 MILES........SERVICE HISTORY 4 TOYOTA MAIN DEALER STAMPS.
1.25 Zetec Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (82 ps) ** PETROL......5 SPEED.......LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 84,560 MILES........SERVICE HISTORY........£35 ROAD TAX...... 2 KEYS.......LOW INSURANCE GROUP 7.......... ZETEC EDITION........
2.0 TDI SE Outdoor 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (110 ps) ** DIESEL........5 SPEED........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 52,606 MILES......... 2 KEYS.........£35 ROAD TAX........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 15........ 65 MPG...
MINI CONVERTIBLE - 2016
BMW Z4 - 2011
1.5 Cooper Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) ** PETROL........CONVERTIBLE......6 SPEED.......£35 ROAD TAX........57 MPG.........2 KEYS.........COOPER EDITION........HALF LEATHER SPORTS SEATS.......MEDIA SCREEN.
2.5 23i M Sport Highline Edition Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 5 (204 ps) ** PETROL.......CONVERTIBLE......6 SPEED........MILEAGE 115,991 .........SERVICE HISTORY 8 STAMPS...
£7,495
£6,995
VOLKSWAGEN UP! - 2014
RENAULT CAPTUR - 2019
1.0 High up! Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (75 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED.......LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 60,320 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 5 STAMPS........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 2..........£20 ROAD TAX..
0.9 TCe ENERGY Iconic SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED........ 1 PREVIOUS OWNER........98,541 MILES......... SERVICE HISTORY....
£5,995
FORD FOCUS - 2015
1.0 ZETEC 5d 124 BHP ** PETROL......6 SPEED......ONLY COVERED 69,115 MILES FROM NEW.......£20 ROAD TAX.........60 MPG.......ZETEC EDITION.......MEDIA SCREEN........ BLUETOOTH.......AIRCON........STOP START.........ALLOYS.......NICE EXAMPLE
£4,995
£6,395
£7,995
HONDA HR-V - 2017
1.6 i-DTEC EX SUV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps) ** DIESEL......6 SPEED.... 1 OWNER FROM NEW.......111,320 MILEAGE..... FULL HONDA MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY 11 STAMPS.......2 KEYS.......£200 ROAD TAX.......... 72 MPG.
£7,995
£4,895
£5,995
£7,695
£7,495
DACIA SANDERO 2017
AUDI A1- 2012
DACIA SANDERO STEPWAY 2015
TOYOTA AYGO - 2016
1.0 SCe Ambiance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (75 ps) ** PETROL........5 SPEED......... 1 OWNER FROM NEW........FULL SERVICE HISTORY......... LOW INSURANCE GROUP 4..........67 MPG.........AMBIANCE EDITION....
1.4 TFSI Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps) ** PETROL.......6 SPEED.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER.......SERVICE HISTORY..........2 KEYS....... £170 ROAD TAX...........64 MPG........SPORT EDITION.
0.9 TCe Ambiance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED......... 1 OWNER FROM NEW.........LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY COVERED 63,951 MILES........... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS...
1.0 VVT-i x-cite Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (68 ps) ** PETROL........5 SPEED.......86,975 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 9 STAMPS........£20 ROAD TAX.........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 7.......
£3,995
.
£4,995
£4,695
£5,795
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Volkswagen T-Roc and Touareg win Towcar of the Year Awards Volkswagen is celebrating two wins at this year’s Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards. The T-Roc R-Line was voted best for towing caravans weighing 1,100 to 1,400kg, while the Touareg Final Edition won the category for caravans weighing 1,800 to 2,000kg. The results were announced at the Royal Automobile Club in London, following in-depth scrutiny of cars by Caravan and Motorhome Club experts in a variety of everyday towing situations. The Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150 PS with seven-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) won the 1,100 to 1,400kg category. Judges said: “This stylish compact SUV has long impressed caravanners. The car tested had Volkswagen’s perennial 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine and it really shone. There was more than enough power for hill starts and the car handled well with good refinement.” The judges were particularly impressed by the Touareg Final Edition 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 286PS with eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, when moving up in size to caravans weighing 1,800 to 2,000kg. They said: “This SUV has always impressed, but especially so this year as it had an unbeatable combination of power, refinement, comfort and driving
dynamics. It excelled in this class, delivering effortless acceleration and
smooth six-cylinder refinement. “Despite its size, the
big
Volkswagen recorded one of the shortest stopping distances of the competition and remained beautifully controlled throughout. Opulent inside and brimming with tech, the Touareg ticks nearly every single box.” The Caravan and Motorhome Club judged cars by splitting them into categories, according to caravan weight, to make it easy for potential buyers to choose the best vehicles for their caravans. Each car was assessed in a variety of demanding real-world situations including gradients, hill starts, downhill braking, high-speed stability, reversing, comfort, visibility and the ability to join fast-moving traffic. “We are delighted with our double success at this year’s Towcar of the Year Awards,” said Ewan Elder, Product Manager at Volkswagen UK for both the T-Roc and the Touareg. “These awards put vehicles through their paces in stringent but real-world conditions, and as such people have enormous faith in the comments and decisions of Caravan and Motorhome Club judges. “These awards for the T-Roc and Touareg underline how they are the perfect choices for anyone with caravans weighing 1,100 to 1,400kg and 1,800 to 2,000kg respectively.”
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Works at former snooker club housing scheme site approved WORKS related to a scheme for 16 new apartments at the riverside site of Haverfordwest’s former snooker club have been given the thumbs-up by planners. In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council, Caen Pembrokeshire Ltd, through agent Pembroke Design Ltd, sought a Certificate of Lawful Development for 2019 approved works at the former Snooker Club, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. An application for a certificate of lawful development is usually used to allow an applicant to stay at or keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period. In this case the certificate call is to confirm the lawful implementation of a 2019 approved scheme for the conversion of three listed buildings and the demolition and replacement of a fourth building to form 16 residential apartments at the site along with 11 parking spaces. A supporting statement said the applicants purchased the buildings in early 2024, commencing works from the
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Local Democracy Reporter
approved scheme that April/ May, saying if they hadn’t been started the building would have fallen into further disrepair. An officer report recommending the certificate be granted said the buildings are currently vacant and in a deteriorating condition. It said that, in order for planning permission to have been lawfully implemented, it would be necessary for development to have taken place within a specified timeframe, in this case five
years following the August 7, 2019 permission. “The applicant claims that the approved planning permission was within the required timeframe through the demolition of an external wall of the building referred to on the approved plans as ‘building 3’. The works were witnessed by a representative of a developer, evidenced by dated photographs (May 7, 2024). “It is described that the works carried out were necessary and pursuant to the approved development with reference to the approved plans and drawings requiring the removal of the wall and
associated alterations were required to create access to the proposed car park and facilitate installation of new steel beams and replacement masonry. “The supporting statement concludes that the approved layout could not be constructed without the demolition/opening works being undertaken.” It added it was needed to be established whether the development “constituted a lawful commencement to development in light of [a] breach of conditions,” a condition of the 2019 scheme requiring a Construction Environmental Management Plan, effectively dealing with potential pollution prevention, prior to its commencement. Such a plan was not included until 2024, and a subsequent 2026 approved amendment allowing it to be reworded to during the works. The report concluded: “Based on the information available, it is considered on the balance of probability that the development has lawfully commenced prior to the expiry date of the permission on August 6, 2024. It is therefore concluded that the certificate should be granted.”
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BUSINESS
Tenby property linked to ‘Middlemarch’ author seeks holiday let status
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire property, said to have inspired the Victorian author of acclaimed novel Middlemarch, to continue partly operating as a holiday let has been submitted to planners. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Pavel Stepanek of Ty Gwynne Ltd, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seeks permission for a certificate of lawfulness for the
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Local Democracy Reporter
use of the ground and upper floors of Gwynne House, Bridge Street, Tenby as a holiday let. The property is a Grade-IIListed building and forms one of a pair of early 19th-century houses overlooking the town’s harbour and in the conservation area. An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to stay at or keep a development which has not had planning permission if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period. A supporting statement accompanying the application says, back in 2014, the Park approved an application for the retention of Gwynne House as a mixed-use property; residential accommodation at basement level, with guesthouse accommodation on the ground and upper two floors. The property was purchased by Mr Stepanek in July 2021; a witness statement saying Gwynne House was already operating as a holiday let at the point of purchase, despite only having permission to
be a guesthouse, the bookings honoured by him “demonstrating that the holiday letting use had commenced prior to his acquisition of the property”. “Following acquisition, the property underwent a period of required refurbishment between late 2021 and early 2022. Upon completion of those works, Gwynne House resumed operation as a self-contained short-term holiday let and has continued in that use thereafter. The residential use and flat at the basement continued under the 2014 consent.” It added: “At the time, Mr Stepanek was not aware of the subsequent introduction of Use Class C6 in Wales in late 2022 or of the potential planning implications arising from the classification of short-term holiday accommodation. “His understanding was informed by the property’s established history as visitor accommodation, previously authorised as a bed and breakfast/ guesthouse. For the purposes of this application, however, the relevant consideration is the factual nature, commencement and continuity of the established use now of a holiday let that has
immunity under the four-year rule.” It said that last September Mr Stepanek received enforcement investigation correspondence from the Park relating to the alleged breach of the 2014 planning permission; the change from the authorised bed and breakfast/ guesthouse use to short-term holiday accommodation. For the lawfulness call, it says the application is supported by evidence, including historic booking information, records relating to the management of the property and existing holiday bookings were in place at the time of purchase, as well as customer reviews of Gwynne House as a single-property holiday let back in 2020. The lawfulness call will be considered by Park planners at a later date. Gwynne House on Bridge Street in Tenby features a shared heritage plaque with next door commemorating the author ‘George Eliot,’ actually writer Mary Ann Evans, who it is said, while lodged at the property, was inspired to write her first novel. George Eliot’s most famous and acclaimed work is the 1871– 1872 novel Middlemarch.
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£7.5m holiday park expansion faces fresh appeal after planning refusal AN APPEAL against last year’s refusal of a £7.5m Pembrokeshire holiday park extension, resubmitted after a high court judgement overturned a previous council approval, has been lodged. In late 2023 councillors approved a contentious application by Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Ltd for works including the installation of 48 bases for holiday lodges, a spa facility at a former pub, holiday apartments, a café and cycle hire, equestrian stables, a manège and an associated office at Heritage Park, Pleasant Valley/Stepaside. It was said the scheme, next to the historic remains of the 19th century Stepaside ironworks and colliery, would create 44 jobs. The final decision of support on the basis of economic benefits was made at full council after members of the planning committee had twice supported the scheme against officer recommendations of refusal, based on the Local Development Plan, including the site being outside a settlement area. Since that approval, a successful legal challenge was launched by Stepaside & Pleasant Valley Residents’ Group (SPVRG Ltd), who had objected to the original
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Local Democracy Reporter
application, a high court hearing quashing the approval. After that an application was resubmitted by Heritage Leisure Development (Wales) Ltd, through agent Lichfields; the application before the October 2025 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, again recommended for, and given, a refusal.
Since that 2025 refusal, an appeal has been lodged with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) by Lichfields on behalf of Heritage Leisure Developments (Wales) Limited. It says the reason given for the 2025 refusal was officers saying it went against the council’s development plan in “not being within or well-related to a town, service centre or service village,” adding that only two elements of the scheme, the proposed bases for caravans and
proposed self-catering apartments failed to accord with the policy. It also said the 2025 officer report considered the scheme would “set an undesirable precedent and would make it difficult for the council to resist similar proposals”. It has questioned the consistency of decision making, with planners in 2025 granting planning permission for 15 caravans at Great Wedlock, near Tenby, against officer recommendations, where the planning committee, prior to a final decision by full council “considered the economic benefits outweighed the conflict with the plan, and that the units would be accessible for those with disabilities”. It said no economic impact assessment was submitted with that planning application, adding the benefits of that scheme were “materially less than those offered at Heritage Park”. It goes on to say it “is untenable for the council to contend that the approval of this application would seriously undermine the Development Plan,” saying the policies in it are “clearly out of step with the Council’s own up to date evidence base” and there are “significant material considerations that outweigh the conflict with the aged plan”.
Scheme for fibreoptic cables from Wexford to Newgale approved PLANS by a Vodafone phone company subsidiary to bring fibreoptic cables across the sea from Ireland to a Pembrokeshire seaside beach village in order to improve broadband coverage have been approved. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Apollo Submarine Cable Systems limited, through agent APEM Group, sought permission for the construction of four underground telecom chambers and interconnecting ducts, along with Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) underneath Brandy Brook, Newgale, and the construction of one HDD bore-to-sea outfall. A supporting statement accompanying the application said the scheme would form the onshore part of a project to bring a fibreoptic cable onshore from Kilmore Quay, Wexford, Ireland to a site at Newsurf Shop car park, Sands Café Car Park and Duke of Edinburgh Inn, Newgale. It said the majority of the project is subterranean, with only very minor above-ground works proposed, which comprise the installation of a manhole cover. It added: “To facilitate improved
Bruce Sinclair
Local Democracy Reporter
internet connectivity, the applicant is proposing the installation of a fibreoptic telecoms cable (the Beaufort cable) from Kilmore Quay, Wexford, Ireland to Newgale. “The project is to facilitate the installation of the Beaufort cable, as it comes ashore in Wales and to link
it into the wider network, which will be operated by Vodafone’s wholly-owned subsidiary Apollo Cable System Limited in the UK.” It said the project would see three underground telecom chambers and a 120-metre interconnecting duct, the 87-metre HDD underneath Brandy Brook, launching from the receiver pit located within the Site, along with the construction of one HDD bore-to-sea
outfall, in a subtidal area of Newgale bay, of approximately 920 metres, and one underground telecom chamber and interconnecting duct. Citing a report on digital connectivity, it says 5G geographic coverage has seen improvements but is still relatively low at 57 per cent of Wales’ landmass, with 4G the primary service. That report said there is a difference in full fibre coverage between urban and rural areas (83 per cent versus 59 per cent) and highlighting a need for further coverage. On the scheme itself, the statement said: “The HDD is specifically designed to mitigate the risk of any shoreward movement of the shingle bank and beach level changes. The use of HDD reduces the likelihood of potential environmental impact on the landscape and seascape. “The project is not anticipated to interact with Brandy Brook. All drilling works will take place within excavated launch pits and all construction works will be confined to the hardstanding of the car park.” The application was conditionally approved.
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Reform MS accuses health minister of lying during debate over health visitors’ pay
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HEALTH
A REFORM Senedd Member has accused the health minister of lying during a debate on the health visitor pay dispute. James Evans, who is shadow minister for health and prevention, hit out at Mabon ap Gwynfor on Wednesday 16 September. The interaction came in a debate on the pay dispute at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, with Reform calling on the Welsh Government to take “immediate action” to resolve it. Mr Evans paid tribute to those who have gone out on strike, saying the health minister had “promised” health visitors that he would “make a change”. He continued: “You promised, the cabinet ministers promised, and the First Minister himself promised. “You have lied to these people, and if you want to renege on the promises you made, you will suffer from that at future elections.” Mr Evans was then reprimanded by the Llywydd, Huw Irranca-Davies, who said: “You’ve just put on record a direct accusation that the minister has lied. Could I just ask you to reflect on that in terms of parliamentary language within this place?” Mr Evans, who this week ruled himself out of the running to replace Dan Thomas as
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Reform leader, withdrew his comment but added: “I don’t think the people in the gallery will see it any differently.” Andrew RT Davies reminded the health minister that when the issue first arose in the Siambr he sat not on the government bench but in opposition. The Conservative MS said: “Colleagues of yours who represented the Cwm Taf area ranted at the then-Labour health minister for inaction and not doing anything to call this dispute to an end and put pressure on the health board. “Five months later, you’re on the government bench and you’re not doing the work that your leader signed up to during the election campaign.” Mr Davies referred to the letter signed by the First Minister supporting an end to the pay dispute signed by the First Minister supporting an end to the pay dispute. Mr Davies continued: “I call on you, Minister, to live up to the pledge that you made at the election, I call on you to live up to the pledges that your members made in this chamber back in March, and bring this dispute to an end.” Labour MS Vikki Howells warned the health minister about setting a “dangerous precedent
for all NHS staff who come under ‘Agenda for Change from nurses to radiographers” by declaring that the government cannot intervene in the pay dispute. The Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr MS shared with the Siambr that her party colleague, Sarah Murphy, had recently written to the health minister and received a reply stating “that the Welsh Government does not have the powers to intervene” and “cannot become involved in the dispute itself”. Ms Howells told the minister this was “not correct”. She said there is precedent for the Welsh Government to intervene in circumstances such as the dispute, providing the example of when former health minister Vaughan Gething stepped in to resolve a shift
pattern issue for nurses at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board. She added: “Your immediate predecessor, Jeremy Miles, made a very clear instruction to CTM that they need to honour that job evaluation process. And as they’ve not done so, Cabinet Minister, you must step up.” Responding, the health minister highlighted that the dispute “did not arise overnight”, adding that it “predates the current government” and “has been going on for several years”. Mr ap Gwynfor said: “At the heart of the dispute is a disagreement between Unite and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board regarding the evaluation of the roles of health visitors and the appropriate pay band arrangements.” The minister declared that this does not mean, however, that his government has been “inactive”. He shared that he has “engaged directly with both CTMUHB and Unite since coming into government and have repeatedly called on all parties to come together, engage constructively and work towards a resolution as quickly as possible.” Closing his response, Mr ap Gwynfor said: “Every single member of this Senedd wants to see this dispute come to an end. “We all want children and families to get the support that they need, and we want staff to feel that they are valued and supported.” The motion was ultimately not agreed, with 42 votes both for and against. Due to the equality of votes, the Llywydd was entitled to use his casting vote and the motion was rejected.
Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies
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New maternity safety scheme will give families a direct voice to raise concerns
Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni
Claire Archibald, Reform MS for Ceredigion Penfro A DIRECT ROUTE to raise concerns over the health of mothers and babies is being rolled out across the NHS, Wales’ first-ever minister dedicated to women’s health has announced. The Call for Concern scheme gives maternity and neonatal patients, and their relatives, the means to raise urgent concerns if they feel their health, or the health of a loved one, is worsening and medical staff have not fully addressed their worries. Announcing the scheme in the Senedd on Tuesday September 15, deputy minister for social care, mental health and women’s health Delyth Jewell said: “This is not simply about introducing a telephone number or changing documentation. It’s about culture. It’s about creating an NHS where women feel that they have been empowered to raise concerns about their own health, where parents feel confident to speak up when they are worried about their baby’s health, and where staff see those concerns as vital information for safer care.” The Plaid Cymru member for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni continued: “We want every woman,
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ICNN Senedd reporter
baby and family in Wales to receive care that is safe, that is timely, that is compassionate and that is responsive to their needs. “We want maternity and neonatal services that act early when concerns are raised. Above all, we want women and families to know that their voices matter.” She added: “This will not replace clinical judgement, or strong leadership, or safe services. That is not its purpose. “But rather, it adds that vital safeguard, and gives women and families a clearer voice when they are worried. It strengthens our shared ambition for safer, more responsive and more compassionate care for women, babies and families across Wales.” Reform’s shadow minister for social care, Claire Archibald, shared her own experience of pregnancy loss and backed the new scheme. She said: “As a woman, a mother of three children, and somebody who’s also experienced the loss
of a pregnancy, I know just how vulnerable a woman can feel when something does not feel right.” She told the Siambr that at the “heart” of the scheme was a “very simple principle” – listening to women. While several health boards had already begun the rollout, Ms Jewell said she was unable to provide a final date for consitent implemention across Wales. The deputy minister did confirm the Welsh Government would implement all recomendations from the ‘Path to Safer Beginnings’ report, commissioned under the previous Labour-led administration, and which reviewed maternity and neonatal services across Wales. This was after questioning from Labour’s Jayne Bryant, member for Casnewydd Islwyn. Ms Bryant said: “The voices and experiences of women and families were at the centre of that assessment, as they should be. It is their perspectives that are key to understanding the quality, safety and culture of these services.” In her response Ms Jewell said:
“We cannot get this wrong. This is something that transcends politics. This is about ensuring that more babies get the care that they need when they need it, and making sure that we learn from when things have gone so horrifically wrong.” Conservative MS for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, Peter Fox, told the Siambr the scheme’s success would depend on the “practical reality of implementation”. While supporting Call for Concern, he stressed the importance of informing people about how to access it. Ms Jewell agreed that clear communication was crucial, confirming the use of leaflets, posters, and bedside materials throughout care. But she added: “We can’t just put a poster on the wall and think, ‘Oh, well, it’s there now, people will have to read it’. “This is a very stressful time in someone’s life, and they’re not necessarily going to be looking at the poster on the wall. That’s why it has to be embedded in the culture of the NHS.”
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Senedd rejects calls for a Wales-specific grooming gangs inquiry
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POLITICS
A SENEDD Member has shared his daughter’s experience of sexual assault during a debate on grooming gangs. Reform’s Paul Marr opened the debate by speaking of his daughter, telling the Siambr: “In debates like this, victims are often talked about as a category, a number and a strategy. She’s my child.” He continued: “Let me be clear, this was not a grooming gang, it was one man, and let me give the outcome first, because it matters. He is serving 14 years. She was believed. “But it took far too long, the examinations, the statements, the changes of personnel, the waiting for news and the uncertainty when nothing appeared to happen. She kept going. Nothing should underestimate what that required. “A conviction matters enormously, but it does not erase what came before or the need for support. That is the perspective that I bring here today.” The motion was tabled by Reform’s Llŷr Powell, and called on the UK Government to ensure that Wales is investigated as part of the grooming gangs inquiry. However, it was rejected on Wednesday September 16. As an amendment to the motion, the Welsh Conservatives called for a Wales-wide grooming gang inquiry – but this was also rejected. The Siambr instead agreed Plaid Cymru’s amended motion, which noted that Wales falls within the scope of the statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs. In February 2022, the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse published its investigation, with Swansea one
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of six areas examined. Mr Marr said the investigation found “neither the police nor the council accurately understood how many children were experiencing or were at risk of child sexual exploitation” Returning to his daughter’s story, Mr Marr highlighted the shame often felt by victims, adding: “My daughter had a family that would have done anything for her. For a long time, she did not ask us; she was ashamed. “The shame belonged entirely to the man who harmed her, but knowing that as a parent does not mean that you can make your child feel it as well. “Abusers use shame to silence people. Fear and manipulation make asking for help impossible. “She had somewhere to
Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni MS Delyth Jewell, the deputy minister for social care, mental health, and women’s health
turn, even when she could not bring herself to turn there. Ask yourselves what happens to a young person who feels that she has nowhere.” Discussing the the independent inquiry for England and Wales, Mr Marr noted that no Welsh area has been included in the first investigation, but acknowledged further areas will be selected. He said: “That does not mean that Wales has been excluded. But families deserve clarity about how Welsh institutional failures will be examined.” Mr Marr added: “I cannot give my daughter back those three years, nobody here can, but every member can bring the same seriousness to another family’s child that they would bring to their own. “The next child in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Pembroke or anywhere here in Wales – before accepting assurance, think about the child waiting for someone to act. If this were a child you love, what answers would be good enough?” Expressing his party’s agreement with the motion, Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar described the issue as one that should “cut completely across party political barriers”. Declaring grooming gang activity as a “serious problem” in the UK, Mr Millar stressed that Wales cannot be a “footnote” in the inquiry. He urged the deputy minister
to consider her party’s position on the UK Covid inquiry, noting that Plaid Cymru called for a Wales-specific inquiry to ensure “a proper spotlight” was shone on Wales. He said: “I would urge you as a government to please do the same to protect these innocent victims in our country and to hold those perpetrators to account for their actions.” Responding in her role as deputy minister for social care, mental health and women’s health, Delyth Jewell emphasised that “all victims and survivors deserve justice and help”. Ms Jewell, who represents Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, said the Welsh Government will “consider carefully” any findings and recommendations produced by the independent inquiry, with necessary action to be taken with the “utmost urgency”. She said participation in the wider England and Wales inquiry provides an opportunity to “identify the trends and patterns of abuse that do not respect national borders”. However she accepted the importance of ensuring Wales is “fully at the centre” of the investigations, and pledged to reinforce that in her meetings with Baroness Longfield who is leading the inquiry. Meanwhile, Reform’s Llŷr Powell – also of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni – told the Siambr that “cross-party consensus” could be found.
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‘More than just a sport’: Minister blue view questioned on future of rugby in Wales With Brian Murphy
PLANS to reduce Wales’ professional rugby teams from four to three could be “devastating” for local communities, Senedd Members have warned. Sport minister Heledd Fychan was questioned in the Siambr on Wednesday September 16 over the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) proposals to move to a threeregion model. MSs raised concerns over the potential loss of either the Ospreys or the Scarlets, the ongoing absence of a professional team in north Wales, and high drop-out rates among female grassroots players. Describing the WRU’s decision to drop either the Ospreys or the Scarlets as “devastating”, Plaid Cymru MS Gwyn Williams pressed the minister on what talks the Welsh Government has had with the governing body. Replying to Mr Williams, Ms Fychan said: “Rugby is more than just a sport, isn’t it? People feel it to the quick. It’s part of the identity of communities. “And that transparency is important, because this is about more than just a location, it’s more than just the economic impact; it’s about that community spirit and feeling.” She added she had made it “very clear” to the WRU that the government expects “transparency” with
communities. Reform’s Carmelo Colasanto called on the WRU to publish the full scoring criteria used in its decision to axe a region. Mr Colasanto said a letter from the body had failed to explain why different metrics were used in different parts of Wales. He explained: “In the east and the capital, geography settled it, quite clearly. Cardiff and Newport were each given their own licence area, and the incumbents were confirmed. No competition, no scoring, no test of merit. “The WRU’s own letter to me confirms that the factors weighted most heavily there were population, accessibility, and infrastructure. Performance and pathways came second.” Ms Fychan, a Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr MS, said it was “essential” the process was “transparent, evidence-based, and accountable” and said she would take concerns to the WRU. Bangor Conwy Môn MS Janet Finch-Saunders, of the Welsh Conservatives, questioned what the Welsh Government is doing to support the development of a professional rugby team in north Wales. There is, she said, a “clear imbalance” with men’s professional rugby remaining concentrated in Cardiff,
Swansea, Llanelli, and Newport”. She warned that plans to shrink the professional game would further diminish opportunities for players in north Wales. Ms Fychan clarified that the WRU is responsible for decisions about the structure and development of the professional game, but said: “We want talented players from north Wales to have clear pathways to get to the elite levels of the game within their communities, without having to move from north Wales.” More than a third of girls drop out of grassroots rugby as teenagers, Plaid Cymru MS Becca Martin told members. Acknowledging some improvements have been made, Ms Martin said there was a significant gap in retention rates compared to male rugby and wondered whether it was due to “fear of judgement, feeling unsafe, inadequate facilities [or] a lack of role models”. Ms Fychan acknowledged the barriers facing young female players and said: “It’s very important that everyone has the opportunity to participate, and when there are barriers to that, then that is a challenge that I am ready to put to the WRU, to put to any body where that isn’t working as it should.”
Plaid Cymru have got themselves in a complete pickle recently. Their election promises are coming under intense scrutiny, and it is not good. They promised that within 100 days they will have a clear plan to govern Wales. It’s 140 days since the election and I’m still waiting for that plan to be announced. One of their promises was to eradicate NHS waits of over two years within the first year of government. Now the First Minister has said that it will not happen until September next year at the earliest. I suspect it will take longer or not happen at all. This is because the number of patients on a waiting list for two years or more is rising. The most recent stats show there are now over 4,700 cases on the list, a rise of 15% in the space of one month. That is not a sign of progress its assign of failure. I was hopeful that Plaid Cymru would be different from Labour when they took control of the NHS and would intervene. After all, the NHS was their number one priority in the election manifesto. They promised they would “get to grips” with the pressures facing the service, and “redefine the responsibilities of
the Welsh Government”. The document goes on at length about how they will transform the NHS in Wales. Yet, when Paul Davies asked Rhun Ap Iorwerth what was being done to protect services in West Wales, he waffled about how long it will take to remove services, and these were “clinical decisions”. Or in other words “Nothing to do with me, guv”. Sounds like he was misleading us during the election. Another misleading statement he repeated during the election campaign was that independence was not on the ballot paper. However, at the first opportunity he ran off with nationalist politicians from Scotland and Northern Ireland to make plans for the breakup of the UK. As a Scot and a former soldier, who served in NI, this particularly angered me. I saw firsthand the lives destroyed and communities wrecked by violent criminals under the guise of “selfdetermination”. They have no mandate for these talks. All three nations have a majority in favour of remaining within the UK. And let’s not forget the thousands of men, women and children murdered by IRA/Sinn Fein. How do the Scottish and Welsh victims of those killers feel about having talks with an organisation which has never condemned its past and has some of those responsible holding high office. It is disgraceful, and an affront to democracy. Rhun ap Iorwerth should meet with the families of every Welsh person who was murdered by the IRA and explain why he thinks it is a good idea to side with terrorists and ignore the electorate.
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Public sector broadcasters facing ‘huge challenges’, according to Wales’ culture minister
With ANDREW LYE
Conference season is upon us once more. Unlike last year, Reform UK Ltd had no defections from the Conservatives to parade, at theirs. Last week, the Reform leader in the Senedd resigned after just a few months since he was picked by Farage. To make matters worse, one of his MS’s, defected to Plaid At the Liberal Democrat conference, Party Leader, Ed Davey said that the Conservative surrender to Reform has already happened! Four sitting and 21 former Conservative MPs, including six former cabinet ministers, have defected to Farage’s party since the general election and Conservative candidates must now sign up to Reform’s agenda to be selected. Ed Davey, said: “While families are struggling to afford the basics and small businesses are being crippled by this government, the Conservatives and Reform can only offer anger, division, and another con to line their own pockets. “An unholy alliance between Farage and Badenoch is the only way either can get into power. Together, they want to turn Britain into a Trump satellite state which would trash our NHS, turn our communities against each other, cause untold damage to our environment, and trample over traditional British values of fairness, tolerance, and decency. “A bigger Orange Wall is the only thing that can stand between Britain and this dangerous experiment, and we will not let them pass. Liberal Democrats are the only party with a plan to take the brakes off the British
economy, get money back into people’s pockets, and defend the traditional values that make our country great. “Britain feels broken because it’s being held back. Conference set out our vision to fix our broken politics and change our country for the better.” “As Liberals, we believe in the intrinsic worth of every single human being. And we are willing to fight for it… “When we see injustice, when we see human dignity under attack, we do not look away. We stand up. We care. And we fight… “[Reform is] not even trying to win most people’s support. What they’re banking on – what Farage is counting on to get him into Number Ten – is that we don’t care enough to see this fight through. That we’ll get tired. Depressed... That the anger and the hatred and the lies will grind us down until eventually we just give up. “Well, I hope they were watching tonight. I hope they watched us. I hope they listened to us. Because what they saw and hear is a party that won’t be ground down. That won’t be deterred. That won’t give up the fight. “What they heard is thousands of Liberals speaking with one voice, to say: We care. And we fight.” As Reform and the Conservatives still look to emulate Trump, is the writing on the wall for the US President as the all-important mid-term elections are just over a month away? Polls suggest that the Democrats will take control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales
WALES’ culture minister fielded questions on Plaid Cymru plans to press for the devolution of broadcasting in the Senedd’s first committee scrutiny session after the summer break. Heledd Fychan said public sector broadcasters faced “huge challenges” over financial cuts and emphasised the importance of a strong media to support democracy. In written evidence to the Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee, held on Monday September 14, the Welsh Government reiterated plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales. Welsh ministers have previously argued the new body would represent “a first step” toward devolving power over broadcasting. The UK Government, as well as Senedd Members from Reform UK and the Conservatives, are opposed to such a move, which was an election manifesto pledge from Plaid. In its evidence, the Welsh Government said there was a “genuine gap” in the current system. However, Reform’s shadow minister for culture, Louise Emery, pressed Ms Fychan to define what this meant. Ms Emery also highlighted the financial challenges posed by the potential devolution of
Ella Groves
ICNN Senedd reporter
broadcasting to Wales, such as the revenue gap between what is brought in by the licence fee in Wales and the actual cost to run BBC Wales. In response, Pontypridd, Cynon Merthyr MS Ms Fychan, who is also Trefnydd and chief whip, said the establishment of a Shadow Broadcasting Authority and the devolution of broadcasting to Wales are separate issues, noting the Shadow Broadcasting Authority would be able to investigate issues such as financing public sector broadcasting. However, the shadow minister and Ms Fychan remained at odds over the necessity of the devolution of broadcasting to Wales. Ms Emery told the committee she did not “understand what the problem is with media in Wales”, describing the current media landscape as “pretty robust”. Ms Fychan responded: “It’s really looking at how we address what’s currently not working, a democratic deficit, to ensure Wales is adequately represented, that we have a voice when it comes to decisions about broadcasting in Wales. “In terms of S4C, for instance, the channel itself and its importance in terms of the Welsh language cannot
be overstated, in terms of the content for children and young people. “So what is trying to be addressed here is a system that’s not working currently and I would hope that the committee would want to support that.” In her opening statement to the committee, describing the state of the cultural sector in Wales, Ms Fychan said: “Years of underinvestment have made their mark on the workforce and in terms of the state of many of our historic and arts buildings and sporting facilities too. “And although progressive and excellent work is being done in these sectors, which do gain international repute, this can sometimes hide how fragile and vulnerable this sector is and that’s why I am prioritising creating a long term strategy in order to ensure that there is a plan in place to put that right.” In response to fellow Plaid Cymru MS Rebecca Phillips, of Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Ms Fychan highlighted the importance of a wholegovernment approach to culture – such as the role of public transport in enabling public access to culture. She also emphasised the importance of looking to smaller, local museums and archives to allow access closer to home, as well as promoting discounted entry schemes to some Cadw sites.
POLITICS 85
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Helen Jenner MS appointed Reform UK leader in Wales By Ben Lake MP, Plaid Cymru MP
HELEN JENNER has been appointed the new leader of Reform UK in Wales, Nigel Farage has announced. Jenner, who previously served as the party’s Welsh deputy leader, briefly addressed the announcement to accept the position. Farage said: “We could have done without this little bump in the road, but we are making the best of it.” He added: “We are where we are.” After Jenner spoke, Farage said: “As you can see she is not lacking in confidence she is going to make a great leader for Reform in Wales.” A Welsh speaker and teacher by profession, Jenner was born in Neath and raised on Ynys Môn. The mother of two became Reform’s Welsh deputy leader in April, before being elected to represent Bangor Conwy Môn in the Senedd in May. She succeeds Dan Thomas, who resigned as Welsh leader on September 15 following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Thomas denied wrongdoing and was released on bail pending further investigation. Jenner now takes responsibility for leading Reform’s opposition to the Welsh Government in the Senedd. Gareth Beer MS, Member of the Senedd for Sir Gaerfyrddin, has issued the following statement regarding the appointment of Helen Jenner MS as the leader of Reform UK Wales: “I warmly welcome Helen Jenner taking on the leadership of Reform UK Wales in the Senedd. Since being elected to represent Bangor Conwy Môn, Helen has demonstrated the conviction,
energy, and commitment needed to hold the Senedd to account and champion the interests of working people across Wales. “As our party continues to grow and deliver effective, robust opposition in Cardiff Bay, Helen’s leadership will be vital in ensuring our message reaches every corner of the nation, from the valleys to the rural heartlands of Sir Gaerfyrddin. I look forward to working closely alongside Helen and our Senedd team as we stand up for real change, fiscal responsibility, and local communities.” Labour response Commenting on the announcement a Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “Changing the leader won’t change the fundamental problem with Reform in Wales. Last week, one of their own Senedd members left the party saying it was ‘not serious about governing Wales’ and accusing it of treating the Senedd as a staging post for Nigel Farage’s ambition to reach Downing Street. Helen Jenner is a longstanding supporter of Farage, and people deserve to know what will change under her leadership. “Just months after the Senedd election, Reform has already seen its leader resign and one of its members leave the party. Alongside departures from its council groups in England, that raises serious questions about its stability and ability to deliver for the people it represents. “People across Wales are facing real challenges and deserve serious, stable political leadership focused on their priorities.”
Since the start of the year, I have been challenging the UK Government on plans to decommission the old copper lines on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). As the deadline for the switch off gets ever nearer, the lack of reliable alternatives for residents of rural areas is a matter of serious concern across the constituency. Whatever the proposed merits of the digital switchover, my basic argument with the government is that a household or business should not lose its copper landline connection until such time that a reliable alternative is in place. Unfortunately, recent experiences of storm-induced power outages offer ample examples of the vulnerability of the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and instances where households would have retained a means of communication if they still had the benefit of the copper-based PSTN. We face a very immediate challenge if the government allows the decommissioning of the old copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to proceed in January of next year. I have been inundated with letters and emails from concerned residents detailing how the switchover places them in real risk of losing all connectivity in the event of a power outage, and I have sought to get the UK Government to engage with these concerns directly. I began by asking the government to provide estimates on broadband coverage and phone signal strength across Ceredigion Preseli. According to what the government defines as acceptable broadband connection, 769 residential premises across Ceredigion Preseli do not reach this threshold. In addition, the government estimates that 2,427 premises do not have access to acceptable mobile signal from any network provider. This means that we know that thousands of residents are at risk of being disconnected in the event of a power outage according to the government’s own figures. This is a clear reason why the government should not decommission the old copper lines without first ensuring a reliable
alternative exists for residents in rural areas such as Ceredigion Preseli. There has been much mention of the safeguards that will accompany the switchover for rural households, in the particular the provision of battery packs. I asked the government in a parliamentary question for its assessment of the adequacy of safeguards implemented by the telecoms sector. I received a response specifying that the government had invested in the provision of free battery backups for vulnerable and landline dependent customers to ensure access to emergency services for one hour during a power outage. This response was disappointing, not least as it gave the impression that the government had failed to understand both the number of premises without a reliable broadband or mobile signal, and the fact that storm-induced power outages – such as those experienced following Storm Darragh – can easily last longer than one hour. I received yet another disappointing answer when I asked the government for an estimate of the number of households that will be affected by the transfer to VoIP in the event of unplanned power outages. The answer was deeply disappointing, as the government reiterated the assertion that “no existing PSTN customers will be left without a landline alternative”, when it had previously confirmed in an answer to an earlier question that at least 2,427 households would be without an alternative in the event of a storm! This inconsistency has given me no confidence that the government understands the concerns that so many rural residents hold about the way in which this policy is being implemented. I hope to persuade the government to reconsider the current timeline, at least in rural areas: to delay the switchover until such time as a reliable alternative is in place. Failure to do so runs the very real risk that households across Ceredigion Preseli will be left without means of communication if they lose power for longer than an hour. This is an unnecessary – and unacceptable – risk to take.
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LETTERS & NOTICES
send your letters to: The editor, 11 hamilton terrace, milford haven, Pembrokeshire, sa73 3al email us at: editor@herald.email
Picture of the week! A Royal Navy AW159 Wildcat which visited us for a refuel (Pic: Haverfordwest Airport)
Rejecting net zero risks Pembrokeshire’s economic future DEAR SIR,
Your report on Reform UK’s visit to Pembroke power station (Tice takes Reform’s energy message to Pembroke power station, September 18) highlights the party’s opposition to net zero. Readers should consider what that position means for both our climate and Pembrokeshire’s economic future. Net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions and balancing any remaining emissions with removals from the atmosphere. It responds to the overwhelming scientific evidence that human activity is warming the planet and that continued emissions increase the risks of severe and irreversible damage. There is legitimate debate about how best to reduce emissions. Dismissing the underlying science, however, is as reckless as dismissing the evidence that smoking causes serious illness. Carbon Brief has documented 45 false or misleading claims about climate and energy made by
Reform UK politicians. These deserve scrutiny, particularly when the party is asking voters to trust its energy policies. Its funding also warrants attention. An investigation by DeSmog reported that Reform had received more than £24 million from donors with fossil fuel interests. That does not, by itself, establish why the party adopts particular policies, but voters are entitled to question whose interests those policies serve. Rejecting net zero also risks squandering substantial economic opportunities. Analysis by CBI Economics, commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, estimates that the UK’s net zero economy supported 1.1 million full-time equivalent jobs in 2025, with wages around 11% above the national average. In Wales, it supported more than 41,000 such jobs and contributed approximately £4 billion to the economy. For Pembrokeshire, this debate has particular significance. Offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea offers opportunities for our ports, engineering businesses and workforce. We should be working to secure those benefits for local communities. Richard Tice, who led
the Reform delegation, has described renewable energy as a “massive con”. In my view, that rhetoric risks undermining confidence in precisely the investment our county needs. Pembrokeshire deserves an energy policy that takes the scientific evidence seriously and helps its people benefit from the industries of the future. Turning our backs on those opportunities would be an expensive mistake.
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appears optional. Churchill was one of the defining figures in our nation’s history. His leadership during the Second World War helped Britain withstand the Nazi threat when our freedom and democracy were in grave danger. That contribution deserves remembrance and respect. Historical figures should be open to scrutiny and criticism. But we can debate their legacy without defacing monuments erected in their memory. Strong political convictions do not remove our responsibility to respect public property and one another. This matters here in our own communities. Whether we are talking about a national monument, a local war memorial or a public building, the underlying principle is the same: these places belong to us all. Once trust and mutual respect begin to erode, rebuilding them becomes much harder. We should be clear about the standards we expect and consistent in upholding them. The rule of law must apply equally to everyone, whatever their cause or political beliefs. David Lancaster
Gordon James Llanfallteg, Whitland
You are not alone At what point do we say enough is enough? DEAR SIR, The defacing of Winston Churchill’s statue raises a question that goes beyond one monument: what standards of behaviour are we prepared to accept in our public spaces? My concern is that repeated incidents of this kind risk making vandalism seem commonplace. When people believe there are no meaningful consequences, others may feel encouraged to push the boundaries further. Public confidence suffers when respect for shared spaces
DEAR SIR, As a British-born Black Christian woman, I never imagined that the tragic events of 7 October 2023 would lead me to form such meaningful friendships within the Jewish community. A recent visit to a dear Jewish friend whose parents were Holocaust survivors prompted me to reflect on how much my own life has changed since that day. What began as an expression of sympathy has developed into something much deeper: genuine friendship. I have shared celebrations
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and sorrow, attended Jewish events, listened to people’s experiences, prayed with friends and, perhaps most importantly, simply been present. As Jewish communities prepare to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, I have been thinking about the relationship between Christians and Jews, and our responsibility to stand alongside our Jewish neighbours. Yom Kippur is a solemn day of atonement, prayer and reflection. For Britain’s Jewish community, it now carries another painful association. On Yom Kippur in 2025, the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester was attacked. Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz lost their lives. They must not become simply two names in the history of antisemitism. Each was someone’s loved one, friend and neighbour, part of a community that continues to feel their loss. The attack was a painful reminder that antisemitism is not confined to the pages of history. Jewish people continue to face hatred and intimidation here in Britain. For me, standing alongside the Jewish community is not about politics. It is about compassion, solidarity and refusing to remain silent when someone is targeted simply because they are Jewish. As a Christian, I also recognise the profound connection between Christianity and Judaism. Our faith is rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus was Jewish, as were his disciples, and Christianity emerged from the Jewish world. Beyond theology, however, there is a simple human principle: when our neighbours are hurting, we should not walk away. Since 7 October, I have witnessed the power of Christian and Jewish friendship. A shared meal, an invitation, a conversation, a prayer or simply saying “I stand with you” may seem like small gestures. Yet they can make a real difference to someone who feels isolated or afraid. As Yom Kippur approaches, we should remember those whose lives have been taken through antisemitic hatred, their families, and those who continue to carry the trauma and grief of 7 October and its aftermath. Remembrance should also shape how we treat one another. One of the most meaningful things Christians can do is build genuine friendships with their Jewish neighbours, both when tragedy strikes and in everyday life.
Friendship says: “You are not alone.” It is a choice to stand together. Sara Tendi-Smith
First with the truth
Dear Editor, I would like to commend you on your article below and for your truthful and independent journalism throughout: https://pembrokeshire-herald. com/148104/uk-air-traffic-failureraises-cyber-questions-amid-russianhybrid-threat-warnings/ At the time you published this, not even the BBC or any other major global outlet was reporting on this matter truthfully or correctly hence I discovered your work at the Pembrokeshire Herald! Keep up the great work - I’m sure you are busy writing a similar one today.... I’ve concluded that the UK Gov is so concerned the UK public cannot handle the actual truth that they concoct an elaborate blame game between NATS, ATC, Airlines and Airports, rather than being truthful about what we are facing. At least you and The Pembrokeshire Herald team are trying to get the word out. Best wishes and keep up the great (and truthful, independent) work. Rowena Cumner Missing Button Limited
Constitutional choices need more than a yes or noe Dear Editor, The right of self-determination raises a difficult question: who decides which people should decide? Within a population seeking independence, there may be another community preferring the status quo or an altogether different settlement, and within that community another minority with a different preference. I think of this as “matryoshka nationalism”, after the Russian nesting dolls. Inside every big one is a smaller one; inside that, a smaller one still. Inside every majority, there
may be yet another minority. In 1988, while working as a translator in Moscow, I remember reading a Pravda headline about the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh: “This is our Northern Ireland.” The histories of Ireland, Ukraine, Georgia and the former Yugoslavia are very different. Negotiated constitutional arrangements, the dissolution of states, separatist claims and military interventions cannot simply be equated. Nevertheless, they raise a recurring question: how can constitutional decisions accommodate people who find themselves on a losing side? Ukraine’s 1991 independence referendum produced majorities exceeding 80% of votes cast in every oblast. Crimea and Sevastopol, reported separately, also voted in favour, but by smaller majorities of approximately 54% and 57% respectively. Russia’s intervention and the disputed Crimean referendum in 2014 were a different matter: the UN General Assembly declared that referendum invalid. My concern is how the language of self-determination can be invoked selectively to serve political ends. Boycotts create another difficulty. In Northern Ireland’s 1973 border poll, 98.9% of valid votes favoured remaining in the United Kingdom. This result reflected a poll boycotted by the SDLP and other nationalists. That overwhelming percentage could not be read as agreement across the community. Similarly, the 1991 independence referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh was boycotted by the Azerbaijani population. A large majority among those participating does not necessarily demonstrate consent across a divided society. My experience in Bosnia, including as an election observer, reinforced my concern about asking divided communities — not least parents in mixed relationships and their adult children — to settle complex constitutional questions through a single yes-or-no choice. I believe such ballots can deepen divisions, particularly when the available options leave little room for compromise. Is it not time for the people of these islands to consider a wider range of choices? A multi-option ballot, ideally allowing voters to express preferences, could include proposals beyond the familiar alternatives. One possibility might be a W-I-S-E
87
federation: Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England. Preferential voting would not remove every disagreement. But it could give people a way to express their second choices and identify common ground. Surely that possibility deserves a place in our constitutional debate.
Dr Peter Emerson The de Borda Institute Belfast issing Button Limited
Public transport must work for people with hearing loss DEAR SIR,
For many people, catching a bus or train is an ordinary part of the day. For someone who is deaf or has hearing loss, a change of platform announced only over a loudspeaker can turn a simple journey into a stressful one. RNID’s new Clear Signals report shows how inaccessible travel information and a lack of deaf awareness among transport staff affect passengers across the UK. Some people plan extra time for every journey or avoid public transport altogether. That can limit their ability to work, see friends and travel independently. These barriers can be removed. Changes to services should be shown clearly on screens as well as announced aloud. Staff should have the training to help deaf passengers, and travel information should be available in formats people can use. Nobody should have to worry that they will miss an essential announcement simply because they cannot hear it. We are calling on governments and transport operators to work together to make public transport safe and accessible for everyone. Victoria Boelman Director of Policy, RNID
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Death Notices
her family and many friends. Funeral service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday 2nd October at 12.15pm; all are welcome. Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers for Endometriosis UK may be made at www. endometriosis-uk.org/donate or via the donation box provided on the day. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.
Cyril Hosking of Haverfordwest
Cyril passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on the 2nd September 2026 aged 97 years. Dearly loved, he will truly be missed by all his family and many friends. His funeral service will take place on Monday 28th September 2.00pm at All Saints Church, Walton West, Haverfordwest. Family flowers only. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.
Doreen Susan John (née Arran) Rosebush
Peacefully at Withybush Hospital on 9th September 2026. Sue, beloved wife of David, dear mother of Rebecca, Abigail and her husband John. loving nanny of Benjamin and Amelia, much loved sister, sister in law, aunt and great aunt. Public funeral service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Wednesday 30th September at 12.15 pm.
No flowers. Donations in lieu if desired towards the Paul Sartori Foundation, received by Dennis Jones Funeral Director, Maesawelon, Efailwen. SA66 7UX. Tel 01994 419561
Frances Beech
www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk
In accordance with her wishes no formal funeral will take place. All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.
Isobel ‘Izzy’ Grace Reyland
of Simpson Cross
Recently of Heritage Gate, Haverfordwest.
Frances passed away peacefully at Home surrounded by love on 12th September aged 80 years. Much loved Sister to Carol and Sister-in-Law to Dave. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all her family and friends.
Izzy passed away following a tragic accident in Liverpool on 2nd September aged just 26 years. A much loved and treasured daughter, sister, aunty, granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law and great niece, Izzy will be missed beyond words, always, by all
Madeline Richards It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Madeline Mary Richards on 13th September 2026 aged 96 years of 48 Heol Drindod, Johnstown, Carmarthen. Formerly of Mathry. Beloved wife of the late Elvet, a loving mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and mother-in-law. Strictly private funeral according to her wishes. Memorial service to be arranged at Mathry Church. Further enquiries: Iwan Evans of Glanmor Evans and Son, Funeral Directors, Carmarthen Tel: 01267 237100
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Cardiff to host biggest night of Boxing
SPORT
ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury will finally settle their long-running rivalry in Cardiff after their blockbuster all-British heavyweight showdown was confirmed for the Principality Stadium on Friday, December 11. The two former world heavyweight champions have agreed terms for one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing history, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over where the contest would be staged. Cardiff had been among the leading contenders throughout negotiations, although the location became one of the biggest sticking points in getting the fight over the line. At one stage, New York’s Madison Square Garden emerged as a genuine alternative, while Fury repeatedly suggested Joshua was responsible for holding up the deal and even floated the possibility of a trilogy bout against Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua’s camp, however, had maintained that a fight of this magnitude between two British heavyweights should take place on home soil. Now, after years of speculation, call-outs and failed negotiations, Fury and Joshua will finally share the ring in the Welsh capital. Turki Alalshikh confirmed the news on social media, bringing an end to speculation surrounding the venue. “For 15 years no one has been able to make this fight. Back in April, I said that any announcement would come from me,” Turki Alalshikh wrote on X. “I can now confirm that Fury Vs Joshua will be coming to the UK, as I promised British boxing fans. The time for talking is over……..” Both fighters quickly reposted promotional material confirming the contest on their own social media accounts. Shortly before the announcement,
Joshua had also posted a cryptic message appearing to reference the lengthy negotiations. “The quietest ones often pull the strings,” Joshua wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself in front of a Union Jack. “Those who appear least involved may hold the greatest control. Let them shout first, the wisest wait until the final move. Yours truly, Anthony Joshua.” The pair are expected to come face-toface at a press conference in London on Wednesday, September 30. Late-night start possible in Cardiff The exact ring-walk time has yet to be announced, with reports suggesting the main event could take place in the early hours of Saturday morning to accommodate audiences in the United States and other international markets. It would not be unprecedented for a major Cardiff fight. Joe Calzaghe’s famous 2007 supermiddleweight unification contest against Mikkel Kessler at the Principality Stadium began in the early hours of the morning because of international broadcasting schedules. The Principality Stadium itself has a long association with major boxing events. Joshua has fought there twice previously, defeating Carlos Takam in 2017 before beating Joseph Parker in their heavyweight unification contest the following year. Cardiff also has a rich history when it comes to major all-British heavyweight encounters. Lennox Lewis fought Frank Bruno at the old National Stadium in Cardiff in 1993, years before the ground was redeveloped into what is now the Principality Stadium. Years of rivalry finally reach the ring Joshua and Fury have been linked with
a fight for years, with their rivalry repeatedly playing out through interviews, social media exchanges and public call-outs. Previous attempts to bring them together collapsed, but the pair signed agreements earlier this year for a long-awaited showdown. Even then, months passed without either a confirmed date or venue as negotiations continued behind the scenes. The uncertainty led Fury to publicly suggest he could move on to other opponents, raising fears the fight could once again fall apart. Events inside the ring also threatened to derail plans. Joshua endured a scare during his July warm-up bout when little-known Kristian Prenga dropped him twice in the opening round. The former two-time world champion recovered, however, stopping Prenga in the second. Fury’s path back to the ring has been equally eventful. He announced his retirement following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk before spending a year away from competitive boxing and beginning a training camp in Thailand. Fury returned in April at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, comfortably outpointing Aslanbek Makhmudov. He then opted for another warm-up fight in July, facing veteran Mariusz Wach in a non-televised contest in Thailand and stopping him after seven rounds. Both men have lost twice to Usyk, but their long-standing domestic rivalry has remained one of the biggest unresolved storylines in heavyweight boxing. That wait is now almost over. After years of false starts and failed negotiations, Fury and Joshua are finally set to meet under the lights at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.
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Ah-Mun winner makes it three home victories in a row for Bluebirds BEN AH-MUN scored the only goal as Haverfordwest County beat Holywell Town at the Dynamite Bridge Meadow on Friday night (Sept 18). His 23rd-minute strike settled the Novira Cymru Premier encounter, with County protecting their advantage for the remainder of the match to secure another home victory. The result made it three successive league wins on their own ground for Tony Pennock’s side, following victories over Trefelin and Briton Ferry Llansawel. Having come from behind to beat Ferry 3–1 a week earlier, the Bluebirds this time secured the points through a first-half breakthrough and a clean sheet. It marked another encouraging step after a difficult opening to the campaign. County went into Friday’s fixture in 11th place, with the opportunity to close the gap on the sides above them. The visitors arrived in Pembrokeshire bottom of the table following a 5–0 home defeat against Colwyn Bay in midweek. Although the margin was considerably narrower this time, the newly promoted Wellmen again finished empty-handed. The fixture was the clubs’ first top-flight meeting since the 1997–98 season, with County ensuring the reunion ended in a home success. Haverfordwest now turn their attention to a trip to Colwyn Bay on Saturday, September 26, with kick-off at the Blue Turtle Arena scheduled for 2.30pm.
Bluebirds earn hard-fought point at Johnstown
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY WOMEN earned a hard-fought point on the road as a closely contested encounter with Johnstown finished goalless. Strong defending from both teams proved decisive, with neither side able to find a breakthrough during an evenly matched 90 minutes. The Bluebirds enjoyed encouraging
spells in both halves, putting together some neat build-up play and creating opportunities. However, the finishing touch eluded them as Johnstown’s defence held firm. County were equally resolute at the other end, keeping a clean sheet to ensure they returned to Pembrokeshire with a share of the spoils.
Although unable to turn their promising attacking play into a winning goal, the visitors could take encouragement from a competitive performance against strong opposition. Haverfordwest now face another away trip next Sunday, when they visit Penydarren BGC Women. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Volunteer recognised
CLARBESTON ROAD AFC volunteer Ian Eynon has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the FA Wales McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards in Cardiff. Ian serves as the club’s pan-disability coordinator and a trustee, alongside taking on numerous other voluntary roles. The club welcomed the award, describing it as “richly deserved recognition” for his commitment over many years. In a message announcing the honour, Clarbeston Road AFC congratulated Ian and paid tribute to his longstanding contribution to the club.
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MANDERWOOD PEMBROKESHIRE LEAGUE RESULTS
DIVISION ONE # TEAM
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1
Goodwick United
5
5
0
0
+13
15
2
Merlins Bridge
5
4
1
0
+15
13
3
Monkton Swifts
5
4
0
1
+14
12
4
Hakin United
4
3
0
1
+13
9
5
Tenby
4
3
0
1
+4
6
Pennar Robins
5
2
1
2
7
Neyland
5
2
0
8
Narberth
5
2
9
Milford United
5
10 Fishguard Sports
LOCAL FOOTBALL RESULTS, TABLES & FIXTURES
FIXTURES
19th September
26th September
DIVISION 1 DIVISION ONE
Merlins Bridge
7-1
Carew
9
Milford United
0-1
Neyland
-1
7
Monkton Swifts
5-0
Fishguard Sports
3
0
6
Narberth
1-3
Tenby
0
3
-5
6
1
0
4
-9
3
Pennar Robins
0-3
Goodwick United
5
1
0
4
-10
3
St Ishmaels
1-3
Hakin United
11 Carew
5
1
0
4
-17
3
12 St Ishmaels
5
0
0
5
-17
0
Camrose
2-2
Clarbeston Road
Goodwick United Res
2-2
Johnston
Hakin United Reserves
0-1
N Hedges & S'foot
Monkton Swifts Res
0-5
Kilgetty
Merlins Bridge II v Hakin United Reserves
Pendine
9-2
Solva
N Hedges & S'foot v Camrose
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Hakin United v Neyland Milford United v Merlins Bridge Monkton Swifts v Pennar Robins Narberth v Carew Tenby v Goodwick United
DIVISION 2
DIVISION TWO # TEAM
Fishguard Sports v St Ishmaels
DIVISION TWO Clarbeston Road v Monkton Swifts Res Goodwick United Res v Pendine Johnston v Kilgetty
1
Hakin United Reserves
6
5
0
1
+12
15
2
Camrose
6
4
2
0
+16
14
3
Pendine
6
4
1
1
+18
13
4
Clarbeston Road
6
4
1
1
+13
13
Carew Reserves
3-2
Lawrenny
5
N Hedges & S'foot
6
3
2
1
+3
11
Clarbeston Road Res
0-3
Broad Haven
Angle v Clarbeston Road Res
6
Kilgetty
6
2
1
3
+10
7
Solva
6
2
1
3
-4
7
Herbrandston
3-1
St Florence
Camrose Reserves v Broad Haven
7 8
Goodwick United Res
6
2
1
3
-11
Kilgetty II
2-0
Camrose Reserves
Carew Reserves v St Clears
7
9
Johnston
6
1
3
2
+3
6
Pembroke Boro
2-2
Angle
10 Monkton Swifts Res
6
1
0
5
-20
3
St Clears
4-2
Letterston
11 Merlins Bridge II
5
0
2
3
-14
2
12 Tenby II
5
0
0
5
-26
0
Fishguard Sports Res
7-2
St Clears Reserves
Johnston II
0-9
Prendergast Villa
Newport Tigers
3-1
Milford United Res
Neyland Reserves
1-1
St Ishmaels Res
Pennar Robins II
0 - 10
Manorbier United
Solva Reserves
1-4
Milford Athletic
Broad Haven Reserves
4-0
Herbrandston Res
Kilgetty III
6-3
St Florence Reserves
Kilgetty III v Herbrandston Res
0-5
Lawrenny Res
Lawrenny Res v Milford United III
DIVISION 3
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1
Herbrandston
6
6
0
0
+18
18
2
St Florence
5
4
0
1
+14
12
3
Carew Reserves
6
3
1
2
+7
10
4
Clarbeston Road Res
6
3
1
2
-5
10
5
Angle
5
2
2
1
+5
8
6
Lawrenny
6
2
2
2
+2
8
7
Pembroke Boro
6
2
1
3
+10
7
DIVISION THREE
Herbrandston v Lawrenny Kilgetty II v Letterston Pembroke Boro v St Florence
DIVISION 4
DIVISION THREE # TEAM
Solva v Tenby II
DIVISION FOUR Milford Athletic v Manorbier United Neyland Reserves v Milford United Res Pennar Robins II v Johnston II Prendergast Villa v Fishguard Sports Res St Clears Reserves v Solva Reserves St Ishmaels Res v Newport Tigers
DIVISION 5
DIVISION FIVE Broad Haven Reserves v N Hedges & S'foot II
8
St Clears
6
2
1
3
-5
7
Letterston Res
9
Broad Haven
6
2
1
3
-15
7
Milford Athletic Res
0-5
Narberth Reserves
Letterston Res v Milford Athletic Res
10 Camrose Reserves
6
2
0
4
-11
6
Milford United III
2-1
Pembroke Boro Res
Pendine Reserves v Narberth Reserves
11 Kilgetty II
5
1
1
3
-7
4
12 Letterston
5
0
0
5
-13
0
N Hedges & S'foot II
4-1
Pendine Reserves
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
DIVISION FOUR # TEAM
St Florence Reserves v Pembroke Boro Res
DIVISION FIVE # TEAM
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1
Neyland Reserves
6
5
1
0
+18
16
1
N Hedges & S'foot II
6
6
0
0
+25
18
2
Fishguard Sports Res
6
4
0
2
+6
12
2
St Florence Reserves
5
4
0
1
+10
12
3
Prendergast Villa
6
3
2
1
+7
11
3
Broad Haven Reserves
5
3
2
0
+9
11
4
Milford United Res
6
3
1
2
+15
10
4
Pendine Reserves
5
3
1
1
+7
10
5
St Ishmaels Res
6
3
1
2
+8
10
5
Narberth Reserves
6
3
0
3
+6
9
6
Milford Athletic
6
3
1
2
+7
10
6
Pembroke Boro Res
5
3
0
2
+1
9
7
Manorbier United
5
3
0
2
+11
9
7
Milford United III
6
3
0
3
-1
9
8
Solva Reserves
5
2
1
2
+1
7
8
Kilgetty III
6
2
0
4
0
6
9
Pennar Robins II
6
2
1
3
-6
7
9
Lawrenny Res
6
1
2
3
-9
5
10 Newport Tigers
5
1
2
2
-11
5
10 Herbrandston Res
5
1
0
4
-9
3
11 St Clears Reserves
5
0
0
5
-27
0
11 Milford Athletic Res
6
0
1
5
-17
1
12 Johnston II
6
0
0
6
-29
0
12 Letterston Res
3
0
0
3
-22
0
Friday september 25th 2026 www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk
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www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk
Six-try Quins claim derby honours in lively season opener Pembroke Dock Quins 37 Pembroke 28 MORGAN ROGERS scored twice as Pembroke Dock Quins opened their League 4 West A campaign with a bonus-point victory over neighbours Pembroke at Bierspool on Saturday (Sept 12). The hosts crossed six times in a derby that produced 11 tries, three red cards and a determined fightback from the visitors. Pembroke earned a try bonus point of their own, but a missed conversion following their final score left them outside the seven-point margin needed for a second. A large crowd saw Bowyn Clark and Ben Hathaway exchange early penalties before a confrontation resulted in two Pembroke players and one Quins player being sent off. With the sides reduced to 13 and 14 respectively, the Quins built a 13–3 interval lead. Sam James finished an attack down the left, while Lewys Scourfield added their second try following a lineout move. Pembroke narrowed the gap early in the second half when Dan James crossed, but two successful kick-chases helped the home side take control.
Rogers followed up a kick to score his first, before another kick ahead led to the ball being moved left for Ben Gibby to finish. That secured the Quins’ fourth try and stretched their advantage to 23–8. The visitors continued to threaten, adding tries to stay in contention and eventually finishing with five of their own.
However, the Quins found the scores they needed to keep Pembroke at arm’s length. Gethin Bradney broke through on the right to score beneath the posts, giving Hathaway a straightforward conversion. Rogers then seized on a handling error to claim his second try, again under the posts, with Hathaway adding the extras.
Pembroke crossed once more before the finish, but the unsuccessful conversion left the final gap at nine points. For the Quins, six tries and a derby win provided a strong opening to the league season. Pembroke left with a point to show for their attacking efforts after a contest in which both sides repeatedly found a route to the line.
Amman United prove too strong for Neyland Neyland 14 Amman United 44 NEYLAND suffered a tough afternoon against a youthful Amman United side, who ran in six tries to secure a bonus-point victory and make it two wins from two. The hosts competed well in a tight opening quarter, with an early converted try giving them a 7-6 lead after outsidehalf Iestyn Griffiths landed two penalties for the visitors. But Amman, strengthened by the arrival of much of last season’s National Youth Cup-winning squad into the senior ranks, gradually took control. Ceian Lewis, Garan Williams and Cian Lewis provided a strong platform
in the front row, supported by locks Tom James and Ethan Edworthy. The backrow trio of Hefin Davies, Evan Whiles and Dyfan Llewellyn also impressed, while Harvey Duncan and captain Dylan Lloyds combined effectively in midfield. Hooker Williams finished a wellworked move for a converted try to put Amman ahead for the first time. Sustained pressure then brought another score as number eight Davies powered over. Neyland responded with their second try, but a penalty try strengthened the visitors’ position before Griffiths crossed and added the conversion himself. As the match wore on, Neyland struggled to contain Amman’s attacking play. Wing Dylan Matthews capped an outstanding performance with two tries in the final quarter.
Haverfordwest strike twice late on to snatch bonus-point victory Haverfordwest 33 Pontarddulais 23 HAVERFORDWEST scored two converted tries in the final seven minutes to turn a four-point deficit into a bonus-point home victory over Pontarddulais. Trailing 23–19 as the match entered its closing stages, the Blues faced the prospect of defeat despite having
already crossed for three tries. But a decisive late double brought 14 unanswered points, securing both the win and a try bonus point. S. Candler finished with two tries, while J. Codd, J. Hart and D. Berry also touched down as Haverfordwest registered five in total. I. Williams added four conversions to complete the home side’s tally. Pontarddulais had put themselves in a strong position to take the honours,
holding a narrow advantage with time running out. Haverfordwest’s late intervention instead left the visitors on the wrong end of a ten-point margin. The finish gave the Blues a valuable reward for keeping the contest within reach, turning a tense final seven minutes into a winning afternoon for the home side. Iestyn Arnold was named man of the match. The club also thanked John Felice for his support as match-day sponsor.
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Beale returns to ring for title fight after 10 years away A PEMBROKESHIRE Muay Thai coach is coming out of retirement after a decade away from the ring to challenge for a title. Mark Beale, head coach of Beale’s Muay Thai, will face John Wincott for the Elite Legends Muay Thai Title in Birmingham on November 21. The bout will be his 99th across a career in Muay Thai and K-1, which has taken him from junior competitions to British titles and an international world title challenge. Now based in Pembrokeshire, Mark teaches at Amroth Parish Hall in Summerhill and the Old Yard Gym in Letterston, helping to develop a new generation of fighters. But this autumn he will step back through the ropes himself, competing under full Thai rules, which permit elbow strikes and knees to the face. Mark says training is going well and he hopes to deliver a strong performance, secure the title and retire from Muay Thai to concentrate on his club.
part of a career spanning 98 bouts. Building a club in Pembrokeshire Mark moved to Pembrokeshire ten years ago and has since been building his club through classes at the two local venues. He hopes the fighters he is developing will eventually win titles of their own. For now, his immediate focus is November’s comeback. However, while
he intends it to be his final Muay Thai contest, he has not entirely ruled out one more appearance in the ring. A boxing match next year could take his career total to a round 100 fights before he steps away from competition for good. Thanks to coaches and supporters As he prepares to return, Mark has paid tribute to the coaches and supporters who helped him throughout his career.
He credits longstanding coach Neil Auwkit, who has guided him from the beginning, with helping him achieve his successes. He also remembered his late boxing coach, Les Payne, whose work on his hand skills and footwork had a lasting influence. Finally, Mark thanked everyone who has bought tickets to support him over the years, saying their backing has been greatly appreciated.
From junior titles to K-1 success Originally from Coventry, Mark began training at nine and competing at 11. Over the next four years, he had more than 50 junior fights and won two Junior British titles. He began facing adult opponents at 15 and, by 18, had added two British titles, an English title and a Midlands title to his record. One of his proudest achievements came in 2003, when he won the K-1 UK Max tournament, fighting three times in a single night. His opponents included Eval Denton and Neil Woods, two fighters he holds in high regard. Mark considers winning the tournament probably the biggest achievement of his fighting career. He later travelled to Italy to challenge for a world title. Although that contest ended in a stoppage defeat, it remains
Ava, 16, helps launch new cheerleading team after huge workshop turnout A SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD qualified coach is helping bring cheerleading to more children in the Tenby area after 65 youngsters attended the new team’s summer workshops. Ava Scale is helping lead Tenby Cheer & Dance, which has chosen the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier as the base for its weekly classes. A qualified coach with the British Cheerleading Association and a competitive dancer and cheerleader, Ava is now sharing her skills with younger children in the community where she once attended primary school. Her achievement follows a challenging period in her own education. After experiencing difficulties in mainstream schooling following
the Covid pandemic, Ava moved into home education, where she found an environment that suited her. She has since passed her GCSEs, gained dance and coaching
qualifications, and continued to train and compete. Now she hopes to help other children find the enjoyment, confidence and friendships she has found through the sport. Ava said: “I honestly can’t believe how much support we’ve had already! I love seeing the kids enjoying cheer, making friends and getting more confident each week. I’m really proud to be coaching at 16 and I’m so excited to see where we can take the team.” She is joined by her mother, Suzanne Scale, who brings more than 26 years’ experience teaching dance, theatre and cheerleading. The team aims to widen sporting opportunities for local children, particularly girls who may not be drawn
to more traditional sports. Sessions are open to both boys and girls, welcoming different abilities and levels of experience. Combining dance, tumbling, fitness and teamwork, cheerleading gives youngsters the chance to develop skills while building friendships and working together. Tenby Cheer & Dance is a member of Cheersport Wales and has received a Sport Wales grant to buy safety equipment, including mats and tumbling aids. Following the strong turnout at its summer taster sessions, the team hopes to give even more local children the chance to try the sport. For information about classes, email tenbycheeranddance@gmail.com.
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