Community

AA a ccolade for top Welsh hotel

Published

11 years ago

March 19, 2015

Success on a plate: Tom Simmons, head chef at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel,with the establishment’s AA two rosette award. (Pic. Gareth Davies).

A YOUNG Pembrokeshire chef’s passion for food has resulted in the AA serving up two of its coveted rosettes to the hotel where he works.

Tom Simmons, head chef at the county’s Wolfscastle Country Hotel, has brought the flair and flavours from his time working in restaurants in London and France to deliver a superb dining experience at the renowned establishment.

With two recent seasoned diners ranking his food as amongst the best they had ever tasted, the AA inspector was also treated to a feast on the day they paid an unscheduled visit.

The result was a second rosette for the hotel, with the strong indication that the standard was close to gaining a third.

“Tom is a great talent – very imaginative and forward-thinking,” said hotelier Andrew Stirling. “I’ve been in the hotel trade since I was nine, and you would think there was nothing else you could tell me. But I’m learning something new from Tom every day.”

Although only 26, Tom – originally from Newport, Pembrokeshire – has been a quarter finalist in the BBC’s Professional Masterchef and is amongst the top chefs whose his recipes feature in the book Relish Wales – Second Helping.

“I just love being back in Pembrokeshire – you’re spoilt for choice with the quality of the produce,” he said.

“We didn’t have a clue that the AA inspector was coming and it was only the morning after they had eaten here that we were told. We found they had chosen our scallops with 48-hour-cooked pork belly and cauliflower texture and the duo of Welsh beef. They knew exactly what to order.”

Added Andrew: “We’re delighted with the second rosette, and hope it will only be a matter of time before we are awarded our third.”

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

3 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

3 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.

Community

Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.

Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference: 326 of May 24.