Wood N Waves festival to feature competitions, live music and free entry

A NEW surf and skate festival will kick off the summer season in Pembrokeshire this May as Rwts Rooms and Resto hosts its “Wood N Waves” weekend in Broad Haven.

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, the event promises a mix of sport, music and community spirit, with organisers building on the strong response to last year’s concept launch.

The weekend will include surf and skate competitions, lessons for beginners, and open riding, alongside a dedicated skate ramp set up for the event.

Live music and food will also be on offer, creating what organisers describe as a “start of season party” for locals and visitors alike.

Importantly, entry to the event will be free, with organisers keen to make the weekend accessible to everyone.

A spokesperson for Rwts Rooms and Resto said they were “stoked” to officially launch Wood N Waves after the positive feedback received last year.

They added that further details, including schedules and competition information, will be announced soon.

The event is expected to draw crowds to Broad Haven as Pembrokeshire’s coastal communities prepare for the busy summer season.

Students urged to seek work overseas despite millions spent on training

NEWLY qualified paramedics in Wales are being advised to apply for jobs overseas after a recruitment freeze left graduates with no roles in the Welsh NHS.

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has confirmed it will not be hiring newly qualified paramedics this year, citing financial and operational pressures.

The development, first reported by BBC Wales, has sparked anger among students and political figures, with some branding the situation “short-sighted” and a waste of public money.

Students left in limbo

Final-year paramedic students say they have been encouraged to look for work in countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Around 70 students are expected to graduate this summer from courses at Swansea University and Wrexham University, having completed degree-level training heavily subsidised by Healthcare Education and Improvement Wales.

Some students have undertaken placements more than 100 miles from home, expecting to move into frontline NHS roles after graduation.

Traditionally, graduates would enter the service as Newly Qualified Paramedics on Band 5 salaries, progressing to Band 6 after a period of mentorship.

However, opportunities have been shrinking. In 2025, only around a third of graduates secured paramedic posts, with others offered lower-paid technician roles instead.

‘Deeply disappointing’ decision

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said the organisation was facing a “difficult financial and operational landscape”.

They added: “Regrettably, as things stand, we are not in a position to employ newly qualified paramedics this year.”

Graduates are now being encouraged to consider roles as emergency medical technicians or to seek work elsewhere in the UK—or abroad.

Despite bursary conditions that would normally tie students to Wales, HEIW has confirmed the current cohort are now free to pursue employment outside the country.

Political backlash grows

The decision has prompted sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

Jane Dodds described the situation as “a staggering waste of both talent and taxpayers’ money”, warning it made little sense while ambulance response times remain under pressure.

Plaid Cymru figures estimate that training costs of up to £150,000 per student could mean nearly £10 million of public investment failing to benefit Welsh patients.

Welsh Conservatives said the situation reflected a failure of workforce planning, while Welsh Labour insisted it remained committed to ensuring the NHS has the staff it needs.

Government response

A Welsh Government spokesperson said ministers were working closely with the ambulance service, HEIW and universities to address the issue and support affected graduates.

But for many students, the immediate reality is stark—after years of training for frontline roles in Wales, their careers may now begin thousands of miles away.

Community comes together for ‘Light up a Life’ event in support of Paul Sartori Foundation

A REMEMBRANCE concert in Tenby has raised more than £4,000 to support hospice care across Pembrokeshire.

The Paul Sartori Foundation has thanked the local community following its Light up a Life 2026 concert, which raised £4,044.42.

Held at St Mary’s Church at the end of January, the event brought together families, friends and supporters for an evening of reflection and remembrance. Candlelight, readings and music created a peaceful setting for people to honour loved ones and celebrate lives that continue to be cherished.

The charity expressed its gratitude to everyone who contributed to the evening, including those who attended and donated, as well as the volunteers and performers who gave their time.

The concert featured performances from the Paul Sartori Community Choir, who were joined for the first time by Cor Dyfed Choir. Soloists Julie Conybeare and Margaret Blackledge also performed, helping to create what organisers described as a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Members of staff from the Foundation gave readings in both English and Welsh.

Joanne Lutwyche, Event and Fundraising Officer at the Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Reverend Stephen Brett, Margaret Peak and the whole church community at St Mary’s for welcoming us so warmly to Tenby.

“Our sincere thanks also go to all the musicians, our wonderful volunteers, and the Paul Sartori staff who worked behind the scenes to make the evening run so smoothly. Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended and supported Light up a Life 2026. It was a truly special evening, and the kindness shown by the Tenby community means so much to us.”

The Foundation said the event demonstrated the strength of community support for local hospice care.

The funds raised will help provide specialist end-of-life care and support for people living with life-limiting illness, as well as their families, across Pembrokeshire.

For more information, visit: www.paulsartori.org